Chapter 7

Josh stood at the front of the church with his brothers and their wives, Jemma and Aaron, and Biddie as Reverend Adams began;

"As we have come to expect from the Bolt-Stempel families, this christening is a rather unique one in the fact that we will be blessing, not just two new additions, as we did with Amie and Jacob, but three new souls today. Mind you, they're not all Jemma and Aaron's, much, I'm sure, to Jemma's relief."

Seeing the delicate pink hue creep into her cheeks, Reverend Adams chuckled;

"I'm sorry, Jemma, I couldn't resist."

Turning serious once more, he motioned for Jeremy and Candy to step forward and began speaking as he dribbled a small amount of water over their son's head;

"I christen thee, James Benjamin Bolt. May the Good Lord bless and keep thee always."

Candy found herself unable to prevent the slight giggle as her son gave a little snort as Jeremy turned with the child in his arms so that she could pat his head dry. Turning to Jason and Julie, the reverend motioned them forward as Jason held their daughter snuggled contentedly in his arms. Repeating the steps, Reverend Adams splashed a few drops of water over the top of the infants head before pronouncing;

"I christen thee, Alissa Julietta Bolt. May the Good Lord Bless and keep thee always."

Hearing the slight 'humph' from his daughter, Jason laughed softly as she looked up at the reverend before puckering her small mouth. Shaking his head he lightly admonished;

"Now none of that, little miss. You'll have the good reverend thinking that Mommy and I aren't raising you to be a proper lady."

Julie couldn't help but smile lovingly as she took the small cloth Jemma handed her to pat the water from her daughter's head. Facing Jemma and Aaron, Reverend Adams smiled warmly;

"And now for our repeat customers."

Noticing Aaron's slight frown as well as how Jemma rolled her eyes, the reverend remarked;

"But considering just how much love there is between the parents, it's only natural that there be children enough to share in that wealth."

Motioning for them to approach, Reverend Adams smiled warmly as he allowed the water to drizzle over the top of Alex's head as he was held securely in his father's arms before blessing;

"I christen thee, Alexander Gregory Stempel. May the Good Lord bless and keep thee always."

Reverend Adams couldn't help but chuckle as Alex's small face scrunched up before issuing a small sneeze, just as his older sister and brother had done at their own christenings the year before. Turning from Jemma to Aaron as Jemma took her son in her arms to pat his head dry, he joked;

"Well, he certainly takes after his big brother and sister, doesn't he?"

Once the parents had returned to their seats with their children and Reverend Adams said the closing prayers, he reminded the congregation;

"The Bolts and Stempels asked that I remind everyone that we'll be celebrating, not just the three newest citizens of Seattle's christenings, but Jacob and Amie Stempel's first birthday as well with a picnic at the lake."

Hearing the tittering giggles at the mention of their names, Lottie, who had been holding Amie while Aaron and Jemma saw to their youngest child's christening, hugged her adopted granddaughter close as she placed a kiss on top of the child's head;

"Yes, little Miss Amie, the good reverend was talking about you and your big brother."

Lottie, feeling a nudge at her elbow, turned to Clancey, who was holding Jacob, as he pointed out;

"Lottie me darlin, I think that someone's feeling a wee bit left out."

Lottie couldn't help the slight giggle as she watched her adopted grandson look at her in reproach as he smacked his lips to mimic a kiss. Shaking her head slightly, she leaned over and placed her cheek against the child's mouth to receive his affection before placing a kiss on top of his head;

"There you go, Mr. Jealous, you know good and well that Grammy Lottie loves you too."

Noticing the picture that Lottie and Clancey made holding their children, Jemma asked quietly;

"Darling is it just me, or do you hate when we have to take our babies from those two as much as I do."

Studying the scene, Aaron gave a slight shrug;

"There's definitely no denying how much those two love our children, all of the kids, but I have the sneaking suspicion that those two are going to have a very special place where Lottie and Clancey are concerned."

Approaching the subjects of their conversation, Jemma offered her gratitude;

"Thank you for taking charge of them during the christenings, I'm sure you're ready for us to take them off your hands now."

Maintaining his hold on his adopted grandson, Clancey ventured;

"Well, actually, Jemma girl, me and Lottie, we was discussing it earlier ya sees, and we thought that, what with little Alex there and the picnic and everything, why don't ya's let me and Lottie see to getting these two little nippers to the lake for ya's?"

Glancing at each other in question, Aaron voiced;

"Sweetheart, if you're fine with it then I am. I mean Lottie and Clancey are family and I completely trust them with our children."

Seeing the hopeful look in Lottie and Clancey's eyes as well as the obvious affection her children held for them, Jemma nodded;

"I don't see a problem with it. Besides, it would make it easier for us to get everything to the lake."

Giving a slight bob of her head, Lottie decreed in finality;

"It's settled then! We'll see you at the lake."

Noticing the looks on Amie and Jacob's faces, Lottie waved Clancey forward as she ordered;

"Alright you two, give Mommy and Daddy a hug and kiss and we'll see them a little later."

Lottie's heart felt warm and light as she watched the children wrap their small arms around, first, Jemma and then Aaron's necks to place their version of a kiss on each parent's cheek before babbling;

"Ma, Ma, Ma, Da, Da, Da."

Overcome with emotion at the touching scene, Clancey cleared his throat;

"Lottie, me love, I think we should make our way to the lake so's we can help set everything up."

Noticing the look on her face, Aaron placed his arm around his wife's shoulders to ask quietly;

"What are you thinking, love."

Turning and tilting her head to meet her husband's gaze, Jemma admitted;

"I was just thinking about how much of a double-edged sword it is; there are so many people in our babies' lives who love them so much and I'm very happy that they are blessed like that. But, I can't help feeling a little jealous over the fact when I see how much they love them in return."

Touching the tip of her nose with the tip of his finger, Aaron reminded;

"That's because they have big hearts, just like their mother."

Waving towards the door, Aaron suggested;

"Come on, love, let's head home, change our clothes, and get everything loaded into the buggy so we can celebrate our babies' special day."

