Here Come The Brides Story 5, Fool's Gold

by April D. Wade

Eager to make his own way in the family business Josh relocates to San Francisco to oversee the family's new business venture. He soon finds himself enamored with a beautiful young woman and believes he's found his future; but is she really what she appears to be? Something that soon has Josh wondering if he overlooked something genuine for a sparkling illusion.

12. Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Ward sat at his desk in the mill's warehouse going over the inventory sheet for Mr. Thorndyke's latest order. Glancing at the paper, he soon realized that he had been going over the same set of figures for more than half an hour, something that found him tossing the clipboard on his desk in frustration. Noticing his aggravation, Harve suggested;

"Ward, why don't you take a break? It's almost lunchtime anyway, so go ahead and go, as hard as you work I'm sure Mr. Stempel won't mind."

Pushing his desk chair back, Ward agreed;

"You're right, Harve! I probably just need a break, I'll be back in a bit."

Shoving his hands in his pockets, Ward hung his head somewhat dejectedly as he left the warehouse. He was so engrossed in his thoughts, most of which centered around one subject in particular; Kassandra, that he found himself surprised as he almost collided with his employer. Aaron reached out to grab the man's arm as he chastised lightly;

"Ward! Come on, man, wake up! You know daydreaming around a sawmill isn't exactly a good idea, right?"

Recovering quickly, Ward apologized;

"I'm sorry, Mr. Stempel! I was just thinking, I have a lot on my mind right now. I promise I'm trying to stay focused on my job."

Aaron scrutinized the man carefully before a knowing grin crossed his features as the nature of Ward's dilemma became apparent. Jerking his head in the general direction of his home, Aaron suggested;

"Come on, Ward, I think I know what you need; a good lunch!"

As they walked along, Aaron reminisced;

"You know, I remember when I was waiting to marry Jemma."

Shaking his head, Aaron chuckled;

"I never thought we'd ever get to the day when I could put that ring on her finger and finally claim her as my wife."

Stopping, Aaron turned to face Ward;

"The reason I'm saying this is because I don't want you to think I don't understand what you're going through. I promise you, I remember all too well just how miserable the waiting could be."

Ward was, to say the least, shocked by Aaron's admission of any type of weakness in his character. Something that found him trying to satisfy his curiosity;

"Mr. Stempel, do you mean to say that Miss Jemma had THAT much of an effect on you?"

Aaron couldn't help but laugh;

"Had and still has, Ward."

Shaking his head, Aaron admitted;

"To tell you the truth, she makes my heart race just as much now as she did the first time I took her in my arms when she was sixteen."

Ward couldn't help but nod;

"I know, I felt the same way when I saw Kassie that day. Even after all the years that passed between us, when I saw her I thought my heart was going to fly out of my chest. I had always suspected it, but I knew, without a doubt, that I'd always love her. I think that, deep down inside, I always knew that would be the case that's why I never tried to find anyone else to settle down with."

Seeing the hesitancy, but fairly certain as to the nature of his curiosity, Aaron volunteered;

"I can understand that. When I made my mind up that I wanted Jemma for my wife, I also made my mind up that, if I couldn't marry her, I wasn't going to marry anybody."

Reaching the Stempel house, Ward found himself even more puzzled then what he had previously been, something that prompted;

"Not that I don't appreciate this, Mr. Stempel, but why did you bring me here?"

Reaching for the doorknob, Aaron paused a moment as he glanced at the man over his shoulder;

"Because I know how difficult all of this has been on you and Kassandra. The two of you have been trying to keep things quiet for a little less than a week now; Jemma and I did it for two years. However, you two have an advantage that we didn't."

Furrowing his brow, Ward demanded;

"What's that, Mr. Stempel?"

Chuckling, Aaron offered;

"Well, first off, call me 'Aaron'. Secondly,"

Opening the kitchen door of his home, he motioned Ward forward as he continued;

"You have friends who understand what you're dealing with and who, just so happen, to be in a position to give you someplace where you can spend some time with the woman you love without fear of discovery or gossip."

Seeing the smile that brightened Kassandra's face, Ward hurried inside to catch her as she flew into his arms before meeting each other in a lengthy heartfelt kiss. Leaning against the door after he closed it behind him, Aaron took Jemma in his arms when she approached him to greet;

"I hope you don't mind, sweetheart, but I brought a guest for lunch."

Wrapping her arms around his waist, Jemma tipped her face up to lock eyes with her husband's as she chided good-naturedly;

"You know perfectly well that I don't mind at all, love. However, you realize that, now, you have no ground to stand on when it comes to fussing at me about match-making, don't you?"

Shaking his head as he held her close, Aaron reminded;

"I don't see it that way at all, Jemma darlin. I didn't play match-maker, Ward and Kassandra were already matched together, I just offered them an opportunity to spend some time together without fear of gossip."

Aaron couldn't help but offer a loving smile as he placed a kiss on his wife's forehead;

"Besides, I remember how miserable I used to feel when I couldn't see you. But, I also happen to remember just how happy I felt whenever I had the chance to hold and kiss you."

