CHAPTER 6
Josh sat in the kitchen of Jason and Julie's home drinking a cup of coffee, he had woke up early and, unable to go back to sleep, decided to head downstairs and start a pot of coffee. Aside from his inability to sleep, Josh found his mind swirling with a multitude of thoughts, all of them centering on the time that he had spent with Kassandra since their arrival. Even though he knew that Kassandra was a girl born and raised in the city, he had hoped that the beauty found in Seattle's wilderness would encourage her desire to explore the area, however, that had not been the case. Although she acted interested in everything he had to show her, it was obvious to Josh that her interest wasn't as heartfelt as he had hoped it would be, something that made him feel guilty, especially when she apologized;
"I'm sorry, dearest, I think that this is all very beautiful, but I supposed I just don't have the appreciation for it that you do. I suppose it must be due to having been raised in such a cosmopolitan city as San Francisco."
Waving her hand across the scene in front of her, Kassandra offered;
"Although, I can't deny just how beautiful this all is, but I suppose that, to fully appreciate it, you really have to be from here."
Wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her close, he lowered his head to claim a kiss before soothing;
"It's alright, honey, you've had a lot to adjust to in a very short time. I mean, this is all so new to you; the area, my family, and everything that goes along with getting married. Once things are a bit more settled I'm sure you'll grow to love all of this just as much as I do."
Hearing the sound of his brother's heavy steps on the staircase, Josh's thoughts were brought to the present as Jason entered the kitchen and greeted brightly;
"Good morning, brother. Did you sleep well?"
Waiting until his brother had poured himself a cup of coffee and joined him at the table, Josh offered;
"I slept fine. Where's Julie?"
Lifting his head towards the ceiling, Jason explained;
"I let her sleep in, Lisa was a bit fussy last night so she didn't get very much sleep."
Sipping appreciatively at the steaming cup of liquid, Jason cut his eyes sideways as he asked;
"So what do you have planned for today's adventures with Kassandra?'
Josh shrugged slightly as he admitted;
"Not really anything for today. Benjamin and I are going to go over the inventory and compare notes to see what we have and what we need to fill Mr. Thorndyke's next order"
Seeing the look of contemplation that his older brother wore, Josh explained;
"Kassandra isn't used to the type of terrain we have here, you have to remember, Jason, she was born and raised in the city so this is a little overwhelming for her, but she seems to be adapting to it pretty well. She asked if it would be alright if we took a break for today since I needed to go over things with Benjamin, it seemed like a good idea."
Jason could tell that there was more to the situation than what Josh was willing to admit, even to himself. He was certain that his brother didn't even realize that he was trying to qualify what was now taking place with his fiancee, however, he also knew that trying to point this out to Josh wouldn't help the situation either. There were no doubts in Jason's mind that the best way to deal with this particular situation was to allow Josh to come to his own conclusions about the situation for himself. Careful to make certain that his face was a mask of neutrality, Jason nodded;
"That makes sense to me. After all, the great Northwest can be a little intimidating for someone seeing it for the first time, so giving Kassandra a day to rest makes good sense."
Noticing the way Josh seemed to stare into his cup of coffee, as if he was searching for the answer to a question deep inside the dark liquid, Jason reached out to place his hand over his brother's, concern lighting his features;
"Is there something bothering you, Josh, something that I can help with?"
Lifting his eyes to meet the look of concern that Jason wore, Josh couldn't help but feel the love that he had for his big brother swell in his chest. For as long as he could remember, Jason had always done everything possible to be there for him and their younger brother and sister, and even though he was about to be married, Jeremy was married with a family as was Jemma, Jason still did everything possible to be there for them all, something that made him realize just how blessed little Lisa was to have this man as her father. Deciding to level with his brother, Josh ventured;
"I don't know if it's really anything Jason, I mean anything I should be worried about. But, well, I just sort of thought that Pixie, Candy, Julie, and Lottie would have been inviting Kassandra to spend time with them, especially Pixie. The only time those two have spent together was the night that Pixie had us all over to their house for dinner and Kassandra helped her in the kitchen."
Even though Jason knew what had taken place, he knew that, per his oath, he couldn't say anything to Josh. Bearing that in mind, Jason lowered his eyes to study the contents of his cup, buying a bit of time, before offering;
"Well, Josh, you have to remember, Pixie, Candy, and Julie just had babies a few weeks ago. Add to that, Pixie has three small children, Candy has Molly and Christopher plus Jamie to care for, and Julie is adjusting to being a new mother."
Shrugging as he took a sip of his coffee, Jason pointed out;
"I'm sure that with the girls working on the party for the babies' christenings as well as Amie and Jacob's birthday, they'll do everything possible to include Kassandra. You just have to let the girls warm up to her in their own ways, Josh, just give it some time."