Kassandra strolled about the edge of the lake, admiring the beauty of the dark bluish-green water as it reflected the higher hills of Bridal Veil mountain in its glassy surface. She was studying the U shaped pier with the rough-hewn bench swing in the middle of the connecting pier at the end when Josh approached her and placed his arm around her shoulders to inquire;

"What do you think, sweetheart?"

Heaving a deep breath, she admitted;

"It's quite beautiful and rather impressive. I assume that it's family land?"

Josh chuckled as he explained;

"Well, yes and no. You see, this is part of the mountain, but this has always been Pixie's favorite place, do you remember the bet that I told you about between us and Aaron?"

At her silent nod of agreement, Josh explained the reasons behind the bet on Aaron's part, something that found her staring in disbelief as she asked;

"Do you mean to say that he financed such an expensive trip and his entire reason was to ensure that this,"

waving her hand about to encompass the expanse of what they were seeing, Kassandra continued;

"wouldn't be touched without Jemma's permission? Just because she is so fond of this lake and this part of the mountain?"

Josh simply shrugged nonchalantly;

"Yeah, it's really not a big deal."

Her eyes widening in disbelief, she demanded bluntly;

"Joshua dear, don't you think that's just a bit much? I mean, Aaron goes to thousands of dollars of expense in an effort to lay a mountain at her feet and then you and your brothers reward her by giving her a clear deed to one-quarter of the mountain when neither you, Jason, or Jeremy have such a thing. It certainly seems as if all your sister has to do is simply hint and she gets what she wants."

The broad smile that he wore quickly faded as he removed his arm from her shoulders before crossing them over his chest as he pinned her with his eyes;

"Kassandra, I think you need to understand something; first of all, you make it sound as if Pixie pitched a temper tantrum to get what she wanted, that's not the case. Aaron knew that this was her favorite spot and he also knew that we were considering opening a camp up here to start logging this section, he didn't want to see her lose something that meant so much to her so when the idea of the bet came up that was his motivation. He knew that Jemma would never stop us from logging the mountain, but it would have also meant she would have kept this place just as it is. She never asked him to do that or expected him to do that, in fact, if not for that bet she and Aaron could have been married a lot sooner then what they were. As far as what my brothers and I chose to do, we WANTED to give Pixie the deed to her portion. We had already talked about some sort of a sanctuary for the animals that are displaced when we begin logging, and when we found out just how much this place meant to our sister, that made our decision.

There are a lot of things that Jemma might be, but spoiled, petulant, and demanding isn't anywhere on that list."

Kassandra's eyes widened in fear as he turned away from her to stare at the distant hills of the mountain. Her mind raced with a way to control the anger that she had raised in her fiance, something that found her becoming even more desperate as she noticed her father's disapproving gaze burning holes of irritation through her, even from the distance between them where he stood on the pier. Taking control of her reactions, Kassandra closed the distance between her and Josh to put her hand tentatively on his arm as she called softly;

"Joshua, dear, I'm sorry. I know that what I said must have sounded perfectly horrible and I apologize. It's just that, well, what you explained that Aaron did for Jemma was the most romantic thing that I think I have ever heard, and I had no right to say what I did. I apologize, darling, can you ever forgive me?"

Although he didn't let her see it, Josh let a measured sigh of relief escape between his lips before turning to enfold her in his embrace;

"Of course, love. I know that there are a lot of things that my family considers normal that others would think a bit strange."

Pulling her closer to brush his lips against hers, Josh broke the kiss;

"But, you'll learn to appreciate the romantic side of my character, sweetheart, I promise."

Before either could say anything else, Molly and Christopher ran towards them, clutching fishing poles in their hands;

"Hi, Uncle Josh, hi, Miss Kassandra, Candy and Jeremy said we could go fishing, ya wanna come?"

Laughing, Josh shook his head;

"Thank you guys, but I think I'll go talk to Uncle Jason and Uncle Aaron for a few minutes."

Just as she had dreaded would be the case, the children turned to Kassandra to invite;

"Would you like to go, Miss Kassandra?"

Seeking to find a tactful way to refuse, she found herself infinitely grateful to her father as he appeared to advise;

"Normally, Kassandra would love to join you, children. However, I'm afraid that I need her to join me for a little walk, alright?"

Giving a slight bob of their heads before scampering off, Carlin waited until they were well out of hearing at the far point of the lake with their poles in the water before taking her arm to offer, although he brooked no refusal;

"Why don't we take a walk, Kassa dear."

Leading her to where the pier began, Carlin turned to demand;

"Would you care to tell me just what I witnessed between you two was all about?"

Turning her head to allow her eyes to take in all that could be seen, she turned back to face her father;

"Do you know that this all belongs to HER."

Seeing the confusion in her father's eyes, Kassandra clarified;

"The princess of Seattle, little Miss Jemma. Do you know that her husband, before they were ever married, put up thousands of dollars to finance the trip to New Bedford for the brides, just to enter into that bet with the Bolt brothers so he could get the mountain for HER so she could have this place? And then, as a wedding present, her brothers deeded twenty-five percent of the mountain that includes this section to her, free and clear, AND she still owns one-fourth of the logging operation. Mind you, that's aside from what her husband gave her, legally, when they were married."

Folding her arms across her middle, Kassandra seethed;

"It seems as if there are no lengths that the men in her life won't go to to ensure that SHE'S happy."

Narrowing his eyes to dangerous slits of warning, Carlin advised in a hushed tone;

"My dearest daughter, allow me to offer you this piece of advice; stop letting your envy of Jemma Stempel cloud your judgment, and remember our goal. You're in a similar position with Joshua that she was with her husband IF you're intelligent enough to use that to your advantage, the way that she used it to hers. Now, I suggest that you contain that green-eyed monster of yours before it destroys everything that we've worked for at this point."

Taking her arm he led her out onto the pier;

"Take a few minutes, enjoy the scenery, and gather your bearings."

