CHAPTER 11

Those two days literally fly by. Jeremy and Candy have spent just about every waking hour together. Candy knows Jeremy has never lied to her because he is too honest. The few times he did try to lie, he just couldn't pull it off. He always wound up confessing. He is a terrible liar. But for some reason in the back of her mind, she has doubts about Jeremy coming home again. Still she tries to stay upbeat for Jeremy's sake.

Now just hours from Jeremy sailing off to San Francisco, Candy is in the Bolt cabin fixing a delicious breakfast for the four of them—Jason, Joshua, Jeremy, and herself. She really doesn't think she can eat anything, but she wants to make Jeremy's last meal at home, for a while at least, a pleasant memory for him.

After getting the food on the table, they all sit down to eat. They join hands and Jeremy says the blessing. "For this food we are about to receive, let us truly be thankful." He pauses and clears his throat. "Lord, please take care of my brothers and Candy. It's so hard for me to leave them because I love them so much. Please be with all of us through this separation. Amen." They all say Amen and wipe their eyes. Jeremy squeezes Candy's hand.

Since no one has an appetite, there is a lot of food left over. Candy makes Jeremy some ham biscuits to take with him on his trip. While she cleans up the kitchen, the Bolt brothers spend time together and say their goodbyes.

Jason hugs Jeremy and says, "God speed little brother. Take care and if you need anything, anything at all, just send word and we'll be there as fast as we can. I love you, Jeremy." Jason straightens up and wipes his eyes. "We'll go ahead and take your trunk down to the boat." He moves aside so Josh can say his goodbyes.

Josh sits down next to Jeremy and gives him a big hug. "Safe travels, Jeremy. Good luck and come back home soon. It won't be the same around here without you. I love you, brother." Standing he wipes his eyes.

Jeremy looks at his brothers with tears running down his face. "Thanks Jason, Josh. Thanks for everything. I'll see you soon. I promise. I love you both."

Candy now finished, comes over to join them. Jeremy takes her hand and says to his brothers, "Could I please ask you both to keep a watch on Candy for me? Be sure she is safe and well taken care of. Oh and if she decides to take a walk or have supper with some nice guy, don't interfere. It's okay," he chuckles.

"Jeremy Bolt!" Candy says as she playfully slaps his arm. Everyone laughs as they remember the last time Jeremy went to San Francisco and Candy took walks with Ward Kimberly. Candy was offended when Jason went to check up on her and she had some choice words for him.

"I'm just teasing, Candy," he says as he winks at her. Turning back to his brothers he says, "See you in a bit down by the boat." They gather Jeremy's things and leave for the dock.

Pulling Candy on to his lap, he kisses her cheek. "Well, I guess it's time. Candy, I was serious about if you want to take a walk or whatever with other men. It's okay, I'll understand. I don't want you to sit at home being miserable. I want you to enjoy life even if it's not with me."

"Jeremy, I learned my lesson last time with Ward. I will never do that to you again. I've already told you I don't want to see anyone but you. Now, will you please stop trying to get rid of me because I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you forever if I have to." She takes his face in her hands and pulls him close until their lips meet. "I love you, Jeremy. Please don't ever forget that. Come home to me soon." Tears fall from her eyes.

"I will. I promise. Oh Candy," he chokes up. "this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I don't want to leave you." He breaks down.

Candy takes him in her arms. "I know, Jeremy. It is for me too. You know you don't have to go."

"Yes, I do. I want to be the best husband I can to you and that means doing for myself so I won't be a burden to you. This is the only way I can feel like I'm a man and not a failure."

"You'll never be a burden or a failure. You are all man. My man." She kisses him over and over again.

They look into each other's eyes. "I love you, Miss Candy Pruitt." He kisses her tenderly. Clearing his throat he says, "I guess we better go before Clancey leaves without me."

Candy gets up and pushes Jeremy to the dock where a small crowd is waiting to bid Jeremy farewell. After all the goodbyes are said, Jason puts his hand out. Josh places his hand on Jason's and Jeremy places his hand on Josh's. Candy gives Jeremy one last hug and kiss before Jason and Josh help him on board the Shamus O'Flynn where Dr. Allyn Wright is waiting for him.

Jason says, "Allyn, take good care of my brother. Would you please let us know that you both arrive safely?" He kisses Allyn softly.

"I will, Jason. You can count on it," Allyn replies.

Jason and Josh stand next to Candy, one on each side of her. The gangplank is removed and the ship sets sail from Seattle. Candy blows a kiss to Jeremy and he gives her that big smile she loves. Tears are falling freely from their eyes.

"I love you, Jeremy Bolt!" Candy shouts.

"I love you, Candy Pruitt!" Jeremy shouts back. They wave to each other.

Candy walks as far as she can on the pier waving to Jeremy. She puts her arms around a post and leans into it crying. As the ship gets farther away, she drops to the ground sobbing as Jason and Josh rush over to her.

"Candy, it's time to go," Jason tells her. He takes her arm to help her up.

Raising her head she says, "You two go ahead. I'll be there in a little while. I just need some time to myself right now." As Jason and Josh start to leave Candy asks, "Jason, Joshua, why do I feel like I'll never see Jeremy again? I'm afraid he won't ever come home again."

Jason and Josh look at each other. "Candy, if Jeremy says he's coming back, you can be sure he'll come back. You can count on him to keep his word," Josh replies.

"We just have to have faith, Candy," answers Jason. "If you need anything let us know. We'll always be here for you. We'll make it through this together." Jason gives her a hug and Josh does likewise.

"Thank you," is all Candy can manage to say. Later, Lottie and Biddie see Candy upstairs to a room above the saloon. She thinks she'd rather be by herself for a few days instead of having nearly 75 brides hovering over her. Candy lays down and cries herself to sleep hoping to have sweet dreams of her love, Jeremy Bolt.