ONE LIFE TO LIVE
It is a bright and sunny day in Seattle, but Candy Pruitt doesn't even notice. Ever since her fiance' Jeremy Bolt had gotten back from his business trip and told her what he had done while away, Candy has stayed locked up in her room at the dormitory. She felt like her world had ended when she gave Jeremy his ring back. If it weren't for Molly and Christopher, she would just stay in bed and drown herself in her sorrows.
It has been a little over a week since her world fell apart and she decides she needs someone to talk to about her misery. She can't talk to her best friend Biddie because she knows all of Seattle would know what happened by nightfall and she doesn't want anyone to know.
Candy walks over to the saloon to talk with Lottie. She knows Lottie is a good listener and won't tell anyone about her. . .or Jeremy.
"Candy, it's so good to see you," Lottie tells her as she looks into her sad, red, puffy eyes. "Are you all right?"
Shaking her head no, Candy asks, "Lottie, may I talk to you . . .alone, please?"
"Let's go to the back room," Lottie says as she takes Candy's hand and leads her to the back of the saloon. They sit down at the table and Lottie looks at Candy with so much concern. "Okay, Candy. What can I do for you?"
"Oh Lottie," Candy says as she breaks down and falls into Lottie's arms. After having a good cry, she finally straightens up in her chair and lets it all spill out. She tells about how Jeremy kept his distance from her for several days when he got back to Seattle. How he finally came to see her and took her for a walk. How he told her about meeting up with an old acquaintance from when she lived in Seattle, Ashley Adams. How she invited him to her home for supper and how he drank way too much. How the next thing he knew was, he woke up the next morning in bed with Ashley without his clothes on. How when he realized what he had done he hated himself and knew he had to tell her the truth, but he had to get his nerve up first. How he begged for forgiveness and her slapping his face and giving him his ring back. How she has been locked up in her room ever since because she feels like her life has ended. How she can't get the image of Jeremy and Ashley in bed together out of her head. How that image is driving her crazy.
Lottie listens and finds it hard to believe what Candy just told her. "Oh, you poor thing," she says. "Why I could just skin him alive!"
"Lottie, what do I do? I can't forgive or forget and I can't trust him ever again. But I love him so much and I'm miserable without him." She puts her hands over her face and cries.
"Honey, that's something you're going to have to figure out for yourself. Maybe the two of you should talk again. I know he feels terrible."
"How do you know? Have you talked to him?"
"Jeremy has been coming in here every day since he got back. He orders a bottle and sits at the corner table not talking to anyone. Just drinking. I tried talking to him, but he won't even acknowledge me. He finishes his bottle and then staggers home." Seeing the alarmed look on Candy's face she adds, "Don't worry. After the first three days I saw where this was headed, so now I have a somewhat less than full, slightly watered down bottle waiting on him. Oh, he still gets drunk, but not out of his head drunk."
"Well, thank you for that at least. So you mean he's not working?"
"Nope, not working. He's not doing anything but drinking and sleeping it off. Then he repeats it all over again the next day."
"But what does Jason and Joshua say? Don't they try to help him? Do you think Jeremy even told them what happened?"
"Candy, they honestly don't know what happened. They said the only thing he told them was he's quitting his job and they could have his share of the mountain. He no longer wants it or needs it."
"Oh no! Poor Jeremy!" Candy starts crying again.
"Poor Jeremy? Candy Pruitt, if you still love him enough that you feel sorry for him after what he's done, then you need to get over there and talk to him before he ruins whats left of his life." She pats Candy on the hand. "I want you to stop and ask yourself three questions. Can you live without him? Do you want to live without him? And what would your life be like without him?"
"I don't know, Lottie. I just don't know, except for the second question. I don't want to live without him, but. . . I guess I better get back. Thank you for listening and I will think about your questions." She hugs Lottie and they walk out into the saloon. Candy stops in her tracks when she sees Jeremy sitting at the corner table drinking. "Oh Jeremy," she whispers as she feels Lottie pushing her over towards the table.
As she stands in front of Jeremy, he finally looks up at her and then looks down in shame.
"Jeremy, do you really think you should be doing that? Getting drunk I mean. Have you already forgotten what happened the last time you got drunk? In San Francisco."
Jeremy goes to pour himself another drink and finding the bottle empty, he slams the bottle down on the table smashing it to pieces as blood oozes from the cuts all over his hand.
"Jeremy! Your hand. My goodness, here let me help you," Candy says as she takes a handkerchief from her pocket.
"Leave it," Jeremy slurs. "If I'm lucky m-maybe I'll bl-bleed to death." He staggers out of the saloon and walks home to throw himself onto his bed.
Candy watches him go and says, "Lottie, should I go after him? I mean he is bleeding."
"I think he needs you Candy. Maybe you two can talk as you tend to his cuts."
Candy goes to the dormitory and gets supplies to tend to the cuts, then she heads for the Bolt cabin. Not bothering to knock, she barges in and goes straight to Jeremy's room. He is already asleep and doesn't even know she's there. While she is bandaging his hand, she sees her ring on the small table beside the bed. She picks it up, kisses it, and then replaces it on the table. She brushes Jeremy's hair out of his face with her hand. Oh Jeremy, do I want to live without you in my life? Can I live without you? I love you so much, but Jeremy you hurt me. You hurt me to my core. Can I forgive you? Can I forget? Can I ever stop seeing you in bed with another woman? Making love to her. Can I ever trust you again? She places her hand on his cheek. When she goes to remove her hand, Jeremy is startled as he opens his eyes and takes her hand.
"C-C-Candy? What are you d-doing here?" he asks as his speech is slightly slurred.
"I came to stop the bleeding. On your hand."
He raises her hand to his lips and kisses her fingertips. "C-can you stop the bleeding in my h-heart?"
"I wish I could Jeremy. I wish I could stop the bleeding in my heart too."
"Candy, uh, do. . . do you still love m-me?"
"Do you think I would be here if I didn't still love you? I love you so much, but you hurt me Jeremy. I never in a million years thought you would ever hurt me like this," she said as tears slowly escape from her eyes.
Tears slowly fall from Jeremy's eyes too. "I know I, um, h-hurt you and I hate myself for d-doing what I did. C-can you forgive me? I love you, Candy."
"I don't know if I can or not. Even if I could forgive you, I don't know if I can ever forget. Jeremy, I see you in bed with her. I see you holding her. I see you kissing her. I see you making love to her. I see it and I can't stop seeing it," she cries.
Jeremy sits up and takes her in his arms as she sobs on his shoulder. "Candy, I'm s-sorry. But I didn't make love to her. Hmm, m-making love is what you do with someone you love. I d-don't love her, Candy. I never have. We were just f-friends and barely that. I hardly knew her. I love you and only you."
Getting her emotions under control Candy pulls away from Jeremy. "Call it whatever you want to Jeremy, it doesn't matter. You were still unfaithful to me. You cheated on me," she says as her lips quiver. "How can I trust you?"
"I know I'll have to w-work hard to, uh, um, prove to you that you can trust me. Candy, I'll never do anything like that again. I'll never p-put myself in that kind of sit-situation again."
She gives him a faint smirk. "Jeremy, why haven't you told Jason and Joshua what happened?"
"I c-couldn't Candy. I just couldn't stand to see the hurt and dis-disappointment in their eyes. I saw that l-look in your eyes and I n-never want to see that look again."
"Jeremy, I think you should tell them. I told Lottie." She sees the shock in his face when he hears Lottie knows what he did. "I'm sorry, but I had to have someone to talk to. It was either Lottie or Biddie and I don't think either one of us wants Biddie to know."
"No, please don't ever t-tell Biddie. M-maybe I should talk to Jason and Josh. I know they're w-worried."
Candy rises from the bed. "I better go. Molly and Christopher will be wondering where I am."
Jeremy takes her arm. "Candy, what, um, about us?"
"I don't know, Jeremy. I need some more time to think about things. Will you do me a favor?"
"I'll do anything for you, C-Candy. What is it?"
"Will you please stop drinking? Or at least stop after one or two drinks. And go back to work."
"Well, I can stop drinking, but the w-work part is a no. I quit my job. I c-can't go to work because it's not s-safe for me to be there. I don't really care what h-happens to me, but I c-can't put the men in d-danger while I'm like this. All I think about is you and me."
"And all I think about is the three of us. You, me, and Ashley."
"Just r-remember, I love you and, uh, um, I want you b-back." He gives her a quick kiss on the lips.
She touches his lips with her fingers. "Bye, Jeremy." Then she hurries out.
Jeremy blinks the tears from his eyes and whispers, "Bye, Candy."
Another week goes by without Jeremy seeing Candy. He does like Candy has asked and he tells Jason and Josh what has happened. They are shocked but supportive. He even stops drinking. Some nights he goes to Lottie's with his brothers, but he only has a beer. Jeremy is trying to do everything Candy has asked of him to prove to her he can do the right thing.
Hoping that she will want to see him, he sends her a bouquet of daisies with a note attached, "Yes, he loves you". He receives no response.
One day, he takes a sketchbook and pencils to his and Candy's favorite spot. He has been working on their dream house and decides to take a break. Sitting on the big boulder, he begins to draw pictures of the house he is building for Candy and him.
"Hello," he hears Candy say.
He turns and sees her standing right beside him. "Hi," he says with a big smile. "I didn't hear you come up."
"I know. You're really into whatever it is you're doing there."
"Oh, I was just drawing some things." He closes the sketchbook and asks, "Would you like to sit down?"
"All right," she says as she sits down next to him. "How are you, Jeremy?"
"Good. I'm good. I took your advice and talked to Jason and Josh. That went better than I expected."
She replies, "I'm glad. What about the drinking?"
"You'll be glad to know that I stopped that, too. I may have a beer, but that's all."
Candy smiles at him. "I'm glad. Thank you for the flowers. It was very sweet of you."
"You're welcome. I wish I could do more." They sit in awkward silence. "Here let me show you something." He opens the sketchbook and shows her the drawings he did. "Since I have felt better this week about things and I'm not working, I went up to our house and have been working on it. These are the drawings of what I've done."
She looks at the drawings. "Oh Jeremy! It's beautiful, but you shouldn't have been doing this. I haven't made a decision about us yet."
"Well, I want our house to be ready when you decide to give me another chance. Candy, when we get married, we'll need a place to live."
"If Jeremy, not when. I don't know if there will be a when. Jeremy, I still can't forget what you did."
Jeremy takes the sketchbook from her and stands up. "Look Candy, I know I messed up. I messed up big time. I don't know what else I can do to make it up to you. You know I love you. What more do you want me to do?"
With tears in her eyes she answers, "I don't know. I'm afraid, Jeremy. I don't want you to hurt me again."
"But Candy, I promise I won't ever hurt you like that again. You can trust me." He bites his lip as his eyes mist over.
"Can I, Jeremy? Can I really trust you? I just need more time."
Jeremy looks into her eyes and sees doubt. "Candy, I'm sorry." He takes her in his arms and places his lips on hers for a tender kiss. Parting from her he says, "I love you, Candy." He turns and walks back to his cabin leaving Candy standing there speechless.
Two days later, Candy receives a note from Jeremy asking her to please meet him at their ex-dream house. When she arrives she sees his horse loaded down with supplies and his rifle. She walks into the house and calls his name. "Jeremy! Jeremy, are you here?"
Coming down the stairs, Jeremy looks tired and sad. "Hi! I'm glad you came."
"Did you think I wouldn't?"
"Well, I wasn't sure after the way we left things the other day."
"Jeremy, about that. . ."
Jeremy interrupts, "Yeah well, forget it. I have something for you Candy." He holds out a key and a sheet of paper.
"What's this?" she asks as she takes it from his hand.
"That is the deed to this house. I had it put in your name. You now own your own home. And I wish I could say that is the key to my heart, but you wouldn't take it if it were. It's actually the key to the house."
"Jeremy? Why? Why are you doing this? I can't accept this!"
"Yes, you can. I don't want it. I don't need it and you, Molly and Chris need to live here. You can't live in that tiny room at the dormitory forever. I think this will do nicely until you meet the right man and get married." He turns and walks over to look out the window.
"But Jeremy, you built this house, you need to live here."
Jeremy shakes his head. "I built this house for us. I don't want to live here alone. Besides, I won't be here to live in it."
"What do you mean you won't be here? Where are you going?" Candy asks as her eyes get all misty.
"I'm leaving Seattle, Candy. There's nothing left here for me."
"What! Jeremy you can't leave! What about your brothers and your mountain?"
"I gave my part of the mountain to Jason and Josh and the house to you. That's all I had."
"But where are you going? How long will you be gone?" Candy asks.
"I don't know. I honestly don't know where I'm going or if I'll ever come back. Hopefully, some day I can return." He turns to Candy. "Promise me something, will you? Promise me that you'll be happy. And maybe some day you can think of me and remember the good times we had. . .not what I did to you."
Candy walks up to Jeremy and puts her arms around him. "Jeremy, I don't want you to go. Please stay. I know we can work this out."
"I don't want to go, Candy. I love you. But it's better if I go, so you can make a new life for yourself."
"I don't want a new life. I want a life with you. Jeremy, I need you in my life. I love you. I forgive you. Please stay. Stay here with me." She lays her head on his shoulder and sobs.
Tears fall from Jeremy's eyes, too. He wraps his arms around her and holds her tightly. "Candy! You're just saying that because you're caught up in the moment."
Looking into Jeremy's eyes she replies, "Maybe I am caught up in the moment, but I know what I want. I want you, Jeremy. Please, don't leave me." She places her hands on each side of Jeremy's face and pulls him closer as she gives him a tender kiss.
He responds to the kiss. "Candy, are you sure? I don't want you to have any regrets."
"I'm sure. The only regret I would have is if I let you walk out that door. Jeremy Bolt, I love you and I want you to marry me."
"Oh Candy!" He closes his teary eyes and runs his fingers through her hair. "I want so much to marry you. But I need to be sure this is really what you want. Do you really forgive me? Can you trust me? Because our marriage can never work without trust and forgiveness."
"I do forgive you and I do trust you. I know you'll never do anything like that again. I know that in my heart. And I think being married to you, being with you, will even make me forget. I believe in us, Jeremy."
"I believe in us, too. I was sure I had ruined everything for us."
"Jeremy, I want us to get married this weekend. I'm tired of waiting. I want to be your wife as soon as possible."
Jeremy gives her that big crooked smile she loves . "This weekend? Candy, are you sure? That doesn't give you much time to get everything together."
"I have never been more sure of anything in my life, except for how much I love you."
"I love you," he says as they enjoy a long passionate kiss.
SIX YEARS LATER
Jeremy Bolt is on his way home early from the logging camp to surprise his beautiful wife Candy. Having finally finished their contract with Stempel Mills, Jason let everyone go home early and to take the next two days off before reporting to the camp again. This is the first time in a week that Jeremy will be able to eat supper with his family and spend some quality time with them. He is hoping that with Molly and Christopher helping Biddie in the library and it being close to time for his two little girls, Jessie (Jessica) age 5 and Jennie (Jennifer) age 3 to take their afternoon naps, that he and Candy will have some time to get reacquainted in the bedroom.
Quietly as he can, Jeremy opens and closes the door stepping into the entryway of his house. He sneaks into the kitchen where he finds Candy busy cutting rhubarb with her back to him. Jeremy smoothly puts his arms around her and snuggles up to her. Candy turns and puts her arms around his neck meeting his lips as his mouth soon covers hers.
"Jeremy, what are you doing home so early?" Candy asks.
"Do you want me to leave, Mrs. Bolt?" Jeremy chuckles.
"No way. I'm just surprised that's all."
Still holding and kissing her neck, Jeremy states, "Well, we finally finished the contract so I thought I'd come home and give my beautiful wife some much needed attention."
"Uh, Jeremy, I'm sorry, but we do have company.".
Jeremy looks around the room and not seeing anyone, he asks, "Where? I don't see anyone."
"Well, she's in the washroom." Seeing her guest walk into the room, Candy says, "Here she is." Jeremy turns around and his mouth drops open as he stares in disbelieve. "Jeremy, this is Lee from San Francisco. Lee, as you can see, this is my loving husband Jeremy Bolt." The sound of two little girls arguing and crying reach the kitchen. "Oh my! I better go see what's going on. I'll be just a minute," Candy says as she squeezes Jeremy's arm and heads for the girl's bedroom. As she gets to the bottom of the stairs, she hears Jeremy asking Lee a strange question. Shaking her head, she proceeds to the girl's room.
Jeremy nervously asks, "What are you doing here?"
"Well, it's good seeing you again too, Jeremy." She moves closer to him. "Do I at least get a hug?"
Jeremy moves farther away from her. "No, you don't. You didn't answer my question. What are you doing here?"
"Wow, this is a much different greeting than the one I got in San Francisco."
"I've grown up a lot since then. San Francisco should never have happened. I don't know why you're here Ashley, but I don't want any part of it. Candy and I are in a real good place right now. We have a wonderful marriage and family. I will not do anything to jeopardize that. I almost lost her once because of you, and I'll never hurt her like that again."
Ashley's eyes get larger. "So you did tell her about us. Um, and she still married you?"
"Yes, I told her. As awful as it was to tell her, I couldn't keep that from her. I had to be honest with Candy." Jeremy glances towards the stairs to be sure Candy isn't around. "Ashley, I don't mean to be rude, but you have to leave. Now."
"Jeremy, I don't want to cause any problems for you, but I have to talk to you. Can we meet later?"
Shaking his head, Jeremy replies, "Are you crazy? No, we can't. I don't have anything else to say to you. When Candy finds out who you really are, she is going to be devastated."
"Jeremy, I'll be at my Uncle Ray's. I really need to talk to you. It's important. Think about it, please." She turns to leave, then turns back to face Jeremy. "Candy is a beautiful woman. She has my hair, don't you think?" With a smile she turns and leaves.
Jeremy puts his hands on each side of his head. Oh, God! I never thought about them having the same color of hair. If Ashley noticed it, I'm sure Candy did too. And when she finds out who Ashley is. What am I going to do?
"Sorry, I took so long," Candy says as she enters the kitchen and looks around for Lee. "Jeremy, where's Lee?"
"Uh, uh, she had to leave."
Candy walks up to Jeremy and puts her arms around his neck. "I can't say I'm sorry she had to leave. I just put the girls down for their nap. Maybe you can give me that much needed attention you were talking about before." She gives him a teasing little kiss, before her kisses get more passionate.
Jeremy sweeps her up in his arms and carries her into their bedroom. They begin undressing each other and collapse onto the bed. They have a lot of lost time, actually only one week, to make up for.
Jeremy rolls over off of Candy and puts his arm over his eyes. "I'm sorry, Candy. I don't know what happened. I want you so much, b- b- but I can't."
Candy moves closer to Jeremy and lays her head on his shoulder while rubbing her hand over his chest. She kisses his cheek and says, "It's all right Jeremy. You're probably just too tired. After some much needed rest, I'm sure you'll be able to."
"But Candy, I've been more tired than this before and I've been able to love you." He puts his arm around her and holds her closer. "I've been looking forward to this all week and now look what happens. I've let you down."
"Jeremy, stop beating yourself up over this. I'm sure this happens to couples all the time. Just being this close to you makes me happy." She lays her hand on the side of his face and turns his face to her. "Jeremy, kiss me."
Jeremy looks into her eyes with so much love. "Candy, I love you so much." He gives her a sweet tender kiss.
"I love you, too. Now, please don't let this bother you any longer. Why don't you take a nap while I fix supper. The girls will be so excited to see you. They've missed their Daddy." She moves to get up and stops. "So have I." She gives him a quick kiss and gets up and dresses. "I'll wake you when suppers ready," she says as she closes the door.
Jeremy lays there and thinks, You know what the problem is Bolt. You have a guilty conscience. You have to tell Candy who Lee, uh Ashley really is. You promised her there would be no secrets between you. But how do I tell her? And what would Ashley have to tell me that was so important to make her come all the way to Seattle. Oh God Candy! My one mistake I made six years ago just won't go away. I'll tell her tomorrow. Candy and the girls deserve to be happy tonight. Jeremy never did take that nap. Instead, he laid there trying to think of the best way to tell Candy about Ashley.
Jeremy awakes the next morning with Jessie and Jennie jumping on him in the bed. They are smothering him with kisses and hugs. "Good morning you two! I take it that it's time for me to get up." Jeremy gives them a big hug and makes a big smacking noise when he kisses them.
"Dad-d-d-y, your face itches," Jessie giggles.
"Get up, Daddy!" Jennie tells him. "Mommy said get up."
"Breakfast is ready. Come on Daddy!" the girls say as they tug on him.
"Let me put some clothes on first," he tells them as he goes into the washroom. Coming back out he can't help but laugh as he watches his two little Candy look-a-likes jumping on the bed. Taking their hands, he lets them lead him into the kitchen where Candy has prepared a hearty breakfast. Jeremy walks up to Candy and puts his arms around her. "Good morning, Sweetheart."
Candy squirms out of his arms and replies, "Morning."
Jeremy looks at her in puzzlement. "Uh, Candy is something wrong?"
"No, nothings wrong. Have a seat before the food gets cold," Candy says without even looking at him.
Molly and Christopher come into the room and sit down at the table. Candy sits down and they all hold hands while Jeremy says the blessing. "For this food we're about to receive, let us truly be thankful. Amen."
While the children make quick chatter while eating, Jeremy watches Candy. Noticing that she is too quiet and hardly eating, he takes her hand and asks, "Candy, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Jeremy. Just f-fine." Her voice cracks.
"Candy, please look at me." She glances over at him. "Can we talk after breakfast? There's something I need to talk to you about." He gives her hand a squeeze before kissing her fingertips.
"I have a lot to do today. Maybe later," she tells him as she pulls her hand away from him.
Seeing that the children have finished eating, Jeremy tells Molly and Christopher, "Will you please take the girls outside to play. I'll help Candy with the dishes."
"Sure, Jeremy. Uh, can I see you outside just a second?" Molly asks.
Jeremy follows Molly and the kids outside. "Jeremy, what's wrong with Candy?"
"I don't know. Why?" he inquires.
"Well, while we were cooking breakfast, she was crying. Oh she tried to hide it, but I could tell. And she even said a bad word when she dropped a fork. Somethings bothering her."
"Thanks Molly for looking out for your sister and for telling me. You go on with the others and I'll see what I can find out." He kisses Mollie's forehead and watches her join the other kids. He closes his eyes and says a silent prayer before going back into the house to talk with his wife.
When Jeremy enters the house, he doesn't see Candy anywhere, but he does hear her in the washroom and it sounds like she is throwing up. He waits outside the door until she comes out. Taking her hand he leads her into the parlor and has her to sit on the settee. He sits down beside her. "Candy, I heard you. Are you all right?"