Doing as her father suggested, Kassandra remained quiet as she made her way to the end of the pier to sit in the swing and collect her thoughts. She knew that her father was right, she was jealous of Jemma and she had to come to grips with her feelings or end up losing everything that she had worked for. She wasn't sure what frustrated her more, the fact that she was jealous, or the reason she was jealous. She had no doubts that she could have anything she wished for, all she had to do was ask. However, the part that she found so galling was that Jemma never seemed to ask for anything, and yet, the men in her life seemed more than eager to go to the greatest of lengths to grant her wishes. Noticing the dejected way that Kassandra seemed to slump into the swing, Julie motioned towards the end of the pier;

"I wonder what that's about?"

Glancing over her shoulder, Candy shook her head;

"There's no telling, but I noticed that it seemed like she and Josh had words earlier."

Glancing towards Jemma, both waited expectantly, something that found their sister in law placing her hands on her hips as she reminded;

"Yes, I know what it seemed like, but, we all said that we were going to try and make her feel a part of everything. I mean, she did help us with the idea for the picnic for the kids."

Tilting her head to the side, Julie's mouth became a straight line as she reminded;

"Actually, Christopher and Molly suggested it and she simply said she thought it sounded like a perfect idea, as opposed to being cooped up inside of Lottie's."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Jemma huffed;

"Alright, but she did help us with the food and the cakes."

Candy turned to stare are her sister in law in disbelief as she exclaimed;

"Jemma Elysia Bolt Stempel, I cannot believe that you just said that! The only thing that...woman did was supervise while others washed the pots and pans and helped dry them once they were done."

Tilting her head back slightly as she huffed in frustration, Jemma took a moment before lowering her voice;

"Look, I know that she hasn't exactly embraced our attempts to include her, but I also know that we, at least, have tried. If she doesn't accept our offers or make the effort on her part then that's her fault, not ours, and our consciences are clear."

Her gaze swinging from Candy to Julie, neither missing the pleading look in her eyes, Jemma begged;

"I don't want Josh to think that we aren't willing to welcome her into the family. We may not understand her, or even care for her at the moment, but if Josh asked her to spend her life with him, there HAS to be some kind of redeeming qualities to her and we just have to find them."

Noticing the looks of anticipation on everyone's faces as they kept glancing towards the food-laden tables, Jemma smiled brightly as her hand swept over the area of the table;

"But for now, let's just enjoy today and what it's about; our babies."

Catching her husband's attention, Jemma nodded and couldn't help but laugh as she heard his deep voice booming;

"TIME TO EAT!"

As they began approaching the table, everyone found themselves shocked to hear a voice with a heavy Scottish brogue bellow;

"OH NO YA DON'T! I DIDNA MAKE IT IN TIME TO SEE MA GREAT NIECES AND NEPHEWS BLESSED, BUT I'LL NOT BE MISSIN OUT ON ASKING A BLESSIN FOR EM MA SELF AFORE ANYONE TAKES A SINGLE BITE OF THIS DELICIOUS FOOD."

Glancing to each other the Bolt siblings all laughed as Jemma smiled broadly before declaring;

"I KNEW HE'D MAKE IT!"

Turning as he and Holly Houston approached after having tethered their horses, Jemma lifted her skirt in both hands and hurried to greet her uncle and Holly. Having never had children of his own, Duncan Bolt, Laird of Kilmarron tended to dote on his twin brother's four children, especially given that they were all that was left of his blood family. However, being the only girl born to his brother Jonathan and his wife Julietta, and given that she had never had the opportunity to have a relationship with their parents the way her brothers had, Duncan tended to be protective where his niece was concerned. Seeing her rushing to greet him, Duncan couldn't help but smile as he caught her slight frame to lift her off her feet in a giant hug;

"I take it you're happy to see your old uncle then, Jemma lass."

Placing a kiss on his whiskered cheek just before he set her back on her feet, Jemma laughed;

"You know we are, Uncle Duncan. I'm sorry you didn't make it in time to see the babies christened, but we're awfully glad that you're here now."

Reaching over, Jemma hugged Holly tightly;

"And you know that we're happy to see you too, Holly. How were the kids?"

Although they had not wanted to leave, because of the impending births, Holly had received a wire that her niece, Laurel, was gravely ill and had been asking for her aunt. Unable to refuse the girl's plea, Holly had set out on her way to Ohio by the fastest means possible; As usual, Duncan refused to let the headstrong mountain woman travel alone and had insisted on accompanying her. Seeing the contented and happy smile that she wore, Jemma knew the answer before Holly explained;

"Ah shoot, them younguns is just fine. Now speaking of younguns, where's all these new little un's at?"

Linking her arms through theirs, Jemma led them towards their family as Jason and Julie stepped forward as Jason placed their daughter in his uncle's arms to introduce;

"Uncle, Holly, allow me to present our daughter, Alissa Julietta Bolt, we call her Lisa."

His pale blue eyes alight with the love and joy of the moment, Duncan declared softly;

"And a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance, little lass."

Lisa's vivid blue eyes studied the man holding her for a moment before waving her tiny fists up and down as she cooed. Chuckling as he placed the child back in her father's arms, Duncan nodded his approval;

"She has her mother's beauty and her father's brazen gumption."

Placing his hand against Julie's cheek as he placed a kiss on her other cheek, he praised;

"Ya did well indeed, Julie lass, she's a little beauty."

Studying the infant for a moment, Holly couldn't help but laugh;

"You two shore can't deny that one, she looks like the two of ya combined."

Noticing Jeremy and Candy close by with Candy's grandfather, Benjamin, as well as Molly and Christopher, Duncan sat on his heels and held his arms wide in invitation;

"Has it been so long that the two of ya have forgotten your old Uncle Duncan?"

Duncan's heart soared at the side of the bright, happy smiles that they wore as they rushed to be caught in a bear hug as Christopher promised;

"We didn't forget ya, Uncle Duncan, honest. We missed ya a lot."

Nodding, Molly confirmed; "Fishing just isn't as much fun when you and Holly aren't here."

