CHAPTER 3
Captain Clancey stood at the wheel of his ship; The Shamus O'Flynn, navigating the waters through the darkened skies. Even though it wasn't his watch, Clancey had felt restless and decided to allow his first mate a bit of extra rest, feeling the need to distract himself from the thoughts that seemed to be plaguing him as of late. To be precise, ever since his passengers had boarded in San Francisco and he had made the acquaintance of Miss Kassandra Everston and her father Carlin, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was transporting disaster to those closest and dearest to his heart, especially after Josh had confided his intentions where the lady was concerned.
Once Clancey had docked, in what had become his permanent slip, in San Francisco and had made certain that this latest shipment of cargo was being unloaded and handled properly, he had hurried on his way towards Joshua Bolt's office. Having brought with him the latest batch of letters, well wishes, and small gifts that had been trusted to his care by the Bolt-Stempel family, Clancey carefully made his way along the dockside until he reached his destination. The first thing that Clancey noticed as he reached for the doorknob was the new sign over the doorway that read; BOLT-STEMPEL LUMBER SUPPLIERS, SAN FRANCISCO DIVISION, JOSHUA BOLT, MANAGER. Clancey couldn't help the proud smile that lifted the corners of his mouth as he ventured aloud;
"I never doubted that he'd make a success of this here opportunity."
Hurrying inside, Clancey began;
"Joshua Bolt, ya best be for havin ole Cap'n Clancey a good stiff belt, especially ifin ya's want what it is that sweet baby sister of yours sent for ya's."
Clancey found himself stopping short as his jaw dropped at the sight of Josh and a pretty young brunette girl, locked in an embrace as they were kissing. Lifting his head, Josh offered;
Oh hi, Clancey. It's good to see you."
Motioning towards the young woman that he was still holding in the circle of his arms, Josh couldn't help but grin broadly at the look of shock that Clancey wore as he stared at him with his mouth agape. Clearing his throat in an attempt to clear the awkwardness, Josh offered;
"Hello, Clancey, it's nice to see you."
Motioning towards her, Josh introduced;
"Captain Roland Clancey, I'd like you to meet Miss Kassandra Everston, my fiancee."
Josh could see that he had shocked the old sailor as he watched the elder's bushy eyebrows shoot up in astonishment just before he smiled warmly at him and Kassandra before offering;
"Why that's wonderful news to be sure there, lad."
Removing his cap, Clancey offered;
"And a pleasure it is to make yer acquaintance there, Miss Everston."
Despite her beauty and the way she graciously offered her hand in greeting, Clancey couldn't help but sense something, almost, deliberate under her manners. Although she offered a lovely smile as he bent over her hand, Clancey could tell that she was none too happy at having to be gracious to him and, had Josh not been present, she wouldn't have bothered to give him the time of day. However, Clancey knew from experience that if he were to venture his opinion, especially given Josh's obvious affection for the girl, it would find the young man becoming intensely protective of her and blind to her shortcomings; bearing that in mind he decided to be as cordial to her as possible so that no fault could be placed with him. He offered a slight bow as she replied simply;
"Captain, Joshua has told me a great deal about you. In fact, when he speaks of his family, he never fails to mention your name. It's very nice to make your acquaintance, sir."
Clancey couldn't fail to notice how she stumbled slightly as she addressed him as 'sir', however, the topic was quickly shifted as Josh's eyes lit up before he asked excitedly;
"Clancey, did I hear you right, did you say that Pixie sent something for me?"
A mischievous grin split the old sailor's face as he gave Josh one of his infamous looks of amusement before nodding;
"Well, it just might be that sweet little darlin of a sister of yers sent somethin that she thought ya might be wantin, or at least havin a hankerin for."
Laughing as his eyes widened in excitement, Josh held out his hands expectantly;
"Give it to me, Clancey, come on, please."