"I was just sick on my stomach, that's all. I guess breakfast didn't agree with me," she answers without looking at him.
"You hardly touched your breakfast. I just want to be sure you're okay."
"Jeremy, I said I'm all right!" she snaps as she starts to rise from her seat.
"Candy, sit down," he tells her sternly as he holds her to her seat. "We're going to talk whether you want to or not. If you don't want to talk, then you can just listen."
Candy sits back against the settee, but she still won't look at Jeremy. "Make it fast. I have a lot of work to do."
Jeremy looks at Candy with so much love. He places his hand on her cheek. "God, you're so beautiful, Candy. Look, I know you're mad at me about something, but. . ."
"I'm not mad!" she snaps again.
"Well okay, I know you're upset with me then."
"No, I'm not," she practically yells as she starts to get up again. "Jeremy, I don't have time for this."
"Sit down! You're going to make time for this," he says. "Now look, I know you're mad, upset, distressed, peeved. Call it whatever you want. I've apologized about not being able to make love to you last night, so this must be about something else. What is it?" She just stares at him without saying a word.
He shakes his head and takes her hand in his. "What I'm going to tell you will probably hurt you, but I promised you there would be no secrets between us and I intend to keep that promise. Maybe I should have told you last night, but after what happened or didn't happen in our bed, I just couldn't bring myself to hurt you anymore than I already did." He looks at her and his eyes fill with tears. "Candy, that woman that was here yesterday, Lee, well she isn't who she said she was."
"I know that, Jeremy! I know that was Ashley, the woman you slept with. Your l-lover!" Candy chokes out. She puts her hands over her face and cries.
Jeremy is shocked at her statement. He tries to hold her, but she resists. "She is not my lover! Candy, how did you find out who she was? Did she say something to you?" He bites his lip.
Shaking her head, she replies, "I have eyes and ears Jeremy. I saw the shocked look on your face when you saw her. And I heard you ask her what she was doing here. And she's from San Francisco . And Lee is just a part of Ashley. After doing a lot of thinking, I just put two and two together. I'm not the dumb little wife the two of you think I am." She continues to cry.
"No one thinks you're dumb. Candy, I'm sorry."
Candy takes a handkerchief out of her pocket and dries her tears. "Jeremy, why is she here? What does she want? You?" she says as the tears start again.
Shaking his head he answers, "I honestly don't know. She said she needs to talk to me about something important."
"What could be so important to make her come here six years later?" Candy asks.
"I don't know Candy and I don't intend to find out."
"It has to be that she wants to be with you." Candy looks deeply into his eyes. "Jeremy," she pauses, "please, don't leave me," she says as tears spill down her face.
"Leave you? Oh Candy, I would never leave you. I love you, you know that." He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight as she sobs on his shoulder.
Straightening up she pulls away from Jeremy and dabs at her eyes. "Jeremy, I have to know something."
"Anything. You can ask me anything. What is it?"
She bites her lip and says, "Why did you marry me? Is it because you really love me for me or is it because I remind you of her. You know we both have red hair."
"Candy, you should already know the answer to that. I married you because I love you. I love you with all my heart. I didn't even make the connection that your hair was the same color until she mentioned it yesterday. Candy, I have never compared you to her. Please believe me," he begs as a tear slips from his eye.
Candy stands up and walks to the window looking out to watch the children play. "Jeremy, is the reason you couldn't make love to me yesterday, is it because you wanted her and you only had me?"
Jeremy rushes over to her and takes her in his arms. "Candy, I wanted you. Only you. But I think she was the reason I couldn't do it. I think I felt so guilty about her that I let that guilt get between you and me. I'm sorry. Don't you ever think that I want her. I don't. Candy, that was the worst mistake of my life. I wish I could redo that part of my life over. If I could, I would never do what I did. And you can be sure, that I will never ever stray again. You are my life. I love you, Candy."
Candy puts her arms around Jeremy and holds him tight. Their lips meet for a very long tender kiss. "Jeremy, I'm sorry. It's just that I love you so much and I was afraid I was going to lose you to her."
"You will never lose me." They kiss again, but are interrupted by Jessie and Jennie running in and wrapping their arms around their legs.
"Mommy, Daddy, come see what we found!" the girls yell. Jeremy and Candy with arms around each other follow their girls outside.
After a night of intense lovemaking, Candy wakes up and watches her husband sleep. Oh Jeremy, I love you so much. How could I ever have doubted your love for me? After last night, oh last night was absolutely perfect. I have never felt so loved and wanted. I hope I find out some good news today, good news for both of us. Candy snuggles up closer to Jeremy and gives him a soft kiss on the lips.
Jeremy stirs and opens one eye. "Good morning," he whispers.
Candy giggles and snuggles even closer. "Yes, it is a good morning! It's a fabulous morning!"
"What time is it? Do we have time for some lovin' before everyone gets up?"
"Jeremy Bolt! Are you not worn out from our lovin' last night?"
Wrapping his arms around his wife he says, "You inspire me to go farther. Are you too tired?"
"No, I'll never be too tired to be with you." She kisses him passionately. "Jeremy, make love to me."
Jeremy gives her that big smile she loves. "Yes ma'am! With pleasure."
After the breakfast dishes are all cleaned up, Candy goes looking for Jeremy and the girls. She finds them outside with Jeremy down on his hands and knees giving his girls rides on his back. They are having so much fun she hates to interrupt. Walking over to them she can't help but laugh along with them.
"Mommy look! Daddy's a horse!" Jessie shouts.
"Yes, I see that. And what a fine horse he is," Candy laughs.
Jennie shouts, "Mommy's turn! Mommy ride now!" Jeremy and the girls try to coax her into riding.
"I better not. Not today." She steps back from them. "Jeremy, I need to go into town. Will you please go with me?"
"Sure," he says as he rises from the ground. "Okay, girls. I need to spend some time with Mommy. You go wash up and we'll go into town. If you're real good, maybe I'll get you a treat."
"Okay Daddy! Mommy, Daddy's going to get us a treat!" Jessie says before they go running into the house to get ready.
Jeremy walks over to Candy and asks, "Where do you need to go?"
As she slides her arms around Jeremy's neck she answers, "Well, Biddie's for one place. I thought maybe Biddie could watch the girls while we go see Dr. Wright."
"Allyn? Candy, what's wrong? You said you were all right!" Jeremy says with much concern.
"Nothings wrong. I am all right."
As he puts his arms around her waist he asks, "Well, if you're all right and nothings wrong, then why do you need to see Allyn?"
"I'm not sure about this, but. . ." She pauses and takes a deep breath. "Jeremy, I think I may be pregnant!"
"Pr-pr-preg-nant? Candy, are you sure? Of course, you're not sure. You just said you're not sure. Oh I'm rambling!" He picks her up in a big hug and swings her around.
"Jeremy, stop before I get sick," she laughs.
Placing her back on the ground, he places his hands on either side of her face and gives her a long deep kiss. "So you're happy about the prospect of us having another baby?" Candy asks.
"Are you kidding? I couldn't be happier. What about you? How do you feel about it?"
"Jeremy, ever since we lost Jonnie, I hoped that someday God would bless us with another child. I want to give you another son. I know another son will never take Jonnie's place in our hearts, but maybe it will help fill that empty spot."
"I know, Sweetheart. We were both heartbroken when we lost him and we'll never forget him. But as long as God wants to bless us with more children, who are we to question him." He wipes her tears away with his thumbs.
"You do know that we could have another girl. Would you be disappointed if we don't have a boy?"
Jeremy shakes his head. "It would be nice to have a boy, but I'll be just as happy with a girl. As long as she looks just like you. You know I love Jessie and Jennie, my two Candy look-a-likes. I'll love this child no matter what it is. I love you, Candy."
"I love you too, Jeremy. So very much."
Jessie and Jennie come running out of the house. "We ready!" Jennie squeals.
"Come on Daddy! Come on Mommy! We want a treat," Jessie shouts.
"Well, I guess I better hitch up the wagon. I can't disappoint my three girls." He gives Candy a sweet kiss and goes to the barn for the wagon.
Jeremy and Candy leave Dr. Wright's office with big grins on their faces. Stopping on the porch of the clinic, they hug each other and burst out laughing. Their lips meet in a sweet kiss. "We have to tell the kids. They're going to be so excited," Jeremy laughs.
"Jeremy, let's wait till later. Let's ask Jason and Joshua, Biddie, and Lottie to come to our house for cake and coffee. We can tell everyone all together."
"Candy, I don't want you to have to go home and bake a cake. You need to take it easy."
Candy rolls her eyes. "Now Jeremy Bolt, I'm not an invalid. I'm just having a baby. Baking a cake won't hurt me." She pinches his cheek before she kisses him. "But thank you for caring."
"Well, after all that is my baby too. And I want you to take care of him and yourself."
"Him? Are you so sure it's a him?" Candy teases.
"All right, or her. Just promise you won't overdo it. Take it easy, please." Jeremy says with concern.
"I promise, Mr. Worrywart," she giggles. "Come on, I need to go to Ben's to pick up some cocoa for the cake. While I'm there, I need to get some tea, also."
"Why don't you go on over to the store and get whatever you need. I'll get the girls and meet you over there. I did promise them a treat."
"Jeremy, you're spoiling those girls. They already think the sun sets and rises in you."
"And I want them to think that for as long as they can. I'm afraid there will come a day when they don't want to have Daddy around so much," Jeremy says sadly..
"Not a chance, Sweetie! They love their Daddy. And I'm pretty fond of him myself." She squeezes his arm before letting go of him and they part ways - Jeremy going to Biddie's and Candy going to Ben's store.
As Candy steps a foot on the store porch, Ashley walks out of the store. "Hello Candy," Ashley says.
"Hello," Candy says and starts to walk past Ashley to get to the door.
"Candy, I want to apologize for leaving so abruptly the other day. Maybe we can have that tea another time."
Candy stops and looks sternly at Ashley. "Ashley, why are you here?"
"Oh, I see you know my real name. Did Jeremy tell you?" Ashley asks.
"Of course he told me. We don't keep secrets from each other. Why are you here?" Candy demands.
"Well Candy, I guess if he told you my name, then you know all about us. Jeremy and me, I mean."
"There is no Jeremy and you and there never will be a Jeremy and you. So if that's why you came to Seattle, then you just need to go on back to San Francisco. Because he's happily married with two little girls that he worships. He will never leave us for you," Candy huffs.
"My, aren't we confident?" Ashley laughs. "Relax Candy, I didn't come here to steal your man. . . again. I came because I have to talk to Jeremy about a very important matter. He needs to hear what I have to tell him. Maybe you could get him to talk with me?"
"Jeremy has a mind of his own. It's up to him to decide whether to talk to you or not. He's a grown man and he doesn't need my permission on who he talks to."
"Yes, I am. Ashley, I've already told you I have no interest in meeting with you to hear what you have to say." Jeremy tells her as he walks up and puts his arm around Candy's waist. "If you have something so important to tell me, then you can say it in front of my wife."
"Jeremy, I don't think that's a good idea. You can tell your wife, you'll have to tell her, but I don't know if I should be the one she hears this from," Ashley tells Jeremy.
Candy being very fed up says, "Enough! I've had enough of this. Either tell us or leave."
"All right. Could we meet, say tomorrow around ten, somewhere where we can have some privacy? Maybe your home?" Ashley asks.
"Tomorrow at ten is fine, but it won't be at our home. I don't want you anywhere near our home," Candy answers.
"Jason and Josh go back to work tomorrow. How about their cabin?" Jeremy asks.
"That sounds perfect," Ashley exclaims. "I'll see you both tomorrow. And thank you." She leaves on her way to her Uncle Ray's house.
Candy looking worried asks, "Jeremy, just what is she up too?"
"I don't know, Candy. But I'm afraid we're about to find out." Jeremy pulls Candy closer to him. "Come on, let's go home."
"Jeremy, I still need to buy the cocoa."
"No, you don't. Biddie and our girls are baking a chocolate cake. When I suggested they bring it over to the house for a little party around two, they were ecstatic. Problem solved. Now let's go home and have a private celebration of our own," Jeremy chuckles.
"What about the girls treats?" Candy inquires.
"They don't want any. They said they were busy. I tell you Candy, Biddie has those two spoiled."
Candy shakes her head and giggles, "Jeremy Bolt! You have no room to talk about someone spoiling our girls."
"I like spoiling them. And their Mommy. Let's go home so I can spoil their Mommy some more before they get there." He holds his arm out to walk her to the wagon for their short trip home.
As everyone gathers at Jeremy and Candy's home, there is much happiness and laughter. "I'm glad to see that everyone could make it on such short notice," Jeremy tells them.
"Well Jeremy, how could we possibly turn down such a sweet invitation from our two favorite princesses," Jason says as he kisses the top of Jennie's head as she sits on his lap.
"No way could we turn down our girls," Josh states.
"Jessie, Jennie come here and give a curtsy and thank your guests for coming," Candy instructs the girls.
The girls stand in front of their parents and give a little curtsy, giggling the whole time. "Thank you for coming," Jessie says. She then whispers in Jennie's ear. Jennie shakes her head no. Turning to Candy, Jessie says all huffy, "Mommy, Jennie won't say it!"
"That's all right. You said it for the both of you. Isn't that right, Jennie?" Candy asks.
Jennie grabs her Daddy's leg and tries to hide behind it. Jeremy picks her up and kisses her cheek. "Jennie, your Mommy asked you a question. You need to answer her. Did Jessie say it for the both of you?"
Sucking her thumb and nodding her head yes, Jennie then buries her face in Jeremy's shoulder. "I think we have a sleepy girl here. They missed their naptime." Jeremy looks at Candy and gives her a big smile and a wink. "We better eat the cake so they can have their nap."
"Before we eat the cake, Daddy and I have something to tell the girls." Jeremy and Candy sit down with a girl on each of their laps. Candy tells Jeremy to go ahead and start.
"Jessie, Jennie, what is the one thing you have been telling Mommy and Daddy you want more than anything in this world?" Jeremy asks.
Jennie raises her head from Jeremy's shoulder and squeals, "A puppy!" Everyone laughs.
"Uh no, not a puppy," Jeremy replies a bit embarrassed but chuckling. "What else?"
Jessie answers, "A new baby sister!"
"Well, it looks like God heard your wish and he's giving you a little baby sister or brother," Candy says.
"Which one? A sister or brother?" Jessie asks.
"We don't know yet. God is going to surprise us. Are you excited?" Jeremy asks.
Jessie nods her head, while Jennie starts crying. "Jennie honey, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Jeremy asks his youngest daughter. "Aren't you happy about the baby?"
"I want p-puppy, not b-b-baby!" Jennie cries.
"Oh my, I never expected that reaction," Candy says perplexed.
Jeremy tries to calm Jennie down. "Jennie, maybe we can talk about a puppy another time. Would that make you happy?" Candy elbows Jeremy in his ribs and shaking her head no, gives him a stern look. Looking at Candy, Jeremy says, "What? We'll just talk. I'll do anything to make her happy." Candy rolls her eyes.
Everyone stands and starts to congratulate them on the news of the baby. After eating cake, Jeremy takes the girls to their room and puts them down for their nap while Molly and Chris excuse themselves and go outside. The women are sitting at the table discussing baby things when Jeremy re-enters the room. Jason and Josh pat Jeremy on the back.
"You know, who would ever have thought that going to New Bedford would have such an impact on your life, Jeremy," Jason states.
"Or on ours," Josh adds. "I don't mean this in a bad way, but Jeremy you were the least likely candidate to find a girl and get married."
"Hey! I wasn't that bad, was I?" Jeremy asks.
Jason and Josh look at each other and laugh. "Yes you were, Jeremy. But look at you now. Why, we're so proud of you and thankful for all the happiness your little family has brought to us," Jason says.
"Jeremy, could we step outside for a minute? There's something we need to talk about," Josh asks.
"Sure. There's something I need to talk to you about too," Jeremy states.
Standing on the porch, Jason starts. "Jeremy, did you know that Ashley Adams is in town?"
"Yeah, I know. Candy invited her here for tea not knowing who she was. Luckily, I came home in time and got rid of her."
Josh asks, "What is she doing here?"
Jeremy answers, "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. Ashley says she has something important to tell me. Candy and I are meeting with her tomorrow morning to find out what it is. Could we use your cabin to meet? Candy doesn't want her here in our home."
"Do you think that's a good idea, meeting with her I mean?" asks Josh.
"Not really, but that looks like the only way to get rid of her. Hopefully she'll say what she has to say and go back to San Francisco never to be heard from again." Jeremy pauses. "How can one night in San Francisco cause so many problems? I hate myself for doing what I did. Thankfully, Candy loved me enough to forgive me. Now Ashley has brought up all the hurt and pain again." Jeremy runs his hand through his hair. "So about the cabin. Can we use it?"
"You know you don't have to ask to use the cabin. It's still your home, too. Use it anytime you need to," Jason replies.
"Thanks. Uh, could I take the rest of the week off too? I'd like to spend some more time with Candy. I'll be back at camp first thing Monday morning."
"That's fine, Jeremy. You take care of your wife and baby. That's what is important now," replies Jason. "Well, we better get going so the two of you can rest up. We'll just say bye to Candy and be on our way."
After all the goodbyes are said, Jeremy and Candy sit in the porch swing holding hands. Not talking, but just being content with being with each other and wondering what tomorrow will bring their way.
Jeremy and Candy arrive at the Bolt cabin before ten. Candy is so nervous she begins to bite her nails. "Maybe I should put some coffee on," she tells Jeremy.
"No coffee, no nothing," he replies. "Candy, this is not a social call. We don't have to be the perfect host-hostess. Let's listen to what she has to say and then get her out of here."
"Jeremy, I'm so scared of what she is going to tell us. I think I have a good idea of what it is."
Jeremy looks surprised as he asks, "You do? What do you think she wants to tell us?"
"I don't want to say because if I say it, I'm afraid it may come true. But I did write it on this piece of paper," she says as she takes a paper from her pocket. "I'll show it to you after we hear her out. Oh Jeremy," her mouth starts to quiver.
"Candy, come here." He wraps his arms around her and holds her tight. "Don't worry. Nothing she says will change things between you and me. We love each other and we always will. Just remember that." He gives her a sweet tender kiss.
A knock on the door interrupts their kissing. "Well, here we go. Stay strong," he tells Candy as he goes to open the door. "Come in," he tells Ashley.
"Good Morning, Jeremy. Candy, how are you?" Ashley asks.
Jeremy tells Ashley, "Have a seat at the table and let's get this over with." He holds a chair out for Candy, then pulls his chair right next to her. As he sits down, he puts his arm around Candy's shoulder.
"Candy, are you sure you want to be here for this? It may be hard for you to hear," Ashley asks.
"It may be hard for me to hear, but if you think for one minute that I would leave you alone with Jeremy, you're crazy."
"Don't you trust Jeremy to be alone with me?" Ashley smiles as she asks.
"Oh, I trust Jeremy completely. It's you I don't trust," Candy states. "Would you just get on with it!"
"Very well. Jeremy, remember six years ago when we made love? You. . ." she is interrupted by Jeremy.
"Stop right there! I have to correct you on that. What we did, it was not make love. It was pure sex, that's all it was. And I don't even remember that. I don't love you and I have never loved you. I would never have done that, if I hadn't of been so drunk. I make love to Candy because I love her and I always will," Jeremy says as he squeezes Candy's shoulder.
"Suit yourself. You can say it was just sex for you all you want to, but I remember it differently. Jeremy, I loved you then and after all these years, God help me, I still love you," she sighs.
"Look Ashley, I don't mean to be cruel or anything like that, but the truth is when you lived here in Seattle, we barely knew each other. I don't remember us even talking to each other, except to maybe say hey. How can you love someone you don't know?" Jeremy tells her.
"Jeremy, I use to follow you around and watch everything you did. In school, I couldn't concentrate because I was always looking at you. I use to get in so much trouble for not paying attention. When you would look at me and smile, I just knew you felt the same way."
"I'm sorry Ashley, but I didn't. If you recall, I stuttered a lot back then and I couldn't talk to hardly anyone, especially girls. When we met again in San Francisco, I thought you were just being nice to an old schoolmate by asking me to supper."
"I was at first, but well my heart took over and reminded me how much I loved you." She pauses and seeing Candy looking very uncomfortable she says, "Anyway, let me continue. You came home to Seattle and you said you told Candy what we did. I have to ask, did Candy forgive you right then?"
"Not that it's any of your business, but no, we had a three week separation. It was the worst three weeks of my life," Jeremy answers her.
"I see. Candy may I ask why you forgave him? I know it's none of my business, but I'd still like to know."
"When Jeremy told me what happened, I didn't think I would ever forgive him or trust him again. But with time, I realized just how much I truly love him," she turns her head and looks deeply into Jeremy's eyes. "I knew I couldn't spend the rest of my life without him in it. I did the right thing, forgiving him I mean. He has been a devoted husband and daddy and I love him more each day." She smiles at Jeremy as he kisses her cheek.
Ashley sighs as she says, "Do you two realize how lucky you are? You seem to be deeply in love with each other. Not everyone can find love like yours."
Candy swallows hard, "Yes, we know. We had to find out the hard way though."
Ashley looks her in the eyes. "I didn't have anyone I could talk to about what happened. Eventually, I had to tell my parents."
"You had to?" Candy asks meekly.
"Yes, I had to because I was. . ."
"pregnant," Candy says finishing Ashley's sentence. Tears fall from Candy's eyes.
"Yes, I was pregnant. Pregnant with your child, Jeremy."
"What!" Jeremy shouts. "No, that can't be. You're mistaken. I—I –I don't believe it."
"It's true, Jeremy. I swear, I wouldn't lie about something like this," Ashley says.
Candy slowly rises from her chair and starts for the door. "Candy? Candy, where are you going? Are you all right, Sweetheart?" Jeremy asks as he rises and goes after her.
"I just need some air," she says as she hurries out the door and grabs hold of a porch post and cries.
Jeremy comes up behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, Candy. I think she's lying."
Taking the paper from her pocket, she hands it to Jeremy. He opens it and wads it up in his hands. "She's not lying, Jeremy. She had your b-b-baby, oh I'm going to be sick." She hurries off the porch and throws up behind some bushes.
Jeremy goes over to her and asks, " Can I get you anything? Water, maybe?"
"Yes, I need some water. And a wet cloth."
Jeremy takes off running back into the cabin to get the water and wet cloth. "Jeremy, is Candy all right?" Ashley asks.
"Like you care. You just tore her world apart. . .again. Don't sit there and pretend you care." He rushes back to Candy who is now sitting on a bench on the porch. "Candy, how do you feel?"
