CHAPTER 4

Once she had the opportunity to soak in a long bath and give her hair a proper washing, Kassandra's mood improved immensely. She didn't realize that, on such a crude sailing vessel as the Shamus, saltwater baths would be the norm as opposed to the exception, something that had roused her ire to no end, especially given how she was certain it was ruining her hair and skin. But, as always, her father was there to remind her of just what the rewards of suffering a small bit of discomfort at the moment would be worth later on. However, as she knew would be the case, once she had a chance to soak in a bubble bath as well as let the warm water wash, both, the traces of salt from her body as well as her earlier frustrations away, Kassandra was ready to face whatever challenges might be thrown her way by Joshua's family, especially his sister. After she had finished with her bath and returned to her room Kassandra heard a knock on her door as she issued;

"Come in."

Although Kassandra wasn't surprised to hear the knock on her door, given her father's tenacity when it came to ensuring that she was aware of just what there was to be gained and lost, she had assumed that it would be him. However, she found herself a bit shocked to find Lottie Hatfield entering with towels across one arm and a cup of tea in her hand to offer brightly;

"I hope I'm not intruding, Miss Everston, but Josh asked me to make sure that you were as comfortable as possible, so I thought that I would bring you a couple of extra towels to help you dry your hair. And, I thought that you might like a nice cup of tea after your bath."

Placing the towels on the bed and the cup and saucer on the bedside table, Lottie offered the young woman a warm smile as she offered;

"If there's anything that you need or that I can do to help make you more comfortable, you just let me know."

Taking up the cup of tea to take a sip, Kassandra let her eyes slide towards Lottie as she asked in, what she hoped was, a casual voice;

"Do you mind if I ask you a few questions, Miss Hatfield?"

Lottie felt somewhat taken aback by the young woman's rather brusque and business-like approach. However, given that, according to Josh, she had been raised in San Francisco, Lottie knew that there was a vast difference between being raised in a small place, such as Seattle, and being brought up in a huge city like San Francisco. Deciding to credit the girl's manner to her cosmopolitan upbringing, Lottie nodded as Kassandra motioned toward the corner armchair;

"I don't see why not, but please, call me Lottie."

Bobbing her head slightly, Kassandra returned;

"Thank you, Lottie; and please, call me Kassandra."

Even though Lottie was certain that her inquiries were going to center around the various members of the Bolt family, something she didn't mind discussing, she soon found herself somewhat astounded as the girl asked;

"I know that Joshua is close to all of his siblings, but why is it that his and Jemma's relationship seems a little different? And doesn't it bother Jason or Jeremy?"

Deciding that, since this girl was going to be a Bolt, she would set the same ground rules she had followed for the rest of the family, Lottie resigned herself to be just as honest with Kassandra as she would have been with Jemma, Candy, or Julie. Smoothing a fold in her skirt, Lottie lifted her eyes to meet the curious look in Kassandra's;

"Did Josh tell you about their parents' deaths?"

At her silent nod, Lottie continued;

"Well, you see, Jason had just turned eighteen, Josh was about ten, almost eleven, Jeremy was about six, and Jemma was barely two when their father, Johnathan, passed; they had lost their mother, Julietta, about a year or so before that. Anyway, before Jonathan's death, they had been approached by some of the families here to let them take Jeremy and Jemma, at the very least, Jemma; those offers got even more adamant when Jonathan died and the three younger children became Jason's responsibility. I mean, can you imagine, he was barely eighteen and he was trying to keep the family logging business going, plus he was responsible for three younger children, one of which was still, really, just a baby."

Intrigued by what she was learning, Kassandra ventured;

"It was certainly nice that they were able to still stay in touch when she and Jeremy were with other families."

Lottie could only shake her head;

"But they weren't, you see, even when Julietta was alive, Joshua helped out with his little brother and sister, and when Julietta began tutoring Jeremy to get him ready to start school, Joshua kept Jemma occupied. When their mother died, Josh overheard Jonathan telling Jason that he wondered if, for her own good, they should consider letting Jemma go with one of the families because he just wasn't sure how they would be able to take care of her."

Taking up her cup once more, Kassandra glanced over the rim to venture;

"Well, it would certainly have made the most sense; I mean, considering just how much a little girl, especially one that young, needs."

