CHAPTER 10

Carlin Everston sat in his room, reading over the deed to the land that he had managed to acquire a short distance away from Seattle. He had no interest in the property for any reason, save that he felt it would secure him a place in the Bolt-Stempel business interests. And, by extension, a step closer to entering into business with Edward Thorndyke. He had thought that any opportunity he might have had at such a chance was no longer existent, thanks to what had happened with Kassandra and Jacob at the pier. Although he would never understand having such a fondness, even for one's own child, given the level of devotion that he had witnessed between the couple themselves, Carlin couldn't claim surprise by the fact that Aaron and Jemma were just as fiercely devoted to their children as they were to each other. A factor, he quickly realized, placed a stumbling block firmly in his path, something that found him more than a little irritated with his daughter.

Moving to the bureau, he poured himself a drink as he let his thoughts linger on his daughter. He had hoped that he would be able to realize his ambitions through Kassandra; not only to secure his business interests but the bonus of no longer having to deal with seeing to her welfare. Given those two goals, Carlin had no doubts that Josh was the perfect candidate to step into the role of his son-in-law, however, after the recent events he knew that possibility was hanging by a thread, at best. Despite the firm hand that he felt he still retained where his daughter was concerned, Carlin knew that, in all reality, Kassandra was the one who truly had the upper-hand, although she had no idea that was the case. However, if she were to become aware of the fact there was doubt in his mind as to just exactly what course of action she would take, something that he didn't want to contemplate given just what the results would mean for him.

He had found himself at an end, uncertain as to how to salvage an opportunity for himself where the Bolt-Stempel business partnership was concerned. Deciding to take matters in his own hands, Carlin had ventured to the logging camp, intent on trying to forge some type of truce with Jason Bolt. During his investigation into their business interests, Carlin had developed a fairly accurate assessment of, both, Jason Bolt and Aaron Stempel's personalities when it came to their business dealings. They were stern, but fair, businessmen and they expected the same from those they did business with.

Once Carlin had reached the tent that the Bolt's used as an office he was about to announce his presence when he overheard Jason and Aaron in the middle of a discussion regarding a certain piece of land that they felt would be a good addition to their holdings. Hearing the sound of, what he assumed were, maps being shuffled, Carlin positioned himself in a more secluded location that afforded him the luxury of hearing the conversation, and the benefit of remaining unseen. His attention became glued as a voice he recognized as Jason's began extolling the virtues of the property;

"Aaron, this would be a good investment for us. It adjoins the west side of the mountain, which means it's right on the waterway, we build a flume and we can get the lumber to the mill faster, and the price he's asking is very reasonable."

Listening carefully, Carlin waited with bated breath as Aaron replied;

"I can't deny it's a good price, Jason, and given the heavy amount of mature Birch trees to be found, as well as the saplings that will keep us supplied for years to come. It would definitely be a valuable asset."

Hearing a momentary silence followed by the sound of a pencil tapping against the paper of the map, Carlin focused as he heard Aaron venture;

"Jason, you know, Matt Balter has been talking about the idea of selling his mill. What if we bought it? I mean, think about it, rather than trying to get the lumber from Muskrat Creek to the mill here, we can run it through Matt's mill. This could be a win-win for all of us; Matt can get a nice profit for his mill, we get the supply of birch that Mr. Thorndyke wants, and we have another mill to help us process the lumber. We could easily take on more business that way you know?"

Given what he had learned of the eldest Bolt's adventurous spirit, he wasn't surprised when he heard Jason's booming voice suggest;

"Alright, Aaron, I think that's a good idea! Should we talk to Jeremy, Josh, and Pixie before we approach Matt about the mill and Landry about the land?"

Carlin felt that he waited an eternity before hearing the answer he was hoping for;

"I'd prefer it if we did, Jason. I know what Jemma said about leaving the decisions to me, but when it comes to decisions like this I want to make sure she agrees."

Having heard the information he felt was most important to him, Carlin quietly slipped away from the tent through the section of woods directly behind it until he came out on the trail leading back to Seattle. He was wracking his brain for a discreet means of finding out just where he might be able to find Matt Balter as well as this Landry fellow when a smile curled the corners of his mouth as he saw the solution to his problem approaching. Bowing as he offered her his most charming smile, Carter eagerly greeted;

"Good day, Miss Cloom, I was just out having a stroll. Would you care to join me and, perhaps, point out some of the more interesting sights?"

Noticing the blush that crept into her cheeks as she turned her head to glance at the ground shyly, Carlin had no doubts that he would be able to acquire all the information he needed, and all it need cost him was just a few compliments and a display of his gentlemanly charm. His prediction had proved quite accurate as, by the end of the day after having sent Biddie along, Carlin had come to an agreement with both men to purchase, both, the land and Matt Balter's mill under the strictest of confidences. Stopping by Ben Perkins' store, he sent a wire to the solicitor in San Francisco to ensure the funds would be available for his transactions through the bank in Olympia, as he had promised. Making his way back to Lottie's he couldn't help but feel elated by his success, especially in light of the mess that Kassandra had managed to make of things with the Bolts and Stempels. However, if things went the way he hoped they would, he might relent and see to it she had an allowance to support her, at least until he could manage a husband for her. He had no doubts that she would never be able to top Joshua Bolt's proposal, which he was certain would be reascended very shortly, however, that didn't mean that she couldn't manage a wealthy, older husband who might well prove beneficial to his financial plans at a later time.

