CHAPTER 11

Aaron sat in disbelief, trying to fathom the level of selfishness and greed that Carlin Everston possessed, as he and Jason listened to Kassandra's narrative of her father's character. He had been, to say the least, surprised when Josh had stopped him on his way back to the mill after lunch to ask him to join him. When he had explained just why it was so important that he accompany him to Ward Kimberly's cabin, Aaron could only stare at his brother-in-law in disbelief as he demanded;

"Josh, you have got to be kidding! You ACTUALLY want me to hear that woman out?"

Placing his hand on Aaron's shoulder, Josh nodded;

"Aaron if I didn't think it was important you know I wouldn't ask. Please, just listen to what she has to say."

Giving a slow shake of his head, frustrated, Aaron huffed;

"I must be losing my mind! Alright, dammit! I'll hear her out, but only if you go get Jason as well."

Half an hour later found Jason and Aaron listening as Kassandra shared what she had told the others, a tale that found both men turning to each other, both wearing a look that combined anger, disbelief, shock, and revulsion. Seeing the unasked question in his brother-in-law's eyes, Aaron shook his head;

"NO! There's no way I'd let anything like this happen with Amie or ANY daughter that Jemma and I might have. Our children are blessings, not bargaining chips."

Jason nodded as he turned to Kassandra;

"I don't know what all your father might have told you, Kassandra, but I can promise you that you were not born to be a means to an end for your father. I feel the same way as Aaron about Lisa, I'd NEVER allow her to be used in such a way."

Kassandra swallowed the emotional lump in her throat before begging;

"Please forgive me for my part in this. And, Aaron, I am so sorry for what I said to Jemma and for what happened with Jacob. I'm afraid that I let my jealousy over what she has with you and your children color my logic and my decisions."

Giving a slight nod in acceptance of her apology, Aaron issued;

"THAT is something that we'll discuss at a later point, WITH my wife. However, as to the rest of it,"

Aaron could only shake his head before admitting;

"I feel very sorry for what you've gone through, Kassandra. But, it's to your credit that you don't want to be a part of your father's schemes anymore. Now, we just have to figure out how to go about putting a halt to your father's plans, whatever they might be."

Jason slowly turned his head as his eyes widened in disbelief;

"WE! And just how do you propose that WE are supposed to do this, Aaron?"

Aaron lifted one eyebrow in amusement before replying sarcastically;

"The same way we've done everything else that seemed to defy odds, Jason; we just DO IT. But, in this instance, the odds are a little more in our favor this time."

Seeing the astonishment written on the faces of those around him, Aaron lifted his shoulders nonchalantly;

"What? Oh, come on! There had to be a reason that you four wanted me and Jason in on all of this. So the idea that one, or both, of us, had something up our sleeve surely isn't a TOTAL surprise."

His eyes wide with shock, Jason demanded;

"What exactly did you do, Aaron?"

Standing to stretch his legs, Aaron leaned against the fireplace mantle and shoved his hands in his pockets before explaining;

"No offense meant to Kassandra, or you, Joshua, but when you two arrived and after some of the 'inquiries" Carlin Everston made about our business interests, I decided to do a little 'inquiring' of my own. I sent a wire to Mr. Thorndyke as well as someone I've persuaded to relocate to Seattle to help oversee our legal interests. If my theory proves right there should be some interesting information in a report that he's bringing with him. He should be arriving with Clancey any day now, and if what I think is in that report is what's in there, then, Kassandra, I think you may well be in for a surprise."

Seeing the curious looks that he was getting from his companions Aaron gave a slight shake of his head;

"NO! I have my suspicions, but without proof, that's all they are. I'm not willing to discuss any of this until I have that report in my hands. Now, as to what do we do about our current situation as it stands right now."

Addressing the two couples at the table, Aaron questioned;

"If I understand you correctly, the four of you want to keep the fact that Josh and Kassandra have decided not to get married a secret for now; am I right?"

Looking to each other for confirmation of their decision, Josh nodded;

"Yes, Kassandra feels that it would be best for the moment. She thinks that, if her father knows, he'll try something."

Leaning back in his chair to lace his hands together over his chest, Jason glanced at his brother-in-law speculatively;

"She makes a good point, Aaron. It's better that we keep everyone in the dark."

Narrowing his eyes, Aaron issued;

"I have no problem keeping this a secret, with one exception: JEMMA!"