Uncomfortable with the young woman's rather blasé attitude about a matter that was so heart wrenching for the man she professed to love, Lottie pushed her discomfort to the back of her mind as she continued, her tone a bit less warm;

"Given how close the Bolt family was and is, I can't agree with your position. Anyway, Josh made up his mind that, having lost his mother, he wouldn't see his family divided and scattered. Josh has always been very intelligent, so when he spoke to the school teacher about what was going on with his family, she was more than happy to agree to Josh's plan that he remain at home with his sister and she would give him his lessons. Basically, Josh would keep Jemma while Jonathan and Jason worked at the logging camp and then, in the afternoons, he would take Jemma with him to get Jeremy from school; Jeremy would keep Jemma occupied while Miss Martha, she was the teacher then, went over Josh's lessons with him. He would take the kids home, then when Jason and Jonathan came in from work, they would keep the little ones occupied while Josh did his lessons."

Stopping for a moment to clasp her hands together in a prayerful manner, Lottie continued;

"You see, Kassandra, the reason that Jason and Jeremy aren't jealous over the bond that Jemma and Joshua share is because they each have a different and special relationship with their sister. Jemma and Jason's relationship isn't just that of a big brother and little sister; Jason is really the only father that she's ever known, she doesn't really remember their father, considering she was barely two years old when he died that's not really surprising. Although she and Jeremy were a bit closer in age, they were more like accomplices and best friends, not to mention each other's protectors."

Taking one of the towels that Lottie had brought her in hand, Kassandra began bristling the cloth over the ebony strands of her hair to rid them of their dampness as she asked casually;

"And what of her and Joshua's relationship, how would you describe it?"

Glancing down at her clasped hands, Lottie couldn't shake the feeling that the question was asked more because the girl was trying to gauge the level of influence that Jemma held with her brother, as opposed to how close the two siblings were. Choosing her words carefully, Lottie ventured her opinion;

"The best way that I know to describe the bond between those two is to point out that, Josh has been the one constant in Jemma's life. Don't misunderstand; all four would die for each other if they had to, but you have to remember; Jonathan and Julietta were gone before Jemma ever really knew them, and whatever memories she has come from the stories that her brothers have told her of their parents. Josh, on the other hand, has always been there, mind you so has Jason and Jeremy, but not as one on one as Josh. You have to remember, he taught her to walk and talk, he helped her to learn to read and write, well everything. Jason was working so hard and Jeremy was a playmate. I guess the best way that I know to describe their relationship is that they are a combination of brother and sister, best friends, confidants, and each other's support system when they need it the most."

Kassandra reached for her comb and began casually running it through her hair as she offered;

"I think that I can understand that, I mean, given that she never really had a father, other than her brother, Jason, I'm sure that she needed all of the security that she could find; that probably explains why she married her husband as well."

Lottie's face became a mask of, what she hoped, was neutrality as she asked casually;

"Oh, and why would you think that, Kassandra dear?"

Waving her hand in a sweeping motion, Kassandra, assuming that Lottie was truly curious and interested in her theory behind the Stempel's marriage, ventured;

"Well, I mean, think about it; I know that there's an age difference between the two of them, not to mention, he is a VERY successful businessman who has helped expand, not only, his business but the Bolt's interests as well."

Kassandra gave a short laugh of amusement as the contemplated;

"Of course, considering that he is an attractive man, I can certainly understand why she wanted to marry him."

Failing to notice the flash in Lottie's pale green eyes, Kassandra pursued;

"Although, I can't say I understand why she had three children. I mean, certainly, the twins were more than enough to fulfill her obligation."

It didn't take Lottie very long to realize that, although she had been introduced as a friend of the family, Kassandra had no idea of just how close the relationship was between her and the Bolts and Stempels. Deciding that, if this girl possessed the type of character that Lottie was beginning to suspect she did,

her best option was to play along and, hopefully, draw her out. Given his history when it came to relationships and the fact that he had proposed to this girl, not to mention brought her all the way from San Francisco to meet his family, Lottie knew that Joshua would need irrefutable proof. However, she was also holding out hope that, just maybe, given her city upbringing, Kassandra's views might not coincide with what those from Seattle would consider proper. Deciding to give the girl the benefit of the doubt, hoping that some time spent with Josh's family would help make an impression, Lottie began;

"Kassandra, I have to ask; exactly why do you think that Jemma and Aaron got married?"