Hearing the sound of a familiar voice from the street below, Carlin crossed the room to stand to the side of the window as he studied the object of his curiosity below: Jemma Stempel. He couldn't help himself from staring and admiring her as she stood with her sisters-in-law, laughing as they made their way into the general store. Standing as he was until he no longer had a view of her, Carlin's chest rose and fell heavily at the memory of what he saw the day at the lake as she emerged from the water, her wet undergarments leaving little to the imagination as they clung to her body, leaving little doubt as to just how little assistance she required in enhancing her figure, despite the birth of her three children. Regardless as to her husband's warning, Carlin had a firm belief that he could easily charm the lady given the chance, a card he was holding should it become necessary to find an alternate means to gain entrance into the Bolt-Stempel business interests. Noticing the ladies leaving the store, Carlin raised his glass in a salute as he voiced aloud;

"One way or another, whether it's to join business interests or just for the sake of satisfying my own curiosity, Mrs. Stempel, I plan on finding out if the passion I saw burning in you that day only extends to your temper."

Setting the dining room table, Jemma glanced up as she heard the sound of the kitchen door opening before smiling down as her eldest son and daughter;

"I bet that's Daddy, angels!"

No sooner had she spoke the words aloud than she heard her husband's deep voice announce;

"Jemma, sweetheart, I'm home."

Seeing the eager looks on their young faces as they stared up at her, Jemma laughed as she helped them stand;

"Go on, you two, go tell Daddy 'hello'."

Glancing towards each other, they wobbled, a bit unsteady, until they found their centers of balance as Aaron entered the dining room, stopping short to smile lovingly before kneeling to take his son and daughter up in his arms as he greeted;

"Well hello, you two! I see that you're getting this walking thing down a lot quicker than Mommy and I thought you would."

As happy as it made him to walk through the door at the end of the workday, his heart lightened even more as he lifted his children in his arms, something that found him laughing as they each smacked their lips against his cheeks before eagerly hugging him as Amie managed to greet;

"Da-dee!"

Neither he nor Jemma was surprised when, determined not to let his sister outdo him, Jacob laughed before following his sister's example;

"Da-da."

Crossing her arms as she studied the touching scene in front of her, Jemma couldn't help but smile in loving contentment at the sight of her husband holding their children, laughing as he happily accepted their affection. Glancing from one to the other, Aaron motioned towards Jemma before suggesting;

"I don't know about you two, but Mommy looks like she feels left out to me, how about we include her in our fun?"

Closing the distance, Aaron greeted;

"Hello, sweetheart, how was your day?"

Leaning in closer to kiss her soundly, he felt the corners of her mouth turn up in a smile against his lips as they felt their son and daughter's lips press against their cheeks as they were kissing. Unable to help giggling as she gave her him a quick kiss, Jemma reached to take their son, since he had his arms around her neck, before venturing;

"Well, if nothing else, darling, we know that our children love us."

Nodding his agreement, Aaron glanced pointedly at the table before making an assumption;

"I won't even bother to ask how you know that we're having dinner guests this evening. I know that between you, Julie, and Candy, you three usually know what your brothers and I have up our sleeves before we've even made up our minds for ourselves."

Following her as she went into the kitchen, he followed suit as she put Jacob in the play area and sat Amie down to join him before asking;

"Do you also happen to know the reason, love?"

Checking her baked chicken, Jemma nodded;

"I think so, at least the way I understand it. You and Jason have been looking at some land at Muskrat Creek near Balter's Mill?"

Noticing the plate of fresh-baked cookies, Aaron took one and bit it in half as his eyes widened before declaring;

"Sweetheart, these butter cookies are EXACTLY the way I remember my mother's cookies tasting. They're delicious!"

Pouring him some milk she fussed;

"You're going to ruin your supper, you know that don't you?"

Taking a sip from the glass she handed him, Aaron shook his head as he helped himself to another cookie before shaking his head;

"Considering just how much my mouth has been watering all day for your baked chicken and dumplings, I don't see that happening, darlin."

Smiling, Jemma brushed the crumbs from his mouth as he wrapped one arm around her waist and used his free hand to drain the milk from the glass. Setting the glass on the counter Aaron challenged;

"There, I promise, no more cookies until after supper, fair enough?"

Huffing a bit, Jemma laughed a little as she wiped the milk from his mouth with the hem of her apron;

"Alright, fair enough. Aaron Stempel, I swear! You know that boyish charm of yours, when you choose to show it, isn't going to always be able to get you out of trouble."

Wrapping his other arm around her waist to pull her closer, Aaron smiled mischievously;

"Hmm, I thought you said that you couldn't resist my 'boyish charm', Jemma love."