Taking the water, she walks to the edge of the porch and rinses her mouth out. Then she takes a swallow of the water. Sitting back down, she pats her face with the wet cloth. "I feel like my utopia just died. I'm sorry," she says as tears stream down her cheeks.
"You have nothing to be sorry about." He takes her face in his hands and using his thumbs he wipes away her tears. "You did nothing wrong. Do you hear me? You did nothing wrong to be sorry about. I love you, Candy. Please, let's just go home so I can take care of you and the baby."
"As much as I'd like to go home with you, we can't. We have to go back in there and find out what happened to your baby."
"But Candy. . ."
"Jeremy, we're okay. I still love you. Even if you have a child with her, I still love you." She leans over and lays her head on his shoulder. "Jeremy, you will never forgive yourself if you don't acknowledge your child. I'm not going to let you beat yourself up later because you didn't accept this child." She softly kisses his lips. Taking his hand, they go back inside the cabin and sit down.
"I'm sorry, Ashley. Please continue," she says as she takes Jeremy's hand in hers and gives it a squeeze.
"Candy, I'm sorry I upset you. I hope you're all right."
"Yes, I'm fine. Now what happened with Jeremy's baby?" She felt Jeremy's arm go around her shoulder.
"Well, my parents didn't take the news too well. They were ashamed of me. They wanted to send me here to Seattle to live with Uncle Ray. I knew I couldn't come here. Jeremy, I didn't know what happened to you after you left, but I knew I couldn't tell you. You made it clear to me that you didn't feel the same way about me as I did about you. You told me what we did was a big mistake and I didn't want you to think less of me than you already did. I didn't want to trap you into a marriage that you didn't want. I think I did the right thing. It seems like you have the perfect life." She gets up and pours herself a glass of water. Sitting back down, she continues. "My parents sent me to a home for unwed mothers and then after the baby was born, found me a place to live outside of San Francisco. Last year they let me return home with my child after I gave them some unsettling news. I'll share that news with you in a while, but first I have something to show you." She reaches into her purse and takes out two items. She slides them across the table to Jeremy.
Jeremy picks up one item and opens it. It's a birth certificate. Candy gasps and places her hand over her mouth. "A boy. A son," she whispers.
"Yes, Jeremy. You now have a son to go with your two girls," Ashley says.
"Candy and I had a son. Jonnie. We lost him when he was a month old," Jeremy tells Ashley as his eyes fill with tears.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know," Ashley states sadly.
"Jeremy, look at his name. Jeremy James Bolt, Jr." Candy says.
"No one has ever seen his birth certificate and I've told no one what his name is. All anyone knows him by is JJ. I tried to protect you as much as I could," says Ashley.
Jeremy picks up the second item and chokes out, "Oh my God, it's tr-true!"
Candy takes the picture from Jeremy. "Jeremy, he looks just like you. I bet Jonnie would have looked like him at this age." Tears fill her eyes. Jeremy leans his head against Candy's and they cry.
"Ashley, why are you telling me this now? Six years later?" Jeremy asks.
"I was never going to tell you, Jeremy. But that unsettling news I mentioned before, well it forced my hand. I have to tell you," Ashley answers.
"What unsettling news?" Jeremy asks.
"The truth is. . .I'm dying, Jeremy. I have a heart problem and I don't have too long to live."
"Ashley! Are you sure?" Jeremy inquires.
"Yes, I'm sure. I've been to the best doctors and they all agree."
"I don't know what to say. Except that, I'm sorry," Candy says.
"Ashley, I'm sorry too. Is there anything we can do to help you?" Jeremy asks.
"Yes, there is. Jeremy, Candy would you please take JJ and raise him? I know this is asking a lot, especially of you Candy, but I can't let my parents raise him. They barely tolerate him as it is. I have no one else to turn to except Uncle Ray. I know he would take him and love him, but could you live this close to your son and see him everyday and not want anything to do with him? I don't think you could. I remember you as being an honest and caring person. You would have to tell the truth sooner or later. I know this is a lot to take in. Go home and talk this out. I'll be here a few more days. You can let me know what you decide." She gets up to leave. "Please don't let this do anything to hurt your marriage. From what I've seen, you two have the kind of love that I've always dreamed about. You're a very lucky woman Candy. Jeremy is so special that . . . never mind, you already know that. And Jeremy, you have a beautiful loving wife. Take care of each other." With that said, Ashley rushes out the door.
Jeremy and Candy sit there not saying anything for a long time. Finally, Jeremy stands and helps Candy from her chair. They look into each others eyes as their eyes fill with tears. Slowly they walk home.
Jeremy stops Candy from opening the door to their home as he squeezes her elbow. "Candy, we have to talk about this," he says in a quiet voice.
"I know Jeremy. Just not now. Right now, I need to spend some time with the girls before I have to fix lunch. Then all I want to do is just lay down. I'm so tired."
"No, Candy. We'll both spend some time with the girls. Then I'll fix lunch while you lay down. You and the baby need to rest. I'll bring you some lunch up when it's ready."
Candy reaches out and touches his cheek. "I'd like that. Thank you."
As soon as the door opens, Jessie and Jennie come running. "Mommy, Daddy! I missed you!" Jessie says as the girls grab them around their legs.
Jeremy picks Jennie up and gives her a raspberry kiss on her cheek. Jennie laughs and tries to give her Daddy one, but it winds up being just slobber. "Come on, girls. Let's go upstairs so Mommy can lay down and rest. We'll read you a story. What story would you like to hear?"
Jessie runs to the parlor to get a book. Returning she proudly shows them the book Grimm's Fairy Tales and says, " Little Red Riding Hood, Daddy."
"Again? I bet you could read that to Mommy and me, you've heard it so many times," Jeremy tells her laughing. "Okay, you two go jump up on the bed. We'll be right there."
The girls take off like lightning to their parent's bedroom while Jeremy takes Candy in his arms. "Candy, I'm sorry about today. I. . ."
"Don't Jeremy. I don't want to even think about it right now." She lays her head on his shoulder. "I'm so tired."
He sweeps her up in his arms, carries her upstairs, and lays her on the bed beside the girls. He gives her a tender kiss before he crawls on the other side of the bed and begins reading, "Once upon a time. . ."
Jeremy carries a tray up to Candy. As he gets to the door, he can hear her crying. "Oh Candy," he whispers. He opens the door and sets the tray on the small table beside the bed. Sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, he brushes her hair from her face with his hand. Seeing her red swollen puffy eyes, he knows she's been crying for quite a while. "Candy, you've got to stop crying. All this crying is wearing you out and it can't be good for the baby," he says soothingly.
Without looking at him Candy blubbers, "Don't you think I've tried to stop? I can't."
Jeremy raises her up in his arms and holds her. After she calms down Jeremy says, "I brought you some lunch."
"Thank you, but I don't think I could eat anything."
"Sweetheart, you need to try to eat a little something. Remember, you're suppose to be eating for two now. Will you at least try?"
"All right I'll try, but I'm really not hungry." She sits up in bed and Jeremy sets the tray on her lap. After a few bites she says, "Jeremy, this is good."
Jeremy chuckles. "Well, it should be good. You fixed it last night for supper. All I had to do was warm it up." They smile at each other.
"Did you get any sleep?" Jeremy asks.
"Maybe a little. I had a dream that woke me up. No, it was more of a nightmare."
"You want to tell me about it?"
She shakes her head. "No, I just want to forget it," she answers almost in a whisper.
"Well, I don't think you have to tell me what it was about. I think I can guess."
"And you'd be right." Having finished her lunch, she starts to get up.
"Where do you think you're going? You are going to lay here and rest. Husband's orders."
"Jeremy, I can't stay in bed all day. I have things I have to do."
"Like what? What's more important than your health and the health of our baby?" he asks as he places his hand on her stomach. "Candy, please. I'm worried about you."
Looking at him with so much love she says, "Don't worry, I'll be fine." Taking his hand in hers she adds, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you worry. I know I'm not handling this very well."
Taking her face in his hands he says, "You have nothing to apologize for. I'm the one that needs to apologize. Six years ago, I swore that I would never hurt you again. And now that's exactly what is happening. My actions then are hurting you all over again. I'm so sorry, Candy." Tears fill his eyes.
"Jeremy, will you hold me?"
Without saying a word he lays beside her and wraps his arms around her. He kisses her forehead, then moves down to her lips. They lay in each others arms until Candy finally falls asleep. Jeremy quietly gets up and lays a blanket over Candy. He then tiptoes out of the room.
He checks on the girls and seeing that Molly has already put them down for their nap, he goes out to the barn and begins grooming his horse as tears stream down his face. He stops, throws the brush against the barn wall, drops to his knees, and cries.
Candy awakens to a chopping sound. Looking out the window, she sees Jeremy with ax in hands splitting logs at a vicious pace. She can tell that he's upset and has a lot on his mind. As she quietly leaves the house, Molly who is sitting on the front porch stops her. "Candy, you feeling better?"
"A little. Molly, I need to go somewhere. Tell Jeremy I'll be back shortly."
"Candy, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure Molly. What is it?"
"I know there's something wrong. You and Jeremy are both sad. It's not the baby, is it?"
Candy gives her a trembling smile and places her hand on her stomach. "No, the baby's fine."
"Well," she hesitates. "You and Jeremy aren't getting a divorce, are you?"
Candy is startled at Molly's question. "No, Molly. No divorce. Jeremy and I. . .well, we just have a little problem that we have to work out. We're very much in love. Don't you worry, we'll be all right."
Molly smiles. "I'm glad to hear it. Where do you want me to tell Jeremy that you went?"
"Just tell him there's someone I need to talk to. I'll be back soon." With that said, Candy walks down the road towards town.
About ten minutes later, Jeremy is going through the house calling Candy's name. He is beginning to panic when Molly stops him. "Candy's not here Jeremy. She went out a little while ago."
"Where did she go?" he asks almost frantically.
"I don't know. She wouldn't say. She said to tell you she had to talk to someone and she would be back soon."
Running his hands through his hair he asks, "How did she seem?"
"Sad. Very sad." She hesitates almost afraid to ask. "Jeremy, are you and Candy getting a divorce?"
"What?" he says loudly. "A divorce? Where's this coming from? Did Candy say we were getting a divorce?"
"No, she didn't say it. She denied it, but well, you two are so sad and all. I just can't help but wonder."
"Well, wonder no more Molly. I don't know a lot of things right now, but I do know that Candy and I are never getting a divorce." He gives her a small hug. "Which way did Candy go?"
"Towards town. If you hurry you may be able to catch her."
"Would you watch the girls again? I hate to keep putting them off on you."
"Go catch Candy. I'll take care of the girls."
"Thanks Molly." Jeremy takes off running towards town in hopes of catching up with Candy.
Upon arriving in Seattle square, Jeremy looks around for Candy but doesn't see her anywhere. Rushing to Biddie's house he knocks on the door. Biddie opens the door and says, "Well, hello Jeremy. Can I help you with something?"
"Yeah, Biddie. Have you seen Candy? Is she here?" Jeremy asks.
"No, she's not here. I did see her a while ago. I even called her name several times, but she just kept walking. I guess best friends don't mean anything to her any more," Biddie says pouting.
"Don't take it personally, Biddie. She just has a lot on her mind. Give her a few days and she'll be back to normal."
"All right, Jeremy, if you say so. I saw her walking towards the church."
"Thanks Biddie." He rushes inside the church, but doesn't see Candy. "Jonnie," he whispers. Walking around to the back of the church, he sees Candy in the cemetery. She is laying beside Jonnie's grave with her arm draped over it like she is holding him. Jeremy slowly shakes his head. "Oh Candy," he whispers. He quietly walks over to the other side of the grave and lays down draping his arm over it and resting his hand on Candy's arm.
Candy's eyes suddenly open and fill with tears as she sees Jeremy. They lay there for a while just looking into each others eyes without talking. Finally Candy asks, "How did you find me?"
"I asked Biddie. She said she saw you going towards the church." He chuckles softly, "You may have to smooth things over with Biddie. You didn't acknowledge her when she called after you and her feelings are hurt."
"I have to smooth things over with you first. You always come first."
"Candy, we're fine. I love you."
"I love you too, Jeremy. I love you so much."
"What are you doing here?" Jeremy asks concerned.
"You'll think I'm silly, but I needed to talk to Jonnie and let him know that just because you have another son, it doesn't mean that we love him any less. And we'll never forget him or stop loving him."
"I don't think that's silly. Do you feel better after talking to him?"
"Yes, I do. . . but Jeremy, I miss him so much." Leaning over she kisses Jonnie's grave. "I love you, Jonnie. Mommy loves you," she whispers. "Jeremy, let's go home."
Jeremy kisses Jonnie's grave. "I love you, son." He gets up and helps Candy to her feet. They leave the cemetery arms around each other and Candy's head resting on Jeremy's shoulder. They know everything is going to be all right between them.
After Jeremy and Candy get all the children in bed they sit at the table drinking a cup of coffee. Molly quietly enters the kitchen and knocks gently on the door casing. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but Candy, can I please talk to you for a minute?
Candy answers, "Sure Molly. What's wrong?"
"Uh, can I see you. . .alone?" She is embarrassed asking this in front of Jeremy. "Sorry, Jeremy."
"No, no that's quite all right." He gives Candy's elbow a gentle squeeze as she rises from her chair and follows Molly into her room.
"All right, Molly-o. What's on your mind?" Candy asks. "Is it about you being left to look after the girls so often lately? I'm really sorry about that, Molly. It's just that Jeremy and I have some things we have to work out. We need you to look after the girls a little more in the next few days if you don't mind."
"I don't mind watching the girls. I enjoy being with them. Besides, it's good practice for when I become a mother some day."
"Oh Molly. I'm not ready for you to grow up. I know you're fifteen years old now, and it won't be long before you'll be going out with boys and . . ."
Molly interrupts Candy in mid sentence. "That's what I want to talk to you about." She nervously continues. "You know Bobby Turner, don't you? Well, he asked me to go for a walk with him this Sunday. I can go, can't I? I told him I would have to ask you and I would let him know tomorrow."
Candy is stunned. "Uh, uh, yes I know Bobby. He's a nice boy. Do you, uh, like Bobby?"
Feeling embarrassed, Molly replies, "I like him a whole lot, Candy and I think he likes me too. Can I please go?"
"Well, let me talk it over with Jeremy and I'll let you know in the morning. Now, you need to get to bed." She gives Molly a hug. "Goodnight."
"Thanks Candy. Goodnight." She crawls into bed and Candy leaves the room.
Candy notices the front door is open so she steps outside on the porch. "Mind if I join you?" she asks Jeremy who is sitting in the swing.
"No, I was hoping you would. I've been saving a seat for you," he says as he pats the seat next to him. "Is Molly okay?"
Sitting down in the swing, she says, "Oh Jeremy, you'll never believe what she asked me."
"I think I can. She wanted to know if we were getting a divorce. Am I right?"
"Well, she asked me that earlier today. But how did you know?"
"Because she asked me the same thing earlier today. What did you tell her?" he asks.
"I told her you and I have a problem we're trying to work out. That we love each other very much and there will be no divorce. What did you tell her?" Candy asks.
"I told her that I didn't know a lot of things right now, but I do know there will definitely never be a divorce." He takes her hand and squeezes it.
"Well, thank God we both feel the same way about that," Candy states as she leans over and kisses Jeremy's shoulder.
"Candy, there's something you have to understand." Jeremy's voice gets a little quivery. "I love you more than anything in this world and I never want to do anything to hurt you ever again. If it comes down that I have to make a choice between you and JJ, a son that I don't even know or have never even seen, well. . . I have to choose you. I will not do anything to lose you. I promise you this."
"Oh Jeremy, I can't stand in the way of you getting to know or raise your son. I know you want a son and you deserve a son to raise and lo. . ." she says before Jeremy cuts her off.
"Maybe we have a son here," he says as he places his hand on her stomach.
She places her hand on his. "Maybe we do and then again, maybe we don't. It really doesn't matter. JJ is your son and you need to be a Daddy to him. Jeremy, he's going to need you, especially when his mother passes. But I just don't know if I can do it. I mean it's one thing knowing you have a son out there, but it's another thing for him coming here and living with us."
Turning to face Candy, he looks deeply into her eyes. "Candy, I need you to be completely honest with me. Could you look at JJ everyday and not feel hatred towards me?"
Candy gets up and walks over to the railing. "Jeremy, I could never hate you, but I do have this fear that I will look at him and resent him for being born. I'm sorry and I know that's wrong. He's just an innocent little boy. But I'm afraid that every time I look at him, I will see the image of you and her in bed together." She turns her back to him and cries.
Jeremy rushes over to her and wraps his arms around her. "Then we'll tell her no. I'm not going to put you through that."
"But if you never get to know your son, get to love him, then you'll grow to resent me for keeping you from him. Jeremy, I could never live with myself if that happened."
"That will never happen. I love you too much. Candy, I wouldn't be able to live with myself either if I made your life miserable and you had to see that image for the rest of your life. I won't do that to you." He wipes away her tears with his thumbs as he takes her face in his hands.
"Maybe we need to talk to someone impartial, like your brothers or Lottie. Maybe they could give us a new perspective. My mind is in such a jumble right now, I don't think I'm thinking very clearly," Candy states. "Of course, you may not want anyone to know about this yet."
"To tell you the truth, I've kind of been thinking the same thing. I was reluctant to bring it up because I didn't know how you would feel about it. But if you want to talk to them, we'll set it up to meet with them tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is fine. I'd like to get this settled as soon as possible. I'm afraid all this stress is not good for the baby."
A worried look appears on Jeremy's face. "Candy, do you feel all right? Is the baby all right?"
"We're both all right for now. I'm just tired. I just want to go to bed and lay in your arms. That always makes me feel better."
"That sounds good." He takes her hand and leads her towards the door.
"Wait Jeremy! I need to ask you something about Molly."
"What? I thought everything was fine with her," Jeremy replies.
"Well, there's this boy Bobby, Bobby Turner, that she's sweet on. He must be sweet on her too because he wants to take her for a walk this Sunday. What do you think? Should we let her go?"
"No. Let's lock her in her room until she's thirty-five. We can do that, right?" he chuckles.
"Jeremy, get serious. I'd like to do that, but it's not really something we can do. I hate to admit it, but my little sister is growing up."
"If you think she's ready to be courted, then let her go," Jeremy says.
"Courted? I didn't say anything about being courted. I just said a walk."
"Yes, but one walk leads to another which leads to another. Pretty soon they're courting. They're both good kids. Let her go. Maybe they'll realize they don't like each other after all."
"I guess you're right. We've put a lot on Molly these past few days. She deserves to go out and have some fun," Candy giggles.
"Good, that's settled. Now, Mrs. Bolt I want to take you up on your suggestion that we go to bed and hold each other. Who knows, maybe we'll get lucky."
"Oh Mr. Bolt, we can hope can't we?" They hold hands and go inside laughing.
As Jason, Josh, and Lottie wait at the Bolt cabin for Jeremy and Candy to arrive, they wonder what the meeting is about. Lottie has brought some sweet rolls and Jason has made coffee. "This must be something serious if they want to talk to all of us at once," Josh says as he takes a bite of his roll.
Hearing the door open, Lottie picks up the coffee pot and pours some coffee in two cups, setting them on the table for Jeremy and Candy. She looks at Candy's appearance and asks, "Candy, are you all right?"
Candy nods her head and replies, "Yes Lottie, I'm fine."
"Don't believe her. She's not f-fine," Jeremy states as he helps Candy into her seat. "Candy's not sleeping or eating like she s-should. Hopefully, this meeting will help her do both." He sits down next to Candy and takes her hand in his.
"Well, we were all surprised when you came to us last night about wanting to meet this morning. Jeremy, what's this about? And how can we help Candy sleep and eat better?" Jason asks with concern.
Jeremy goes to take a sip of his coffee, but his hand is trembling so much that he splashes it all over the table. Lottie grabs a cloth and wipes up the coffee saying, "It looks like Candy isn't the only one that's not fine."
Looking down at the table Jeremy says, "I'm so a-ashamed to tell you this. I've brought nothing but dis-dishonor on the good Bolt name. Our p-parents would probably kick me out of the f-f-family. I wouldn't blame you if you want to d-do the same." Jeremy chokes up as his eyes get all misty.
Jason, Josh, and Lottie look at each other with bewildered expressions on their faces as they hear Jeremy stutter again. "Come on Jeremy, it can't be that bad," Josh tells him.
Jason places a hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "Now, take your time Jeremy. You know there's nothing you could do to make us want to kick you out of the family. We love you and Candy and we'll help you anyway we can."
Jeremy looks at Candy and she gives him a quivery smile and nods her head like she is giving him permission to tell them. "Well, you all know that Ash-Ashley is back in S-seattle. Candy and I met with her and she t-told us. . . she told us. . . I'm sorry I c-can't can't say it." He lays his head down on the table.
Candy puts her arm around Jeremy and lays her head on his shoulder. "Jeremy, it's all right. You can tell them," she whispers. "Just remember, I love you."
Jeremy raises his head and looks at Candy. "I know you do, but I don't know why you would love someone like me. Candy, I'm so sorry." They wrap their arms around each other while everyone else looks at them with concern. Finally, Jeremy straightens up and looks at his brothers and Lottie. He swipes his hair from his eyes. "I'm s-s-sorry. Uh, I'm not handling this very well. F-First, I want to a-a-pologize to all of you for my actions six years ago. I thought that p-part of my life was dead and buried, but Ash-Ashley brought it back to life."
"Why? Is she blackmailing you, Jeremy?" Josh asks.
"No, I wish it were that s-simple," Jeremy says as he shakes his head. "She told us. . . told us that what her and me d-did. . .six years ago. . .that one stupid m-mistake I made. . . that. . . that it resulted in. . . in her getting. . .pr-preg-nant. Oh God, I hate myself. I hate A-Ash-ley and I hate my son." Jeremy breaks down and cries.
Candy jumps up and runs out the door looking for a place to throw up. Lottie says, "Look after Jeremy. I'll go see about Candy." She rushes out the door finding Candy behind the bushes. Lottie comes back in the house and gets a glass of water and a wet cloth for Candy. She helps Candy to the bench on the porch. "Candy, are you all right?"
"Oh Lottie! What are we going to do? How do we help Jeremy? I've never seen him like this before. I guess he was keeping everything bottled up inside for my sake. I never realized how he really felt about knowing he has a child with her. He's so ashamed that he's stuttering again." She hugs Lottie and cries.
Jason and Josh are stunned and feel helpless watching their little brother fall apart before their eyes. They each move to chairs on each side of Jeremy. Jason puts his arm around Jeremy's shoulder and pulls him close. "Jeremy, I'm so sorry this is happening to you. What can we do to help?"