Her attention focused on combing the tangles from her hair, Kassandra shrugged slightly as she ventured in a nonchalant tone;

"I suppose that considering she is a very pretty girl, he must have decided that it was time for him to take a wife and settle down, and she was a logical choice, especially considering how close his business and the Bolt's logging operation are linked, it only made sense to merge the two and their marriage would certainly accomplish that."

Lottie had seen and heard many shocking things in her life, especially given her profession, however, what she was hearing now was something that shocked her to her core. More so because she knew that the idea of financial or business gain was the last thoughts that had occupied, either, Aaron or Jemma's minds when they had made their decision to marry. Running the flat of her hands over her skirt, as if smoothing imaginary wrinkles, Lottie cleared her throat as she softly challenged;

"I think there's something that you should understand, Kassandra. First, the idea of merging his business with the Bolts' was the furthest thing in Aaron Stempel's mind when he decided to ask for Jemma's hand in marriage; he was in love with her, very much so and, for that matter, he still is, just as she is with him. They didn't decide to marry hastily, in fact, they waited two years before they even admitted they loved each other, and another two before they married."

Lottie, seeing the look of disbelief on the girl's face, found herself feeling sorry for her. Even though she had taken exception to Kassandra's callous assumption regarding the reasons why Aaron and Jemma had chosen to marry, she couldn't help but think of just how she had managed to acquire such a mercenary mentality when it came to the subject of marriage; something that made her worry about Kassandra's motivation in accepting Josh's marriage proposal. Deciding to push her concerns aside for the moment, Lottie rose from her chair;

"I suppose I better get ready, myself, for dinner tonight."

Turning, as if remembering, when she reached the door, Lottie begged;

"Kassandra, please, as a favor to me, never say anything about what I told you about how Jonathan considered letting Jemma go with another family. Jason never wanted her to know about it because he didn't want her to have any ill feelings or to mar the idea she has of their father in her mind."

Giving it a moment's thought, Kassandra nodded;

"Of course not, Lottie."

Offering the girl a warm smile, Lottie gave a slight bob of her head as she offered;

"Thank you."

Kassandra sat for a few minutes after Lottie had left, considering what she had confided in her.

Seeing Jason, Jeremy, and Clancey when she passed by her living room, Jemma asked, although she already knew the answer;

"I'm guessing the kitchen?"

Nodding as he cradled his daughter against his shoulder, Jason waved his free hand;

"They're just waiting for our charming hostess to see how they can help, Pixie."

Noticing Jeremy doing his best to get his son to give him some semblance of a smile, Jemma shook her head as she reminded;

"Jeremy, weren't you the one who used to laugh at Aaron when he would do that very thing with Jacob and Amie?"

Jemma couldn't help but want to laugh when her brother offered her a look that was a combination of guilt and determination as he ventured;

"Well that was different, Pixie, that was your and Aaron's kids, Jamie's mine and Candy's."

Rolling her eyes at her brother's comment as she chuckled slightly, she reminded;

"Well, when you two are ready to do so, Peggy is upstairs in the nursery with your niece and nephews. She's more than happy to watch Lisa and Jamie too."

Hearing her husband on the stairs, she offered;

"Aaron will keep you three company and out of trouble while we take care of the kitchen."

Although neither had said anything, both, Candy and Julie's thoughts had been running along the same lines, something that found them arriving a bit earlier then normal at Aaron and Jemma's house in the hopes of discussing their thoughts with her to see if, perhaps, her thoughts might be running along the same lines. One aspect of the Bolt-Stempel family was that they each treated the others' homes as if they were their own, the only exception was that of the couples' bedrooms, otherwise, each was as familiar with the others' homes as they were their own. Given this trend, Jemma wasn't surprised when she hurried into her kitchen to find Candy and Julie putting the finishing touches on the meal to be served that night, both having left their infants in their husbands', more than, capable hands. Stopping to take notice of how carefully each of them had dressed for the evening, Jemma couldn't help but laugh as she ventured;

"Well, it seems as if we all had the same thought in mind."

A blush of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks, Candy defended;

"Well, it is a special occasion and I haven't been able to wear this dress for a while, I mean since I was expecting Jamie..."

"Holding her hand up to stall the rest of her sister in law's statement, Jemma issued;

"It's alright, Candy, that's the same argument that I used about my dress."

Turning to Julie, Jemma ventured;

"Let me guess; you had that in the back of your wardrobe and wanted to see if it still fit?"

A light blush that matched the peach coloring of her gown creeping up her neck and into her cheeks, Julie stammered a bit;

"I, well, I just that that, well..."