Taking the carefully wrapped parcel that Clancey held out towards him, Josh began eagerly jerking at the strings before ripping through the brown paper to open the box. Kassandra stood quiet as she watched him take a cookie from the box before taking a bite and closing his eyes as he savored the taste, something even more obvious in the noises of delight that he was making as he chewed slowly as if determined to extract every ounce of pleasure from the unexpected treat. Although she tried to hide her annoyance at the obvious enjoyment that he was experiencing, she couldn't help but chastise;
"Really, Joshua, considering that we've eaten at some of the best restaurants in San Francisco, I can't believe that a simple cookie is worth all of the fuss you're making over it; even if it was made by your sister."
Clancey found himself hard put to refrain from laughing out loud when, between bites of cookie, Josh pointed out;
"You're only saying that because you've never tasted my sister's cooking, especially her baking; these are her apple butter cookies, my favorite. Here, try one."
Josh reached into the box and, as she opened her mouth to protest, shoved a cookie in her now open mouth before she could speak, forcing her to chew the treat. Despite her anger, Kassandra had to admit the cookie was even better than some of the pastries that she had enjoyed at the best restaurants, something that didn't help her mood because it was simply one more talent to add to the many that Josh bragged his sister possessed. Pushing the urge that she had to offer a snide remark, Kassandra simply smiled as she swallowed the cookie before offering a simple;
"That is delicious. I'll have to ask your sister for her recipe when we go to Seattle so that I can make sure you have them whenever you'd like."
His eyes widening slightly at the implication of what her statement meant, Clancey asked;
"So I'm guessin then that you're plannin a trip home for a visit there, lad?"
Nodding, Josh explained;
"Well, if you're so inclined, for three passengers. I'd certainly like to meet my new niece and nephews, plus I'd like to introduce Kassandra and her father to my family. Given that we'll be showing up just in time for the twins' birthday and the babies' christenings, I thought it would be the perfect time for Kassandra and Mr. Everston to get to know everyone."
Seeing just how happy Joshua seemed with Kassandra, Clancey decided that, just maybe, he might be misjudging the young woman. Strengthening his resolve, Clancey made up his mind that, perhaps, he was misjudging Kassandra and that he just needed to get to know the girl a bit better before forming an opinion, something that he was sure he'd have the opportunity to do on the voyage from San Francisco to Seattle. However, they had cast off from the pier in San Francisco approximately ten days ago and during the time that he had spent in the Everston's company, Clancey had come to two conclusions: first, his first impression of Kassandra Everston had been a correct one, which meant that Joshua was besotted by the girl, and second, the world had her father to thank for the type of woman his daughter had become. It didn't take Clancey long to assess Carlin Everston's character, given the variety of people and personalities that he had come across in his travels, although the man most definitely possessed a gregarious and, seemingly, friendly nature, he knew that there was more to the man's determination to engage him in conversation when he sought him out in the wheelhouse to share a drink.
One aspect of his character that Clancey had always considered an asset was that, since everyone knew of his love of booze, everyone just assumed that he never paid attention to anything more than what he had to in life; his ship and the bottle. However, Clancey was far from unobservant, something that had paid off for him on more than one occasion, such as now. He had expected that, out of curiosity, the man would probably ask questions about the family that his daughter would be marrying into, but it was the questions he asked regarding the number and size of shipments that were shipped out of Seattle by the Bolt-Stempel Lumber Suppliers, as well as just how the partnership was divided given the familial connection between the two factions involved, that found Clancey's suspicions rising to flood-tide levels. However, he knew from experience that, as enamored as Joshua Bolt seemed to be with Kassandra, saying anything until the girl and her father tipped their hands would do nothing except find him becoming protective of his prospective bride. Aside from that knowledge, Clancey also knew that whatever scheme the man might have in mind would never make its way past Jason and Aaron, although he would make certain that the two were made aware of his suspicions the moment he made port. Clancey was so lost in thought that he jumped somewhat when he felt a hand on his shoulder as he turned quickly to find Josh standing there, a sheepish grin of embarrassment on his face as he apologized;
"Sorry about that, Clancey, I was just out walking the deck when I noticed you up here and thought I'd see if you'd like some company."