Looping her arms around his neck, she tilted her face to look into his eyes, the adoration she had for him making hers shine even brighter as she admitted;

"Yes, I did say that! And I meant it! However, considering that I better be the ONLY one you demonstrate those 'charms' to, you're going to have to rely on that brilliant mind of yours my darling heart to get you out of trouble with anyone besides me."

Lifting her against him, Aaron chuckled as he held her close;

"I've got news for you, my little love, you're the ONLY one who I've EVER let see that side of me. So on that count, darlin, you have absolutely nothing worry about. Actually, you have nothing to worry about on ANY count."

Brushing their lips against each other's, they met each other in a kiss of mutual love and adoration. When their kiss ended, Jemma laid her head on her husband's shoulder and whispered lovingly;

"And just so YOU know, my darling heart, you're the ONLY one who will ever see that side of me."

Giving a quick nod, Aaron emphasized;

"Good! I'm a very selfish man and I have NO intentions of sharing you, with ANYONE!"

Noticing that Alex was becoming fussy, Jemma gave her husband a sound kiss as she corrected;

"Wrong, love! You have to share me with our children, one of which is demanding my attention."

Loosening his hold to let her slide back to her feet, Aaron released her and focused his attention on Amie and Jacob while Jemma focused hers on Alex. Once she was settled in the rocking chair, tending to their youngest child, Jemma encouraged;

"So exactly what is this proposal that you and Jason are considering?"

Explaining, in detail, his and Jason's plan to acquire Landry's land for the excess of Birch trees the area possessed, as well as the benefits of buying Balter's mill, Aaron studied her reaction once he had finished his explanation. Although she had given him free rein when it came to handling her business interests in, both, the logging operation and the mill, Aaron made certain to consult his wife on all major decisions. He could tell that she was weighing the pros and cons of the idea in her mind, and, given her astute business sense when it came to the mill and the logging operation, he was relieved when, as she lifted their son to her shoulder to begin patting his back, she nodded;

"I think it would be a wonderful idea! I mean, you said that Mr. Thorndyke said he wanted to begin using Birch, so this would solve the issue of where to find it. And, since it adjoins the western side of Bridal Veil and near Balter's Mill, that means that it will be much easier to process that timber without having to transport it all the way to the mill."

Jemma grew quiet for a moment as she bit at her bottom lip in consideration before stating hesitantly;

"But, Aaron love, you realize that Matt Balter isn't nearly as fastidious as you are when it comes to ensuring his equipment is well maintained and kept up to date. It's very possible that the existing equipment will need to be overhauled and new equipment installed before you would be able to run the mill at full capacity."

Having taken up a place on the floor to play with Amie and Jacob, Aaron agreed;

"I know, sweetheart. But, Jason and I considered that possibility when we were contemplating this idea. We may well have to invest some time and money into the mill. But, it won't take very long to recoup whatever we invest once we have the mill running at capacity."

Changing Alex's diaper, Jemma glanced over her shoulder to ask timidly;

"Darling, I know this will sound like a silly question, but, can we afford to do this?"

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle in amusement at her question. One thing that he quickly realized shortly after their marriage was that, although Jemma was a far cry from being a spendthrift and very economically minded, she was more than satisfied to leave their family's financial concerns in his hands. While she made certain that the household accounts were always accurate, she left it to Aaron to see to paying the bills. The only time he could remember her withdrawing money from the account Jason has set up for her when she was a child to save her share of the logging operation's profits, was to purchase gifts for special occasions, such as their anniversary, his birthday, and Christmas.

Launching herself at him for a hug, Amie brought her father's thoughts back to the present and Jemma's question. Catching their daughter up in his arms, Aaron turned to his wife;

"Yes, love, I promise we can afford it. Jason and I considered that when we began discussing the merits of the idea. Actually, this investment can easily pay for itself in just a couple of months or so once the mill is operating at full capacity."

Satisfied that Alex was full and comfortable, Jemma settled him in his bassinet and watched as he sighed contentedly before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. Deciding to join her husband and older children, Jemma took a place on the floor next to Aaron as Amie held her arms up to beg;

"Maw-mee"

Unable to prevent the smile of pleasure that lit her face at the sound of her child asking for her, Jemma held her arms out to take their daughter from Aaron;

"I bet you have no idea just how much I love hearing you and your brother call me that, do you, baby girl?"

Accepting their daughter's giggles as an answer, Jemma caught one of Amie's small hands in her own as she laughed;

"On second thought, just maybe you do."

Glancing to Aaron, Jemma nodded before offering;

"Aaron love, if you're asking for my input; I say that if you and Jason think this is such a wonderful proposition you have my full agreement with it."

Leaning over as he lowered Jacob from where he had been hoisting him over his head, much to their son's delight, Jemma placed a kiss on her husband's cheek before venturing;

"Thank you!"

Puzzled, Aaron turned to ask;

"For what, sweetheart?"

Holding Amie's hands as she bounced up and down, Jemma met her husband's puzzled look with her own look of sincere appreciation;

"Because, you don't have to ask me before you make these decisions, but you always do."