Letting his eyes slide covertly in his brother's direction, Jason couldn't help but think to himself; 'And give yourself time to see if this is REALLY what you want, brother.' Seeking to change the direction of the subject, he offered;
"Why don't we go to Lottie's for breakfast, my treat? You go on ahead and I'll meet you there, I just want to check on Lisa and Julie before I leave."
Waiting until Josh had pulled the door closed behind him, Jason rose from his chair to wash up his and Josh's cups and was about to see to breakfast for his wife when she walked into the kitchen with their daughter. Seeing that she looked a bit more rested, Jason offered;
"Here, darling, let me take her, you sit down and I'll fix you some breakfast."
Placing their daughter in her husband's waiting arms, Julie shook her head;
"No, love, I should be fixing your breakfast."
Jason shook his head as he cuddled their daughter close to his chest;
"That's alright, Julie sweet, I'm going to treat Josh to breakfast at Lottie's. But why don't you fix what you'd like while I tend to Lisa; besides, there's something that I'd like to discuss with you before I leave."
Once she had finished fixing herself a light breakfast as Jason explained what he had in mind, Julie joined her husband at the table and began smearing butter over the popovers that she warmed for her morning meal as she furrowed her brow in consideration before asking;
"So let me see if I understand this; you want me, Jemma, and Candy to try and include Kassandra in planning the party for the babies' christenings and the twins' birthday?"
Her eyes showing her wariness at even the suggestion, Julie reminded;
"Darling, you know that Jemma is not going to be overly thrilled at the idea of Kassandra having any sort of say, especially given that this is for her children and especially given what Kassandra said to her."
Noticing that Lisa had fallen asleep clutching his finger, Jason rose from his chair to settle her in her bassinet before answering;
"Sweetheart, I know that she's going to have some misgivings, but you heard what your brother said just as well as I did, she's hoping that we have her upbringing to thank for her inconsiderate remarks. And that, just maybe, once we get to know her a little better and she gets to know all of us that episode can be just a bad memory."
Placing his hands on her shoulders as she stood to face him, Jason leaned down to brush his lips against her forehead before meeting her look of uncertainty with his own look of determination;
"Don't worry over it, darling, I'm going to stop by Jemma and Aaron's and talk to Pixie myself about this, I just need you and Candy to give her all the support you can."
Julie nodded before sighing;
"Jason love, you know that we'll give Jemma all the support she needs, but there is one other thing that you haven't considered in all of this."
Wrapping an arm about her waist to pull her closer, Jason used his free hand to place his forefinger under her chin to lift her eyes to meet his as he demanded;
"Really, Julie sweet, and just what might that be?"
Despite the potential severity that the present situation posed, Julie couldn't help but find a slight bit of amusement as she placed her hands against her husband's broad chest before offering him a slight smile as she pointed out;
"That, considering we will be christening the three additions to our family, and celebrating the twins' first birthday, and because he missed the twins' christening, it's a pretty good bet that Uncle Duncan and Holly are going to make certain that they are here to celebrate with us. THAT, my darling, is what you have overlooked, and you and I both know that neither will bite their tongues on their opinions of Kassandra and her father."
Although the look of confidence he wore slipped a bit, Jason's resolve did not, something that Julie could see by the stubborn set of his jaw and the look of determination in his blue eyes as he vowed;
"You're right, for a moment, I did forget that they would be here, but that doesn't change anything, my darling wife. We just all have to impress upon them how important it is that we try to get to know the Everstons better and support Josh, whatever decision he makes."
Julie had no doubts that Jason had considered every avenue available when it came to deciding the way to approach the situation with Josh and Kassandra, so if he thought this was the best route to take, she had full faith and trust in his decision. While most wives might find the idea of their husband's concern and protectiveness for his siblings and their happiness bothersome, that was a quality that Julie found endearing in her husband. Although she had wondered if she would find marrying into the Bolt family intimidating, given that she had only been used to a small family, with just herself, Aaron, their father, and Marta. However, intimidation was the last thing that she felt when she was welcomed into the Bolt clan by Jason's siblings, she had no doubts that even had her older brother not been married to Jemma, she would have been no less welcomed into the family. Considering just how blessed she felt to be married to the man now holding her, Julie placed her hand against his cheek as she smiled lovingly before offering;
"Have I told you thank you?"
Noticing the puzzled look that lit his eyes, she wasn't surprised when he asked;
"For what, love?"
Lifting on tiptoes to loop her arms around his neck she pressed her lips against his as she gave him a kiss that conveyed her love, admiration, and adoration for her husband before pulling back;
"For loving me, for marrying me, and for blessing me with that beautiful little miracle asleep in her bassinet."