Releasing them, Duncan laughed as they almost knocked Holly over in their exuberance to embrace her. Standing straight, he approached Benjamin;

"Benjamin, it's nice to see ya, man. I hope ya have been watching over our family in ma absence."

Offering his hand, Benjamin replied;

"Now, Duncan, you know that I take my role as an elder of our family very seriously and that, given your absence, I would take it even more so to heart. I can promise you that I've done everything within my power to make sure that our family was well looked after."

Taking his the man's hand in his and pumping it enthusiastically as he clapped his shoulder, Duncan praised;

"Good man, Benjamin."

Turning to Jeremy and Candy, Duncan looked at his nephew expectantly as he placed his son into his uncle's waiting arms;

"Uncle, I'd like you to meet mine and Candy's son, your great-nephew, James Benjamin Bolt, we call him Jamie."

Duncan chuckled as he studied the infant in his arms, noting the slight smile the child wore as well as the good-natured twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He couldn't help but notice slight hints of red in the baby's hair as he cradled the infant closer to his chest and sighed contentedly before lifting his eyes to meet Candy and Jeremy's anxious looks. Nodding, Duncan approved as he placed the child in his mother's arms before squeezing her hand;

"Candy, ya did yourself and our family very proud with this wee one."

Not bothering to hide her curiosity, Holly stood next to Candy to gush;

"Aw, just look at that little feller, he shore is handsome, just like his pa. You did real good, Candy."

Duncan glanced over his shoulder and, noticing his niece with her husband and their children, approached to offer his hand to Aaron as Holly offered;

"Here, Aaron, why don't you hand me Jacob there. I shore did miss these two younguns."

Once Jacob was secured in Holly's arms, Duncan offered Aaron his hand;

"I can see that you and ma niece have been occupied since I left. But I canna say this isn't a rather nice homecoming."

Unable to hide his amusement, Aaron chuckled;

"Welcome back, Duncan."

Turning towards her, he greeted;

"You too, Holly."

Nodding towards his wife and their youngest child, Aaron offered;

"Would you like to meet your youngest great-nephew?"

Facing his niece's husband, Duncan wore a broad grin as he gave a slight bob of his head;

"Aye, man, I thought ya'd never ask."

Aaron turned towards his wife;

"Sweetheart, by all means."

Approaching her uncle, Jemma placed her son in his waiting arms;

"Uncle Duncan, I would like you to meet your great-nephew; Alexander Gregory Stempel."

Holding the infant securely in his arms, Duncan studied the child just as he did his Jason and Julie's, and Jeremy and Candy's. He couldn't help chuckling as Holly studied the infant before observing;

"One thing for shore, that youngun looks just like his big brother and pa."

Noticing the slight glint in the infant's dark eyes, which mirrored his father and brother's, Duncan emitted a slight laugh;

"Aye, that he does. There certainly no way that Aaron could deny these two lads, but I do see a bit of their mother in them too."

Placing the baby back in Jemma's arms, Duncan placed his hand on her cheek as he kissed her forehead before praising;

"Jemma lass, ya done yourself, your husband, and your family proud with this little lad, not to mention Jacob and Amie."

Aaron found himself shocked as Duncan turned to address him;

"Aaron, I have to admit it, when I found out that ya married ma niece without ma consent, I was a wee bit skeptical and a bit angry. However, I canna deny that ya have proven yourself a good husband and father, not to mention how happy ya make her. I'm proud ta have ya as part of the Bolt clan."

Having stood towards the back and away from the gathering, Kassandra and Carlin watched the scene in front of them with interest, especially Carlin. Waving his hand in Duncan's direction, he demanded;

"Do you have any idea who that man is, Kassa?"

Leaning closer towards her father, Kassandra explained;

"Yes, that is the uncle you've heard mentioned; Duncan Bolt. He holds the title in the Bolt family, I believe that Josh said it was Lord of Kilmarron, those were the Bolt family's ancestral lands in Scotland. He and their father were twin brothers, but Duncan was born first so he was considered the eldest."

The worry evident in his eyes, Carlin questioned;

"Does Joshua have to have his approval to marry you?"

Shrugging slightly as she flicked her fan open to begin fluttering it back and forth, Kassandra admitted;

"I don't know, but I can't see why he would. I know that Jason and Julie were married without his knowledge and, of course, everybody's little darling, Jemma, didn't ask for it either.

Casting a sideways glare as his daughter, Carlin roughly grabbed her upper arm to his in her ear;

"I am warning you, Kassandra Eve, if you allow that jealousy of yours to ruin what we have worked for..."

Although he left the threat unspoken, Kassandra knew her father well enough to need no clarification to understand what her father was saying. She breathed a sigh of relief as, noticing Josh's approach, her father released her arm with a warning pinch as Josh took her hand and motioned towards his uncle;

"Come on, you two, I want you to meet Uncle Duncan and Holly."

Seeing his middle nephew, Duncan grinned broadly, as he reached out to hug him in greeting;

"Aye, Joshua lad, I knew ya'd not be missing seeing your new niece and nephews, or celebrating Jacob and Amie's first birthday."

Noticing the ebony-haired woman off to Josh's side, as well as the man standing behind her, Duncan invited;

"Joshua lad, I know you're not lacking in manners. Would ya care to introduce me?"

Somewhat chagrined, Josh took Kassandra's hand to pull her closer as she introduced;

"Uncle Duncan, allow me to present Miss Kassandra Everston, my fiancee, and her father, Carlin."

Waving his hand towards Duncan, Josh continued;

"Kassandra, Carlin, this is my uncle, Duncan Bolt, Laird of Kilmarron."

Seeing that she had an advantage, Kassandra took control by extending her hand as she curtsied;

"Lord Bolt, I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance. Joshua has told me a great deal about you."

Pushing his trepidation to the side, Duncan took her hand and bowed over it as he greeted;

"Charmed, I'm sure, Miss Everston, although I can't say that I'm as knowledgeable of you as you are of me."