Hearing the excited sound of Molly and Christopher's voices as they approached the back door, Aaron rose to rake Jacob and Amie's hands to lead them back to their play area. Once he had the gate secured he turned and offered his wife his hand to pull her up from the floor before brushing his lips against hers as he reminded;

"As you recall, my love, I told you that you are just as much a part of that mill as I am. And, even though you gave me the authority to manage your interests, that doesn't mean that I'm going to make decisions without your approval or input. You put a lot of faith and trust in me and I never want you to regret that."

Hearing the sounds of their family approaching, Jemma hugged him quickly before reminding;

"Well, considering just how well you take care of my heart, darling, why on earth wouldn't I have that same trust and faith in you over something as unimportant as our money."

Before they could say anything more the door opened as Molly and Christopher burst in, leading the way for everyone else. Once they had concluded the meal and while Molly and Christopher kept Jacob and Amie occupied, the adults discussed Aaron and Jason's idea regarding acquiring the land and Balter's mill. Josh and Jeremy, as well as, Candy, Julie, and even Benjamin agreed to the merits of the idea and the benefits that such an acquisition would have for the family business. Glancing around the table, Jason asked;

"So we're all agreed then."

At everyone's nod, Aaron faced his brother in law;

"Alright, how should we do this?"

Motioning towards Josh, Aaron suggested;

"Old Landry is rather fond of you, Josh. Why don't you go and talk with him tomorrow? Jason and I can go talk with Matt Balter."

Facing his brother in law, he asked;

"Does that sound good to you, Jason?"

Jason nodded;

"Yes, I think that's the best way to do it."

Turning to Jeremy, Jason smiled apologetically;

"I hope you don't mind, Jeremy, but..."

Holding his hand up, Jeremy gave a slight shake of his head;

"I know, Jason, I know; someone has to stay behind and make sure everything keeps running. I'm good with that, besides, you three do better at brokering deals anyway, give me an ax any day."

Jemma's eyes suddenly widened as she stated excitedly;

"Oh, wait a minute! Candy, Julie, and I were in Ben's today and we overheard Mr. Landry mention something about going to Olympia and that Matt Balter was probably going to keep him company. He said they won't be around tomorrow."

Shrugging slightly, Aaron amended;

"Alright, well we'll just take care of it the day after tomorrow."

Noticing the time, Josh excused;

"That works out just fine, Aaron. Besides, there's something important that I need to deal with tomorrow."

Coming around the table to where his sister sat, Josh leaned over to kiss her cheek;

"Thank you for another wonderful meal, Pixie doll. I hate to leave so early, but there are some things I need to think about."

Staring after him as he left, Jason glanced about;

"I don't believe it! That's not like Josh."

Nodding his agreement as he accepted a large piece of Apple Butter cake, Jeremy ventured;

"I know! I'm shocked too, I never thought I'd ever see the day that Josh would leave the table before getting himself a helping of one of Pixie's desserts."

Meeting each other's looks of disbelief at Jeremy's statement, Jason and Jemma began laughing, something that triggered everyone's amusement. Settling the group decided to drop the subject as they enjoyed their dessert, although everyone was wondering just what was so important that Josh voluntarily left before getting a piece of his favorite cake.

Josh and Kassandra had agreed to meet in the clearing that she had found near the river, where she and Ward had made their decision regarding their joint future together. Josh had agonized most of the night over the most sensitive way to handle the situation, but no matter what idea he came up with, nothing seemed the right approach to him. He didn't realize just how long he had been up until he heard his sister-in-law's light footsteps and the sound of his niece's cooing just before Julie entered the kitchen. Giving a slight yelp of surprise, Julie blushed in embarrassment as she fussed;

"Josh! What on earth are you doing up at this hour?"

Motioning to the small pot on the stove he explained;

"I had some thinking to do and, I hope you don't mind, I made myself a little hot cocoa."

Julie shook her head as she poured herself a small cup from the pot;

"Not at all, Josh! This is your home too you know? Besides, a cup of cocoa sounds wonderful."

After settling Lisa in her bassinet, Julie took a seat at the table to keep her brother-in-law company as he glanced at the bassinet and asked;

"I'm guessing Miss Lisa is a bit fussy?"

Julie nodded as she took a sip;

"Not too fussy, but Jason didn't sleep very well last night and I didn't want to take a chance on her disturbing his rest."

Josh slowly shook his head;

"He sure has taken to being a father, hasn't he?"

Julie lifted her eyebrow as she challenged;

"Considering what a wonderful job he did with you and your sister, does that REALLY surprise you?"

Bracing his arms on the table, Josh gave a slow shake of his head as he admitted;

"No, not really. It's just that, after seeing my big brother with an ax in his hands for so long, seeing him with a baby and realizing it's HIS is just a little bit of a shock to my system, that's all. I feel the same way about Jeremy, although he wasn't as big a shock thanks to seeing him with Molly and Christopher."

Julie cradled her cup between her hands as she smiled knowingly;

"And Jemma?"