Brushing her hair over her shoulder, Jason returned her kiss before cupping her face in his hands;
"I have news for you, Julie sweet, loving you is the easiest thing in the world for me, although I think you should be canonized for putting up with me. As far as marrying you, that is the smartest thing that I have ever done and I'm just grateful and very blessed that you agreed to marry me. And as far as little Miss Lisa goes, she is a miracle that we need to thank each other and, most especially, God for, love. Now, I think I should go and talk to a certain baby sister of mine about all of this and we'll go from there. You get some rest today and I will try and be home early, alright?"
Dropping a lingering kiss on her lips Jason hurried out the door, wondering what he might be able to expect after his planned conversation with his sister regarding their brother and future sister in law.
Josh took his time walking to Lottie's, he knew that, given the difficult night that she had, Jason would probably fix something for Julie before leaving to join him. He was actually happy for the chance to enjoy the scenery, something that he didn't realize he had missed so desperately. But now, walking among the trees, wildflowers, and the sounds of the water from the river, Josh realized just how much he truly missed Seattle. He knew that he could have taken a more direct route to Lottie's, the route that took him right by Jemma and Aaron's house, but he decided against it for the moment and opted for the more lengthy walk to enjoy the beauty of the morning. Although he had convinced himself that was the reason, deep down inside, he knew that a large part of the reason was the guilt he felt over the lack of time that he and Jemma had spent together since his return; despite his intentions, it always seemed as if his attention was diverted somehow, usually by Kassandra.
Alone with his thoughts, Josh found himself analyzing the conversation that he had had with her on the very subject of his sister. Although he had made several comments regarding his intention to spend some time with his sister and her children, it seemed as if each attempt was met with some sort of obstacle, however, he couldn't deny his fiancee's logic when she pointed out;
"Joshua, darling, you know that, with three small children, Jemma is probably very busy, especially considering the christenings and the twins' birthday party coming up. You would probably just distract her from getting anything accomplished."
Hearing the sound of soft humming, Josh's thoughts were diverted as he tracked down the source of the soft, lilting notes. Finding where, or more precisely who, the humming had originated from, Josh stood silent, hidden by the large trunks of the trees as he watched Peggy Thornly gathering wild strawberries. Crossing his arms over his chest, Josh leaned against the huge trunk of the pine tree, unable to prevent the corners of his mouth from curling in a smile as he studied her, unobserved. He couldn't help but notice how the glimmering beams of sunlight, that managed to pierce the canopy created by the branches of the trees, seemed to make the lighter shades of brown dance to the surface of the locks of her chestnut-colored hair. Recognizing the notes of the tune that she was humming, Josh waited a few moments longer before he began to whistle the tune along with her humming. Seeing her bright blue eyes widen in embarrassed shock, Josh stepped out from behind the curtain of low hanging tree branches to announce his presence. Noticing the irritation burning in her eyes, as well as the firm set of her small mouth and the stubborn stance that she took as she placed her hands on her hips as she stood to turn to face him, he wasn't surprised when she chastised him;
"Joshua Bolt! Just what do you think you're doing hiding and scaring me like that?"
Glancing around, her eyes reflected her curiosity as she asked;
"And where's your fiancee?"
Holding his hands up in a sign of surrender;
"First thing's first. I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to scare you, but I heard you humming and followed the sound. As far as Kassandra, more than likely, she is still sleeping. She's not exactly a morning person like most everyone else in Seattle."
Nodding towards the basket in her hand, he asked; "I'm guessing that you're picking them for some pies?"
Peggy glanced at her basket before offering;
"Well, yes. Amie and Jacob seem to have developed a fondness for wild strawberries, and Jemma mentioned a few days ago about trying to find some time to come pick some so she could bake the twins their own strawberry cakes. But, I know that with the party for the christenings and the twin's first birthday, she probably won't be able to find the time, so I decided to do it for her."
Furrowing his brow as his eyes showed how pleasantly shocked he was, Josh asked quietly;
"Do you mean to say that you woke up early just to pick strawberries for my sister and the kids?"
Peggy shrugged slightly;
"I didn't really get up THAT early, and Jemma is a friend, not to mention just how much I love those three little sweethearts."
Waving her hand over the basket she declared;
"This is really the least that I can do. Besides, considering how delicious your sister's cooking is, this is a small price to pay for a piece of one of her cakes."
Seeing that the basket was only half full as he raised his head slightly to peer over the rim, he offered;
"Well, I have a few more minutes until I need to meet Jason at Lottie's, how about if I help you fill that basket up. I think I'd enjoy a piece of one of Pixie's strawberry cakes myself."
Although he wouldn't admit it, Josh found more enjoyment and peace in Peggy's quiet company than what he could remember in quite some time, something that became even more apparent when Peggy laughed softly;
"I think that this should be more than enough, Josh, especially considering that the basket is overflowing."