Handing his tin cup to the young man that he looked on as family, Clancey motioned towards the pot on the stove;
"How about pouring me a bit of that there coffee, lad."
Accepting the cup, Clancey nodded as he offered;
"Thank ya, Joshua, you're a good lad ya are."
Taking a long sip, Clancey let his eyes slide in Josh's direction before asking casually;
"I take it that ya can't sleep?"
Nodding as he poured a cup for himself, Josh offered;
"I slept a little, I guess that I'm just excited about this trip home, especially since we should be there by tomorrow."
Draining the last of the coffee from his cup, Clancey bobbed his head;
"Aye, lad, that we will. Ifin I'm any judge I'd say we should be making port sometime around noon, give or take."
Clancey couldn't help but offer a fatherly smile;
"Don't be worryin yourself none, Josh, we'll be there in time for you to have a seat at your sister's table for one of her meals. And, knowing that sweet angel, I'd be willin to bet that she'll be havin yer favorite meal, complete with a cake."
Shaking his head in amusement at the old captain's observation, Josh couldn't help but wonder aloud;
"I just wonder how she's going to take the news about Kassandra."
Deciding to keep his thoughts to himself regarding the girl's character, Clancey offered;
"Well, lad, ya know that all yer family wants for ya's is to be happy. I ave no doubts that she, Jason, and Jeremy will do their best to welcome yer intended with open arms."
Despite knowing that he had not sugar-coated anything, or lied about his honest opinion, Clancey still felt a slight stab of guilt for not begging Josh to reconsider his decision, even though he knew it would do no good for him to do so. Coming to grips with his statement and his decision, Clancey couldn't help the relief that he felt when Josh hid his yawn behind his hand before bidding;
"Well, I guess I better get some sleep, I'd sure hate to fall asleep at Pixie's dinner table, she doesn't take very kindly to that you know."
Once Josh returned to his cabin and his first mate relieved him for the remainder of the night, Clancey sought his own cabin. Indulging in his usual nightcap, Clancey raised his glass as he offered;
"Here's to ya Joshua Bolt, may ya realize yer mistake before ya's make it."
Downing the glass of liquor, Clancey crawled into his bunk before praying aloud;
"And may the dear Lord above help ya's realize that it's a mistake and send the one that ya's do need in yer life, lad."
Lowering the wick on the hanging lantern, Clancey closed his eyes in the hopes that he would find his rest easily that night.
Once she had her youngest son, Alex, settled after his feeding, Jemma hurried to dress Jacob and Amie for the day. She knew that Josh should be arriving in the next day or so and she was determined to be ready when he did, something that found her husband amused and delighted given the meals that she had prepared over the past couple of days in anticipation of her brother's arrival. Hearing his footsteps in the hallway, she wasn't surprised when Aaron hurried into the nursery to drop a quick kiss on her lips as he motioned towards their eldest children;
"Sweetheart, you go ahead and take Alex and I'll take these two little monkeys downstairs for you."
Taking their youngest child in her arms, Jemma placed a kiss on his cheek;
"Thank you, honey. Breakfast will be ready in about ten minutes."
After they had finished the morning meal and had their children settled, with Alex in his bassinet and Jacob and Amie in their playpen, Jemma offered her husband another cup of coffee before asking excitedly;
"Darling, do you think that Josh will arrive today?"
Setting his cup on the table Aaron couldn't help but shake his head in amusement, over the past three days she had asked the same question, something that didn't surprise him given just how anxious he knew she was for her brother's arrival. Sliding his chair back from the table, Aaron took her hand in his to pull her across his lap before wrapping his arms around her;
"Jemma love, if I didn't know any better I would swear that you're excited about Josh's visit."
Placing her hand on his chest, Jemma offered her husband a look of complete innocence;
"Well, it's only natural for me to be a little excited and anxious. I mean, Jacob and Amie have grown a lot since he's seen them and he hasn't gotten to see Alex at all, not to mention Jamie and Lisa. I'm just anxious to see what he thinks about the kids, that's all."