Josh chuckled slightly;

"Well, Jemma was a bit different. No offense, Julie, but once we got past the surprise of our sister marrying your brother, the idea of her having a baby was something that seemed a natural course of events. However, the idea that Aaron was going to be a father and then when they had twins...well, let's just say that Pixie's always had a knack for pulling a trick or two out of her bag in the surprise department."

Noticing the same glint her brother-in-law's eyes that she had seen in her husband's and their siblings from time to time, Julie tilted her head to the side as she placed her hand over Josh's to venture;

"Josh, you know, my concern for this family doesn't just end with my husband and child, or my brother, Jemma, and their children. You, Jeremy, and his family are my family too and that means I love and worry about you as well. Would you like to talk about it?"

Searching her face, he demanded;

"Do you promise not to say anything, at least not until I say something?"

Although she nodded, Josh emphasized;

"I mean it, Julie, not to anyone! That means Candy and most especially Jemma, I don't want her blaming herself, and I know my sister, she very well might unless I make it clear. Do you promise?"

Drawing a cross over her heart with her finger, Julie swore;

"I promise, Josh."

Drawing in a deep breath, Josh confided;

"Julie, I plan on telling Kassandra tomorrow that I'm not going to marry her."

Noticing the mask of neutrality that she wore, Josh stated rather than asked;

"You're not surprised by my decision, are you?"

Biting at her bottom lip, Julie leveled with him;

"In all honesty? No, Joshua, I'm not. Please don't be angry about what I say. I could see that you were attracted to her, but you and she just don't seem to 'fit'. Then, when that happened at the picnic, you two just don't seem to complete each other. You reminded me of Blake Anderson and myself. I think that you were hoping she was 'the one', but I also know that you're smart enough to realize the fact that she isn't."

Josh felt infinitely relieved as he unburdened himself to his sister-in-law. Once he was finished, Josh couldn't believe how much lighter his heart and spirit felt for having vented his feelings. Yet, despite feeling lighter in spirit, Josh couldn't help glancing at Julie before asking in trepidation;

"You think I'm wrong for asking Peggy to marry me before I broke off my engagement with Kassandra, don't you?"

Her face full of sarcasm, Julie stated wryly;

"Yes, Joshua, I think you are a terrible, horrible person for doing that. I mean it was SO much different than when I did the EXACT same thing."

The look on her face becoming more sympathetic, Julie ventured;

"Josh, you did the same thing I did: you let yourself mistake something that wasn't love for love. It sounds as if we're more alike than we thought. You were trying to forget Peggy because you got that stubborn Bolt pride of yours up over the idea you might 'have' to do something. Just the way Jason and I were stubborn at the thought that, in trying to trick Aaron into giving me my share of our inheritance, we ended up tricking ourselves and REALLY falling in love. It sounds as if you experienced something similar with Peggy."

Josh nodded;

"Yes, and I know this will sound horrible, but I just don't think that Kassandra is going to be overly distraught over this."

Glancing towards the bassinet and seeing that Lisa had settled back to sleep, Julie rose from her chair and placed her hand on Josh's shoulder before advising;

"Josh, I don't think that Kassandra is going to be as devastated as you may think. If you're completely honest with yourself, you know that love might not have been her main motivation in accepting your proposal in the first place."

Reaching into the bassinet to take her daughter in her arms, Julie settled the child against her shoulder as she bid her brother-in-law goodnight;

"Well, I had better get my little angel back to bed, we have to be up early and make sure that her daddy has a good breakfast before he heads to the logging camp. Goodnight, Josh, try to get some rest and don't worry, everything is going to work out."

Hearing the sound of twigs breaking, Josh turned and found Kassandra standing there, studying him before greeting timidly;

"Hello, Joshua."

Josh braced himself, determined in his course;

"Hello, Kassandra, I think we need to have a serious talk."

Kassandra nodded;

"Yes, Joshua, we most certainly do."

Jemma was in the middle of setting the table in the kitchen when Aaron burst through the door, obviously angry. Seeing the look of thunder on her husband's face she was grateful that Amie, Jacob, and Alex were upstairs in their cribs napping, not wanting them to see their father in such an angry mood. Jemma, noticing the effort her husband was putting into remaining calm, silently took a glass and bottle of whiskey from one of the cabinets and poured a liberal portion in the glass before approaching her husband and offering it to him. Aaron had been so wrapped in his anger when he entered the house that he hadn't stopped to consider how his mood might affect his wife and children, the realization of which found his mood swiftly changing to regret at the sight of Jemma, her eyes full of love and understanding, standing there offering him a drink in an effort to help ease his mood. Taking the glass from her hand, Aaron sat it on the counter as he spoke softly;

"I thank you for your thoughtfulness, darlin, but I need this more than what's in that glass."

Taking her hand in his, Aaron pulled her into a fierce embrace, something that helped to quickly calm the anger he had felt earlier. Holding her close, Aaron placed a kiss on her forehead before offering;

"Thank you, Jemma love."

Leaning her head back slightly to look into his eyes, curiosity lighting her own, Jemma asked;

"For what, honey?"

Brushing his thumb over her cheek, Aaron sighed;

"For just being you, sweetheart, for just being you."