Glancing at the basket in surprise and back to the strawberry in his hand, Josh shrugged before popping the treat in his mouth as he smiled, reminding Peggy of a mischievous little boy. Clearing her throat, she suggested;
"Since the basket is full and since you're supposed to be meeting Jason, I think we better go now."
Hurrying to the path, she turned to glance over her shoulder;
"Thank you for helping me pick the berries, Josh."
Josh stood for a few minutes, pondering what had just taken place, before deciding that it was best to push those thoughts to the back of his mind for the moment as he hurried to Lottie's to join his brother.
Lottie was in her kitchen, preparing Jason and Josh's breakfast when she glanced out the window and noticed Peggy Thornly hurrying from the trail towards the dorm, a basket on her arm, she thought nothing about it until, a few minutes later as she was preparing the plates she saw Josh coming from the same path. Narrowing her eyes in contemplation, Lottie suddenly found herself hopeful as she prayed softly;
"Dear Lord, whatever you feel is meant to be is what will be. I just pray that, whatever You allow to happen, that boy will be happy."
Taking the plates in hand, Lottie made her way to the main part of the saloon to served the two eldest Bolt siblings their breakfast.
Once she had finished feeding Amie and Jacob and had them settled in their play area, Jemma turned her attention to nursing Alex before he could become truly fussy. She couldn't help but marvel as just how eager her son was to satisfy his appetite as she laughed;
"Well, one thing is for certain, my little heart, you, your big brother, and, sometimes, your sister all seem to have gotten your appetites from your daddy, you certainly didn't get it from me."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Aaron hurried into the kitchen to advise;
"Sweetheart, breakfast smells wonderful, I'm starving."
Shaking her head in amusement, Jemma looked down into her son's small face;
"See, sweetie? Mommy told you."
Casting her a quizzical glance as he reached for the coffee pot to feel his cup, Aaron
demanded;
"Just what was it you told our son, love?"
Jemma couldn't help but quip in amusement as she shifted the infant to her shoulder and began gently patting his back;
"Only the truth, honey; that he, his big brother, and sometimes even his sister all inherited their appetites from you."
Hearing the slight gurgling noise from her son, Jemma rose to see about changing his diaper and settling him in his bassinet before joining her husband for breakfast. Watching covertly as she began buttering a biscuit, the only thing on her plate, Aaron lifted one eyebrow to issue;
"That is not all that you're going to eat, Jemma Elysia."
Jemma huffed in frustration;
"Aaron, my love, if I were to eat as much as you and everyone else seems to think I should, I would be as big as the side of a house."
Placing his hands on either side of his plate, Aaron fixed his gaze on his wife as he stated, in no uncertain terms;
"My darling wife, just in case it's escaped your memory, you happen to be nursing our youngest son. That being the case, you need to take in a lot more food then what you normally do, otherwise, you're going to waste away to nothing. Now,"
taking it upon himself he began piling more food on her plate before challenging;
"I expect you to eat as much of that as you can, and no arguments, young lady."
Shaking her head as she rolled her eyes, Jemma replied sarcastically;
"Yes, sir."
Chuckling slightly, Aaron quipped;
"You can 'yes sir' me all you want, Jemma love, just so long as you do what I said and eat."
Waiting until she began eating the food from the plate that he had prepared for her, Aaron nodded in satisfaction as he went back to satisfy his own appetite. Finishing his breakfast, he noticed the pleading look on his wife's face just as there was a knock on the back door. Seeing that she had eaten, at least, half of what he had piled on her plate, he nodded as he rose from his chair to place a kiss on her forehead;
"Alright, sweetheart, I know that's a lot for you; thank you for humoring me."
Answering the door as Jemma began clearing the table, Aaron wasn't exactly surprised to find his eldest brother in law on the other side of the portal, although he wasn't certain just when Jason might be showing up. But, he knew that always anxious to keep the peace between the four Bolt siblings and their families, Jason would make it a point to have a discussion with the youngest and, by far, prettiest Bolt sibling in an effort to make the waters as smooth as possible where Josh was concerned. Glancing at her brother as she put the kettle of water on to boil in preparation for washing the dishes, Jemma offered him a warm smile as she invited;
"Well hello, Big Brother, would you care for some breakfast?"
Jason shook his head;
"Thank you but no, Pixie. Josh and I just had breakfast at Lottie's. Actually, I dropped by because I was hoping that I might have a little talk with you, if you wouldn't mind."
Turning from the sink to lean against the counter as she folded her arms across her middle, Jemma squared her shoulders as she lifted her head in what, both, Aaron and Jason recognized as a defiant stance before tilting her head to the side slightly as she pointed out;
"You know, Jason, as memory serves, when you ask to talk to me like that, it usually doesn't bode very well."