Chuckling slightly, Aaron challenged;
"Uh-huh, so I suppose the fact that you and Josh are so close has nothing, what so ever, to do with just how you've gone all out over the past couple of days with baking and cooking, does it?"
Shrugging slightly, as if she had been found out, Jemma offered;
"Well, maybe just a slight bit, but I never noticed you complaining about it before."
Dropping a kiss on her upturned mouth, Aaron shook his head;
"And I'm not complaining about it now, love. Besides, the last thing that I'd ever want to do is to cut my nose off to spite my face where your cooking is concerned or anything else about you for that matter."
Before either could say anything else, they could hear the whooping from outside the window;
"SHIPS IN! CLANCEY'S BACK!"
Seeing the light of excitement brighten her eyes, Aaron helped her up from his lap to offer;
"Okay, sweetheart, come on and I'll help you clean up and then we'll head down to the docks to meet your brother."
Jemma happily complied with her husband's suggestion, making quick work of cleaning up from the morning meal. Humming as she washed the dishes, eagerly anticipating her brother's visit, Jemma had no way of knowing just how much upheaval in the lives of the Bolt-Stempel family Josh's 'surprise' was about to cause.
Kassandra bustled about the small cabin making certain that she had not forgotten any of her possessions. She was relieved to know that she didn't have to spend, yet, another day on the dilapidated tub that Clancey insisted on referring to as a ship. She was finding the act of trying to pretend that she was enjoying the voyage tedious, at best. However, as her father continuously reminded her, there was a great deal at stake and having her future groom disillusioned could very well mean that all of their efforts would have been in vain. Even though she had no intention of allowing the goal that they, especially she, had worked towards meet with failure, Kassandra couldn't deny just how relieved she would be to no longer be cloistered in the close confines of the ship. Given the descriptions that Joshua had provided of Seattle, she had no doubts that she would be able to find, at least, some small bit of solitude for herself, preferably away from her father's always prying eyes and good advice. As always seemed to be the case when she was contemplating thoughts that centered on her own pleasure, a knock sounded on her cabin door as her father, not bothering to wait for an invitation to enter, came into the room to demand;
"Do you have all of your things packed, Kassa?"
Nodding, Kassandra finished securing the straps on her last piece of luggage;
"Yes, thank heavens, I'll be more than happy to be off of this horrible floating tub. I'm hoping that I can talk Joshua into taking a stage to a larger port so that we can return to San Francisco on a ship that offers more luxurious accommodations."
Pushing the cabin door closed Carlin's, usually, congenial manner slid as his face became a mask of irritation as he issued in a low tone that brooked no argument;
"Kassandra Eve, this attitude of yours is not helpful to our goal. You will remain gracious and charming at ALL times and never issue any complaints about ANYTHING. Do I make myself clear?"
Seeing the look of rebellion in his daughter's eyes, Carlin placed his hand over hers as he softened somewhat;
"At least, that is, until you become Mrs. Joshua Bolt and we have a firm and LEGAL partnership in the Bolt-Stempel lumber business. Then you may issue complaints and demands until your heart's content, Kassa dear."
Kassandra had no opportunity to respond to her father's dictate as a knock sounded on the door just before they heard Josh ask;
"Kassandra, may I come in?"
Making certain that her mask of pleasantness was in place, she bid;
"Of course, Joshua dear."
Pushing the door open, Josh nodded in satisfaction;
"Good, I was just coming to see if you had everything ready so that I could take your luggage up on deck. How would you like to get your first glimpse of Seattle?"
Seeking to hurry things along, Carlin grabbed a couple of his daughter's bags as he suggested brightly;
"I'll be happy to help you with the luggage, Joshua, especially since I'd like the opportunity to have my first glimpse of Seattle as well."
Seeing the warning flashing in her father's eyes, Kassandra took one of the smaller cases as she placed her hand on Josh's arm before offered a convincing smile;
"I think that sounds absolutely wonderful. Besides, I'm anxious to see this paradise that you've described to me."