Pinning each one with his dark eyes, Aaron informed the occupants at the table;

"I REFUSE to keep secrets from my wife! Not to mention,"

Looking between Josh and Kassandra, Aaron reminded;

"Josh, she has a right to know what's going on."

Glancing between his two brothers-in-law, Aaron chuckled as he challenged;

"And you have to admit that me and Jemma are pretty good at keeping secrets."

Twitching his lips wryly, Jason huffed;

"I can't deny it, you two managed to keep one hell of a secret from 'almost' all of Seattle, including me, for over four years."

Finding humor in his brother-in-law's agitation, Aaron clasped his hand on his shoulder and laughed;

"Don't feel bad, Jason! Besides, Jemma and I managed to keep that same secret from each other for two of those four years."

His features resuming their usual mask of seriousness, Aaron turned to Josh to address;

"But I'm serious, Josh! I think it would be better if you talked to her about it, but make no mistake, if you don't tell her, I will."

Turning to Kassandra, Josh silently asked her permission, letting out the breath that he didn't realize he had been holding when she nodded her agreement. Meeting Aaron's unrelenting look of determination, Josh agreed;

"You're right, Aaron. However, when and where are the best time and place to do that?"

Rising from her chair, Peggy offered;

"Why don't you leave THAT to me! Don't worry, I'll get Jemma here!"

Concerned curiosity lighting their eyes, Aaron and Jason faced each other before Aaron turned to Josh to demand;

"Just what's up her sleeve, Joshua?"

Shrugging carelessly, a broad grin of amusement on his face, Josh laughed;

"Aaron, do you ever REALLY know what's up Pixie's sleeve when she makes her mind up to something?"

Sighing in resignation, Aaron gave a slow shake of his head as he admitted;

"No, not really. You, of all people, should know that when that little spitfire sets her mind to something, she's not going to stop until she accomplishes her goal."

Amused, Josh inquired;

"Well, if you can't foretell what Pixie might or might not do, then how can you expect me to be able to tell just what Peggy's got up her sleeve?"

Motioning towards the coffee pot, Aaron ventured;

"Well, Ward, since all we can do now is wait, could I get a cup of coffee, and if you have any a shot of whiskey in it would be good?"

Glancing towards where Kassandra sat, Aaron sighed;

"Somehow, I think I'm going to need it when that little tornado I'm married to gets here."
Grateful, Aaron accepted the cup and took a long sip, wondering just what reaction Jemma might have when she arrived, especially when she laid eyes on Kassandra.

Jemma had just finished settling Alex in his bassinet after nursing him. Hearing the sound of her twins' giggles, Jemma approached their play area to kneel before leaning over the railing as she laughed;

"You two are certainly easy to amuse, aren't you?"

Noticing Jacob's lopsided grin and Amie's gentle smile, Jemma couldn't help but feel contentment in her children's company as she watched them entertain themselves with the assortment of toys at their disposal. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but state her amusement aloud;

"So much for Daddy promising not to let the two of you become so spoiled. But, considering that what he didn't buy you I did, I don't suppose I can actually fuss; now can I?"

Both children tilted their heads to the side to give her a quizzical glance before turning to each other in silent question, at which point, both children laughed before turning their attention back to their toys. Jemma couldn't help but join them in their laughter;

"Well, let's just hope that you pay a bit more attention to me than that as you get older."

Hearing a knock on the door, Jemma quickly stood and crossed the room to open it. Finding Peggy at her threshold, Jemma happily greeted;

"Hi, Peggy! Let me guess, you wanted to see my adorable children, right?"

Noting the anxious look on her friend's face, Jemma took her arm to pull her inside before demanding, the worry evident in her voice;

"Peggy, what on earth is the matter?"

Reaching out, Peggy grasped Jemma's hand, her blue eyes filled with apprehension as she offered a heartfelt plea;

"Jemma, I know this is going to sound strange, but would you do me a favor, please?"

Seeing her friend's unease, Jemma sat in a chair facing her friend, her worry and concern for Peggy obvious as she took both of Peggy's hands in hers before promising;

"Of course, Peggy! You know that I'm only too happy to do anything I can for you."

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Peggy rushed in;

"Jemma, I need you to come with me, please."

Stumped, Jemma gave a slight shake of her head;

"Well, Peggy, I have no problem going with you, but I can't just leave my babies."

Frustrated, Peggy bit at her bottom lip trying to fathom a solution when the kitchen door opened as Holly greeted;

"Hey, Jemma! I shore hope you don't mind a little company since yer uncle up and decided to go up to the camp and see what Jeremy was up to. Now, where's them younguns?"