Jemma heaved a deep sigh of resignation as she motioned towards the table;
"Alright, let's sit down and talk."
Jason accepted the cup of coffee that Aaron poured for him as his brother in law speculated;
"Maybe I should go..."
The remainder of his statement was cut off as Jemma declared;
"No, you shouldn't go anywhere, honey, you're my husband and there's no earthly reason why you should leave your own table. Besides, you know I'll just tell you everything anyway, and I'm sure that Jason doesn't mind, do you?"
Turning to his brother in law, Jason shook his head;
"Aaron, it's fine, really, especially considering that this affects you and the children."
Aaron raised one eyebrow in suspicion as his dark eyes filled with curiosity;
"Considering this affects our children, you've just guaranteed that I'm staying, Jason. What's on your mind?"
Detailing his and Josh's conversation, Jason looked at his sister hopefully as he explained his idea for including Kassandra in helping plan the upcoming family festivities as he tried to gauge her reaction to his suggestion. Her expression remaining impassive and neutral, Jason glanced to his brother in law who, unwilling to have his wife's temper turned in his direction, shrugged and raised his hands in a surrendering gesture before declaring;
"You're on your own with this one, Jason. I'm sorry, but my main concern is Jemma and our children, she's had much closer interaction with Kassandra than what I have so, whatever she thinks is best, I'm backing her one hundred percent."
About to speak, Jason found his retort cut off as Jemma folded her arms across her middle as she lifted her chin to glance pointedly at her husband before turning to pin her brother with her eyes before stating;
"So I see my darling husband discussed the 'conversation' that Kassandra and I had in the kitchen with you."
Uncertain as to the best way to address the issue, Jason found himself breathing a sigh of relief as Aaron drew her attention;
"Yes, sweetheart, your 'darling husband' did discuss the issue with Jason and Julie, as well as Candy and Jeremy. But, in my defense, you made me swear that I wouldn't say anything to Josh and I haven't, I made them swear the same thing and they all agreed."
Shaking his head, he pointed out;
"Jemma love, this affects all of us. I know that you were trying to keep things quiet to keep down the possibility of any problems, but you and I aren't the only ones who have an odd feeling about Kassandra and her father."
Jemma's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to her brother to demand;
"You, Julie, Jeremy, and Candy have a feeling about her too?"
At Jason's nod, Jemma sighed as she admitted;
"So does Lottie, she knows what happened the other night, but I made her promise not to say anything."
Reaching across the table to take her hand, Jason met her look of concern with his own look of sincerity;
"Pixie, I know why you were trying to keep this quiet, and Jeremy and I love you that much more for it, but Aaron is right, this affects all of us, so we all need to stick together."
Given how well he knew his sister, Jason decided to address an aspect of Kassandra's conversation that he knew would pray on her mind the most;
"And just so you know, Baby Sister, giving our blessing for you to marry Aaron had nothing to do with the idea of merging our businesses. The ONLY issue that Josh, Jeremy, and I considered when we gave our blessing for you two to get married was seeing just how much you and Aaron love each other. I can promise you, sweetie, you were not sold or bought into marriage, the only thing that we were thinking of was your and Aaron's happiness."
Jason felt infinitely relieved as the corners of her mouth curled in a warm smile as she took her brother's hand in both of hers;
"Thank you for that, Big Brother, but I know why my husband and I got married and I know that there wasn't anything mercenary about my brothers' part in it. I won't say that what she said didn't bother me, but, Jason, what worries me most is Josh."
Jason nodded;
"I know, Pixie, but that's why I'm hoping that there's just a side to her that we haven't gotten to see or know yet, something that explains what drew Josh to her in the first place. I'm also inclined to think that, just maybe, if she spends some more time around you, Julie, and Candy that might help things as well, maybe give her an idea of the right reasons for marriage and children."
Jemma sighed in resignation, determined to do what she could to help ensure their brother's future happiness, especially if that happiness was to be found with Kassandra Everston. Nodding, Jemma offered;
"Alright, I'll talk to Josh and Kassandra and ask her to help us with the party for the babies' christenings and Jacob and Amie's birthday."
Jason could see the deadly seriousness in his sister's eyes as she declared;
"But, I want everyone to understand something; this is to celebrate the three newest members of our family, and the first year of Jacob and Amie's lives, Jason. I wouldn't allow ANYONE, no matter who they are, to spoil this. Do I make myself clear?"
Knowing that, when his sister was determined, arguing with her would prove futile, Jason simply agreed;
"I understand, Pixie, and you know that, given it's our children's christenings as well, you will have all of our support."