Opening the door for her to precede he and her father from the cabin, Josh waved his hand through the threshold as he offered gallantly;
"After you, my lady."
Once all of the luggage had been placed on deck to await their arrival, Kassandra, Carlin, and Josh made their way to the ship's rail to take in the view of Seattle's coastline. Placing his arm around his fiancee's shoulders, Josh couldn't help the broad smile of pride he wore as he eagerly demanded;
"Well, dear, what do you think?
Allowing her gaze to roam across the expanse of all that she was surveying, Kassandra drew a deep breath before observing softly;
"It's...big, but even that doesn't really describe it."
Extending his arm, Josh pointed out;
"That's Bridal Veil Mountain."
Despite her normally cynical nature, Kassandra couldn't help but be impressed by the sights before her as she whispered reverently;
"It's so...majestic, isn't it?"
Chuckling slightly, Josh ventured;
"Well, I've never thought about it in those terms, but I supposed that for someone seeing it for the first time that it could easily strike them as being such."
Noticing Clancey hailing him from the wheelhouse Joshua excused himself as Carlin approached his daughter to motion towards the sights in front of them as he challenged quietly;
"Does this impress upon you a bit more just exactly what it is that we're working towards, Kassa?"
Her eyes wide in astonishment, Kassandra admitted;
"Father, I had no idea."
Waving his across the vista Carlin advised;
"Just what you see alone, Kassa is more than enough lumber to put a roof over the entire Washington and Oregon territories combined. Mind you, that is aside from the fact that Edward Thorndyke is interested enough to form a partnership with them, and you know that if HE wants a partnership with the Bolt brothers and Aaron Stempel that means there is money to be made and we, my dear daughter, have the opportunity to become a part of that, not to mention, to become wealthy in our own right. Now, do you understand just how important it is for you to be your most charming and beguiling self?"
Kassandra felt the full impact of just what it was that she and her father had to gain if she played her cards just right, and what they had to lose if she didn't. She had no more time to contemplate her father's statement as Joshua reappeared just as the ship was slipping into port next to the pier as he asked;
"Well, Miss Everston, are you ready to make the acquaintance of your, soon to be, family?"
Fixing a gracious smile upon her face, Kassandra nodded as she offered eagerly;
"Yes, Mr. Bolt, I do believe that I am."
Taking the arm that he offered her, she allowed Joshua to lead her to the gangplank as they heard the sound of the anchor being lowered.
Jason and Julie met Jeremy and Candy as both couples were rounding the corner to approach Jemma and Aaron's house so that they could meet Clancey's ship and welcome Joshua home. Giving a slight shake of his head, Jeremy ventured;
"Hmm, I guess that Pixie's record for punctuality couldn't hold up with three little ones to run after."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the door opened as Aaron, holding their son and daughter, held the door open for Jemma who was carrying their youngest in her arms to greet;
"Are we ready?"
Chuckling slightly, Jason shifted his and Julie's daughter in his arms before turning to his youngest brother to demand;
"What was it that you were saying about our sister's life long habit of punctuality, Jeremy?"
Puzzled, Jemma looked between her brothers before demanding;
"Aright you two, what did I do now?"
Meeting each other's looks of amusement, both broke out into laughter as Jason shook his head;
"You didn't do anything, Pixie, except to be yourself, and believe me, baby sister, that's a very good thing."
Nodding in the direction of the town square as the bell that signaled the ship's arrival began ringing, Aaron suggested;
"Well, let's get going if we're going to meet Clancey and Joshua."
The group arrived just as the Shamus was being secured to the pier and the gangplank settled into place. Scanning the deck, Jemma was the first to spot Joshua as she waved eagerly, seeing her excitement Julie stepped forward to take her nephew in her arms as Aaron shook his head at her enthusiasm before offering;
"Go on, love, go greet your brother."
Turning to brush her lips against her husband's, Jemma smiled lovingly as she offered;
"Thank you, darling."