"Jeremy, are you sure Ashley's not lying?" Josh asks.
Jeremy tries to compose himself the best he can. "I th-thought she was lying too, but Candy guessed what it was she wanted to t-tell us. Candy knew."
"But Jeremy, just because Candy guessed, that doesn't mean it's true," Jason tells him.
Jeremy places his elbows on the table and holds his head in his hands. "I kn-know that. But a birth certificate and this p-picture does." He takes the picture out of his shirt pocket and lays it on the table. "Candy says. . .Candy says. . .where's Candy? Candy! Candy!" he shouts as he pushes his chair back and frantically looks around for her. He runs to the door and meets Candy and Lottie coming back inside. He takes Candy's face in his hands and kisses her over and over. "Are you all right? Where were you?"
Candy places her hands on his hands. "I'm sorry, Jeremy. I had to get some fresh air and I was sick on my stomach. I'm all right now." She kisses him and asks, "How are you? Jeremy, I didn't know how you really felt about this. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I couldn't. You had your own t-turmoil to deal with. I just couldn't add m-more to it." Jeremy takes her hand and leads her back to the table. Jason rises and gives his seat to Candy.
Lottie gasps when she looks at the picture Josh hands her. "Jeremy, is this you or your child?"
"That's JJ. My son. No matter how much I try to d-deny it, that picture slaps me back to re-reality. I don't know what to do," Jeremy states as some tears spring to his eyes again.
"Well first thing," Jason replies, "is you have to know we're not ashamed of you and you will always be a member of this family. Now, I want you to tell us everything. What all did Ashley tell you?"
After disclosing everything to his brothers and Lottie, he finishes by adding, "Still think you don't want to kick me out of the family? I've brought disgrace to Candy, the girls, Molly and Chris, my brothers, and to you too Lottie. I'm so sorry," he frowns.
"Jeremy, why me? How could you ever bring disgrace to me?" Lottie asks with teary eyes.
"Because Lottie, you're like a mother to me. You may not want me to think of you that way ever again. I'm sorry," Jeremy replies.
Rising from her chair she goes around to Jeremy and says, "Stand up, Jeremy." He does. She turns him around to face her and she places her hands on his shoulders. "That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I'm honored to be thought of as your mother. I have always thought of you, all three of you as my children. I love you." They wrap their arms around each other for a quick hug. "Now, you sit back down there and we're all going to think this thing through." Jeremy sits back down while Lottie goes to make a fresh pot of coffee.
"So, Ashley wants you two to raise JJ. How do you feel about that?" Jason asks.
Jeremy and Candy look into each others eyes. "Before we start, do you mind if we all take a break. I need to stretch my legs and Candy might need to lay down and rest a few minutes."
"Sure, that sounds good. We all need to stretch and get some fresh air. Jeremy, have you noticed you're not stuttering anymore? Must of been the stress of having to tell us about JJ," Jason states.
Jeremy nods his head to Jason and sighs. Then he helps Candy up and takes her to his old room. "Candy, I want you to lay down and rest. I'll talk to them alone."
"Jeremy Bolt, I don't need to lay down. I'm fine, I promise. All I need is to be with you."
"Candy, I want you with me too, but I can tell you're not feeling well. Admit it?"
"Okay, I admit it. But Jeremy I'm not leaving you to face this alone. We're in this together."
Jeremy chuckles. "After six years of marriage, you would think I'd know by now not to try to argue with you." He takes her in his arms and kisses her deeply. "Promise me one thing? Promise me that if you need to take a break, lay down, or even leave, that you'll tell me. I love you, Candy. . . and our baby. I want to take care of both of you. Promise?"
"I promise, Jeremy. There is one thing I'd like."
"Name it."
"Do you think I could sit in the leather chair? Those wooden chairs are a little rough on the back."
"I think I can arrange that for you. Come on." He goes over to the chair and moves it up close to the table. "How's that?"
"Perfect. Just like my husband," she giggles.
Shaking his head he says, "I don't know about that. I feel like I'm far from perfect."
Before Candy can reply, Jason calls for everyone to once again have a seat. "Okay Jeremy, let's hear it."
"Hmm, I don't exactly know how I feel except like I said before, ashamed. I feel guilty, like I've failed Candy as a husband. I've hurt the ones I love most in the world. What are Jessie and Jennie, even Molly and Chris going to think of me when they find out what I've done? I'll lose everyone's love and respect. Everyone in Seattle will look down on me and my family. I don't want them to have to go through all the stares, finger pointing, and gossip. We could move, but this is our home. I can't ask Candy to give up everything she has here." He gets up and walks to the window looking outside at Bridal Veil Mountain. "I know I should take JJ and be the Daddy he needs. I just don't feel it though. Maybe after I meet him I'll feel differently. But what if I don't? What if I can never love the boy? And Candy said something the other day that I can't forget." He turns and looks into her eyes. "She said she was afraid that every time she looked at JJ, she'd see the image of me and Ashley in bed together. I can't put Candy through that. Especially not now while she's carrying my baby." He turns and leans his head against the wall and the tears start. "Oh God, help me. I don't know what to do." Candy gets up and goes to Jeremy. She holds him and cries along with him.
Jason clears his throat and says, "Candy, how do you feel about JJ?"
"Oh Jason, it doesn't really matter how I feel. I'll go along with whatever Jeremy wants to do. After all, JJ is his son," Candy answers.
"Now Candy, your opinion does matter. You have to live with this decision too. Come on let's hear your side."
"Jason really, I'll do whatever Jeremy decides," Candy replies.
"Candy, this isn't like you. I know you. We all know you. You always have an opinion. You've never tried to hide your feelings before. You've always been the first one to give their opinion, on everything and anything. Even when we don't want to hear it. Out with it!" Jason tells her trying to get her to speak out about the situation.
"Jason, what are you doing?" Jeremy asks. "Leave Candy alone."
"Jeremy, I'm just trying to find out how Candy really feels about this. I'm not trying to hurt her, but Candy needs to step up to the plate and tell us how she feels. She's always been a strong woman who wasn't bashful about speaking her mind. Now she's a cowering coward."
"But Jason. . ." Jeremy starts.
Candy turns to Jeremy and says, "No, Jeremy. Jason's right. I do need to voice my opinion. I do deserve to be heard. I just don't want to hurt you in the process." She touches Jeremy's cheek, then walks over to the fireplace. She places her hand on the mantle and lays her head on her arm. After several seconds, she straightens and begins. "I hate all of this. I hate Jeremy for doing this to us. Six years ago when he told me what he had done, I couldn't get that image out of my mind. Him and her in bed. Him holding her, touching her, kissing her, making love to her. I may have forgiven him, but I have never been able to completely forget it," Candy cries.
Jeremy tries to put his arms around her, but she resists him. "Candy, please."
"Please what, Jeremy? I've tried to be strong. To stand by your side through all of this. I'm tired. I'm just so damn tired. Tired of trying to do what's right and then getting knocked down again. First, finding out you slept with her. Now, finding out you have a son by her. What's next? How many times do I get knocked down by you and Ashley, before I give up and quit?"
"Candy, I'm sorry. I know this was a shock to you. It was for me too. But please, don't quit, don't give up on us."
"Give up?" Candy shouts at him. "Oh, like you gave up on me six years ago and turned to Ashley. She gave you what I wouldn't. I'm sorry, Jeremy. I just wasn't brought up that way. As much as I wanted you, and God knows how much that was, I knew we couldn't. I just couldn't," she sobs. "So, now I have to pay for what you and Ashley did. The two of you had all the pleasure and I have all the pain. How could you do this to us? If it weren't for this baby, I would. . ." She stops ranting and heads for the door.
"Wait, Candy! If it weren't for this baby, you'd what?" Jeremy shouts as he grabs her arm.
"Nothing! I have to go."
"Candy, I want to know what you were going to say. You'd leave me? Is that what you were going to say?" he shouts.
Candy looks him in the eyes and then lowers her head, crying.
"That's it, isn't it Candy? You'd leave me. You'd honestly leave me. Candy, I told you I'll tell Ashley no about taking JJ. I won't lose you. I can't lose you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me," Jeremy whispers.
"Forgive you? Jeremy, I thought I had forgiven you, but now. . .knowing about JJ. . . I'll be reminded of you and her in bed forever. I can't get rid of that image. It's in my head! I see you Jeremy. I see you in bed with her again. Oh God, help me! It's driving me crazy! Jeremy Bolt, I hate you. This is all your fault!" She puts her hands on each side of her head.
Jeremy tries to take her in his arms but she resists and heads for the door again.
Jeremy grabs her arm and prevents her from leaving. "Let me go!" Candy shouts. "I have to get out of here!"
"Candy, calm down! You're not leaving like this," Jeremy tells her.
Candy begins to have trouble breathing. She gasps for air and bends over to try and catch her breath. Jeremy lifts her up and carries her to his old bedroom and lays her on the bed. "Josh!" he yells. "Go get Allyn! Please hurry!" Josh takes off running to the clinic.
Lottie brings a wet cloth and wipes over Candy's face, while Jeremy holds her hand and pleads with her to lay still until Allyn gets there. Candy's breathing becomes easier and she closes her eyes and prays silently that her baby is okay. Finally Allyn and Josh run into the room.
"Jeremy, what happened?" Allyn asks.
"She got upset and . . ."
"It's my fault," Jason interrupts. "I said something to make her lash out at Jeremy. She became almost hysterical and then she had trouble breathing. I should have known better with her in her condition. I'm sorry." He turns and leaves the cabin going outside to sit on the porch. Josh and Lottie leave to go into the front room.
Jeremy pleads with Allyn while she checks Candy out. "Please Allyn. Help her and the baby."
Allyn is checking Candy's vital signs as Candy looks at her husband. "Jeremy?" Candy whispers.
"I'm here, Candy. I'm here." He kisses her hand.
She asks Allyn, "The baby. Is the baby all right?"
Placing the stethoscope back into her bag she says, "Well, your heartbeat is way too fast. You need to just lay here and relax."
Candy asks anxiously, "Allyn, the baby? Is the baby all right?"
Allyn answers in a stern voice, "I don't know what brought this on, but you two should know by now that becoming this upset is not good for you or the baby. It seems to be all right now, but you can't put this baby through this again. Do you both understand me?"
"Yes, we understand. It will never happen again," they tell her.
"Allyn, there is something I think you should know," Jeremy says. "Candy hasn't been eating or sleeping enough. And she is still throwing up quite a bit. Is there anything you can do to help her?"
"Candy, what's wrong? Is what Jeremy saying true?" Allyn asks with concern.
"Yes, it's true. I try to eat, but I have no appetite. And what little bit I do eat, I throw it up. Jeremy and I are going through something right now that I think is the problem. My nerves are a wreck and it's keeping me from eating and sleeping like I should. I'm tired all the time and I'm so emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat."
"Well, I can't give you anything for your nerves because of the baby. But if you drink a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime it should help relieve your stress and help you sleep better. Maybe a cup before breakfast will help your appetite too. Try this for a few days and if it doesn't get any better, then let me know. Also, whatever it is that you two are going through, you need to get it resolved. Now!" Standing, she starts to gather her things to leave.
"Allyn, thank you but would you mind waiting outside while Candy and I talk. I'd like to have you close by just in case something happens." Jeremy stands and gives her a hug.
"All right, Jeremy. But when you're through, Candy I want you to go home and stay in bed for the rest of the day. Let me know if you need me." She turns and goes out of the room to wait with Josh and Lottie.
Sitting beside Candy, he takes her hand. Candy turns her head away from Jeremy and won't look at him. "I know I've said it many times, but I want you to know how sorry I am for hurting you. I never realized how deeply I really hurt you until now. I hope you can forgive me." He strokes her hair. "Candy, look at me."
"I can't," she sobs.
"Why? Do you hate me so much that you can't even look at me?"
"I don't know why I said that. I think just to hurt you since I was hurting so badly," she cries. "But Jeremy, I don't hate you. I could never hate you."
"If you don't hate me, then why won't you look at me?"
"Because I'm so ashamed of what I said to you. How could you even want to look at me?"
"Because you're the most beautiful girl in the world and I love you."
"I don't feel beautiful. I feel ugly and. . . Oh Jeremy, I know I hurt you and I'm so sorry."
Jeremy turns her face towards him. "Candy, you mean more to me than anything in my life. I love you and I can't lose you."
"Jeremy, are you sure that you still want me after this?" she says as tears continue to fall down her cheeks. She places her hand on his cheek. "I love you, Jeremy. Can you forgive me? I don't want to lose you either."
He raises her up into a sitting position and wraps his arms around her. "There's nothing to forgive. You only spoke the truth. It is all my fault. I wasn't thinking of anyone but myself. If I would have just controlled myself and not gotten drunk, none of this would have happened." He looks into her eyes and says, "Candy, I didn't try anything sexual with you because I had so much love and respect for you. And I was afraid if I tried anything, you'd never want to see me again. Believe me, I wanted you so much. I just couldn't risk losing you." He shakes his head and lets out a grunt. "Hurmp, I almost lost you anyway. I'll regret what I did to you till the day I die."
"I know, but please don't," she says as she touches his cheek. "Jeremy, what are we going to do? We have to make a decision. We can't go on like this."
"I know. But Candy, I can't. . .I won't have you raising my son if it means that you will be unhappy for the rest of your life. I don't want you to see that image ever again. I told you once, if it comes down to be a choice between you and him, I will choose you."
"It won't be a choice between him or me. I would never tell you to make that choice. Jeremy, I'm so sorry for everything I said. I didn't mean it. And if you will allow me to, I would be happy to help you raise your son. May I help you?"
"But Candy, what if you see. . .? I can't do it. No, I won't put you through that."
"Jeremy, listen to me. I think if I get to know JJ, then maybe I will be able to love him. After all he is your son. How can I not love a part of you?"
"What about all the comments people will make? Do you think you can handle that? I don't want anyone to treat you and the children with disrespect. I can take it for myself. I deserve it, but not you."
"I think I'm strong enough to handle it. We can talk about how to go about letting others know later. Right now, I'm concerned about you and your son. Jeremy, we have to take him."
"Are you sure? Maybe we can meet him and go from there. Nothing definite yet. Would you be okay with that?"
"Yes, I would. Help me up. We have to go talk to Jason. I know he must feel terrible about what happened."
"He should feel terrible. He had no right to treat you like he did and get you upset. I don't know if I can look at him right now."
"Jeremy Bolt! He's your brother and he loves you. He was only trying to help. He knew I was holding back and he wanted me to be honest with you. If I can forgive him, then you should be able to forgive him. This family doesn't need anymore problems."
"How did I ever get so lucky to get you for my wife? My soulmate. I love you, Mrs. Bolt."
"The same way I got lucky when I got you for my husband. My soulmate. I love you, Jeremy." They stand with their arms wrapped around each other and their lips meet for a tender kiss.
With arms around each other they exit the bedroom to find Jason and make amends.
Since Jason is no where to be found, Jeremy takes Candy home and puts her to bed. Then he goes in search of Jason. After looking at the logging camp with no luck, he sits down to think of where Jason could be. He figures there is only one other place he could be—his parents' old cabin. So Jeremy hightails it to the cabin and finds Jason sitting on the porch looking like he's lost his best friend.
"Hi!" Jeremy says as he walks onto the porch and sits down beside of Jason. "We wondered where you had gotten to."
"Well, I didn't really think you'd want to see me right now. How's Candy and the baby?" Jason asks.
"She's fine and so is the baby. Allyn made her go home and go to bed just as a precaution." Jeremy pauses and walks over to the edge of the porch. "Look Jason, I'm not mad and neither is Candy. I admit I was at first. I didn't like you talking to my wife the way you did. But Candy explained why you did what you did and I understand now. You were just trying to get her to open up and be honest. We've talked it out and everything is fine between us." He came back and sat down beside Jason before saying, "I hope things are fine between you and me too."
"I'm sorry, Jeremy. I shouldn't have pushed at Candy like I did. If something would have happened to her or the baby, I'd never forgive myself. I hope you will accept my apology and I want you to know I'll never talk to her that way again."
Jason holds his hand out to Jeremy. Jeremy looks at his hand and then throws his arms around Jason for a big hug. "I accept Jason, but Candy wants to talk to you."
"I guess I better get over there then. I need to apologize to her too," Jason says as he rises and walks off the porch..
Jeremy says, "Wait Jason! I'd still like to know what you think I should do about JJ. I'm so torn on what I should do. Candy says she's fine now with raising him, but I still don't know if that's the best thing for all of us. He's only five years old. He may not understand what's going on and resent us for taking him away from his mother. If he would strike out at Candy and hurt her or the baby. . ." He shakes his head and fights back tears.
Jason goes to Jeremy and gives him a hug. "Jeremy, I know this is hard on you, but think of that little boy. He's going to lose the one person that he loves. What will become of him? He'll have no one to care for him. Can you honestly say you can give up your son and not regret it years down the road? He's just as much a Bolt as Jessie and Jennie. Even as much as Jonnie. I know you Jeremy. I really think the guilt from giving your son up will eat you alive. I'm sorry, but you wanted my opinion."
Jeremy thinks for a little while. "I know you're right. He is a Bolt. Maybe after I meet him, I'll feel differently towards him. God, I hope so. I know he needs me. I just hope I'll need him too."
"Come on. Let's go check on that beautiful wife of yours," Jason says as he puts his arm around his little brother's shoulder and they walk towards Jeremy's home.
As Jason and Jeremy nears Jeremy's home, Jeremy tells Jason, "Go ahead inside. There's something I need to do. Tell Candy I won't be too long."
Jason goes inside and Jeremy goes to the Bolt cabin to talk to Josh. "Josh, I need a favor. I have to go talk to Ashley and I need you to go with me."
"Sure Jeremy, but I need to send a telegram first."
"Look, I'm in a hurry. Candy doesn't know I'm going over there and she's expecting me home soon."
"Well, if you want to go on over there, I'll go send the telegram and then come right on over," Josh says.
"Promise you'll come over. I can't be alone with Ashley for too long. I don't want to give Candy anything to worry about."
"I promise Jeremy. I'm on my way now." Josh leaves for Ben's to send the telegram, while Jeremy goes to Ashley's Uncle Ray's cabin.
Knocking on the door of the cabin, Jeremy keeps looking around hoping Josh gets there soon. Ashley is startled when she opens the door to find Jeremy standing there alone.
"Hello, Jeremy. Where's Candy? I never see you without her. I'm sure you sneaked over here because she wouldn't have let you come by yourself," she says laughingly.
"Look, don't say anything bad about my wife. After all you are the one that asked her to raise your son. I would think you'd be grateful to her."
"You're right. I'm sorry. Would you like to come in?"
"No, we'll talk right here. I just wanted to let you know that Candy and I are willing to take JJ, but we want to meet him first. Just to see how well he takes to us. How soon can you bring him here to meet us?"
"Oh Jeremy, I don't think I'll be bringing him here. You and Candy will have to come to San Francisco to meet him and bring him back with you."
"Why?" Jeremy asks in surprise. "Why can't you bring him here? Candy's not able to travel that far and we can't leave the girls for that long."
As tears mist Ashley's eyes she answers, "My health is going down pretty fast, Jeremy. Dr. Wright has advised me that I need to go home in the next day or two. I need to spend some time with JJ before the end comes."
"I'm sorry, Ashley. Is there anything we can do for you?"
Ashley starts crying and Jeremy looks nervously around for Josh not seeing him anywhere. Ashley puts her arms around Jeremy and cries on his shoulder. "Do you have a miracle?" she sobs. "I need one."
Jeremy puts his hands on her shoulders. "I wish I did, Ashley. But just know that JJ will be taken care of."
"Thank you, Jeremy. Would you give a dying girl one last wish?"
"I will if I can. What is it?"
"Jeremy, you know I've loved you ever since we lived here in Seattle. I know I was only fourteen when we left, but it was love. I still love you. When we spent the night together that was the happiest moment of my life. I know what I really want will never happen. I wish I could spend another night with you, making love to you. But since I know that's out of the question, would you hold me and kiss me. Really kiss me," she says as she raises up and kisses him on the lips.
Jeremy is so shocked that he pushes her away. "What do you think you're doing? Stop it! I'm sorry, but I can't do that. And I'm really surprised that you had the nerve to ask me that."
"But Jeremy. . ."
"No Ashley. I could never do that to Candy again. I'm sorry you're dying and all, but the answer is no."
Josh walks up to the porch and seeing how upset Jeremy is, he decides to get Jeremy out of there as quickly as he can. "Jeremy, I've been looking everywhere for you. Come on we have to get up to camp. Jason needs our help."
"Yeah, coming." He turns to Ashley and says, "Candy and I will talk to you tomorrow." He leaves with Josh while Ashley touches her lips and watches him walk away.
As Jeremy and Josh walk to Jeremy's house, Jeremy relates what happened then asks, "What took you so long?'
"I'm sorry. Ben had a store full of people that was ahead of me. I got there as soon as I could. Relax. Candy will never know unless you tell her. Or Ashley tells her."
"Thanks Josh, like I hadn't already thought of that. Ashley telling her, I mean. I'll see you later. Oh and Josh? I do thank you for coming to my rescue."
Jeremy enters the house and sees his girls playing with their dolls in the parlor. Molly is reading a book while she keeps a watchful eye on Jessie and Jennie. "Hey, there's my girls!" He gives them a big hug. "Molly, is Candy still in bed? She hasn't gotten up and tried to do her usual household chores has she?"
"No, Jeremy. She's been real good about staying in bed. I think she's afraid of what you'd say if she got up," Molly says laughing.
"Well, I'm going up to spend some time with her. If she's awake that is." Climbing the stairs he almost wishes that Candy would be asleep to give him some extra time to decide what to tell her.
Opening the door, he sees her sitting up in bed knitting a pair of blue baby booties. "Hi," he says as he sits down on the edge of the bed.
"Hello. Where have you been?" she asks as she looks at Jeremy closely..
He leans over and gives her a kiss. "I was with Josh. How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right." She puts her knitting aside and folds her hands in her lap. "With Josh? Since when does Josh wear perfume and lip rouge?" She bites at her bottom lip.
Feeling his face get hot from embarrassment Jeremy replies, "I really was with Josh. But also with Ashley. I'm sorry."
"So am I, Jeremy. Sorry that you were trying to deceive me, that is." Her eyes get misty.
"I wasn't trying to deceive you. I was going to tell you, but in my own way."
"Well, in your own way, tell me why you smell like her perfume and have her lip rouge on your face and lips," she says in a huffy voice. "And be honest about it. After all, you are known for your honesty, are you not?" She stares at him.