Her eyes lighting with inspiration, Peggy exclaimed;

"Problem solved!"

Reconciled to the fact that the fates seemed determined, Jemma sighed before turning to Holly to ask;

"Holly, I know it's a lot to ask, but would you mind keeping an eye on the kids for a little bit? Peggy and I have something we need to see about."

Waving her hand dismissively Holly rushed to assure her;

"Ah shoot! You and Peggy go ahead on, I don't mind sitting with these younguns a bit."

Jemma nodded;

"Thank you so much, Holly! I just nursed Alex and he's sleeping. Jacob and Amie had a nap earlier and they're playing, although they might want a snack in a bit, there are cookies in the jar for them. I don't think I'll be long."

Making herself comfortable on the floor next to their play area, Holly waved her hand in a shooing motion;

"Just take your time, we'll be just fine till you get back."

Opening the door, Jemma reminded;

"Okay, Peggy, let's go! The sooner there, the sooner back."

Pulling the door closed behind them, Jemma wondered just exactly what type of mystery she was about to walk into.

Aaron sat sipping at his second cup of coffee, his nervous tension almost palpable as he muttered for, what seemed like, the hundredth time since Peggy had left;

"I should have gone and gotten Jemma myself. I could have told her what was going on, that way, she would have been calmed down by the time she got here."

Lifting her hands, Kassandra queried;

"How mad could she possibly be? I mean, surely it couldn't be worse then what it was at the lake."

Looking at each man, in turn, she asked worriedly;

"Could it?"

Josh, Jason, and Aaron looked to each other before Aaron leaned forward to brace his forearms on the tabletop to warn;

"Let me put it this way, Kassandra; Jemma is the type of woman who, just when you think you've learned all there is to know about her, amazes you by just how much more to her there is. Let me assure you, her temper, is no exception. There isn't any way to measure just how deep THAT particular well goes, and quite frankly, I don't particularly care to find out."

At that moment, the door opened as the subject of their speculation entered the room. Everyone present, especially Aaron and her brothers, knew the moment the fuse to Jemma's temper had been ignited. Seeing the sparks flickering in his wife's emerald-colored eyes as they settled on Kassandra, a fact that she didn't miss given the hint of worry and fear he saw on the woman's face, Aaron bolted from his chair. Quickly closing the distance between them, Aaron placed his hands on her shoulders, his dark eyes full of pleading;

"Jemma, sweetheart!"

Aaron knew by the slow and deliberate way she lifted her eyes to meet his, not to mention the anger he saw making them glow even brighter, that describing her mood as 'infuriated' would have been a vast understatement. If he needed any further proof of just how angry she was, he got it when she demanded in a deceptively calm tone;

"Aaron Stempel! I sincerely hope for your sake, "

Glancing past him to her brothers, and then to Peggy, before meeting her husband's worried look, Jemma continued;

"ALL of your sakes, that there is a GOOD reason for bringing me here."

Pointing in Kassandra's direction, Jemma emphasized;

"Especially to bring me here with HER here!"

Taking her arm, Aaron pleaded;

"Jemma love, let's talk outside, please?"

Spinning on her heel, Jemma jerked the door open to precede her husband outside onto the cabin's porch. Once Aaron had pulled the door closed behind him, Jemma turned, her hands on her hips, to glare at him;

"Aaron! How in the world, considering what almost happened to our son, could you, of all people, go along with bringing me here and THAT woman here?"

Holding his hands up in a surrendering gesture, Aaron begged;

"Jemma darlin, please, just let me explain."

Crossing her arms stubbornly over her chest, Jemma warned;

"Alright, fine! But fair warning, THIS had better be good, Aaron Stempel. Otherwise, you're going to find out just how chilly my half of our bed can become."

Aaron had no doubts that she meant every word she said. One thing about Jemma: she didn't issue threats, she made promises! Clearing his throat, he began explaining some of the highlights of what he had learned earlier from Kassandra, and, as he had expected, he could see the flames of anger dimming in his wife's eyes and replaced by hints of compassion. Once he had finished, Aaron approached her to take her hand in his as he vowed;

"Sweetheart, I know that what she's been through doesn't excuse what happened on the pier with Jacob. But, darlin, by the grace of God and your quick thinking, our son is safe and sound."