Taking her skirt in both hands she ran to the gangplank, just as Josh stepped off the gangplank onto the pier, to be caught up in her brothers embrace as he greeted eagerly;
"Well hello, baby sister. I'm guessing that you're happy to see me, huh?"
Jemma nodded eagerly as she wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him tightly before offering him a glowing smile;
"You know that I am, big brother."
The happy look on Jemma's face was soon replaced with one of confusion as a pretty brunette cleared her throat discreetly before issuing;
"Joshua, aren't you going to help me?"
Glancing pointedly at Jemma, she continued;
"Not to mention, introduce me to the young woman who seems to know you rather well."
Laughing heartily, Joshua set his sister on her feet before turning to take Kassandra's hand in his to assist her down the gangplank before agreeing;
"Of course, dear."
Waving his hand towards his sister, Josh offered;
"Kassandra Everston, allow me to present the first girl to ever lay claim to my heart."
Seeing the look of jealousy and anger rising in her eyes, Josh couldn't help but laugh as he patted her hand;
"Relax, Kassandra dear, this is the infamous baby sister that I've told you so much about, my sister, Jemma."
Turning to make certain that Carlin needed no assistance to disembark, as well as noting the look of confusion that his sister wore, Joshua ventured;
"Why don't I do this all at once so that we can clear up all of the confusion."
Motioning towards the rest of his family, who were all wearing looks of confusion similar to Jemma's, Joshua offered his sister and fiancee an arm to lead them to the group before requesting;
"Carlin, would you please follow us."
Approaching the group, Jemma took her youngest child in her arms as she rejoined her husband before Josh began;
"Alright, let's do this all at one time so that we can clear up, at least, some of the confusion."
Turning to Kassandra he motioned towards Jason as he started his introductions;
"Now, Kassandra, I would like you to meet, in order mind you, my oldest brother, Jason Bolt and his wife Julie, their new daughter Alisa Julietta. My younger brother, Jeremy, his wife, Candy and their new son James Benjamin, there's also Candy's younger brother and sister, Christopher and Molly, as well as her grandfather, Benjamin to meet but that can wait till later since they aren't here. And of course, you recognize the little fireball as my baby sister, Jemma and her husband, Aaron, and their twins, Jacob Aaron and Amelia Carleecia, and their newest addition Alexander Gregory."
Taking Kassandra's hand in his, Josh smiled proudly;
"Remember the surprise that I mentioned? Well, I would like all of you to meet Mr. Carlin Everston and his lovely daughter, Kassandra, who just happens to be my fiancee."
Being the first to recover from his shock, Jason stammered somewhat;
"Well, Joshua, this is certainly a surprise."
Placing their daughter in his wife's arms, Jason stepped forward to shake his brother's hand;
"Congratulations, brother."
Motioning towards Kassandra, Jason asked;
"May I?"
At his brother's nod, Jason extended his hand to take hers as he bowed over it to offer;
"And congratulations to you as well, Miss Everston."
Noticing the look that her father was wearing, Kassandra offered her soon to be brother in law a charming smile as she invited;
"Please, we are going to be family, by all means, call me Kassandra."
Following Jason's example, Jeremy placed his son in Candy's arms as he offered Josh his hand before turning to greet;
"Welcome to the family Kassandra and congratulations to you and Josh."
As if the thought had struck all three at the same time, Jason, Josh, and Jeremy turned in unison to study their sister's reaction. Stepping forward, Jemma turned to Josh to offer;
"Would you like to hold Alex?"
Nodding eagerly, Josh took the infant in his arms to smile happily as he studied his sister's youngest child before looking up to address his brother in law;
"One thing's for certain, Aaron, there's no way that you could ever deny him or Alex; they look exactly like you."
Shaking his head vehemently, Aaron vowed;
"I could never, and would never deny any of my children, Josh. But thank you, I'll take that as a compliment."
Looking into her brother's eyes, Jemma smiled as she placed her hand over Josh's;
"All I've ever wanted for you, big brother is to be happy."