"Believe me, it's all quite innocent. I went over there to tell her about us wanting to meet JJ first and to ask when she could bring him to Seattle. But I asked Josh to go with me."
"So Josh smells and looks like you do?" she asks.
"No, he doesn't. He had to go send a telegram before he could meet me over at Ashley's. It took longer than he expected. But he did finally show up."
"I see. What did Ashley say about bringing JJ here? Wait! Go wash her lip rouge off and change shirts. I don't want to smell her or see evidence of you and her kissing."
"I didn't kiss her! Forget it! You're going to believe what you want to believe anyways." He goes into the washroom and washes off. Coming back into the room he pulls a clean shirt from his dresser and puts it on. "There! Does that make you feel better now?"
"Jeremy, I don't see why you're upset with me. I didn't do anything. I've been stuck here in this bed. You're the one that. . . Oh never mind," she says as she wipes a tear away as it rolls down her cheek.
Jeremy is getting angry at being accused of something he didn't do. "I'm the one that did what? Finish it Candy. Were you going to say I'm the one that cheated on you again?"
Candy looks Jeremy in the eyes. "Well, did you?" Tears are rolling down her cheeks now.
With his hands on his hips, tears fill Jeremy's eyes and he asks in a quivering voice, "Do you really need to ask me that? Do you not already know the answer?" He storms out of the room and goes to the barn to feed his horses and to just be alone.
When he finishes, he sits down and leans back onto the hay stack in the corner of the barn. He lays there and thinks about what just happened with Candy and why they seem to argue all the time now. He knows the answer. Ashley. Him and Candy hardly ever argued before Ashley came to Seattle. He also knows he should go apologize, again. He hears the barn door creak open and close. He looks up and Candy is standing in front of him with a steady flow of tears.
"I'm sorry, Jeremy. You're right. I didn't need to ask you that because I do know the answer. I don't know what's wrong with me lately. I'm so insecure and I can't say or do anything right anymore. I hate being like this."
She turns to leave when Jeremy says, "Don't leave Candy. I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. Like you said you didn't do anything wrong. Come sit down with me and let's talk this out calmly." He holds out his hand for her to take.
Candy takes his hand and leans back in the straw beside him. He raises her hand and kisses her fingertips. "Candy, you have to know I love you and I would never cheat on you again. I thought you already knew that."
She lays her head on his shoulder. "I do know that, Jeremy. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I just don't know what I'm doing anymore. I want our old life back, before Ashley came here I mean."
"I want that life back too, but I'm afraid that life as we knew it is gone."
"Will you tell me what happened with Ashley? I promise not to say anything until you're finished."
Jeremy tells her everything that happened. "I told her that we would talk to her tomorrow. Do you think you'll feel like meeting with her?"
"I guess I'll have to. We have to get this settled as she's leaving soon. But Jeremy if she so much as looks at you the wrong way, I'm going to let her have it. Dying or not."
Jeremy chuckles, "I'd like to see that."
"Oh you!" Candy giggles. "Seriously Jeremy, what are we going to do? I can't go to San Francisco and I don't want. . ."
Jeremy interrupts her. "You don't want me going there alone with her. I don't want to go there with her either, especially without you."
"Maybe Jason or Joshua could go with you. Or even Lottie."
"Well, that's a thought. I know you would be more at ease if someone was with me. I'll see what I can do. I don't want you to worry about this. Okay? We'll get it worked out. I promise." He puts his arm around her and pulls her close. "Now Mrs. Bolt, have you ever had a roll in the hay? I haven't either, but it sounds intriguing." He begins to kiss and caress her.
"No, I haven't Mr. Bolt, but I'll take a chance if you will."
"Are you sure?" he asks. "After what happened earlier today, you don't think it will hurt the baby, do you?"
"I don't think so."
Jeremy kisses her so lovingly and deeply that it about takes their breath away. "I love you, Candy. I'll always love you."
"I love you too, Jeremy. Always."
Jeremy and Candy enter their house with an arm around each other and big grins on their faces. They are met by Lottie and the four children who are sitting in the parlor playing a game. Looking up Molly exclaims, "Candy, what are you doing up? I thought Dr. Wright told you to stay in bed."
"Well, uh, I, uh, uh, I had something important to tell Jeremy. Hello Lottie. I didn't know you were here."
Seeing the disheveled appearance of the couple before her, she tries to stifle a laugh. Lottie says, "Hello you two. I brought a stew over for supper since Candy is suppose to be in bed."
"Yeah, I'm putting her back to bed right now. Uh Candy, you should know better than to get out of bed when Allyn told you to stay there. Shame on you," Jeremy says trying to sound stern.
"Hey Jeremy, there's something in your hair," Christopher says as he pulls a piece of hay from Jeremy's hair. "Here's another one."
"Yeah Jeremy, you have some on your back too," Molly tells him. "Candy, you have some in your hair too. And your blouse is on with the wrong side out!"
"What were you doing? Were you jumping in the haystack?" Christopher laughs.
Realizing what had happened Molly's face turns a bright red matching the faces of Jeremy and Candy's. "Ewww," Molly cries.
Lottie cannot stop laughing at the embarrassment of Molly, Jeremy and Candy. "Aunt Lottie, what's so funny?" Christopher asks. "Molly?"
"Nothing Chris. Nothings funny," Jeremy answers. "Come on Candy. You need to get in bed," Jeremy says as he takes her arm and leads her to the staircase. "Lottie, don't go away. I'll be right back."
Entering their bedroom, Candy puts her hands over her face. "Oh Jeremy, we'll never live this down. I'm so embarrassed."
"So we got caught. Only Lottie and Molly know and I don't think Molly will ever bring it up. Did you see the look on her face?" Jeremy chuckles.
"Yes, I did. The poor thing. She'll probably never be able to look us in the eye again," Candy giggles.
Taking her blouse off to put it back on correctly, she tells Jeremy, "If Lottie wasn't here we'd be able to continue where we left off." She puts her arms around Jeremy's neck and gives him a seductive kiss.
"Candy, you know we can't, not right now," he says as he gives her a big hug and an even bigger kiss.
"Jeremy, you make me so happy. I want to show you how happy you make me." She starts kissing him and caressing him.
"Oh Candy, I want you to show me too," he whispers. "But Lottie is downstairs waiting. Maybe she'll leave soon and . . ."
The door opens and Jessie and Jennie run in laughing and wrap their arms around their parents' legs. "So much for romance," Jeremy laughs.
"Hey you two! Do you want to join me in bed since Daddy can't?" She looks into Jeremy's eyes and smiles. "Later Mr. Bolt." Candy and the girls climb onto the bed.
Jeremy bends down and kisses Candy's cheek. "I enjoyed our roll in the hay. Thank you! I love you!" He gives her a wink.
"Me too! I love you!" She watches as Jeremy leaves the room and she sighs.
Jeremy awakens to an affectionate hug and kiss. Opening his eyes he sees Candy sitting on the edge of the bed. "Good morning, Mrs. Bolt."
"Good morning. Hope you're hungry."
"I'm always hungry for you." He grabs her arm and pulls her towards him.
"Jeremy, I'm talking about food. I brought you breakfast in bed," Candy giggles. She gets up and picks up the tray from the small table beside the bed.
"Can't I have both? Maybe you'll be my dessert," he says as he sits up straighter in the bed. Candy places the tray on his lap and he digs in. "This is delicious Candy, but what's the occasion? I know it's not my birthday or our anniversary. And look at you! You're all fixed up. You look beautiful."
"Thank you sir," she giggles again and does a small curtsy. "There's no special occasion. I just wanted to do something special for the man I love."
"Well, this man appreciates it and he loves you too."
As Jeremy continues to eat, Candy sits down on the bed again. "Jeremy, I've been doing some thinking," she begins.
"Uh oh," Jeremy states. "So that's what this is about. Am I going to be upset?"
"No, you're not or you shouldn't be. I hope you'll be pleased."
"Okay. Tell me what that beautiful head of yours has been thinking."
"I know I haven't been in the best mood lately and I've let myself go. I haven't really made myself look attractive. I. . ."
"Candy, that's not true. You're always beautiful."
She smiles and touches his cheek. "Thank you, but I beg to say otherwise. Anyways as I was saying, I don't like the way I've been acting. Like Jason said, I've always been a strong woman that could take care of myself and one who wasn't afraid to speak her mind. But ever since Ashley arrived, I've been just the opposite. You know insecure, jealous, short tempered, and crying all the time. I know I haven't been easy to live with and I want to make some changes before I ruin the wonderful marriage we have."
Finishing his breakfast Candy takes the tray and sits it back on the table. Jeremy starts to say something but Candy stops him. "Jeremy, please let me finish this." Jeremy nods his head and takes her hand. "I've not been the woman you fell in love with. I've felt like I was in competition with her. I've been so scared of losing you to her, I forgot what was really important. I forgot to be me. I know you love me and God knows how much I love you. From now on, I want to be me, the real me, the woman that you married and the wife that you deserve. I want to be that strong woman who stands by your side through thick and thin and one who doesn't fall apart at the least little thing where you have to pick up the pieces all the time. I want to be the wife you can be proud of, in what I do and how I look. I guess that's all I wanted to say. I hope it makes sense to you."
Jeremy kisses her fingertips. "Candy, I've always been proud of you. Nothing will ever change that. You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, not just on the outside, but on the inside too. I know you're a strong woman. You always have been. But I do like the fact that you need me sometimes. Don't ever stop needing me." He pulls her towards him and wraps his arms around her. "I love you."
"I love you too and I trust you completely." She bites her bottom lip as she continues, "Jeremy, to show you how much I trust you, I want you to go alone to San Francisco with Ashley. Stay as long as it takes to get everything worked out legally. Then bring your son home. Here is where he belongs. Here with us."
"Look, I've already talked to Jason. He. . ."
"When? When have you had a chance to talk to him?"
"Last night. After you fell asleep, I went over to talk to him and Josh. I didn't even have to ask him to go along with me to San Francisco. He volunteered. I think he still feels guilty about how he talked to you and he's trying to make it up to us."
"He doesn't need to go with you."
"Yes, he does. I appreciate you trusting me, but I don't want you to start having doubts after we leave. This way, I won't worry about you worrying about what's happening."
"Well, thank you. I'm going to try my best not to worry. I have to remember that I'm me, the strong me, again. I guess I better get the children fed before we go meet Ashley." She stands and Jeremy gets out of bed too.
"Candy, thank you for breakfast and for the talk. I really think everything is going to work out with JJ coming here."
"I do too, Jeremy." She gives him a kiss on the cheek and leaves while Jeremy gets dressed and thinks to himself how lucky he is to have Candy for his wife.
Jeremy, Candy, and Ashley meet at the Bolt cabin to discuss their plans for JJ. Ashley in her weakened condition states, "Candy, I know Jeremy told you about our visit yesterday, since you two tell each other everything. I want to apologize to both of you for my behavior and assure you that it will never happen again."
Jeremy puts his arm around Candy's shoulders. "Forget it. No harm done."
Candy speaks up, "I think I understand your actions. All's forgiven."
Ashley says, "Thank you." She sits down at the table and folds her hands. "Before we talk about JJ, I need to make a confession. I want a clean conscious when I die."
Jeremy and Candy look at each other questioningly and take a seat at the table too. "Okay, what do you have to confess?" Jeremy asks.
"I know you don't want to talk about the night we made lo. . . uh, had sex. But there's something you should know."
"You're right, Ashley, I don't want to talk about that night. Can we just forget about it?" Jeremy answers in a low voice while hanging his head down low.
"Jeremy, please. I have to get this off my chest and I think both of you will be glad I did."
Candy takes his hand. "Jeremy, let her tell us. It clearly means a lot to her to tell us."
Jeremy places his elbows on the table and props his chin on his hands. "All right. Go on."
"I'm not proud of what I did, but Jeremy I was so in love with you. When you came over for supper, you told me all about Candy and I could tell you were very much in love with her. I was so jealous. I thought if I could get you in my bed, then she would break up with you and you would turn to me. I intentionally got you drunk and we did wind up in my bed. Not just you and me. . .but. . . Candy too. I made love to you Jeremy, while you made love to Candy."
"I don't understand," Candy says.
Ashley takes a deep breath and exhales. "It's really very simple, Candy. In his drunken state, Jeremy thought I was you. He kept calling me by your name. He said, Oh Candy, you're so beautiful. Candy, we've waited a long time for this. I love you so much, Candy. There was more, but you get the picture. Jeremy honestly thought he was making love to you."
"Why on earth did you continue with, with. . ." Candy says but can't finish.
"Because I loved him and I wanted him no matter what. It did hurt at first when he called me Candy, but I really didn't care. I was making love to the man of my dreams." She rises and pours herself a glass of water, taking a long drink. "Of course, the next morning he didn't remember any of it. He knew we had sex, but only because we were in bed together without any clothes on. Candy, if you could have seen him. He was furious not only with me, but at himself too. He said he had to go home and break your heart. That you would probably never forgive him. I told him he didn't have to tell you, but I was hoping and praying that he would. I told him if you didn't want him anymore, that I did. Well, that really set him off. He told me I was a mistake and he hated me now. That he never wanted to see me or hear my name ever again. Then he stormed out."
"I'm sorry, Ashley. I shouldn't have been so rough on you. I mean, I was just as guilty. I take full responsibility for my actions," Jeremy states. "And I want you to know I didn't really hate you. I was just so scared of losing Candy that I had to blame someone."
Sitting down at the table again Ashley clears her throat. "Thank you, Jeremy. When I found out I was pregnant, I was overjoyed, but I had no one to share that joy with. I knew I couldn't tell you and ruin your life. Since I never heard from you again, I knew that no matter what happened with you and Candy that I was the last person you wanted. I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just wanted you both to know the truth. Candy, in Jeremy's mind, he wasn't cheating on you, because he thought he was making love to you."
"Well, I don't know what to say," Candy says as she wipes the tears from her eyes.
"I need to step outside for a moment to get some fresh air. Do you mind?" Ashley asks.
"No, no go ahead," Jeremy replies.
Jeremy asks Candy, "Are you all right? Can I get you anything?"
Candy looks into Jeremy's eyes, "No, I'm fine. Jeremy, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry."
Jeremy kisses her cheek. "I'm sorry, too. Let's put this behind us now and never speak of it again."
"Jeremy, Ashley really loves you. I know you're going to protest when I tell you this, but after all she's been through and with her dying soon, I think she deserves this. I mean after all, she did confess."
Thinking he knows where Candy is going with this he says, "Candy no! I won't do it! I can't do it!"
"Jeremy, it's just a kiss I'm asking you to give her. Not going to bed with her. And she will die happy." She kisses his lips tenderly. "I know I would."
"Candy, I don't think I can do that either."
"Yes, you can. I'm giving you permission to hold her and kiss her once. Only once."
"You'll be here?"
"Yes, I will. Jeremy, promise me one thing?"
"What?"
"Promise me you won't enjoy it too much."
"Candy, that's a promise I can make easily. I'm going to hate kissing another woman."
"Good and let's keep it that way," she giggles.
Ashley re-enters and they start discussing JJ. She takes papers from her purse and lays them on the table. "I had a lawyer in Tacoma write these up. They're adoption papers. I thought if you adopted JJ, that would be an easier way to explain him joining your family. I've already signed them. If after you meet JJ and you decide you don't want him, then just tear these up. If you do want to keep him, then sign them and return the papers to the lawyer. He'll do the rest."
Candy places her hand on Ashley's. "I'm sure we'll keep him. I can't see us not keeping a part of Jeremy. After all he is a Bolt. You can be sure we'll take good care of him."
"I know you will. Jeremy, you can tell him when he's a little older that you're his real Daddy. I don't think he'll understand right now. And Candy, if at some point JJ wants to call you Mama, then that's okay with me. I hope you'll all be one big happy family," Ashley says as she begins to cry."
Jeremy clears his throat. "Uh Ashley, when do we leave?"
"In the morning at high tide. Candy, I'm really sorry that I can't bring JJ here to you. I know you can't go with us, but I promise I won't try anything as far as Jeremy is concerned. Dr. Wright is going to go with us just in case I might need her."
"Jason's going with us too," Jeremy tells her. "I'm uneasy leaving Candy here in her condition, especially now with Allyn not being here."
Candy pats Jeremy on the cheek. "I'll be fine. Don't worry."
Jeremy chuckles. "That's like thinking it won't rain in Seattle anymore. It's gonna rain and I'm gonna worry."
Ashley rises and says, "Well, I guess this is it." She gives Candy a hug. "Thank you so much for everything Candy. JJ is really a loving little boy."
"I'm sure he is. Bless you Ashley." Candy returns the hug.
"Thank you, Jeremy. I'm truly sorry for everything I did. But I think you'll fall in love with your son as soon as you meet him. He needs you. He needs both of you."
Candy looks at Jeremy and nods her head. Jeremy puts his arms around Ashley. While she is surprised, she puts her arms around him too. Then Jeremy places his lips on hers and she responds. When they part, Ashley rests her head on Jeremy's shoulder where she sobs while holding him tightly. Jeremy looks at Candy and they both have tears in their eyes.
"Thank you, Jeremy. Thank you Candy, for letting Jeremy do that. I'll see you in the morning." She hastens out of the room.
Jeremy picks the adoption papers up and puts them in his pocket. Putting an arm around Candy he says, "Let's go home."
Jeremy and Josh carry Jeremy's medium size trunk up the gangplank of the Shamus O'Flynn setting it down on the deck. As they gather with Jason, Dr. Wright, Lottie, and Ashley, Jason asks, "Jeremy, where's Candy?"
"Oh, uh, she couldn't make it."
"Now Jeremy, you're not leaving with harsh words spoken between you, are you? I remember that happening before and the trouble it caused," Jason says.
"No big brother. Candy and I are fine. We learned our lesson after that and have swore that neither one of us will ever leave town angry. I just didn't want her to watch me leave and I didn't want to see the tears in her eyes when I left," Jeremy states.
Turning to Lottie Jeremy asks, "Lottie, I know Candy said she was going to be strong and not let our separation get to her, but we both know Candy. I'm sure she's in bed right now crying her eyes out. Would you please go by and check on her? Just to be sure she's all right. And remind her everyday how much I love her."
"I'll be glad to Jeremy. Don't you worry, I'll take good care of her and the baby."
"Yeah, I'll check on her every day too Jeremy," Josh adds.
"Thanks, both of you. I know I worry too much, but Candy and I haven't been apart over three or four days at a time since we got married and even that hasn't been too often. And the girls, I'm going to miss them like crazy," Jeremy sighs.
"What is it Candy calls you? Mr. Worrywart?" Lottie laughs.
Jeremy's face turns red. "Yeah, that's what she calls me all right."
As Captain Clancey joins them, Ashley says to him, "Captain Clancey?"
"Yez Darlin', what tis it?"
"Would you please have Jeremy's trunk returned to the dock?" Ashley asks.
"N-now wait a minute," Jeremy says. "Why are you having my trunk removed?" he asks as he puts his hands on his hips and stares at Ashley.
"Because Jeremy, your place is here with Candy and your precious little girls. Your. . ." she doesn't get to finish before Jeremy interrupts her.
"But Candy and I want to adopt JJ. You can't go back on your word now!" Jeremy says.
"I'm not going back on my word. I still want you to adopt JJ. It's just that you're needed here. Candy needs you with her, not a thousand miles away. Jason and Dr. Wright can do what needs to be done and bring JJ home to you and Candy. That is if they don't mind," Ashley says as she looks at Jason and then Allyn.
"She's right, Jeremy. Allyn and I can handle things and bring your and Candy's son back to Seattle."
"But Jason. . ." Jeremy starts.
Josh speaks up. "Jeremy, they're right. What if, just if mind you. What if something happened to Candy or the baby? You would never be able to live with yourself. You would blame yourself till your dying day because you weren't here for them. Go home and let Jason and Allyn take care of things."
With tears in his eyes, Jeremy takes Ashley's hand in his. "Thank you. I know Candy would want to thank you too."
"You're welcome. I hope you and Candy have a healthy baby Bolt. I know he or she will be beautiful. Just look at the parents." Ashley's eyes fill with tears. "I guess this is goodbye. Take care of JJ."
"I will. We will. Goodbye Ashley. God bless you." He gives her a hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Goodbye Jeremy."
Jeremy, Josh, and Lottie say their goodbyes to them and leave the Shamus O'Flynn. They stand watching until the ship is out of sight.
"Well, I better get home and surprise my wife. This is the fastest trip I've ever made," he says as he and Josh load his trunk into the wagon and he drives off towards home.
As Jeremy enters the house he sees that everyone except Candy is at the table in the kitchen eating breakfast. When his girls see him their faces light up and they start to squeal. He puts his finger over his lips and says "Shh" to quieten them. Then he gives them a big hug and tells them they need to be quiet so they don't disturb Mommy. He ruffles Chris's hair and gives Molly a quick hug. "Candy still in bed?" he asks.
"Jeremy, she is so upset. I went in to tell her breakfast was ready and she was in bed crying. She'll be so happy to see you," Molly grins. "Hey, what happened? Why didn't you leave?"
"I'll explain everything later, okay? I need to see your sister before our bedroom turns into a lake," he chuckles. He takes his shoes and jacket off and quietly sprints up the stairs. Without making a sound, he opens the door and sees Candy laying in bed crying while hugging his pillow. He very softly walks over to the bed and as he lays down beside her says, " Hey, how about trading that pillow in for the real me?"
Candy jumps and turns towards Jeremy. "Jeremy? Jeremy, what are you doing here? Was your trip delayed?"
He wraps his arms around her and gives her a tender kiss. "No, not delayed. I'm not going."
"What? But Jeremy. What about JJ?"
"You won't believe this, but Ashley insisted I stay here with you and the girls. Jason and Allyn are going to handle things and bring JJ here to us."
"I'm sorry you won't be meeting JJ as soon as we thought, but I'm so glad you're here. Jeremy, I missed you so much and you weren't even gone an hour, you didn't even leave Seattle." She snuggles as close as she can get to him as she kisses his cheek.
Jeremy chuckles, "I missed you too. I honestly don't think I could take being apart from you for weeks at a time." They kiss. "What happened to you being strong and you being all right about us being apart?"
Candy looks at him meekly and says, "I lied." They both laugh and enjoy a kiss.
"Candy, I hugged and kissed Ashley on the cheek when I told her goodbye. I just felt like it was something I needed to do."
"I'm glad Jeremy. I know it meant a lot to her. Poor thing. I can't imagine what she is feeling inside. Knowing that she's going home to die and leaving her son. I don't know if I could handle that as well as she has."
They lay in each others arms and enjoy just being together. "Candy? Have you eaten breakfast?"
"No, I wasn't hungry. Molly has breakfast ready if you want to eat."