Seeing that his anger had abated considerably, Jemma placed her hand against his cheek;
"Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Judging by the sharp rise and fall of his chest, Jemma knew that whatever had triggered her husband's temper had to be something extreme. However, before Aaron could explain, Jason and Jeremy burst in as Jason demanded;

"Aaron! Did you hear?"

Nodding, Aaron grabbed the glass his wife had offered him earlier to offer it to his brother-in-law;

"Yes, I did. Here, I think you need this worse than what Jemma thought I did earlier."

Taking the glass in hand, Jason quickly downed the contents before setting the glass down heavily on the counter to thunder;

"I want to know just who and how in the hell this happened!"

Glancing from her brothers to her husband, Jemma folded her arms across her middle as she demanded in agitation;

"Would one of you PLEASE tell me what's happened?"

Giving her eldest brother a withering look, Jemma fussed;

"And, Jason, would you PLEASE remember that I have three babies upstairs napping and contain your temper and tone of voice?"

His hands on his hips, his face a mask of frustration, Jeremy answered;

"We found out this morning, Pixie, that Balter's Mill and the land we were going to see about buying were bought out from under us."

Jemma's eyes widened as her mouth gaped slightly, her face reflecting her disbelief as she exclaimed;

"BUT WHY AND HOW?! I mean, why in heaven's name would anyone want to buy either one? This doesn't make any sense...unless."

Putting the tip of her forefinger between her teeth, Jemma's brow furrowed as she concentrated before turning to her husband;

"Aaron, there's something strange about this."

Aaron frowned;

"What do you mean, sweetheart?"

Jemma glanced to her brothers before turning back to face her husband as she presented her theory;

"What I mean is, well, think about it: even if the same person bought, both, the mill and that land, where's the benefit? The land alone wouldn't offer enough timber, especially considering that it's mostly Birch, to be profitable for the mill. And the mill needs a broader source of timber to turn a profit."

Realization dawning in their eyes, Aaron expressed their comprehension;

"So basically, unless they have another source for timber and considering that would mean either Caleb Balter's land, which we all know he wouldn't allow and Matt backs that decision or Bridal Veil mountain which we KNOW isn't an option. Whoever did this is either trying to hinder us or force us into something."

Stroking his chin, Jason contemplated;

"That also means that whoever did this knew that we were planning on buying the land and mill. But the question is how? Aaron, you and I just discussed this a couple of days ago, this was done fast considering we just learned about it today. Mind you, that was thanks to Ben."

Curious, Jemma asked;

"What do you mean, 'thanks to Ben'. Jason?"

His own frustration rising over the situation, Jeremy huffed;

"Apparently, Matt and Landry decided to make a trip to Olympia together since they both had business to attend to there; collecting their payments for the mill and the land they each sold. Ben overheard them discussing it when they stopped in at his store just before riding out. And, since Ben had no idea that we were interested in buying either one, he didn't think anything about it."

Shaking her head, Jemma pointed out;

"That in itself is strange, isn't it? Think about it, usually, three people in Seattle seem to always know what's going on; Ben, Lottie, and Biddie. Yet, none of them were aware of any of this, which means that this was all done very quickly and very secretly."

Pinning her husband and two brothers with her eyes, Jemma stated determinedly;

"This isn't a coincidence! Whoever did this did it with a very specific reason, something that I'm sure they're waiting for just the right time to divulge."

Taking matters in hand, Jemma motioned towards the table as she ordered sternly;

"I want the three of you to sit down and have some lunch. I know we're all aggravated, but, right this second, there's nothing that we can do to change this. I'm quite sure that we'll find out who is behind it soon enough."

Deciding to heed her advice, Aaron, Jason, and Jeremy took a seat as she sat the food on the table. Each wondering just why someone wanted to upset their plans. And, more importantly, just who was behind the act.

Josh sat at the small table in Ward Kimberly's cabin, still having difficulty believing the turn of events that had taken place. When he had met Kassandra earlier, he had expected a flood of tears, pleading, and apologies. Although he had received a wealth of apologies, he had been stunned, to say the least, by what Kassandra had to say. He had wanted to let her down as easily as possible, however, when he had told her that he felt it would be a mistake for them to marry, Josh found himself at a loss as she placed her hand over her chest and breathed a sigh of relief;

"Oh thank goodness! I was afraid that you might want to go through with the marriage."
Noticing the odd look he wore, Kassandra held her hand up and anxiously assured him;

"Oh, Josh! Please don't misunderstand! You're a wonderful man and I'm very honored that you even asked to marry me. But, well, Josh...can we sit and talk?"

Stepping aside, Josh motioned towards the flat boulder;

"Yes, I think we should. Here, let me help you."

Taking her hand, Josh helped her settle herself on the makeshift bench and invited;

"Why don't you start, Kassandra."

Lowering her head to study her feet, Kassandra took a moment to formulate just how she wanted to express her thoughts before beginning. Finally, she looked up to lock eyes with Josh as she began her confession;

"Josh, before I begin, there's something that I want you to understand and believe; I was and still am very fond of you, and I'm very honored that you asked me to be your wife."