Shaking her head as she put her hands on her hips, Jemma offered;

"It's alright, Julie, we all obviously had the same thoughts."

Before they could elaborate further, Lottie breezed through the doorway to greet eagerly;

"Hello, girls, and just how are we doing this evening?"

Stopping to study the picture the three made, Lottie smiled proudly;

"Don't you three look beautiful tonight. I'm guessing that this would be in honor of your future sister in law, or am I mistaken?"

Staring at her adopted mother in shock, Jemma challenged;

"Lottie! I'm shocked at you, I mean you say that as if we don't always try to look our best. And in my defense, I rushed dressing so I'm sure that I'm not at my best."

Placing her arm around the girl's shoulders, Lottie offered her a serene, motherly smile;

"Jemma sweetie, I've seen girls spend half a day to look as good as you do at your worst."

Pinning the three young women with her eyes, Lottie shook her head;

"Nope, you three can't fool me."

Glancing from Candy to Jemma, Julie reluctantly admitted;

"Alright, so maybe I just wanted to make sure that I made a good impression."

Biting at her bottom lip, Candy confessed;

"Maybe I just wanted to remind Jeremy of what he has."

All three women turned to Jemma, who blushed in slight embarrassment, as she sighed in resignation;

"Maybe I just wanted to make sure that Aaron still finds me as attractive as he did before we had three children."

Nodding, Lottie praised;

"That's better; now that we have that out of the way, I know that those aren't the only reasons. Unless I miss my guess there just seems to be something about her that isn't quite sitting right with you three, especially you, little Miss Jemma."

Knowing that trying to hide how she felt would prove useless, Jemma confided;

"Alright, yes you're right, but I'm not sure what it is. I want to be wrong because I want Josh to be happy, but I get the feeling that she sees Josh as more of a possession than as the man she loves. I keep trying to convince myself that, just maybe, I'm being the jealous little sister."

Reaching out to push a stray curl over her shoulder, Lottie theorized;

"But you just can't quite bring yourself to believe that, can you, sweetie?"

Lottie couldn't help but notice, as she shook her head, how a look of frustration lit Jemma's emerald eyes;

"I wish I could but I just can't seem to convince myself of it."

Jemma shook her head in frustration;

"It's probably just because she's a stranger to all of us. Once I get to know her better I'm sure that the feeling will pass."

Hearing a knock on the door followed by the sound of Josh's voice, Jemma ventured;

"Let's just enjoy the evening and get to know our future sister in law a little better."

Glancing towards the small mirror near the door, Jemma made sure that her hair wasn't a mess before leaving the kitchen. Lottie couldn't help but purse her lips as she turned to Julie and Candy;

"I don't know about you two, but something tells me that Jemma isn't very far off the mark in her assessment of Miss Everston."

Candy scrunched her forehead in curiosity as she demanded;

"Why do you say that, Lottie?"

Approaching the kitchen door to join everyone else, Lottie threw over her shoulder;

"Because, Candy, I get that same feeling and, unless I miss my guess, so do the two of you."

Both women watched as Lottie pushed the portal open to sashay through it in a way only Lottie could, remaining speechless for a moment in amazement at just how well the woman truly knew them. Recovering her ability to speak first, Julie waved her hand towards the door before suggesting;

"I guess we should join them as well."

Remaining silent, Candy simply nodded before following Julie into the living room to join the party.

Josh made certain to arrive at Lottie's a bit early, certain that Kassandra might require a bit of bolstering in preparation for her first Bolt-Stempel family dinner. He knew that Lottie and Clancey would have already made their way to Jemma's so that Lottie could offer any help his sister might need in the kitchen to finish with her meal preparations. Offering a nod to Ken, Lottie's employee, Josh hurried up the stairs to rap briskly on the door to Kassandra's room and found himself speechless as she opened the portal to greet;

"Mr. Bolt."

Seeing the look of wide-eyed appreciation that he wore, Kassandra allowed a slight smile of satisfaction to lift the corners of her mouth, although she was certain that Josh assumed her smile of pleasure was for his benefit at the thought of having pleased him, the truth was that it was for her own sense of smug satisfaction at the idea that she had him so captivated. Recovering from his awe at the sight his fiance made with her ebony hair swept up in a stylish twist, as well as the picture that she presented in the midnight blue gown with bell-shaped sleeves capped at the elbows and rounded neckline, both of which were trimmed with lace that had silver threads woven throughout. A smile of pride that touched his eyes, lit Josh's face as he praised;

"Kassandra dear, you look stunning."