Rising from his chair, Jason leaned over to place a kiss on her cheek;
"Thank you for being so reasonable, little sister."
Jemma gave a slight shake of her head;
"Let's just hope that I don't regret it."
Waiting until his brother in law left, Aaron couldn't help but turn to his wife to ask somewhat hesitantly;
"Sweetheart, you're not upset that I talked to Jason and Jeremy about this, are you?"
Rising from her chair, Jemma circled to stand behind her husband's chair as she laid her arms over his shoulders to embrace him before leaning closer to place a kiss on his cheek as admitted;
"No, love, and even if I were, we both know that it would be an act of futility since I can never stay mad at you. You were right, this affects all of us, and Jason and Jeremy needed to know what happened, they have just as much at stake in this as I do."
Deciding that, per the promise he had made his wife on their wedding night, he needed to tell her everything, Aaron took her hand and gently pulled her around to sit in his lap as he advised;
"Jemma love, there's something that I need to talk to you about."
Seeing the curious look in her eyes, he began;
"I don't know why, but the other day, Carlin came to the mill and asked quite a few questions about our shipments to San Francisco to Mr. Thorndyke. He also wanted to know about the partnership between the mill and the logging operation., Jason said that he did the same thing at the logging camp. He and I both feel like the questions that he was asking were rather strange. But more than that, neither of us cared for his reaction when he found out your part in the two businesses."
Given the puzzled look he saw in her eyes, Aaron wasn't shocked when she asked;
"But, why should he have a reaction to anything? I mean, it's not any of his business, but what sort of reaction did he have?"
Huffing in aggravation at the idea of the man's audacity, Aaron relayed the events at the mill and what he had been told had taken place at the logging camp before fussing;
"Quite frankly, I think Carlin Everston could greatly benefit from having someone knock the hell out of him, especially if his comments are any indication of his mentality."
Finding her curiosity piqued, Jemma couldn't help question;
"Aaron love, just exactly what was it that he said that has you so aggravated?"
Given the look of aggravation that she saw in his dark eyes, Jemma wasn't surprised by the sharp tone in his voice;
"Sweetheart, let's just say that I resent him having the audacity to question your right to own a fourth of your family's land and logging business. Not to mention, I don't appreciate him second-guessing my decision to make certain that you don't just own half of the mill because you're my wife, but that you own half of the mill legally as well."
The shock she felt was obvious in the expression she wore as well as the tone of her voice as she demanded;
"But that's none of his affairs."
Connecting the pieces of what her husband had told her and the conversation between her and Kassandra, Jemma couldn't help the sadness she felt as she ventured aloud;
"No wonder Kassandra has the mentality that she does. Darling, this man sounds as if he thinks that women are..."
Aaron nodded his agreement as he finished her statement;
"I know, sweetheart, he seems to think that women are nothing more than property and a means to an end. And, judging by the conversation that you had with her, I'm willing to bet that he raised Kassandra to believe that she is nothing more than a commodity to be traded for financial gain."
Narrowing his eyes, Aaron stated in no uncertain terms;
"But that's no excuse for her behavior. By that logic, you should be a wild tomboy in the treetops who could give Holly Houston a run for her money."
Caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers, the corners of Aaron's mouth lifted in a loving smile as his voice softened;
"But instead, you're a very beautiful, graceful, and intelligent lady who also happens to be a very warm, loving, and caring woman as well; not to mention, a wonderful wife and mother."
Taking his hand in hers, Jemma brought it to her lips before she wrapped her arms around her husband's neck as she laid her head against his shoulder before sighing in contentment;
"You, my darling heart, are most assuredly biased."
Wrapping his arms around her to hold her closer, Aaron turned his head to brush his lips against her forehead before declaring;
"When it comes to you, Jemma love, I most assuredly am. However, in this instance, I am simply telling it like it is because you are everything that I just said and so very much more."
Jemma couldn't help but blush at the compliment as she lifted her eyes slightly to meet her husband's;
"Have I told you lately how very happy I am that you asked me to marry you?"
Hugging her closer, Aaron chuckled;
"No, but have I told you lately how very happy I am that you said 'yes'?"
Pulling back slightly, Aaron placed his finger under her chin to lift her face slightly before brushing his lips against hers in a brief kiss before both found themselves amused as they heard Amie and Jacob's giggles of amusement as Jacob was pointing at them as both were chattering repeatedly;
"Ma, Ma, Ma. Da, Da, Da."
in between smacking their lips together in their imitations of a kiss. Jemma placed her hand against Aaron's chest as she laughed, the sound reminding him of something musical, as she reminded;
"Well, love, we knew they were smart. I mean, considering their toddling around and they've been working on their versions of 'Mommy' and "Daddy' for a couple of weeks now, I'm not really surprised that they're starting to put things together the way they are, are you?"