"Yeah, I think I could eat something. Let's go down and have breakfast with the kids. Maybe later we could all go on a picnic. I think they would enjoy that," Jeremy suggests.
"That sounds like fun."
Getting up from the bed, Jeremy wraps his arms around Candy. "I don't believe I've told you enough today how much I love you." He places his mouth on hers for a deep passionate kiss. "I love you Candy Pruitt Bolt."
"And I love you Jeremy James Bolt." They seal it with a kiss.
Five weeks later Jeremy comes home from work to find Candy sitting at the kitchen table staring at an envelope propped up on the vase of daisies in the center of the table. He kisses her on the cheek, but she doesn't seem to notice. "Candy?" he asks. When she doesn't respond, he shakes her shoulder. "Candy? Candy, what's wrong?"
She finally looks at Jeremy and with tears in her eyes says, "Oh Jeremy. Ben brought this telegram by."
"What does it say?"
"I don't know. I haven't opened it. I've been waiting for you to come home so we could open it together."
He sits down at the table and picks up the envelope. He opens it and reads it to himself.
"Well, what does it say?" she asks.
"It's from Jason. He says Ashley passed peacefully this morn Funeral tomorrow Leave for home Sunday with JJ See you soon." He looks at Candy who has tears streaming down her face. Jeremy wraps his arms around her to comfort her. Finally he asks, "Candy, are you ready for this?"
"I don't know. I guess I'll have to be. We'll have to be."
"You do realize this is going to change our lives forever," Jeremy says.
"Yes, I realize that. Hopefully it won't change too much. Jeremy, since we only have about a week or two before JJ gets here, let's try to spend as much time with the girls as we can. This is going to be a big adjustment for them. They won't have all of their Daddy's attention any more. They'll have to learn to share you. So will I."
"Look, you and the girls will still be the most important people in my life. And this baby." He places his hand on Candy's stomach. "I love all of you and adding JJ to our family won't change that."
"I hope not. I guess we'll have to clean out Jonnie's room and fix it up for JJ," Candy tells him.
"Can you do that? I know it's going to be hard for you."
"It's time. I need to move on. I was hoping to put this baby in there, but I guess we'll have a roommate for a while," she says jokingly.
"Just as long as he doesn't interfere with our favorite past time. I'm not giving that up," Jeremy chuckles.
"Jeremy Bolt! What am I going to do with you?"
"Well, you can start with a kiss and we'll see where that leads." Jeremy kisses her neck and starts moving downward to her breast.
"Oh good grief! Is that all you two ever think of?" Molly exclaims as she enters the kitchen. "You do know there are hungry children in this house. Don't you? After all, it is almost supper time."
"Sorry Molly. I've been occupied with something else and I completely forgot about supper. I'll get it started right now. How about some help?" Candy says.
"Yeah, I know. You've been occupied with Jeremy. You two are embarrassing!"
"Thank you," Jeremy says. "Embarrassing you is what we're here for," he laughs. "Guess I'll go spend some time with the girls until suppers ready. Maybe they will appreciate me."
Molly rolls her eyes while Jeremy winks at Candy and goes in search of his girls.
Josh meets the Shamus O'Flynn's arrival about two weeks later in mid morning. He explains to Jason that Jeremy thought it would be better for JJ to meet his new family at home rather than at the dock. He didn't want people standing around gawking at JJ meeting the family.
They arrive at Jeremy's home with the whole family standing outside waiting to meet JJ. Jason introduces JJ to Jeremy. "JJ, this is Jeremy."
Jeremy kneels down and says, "Hello, JJ. Welcome to our family." Jeremy doesn't know whether to hug JJ or not.
"Are you my Daddy?" JJ asks.
"Well, uh, yes I guess I am. Is that all right with you?"
JJ replies, "I guess. I've never had a Daddy before."
"Uh, is it all right if I give you a hug?" Jeremy asks.
"I guess." Jeremy puts his arms around JJ. When JJ puts his arms around Jeremy, Jeremy closes his eyes as tears fill them and threaten to fall. Jeremy holds him tighter.
Pulling back Jeremy stands, clears his throat, and takes JJ's hand leading him over to the rest of the family. "JJ, this is my wife Candy."
"Hello, JJ. Welcome to our home." She bends down and gives him a quick hug.
JJ looks at Jeremy. "If you're my Daddy, is she my Mama?"
Jeremy begins, "Well, I . . ."
JJ stomps his foot and says angrily, "I don't want her to be my Mama. I don't want a Mama. My Mama left me. She went to Heaven."
Jeremy glances at Candy and sees the hurt look on her face . He steps over to her and gives her a quick hug and a tender kiss. He whispers in her ear, "I'm sorry."
Candy gives Jeremy a quivery smile, then she faces JJ. "JJ, I'm not trying to take your Mama's place. You can call me Candy. Is that all right?"
JJ shrugs his shoulders and looks at the children. "Who are they?"
Stepping over to his girls Jeremy says, "These are your sisters. Jessie here is the same age as you. And the little one here is Jennie." He takes a couple of steps. "And this is your Aunt Molly and Uncle Christopher. We call him Chris."
Chris speaks up, "Aww, Jeremy. He don't have to call me Uncle, does he?"
Jeremy chuckles, "No, he doesn't. JJ, you can just call them Chris and Molly."
"Okay," JJ answers.
"Molly, why don't you, Chris and the girls take JJ up and show him his room," Candy says.
"Sure Candy," Molly replies. "Come on JJ. You have a neat room."
JJ turns towards Jeremy. "Go on. Go on with Molly." JJ reluctantly follows the children in the house.
Jeremy wraps his arms around Candy. "Are you all right? I'm sorry he was rude to you. I'm sure it'll get better." He kisses her on the cheek.
"I don't know, Jeremy. I think he has a lot of anger in him. He seems to be angry that his Mama left him. I don't think he is going to warm up to me anytime soon."
"Candy, you just met him. How can you already say that without giving him a chance to get used to you, uh, us."
"Jeremy," Jason says. "Candy's right. JJ is angry. He's going to have to come to terms with his Mama not being here. He lashed out at Allyn several times on the way back to Seattle."
"Just what do you mean by lashed out?" Jeremy asks.
"Well, Allyn would ask him to do something and he would yell at her. He told her she couldn't tell him what to do because she wasn't his Mama. He hit her and kicked her."
"Well, I'll have a talk with him and tell him he can't do that to Candy. I'm sure everything will be all right. Now, I think I'll go check on the children." He goes into the house leaving Candy, Jason, and Josh standing there with their mouths hanging open.
"Oh my! It seems JJ already has Jeremy under his spell," Candy says.
"It certainly seems that way," replies Josh.
"Candy, keep a close watch on JJ. Don't take any chances. And if you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask Josh or myself. Maybe Jeremy's right. Maybe JJ just needs a little time to get use to all the changes," Jason states.
"Well, he is only five years old. He's had a lot of changes in the past week or so. More than any five year old should have to get use to. Thanks Jason, Joshua. We'll see you later," Candy says as she turns and goes in the house.
"Josh, I think they're in for some rough days ahead. Come on, I'm tired. Let's go home." They climb up on the buckboard and drive to the Bolt cabin to get some much needed rest.
Weeks later, Candy is preparing to put supper on the table when the children come in the house. "Go wash up for supper. Your Daddy will be home soon," she tells them.
Jessie and Jennie go to the washroom while JJ sits down at the table. Candy looks at him and says, "That means you too, JJ. Go wash up."
"You can't tell me what to do! You're not my Mama!" JJ shouts at her. He gets up and starts hitting her as Candy tries to stop him as best as she can. JJ picks up the rolling pin and hits Candy in the back just as Jeremy walks in the door. The blow stuns her and she drops to her knees on the floor. "I hate you!"
Jeremy rushes over to stop JJ from hitting Candy again. "Whoa! Stop! What's going on?" Candy turns to him as tears are rolling down her face. "Candy, are you all right? What did you do to him?" he says as he helps her up off the floor.
Candy's temper is about to explode. "What did I do to him? I told him to go wash his hands for supper."
"JJ go wash up." When JJ has left the room, Jeremy says, "Well, surely something else must of happened. He wouldn't get that upset over being told to wash his hands."
Candy turns and slams a pan down on the cabinet. "Oh, of course not. It's all my fault. You saw him hit me and heard him shouting at me. But it's not his fault. Oh no! It must have been the mean old step-mother's fault."
"Candy, that's not what I meant. Of course he shouldn't have hit you no matter what happened."
"Jeremy how. . ." she can't finish. She puts the rest of the food on the table. "Enjoy your supper!" She goes to the door and grabs her wrap.
"Candy, where are you going?" Jeremy asks.
"Out! I've had it Jeremy! You can take over and feed everyone! Oh and be sure you give Jessie and Jennie something to eat! After all, they are your children too!" She goes out and slams the door.
Molly who has been standing quietly listening to the exchange between Jeremy and Candy speaks up. "Jeremy, honestly Candy didn't do anything but tell him to wash up. It doesn't take much for him to act like that."
Jeremy looks at her in bewilderment. "Act like that? You mean he's done this before?"
"Yeah, he's done this several times. He just happened to finally do it when you were around."
"Why didn't someone tell me?"
"Candy swore us to secrecy. She said you wouldn't believe us if we told you. She's tried to talk to you Jeremy, but you won't listen to her. You get irritated at her. So to keep you from getting upset with us we were told not to say anything."
The children and Chris come into the room and sits down at the table. Jeremy walks over to the table and stands behind his girls and says the blessing—"For this food we are about to receive, may we truly be thankful. Amen." He fixes the plates for the children and tells Chris to watch them while he takes care of something. Looking at JJ, Jeremy says, "I want all three of you to be on your best behavior. No more outbursts. Understand?"
The children nod their heads and begin to eat. Jeremy takes Molly's arm and leads her outside. "Okay. Let's hear it. How long has this been going on?"
"For weeks Jeremy. If you don't believe me just look at Candy's body. She has bruises and bite marks all over her. He hits her with anything he can find. Today the rolling pin just happened to be his weapon. Thank God, JJ didn't hit her that hard."
Jeremy shakes his head. "I just can't believe it. Why haven't I seen any bruises?"
"Candy hides them. This is none of my business but. . . how long has it been since you and Candy have been, well you know, uh, intimate? There's no way you could have missed them."
Jeremy runs his hands through his hair. "Molly, why has she not tried to stop him? It's not like Candy to let him beat up on her. Especially with the baby."
"Oh she does try, but honestly I don't think she has the strength to stop him. She's tried, Jeremy. He's strong to be only 5 years old. If you haven't noticed, she's worn out and she's miserable. I don't know how much longer she can take it."
"Go eat Molly. I'm going to find Candy." He takes off running towards what used to be their favorite spot. Not finding Candy there, he wonders. Why would she come here? She wants nothing to do with us. . .me right now. Where is she? Biddie, Lottie, church, Jonnie? He takes off looking in all those places. She is not to be found, so he slowly walks home where Jessie comes running up to him as he enters the house.
"Daddy! Mommy's crying and won't let us in. I want Mommy!" Jessie cries.
"Uh, Mommy's home? She's here?" his face brightens. "Where is she?"
"In her room. Why is Mommy crying?"
Jeremy bends down and kisses the top of Jessie's head. "Mommy's upset with me. I'll go talk to her. You go play for awhile." Jeremy sprints up the stairs to their room. He tries to open the door, but it's locked. "Candy?" he says as he knocks on the door. "Candy, please open the door. I'm sorry." He tries to open it again. "Candy, I'm not leaving so you may as well open the door. I'll stand here and knock all night long if I have to. Come on Candy, please open up."
The door opens, but Candy doesn't even look at him. "What do you want Jeremy? I don't have the energy to get into an argument with you. Just leave me alone." She walks over to the bed and continues to pack her carpetbag.
"I won't leave you alone and I won't arg . . . Candy, what do you think you're doing?"
"What does it look like? I'm leaving you Jeremy and I'm taking the girls and Molly out of here. I told Christopher he could go to Jason's if he didn't want to stay here."
"What? No Candy, you can't do this!"
"My minds made up. I can't live like this anymore."
"Candy, you should have told me what JJ was doing to you."
"Why? You wouldn't have believed me. You just saw with your own eyes JJ hit me with a rolling pin and what did you do? You blamed me. I tried to talk to you Jeremy, but you didn't want to hear it, so I just gave up." She pulls her arm free and winces from the pain.
"Candy, let me see your bruises."
Candy gasps. "How do you know about that? Molly?"
"Yes, Molly told me. Let me see."
"No, Jeremy. Just leave me alone," she says as she shakes her head.
"Candy, I need to see what he's done to you. Please."
"I can't," she says as her tears start.
"You have to Candy. I have to see how he's hurt you." He puts his hand on her cheek.
He unbuttons her dress and lets it slip off falling to the floor. There are bruises on her arms, back, and legs. "Oh my God! Candy, I am so sorry," he whispers. He takes her in his arms and holds her as she begins to sob. As tears fall from his eyes too he kisses the top of her head. "I can't believe what's happening. You and the baby have gone through all this and. . . the baby? Is the baby all right?"
"I think so. I couldn't go to Allyn. She would see the bruises."
"Candy, you need to see her. We can't take any chances with the baby."
"Jeremy, maybe I'll go tomorrow. I don't know. Right now, I have to finish packing," she tells him as she parts from him and picks up her dress and puts it back on..
"Candy, you're not going anywhere." He takes her hands.
Candy jerks her hands away from his. "Why would you care where I go? You've barely noticed that I live here. I have to leave before he hurts my baby. I can't take it anymore, Jeremy. I'm fighting a losing battle. I give up. JJ wins."
"He doesn't win if you don't let him."
"Jeremy, you always side with him. You saw what he was doing, but yet you blamed me. I'm tired Jeremy. I'm so damn tired. I'm tired of being hit and trying to protect the baby. I'm tired of trying to get you to notice there are other people in this house besides JJ. Jessie and Jennie don't understand what's happening. All they know is their Daddy doesn't ever spend time with them anymore. He doesn't play with them or love on them anymore." She snaps her bag shut.
"Candy, please stay. I promise I won't let him touch you ever again. I'll protect you and the girls, Molly and the baby."
"How? How are you going to do that? He's always on his best behavior when you're around. As soon as you leave for work, he'll be the little. . . oh forget it. There's no way you can protect us and I won't have my children in harms way any longer."
"Can you at least wait until tomorrow? Stay tonight and we'll talk this out. We'll come up with a plan. Please Candy! I'm begging you to stay. Give me a chance to fix this."
Candy closes her eyes and begins to bite her bottom lip. She looks Jeremy in the eyes and says, "I hope I won't regret this, but all right, I'll stay for tonight. But Jeremy I'm serious. If we can't, if you can't come up with a way to control him, then we're leaving."
He wraps his arms around Candy. "Thank you. I'm so sorry about everything. We'll get this worked out, I promise. I can't lose you and the girls."
"Jeremy, I feel like I've already lost you. I want you back. I want our family back," Candy says with tears rolling down her face.
"I'm sorry. I want that too. I got sidetracked, but I'm here now and I'm not going anywhere." He places his lips on hers.
Candy puts her arms around his neck. "I've missed you, Jeremy."
"I've missed you, too." After another kiss Jeremy says, "I know you're tired. Why don't you get ready for bed."
"Jeremy, you haven't eaten supper yet. You have to be starving. You haven't had anything since lunch time. I'll go down and fix you a plate."
"Oh, no you won't. You're going to lay down and rest. . ."
"But I have to get the girls ready for bed," Candy protests.
"No, you don't. I'm going to get them ready and send them in here to tell you goodnight. I'll tuck them in and spend a little bit of time with them. I want to reassure them that their Daddy loves them. I've neglected them for too long."
"Well, they have missed you. Jeremy, they need their Daddy."
"I need them too. I have a lot to make up for." He kisses her. "I'll be back shortly."
Candy lays down on the bed. Soon the door opens and Jessie and Jennie in their nightgowns, run in and jump on the bed. Jeremy stands in the doorway watching with tears in his eyes. "Mommy, Daddy is going to tell us a story," Jessie says happily. "Goodnight Mommy! Love you!"
"I love you too Jessie. Goodnight. Goodnight Jennie. Mommy loves her baby girl," Candy says before giving them a hug and a kiss.
Jennie says, "I love you Mommy. Goodnight." They jump down and run to Jeremy.
"Don't forget to say your prayers!" Candy shouts as they pull Jeremy from the room and into their room.
A little while later, Candy goes downstairs to fix her and Jeremy a plate of leftovers from supper and puts them in the warmer. She goes out on the porch to sit in the swing and watch the stars while she waits for Jeremy. Finally, he emerges from the house.
"There you are. I was getting worried when I couldn't find you." He comes over and sits in the swing beside Candy. "I thought you were going to get ready for bed."
"I had to fix us some supper. I couldn't very well let you go to bed hungry. Come on it's in the warmer," she tells him as she takes his hand.
As they eat, Jeremy tells her about his talk with the girls. "They forgive me, Candy. They were so loving. How could I neglect them like I did?"
"Jeremy, they love you. Of course they're going to forgive you. Just please don't ever hurt them like that again.
"I won't. Candy I talked to JJ too. I told him that what he did was wrong and he wasn't ever to lay a hand on you, Jessie, Jennie, or Molly. I told him he needed to think about what he's done and how he's going to fix it. And that we were going to have a serious talk tomorrow."
"Jeremy, he's only five years old. Do you really think he can figure out how to fix it?"
"Maybe not, but at least he'll be thinking about his actions. He seemed pretty upset when we were talking."
"I bet he was. The one person he had wrapped around his finger, is upset with him. He's not going to like changes. He's use to getting his way with you."
"I know, but he'll see that I mean business. His behavior can't go on like it has."
Candy washes up the few dishes they used while Jeremy dries them. Then they go upstairs to get ready for bed. Jeremy helps Candy undress and puts a salve on her bruises. As they get in bed Jeremy holds her. "Candy, we're going to see Allyn first thing in the morning. You get some rest and I'll be here if you need anything."
"Thank you, Jeremy. I just need you to hold me for now." She gives him a big smile. "Oh Jeremy," she says as she takes his hand and places it on her stomach. "Do you feel that? The baby's kicking."
A big grin covers Jeremy's face. "I feel it. It's strong kicks too. That's my boy! Uh, or girl! But with a kick that strong, I don't think it's a girl," he laughs.
"Goodnight Jeremy. I love you."
Jeremy gives her a soft kiss. "Goodnight Sweetheart. I love you. I love you so much." He holds her until they both fall asleep.
The next morning after breakfast is over, Jeremy has Chris take JJ fishing and has Molly watch the girls while he takes Candy to see Allyn. She makes him sit in the waiting area for it seems like forever to him. Opening the door, she beckons for Jeremy to come in.
"How is Candy and the baby?" Jeremy asks.
"They're both going to be fine. Now, Jeremy about those bruises. . ." she begins.
"I know Allyn. I swear I didn't do that to her."
"I know, Jeremy. I knew it was JJ as soon as I saw them. I think Jason said he tried to warn you the day he brought JJ home to you. But of course as stubborn as you are at times, you wouldn't listen," she laughs.
"I know. Candy tells me it runs in the Bolt family. Candy tried to tell me what was happening, but I didn't want to hear it. If I'd only listened to her she wouldn't have suffered."
"There's no sense in beating yourself up over it," Allyn says. "The question now is, what are you going to do about it? Jeremy, JJ needs help. He has been allowed to call the shots for too long. Ashley said she let him do and act however he wanted because she wanted to please him since she was going to be leaving him."
"I know how she felt. I wanted to please him too and show him there was someone here that still loved him. I guess I went overboard because I felt sorry for him. I feel like I've let him down for not being there for him from the beginning and I need to make it up to him."
"It's not your fault. Jeremy, JJ needs a normal routine. He needs to feel like part of the family. Give him some chores to do. Talk to him and reassure him that you love him, but from now on he has to change his attitude towards girls. It's all right for him to love girls. They're not all going to leave him. I think that's what this is all about. He's afraid of getting close to another woman because he thinks they're going to leave him too." Allyn pats Jeremy on the shoulder. "You're going to have to get strict with him. He can have no more temper tantrums or hitting."
"I know. But I'll do it. I can't let him treat Candy like that ever again."
"Jeremy, I'm not a psychiatrist, but if you think me talking to him would help, then I'll do my best."
"Thanks Allyn, but frankly I don't know what will work. Let me talk to him first. If that doesn't work then you can try talking to him." He hesitates. "I, uh, I have a question about me and Candy." He looks at Candy with so much love in his eyes as he takes her hand. "How much longer can we still be . . .uh you know, uh, intimate?" he says as his face turns beet red.
"Well, I'd say maybe another two weeks. This baby could come early since this isn't a first pregnancy." She hands Jeremy a jar of cream. "Here. Apply this to Candy's bruises twice a day. It should help them disappear quicker and take some of the soreness out. Let me know if you need anything else."
Candy walks up to Allyn and gives her a hug. "Thanks for everything, Allyn. You'll have to come over soon for supper."
"Now Candy, you need to be taking it easy instead of planning supper parties," Allyn laughs. "Good luck with JJ."
As they leave the clinic Jeremy asks Candy if she feels like going to Ben's store. "I want to buy the girls a treat. Maybe a piece of candy."
"Jeremy, you don't need to do that."
"I know I don't need to, but I want to. I've neglected them and I want to show them how special they are to me."
Candy kisses his cheek. "You're pretty special to them too. What about JJ? Are you going to buy him some candy too?"
"I wasn't planning on it. Do you think I should?"
"Well, if you don't, he may feel left out and resent the girls. He'll think you're mad at him."
"I am mad at him. And I'm disappointed in him too," Jeremy states.
"I know you are, but Jeremy please don't tell him you're disappointed in him. That may set him off again. Go ahead and buy him some candy. It may help with your talk."
"All right. Come on, you can help me pick out some candy for all our children." He takes her hand and they walk to the store for the treats.
While Candy fixes lunch, Jeremy plays with his three children in the yard giving them horseback rides on his back. Candy watches them for a moment as she goes to call them in for lunch and wonders why it can't always be this nice with everyone getting along and having fun.
After lunch, Jeremy takes Candy's hand and leads her outside. "I guess I've put this off as long as I can. My talk with JJ, I mean. Wish me luck," he says as he wraps his arms around her waist.
She puts her arms around his neck and gives him a little peck on his lips. "I do wish you luck. I know it's not something you look forward to. I only hope he doesn't hate me more than he already does."
"I don't know exactly what I'm going to say to him, but I hope and pray that I can get through to him."
"Me too. I hope you don't back down when he starts crying. And you know he will. He'll probably pull at your heart strings and make you feel sorry for him."