Josh turned in surprise as he heard Carlin venture;

"I have to agree with your intended, Kassa, you look beautiful."

Clasping the younger man's shoulder, Carlin ventured;

"Do you think that your family will approve of my daughter, Joshua?"

Offering her his arm, Josh waited until Kassandra had taken it before patting her hand to vow;

"My family will approve of whoever makes me happy and that is your daughter, Carlin."
Glancing from one to the other, Josh waved his free hand towards the stairs before suggesting;

"Shall we go? I can assure you that you're in store for a treat, my sister's cooking could give any of those fancy chefs in San Francisco a run for their money, and knowing Pixie I can almost promise you that there will be an extra special dessert."

Nodding, Kassandra gave a final pat to her hair before taking her dress in hand;

"By all means, I'm certain that she worked very hard and I'm eager to get to know everyone much better."

Allowing her to precede him down the staircase, Josh couldn't help but feel elated over the prospect of what the evening spent with his family and the woman he planned on spending his life with might bring, something that found him happily pointing out the sights to be seen in Seattle as he walked arm in arm with Kassandra with Carlin following just behind them. Once they reached Aaron and Jemma's house, Josh gave a slight knock on the door that was answered quickly by his brother in law as he greeted;

"I knew that once you smelled that delicious roast my wife has in the oven you'd show up sooner or later."

Standing aside and waving his hand, Aaron invited;

"By all means, please come in."

Once Aaron had closed the door, he wasn't surprised to see his wife hurry into the room to greet her middle brother, although she stopped, somewhat hesitantly, until Josh smiled and held his arms wide in invitation;

"I don't know about you, Pixie, but I sure could use a hug."

Offering her middle brother a bright smile, Jemma rushed forwards to be caught up in her brother's fierce embrace before laughing as she begged;

"Josh, not that I didn't miss you too, but could you loosen your grip? You forget I'm not exactly built along the same lines as you, Jason, and Jeremy."

Laughing at his sister's comment, Josh released her from his embrace as he placed his arm around her shoulders before quipping;

"A fact, baby sister, that I'm quite certain your husband is VERY grateful for."

Slapping his brother in law on the shoulder as he walked by him, Aaron confirmed Josh's theory;

"You have no idea just HOW grateful I am for that fact, Josh."

Waving her hand towards the living room as she remembered their other guests, Jemma invited;

"Please, Kassandra, Mr. Everston, make yourselves at home. Mr. Everston, would you like something to drink before dinner?"

Falling back on his gallantry, Carlin offered his hand and waited until Jemma reciprocated before issuing;

"Given that we were rather rushed when we made port Mrs. Stempel, please, call me Carlin. We are about to become family after all, so I see no need for formality."

Nodding her head slightly, Jemma agreed;

"Of course, Mr...I mean Carlin, but only if you'll call me Jemma."

Despite the cordial and gracious tone that her voice held, Aaron couldn't help but detect an undercurrent that told him there was something about Carlin Everston that set off an alarm of caution in his wife, something even more evident as he placed his arm around her shoulders and felt just how stiffly she was holding her body. Seeking to ease her tension Aaron offered;

"And please call me, Aaron. Would you care for anything before we sit down to the wonderful meal that my wife has prepared for us? I can assure you that you'll enjoy Jemma's cooking, I'd take a meal she's prepared over any of those fancy restaurants in San Francisco any day."

The obvious adoration between the couple wasn't missed by, either, Carlin or his daughter as Jemma blushed delicately at the compliment before turning to look lovingly into her husband's eyes;

"I think that you, my love, may well be just a bit biased."

Pulling her a bit closer, Aaron shook his head;

"No, sweetheart, I'm just telling it like it is."

Pushing down the aggravation and jealousy that she felt at the obvious ease between the couple, Kassandra hid her displeasure behind a bright and charming smile as she flicked her fan open and began fluttering it about;

"I don't know about Joshua and my father, but I, for one, am certainly eager to enjoy a delicious meal just as soon as your maid says dinner is served."

Noting the strange looks that she was receiving from, not only, Jemma and Aaron, but also from Josh, his two brothers and their wives, as well as Lottie and Clancey, Kassandra glanced around at everyone before her eyes widened in disbelief as she wondered;

"Did I say something inappropriate?"