Seeing the pride reflected in the look he wore, Jemma already knew her husband's answer. Giving her a gentle push from his lap, Aaron crossed the space to unfasten the gate of their playpen before taking a place on the floor as Amie and Jacob wobbled their way into their father's waiting embrace. Hugging the two closer as he kissed the top of Amie, then Jacob's head, Aaron found himself rewarded as both placed their mouths against his cheeks before making a smacking sound in their version of a kiss. Looking up at Jemma, the love he felt for she and their children evident in his eyes, Aaron shook his head;
"Sweetheart, just like their mother, our children never cease to amaze me."
Noticing the time as he heard the sound of the grandfather clock in the living room, Aaron gave his children another hug before ushering back into their play area. Rising from the floor, Aaron turned to Jemma as he shrugged into his jacket;
"Darlin, are you going to talk to Candy and Julie about including Kassandra?"
Resigned to what she knew was the right thing to do, Jemma nodded;
"I suppose so. I mean, considering what her father's mentality seems to be, maybe it's just a case of her needing to be in a different environment and with people who have a different perspective then what she's been raised with."
Although he understood the reasoning and the motivation behind her decision, he had no qualms about putting his foot down if he felt it was what would be best for her. However, the one thing that he never wanted was to be heavy-handed or controlling where his wife was concerned. He had heard the rumors and innuendos when they had married that, given the age difference between them and the personality that everyone was certain they knew, everyone was certain that Jemma was about to be in for a rude awakening as they felt she would soon find herself under her husband's strict control. But, just as had been the case when the knowledge of their courtship and his proposal had been made public, everyone soon found themselves shocked to realize that the Aaron Stempel they all thought they knew was not a controlling or exacting husband, something that Jemma found delight in making public knowledge to those who dared to venture such opinions in her presence. Cupping her face in his hands, Aaron proved that factor once more;
"Sweetheart, You do whatever you think is best. You know that, whatever you do, I'm going to stand behind you all the way. Now, I need to get to the mill."
Lowering his head, Aaron placed a lingering kiss against her mouth before holding her close;
"I'll be home at the usual time, love."
Glancing to their eldest child, Aaron laughed;
"You two behave and don't give Mommy a hard time."
Placing his arm around her shoulders as she walked him to the door, he smiled;
"I love you, darlin."
Turning to wrap her arms around his waist before laying her head against his chest, Jemma sighed contentedly;
"I love you too."
After another brief kiss, Jemma followed her husband out the door and stood on the porch as he mounted his horse and headed in the direction of the mill, wondering what the day would bring for them both.
Carlin sat at a corner table in Lottie's, enjoying a libation as he sat reading Machiavelli's 'The Prince' when he noticed his daughter enter. Despite the calm outer appearance that she presented, he knew by the look of frustration flashing through her bright eyes that she was highly agitated. Marking his place in his book, Carlin gave a slight motion of his head towards the stairs before rising to follow Kassandra to her room. Once they were behind the security of a closed door, Carlin lowered himself into the armchair as he carefully and precisely crossed his long legs before resting his elbows on the arms of his chair as he laced his fingers together before addressing calmly;
"Now, Kassandra Eve, just what is it that seems to have you so agitated?"
Flouncing on her bed, Kassandra grasped the foot-board of her bed as her eyes widened in disbelief;
"Do you know what the little princess of Seattle wanted?"
Chuckling, Carlin replied calmly;
"Considering that she is, soon, to be your sister in law, I am assuming that she wished to include you in whatever activities she and the two Mrs. Bolts engage in to amuse themselves in between the tedium of housework and child-rearing."
Huffing in frustration Kassandra practically hissed her response;
"They expect me to help them plan and arrange for some type of event to celebrate the christenings and the births of those brats."
Carlin smiled contentedly;
"That's a good sign, my dear, that means that they want to get to know you better and accept you into the family."
Launching herself from her place at the end of the bed, Kassandra crossed the room to the window that overlooked Puget Sound before turning to challenge;
"I am NOT going to help organize any party for those...children. I am not their mother and, therefore, it's not my place to have to help with anything for them."
Flippantly, she waved her hand;
"Besides, what experience do I have in planning such things, especially for children."
Grasping the arms of his chair, Carlin rose in one fluid motion to close the distance between him and his daughter before placing his hand on her shoulder to turn her to face him as he took a firm hold of her chin to raise her eyes to meet his. Noticing the slight hint of fear darken her normally bright eyes, Carlin had no doubts that his daughter would take each and every word he was about to speak with the utmost seriousness. Carlin narrowed his eyes along with his voice to indicate his determination;
"Kassandra, you WILL graciously accept your future sister-in-laws' offer to help organize whatever event they deem appropriate to celebrate their children's christenings and birthdays. Not only will you help, but you will also do so happily and eagerly, AND you will do your best to fit in with them, especially Jemma."