Before she could offer a reply, Jemma, as well as Aaron, found themselves shocked by the sound of Joshua's voice;

"Pixie, I know it's a lot to ask; but, for your own sake, please try and forgive Kassandra."
Leaning her head back, Jemma sighed;

"Josh, you're going to have to give me some time. I know that she didn't intentionally let Jacob fall into the water, but she was careless and negligent and I understand what Aaron's saying as well. But, you all are just going to have to give me a bit more time to come to terms with all of this."

Although she knew that, judging by the heavy rise and fall of his chest, her brother's statement was serious, Jemma was unprepared for just how serious his words truly were;
"Pixie, I want you to forgive her because I know how truly horrible she feels."

Jemma gave a slight shake of her head;

"I understand that she feels remorse and I appreciate that. But, Joshua..."

Frustrated, Josh cut off the remainder of his sister's statement as he swore;

"DAMMIT, PIXIE! THE REASON I WANT YOU TO FORGIVE HER IS BECAUSE I DID THE SAME THING TO YOU!"

Noticing how she paled considerably, Aaron wrapped his arms around his wife to pull her against his chest before demanding;

"JOSH! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!"

Despite her shock, Jemma found her voice as she shook her head;

"Joshua! What on earth are you talking about? I don't remember you EVER doing anything like THAT, you never let me fall into the water."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Josh shook his head sadly;

"Really, Pixie? Maybe you don't remember, you were so delirious from the fever you had and so sick from pneumonia that you might well not remember it."

Seeing the intense concentration reflected in her eyes as she lowered her head slightly, Aaron had a fairly accurate idea of what was coming next when she lifted her head to look into his eyes, silently begging for help filling in the missing memory. Aaron found himself forced to recall the event that, when he had realized just how much he loved her, haunted him at the idea that Jemma could have been lost to those who loved her forever. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Aaron explained;

"I don't remember just how old you were, sweetheart..."

His voice sounding far away, recalling the memory as well, Josh supplied;

"She was about eight years old or so."

Nodding, Aaron continued;

"Anyway, you fell into the Sound. I don't know how it happened, but I remember seeing you, Josh, and Jeremy standing on the pier when I went into Ben's store to get some cigars. When I came out I heard a splash and noticed you weren't on the pier and Josh and Jeremy were yelling, and on top of it, it was a bitterly cold January that year."

Jemma's head practically swiveled as she demanded;

"But why don't I remember any of it? And how did I get out of the water?"

Embarrassed, Josh confessed;

"Jeremy and I didn't know what to do, and Jason was inside Lottie's talking to her about something. I remember trying to figure out what to do, but before I knew it, Aaron ran and dove into the water after you."

Jemma's eyes widened in shock as she stared at her husband;

"YOU dove in after me?"

Giving a slight shake of her head, her frustration an almost palpable thing, Jemma entreated;

"WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER?!"

Placing his hand against her cheek, Aaron tried calming her;

"Jemma love, it's simple. The reason you can't remember is that when you hit the water you must have been stunned unconscious. Sweetheart, that water was freezing! Believe me, I remember THAT quite clearly."

Softly, Jemma observed;

"But you weren't."

Aaron lifted his shoulders nonchalantly;

"No, I wasn't. But, darlin, you forget, I was a grown man in his twenties and you were a little girl. Trust me, love, it took everything I had to deal with that freezing cold water."

Turning to look at Josh in disbelief, Jemma slowly shook her head;

"But, Josh! You, Jeremy, and Jason have ALWAYS protected me, I can't believe that you just let me fall off the pier into the Sound."

Josh lowered his head in shame before lifting his guilt-filled eyes to meet his sisters look of confusion;

"Pixie, I swear it was an accident! Jeremy kept trying to tell me he was as strong as me and Jason and he started shoving me. I was in one of my moods where I wasn't in the mood to humor him and after he shoved me several times I gave him a push back."

His tone conveying his self-loathing, Josh confessed;

"I didn't think about it at the time, I was just so aggravated, but you were right behind him and you were standing near the edge of the dock. When I pushed him he bumped into you and you fell off the side of the dock and into the water."

Confused, Jemma turned to Aaron;

"How is it that you came to jump in after me?"

Lifting his shoulders slightly, Aaron shook his head;

"I really can't give you a clear answer on that, darlin. All I know is that when I came out of Ben's and heard a splash, and I realized that it was you, I knew someone had to do something. So I dove in to get you, and I'm glad I did!"

His eyes reflecting his remorse, Josh begged;

"My point, Pixie, is this: never, in a million years would Jeremy and I have done ANYTHING to bring harm to you. BUT, accidents happen and I know that, given some of the things you've heard and seen from her, your anger towards Kassandra is justified. But, sweetie, you know, deep down in your heart, you know that what happened with Jacob wasn't intentional or malicious."