Shaking her head, Jemma explained;

"No, Kassandra, of course not, but you see, we don't have a maid."

Letting her eyes take in the space about her, Kassandra couldn't help but demand;

"Then who takes care of your house and children?"

Shocked by the question, Jemma had to remind herself that she and Kassandra had been raised in two completely different environments. Bearing that thought in mind, Jemma offered a kind smile as she explained;

"I take care of our home and children. You see everyone, basically, chips in here, Kassandra. Candy, Julie, and I all help each other, we take turns going between our houses and we help each other with our children as well. I'm sure that Josh explained about the brides to you, didn't he?"

At her silent nod, Jemma continued;

"Well, when there are special occasions such as weddings, parties, things like that, the brides all chip in and help as well. As a matter of fact, one of the brides, Peggy, when she found out I was planning on this family dinner, volunteered to watch all of the children so that Candy, Julie, and I would be able to spend as much time as possible enjoying your and your father's company tonight without worrying."

Realizing that he had yet to introduce them, Josh demanded;

"Speaking of children, where are Molly, Christopher, and Benjamin?"

Candy offered her brother in law an apologetic look as she explained;

"Oh, I'm sorry, Josh, but they were out picking berries so that we could bake some pies and I'm afraid they ate more than what they brought back."

Shaking his head as he chuckled, Josh ventured;

"So I'm guessing they learned the lesson about eating too many berries the hard way, didn't they?"

Candy nodded;

"I'm afraid so, Grandpa volunteered to stay with them tonight until they get over their tummy aches."

Although she wasn't completely sure, Jemma could have sworn that she noticed a fleeting look of frustration cross Kassandra's features before they returned to a mask of amiable pleasantness. Seeking to divert any type of unpleasantness for her brother's sake, Jemma begged;

"If you'll excuse me, I think I'll go see to our dinner."

While she had hoped that it wouldn't be the case, Jemma wasn't surprised when Josh suggested;

"Kassandra, why don't you go with Pixie and see if you can help her?"

Noticing the covert look of warning flashing from her father's eyes, Kassandra fixed a slight smile in place as she nodded;

"I'd love to, Joshua dear."

There eyes widening at the realization of just what Josh was suggesting, Candy and Julie glanced to each other in silent agreement as they both moved in unison as if to rise to join their sister in law and future sister in law in the kitchen. Seeing their wives' intentions, Jason and Jeremy simultaneously placed their arms around their prospective wife's shoulders to pull them close, as if embracing them, as Jeremy shook his head and Jason challenged softly for their ears only;

"I don't think so, you two. Josh did that give those two a chance to get to know each other a bit better, something that doesn't require any assistance from the two of you."

Having heard Jason's statement, Lottie rose gracefully from her chair to approach the sofa where the couples were seated to place her hand on, both, Julie and Candy's knees as she affirmed Jason's opinion in a soft, but definite tone of voice;

"Jason's right, girls. Josh is trying to give Kassandra and Jemma a chance to get to know each other better and I'm sure they will be alright without your help."

Straightening and smoothing her skirt, she tilted her head to the side and advised;

"Especially, since I plan on making a timely trip to the kitchen to see what I can do to help."

Despite the nervousness that she felt, Jemma did her best to be as friendly towards Kassandra as possible. She knew that part of her nervousness was due to just how anxious she was for her and her brother's fiancee to get along, but the other part was because of the sense of unease that she felt in Kassandra's presence. Although she tried to convince herself otherwise, Jemma knew that what she felt coming from the woman wasn't the nervousness that you would expect from someone seeking acceptance into the man that she professed to love's family, rather, it was more along the lines of someone who was seeing acceptance as a means to an end. Seeking to break the awkwardness, Jemma motioned towards the rack where the larger kitchen knives were kept to request;

"Kassandra, would you please get the carving knife from the block and the serving fork?"

Glad for something to help break their awkward silence, Kassandra quickly complied as she offered;

"Here you are, is there anything else that I can do to help?"

Offering her a sympathetic smile, Jemma speculated;

"Kassandra, please don't think that I mean anything insulting by this, but I'm guessing that your experience in the kitchen is rather limited, or am I mistaken?"

Unable to prevent the rueful smile that lifted the corners of her mouth, Kassandra admitted;

"You're not, we've always had a cook so I'm afraid that my experience is limited, to say the least."