Seeking to diffuse a possible situation, Carlin stepped forward to extend his hand;

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. As my daughter said, Joshua has told us a great deal about you and has spoken very fondly of you, I hope that we'll become better acquainted."

Noticing the familiar look of stubbornness on her uncle's face, Aaron wasn't surprised when his wife turned towards him, a pleading look in her eyes;

"Darling, please"

Understanding her plea and sharing her concern that such a special day would be marred for their children, as well as their niece and nephew, Aaron shifted Amie a bit as he motioned towards the food-laden table before addressing Reverend Adams;

"Reverend, I'm sure everyone has worked up quite an appetite, why don't you ask the blessing and we can all enjoy the feast that these ladies have prepared for us."

Understanding Aaron's motivation, the reverend complied as Aaron slipped closer to Duncan. Once the prayer ended Aaron grasped Duncan's elbow before addressing Josh, Kassandra, and Carlin;

"Excuse us a moment, would you? I need Duncan's help."

Although he had been too surprised by the man's actions to argue, Duncan had recovered enough when Aaron stopped to face him to demand;

"Just what do ya think you're doing, man?"

Duncan found himself taken aback as Aaron's eyes darkened just before narrowing as he decreed;

"Duncan, I am going to say this once, and only once, I understand your concerns because, believe me, we all share them; however, today is not the day for those concerns to be discussed. If you believe nothing else you need to believe this; you got away with creating a scene when Jacob and Amie were christened, but you WILL NOT give a repeat performance and ruin their first birthday, not to mention Alex, Lisa, and Jamie's christening. Do I make myself clear?"

Duncan's indignation soon turned to regret as he shook his head sadly;

"Aaron, I swear, man, I regret what I did that day and the tears I brought to Pixie's eyes, surely ya know that."

Placing his hand on the older man's shoulder, Aaron nodded as his tone softened;

"I know, Duncan, but I want you to understand something. I know that you're concerned, we're all worried about Josh, but he is a grown man and has to make his own decisions. Aside from that, because of the incident between Jason and Josh over Valerie Watkins, we have to let Josh make this decision for himself. Jemma is scared to death that, if any of us try to interfere Josh will choose to distance himself from the family, and you know how that would affect her, especially after what happened last year when Candy and Jeremy got married."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Duncan nodded;

"Aye, and I'll do as ya suggest. I promise I won't cause any problems or spoil this day for the wee ones."

Waving towards the table, Aaron offered;

"Good man, now, why don't you go get something to eat."

Once everyone had satisfied their initial hunger, Jemma sat the cakes that she had made for her two eldest children's birthday in front of them as everyone began singing 'Happy Birthday' to the toddlers. Aaron couldn't help but laugh as his wife tried to encourage their children to blow out the single candles on each cake;

"Alright, Amie, Jacob, come on, angels, let's blow out your candles."

Puffing her cheeks and blowing slightly, Jemma tried to teach their children how to blow out the candles. However, misunderstanding their mother's actions, Jemma soon found her son and daughter placing their mouths against her cheeks in their imitation of a kiss. Laughing, Aaron suggested;

"Sweetheart, why don't we help them?"

Both children giggled and clapped with glee at the sight of their parents blowing out the candles. Removing the candles, Jemma quipped;

"Well, if nothing else, we know that we're able to amuse our children."

Spooning some cake into their daughter's mouth, Aaron smiled as he watched her eyes widen in delight as she smacked her lips together in obvious enjoyment of the desert,

"You know there are worse things, darlin."

Feeding Jacob another bite, Jemma shrugged as she smiled at her son and daughter's obvious enjoyment of the small strawberry cakes that she had made for them;

"I suppose you're right, honey. I just still can't believe that they're a year old already."

After they finished feeding their children their cake, Molly and Christopher came running to beg;

"Aunt Jemma, Uncle Aaron, can we take Jacob and Amie to play?"

After asking each other's silent permission, Aaron ventured;

"I don't see why not, just keep them away from the water and stay close where we can see you, alright?"

Solemnly, both promised in unison;

"We promise, Uncle Aaron."

Taking Amie from her high chair Aaron was about to set her down for Molly to take her hand when she wrapped her arms tightly around her father's neck before shaking her head to declare;

"Dada."

Seeing the disappointment in Molly's eyes, Jemma apologized;

"I'm sorry, sweetie, I guess Amie wants her Daddy today."

Reaching for her son, Jemma inquired;

"What about you, angel, would you like to go play with Molly and Christopher?"

Kicking his legs eagerly, Jacob offered his mother a lopsided grin. Laughing, Jemma set him on his feet as Molly took one hand and Christopher took the other before she ventured;

"Well, I guess we have our answer. Just remember what Uncle Aaron said, you stay close so we can see you. Now, go have some fun."

Hearing the sounds of their son's beginning frustration, Jemma theorized;

"It sounds as if our youngest requires my attention, love."

Rising, she found herself stalled for a moment as Aaron took her hand to pull her closer before brushing his lips against hers;

"Have I told you just how much I love you, Jemma darlin, or just how thankful I am that you're my wife, not to mention the mother of my children."

Placing her hand against his cheek, Jemma nodded;

"Yes, but I never grow tired of hearing it, just as I hope you never get tired of hearing me tell you that I'm thankful you're my husband and the father of my children."

Lifting her head from her father's shoulder, Amie grasped her mother's hand in hers to place a kiss on it before laughing;

"Mama."

Placing a kiss on her daughter's cheek, Jemma stroked her head;

"Thank you, baby."

Hearing their son's earnest frustration, Jemma hurried to take Alex from his basket to make her way to the area that Aaron and her brothers had set up so that she, Candy, and Julie would have privacy to nurse their children. Studying her son, Jemma couldn't help but feel infinitely blessed as she reflected on her life; the love she shared with her husband, and the blessing of their children. Cuddling her son closer, she softly declared;

"I don't think I can ever thank the Good Lord enough for blessing me with you, your brother and sister, and your daddy, my little heart."

Feeling her son's contented sigh, Jemma marveled at her baby's understanding.