"I know he will. I won't back down, I promise. I love you, Candy."
"I love you, too." They have a tender kiss, then Jeremy goes to the door and yells for JJ. "Jeremy, remember my bags are still packed. If this doesn't work, I'm gone."
Jeremy says, "It'll work. It has too. I'm not about to lose you and the girls."
JJ comes running out onto the porch and collides with Jeremy. "Slow down JJ. Let's me and you take a little walk."
"Okay, Daddy. Just me and you?" he asks excitedly.
"Yeah, just me and you. Come on." Jeremy kisses Candy's cheek as he and JJ walk off the porch.
Candy watches them as they go up Bridal Veil Mountain. "I love you, Jeremy Bolt," she whispers.
As they come to a small clearing close to the camp, Jeremy tells JJ to have a seat on a large log. Jeremy sits down next to him. "JJ, I guess you know why we're here, don't you?"
"No, Daddy. Why?" JJ answers.
"Remember last night I told you we were going to have a serious talk about your behavior. Well, I want to know why you hate Candy? What has she ever done to make you treat her like you do?"
"I don't know," he shrugs.
"JJ, that's not an answer. I want you to tell me why you hate her."
"I guess because she's not Mama. Daddy, are you mad at me?" JJ asks as he starts crying.
"Maybe upset is a better word. JJ, I'm very upset about your behavior and what you've been doing to Candy."
"You don't want me. I don't have a Mama and now I don't have a Daddy," JJ cries.
"That's not true. You still have me. I'm not leaving you. Listen, JJ, I'm sorry your Mama had to go away. But she wanted you to have a happy life with me and Candy. Didn't she tell you that?"
"Yeah, she told me." JJ sniffs and rubs his eyes with his shirt sleeves.
"Okay, so if she told you that, why won't you give Candy a chance to be like a Mama to you. She doesn't want to take your Mama's place. Nobody can ever take her place. She's still with you in here," he says as he puts his hand over JJ's heart.
"Mama's in here?" JJ says as he puts his hand over Jeremy's hand which is still over JJ's heart.
"Yes, she is. She'll always be there for you. I know your Mama wanted you and Candy to love each other. She told me so. She wanted us all to be a family. Do you want to be part of our family?"
JJ shrugs his shoulders. "I don't know. I guess so."
"Look, I love you, but I love Candy, Jessie, and Jennie too. They're my family and I'll never give them up. We all want you to be a part of our family. But this hatred you have against Candy and the girls has to stop. You can't continue to hit them. Candy is going to have a baby soon. You hitting her is dangerous. What if you had hit the baby with that rolling pin instead of Candy's back? It would have really hurt our baby and JJ that would have hurt me. I want, no Candy and I want this baby so much. We want to give you a little baby sister or brother. Wouldn't you like to have a baby sister or brother?"
"I guess so, but I really want a puppy."
Jeremy chuckles and shakes his head. "I guess you really are my son. You sound just like Jennie. She wants a puppy too."
"Can we get a puppy, Daddy?" JJ asks brightly.
"Uh, wait a minute. We're getting off topic here. We'll talk about a puppy some other time. Right now we're talking about you and Candy. JJ, it's all right to love girls. Just because your Mama is gone, that doesn't mean that all girls are going to leave you. My own Mama left me when I was about your age. I didn't have a girl to love until Lottie stepped in and helped take care of me. She's like my Mama and I love her dearly. Just because I love Lottie doesn't mean I don't still love my Mama. I'll always love Mama and she is right here with me always," Jeremy says as he puts his hand over his heart. "Then I met Candy and I fell in love with her. Candy's a beautiful loving woman who is also a wonderful Mommy. She isn't going anywhere and she just wants the chance to love you and to be loved by you. Do you think you can give Candy a chance?"
"I'll try," JJ replies meekly.
"Now JJ, that means when she tells you to do something, you can't get mad and yell at her or start hitting, kicking, or biting her. You need to do what she says. Understand?" JJ nods his head. "Good. That also means you can't do any of those things to Jessie, Jennie, and Molly either. Girls are not to be hit. We boys do not hit girls under any circumstances. Understand?" JJ nods his head again. Jeremy puts his arm around JJ's shoulder. "What do you think you should do to make up with Candy? You hurt her very badly."
"I don't know. What do you want me to do?"
"I'm not going to tell you what to do. This has to be your decision. I want you to sit and think about it for awhile." Jeremy stands and walks over to look at his majestic mountain. He says a silent prayer that JJ will really try to get along with Candy and the girls.
"Daddy? I think I know what I can do," JJ says in a low voice.
Turning towards JJ, Jeremy says, "All right. What did you decide?"
"I could say I'm sorry."
"Well, that's a start. Anything else?"
"Uh, I won't do it again? Is that okay?"
"Yes, that's okay. Can you think of anything else?"
"I guess I could hug her."
"JJ, I think Candy would love a hug from you." He goes over and picks JJ up and holds him. "Thank you. I know it's hard for you right now, but believe me it will get better. It'll get better for all of us. I love you, JJ." He kisses JJ on the cheek and sets him down. "Come on, let's go home."
Jeremy enters the kitchen, takes Candy in his arms, and gives her a tender kiss. "There's someone waiting to talk to you in the parlor."
"All right," she says as she starts for the parlor. "Aren't you coming?"
"No, this is between you and JJ." Candy looks apprehensive. "Don't worry. It'll be all right, I promise."
"Jeremy? I don . . ."
"Candy, I'll be right here. If he starts anything I'll be in there in a flash. But I honestly think you'll be safe." He kisses her fingertips.
Candy gives him an uneasy smile and goes into the parlor where she finds JJ sitting on the settee waiting for her. She sits beside him and says, "Your Daddy said you wanted to speak to me."
"Yeah, I guess."
Candy waits patiently for JJ to say something. "Did you and your Daddy have a nice walk?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"What did you do? Just walk?"
"We sat on a log and talked," JJ said fidgeting.
"Oh I see. Do you want to talk about it?"
Shaking his head he says, "I don't think so."
"Well, if you don't want to talk, that's okay. I'll just go back to the kitchen and finish making supper." She starts to get up.
"Wait!" He runs over to the desk in the room and brings back a bouquet of wild flowers handing them to Candy. "These are for you."
Candy takes and smells them. "Why thank you, JJ. They're lovely. Did your Daddy pick these?"
"No, I picked them. Daddy wouldn't help me."
"I'm going to put these in a vase and set them on the table. We can enjoy them as we eat supper." She stands and starts for the door.
"Candy, I'm sorry and I won't do it again. I promise," he says crying.
Candy turns and looks at JJ and her heart melts. He looks so much like Jeremy. "Oh JJ." She walks to him and kneels in front of him. "I accept your apology. Don't cry. Everything will be okay. I hope we can be friends now. Will you be my friend?"
JJ nods and they hug each other. When she tries to stand, she can't get up. "Oh my, I think I'm going to need some help." She tries again. "Jeremy! I need some help!"
Jeremy runs into the room expecting to see JJ attacking Candy, but instead sees JJ trying to help Candy get up. He starts laughing. "This is a picture I wasn't expecting."
"Jeremy Bolt, are you going to help me up or are you going to stand there laughing like a hyena?"
"I'm sorry, Candy. Of course I'm going to help you up," he answers while still laughing. He helps Candy to her feet. "How is everything?" he asks looking back and forth between Candy and JJ.
Candy and JJ smile at each other. "Well, I think I just made a new friend. A special new friend." JJ smiles real big and Candy gasps. She rubs his cheek. "JJ, you do have your Daddy's beautiful smile. That smile can melt mountains." She kisses the top of JJ's head and Jeremy's cheek and goes into the kitchen to put her flowers in a vase. Then she sings a little song as she finishes supper.
Jeremy sits propped up in bed watching Candy brush her hair. "Candy, are you about done with that? I mean how many. . ."
"Jeremy, for goodness sake. We've been married for over six years and you've watched me do this every night. What is so different about tonight? Why are you rushing me?" Candy asks.
"Well Mrs. Bolt, if you would ever get over here I'll show you why I've been impatient," he chuckles.
Candy lays the hairbrush down and walks over to the bed. She gets half way in the bed and then stops, "Wait, I think I hear the girls. I better go check," she says as she starts to get up.
Jeremy grabs her arm and pulls her down in the bed next to him. "Oh no, you don't. I didn't hear anything," he tells her as he wraps his arms around her.
"I know. I didn't either. I was just teasing you," she giggles.
He laughs and gives her a kiss on her cheek. He runs his fingers through her hair and his mood gets serious. "Candy, thank you for giving us another chance. I honestly don't know what I would do if you ever left me."
"Well Mr. Bolt, I'm glad we didn't have to find out." She places her hand on the side of his face and rubs his cheek. "Jeremy, I hope you know I didn't want to leave you, but I felt I had to go to protect our baby. I couldn't let anything happen to this precious little one. I don't think I could go through losing another child."
"I know. I understand. I never want to go through that again either." He pauses for a few seconds. "Candy, do you think you and JJ are really all right now? Do you feel safe enough being here with him and me being at work? I don't want to leave you if you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable being alone with him."
"I don't know what you said to him, but it seems to have worked. I think we'll be fine. Did you see how attentive he was to me after supper when we all talked and we gave them the chores they were going to be responsible for? He acted better than our girls," she laughs.
"To tell you the truth, I can't remember everything I did say to him. I do know I told him about losing my Mama when I was about his age and Lottie stepping in to care for me. And how I thought of her as my Mama, but my real Mama was still with me in here," he says as he puts his hand over his heart. "I think that's what worked. I told him his Mama was with him in his heart too."
Tears fill Candy's eyes. "Oh Jeremy. That was beautiful."
"I also told him about later meeting a beautiful girl that I fell in love with."
"Oh really? And who was that?" she teases.
"Aww, just some girl I met in New Bedford. You may know her. I think her name was Edith or was it Lizzie? I really can't remember," he laughs.
"Jeremy Bolt!"
"Her name was Miss Candy Pruitt. I'll never forget her. Never again." He draws her close and kisses her passionately.
"You better not," she says as she returns his kiss.
"Candy, do you feel like being with me tonight? Making love I mean. I don't want to start something if you don't feel up to it. I. . ."
"Are you sure you want to? Jeremy, I'm big as a barn and I know I'm not exactly attractive now. "
"What are you talking about?"
"Well Jeremy, it's been so long since we've been together that I thought maybe me being so big was turning you off."
"No, Candy you're beautiful. You'll always be the most beautiful girl in the world to me. I want you Candy. I want you so badly. But like I said if you'd rather not then we won't. We'll just lay here and hold each other."
"Jeremy, are you finished?"
"Yes."
"Good. I want you too. Now shut up and make love to this barn," she giggles as she pulls him closer to her and they become lost in each other.
The next two weeks pass with much peace and joy at the Bolt house. Candy and JJ are getting closer each day. Jeremy has no qualms about leaving the two of them together.
One morning after Jeremy has left for work and Molly has gone to the library to help Biddie, Christopher is laying around the house bored to death. He usually goes with Jeremy to the camp, but since it is so close to the baby's due date, Jeremy decides that Molly and Christopher will take turns staying at home just in case Candy needs them. Today just happens to be Chris's turn.
"Christopher for heaven's sake, you've been moping around here all morning. Would you please find something to do? Go fishing or something. You sitting around sighing every two seconds is getting on my nerves," Candy tells him.
"I can't. Jeremy will be mad if I leave the house."
"Well, why don't you go pick me some berries and I'll make a pie for supper. You'll be close by, but at least out of the house for awhile. Jeremy can't get mad if you're out in the backyard picking berries."
"Aww, I guess that's better than doing nothin'," Chris whines.
"Candy, can I go with Chris to pick berries?" JJ asks.
"Why that's a good idea, JJ. Maybe you can make Chris pick faster than he usually does," she laughs.
JJ beams. "Come on Chris. Let's get the baskets and go pick berries. Bet I can pick more than you."
Candy watches them go out the backdoor before she goes upstairs to check on the girls. "Jessie, Jennie, the boys are picking some berries for me to make a pie for supper. Would you two like to help me? I'll be making your Daddy's favorite."
"Yum, strawberry pie!" Jessie says excitedly.
"Yes, Mommy!" Jennie squeals.
"You keep playing and I'll let you know when I'm ready to start. I'm going to get your laundry and take downstairs," she says as she grabs the laundry basket from the closet. She adds a few more items to the basket and heads downstairs.
As Candy gets a little over half way down the stairs, she trips and falls down the stairs letting out a panicked scream, "Aaah! Oh no! Help!"
Jessie and Jennie run out of the room and sees their Mommy laying at the bottom of the stairs. They go down and sit beside her as Jessie cries, "Mommy! Mommy!"
Candy lays there and moans. She tries to focus but everything is blurry. All she manages to whisper is, "Help. Jeremy."
Jessie and Jennie are crying and patting Candy's face. "Mommy! Mommy!" they continue to say. Jessie runs to the backdoor and screams for Chris and JJ. They know something bad has happened and they take off running into the house.
Seeing Candy, Chris tries to talk to her, but she doesn't respond. "JJ, you run to the camp and get Jeremy and I'm going to town to get Dr. Wright. Jessie, you and Jennie stay with Candy. Keep trying to talk to her. We'll be back as fast as we can. Go JJ! Hurry!" Chris and JJ run as fast as their legs will let them.
When JJ gets to the camp he sees his Daddy and his uncles sitting under the open tent looking over some maps. "Daddy! . . .Daddy!. . . Help!" JJ cries out of breath.
Jeremy jumps up and grabs JJ. "What are you doing up here? It's too dan. . ."
"Daddy. . . Mommy's. . .dead," JJ cries almost hysterically.
Jason and Josh come beside them while the other men gather close by.
Jeremy with a puzzled look on his face asks, "What are you talking about?"
"Mommy's. . . dead. Mommy's dead. She fell . . .and she won't wake up."
Jeremy looks terrified. "Candy? You mean Candy?" JJ nods his head. He grabs JJ and practically throws him in the buckboard as Jason and Josh climb on board with Jeremy.
"Corky, you're in charge," Jason yells as the buckboard flies down the mountain to Jeremy's home.
Running inside, Jeremy sees Candy laying there on her side unconscious with his girls holding her hands and crying. Stooping next to her he tries to talk to her and wake her up. "Candy! Candy! Can you hear me?" He checks to be sure she is breathing. "Thank God, she's alive."
Allyn and Chris run in and Allyn takes charge. "Everyone move back and give us some room." She takes her stethoscope and listens for a heartbeat, then moves it down to the baby and listens again. "We need to get her upstairs."
Jeremy lifts her up in his arms, but struggles to get up the stairs. Jason takes Candy from Jeremy and carries her to her bed. Jeremy rushes in right behind them and takes Candy's hand as he kneels by the bed in a panic. "Candy. Candy. I'm here Sweetheart. Please wake up," he pleads as tears fall steadily. Looking at Allyn he asks, "Why won't she wake up? Allyn, do something. The baby? Is the baby all right?"
"Jeremy, I need you to step outside while I do an exam on Candy and the baby."
"No! No, I'm not leaving her! I can't! Please Allyn!" he lays his head down on the bed and cries while grasping Candy's hand.
Allyn looks at Jason and motions for him to get Jeremy to leave. Jason stoops down beside Jeremy and puts his hand on Jeremy's shoulder. "Jeremy, let's go out in the hall while Allyn examines Candy. Come on, we're in Allyn's way. She'll let you know as soon as she's finished and you can come back in."
"I can't leave her, Jason. What if. . .what if. . ." he sobs.
"Jeremy, I promise I won't take long. If you want to help Candy, then go outside for a little while," Allyn says.
Jeremy kisses Candy's hand before laying it gently on the bed. He gets up and bends over giving her a kiss on her lips. "Candy, I love you. Please Candy, please wake up." Jason places his hand on Jeremy's back and walks with him out of the room.
Josh is waiting for them in the hallway. "How's Candy and the baby?" he asks.
Jason answers, "We don't know anything yet. Allyn's getting ready to examine them now."
Josh says, "Jeremy, you have three little children scared to death downstairs. They don't know what to think."
"I can't help them right now. I can't . . .," Jeremy cries.
Lottie and Biddie come running up the stairs and go straight into the bedroom shutting the door in Jeremy's face as he starts to follow them. He leans his head on the door and cries silently.
Jason asks Josh, "Where are the children?"
"Jessie and Jennie are with Chris. He's trying to console them. JJ is sitting in a corner by himself crying. I tried to talk to him, but he keeps saying, well. . . he's saying what he said at camp."
Jeremy turns towards them and angrily says, "She's not dead! I don't want to hear that kind of talk!"
"I'm sorry Jeremy, but JJ thinks she is. He thinks this is the second Mama that has left him. Why don't you go down and talk to him? He needs you right now. All three of them need you," Josh says.
Jeremy shakes his head. "I c-c-can't. Candy needs me. Would you two go talk to them? I just can't. Not yet."
"Sure Jeremy. If you hear anything, let us know," Jason tells him.
Jeremy goes back to the door and puts his hand on the doorknob, then takes it off. "What is taking so long?" he whispers.
The door opens and Allyn comes out shutting the door before Jeremy can get in the room. "How is she? Is she awake? Can I see her?" Jeremy asks.
"Candy is stable. She has a sprained ankle and wrist, some bruises, a big knot on her head, and a possible concussion. She's lucky that's all that happened. She'll be extremely sore for a few days. Jeremy, what happened? Did JJ do this?"
Shaking his head Jeremy says, "No. At least I don't think he did. Candy and JJ are getting so close now. I'm sure he didn't do this. He couldn't have. Oh God, I hope he didn't."
"Well, maybe Candy can tell us once she wakes up," Allyn says. "I'm really surprised she hasn't gone into labor. Come on, let's go see if she's awake yet. I think she would like you to be the first person she sees when she wakes up."
Jeremy rushes into the room and sits on the edge of the bed taking Candy's hand in his. He brushes her hair back from her face with his hand. "Candy? Candy, it's time to wake up Sweetheart. Candy?"
Candy moans and moves her head from side to side. Opening her eyes just a little, she tries to focus. "Jeremy," she slowly says in a whisper.
"I'm here Candy. Come on Candy, wake up," he says lovingly.
Candy manages to get her eyes open and sees Jeremy as a small smile breaks out on her face. "Jeremy? Jeremy, what happened?" she whispers.
Jeremy gives her that big smile she loves and says, "I don't exactly know what happened. All I know is you're awake and I've never been happier to see you. I love you, Candy," he says as he kisses her hand over and over.
"I love you, too," she whispers. Looking around she sees Allyn, Lottie, and Biddie. A frightened look covers her face and she asks, "Jeremy, what's going on? Why are they here?"
"It's all right, Candy. You fell down the stairs and you've been unconscious. Chris went to get Allyn," Jeremy tells her.
Placing her hand over her stomach, she asks, "Is it the baby? Allyn, is our baby all right?"
"The baby's fine. As I told Jeremy a little while ago, I'm surprised you haven't gone into labor yet. This baby must have both Bolt and Pruitt stubbornness. Lord, help you both," she laughs.
"Candy, do you remember anything about what happened? Did JJ do this to you?" Jeremy asks as he squeezes her hand.
Candy thinks for a second and says, "JJ? No Jeremy, JJ didn't do anything." Jeremy lets out a sigh of relief. "JJ and Christopher were outside picking berries. I was going to bake you a pie for supper. Sorry, I don't think you'll get your pie tonight."
Jeremy chuckles, "While I love your pies, I love you more. I'm just glad that you're all right." He kisses her fingertips. "So what happened?"
Candy takes a deep breath. "I was coming down the stairs with the laundry basket and I just tripped over my own two feet. I'm so big and clumsy, I guess."
"That settles it. You're not to carry anything up or down those stairs again. Do you hear me?" Jeremy asks.
Before Candy can answer, Allyn interjects, "Well, I'm going to go farther than that. Candy, I want you to stay in this bed until the baby is born."
"Why? I need to take care of my family and I can't do that from this bed," Candy protests.
"Yes, you will. It should be only a few more days. A week at the most. Besides you have a badly sprained ankle that you have to stay off of," Allyn replies.
Candy looks at Jeremy. "Jeremy, help me out here. Tell her I can't lay in this bed that long. The children haven't even had lunch yet. I need t. . ."
"What you need to do Mrs. Bolt is lay here and listen to your Doctor. I'll get the children fed, don't worry," Jeremy tells her.
Lottie speaks up, "Biddie, let's me and you go downstairs and fix lunch for everyone. Now see Candy, those younguns' aren't going to go hungry." She laughs as she scoots Biddie out the door.
Jeremy tells Allyn, " Don't worry Allyn, Candy will stay in this bed even if I have to tie her in it." He brushes Candy's hair out of her face and let's his hand linger on her cheek. "Uh Allyn, would it be all right if the children come up to see Candy? The last I heard was they are scared to death of what happened. Especially JJ. When JJ came up to the camp to get me, he was frantic. He said Mommy's dead. . ."
"Wait! JJ went to the camp all by himself?" Candy asked. "He called me Mommy? Oh the poor child, he thought I was dead? Jeremy, I need to see the children. They need to see that I'm alive and all right. Bring them up here to me. Now!"
"Allyn? This is your call," Jeremy tells her.
"I think it'll do all of you some good to see each other." Gathering her things, Allyn says, "I'll send them up. Candy, I'll come by and check on you tomorrow. Be a good girl and get some rest. Oh, and keep some cold compresses on that ankle and wrist."
"I will, I promise. Thanks Allyn." Candy shakes her head and says, "Jeremy, I can't believe JJ called me Mommy. Are you sure that's what he said?"
"Yep, that's what he said. I think you won the battle, Candy. See what happens when you don't give up. I love you, Candy Bolt."
"I love you too, Jeremy Bolt." After they share a long tender kiss Candy asks, "Jeremy, you told Allyn that you'd tie me to the bed if you had to, did you mean that?"
Jeremy laughs and answers, "Only if I could have my way with you, which I can't right now. Maybe I'll keep that in mind for when we're allowed to make love again. Should make for some interesting sex, don't you think?"
"Jeremy Bolt! I can't believe you said that." She giggles and then whispers, " Do you have enough rope?"
2 Months Later
Jeremy is downstairs getting his supplies ready and talking to Jason and Joshua about the fishing trip they are going on along with Chris and JJ. It is going to be an all day trip just for the men to get away together.
Candy comes running into the room twirling around and says happily, "Look Jeremy! It fits!" She stops dead in her tracks when she sees Jason and Joshua.
"It sure does," Josh says as his eyes bulge out.
Jeremy looks at his brothers and sees their eyes popping out of their heads with their mouths gaping open. He rushes over and stands in front of Candy so she can't be seen. "Candy, what do you think you're doing?"