Waving towards the serving dishes waiting to be taken to the dining room table, Kassandra asked;

"I have to ask, how did you come to know so much about cooking? I don't see your brothers as being proficient in culinary matters."

Laughing at the observation, Jemma shook her head as she explained;

"No, decidedly not. I can only offer three older brothers and self-defense as my motivation. Actually, Lottie taught me quite a bit, and I enjoy cooking and experimenting, something that pleases Aaron since he gets to reap the rewards when my ideas work."

Seeing the door open to satisfy her curiosity, Kassandra busied herself with placing the rolls that Jemma had placed on the counter to cool into a basket as she ventured casually;

"Would it be alright if I asked you something, Jemma?"

Scraping the potatoes into a serving dish, Jemma nodded;

"I don't see why not, how else will you get to know me any better?"

Placing a napkin over the rolls to keep them warm, Kassandra queried;

"Do you find it difficult?"

Once she had everything ready to place on the dining room table, Jemma turned to Kassandra, her confusion over the woman's question written on her face, to ask;

"What do you mean, Kassandra? Find what difficult?"

Waving her hand about casually, Kassandra elaborated;

"All of this. I mean, you're barely twenty-one years old and you have three small children, not to mention, married to a much older man who, I'm quite certain, is very demanding and, more than likely, set in his ways."

Shaking her head, Kassandra continued;

"I've known a few acquaintances in San Francisco who entered into marriages such as yours and they find it difficult to adjust."

Crossing her arms over her middle and the calm look on her face belying what she was truly feeling, Jemma demanded in a deceptively calm tone;

"Kassandra, what do you mean by a marriage such as mine? How EXACTLY do you see my marriage?"

Looking at the younger woman in disbelief, Kassandra offered sympathetically;

"My dear, you don't even realize it, do you?"

Kassandra approached Jemma to place her hand on her shoulder;

"Jemma, considering the age difference between the two of you, I would have thought that it would have been obvious. If a man hasn't married by a certain age he begins feeling the need to settle down and have at least one child to carry on his legacy. Usually, when that's the case he looks for the most logical candidate, generally a business associate's daughter,"

her eyes reflecting a knowing glint, Kassandra pressed;

"or perhaps a sister, that they feel will meet the requirements that they have for a wife."

Giving a slight, sympathetic shake of her head, Kassandra lamented;

"Unfortunately, a marriage of convenience tends to be difficult for a young woman with dreams of love to adapt to and they have to seek their happiness in other areas of their lives. Of course, they make certain to maintain the appearance of propriety in their marriage."

The realization of just what she was implying found Jemma shocked beyond belief as she softly asked;

"Kassandra, let me see if I understand this; are you saying that the reason my husband asked for my hand in marriage was simply that I was the most logical choice, given his business connection to my brothers, when he decided to settle down?"

Jemma felt a cold dread beginning at the bottom of her stomach and working its way throughout her body as Kassandra nodded and offered her a look that reminded Jemma of a teacher about to praise a student who solved a difficult problem. The feeling only intensified when her future sister in law ventured;

"Although I think that you were very smart to agree."

Her smile, turning to one that conveyed a sense of admiration Kassandra offered;

"Especially given the security that I'm sure you enjoy, although I must confess, I don't know that I would have agreed to have another child, especially since having twins should have more than satisfied the need for a child. But, considering that your husband is such an attractive man, I suppose that I can see how you could have given in and allowed THAT to happen."

Taking the younger woman's silence as an indication that she was simply considering everything, Kassandra offered a confident smile as she asked casually;

"If we're done with everything in here, Jemma, I'll go ahead and take the rolls and butter to the dining room table for you and rejoin the others in the living room until you're ready to announce dinner."

Her mind whirling with the implications of what Kassandra had voiced as her observation as well as the ramification of how she chose to handle it, Jemma found herself beyond shocked as she nodded before declaring;

"Please do. And yes, we are QUITE done, Kassandra."

Waiting until the woman left her kitchen, Jemma took several deep breaths to calm herself before she finished placing the food on the serving tray. She couldn't help noticing the strange look that Lottie wore as she entered the kitchen just after Kassandra had disappeared through the door. Glancing over her shoulder in reflex after noticing the small smile of satisfaction that the woman wore, Lottie's brow furrowed in consideration before turning to address Jemma, something that found her biting her tongue momentarily as she realized that her hurried movements and the way she was inhaling and exhaling sharply were clear indications of just how upset she was. Approaching her cautiously, Lottie placed her arm around the girl's shoulders before asking softly;

"Jemma, sweetie, are you alright?"