Molly and Christopher were rolling a ball back and forth while Jacob toddled between them to catch it when Charlie Bates came running up to declare excitedly;

"Hey, did you guys bring your poles? The fish are really bitin."

Turning to each other, their eyes wide in delight, Molly and Christopher were about to get up when Molly's face fell as she frowned;

"We can't, we're watching Jacob."

Passing by at that moment, Josh, overhearing the conversation, offered a solution;

"You know what, Molly, I haven't gotten to spend much time with Jacob since I got back, so why don't you let me take him and you two go with Charlie and see about catching some big ones."

Bending down and taking his nephew in his arms, Josh waved them off;

"Go on, you two. Go have fun.'

Watching as they hurried off, Josh made the rounds of socializing with the guests who remained. Noticing her sitting to herself, Josh casually made his way to where Peggy Thornly was sitting to ask;

"And just where's your date, Peggy?"

Shading her eyes from the bright sun shining behind him, making his blond hair shine like a halo, Peggy shrugged;

"I don't have one, actually. Besides, I'd rather come to a picnic, especially one with food that your sister cooked, alone. That way, I don't have to pretend I'm not hungry and I can enjoy eating."

Glancing about, Peggy returned;

"But I would think that you'd be more worried about your fiancee than my date, where is she?"

Josh glanced about and soon found his fiancee standing on the pier with her father, deep in conversation. However, even from the distance, he could see her blue-green eyes boring into him as she noticed Peggy's presence. Noticing the same thing, Peggy nodded in Kassandra's direction;

"I think you had better go before your fiancee thinks I'm competition."

His amusement showing, Josh quipped;

"Are you?"

Rising from her place, Peggy brushed the loose grass from her dress before tilting her head to the side, the look on her face one of complete neutrality;

"THAT, Joshua Bolt, is a question that only you can answer."

Josh stood still for a moment, trying to solve the riddle of Peggy's answer. He found his attention redirected when he felt his nephew's hand on his cheek as the boy giggled in glee before bouncing in his uncle's arms. Laughing softly, Josh nodded;

"You're right, Jacob, let's go see what your, soon to be, aunt is doing and then we'll have some fun."

Kassandra and Carlin stood on the section of the pier where one of the long walkways met the wide end section that connected the two walkways and held the swing, 'discussing' the day's events. Or, Kassandra thought silently, more like Carlin was lecturing his daughter on her behavior as he reminded her;

"Kassandra Eve, you have got to get a hold of this jealousy that you have against Jemma Stempel. Because, if you don't, my darling child, you will ruin everything that we have planned and worked for. Besides, what does it matter to you if she's the belle of some little backwoods town stuck in the middle of nowhere like Seattle? You're the belle of San Francisco and I'm quite certain that she wouldn't be able to hold a candle to you were she to be in YOUR city."

Noticing Josh as he was in conversation with the attractive young woman sitting near the bank of the lake, Carlin waved his hand in their direction as he advised;

"Besides, dear, if I were you, I'd be a bit more concerned about who your fiancee is socializing with then what people think of your future sister in law."

Following her father's gaze, Kassandra became somewhat frustrated as she noticed Josh talking to one of the brides. She couldn't deny a certain amount of satisfaction as he noticed her watching him and immediately broke off his conversation to make his way towards her. Although, in the back of her mind was the thought that her satisfaction was based on the idea that he was so eager to fulfill her slightest whim and not in the fact that he was concerned for her feelings. Pushing the thought back, she smiled demurely as he approached, although she felt a slight aggravation that he was holding his oldest nephew, she hid the fact as she greeted;

"There you are, dearest, and you brought little Jack with you."

Reaching her hand out, Kassandra took Jacob's small hand in hers as Josh corrected;

"It's 'Jacob', sweetheart, not Jack."

Although he noticed the look of censure that his nephew gave his fiancee as he jerked his hand from her grasp, Josh chose to overlook it as he leaned over to give her a slight peck on her cheek before lightly chastising;

"He's going to be your nephew too, Kassandra love, please try to remember."

Noticing his daughter's ire beginning to rise, Carlin interceded;

"Joshua, I know it's an imposition, but would you please do me a favor? I could really use something to drink, and I'm sure that Kassa must be thirsty as well."

Glancing from one to the other, Josh suggested;

"Lemonade for both of you?"

Giving him her most beguiling smile, Kassandra nodded;

"That would be wonderful, dear."

About to turn Josh stopped, as if a thought suddenly struck him, before placing Joshua in Kassandra's arms, much to her protest;

"But, Joshua darling, he doesn't really know me and..."

Touching the tip of her nose with his fingertip, Josh ventured;

"And this is the perfect way for him to get acquainted with his soon to be aunt, sweetheart. Now, I'll be right back with some lemonade.'

Ruffling his nephew's hair, Josh bribed;

"You be good for Aunt Kassandra and I'll bring you back a little of your mommy's cake."

With that, Josh hurried from the pier to make his way to the refreshment table. Staring at his back as he departed, Kassandra turned to her father in bewilderment;

"Father?"

Raising his hands as if to ward off her pleas, Carlin ordered sharply;

"Don't look at me, Kassa, I barely held you when you were an infant. I left that to your mother, grandfather, and the nurse we hired to care for you."

Noticing how Jacob was becoming agitated as he squirmed in her arms, Kassandra hissed in a low and threatening tone;

"Be still you little brat! Surely you can behave for the few minutes it takes your uncle to return."

She was about to turn and leave when her father placed his hand on her arm, halting her to demand;

"What do you think you're about to do?"

Staring at him in disbelief, she could only gape;

"I should think that would be obvious, Father. I'm going to take this little brat back to his mother, he's her responsibility, not mine or Joshua's and since everyone touts at just what a wonderful mother she is looking after her child shouldn't present a challenge."

His grip on her arm tightening to iron, Carlin shook his head as he issued;

"No, you will not. Joshua left that child with you and you will meet that challenge, Kassa. Have you considered that this might be a test of some sort?"

Huffing in frustrated anger, Kassandra demanded;

"Fine, but he will not be still, what do you suggest I do?"