Kassandra reached out and took his hand in hers;

"Do you remember telling me when we were on Clancey's ship how I would see things here in Seattle that I had never seen before and how amazed I would be?"

At Josh's silent, brief nod, she continued;

"Well, you were right! My father had drilled it into me that marriage was really nothing more than a merger, a way for one, or both parties to benefit financially and provide them with a lifetime companion. I thought that, if I was lucky, I would marry someone I could, at least, like. That was one reason I was glad about your proposal: you're a good man and we enjoyed each other's company so I felt that we would be friends and, if it was possible, in time we might become fond of each other."

Josh couldn't help feeling pity for her, even though he had realized that what he had felt for her hadn't been enough to base a marriage on, he had believed himself in love with her. However, it wasn't until he couldn't help finding himself drawn to Peggy after his return that he realized what he felt for Kassandra was admiration for her beauty and the idea that he would be happy with her. After his first conversation with Peggy Josh came to understand that there was more to love than admiration for someone's outer beauty. Josh came to appreciate the fact as he found himself enjoying simply being able to spend time near her or talking to her, with or without the benefit of physical affection. Furrowing his brow, Josh questioned;

"And now?"

There was no denying the glint of shame that showed in her eyes as she confessed;

"I've learned just how wrong HE was for teaching me that and how wrong I was for believing it. Josh, when I said what I did to Jemma, it was because I thought that was the type of marriage that she and Aaron have, but I was so very wrong. Any doubts I had to the contrary as to just WHY your sister and her husband married were certainly put to rest by, both, Aaron and Jemma. Seeing how your sister and her husband are with each other, and seeing how your brothers are with their wives, not to mention with their children, I came to understand just what love REALLY is. I knew what I hoped and wanted it to be a few years ago, but my father put a quick halt to that."

Crossing his arms, Josh asked quietly;

"And, Pixie? Why do you have so much jealousy and resentment towards her? All she's done is try very hard, despite what you said to her, to be nothing but kind to you and to make you a part of our family. So why would you act that way towards her?"

Despite the shame and embarrassment that she felt, Kassandra looked him in the eyes;

"I'm ashamed to admit it, but I resented her because of how much everyone seems to love her, and all she has to do is just be herself. I mean, think about it: the expense that Aaron went to just to enter into that bet over the mountain, and it was never for the sake of gaining the mountain for himself, but to hand it over to Jemma. Then, he waited to be able to marry her; mind you, that's aside from what you and your brothers

do for her. All any of you, even Candy and Julie, have to do is just THINK she wants or needs something and you all bend over backward for her."

Josh lifted his shoulders slightly;

"Kassandra, what can I say? For a long time, it was just the four of us and we took care of Jemma, she was just a baby when we lost our parents and we're protective of her. As for Aaron: he's been in love with her since she was sixteen and they've had no easy road, I can assure you. But there's something you don't seem to understand, Kassandra: Pixie isn't the spoiled princess that you seem to want to accuse her of being."

Nodding, Kassandra admitted;

"I know, I realize that now. I think I knew it before but I let my stupidity and jealousy blind me. I understand now that Jemma is just so naturally sweet and loving, I think that was part of my problem. You see, Father has always based my worth on my looks, he's made it seem as if that was all there was to me. But when I met Candy, Julie, and especially Jemma, I realized that outer beauty is nothing without inner beauty, something that I didn't think I had."

Tilting his head slightly as he noticed a definite difference in her, Josh asked;

"So what changed your mind?"

Blushing slightly, Kassandra confessed;

"Josh, when I was eighteen there was a man that asked me to marry him, I was in love with him, but Father disapproved and refused his blessing. And, well, I sent him away, not because he wasn't wealthy, but because Father threatened to go to the authorities and accuse him of 'compromising' me. He said that if that didn't work, then he would hire professional toughs to 'discourage' his attention and change his mind."

Shaking her head as a few tears slid down her cheeks, she lamented;

"Josh, I couldn't let that happen! I let Father tell him that I had no desire to be his wife and send him away, I cried the entire night, that night. Afterward, Father informed me that he had not 'invested' everything that he did in my upbringing and into making me a proper young lady, suitable to be a rich man's wife and that love had no part in his plans for me. He made it clear that he expected that I would make a successful and wealthy match that would benefit him.

Squaring her shoulders, Kassandra shook her head;

"I'm not telling you this for sympathy, but I wanted you to understand a little more about me than what you did before. After Father told me that, I became determined that, somehow, I would find a little happiness for myself. I had actually managed to convince myself of Father's point of view, I suppose so that I didn't have to accept the fact that I was nothing but a commodity for him to trade as he wanted for his benefit. But, when I met your family and saw how much your brothers love their wives, and how much love Jemma and Aaron share, I was reminded of how wrong Father was and is and how badly I want to experience that type of marriage for myself."

Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, Josh rationalized;

"Kassandra, not that I'm not glad we came to an understanding, and not that I'm not glad that you've come to realize what you want. But I get the feeling that my brothers' and sister's marriages and what happened with Jacob aren't the only contributing factors that helped bring you to that conclusion, are they?"