Embarrassed, Candy whispers, "Well, I just wanted to show you that I can now fit in your favorite dress again. I'm now the same size I was when I first came here from New Bedford, you know when we first met." Tears fill her eyes. "Jeremy, I'm sorry. I didn't know they were already here."
Jeremy looks at his brothers again. "Uh, you two can stop ogling my wife now."
"Um, sorry Jeremy. Sorry, Candy. We'll just, uh, wait out on the porch," Jason replies.
Jeremy waits until they are outside before he says to his wife, "Candy, you may be able to get this dress on again, but you're definitely not the same size you were then. Uh, not everywhere at least."
"I know that, Jeremy. I can't help it that my latest pregnancy made my breast explode in size." She giggles, "I thought you would be happy about that. Instead, you make me feel like you're embarrassed by them and I should be ashamed of them."
Jeremy puts his hands on her shoulders. "I'm not trying to make you ashamed. You know how much I love your breasts," he smiles and slides his arms around her holding her tight. "It's just that I don't want other men, including my brothers to look at you like they were doing."
"Well, I wasn't planning on wearing it out in public, I just wanted to wear it for you. But if it gets you this worked up and jealous, maybe I will wear it to town," she giggles.
"Oh no, you won't! Wait right here," he says as he moves to the door and tells his brothers, "Why don't you go ahead and take Chris and JJ to the lake and I'll be along shortly. I need to talk to Candy before I leave."
Josh snickers, "Oh, is that what you call it now?"
Jeremy says sternly, "Josh!"
Josh says, "I'm sorry, Jeremy. I just couldn't help myself. Tell Candy she looks lovely in that dress. What there was of it," he laughs.
Jeremy steps up in front of Josh. "That's my wife you're talking so rudely about. I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your comments to yourself." With that he turns to Jason, "Maybe I shouldn't go on this trip. I might be tempted to drown my own brother."
"Don't pay him any attention, Jeremy. You know how Josh is. He's just jealous that you have a beautiful wife and he doesn't. Take your time and we'll see you later at the lake," Jason says. They call for Chris and JJ to come help load the wagon and Jeremy watches them head for the lake.
Jeremy goes back inside, but Candy has already gone back upstairs. The bedroom door is ajar so he quietly opens it and stands in the doorway admiring the scene before him. Candy is sitting in the rocker cradling their son Jamie while feeding him and singing a sweet lullaby to him. He watches as she places him up on her shoulder to burp him. When Jamie accomplishes his task Jeremy says, "That's my boy!" as he walks inside and lifts him from Candy's arms. He whispers in Jamie's ear, "I hope you left your Daddy some."
Candy rolls her eyes. "Jeremy Bolt, really!" she says shaking her head. Pulling her dress back up to cover her breast she adds, "I thought you left to go fishing."
"No, I sent everyone else on to the lake. I'll join them later," he says as he holds his son and kisses him gently. "Candy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you downstairs earlier."
"Jeremy, you didn't embarrass me. I embarrassed myself. What your brothers must think of me now!"
"I'll tell you what they think. They think their little brother is one lucky man to have the most beautiful woman in Seattle for his wife. Not only is she beautiful, but she's a loving mother to all our children, she has a heart of gold, she's sexy as all get-out, and her husband absolutely adores her."
"My goodness, Mr. Bolt. You sure know how to flatter a girl," she giggles as she uses her hand to fan herself.
"Wait right there. Don't move," he tells her as he picks up three diapers and goes to the door to yell for Molly.
Molly comes running and meets Jeremy with Jamie at the door. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just need you to tend to Jamie while I have a talk with Candy," he says as he places Jamie in her arms.
"Sure Jeremy. Is that what you're calling it now?"
"Shut-up Molly," Jeremy replies with a sneer. "What is it with everybody trying to be a comedian? Can't a man talk to his wife without these kind of comments being made?"
"Face it Jeremy! We can all read you like a book. We know when you want to just talk to Candy and when you have something else in mind." She sees Jeremy's face turn red and she grins, "Am I embarrassing you, Jeremy? Good! That's what I'm here for!" She laughs and takes Jamie downstairs.
Jeremy shuts and locks the door. He turns towards Candy, "You need to have a talk with your sister. She's getting too smart for her britches," he laughs.
"Well, I hate to tell you this, but she learned most of it from you," Candy answers.
Jeremy walks over to her and takes her hands in his and pulls her up from the rocker. "Enough about your sister. I want to talk about us."
"What about us? I thought we were fine. Is something wrong? Jeremy, I said I was sorry."
Leading her over to the bed, Jeremy starts unbuttoning her dress and lets it fall to the floor. "Nothings wrong. I just thought maybe I needed to show you how much I love you," he whispers in her ear, "and your big breasts."
Candy laughs, "So Molly was right. You do have something besides talking on your mind."
Hurriedly Jeremy takes his clothes off and pulls Candy down on the bed with him. "Candy, you know this is always on my mind. All I have to do is look at you and I'm ready," he says as he starts kissing her lips then moves down to her neck.
"I feel the same way about you," she whispers. "Oh, Jeremy."
"Oh, Candy," he whispers. And. . . . .
A few weeks later there is a tragic accident at the camp. One of the loggers is topping a tall tree when his strap breaks, plummeting him to the ground to his death. All of Seattle is devastated, but Jeremy is taking the accident the hardest. He is especially quiet and just wants to be by himself most of the time. He has taken some days off from work at Jason's insistence because he is so distracted and Jason is afraid he will be hurt or cause someone else to be hurt. Candy is really worried about him.
One night after putting the children to bed, she walks out on the front porch to find Jeremy sitting on the steps with his arms folded across his knees and his head resting on his arms. Candy sits down beside him and asks, "Do you mind if I join you?"
Without looking at her he says, "I'm not much company tonight."
"That's all right. I just want to be with you. Jeremy, I've missed you."
Jeremy raises his head and looks at her, taking her hand in his. "I'm sorry, Candy. I've just had a lot of things on my mind."
"I know you have. Would you please talk to me about it? Jeremy, please don't keep your feelings to yourself. I want to help you if I can."
He squeezes her hand before raising it to his lips where he kisses her fingertips. "I don't mean to do that. It's just hard to talk about. Ever since Jeff died, I can't shake this feeling that it could have been me. It should have been me, Candy. I was suppose to go up that tree, not Jeff. I don't know why he jumped the gun and went up the tree before I even got there. Now Betty is left without her husband and their three little children are left without their Daddy."
"Oh Jeremy, don't blame yourself for this. I hate this happened to Jeff, but I'm also grateful that you were not the one to go up the tree," she says as tears start falling. "If . . . if. . ." she tries to say but can't get the words out.
Jeremy puts his arms around her and holds her tight. "Shh, don't cry. I'm here." After holding her until she calms down, Jeremy says, "Candy, we need to talk about what we can do to help Betty and the children. I'm going over there in the morning to see if she needs anything. When I was there right after Jeff passed, well, I saw that their house could use some fixing up. I thought I would take a good look around and see what I can do. You know, she has no family here and since it is kind of my fault that she's alone now, I feel like it's my responsibility."
Candy sits up straight as she places her hand on his cheek. "It is not your fault. Please stop saying that. Jeremy, you didn't tell Jeff to climb that tree. You didn't make that strap break. Please don't blame yourself."
"I can't help it, Candy. I keep thinking about if I had climbed that tree and fell to my death, what would you be going through right now. You and the children. I hope someone would be here helping you get through it."
"Jeremy, I understand all that. But why does it have to be just you? Why can't some of the other loggers pitch in and help. You haven't exactly been up to doing much of anything lately. Not at work or well, not, um, here at home either." She hesitates after seeing Jeremy's reaction. "I just don't want you spending all your time over there when we need you too. That's selfish I know, but I can't help it. That's how I feel."
"I don't plan on spending all my time over there," he snaps. "But this is something I have to do. I have to help make things right." He stands up and places his hands on his hips. "Look, I'm going to give Betty some money to help her out. She's going to need it. I hope you won't fight me on this."
Candy looks at him and seeing the determination on his face she says, "Well, not long ago you told me we were short on cash, so I've been watching what I buy. I guess I'll just have to pull those purse strings a little more tightly." She watches as he nods his head and goes inside. Oh Jeremy, she thinks to herself. I need you too. We all need you.
After at least a week of Jeremy going over and helping Betty, Candy goes into town to buy some supplies at Ben's. Ben is not very talkative like he usually is and barely looks at her. She notices people pointing at her and whispering, or at least she thinks they are. No, can't be. It's just my imagination. Candy buys her supplies and puts them in the wagon, then decides to drop in on Biddie. Biddie is surprised to see Candy when she enters the library.
"Hi, Biddie. Can you take a break so we can talk? We haven't seen each other in a while."
"Uh, sure Candy. Let's go over here where we can sit and talk," she says as she leads Candy over to a table. Sitting down, she says, "Now Candy. What do you want to talk about?"
Candy sees two women enter the library and notices that when the women see her, they whisper, turn and leave. "That right there," Candy answers. "Those two women. Why is everyone pointing at me and whispering?"
"How should I know?" Biddie asks while not looking at her and with a guilty look on her face.
"Biddie, you know something. Tell me. Did I do something wrong?"
"Well, Candy. I hate to be the one to tell you, but everyone is talking about Jeremy and Betty. You poor thing," she says and pats Candy on her hand.
Candy is blown away by Biddie's statement. "Jeremy and Betty? What about Jeremy and Betty?"
"Oh, how Jeremy goes over there every day and spends the whole day with her. How he plays with the children and they even went on a picnic together, all of them. Why it's like he's married to her and they're all one big happy family. Didn't you know any of this?"
Shaking her head no Candy says, "I don't believe it Biddie. Jeremy goes over there and works on fixing her house up. That's all."
"No, that's not all. They say the wife is always the last to know. I'm sorry, Candy."
Candy jumps up with tears in her eyes and runs out of the library. She climbs into the wagon and drives as fast as she can to her home. How could he do this to us? No wonder he's always so tired when he gets home. And here I thought he was tired from working on her house. I wonder what else he's working on. While he's out having fun with his second family, I have to do all the work around here and all our children are forgotten. Well, no more Jeremy Bolt. I'm going to see for myself what's going on.
Candy grabs a cherry pie that she had baked earlier that morning and walks it over to Betty's house. She sees Jeremy splitting wood and Betty bringing him a glass of lemonade. He stops and takes it from her. She places her hand on his cheek and let's it linger there. Jeremy backs up and drinks his lemonade. As he turns, he sees Candy standing there watching.
"Hi!" he calls out with a big smile. "I didn't know you were coming over."
Candy walks up to them. "Hi. Yes, I can tell my coming over is a big surprise," she says as she stares at Jeremy. "Uh Betty, I brought you and the children a pie."
Betty takes the pie and says, "Thank you, Candy. That was very kind of you." Looking at Jeremy she says, "We can have this for dessert with lunch, if you'll stay." She takes the pie into the house.
Jeremy doesn't say anything, so Candy asks, "Jeremy, how could you?"
"How could I what?"
"Oh, don't play innocent with me, Jeremy Bolt! I've heard from the good citizens of Seattle what the two of you have been doing. Enjoy my pie with your lunch! I'll have your bags packed waiting for you when you decide to come ho. . .to come get them." She turns to leave when Jeremy grabs her arm.
"Wait a minute, Candy! I don't know what you've been told, but it's obviously a lie. Nothing has been going on between me and Betty."
"Well, nothing has been going on between you and me either. Now I know why! Jeremy, how could you? You promised me you'd never che. . ." She stops as Betty comes back out. Candy looks at Jeremy with hurt in her teary eyes. Then she turns and hurries towards home.
"Candy! Candy!" Jeremy calls out to her as she continues on her way.
When Candy arrives home she goes upstairs and begins throwing Jeremy's clothes in a large carpetbag as tears fall freely. Jeremy walks into the bedroom and watches her. Candy lifts her head and sees Jeremy. "I'm about finished. I'll put the rest in a trunk and you can get it later whenever you have time." She snaps the bag shut and sits down in the rocker.
"You're really doing this? You're kicking me out?" Jeremy goes over and sits down on the bed. "Candy, I swear nothing has happened between Betty and me. I swear it on Jonnie's grave."
"Don't Jeremy. Don't you dare bring Jonnie into this." She wipes a tear from her cheek. "If nothing is going on why was she touching your face like she did? It sure didn't take her long to get over her husband and move on to mine."
"She hasn't moved on to me. Candy, who put these thoughts into your head? Biddie? I bet it was Biddie. Sounds like something she would do."
"Don't blame Biddie for this. I went into town today and I saw the poor pitiful me looks I got. I saw the pointing and the whispers. I just made Biddie tell me why everyone was treating me like I had the plague."
"Well, I don't know exactly what she told you but I'm positive none of it is true."
"Oh really? Let's see. Do you go over there and spend the entire day with her?"
With his head held low he whispers, "Yes."
"Jeremy, look me in the eyes when you answer and speak up please."
Jeremy raises his head and looks into Candy's beautiful blue eyes that are full of tears and contempt. "Yes. But I'm working on the house."
"Well, there's one true statement. Instead of working on the house all day long, do you play with her children?"
"Yes. But only when I take a break."
"There's two. Did you eat lunch with her and the children every day like a family would?"
Jeremy just stares into Candy's eyes not answering.
"I'm waiting Jeremy. Do you treat her and her children as your family while ignoring your own family? Did you all go on a picnic like a family? Did you hold her? Did you kiss her? What else did you do?" her voice gets louder and her crying gets heavier with each question.
Jeremy jumps up and kneels in front of the rocker. "Yes, to only one of those questions. I did go on a picnic with them." He takes her hands in his. "Candy, I would never cheat on you. I made you that promise and I have kept my word. I told her this morning that today would be my last day coming over and working. I'm going back to work at the camp tomorrow. I've already cleared it with Jason and Josh."
"Oh I see. So the wife is the last one to find out about this too."
"Candy, I'm sorry. I was going to tell you when I came home for lunch."
"Lunch? Jeremy, she plainly stated that you all would be eating my cherry pie for dessert."
"When I got there this morning, I told her that after I finished chopping wood, I'd be leaving. She tried to get me to say I would stay for lunch, but I told her I couldn't. I guess her saying what she did about the pie was just another attempt to get me to stay for lunch."
"Why? Why Jeremy? Why was today to be your last day there? Is it because you felt like the two of you were getting too close? Were you falling in love with her?"
He stands and walks over to the window looking out on the backyard and sees Jessie, Jennie, and JJ playing tag. He chuckles. "Come here Candy. Look at this." He holds his hand out for her.
Candy goes to the window and looks out, but crosses her arms instead of taking his hand. Seeing the children playing and having fun brings a smile to her face. "That's three of the reasons why I'm not going back. Another one is laying over there asleep, Jamie. But the main reason is you. I love you, Candy. I didn't realize what I was doing to us until I went into town this morning before I went over there. I went to see my brothers about going back to work. They told me the rumors, but I didn't believe them so I went to see Lottie. She told me the same thing. I also got a little of the same treatment as you did from the people in town. So when I got to Betty's, I told her no more. I had to stay home and take care of my family."
"Jeremy, if everything was so innocent, why was she touching your face?"
"She said there was a wood chip on my cheek. She brushed it off. That's it, I swear Candy."
Looking into Jeremy's dreamy blue eyes she says, "I have to ask you this and I want you to be completely honest with me and yourself. Do. . ."
Jeremy interrupts her before she finishes her question. He looks into her eyes and says, "No. No I don't have any feelings for Betty except maybe sorrow. I feel sorry for her, but I think she'll be all right. I guess I just got carried away trying to help her because I felt so guilty about Jeff's death."
"How did you know what I was going to ask?"
"Because I know my beautiful wife and I know how her mind works. Well, most of the time," he chuckles. He takes her in his arms and gives her a small tender kiss which leads to a deep passionate kiss. She returns his kiss as her arms go around his neck. "I love you, Jeremy. I'm sorry."
"I love you, too. I can see why you would think that I cheated, but please remember I'll never cheat on you." He kisses her again. "Candy? Candy do you still want me to leave or can I stay here with you?"
"Why don't you unpack while I go fix us some lunch."
"Sounds good. I'm hungry. Hungry for food and for you," he says as he holds her tighter.
Candy gives him another kiss and then heads for the door. "Come on down when you're finished."
"I will. Too bad you gave the cherry pie away."
"Oh, I think I have another one with your name on it," she smiles as she leaves the room.
Jeremy sits down on the bed and thinks about how close he came to losing it all-again.
That night in bed, Candy is ready for some lovemaking, but Jeremy just can't get in the mood. He knows what the problem is and also knows how to fix it. Sitting up he says, "I'm sorry, Candy. We have to talk."
"Now? You want to talk now? Jeremy, can't it wait?" Candy asks as she attempts to pull him back down in the bed.
Without looking at her he says, "Stop it, Candy! This is serious. Before, when I was telling you about the Betty situation. . . well I. . .I uh. . . I wasn't completely honest with you."
"You mean you lied to me?" she asks.
"No, I didn't lie. I just didn't tell you the whole story." He looks at her and says, "I'm sorry."
Sitting up against the headboard, Candy bites her lip. "Oh, I see. What uh... what did you not tell me?" she asks quietly as she continues to bite her lip.
Jeremy turns away from her and answers, "Well, yesterday before I came home, she, Betty I mean, she uh, started doing things that I wasn't comfortable with."
"Like what?"
"Like she'd put her hand over mine or she would place her hand on my arm and squeeze it. I swear, Candy, I didn't encourage her. I tried to just stay away from her as much as possible."
"There's more, isn't there Jeremy? I can sense that something else happened. What was it?"
"She. . .she called me Jeff and tried to kiss me." He looks at Candy and sees her eyes fill with tears. "But she didn't. I stopped her. I told her I wasn't Jeff and I was happily married to you and there would be nothing more for me to do there. I wouldn't be coming back."
"But Jeremy, you did go back. Why? Why did you go back?"
"She started crying and apologizing. She said she missed Jeff so much and she just got carried away. Then she ask if I would come back today and split her some wood before I stopped coming over. That she needed it to be able to cook meals for the kids."
"Did uh, did you comfort her when she was crying and apologizing? Tell me the truth Jeremy."
Shaking his head no he says, "I didn't touch her, Candy. You have to believe me. I just let her cry it out." He wipes a tear away from his cheek and then proceeds to wipe the tears from Candy's face. "There's one more thing that happened, that made me realize I overstayed my time there."
"I'm almost afraid to ask, but what was it?" she asks while biting her nails.
"Karen. . . that's Betty's little girl's name, uh. . .Karen asked me if I was. . .if I was going to be her new Daddy."
"Oh my!" Candy gasps. "What did you say?"
"What do you think I said? I told her no. That I was married. That I had a beautiful, loving wife waiting for me at home. And that I had four precious children."
"All right. Then what happened?"
"I told Betty that I would come and split her some wood, but I had to get back to work at camp and spend time with my own family. Then I came home."
Candy just sat there for a while without saying anything. She just stared at Jeremy. Finally she spoke up, "So that's why you were out of sorts last night? Because you knew today was to be your last day spending time there with them?"
"No, Candy. That's not it. I was worried about how to tell you. I didn't want to upset you over nothing."
"Nothing! Jeremy Bolt, I don't call this nothing. When another woman comes on to my husband, I don't call that nothing." She gets up and checks on Jamie as she hears him whimper. Patting him on the back he calms down and is sound asleep again.
Jeremy comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist. He kisses the top of her head. "Is he all right?"
"Yes, I guess I was too loud and disturbed his sleep."
"Candy, do you ever look at Jamie and wonder how we made something so beautiful? I guess I could ask that about all our children."
"I wonder that every time I feed him or change his diaper. Jeremy, we are so blessed to have had five beautiful precious children. And to have each other." She turns and puts her arms around his neck.
After a sensual kiss, they go back to the bed and lay wrapped in each other's arms. "Candy, are you all right now about what I told you about Betty?"
"Well, I would like to give her a piece of my mind, but I think I'll just let it go this time. But she better not ask you to do any more favors for her."
Jeremy laughs and says, "Don't worry. If she does ask, I'll turn her down."
Candy looks at Jeremy and asks, "You would do that? Jeremy, you can't say no to people."
"Yes, I would turn her down. I'd find someone else to do the favor, but it won't be me." They lay there quietly for awhile. "Candy?"
"Um!"
"I've been doing some thinking."
"About what?" she asks.
"Well, ever since Ashley and Jeff died, I've been thinking about how short life can be. I mean, you're here one moment and the next you're gone. I need to be sure that you and the kids are taken care of just in case something happens to me."
"I don't want to hear such talk, Jeremy. Nothings going to happen to you. It can't. I don't think I could make it without you."
"We don't know that Candy. But I'll tell you I feel the same way. If something happened to you, I don't know if I could go on living. I know I'd have to try just for the kids sake, but I . . ." Jeremy chokes up and can't finish.
"Jeremy, yes you could. You're the strongest man I know. You can remarry and then you'd be all right. Me on the other hand, would never find a man that would want to raise someone else's four children. But that's all right because I'll never remarry. I don't want to. Nobody could ever take your place."
"I'll never remarry either. When I've had the best, well let's just say, I won't settle for seconds."
"Jeremy, we have to stop talking about this. We're going to grow old together, I know it."
"No Candy, you don't know it. You hope that happens, but there are no guarantees. Tomorrow, I'm going to a lawyer and have a will drawn up. I'm going to try to save a little money each week to put away for you and the kids. I have to be sure you'll be okay."
"All right Jeremy, if it will put your mind at ease do it, but I don't want to talk about this anymore. I don't even want to think about it."
"One more thing, Candy and then I'll stop."
Candy sighs and asks, "Okay, what is it, Jeremy?"
"Well, I've come to realize that we only have this one life to live, and we better make the most of it while we can. I want to be a better husband to you. I know I've hurt you a few times and I'm truly sorry. I promise I'm going to try to do better. I want to be the husband you deserve."
"Oh Jeremy, you are a good husband. I wouldn't change you in any way. It's not your fault that women find you irresistible," she giggles.
"I don't know about that," he chuckles. "I also want to be a better Daddy for the kids. I want us to do more things together as a family. I never want our kids, when they're grown to say they never got to know their Daddy because he was always too busy working or doing other things that he thought was more important. Nothing is more important to me than our children, except for you. I love you, Miss Pruitt."
"Miss Pruitt? Jeremy, I haven't been Miss Pruitt for over six years."
He kisses her cheek. "You'll always be my Miss Pruitt."
She snuggles up closer to him. "You're so sweet. I love you Jeremy."
"And I love you now and forever."
Candy whispers, "Yes forever."
THE END