Taking her hand, his face a reflection of his concern, Josh pleaded;

"Pixie, please, for your own sake, let go of the anger you have towards her, that's the most important thing. Aside from that, I think you should hear what she has to say, it might help you understand her a little better."

Jemma closed her eyes as she tried her best to process everything she had learned. Opening her eyes she sighed heavily before turning to look into her husband's eyes;

"Honey?"

Placing his hand against her cheek, Aaron gave a slight shake of his head;

"Jemma love, only you can make this decision. But, I will say this; I think it's important you at least hear her out. Sweetheart, I'm no less happy then what you are about what could have happened to Jacob, but thankfully, you were fast enough to prevent it; just like I was when you were in a similar situation."

Jemma pursed her lips as she wrestled with the inner turmoil she felt. On one hand, she was still angry over the fear she had suffered when she saw her son fall off the pier into the water. On the other hand, however, she knew that, logically, she would have to come to terms with what had taken place, otherwise it might well eat away at her. Coming to her decision, Jemma slowly nodded;

"You're right, darling. Alright, let's get this over with, let's hear what she has to say."

Entering the cabin, followed closely by her brother and husband, Jemma slowly and deliberately took the chair across from Kassandra. Noticing the fear clouding the woman's blue eyes as she faced her, Jemma tried to ease her concern, somewhat;

"I'm not going to lie and say that I'm overly thrilled about this, Kassandra. However, my brothers and husband seem to think that I should hear you out, so I'm listening."

Just as he had suspected would be the case, Aaron could tell, as the look of determination left her eyes, Jemma was finding it in her heart to forgive Kassandra for her transgressions. After Kassandra had finished her tale, Jemma swallowed back the tears that had found their way lodged in her throat before turning to Jason to place her hand over his. Her eyes full of love for her brother and sorrow for what Kassandra had been forced to endure, Jemma spoke quietly;

"Just in case I've never told you before, Jason, thank you for being such a wonderful big brother to me. You could have easily treated me the way Kassandra's father did her and used me the way he has tried to use her."

Reaching over, Jemma placed her hand over Aaron's as she continued;

"But you only wanted me to be happy and, despite your differences, you let me follow my heart and marry the man I love rather than someone you chose with the idea of how it might benefit you."

Standing, she leaned over to place a kiss on her eldest brother's cheek;

"Thank you for being, both, a wonderful big brother and father to me, especially when you didn't have to be."

Finding himself reminded of the little girl she once was by the look of pure gratitude and love that his sister wore, Jason took her small hand between both of his and held it tightly before placing one hand against her cheek;

"Well, just what other choice was there, Pixie? You were too precious to us not to adore, and much too special to let you marry just anyone."

Stunned by his brother-in-law's statement, Aaron stammered slightly;

"I'll take that as a compliment, Jason."

Glancing past his sister, Jason nodded;

"You should, Aaron, you should."

Returning to the subject at hand, Jemma resumed her seat as she folded her hands together on the tabletop before summing up the situation;

"First, I appreciate that you're sincere in your apology for what happened with Jacob. A large part of why I was so angry with you was because I felt you were being callous about the danger you put my and Aaron's son in, so knowing that you are truly sorry for what happened shows me that there's more to you than just a spoiled, vain, and callous woman. Secondly, I'm very sorry for what you've been made to suffer at your father's hands. I suppose that if I were in your position I would have felt the same as you did, and I thank you for admitting what you did, that took a great deal of character on your part, Kassandra."

Allowing her eyes to roam from Peggy and Josh to Kassandra and Ward, Jemma allowed a sincere smile to cross her lips as she observed;

"And I'm very glad that things seemed to have worked out for the best for the four of you."

Locking eyes with Josh, Jemma stated pointedly;

"Although, if SOME people weren't so stubborn..."

Raising one hand, Josh halted the remainder of her statement;

"Alright, baby sister, I get the hint. Fine! I can be a very stubborn jackass! There! Happy now?"

Tilting her head to the side, Jemma allowed her amused side to show as she smiled serenely;

"Why yes, I am, Joshua! Very much so!"

Turning the topic and tone of the conversation to a more serious note, Aaron addressed another of Kassandra's concerns;

"Now, as far as your mother and grandfather's estates go, Kassandra, if my suspicions are right, you may have a recourse open to help you recoup some of what your father lost. However, until I get that information in my hand, which should be fairly soon, I think we need to keep your father guessing about your and Josh's engagement, at least for now, that way, he's less likely to do anything rash."