Narrowing her eyes, as she connected the look that she saw on Kassandra's face earlier with the look that she was now seeing on Jemma's face, Lottie found her temper rising as she realized what must have happened, something that worried her given she didn't know the extent of the conversation between the two women. Placing both hands on her adopted daughter's shoulders, Lottie turned her to face her as she asked cautiously;

"Jemma, what happened between you two?"

Lottie's anger gave way to concern as she read the combination of anger, hurt, worry, and fear, all swirling in the emerald green depths of Jemma's eyes. Giving her shoulder's a gentle shake, Lottie, in a stern and maternal tone of voice, demanded;

"Jemma Elysia, answer me! What happened?"

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Jemma swallowed hard before focusing on Lottie;

"Let's just say that my future sister in law seems to have a very definite opinion about mine and Aaron's marriage and the reasons behind it."

Her eyes widening as she realized what must have transpired, Lottie growled angrily;

"You just wait till I get my hands on that little..."

Her eyes filling with panic, Jemma grabbed Lottie's hands in hers as she shook her head furiously;

"LOTTIE NO! We can't say or do anything, at least not right now."

Seeing the worry and confusion in her adopted mother's eyes, Jemma pleaded;

"Lottie, he is in love with her and you and I both know that means he's protective of her. For the love of heaven above, look at what almost happened between him and Jason over that business with Miss Peak's niece, Valerie."

Any ideas that Lottie had at that moment of dragging Kassandra Everston through the center of the Seattle by her hair to drop her off the pier, soon disappeared as she saw the tears brimming in the girl's eyes as she begged;

"I CAN'T go through another episode with Josh like I did last year, Lottie, I just can't. Not to mention, SHE would make sure that she kept him out of ALL of our lives, not just mine."

Shaking her head she stated adamantly;

"Lottie, I CAN'T and WON'T let that happen, it's not fair to Jeremy, Jason, Josh, or all of our children and family."

Lottie's mouth thinned as she relented somewhat;

"But, sweetie, what about YOU? This isn't fair to you in the least."

Clasping her hands between her own, Jemma's eyes were filled with pleading as she beseeched;

"Lottie, I can handle it, I promise you that I can. But what I can't handle is the idea of another rift between Josh and our

family. Please, Lottie, for me, I'm begging you, not one word; to her, Josh or anyone else, and for the love of God, ESPECIALLY Aaron."

Hearing the sound of Julie and Candy approaching, she demanded;

"Promise me, Lottie!"

Although she wasn't comfortable with doing so, seeing the desperate look on the girl's face, Lottie finally surrendered. Reaching out to push a curl behind Jemma's shoulder, she nodded;

"Alright, sweetie, I won't say anything. BUT, if I think that things are getting too out of hand where that...LADY is concerned, the first person I'm talking to is your husband and brother and in that order."

Shaking her head furiously, Lottie vowed;

"I don't know and don't care what her motivations might be, but I refuse to see you hurt because of the likes of Kassandra Everston."

Jemma gave a slight nod of her head;

"I understand and thank you, Lottie."

Allowing a smile to lift the corners of her mouth, Jemma speculated;

"Let's look at the bright side; maybe we just have to get to know her a bit better. I mean, it could just be possible that she's basing her opinion on what she knows from San Francisco society. Maybe, once she's gotten to know us better, she'll figure out that not everyone and everything is the same as what they are in San Francisco."

Allowing that possibility to lift her spirits, Jemma greeted as Julie and Candy entered the kitchen;

"Well, it's about time my two sisters and best friends came to help me put all of this food on the table. I'm willing to bet everyone's ready to start gnawing my furniture because they're so hungry."

Motioning to the tray that she had prepared, Jemma turned to Candy;

"Candy, would you mind taking this tray up to Peggy? She insisted on staying in the nursery with the children."

Once Candy had left the kitchen, Jemma grabbed the platter with the roast before turning to face Julie and Lottie;

"Ladies, would you mind grabbing the rest of the food so that we can sit down and enjoy our dinner and welcome the future Mrs. Bolt and her father to our family."

Julie eagerly took one of the trays and happily followed her sister in law as Lottie lingered slightly to grab the last tray before sighing in frustration with the situation as she muttered;

"I certainly hope that everything turns out as you're hoping it does, sweetie, I certainly hope so for all of our sakes."