His patience exhausted, Jacob began whining as he pointed downwards before demanding;

"Dow! Dow!"

Waving his hand in a downward motion, Carlin advised;

"Give the child what he wants, put him down. He is only a year old, it's not as if he can exactly run away, now is it?"

Nodding in agreement, Kassandra lowered Jacob to sit on the pier as she acknowledged;

"You're right, Father, besides, I know that Jemma keeps him and his sister in a confined play area so I'm sure there isn't a problem. And he can't exactly walk on his own, so I don't see him being able to wander off."

Noticing a school of fish jumping in the lake, Kassandra and Carlin's attention became distracted as they watched the play of colors the sun made on the water where the fish were splashing. However, since their backs were to him, they failed to notice Jacob manage to push himself up to stand before he began wobbling, unfortunately, in the direction of the end of the pier and the water below it.

Having finished tending her youngest child, Jemma left the privacy of the temporary shelter that had been set up for her and her sisters in law's convenience. Glancing about she noticed Aaron close by, deep in conversation with Jason, Jeremy, and a few other men; Amie sleeping contentedly in her daddy's arms with her head on his shoulder. Catching his attention as he gazed her way, she simply smiled before mouthing; 'I love you' as he responded in kind with; 'I love you, too.' Noticing her middle brother at the food table as she placed her sleeping son in his basket nearby, she joked;

"What's the matter, Josh, didn't you get enough?"

Shaking his head, Josh admitted;

"There is no such thing as enough of your cooking, Pixie, you know that."

Nodding towards the piece of cake he had placed on a napkin, Josh explained;

"Actually, I was getting a little piece of cake for your eldest as a treat and some lemonade for Kassandra and her father. By the way, thank you for trying to include her in everything, it means a whole lot to me."

Sparing him a quick glance, Jemma admitted;

"I know it does, Josh. Believe me, it's just as important to me that we all get along and love the woman you decide to spend your life..."

Having finished with settling Alex in his basket, Jemma stood straight to look at her brother and found her attention immediately drawn to the end of the pier. Josh's brow furrowed in concern as her eyes widened in panic just before she exclaimed;

"OH DEAR GOD, NO!"

Before Josh could question his sister's panic, he watched in disbelief as she took off at a dead run as she quickly snatched the bodice of her dress open before shoving it down to kick it free from her legs and quickly sent her petticoat to follow, something that caught the attention of those present, especially her husband even before she screamed his name;

"AARON!"

Shocked at the sight of his half-dressed wife running for all she was worth towards the water, Aaron bellowed;

"JEMMA, WHAT THE HELL?"

Aaron's eyes quickly searched the direction his wife was heading and, seeing the same danger she had, quickly thrust his daughter into Jason's arms as he ordered;

"JASON, TAKE HER!"

Taking off in the same direction as his wife, Aaron followed her example as he snatched off his jacket and vest and prayed that Jemma would be fast enough, especially when he watched in horror as their son teetered on the inside edge of the pier. He knew that she saw the same thing when he heard her scream;

"JACOB! NO!"

He watched as Jemma hit the end of the pier before diving off the side to break the surface of the water in the lagoon area created by the design of the pier. Aaron felt his heart sink as he watched their son wobble off the edge into the water below, something that found his wife diving under the surface. Fear increasing his speed, Aaron followed his wife's example and dove into the water, he broke the surface of the water just in time to see his wife surface with their son in her arms. Jemma wrapped an arm around her son as she used her other arm to hold onto the pier while kicking her legs to keep her and Jacob afloat as she caught her breath. Seeing her husband swimming towards them, she cautioned;

"Careful, Daddy, we don't want someone to be permanently afraid of the water, now do we?"

Nodding his understanding and seeing her trying to keep her and their son afloat, Aaron braced his arm on the pier as he wrapped his free arm around his wife to advise;

"I've got you, love. BOTH of you."

Jemma wiped the water from Jacob's face as she softly cajoled;

"I guess someone was ready for their very first swim, Daddy. Although I think, next time, it might be a good idea until someone is with you."

Noticing Carlin and Kassandra watching them, gaping with shock and fear in their eyes, Jemma's eyes narrowed in anger as she elaborated;

"Someone responsible and trustworthy, that is."

Before either she or Aaron could say anything more, Jason, Jeremy, and Josh were on the pier as Jason demanded;

"Aaron, are you, Pixie, and Jacob alright?"

Nodding, Aaron offered;

"We're fine, Jason, and, thank God, so is Jacob."

Narrowing his gaze in anger, Aaron demanded;

"Would someone care to tell me just how in the hell our son came to be on this pier without either me or his mother."

The look on his face reflecting his horror for the unknowing part that he played in what almost happened, Josh lamented;

"It's my fault, Aaron, I told Molly and Christopher to go fishing with Charlie and I'd watch Jacob."

Feeling her father's nudge, Kassandra stepped forward;

"It's really my fault, Aaron, Jemma. I am so very sorry, Josh asked me to watch him while he went to get us something to drink and something for Jackie and he wanted down, I didn't know he could walk yet, so I set him down. I only turned my back for a moment..."

Seeing the look on his sister's face as she handed Jacob into his arms, Josh shook his head to advise;

"Kassandra, don't, not right now."

Josh watched in trepidation as Aaron gave his wife a boost from the water while Jeremy and Jason pulled her up onto the pier. While they were helping her husband up onto the pier, Jemma took her son in her arms and, unmindful of the picture she presented soaking wet in her underclothes, approached Kassandra and Carlin, her eyes burning with anger, reminding the pair of what emeralds must look like when on fire. Letting her eyes swing from one to the other, both swallowed hard as she spoke in a deadly tone of deceptive calmness;

"I am going to say this as calmly and collectively as I possibly can because I want you two to understand just how serious I am in what I am about to say. First of all, whether JACOB can walk or not is not the issue here. You DO NOT leave a child, ANY child unattended anywhere and certainly never near water. I saw him walking towards the edge of the pier and your back was to him, Kassandra, that was far more than 'a minute', trust me, because I can assure you, watching my child fall off the edge and into the water has probably shortened my lifespan by several years."