Blushing, she admitted;

"That's a very large part of it, Joshua. I'll never forgive myself for what happened to Jacob and for what I said to Jemma. But, well, the man I told you about, it turns out that he is here in Seattle and, we still feel the same way that we did for each other back then. Josh, he asked me to marry him, and now that I'm over twenty-one years of age, I no longer need Father's consent, and having his blessing is no longer something I care about having."

Stunned by her announcement, Josh stared, wide-eyed. Seeing the worry reflected in her face, Josh rushed to assure her;

"It's okay, Kassandra, really, it is! It's just that, well, I sort of had something to tell you, you see..."

Understanding dawning on her, Kassandra nodded;

"Let me guess! You finally admitted to yourself that you love Peggy and you told her. Am I wrong?"

Shaking his head, Josh admitted;

"No, you're right. As a matter of fact, I asked Peggy to marry me. I...well, I guess that I realized when I spent time with her that I've been in love with her for some time but I was being stubborn about it. I'm sorry, Kassandra."

Kassandra stood to take his hand in both of hers as she smiled happily before assuring him;

"No, Josh, don't be! I think it's wonderful! I want you to understand something; I was very flattered by your proposal, and I felt that I would find contentment as your wife. But, let's be honest, we never loved each other. You were taken by my outer beauty and flattered that I enjoyed your company, not to mention the fact that I was willing to marry you."

Furrowing his brow, Josh nodded;

"You're right, I was. I thought that I loved you, although I care about you, I don't love you. But what about you, Kassandra, why were you willing to marry me?"

Hearing a rustling sound both turned as Ward and Peggy appeared, looking chagrined as Peggy rushed to explain;

"We sort of ran into each other and, well, I guess you could say we compared notes."

Throwing back his head, Josh laughed heartily as Ward offered;

"We couldn't help but overhear the last of your conversation, Josh. My cabin isn't too far from here and I'm pretty sure no one will see us going there. I think that, for the rest of your talk, more privacy would be a good idea."

Bringing his thoughts to the present and the topic at hand, Josh took a sip from the cup of coffee that Ward handed him before asking;

"So let me see if I understand this right: the reason that you accepted my marriage proposal was that your father pushed you into it? I don't understand, why? I mean, I'm not a rich man, so what did he hope to gain?"

Studying her hands as she had them clasped upon the table in front of her, Kassandra admitted;

"Please understand something, Joshua, the reason I agreed was that I was and am still very fond of you. As I told you earlier, I was resigned to a loveless marriage, but I felt that you and I would at least become good friends and, perhaps, love would come later. But the reason Father wanted me to marry you so much was because he believes that, as your father-in-law, you and your family would be obligated to include him in your business ventures; most especially those involving Edward Thorndyke."

Her face becoming a mask of concern, Kassandra begged;

"I know that, given my part in everything, asking a favor is rather nervy. However, please, let's keep the fact that we've called our engagement off a secret for now."

Glancing between Peggy and Ward, she rushed to assure them;

"It's not because I have anything underhanded in mind, or because I'm not proud at the thought of marrying you, Ward. But, I know my father and if he has any idea of what's going on he may try to cause problems. To be honest, I wish there was a way I could talk to the attorney who is overseeing my grandfather and mother's estates."

Josh and Ward turned to look at each other, the same thought in both men's minds as Ward reached over to place his hand over his fiancee's;

"Kassie, I know that you don't want anyone outside of the four of us to know just what's going on. But, I think there's someone who can help, especially when it comes to contacting your attorney, although I'm not sure how you're going to feel about it since that means we'll have to let him in on just what's going on."

Turning to face each, in turn, none failing to notice the hope brimming in her eyes as she pleaded;

"Fine, then let's go talk to him! I know what my father is capable of and I want out from under his heel, but more than that, I want to make up for being such a selfish and spoiled little fool."

Josh raised an eyebrow as he asked;

"No matter WHO the person is?"

Pulling back her shoulders as she raised her head, Kassandra affirmed;

"No matter, WHO it is!

Josh, Ward, and Peggy all shared the same look as each lifted their shoulders in unison before Peggy observed;

"Don't all of you think that, just maybe, it would be a good idea if we asked HIM to come here?"

Pushing his chair back from the table, Josh leaned over to kiss Peggy's cheek before stating;

"I'll be back in just a little while, hopefully, I can catch him by himself."

Shaking his head, Josh sighed heavily;

"Otherwise, I'm going to have to do some fast talking to avoid someone's curious nature."

After he had pulled the door closed behind him, Kassandra asked Peggy;

"Do you really think that this person can help the way you all seem to think he can?"

Seeing the concern written on the woman's face, Peggy assured her;

"There are only two people in Seattle who I believe might be able to help this situation and he's one of them. Trust me, if it's possible, he'll make it happen."

Biting at her bottom lip, Kassandra asked quietly;

"And if he can't?"

Pouring himself another cup of coffee, Ward sighed;

"Then he'll ask the other person Peggy's talking about for some help, and you'll be amazed at what happens then."