Turning to face Kassandra, Jemma gave her a brief embrace before placing her cheek next to hers as she offered;
"Congratulations you two and welcome to the family Kassandra."
Breathing a sigh of relief at their sister's acceptance, Jason suggested;
"I think that we should see to getting Kassandra and her father settled."
Turning to Carlin, Jason offered;
"We look forward to getting to know, both, you and your daughter much better, sir."
Offering both a bright smile, Jemma invited;
"Yes, and please join us for dinner tonight."
His face brightening, Josh demanded;
"Did you cook it, or better yet, are you making the dessert?"
Jemma smiled mischievously before challenging;
"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"
Laughing as he placed Alex in his sister's arms, Josh nodded;
"Oh, then we're definitely going to be there with bells on, baby sister."
Two hours later found Kassandra and Carlin settled into their rooms at Lottie's, who was more than eager to welcome the Everston's when she was told of their relationship to Joshua. Kassandra was in the process of unpacking when her father entered her room;
"I think that you did well with Joshua's family, Kassa dear. I think it's safe to assume that, as long as you make certain to win his sister over, everything else will fall into place."
Kassandra agreed;
"I've already considered that, Father."
Turning the subject slightly, her voice showing her disbelief, she demanded;
"Can you imagine, Father; three young children? I certainly hope that Joshua doesn't expect more than one child, otherwise he will be sorely disappointed."
Turning from the window, Carlin reminded;
"Kassa dear, remember, it is your wifely duty to provide your husband with a child. And, judging by the size of the family that he comes from as well as the number of children his sister already has, he may well expect more than one child."
Patting her hand, he offered;
"Don't fret about it, dear, I have no doubts that you are more than up to the task of convincing him of the merits of having just one child."
Motioning towards the clothes on her bed, Kassandra turned to her father in question;
"Father, just what should one wear to a dinner at their prospective sister in law's home, especially in such a primitive place as Seattle?"
Waving his hand across the expanse of the bed, Carlin offered;
"Whatever you decide, rest assured that you shall outshine your future sisters in law I'm sure my dear. Now, speaking of which, I need to freshen up so that I may be presentable as well."
Once her father had left her room, Kassandra selected what she was going to wear for the evening, determined to outshine the three women who, as far as she was concerned, were her rivals. She did not doubt that given her tenacity when it came to keeping up with the latest fashion, she would have no trouble in surpassing Jemma, Candy, and Julie in appearance. Although, if she were honest with herself, she knew that each woman possessed a natural beauty that simply couldn't be obtained through artificial means, something that she wasn't sure she did or would ever possess on her own. Pushing her insecurity from her mind Kassandra began preparing for the Bolt-Stempel family dinner.
Once everything had been prepared for the evening's meal, Peggy Thornly, who had volunteered to babysit the children so that their parents would be able to enjoy the dinner party, arrived. Having finished nursing Alex as Peggy was helping to feed Amie and Jacob, Jemma kept looking to her friend as she asked in concern;
"Peggy, are you certain that you don't mind? I mean, I know you volunteered before Josh arrived, but I don't think that it's fair to ask you to do this when his..."
Peggy raised her hand to stall the remainder of Jemma's statement;
"Jemma, I don't mind at all. Besides, what happened is in the past, stop worrying about it, I'm fine with it, I promise you. I mean, when Josh left for San Francisco, I knew that he would, more than likely, find someone there that he would want to spend his life with."
Hearing the sound of Jason and Jeremy downstairs, Jemma turned towards the doorway as Peggy waved her hand in dismissal;
"Go on, Jemma, you need to finish dressing, you know that I'll take very good care of your babies."
Offering a nod of appreciation, Jemma hurried to her bedroom to begin dressing. She wondered if, despite her hurried preparations, her appearance would be alright, however, she soon found her concerns put to rest as Aaron entered their bedroom to grab his jacket and stopped short at the sight of her to praise;
"Sweetheart, I don't know how you manage to do it, but you always manage to surpass any expectations that I have of how beautiful you'll look."