Cuddling her child closer, Jemma's breathing grew more rapid as her anger increased;

"Secondly, and I suggest that you pay attention to this as if your life depended on it because believe me, it does. I can't dictate what my brothers or sisters in law allow where their children are concerned, however, I can most assuredly do so with mine and Aaron's babies, and you can rest assured that you will never be left to care for, or alone with ANY of my children EVER again; at least not during my lifetime. And finally,"

Kassandra's eyes reflected her fear as Jemma came even closer before narrowing her eyes to promise;

"So help me, after this, if you EVER touch my children, I will personally rip your hand off at the wrist and slap you with it myself. Do you understand me?"

At her silent nod, Jemma turned, and as if remembering a detail, threw over her shoulder;

"And by the way, my son's name is 'Jacob', since you almost caused him to drown, the least you can do is remember it."

Jeremy, noticing the way that Carlin was ogling his sister, motioned discreetly as he called softly;

"Aaron."

Having been as angry as Jemma, Aaron had failed to consider his wife's rather revealing appearance as she unleashed her temper. However, noticing the way Carlin Everston seemed to be feasting his eyes on the sight his wife made as she stood in front of his daughter, dripping wet. Aaron glanced around and, noticing the pile of his and Jemma's clothes that one of his brothers in law had managed to gather, snatched his jacket from the pile before approaching his wife to drape the garment over her shoulder, effectively cutting off Carlin's view as the coat hung past her knees. Placing his arm protectively around her shoulders, Aaron led her towards the walkway;

"Sweetheart lets get Jacob and you into some dry clothes, the last thing we need is for either of you to catch a chill."

Meeting Jason's look of concern with a determined one of his own, Aaron pushed her towards her eldest brother as he observed;

"I think it's safe to say the picnics over."

Agreeing, Jason nodded;

"I think you're right, Aaron."

Noticing his brother in law's intent, Jason placed his arm around his sister's shoulders;

"Come on, Pixie, let's get you two taken care of."

Seeing the indecision in his brother's eyes, Jeremy placed his hand on Josh's shoulder;

"Josh, are you coming?'

Panic soon joined the fear in Kassandra's eyes as she cast a look of pleading towards her fiancee;

"Joshua?"

Reaching out to squeeze her hand, Josh took a deep breath;

"We'll discuss this later, Kassandra. I think that your father should take you back to Lottie's and I'll see you later."

Before either, Kassandra or Carlin could try and decipher Josh's reaction as he followed his younger brother off the pier, Aaron turned to face the father and daughter, his face a mask of seriousness;

"I suggest you heed what Jemma said, Kassandra, because I can promise you when it comes to those she loves, especially our children, she doesn't have a sense of humor, most especially when their lives are placed in danger, and neither do I. If I were you, I'd be grateful that she didn't send YOU over the pier."

Carlin felt his heart drop as the look on Aaron's face altered from serious to deadly as his dark eyes narrowed, but not nearly enough to hide the burning hatred he saw focused on him just before, his eyes never wavering in his stare, he addressed his adversaries daughter;

"Kassandra, why don't you go join the others, your father and I have something to discuss between ourselves."

Hearing the deadly tone in his voice as well as realizing that the look he wore warned against any attempts at argument, Kassandra didn't bother to seek her father's approval before sidling past Aaron to hurry from the pier. Certain that they were alone, Aaron took a deep breath as he began, his tone brooking no doubts as to just how deadly and serious he was;

"Everston, I'll admit, you escaped my attention, momentarily, but I couldn't help but notice just EXACTLY how you were looking at Jemma earlier; something I find quite disturbing considering just how tragic this could have been had she not just happened to notice what was happening when she did."

Seeking to placate the man who, he had no doubts, would have no qualms about taking matters into his own hands where his wife was concerned, Carlin stammered;

"I, uh, I, I apologize. I'm just as thankful as you are that she was in time and I can't tell you how sorry I am about my daughter's negligence. I'm afraid Kassa isn't used to small children, any children really."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Aaron did his best to restrain his desire to punch the man standing in front of him in the mouth as he reminded;

"You were standing right there with her, Everston. As far as I'm concerned, you're just as responsible."

Swallowing hard, Carlin offered;

"And I most assuredly apologize that I was not more vigilant as well."

His eyes narrowing to mere slits, Aaron demanded angrily;

"And the way you were ogling Jemma?"

Despite the severity of the situation, Carlin shrugged slightly;

"I apologize, there was no disrespect intended. However, I'm quite certain that it hasn't escaped your notice that your wife is a very beautiful woman, and I'm afraid that what I saw simply overrode my good sense, sir. For that, I apologize."

His jaw tightening considerably, Aaron warned;

"I think that you and I need to have an understanding, Everston. Now, I've seen what it looks like when a man looks at my wife and appreciates her beauty; THAT I can appreciate. I've also seen what it looks like when a man looks at my wife and has things on his mind OTHER than just appreciating how beautiful Jemma is; THAT I don't appreciate, and I think that, in all fairness, I should tell you that there's only been one other man to look at my wife the way you did earlier."

Testing his limits, Carlin questioned;

"Really? And did he get run out of town for daring to admire Jemma?"

Finding his patience at an end, Aaron shook his head;

"No, he did not, he died for his trouble."

Carlin paled considerably as Aaron issued;

"If I were you, Everston, I would limit your contact with Jemma as much as possible. Because trust me, I give no quarter where my wife and children are concerned and certainly not to the likes of you. If you believe nothing else, believe this; even though I have no doubts that no jury would convict me, that is the LAST concern I have if you overstep or try to overstep your bounds where my wife is concerned. I promise you, Everston, if you do anything or try to do anything to my wife, I'll kill you."

Having declared himself, Aaron turned on his heel and stalked off to join his family, leaving a very frightened Carlin standing on the pier, wondering just how far his luck might hold where Jemma Stempel was concerned.