Jerking her head to the side, effectively breaking her father's hold on her chin, Kassandra's eyes narrowed as she demanded;
"Father, ever since we've arrived you have badgered me over just how I should and should not treat that...woman. I am tired of constantly having Jemma Bolt Stempel shoved down my throat; by you, Joshua, anyone in this God-forsaken place. Everywhere you go and anyone you speak to all say the same thing when they find out that I'm engaged to Joshua; 'Oh, don't you just love the Bolts and isn't their sister, Jemma, just the sweetest lady you have ever met?' The only thing that sets her apart from any other girl in the world is that she has Bolt blood flowing through her veins and she happens to be married to a man with such an affluent business reputation."
Casting a look of frustrated disappointment at his daughter, Carlin crossed his arms over his chest to admonish;
"My dear, Kassa do you ever pay attention to anything aside from fashion and your latest whims? I'm guessing that you don't, because if you paid attention you would know that there is something more that sets that particular young woman apart, at least as far as our goals are concerned."
Noticing his daughter's perplexed look, Carlin shook his head;
"It's certainly a good thing that you grew into such a beautiful woman, Kassa. Because if we were to have to rely upon your intelligence we would be in sorrowful shape indeed."
Choosing to ignore the obvious pain that his barb had inflicted on his daughter, he continued;
"As it just so happens, Jemma plays a much more vital role in the Bolt-Stempel enterprises than what I realized."
Her curiosity piqued, Kassandra demanded;
"What role, aside from being the sister of one group of partners and the wife of the other?"
Running his hand through his hair in aggravation that he had underestimated the situation himself, Carlin's mouth thinned as he explained;
"That's just it, my dear daughter, she is not JUST the sister and wife. The logging operation is held between the four siblings, your Joshua, Jason, Jeremy, and Jemma; they each own one-fourth. And, as far as the mill goes, it seems that, upon their marriage, Aaron Stempel made Jemma the legal owner of one-half of everything that he owned."
Kassandra's eyes widened as she realized just what her father's explanation meant;
"Father, if she owns twenty-five percent of one entity of that partnership, and another fifty percent of the other entity..."
Carlin nodded as he praised;
"That's right Kassa, and you're much smarter then what I just gave you credit for, you're right; when it comes to decisions involving the Bolt-Stempel partnership and enterprises, technically and legally, Jemma Bolt Stempel actually has more say in it then what her brothers or husband does."
Unable to deny the humor that he found in the situation, Carlin laughed;
"The truly amusing part to the whole thing is the fact that neither she or they seem to realize just what that could mean if she were to ever truly dig her heels in on a business decision, such as allowing someone to buy into their concern."
The corners of Kassandra's mouth curled in a devious smile as she surmised;
"Something that she might well be willing to do if, for instance, she has a fondness for her future sister in law and shares my viewpoint regarding allowing my dear father to buy an interest in the lumber business with Mr. Thorndyke."
Carlin nodded;
"EXACTLY!"
As the thought suddenly struck her, Kassandra's brow was soon knit in concern as her lips thinned in a slight frown;
"But, Father, do we have the resources to buy into their business?"
Taking her hand in his, Carlin gave it an indulgent pat as he cajoled;
"Kassa, dear, you worry too much over the trivialities."
Turning his mouth up in a winsome smile, he ordered;
"All you need do is endear yourself to your future sister in law so that she's sympathetic to your desire to see your father properly situated in business with your soon to be family, the rest I have already begun to take care of. You see, there's a stretch of land that I happen to have learned would be an ideal investment for Bolt-Stempel Lumber and I'm working to secure the right to the property even now to give me something to offer."
Cupping her chin in his palm he continued;
"You simply be your normal charming self keep reminding Joshua of just what a lucky man he is and everything will be just fine."
At her eager nod, Carlin bobbed his head as he turned towards the door before advising;
"I believe that I shall have my dinner in my room tonight so that you and Joshua might have the opportunity to be alone. And I'm sure that after a good night's rest you'll have some wonderful ideas to offer for the children's party."
Once her father had closed her door, Kassandra began freshening up in expectation of Josh's arrival as she considered her father's plan and its merits. Glancing up into the mirror, she stared at her reflection before vowing to herself aloud;
"I only have to deal with this a while longer and then I will be my own woman. Even after I'm married I will still be able to do as I please, just so long as I make certain that I fulfill my wifely obligations. And then, Father, I'll never have to be at your mercy again."
Turning from the mirror, Kassandra began dressing as she considered just how she should begin her approach where Jemma was concerned.