Shaking her head, Jemma chastised;
"I think you might be just a little biased in your assessment, love. Especially considering that all I did was run a brush through my hair before pinning it up and freshened up before changing my dress."
Seeing the image she presented with her hair half up, half down as it was, as well as the teal-colored dress that she had worn as Julie's matron of honor, Aaron shook his head as he took the string of pearls from her hand to fasten them around her slender neck. Noticing the look of nostalgia that he wore in his reflection as he touched the necklace, Jemma wasn't surprised when he asked;
"Sweetheart, do you happen to remember when I gave these to you?"
Once she had finished securing the pearl earrings, which had been a Christmas gift, in her earlobes, Jemma turned to wrap her arms around her husband's waist as she nodded;
"Yes, my darling husband, I most certainly do. You gave me this the night that I learned we were expecting Jacob and Amie."
Wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her close, Aaron brought his hand up to cup her cheek as he gazed lovingly into her eyes;
"You know something, Jemma love? If this girl can make Joshua even a fraction as happy as what you've made me, then he is a truly lucky man."
Aaron couldn't help but notice the hint of concern in her eyes as she lowered them before wishing;
"I hope that's going to be the case, honey, I truly hope so."
Placing his finger under her chin to lift her eyes to meet his, Aaron searched her face before furrowing his brown in consideration;
"Jemma, darlin, something is bothering you about her, isn't it?"
Heaving a deep sigh of aggravation, Jemma admitted;
"Darling, I don't know if there is or isn't, to be honest. I want to be very happy for Josh because he seems to be very happy."
Trying to draw her out further, Aaron prompted;
"But?"
As had always been the case in their relationship and marriage, Jemma couldn't help but lay all of her cards on the table as she admitted;
"I can't help but shake the feeling that something just isn't exactly right with all of this. I mean, today for example before Josh introduced me as his sister and she seemed upset over me hugging him; honey, the feeling I got and the look I saw, they weren't what I was expecting. I mean, not as in, 'who is this strange woman hugging my fiancee', it was more, 'what does she think she's doing? He belongs to me' type of feeling."
Narrowing his eyes in contemplation, Aaron ventured;
"As in her property, like a type of belonging?"
Jemma nodded;
"Yes, I know that it may sound crazy, but that was the feeling I got from her. Not to mention, did you notice her father? I know he's never met any of us before, but he seemed awfully quiet, but not a shy, reserved type of quiet; it was more like a calculating type of quiet as if he were sizing all of us up."
Hearing the sounds of their guests arriving, Aaron released her from his hold to grab his jacket before reaching for the doorknob. Placing her hand over his, Jemma looked into her husband's eyes, a pleading look in her own;
"Darling, please don't mention anything about what I just said. I'm probably just being silly anyway, maybe I'm just being jealous or overprotective or something."
Placing a kiss on her forehead as he opened the door, Aaron nodded;
"Alright, sweetheart, I won't say one word."
Lagging slightly as she descended the stairs, Aaron stood thinking for a moment. He knew that it wasn't entirely impossible that she was just being overly protective where Josh was concerned; however, he also knew that, given how she interacted with Julie and Candy, jealousy over a future sister in law wasn't a theory that he would give credit to where his wife was concerned. Another aspect, one that he had kept to himself since he wasn't certain of it himself, Aaron couldn't help but notice how, both, father and daughter seemed to have the look in their eyes upon meeting Josh's family that seemed to indicate that they were trying to size up each member in turn, something that seemed to set off his own inner warnings where the pair were concerned. However, he also knew that, given Josh's track record with the fairer sex, he might simply be letting that prejudice him unfairly against Kassandra Everston. Sighing in frustration at not having a definite answer, Aaron shrugged into his jacket before closing their bedroom door as he stated quietly;
"I guess time will tell."
With that, he hurried downstairs to help his wife greet their guests, wondering just what the evening would hold for everyone.