Glancing towards each other, Ward asserted his position;

"Mr. Stempel, just how long do we have to keep up the charade? I mean, I don't know about Josh and Peggy, but Kassie and I want to be married as soon as possible. I don't care anything about her money, I just want her. Anything Kassie needs I'll work to make sure she gets it."

Seeing that her husband was about to assert his stubborn nature, Jemma placed her hand on his arm to draw his attention. Aaron found himself unable to argue when he turned to see the pleading look in his wife's eyes as she reminded;

"Aaron love, do you remember when my brothers found out that you wanted to marry me?"

Furrowing his brow, Aaron demanded;

"Darlin, what does that have to do with this?"

Softly, Jemma reminded him;

"Honey, do you remember how you felt when Jason accused you of only wanting to marry me because of Bridal Veil Mountain?"

Seeing the hint of anger glowing in the depths of his dark eyes, Jemma nodded;

"I see that you do."

Taking his hand she pleaded;

"Then, darling, I'm sure you also remember how you said the EXACT same things that Ward just said."

Shaking her head, she placed her hand against his cheek;

"Aaron love, you didn't care if I had nothing to my name. All you wanted was me, just the same as Ward does Kassandra."

Taking her hand, Aaron placed his lips against her palm before nodding as he turned to Ward and Kassandra;

"I have no right to tell you what to do or what not to do. But I do ask that we let your father continue guessing until we get that information, as far as the two of you getting married, we'll do everything we can to help you and support you."

Turning to her fiancee, Kassandra vowed;

"Ward, I don't care if we're rich or poor as long as we're together. But, I would like to see him stopped from causing any more misery, if possible, or from having a chance to interfere in our lives in the future."

Taking her hand in his, Ward nodded as he placed a kiss on her cheek;

"If you're agreeable to Mr. Stempel's plan, Kassie, then so am I."

Noticing how Josh and Peggy glanced at each other questioningly, Aaron wasn't surprised when they both nodded as Josh volunteered;

"We agree too, Aaron. What do we need to do?"

Relieved at the cooperation he was receiving Aaron sighed in relief. However, as he knew would be the case, once she had a chance to consider everything that had taken place, Jemma queried;

"Honey, what did you mean about 'legal help'?"

Shrugging, Aaron replied lightly;

"Just what I said, sweetheart. Trust me, it'll be a good thing for all of Seattle. And, unless I miss my guess, it's going to prove to be a VERY good thing for one person in particular."

Seeing the frustration in her eyes, he gave her hand an affectionate squeeze as he begged;

"Please, just trust me on this one, Jemma love."

Sighing in resignation, Jemma nodded;

"Alright, love, I always have so why should this time be any different?"

Satisfied that everyone would cooperate, Aaron and Jason discussed what the next plan of action should be, confident that everything would turn out for the good and benefit of everyone involved; with the exception of Carlin Everston.

Carlin Everston sat at one of the corner tables in Lottie's enjoying his drink. He was silently congratulating himself on, what he was considering his triumph. Although things had been 'tense', to say the least after what had taken place at the picnic, Carlin was relieved to discover that his daughter had made amends to Aaron and Jemma Stempel. From his observations it appeared as if Kassandra was putting forth her best efforts, especially considering that she had spent the last few days with Jemma, Julie, and Candy. Something he found encouraging given that she had spent several evenings in the Bolt/Stempel family's company.

Noticing Lottie fluttering about, Carlin left his chair to approach the bar as he asked good-naturedly;

"My, but you're awfully busy today, Miss Hatfield! Might I ask what all the activity's about?

Fussing with a flower arrangement, Lottie gave a quick nod of her head;

"Certainly! We're having a party in a couple of days to celebrate Candy and Jeremy's first anniversary."

Raising his glass in a salute, Carlin ventured;

"Ah, the joys of glorious matrimony! It won't be very much longer before Kassandra and young Joshua will be experiencing that joy for themselves, I would imagine."

Lifting her shoulders in a careless shrug, Lottie ventured lightly;

"I suppose we'll see, won't we?"

Bringing the glass to his lips, Carlin muttered as Lottie glided away from him;

"Yes we will, Miss Lottie, yes we will."

With that, Carlin quickly downed the amber liquid, smiling at just how cleverly he had managed to manipulate the situation in his favor. Never could the man imagine just what the future was about to hold in store for him.