Motioning to the couple, so obviously enraptured with each other, Aaron ventured;

"This can be my good deed for today."

Clearing her throat discreetly, Jemma suggested;

"Kassandra and I have lunch all ready if you'd like to sit down and eat, Ward."

Blushing, Kassandra apologized;

"We're sorry, it's just that..."

Jemma held up her hand to stall the remainder of her statement;

"It's alright, really."

A fond smile of remembrance lifting the corners of her mouth, Jemma looked on her husband lovingly;

"I understand how you feel. I can remember how excited I used to feel when Aaron and I were able to spend time together before we were able to get married."

Shaking her head, Jemma promised;

"You don't need to feel embarrassed about being excited about spending time together."

Relieved, Kassandra sighed;

"I just wish that we could be done with all of this and start our life together."

Turning to Jemma and Aaron, she demanded;

"How in the world did you two manage to wait as long as you did before you got married? That had to have been torture!"

Aaron gave a slight nod as he mumbled, between bites of food;

"You have no idea just how much torture it was!"

Noticing the stricken look of regret on Jemma's face, Aaron rushed to assure her as he took her hand in his;

"But it was worth all of that and more just for the chance to have you by my side, love."

Addressing the couple at their table, Aaron ventured;

"I know it's frustrating, truly I do. However, if my timing's right, your wait should be over with fairly soon."

Toying with the food on her plate, Kassandra nodded;

"I know, I just dread trying to act my way through Jeremy and Candy's anniversary party tomorrow with Josh."

Before anyone could reply to her comment, they heard the distant sound of several voices announcing;

"CLANCEY'S BACK! THE SHIP'S IN!"

Hurrying to finish his lunch, Aaron quickly rose from his chair as Jason rushed in to demand excitedly;

"AARON! DID YOU HEAR?!"

Nodding, Aaron faced Ward and Kassandra to offer;

"Your wait may be over with sooner then you think."

Noticing the puzzled look his wife wore, Aaron gave Jemma a quick kiss as he answered her unasked question;

"I promise, sweetheart, if Clancey's brought back what I hope he's brought back, I'll explain everything this evening."

Watching as Aaron and Jason hurried out the door, Jemma turned and noticed the strange looks that Ward and Kassandra wore. Trying to ease their tension, she offered;

"I'm as lost as you two. I don't know what he has up his sleeve, but I do know that if he's this anxious, whatever it is must be something very important."

Trying to divert their attention from their worries for the moment, Jemma began making small talk with the couple. Although she was gratified to see that she had been successful in her efforts to divert their attention, she couldn't help but wonder just what it was that Aaron was so anxious about.

As soon as the Shamus had been moored to the dock and the gangway had been secured into place, Aaron and Jason hurried to board the ship. Catching Clancey in his cabin, Aaron and Jason demanded eagerly;

"Well, did you get it? And where's he at?"

Raising his hands in a surrendering gesture, Clancey begged;

"Easy there now, lads! Give an old man a chance to catch his breath there would ya."

Pouring himself a drink, Clancey took a long sip of the bracing liquid before reaching into his desk drawer to remove a think envelope marked simply; 'Aaron Stempel' Taking the packet from Clancey's grasp, Aaron quickly tore into the envelope and pulled the thick sheaf of papers out and began reading through them. Anxious as he watched him reading and unable to restrain his curiosity, Jason waited until he was on the third or fourth page before demanding sharply;

"Well, what does it say?!"

Handing the pages he had already read to his brother-in-law, Aaron ordered;

"Read for yourself, but it's pretty much what I suspected."

Jason scanned the pages and could only shake his head in disbelief;

"Well, I'm glad that Josh won't have to suffer that man as his father-in-law. But, poor Kassandra! He's been using her as nothing more than a source of income her entire life."

Meeting Aaron's look of worry with his own look of concern, Jason asked;

"What are we supposed to do with this now, Aaron?"

Turning to Clancey, Aaron demanded;

"What about your 'passenger'?"

Clancey poured himself another drin before explaining;

"He said to tell ya's that he'll be along directly. Something about some important business in Olympia he had to correct, but that he should be along in a day or so."

Handing the papers back to his brother-in-law, Jason shrugged;

"What do we do with this information, Aaron?"

Stuffing the papers back inside the envelope, Aaron tucked the envelope inside his vest pocket;

"Right now? We need to let Kassandra read this report for herself, at least now she has the key to her freedom. And, if everyone agrees, I think that we'll take the opportunity tomorrow night presents to shine a bright light on Carlin Everston's transgressions."

As he had suspected would be the case, once everyone had gathered together and been made aware of what was in the report Clancey had brought from San Francisco, there was no hesitation in agreeing with his plan to confront Carlin publicly at the party planned. Even Jemma, once Candy and Jeremy had assured her that they had no qualms were such a thing to take place during a party meant to celebrate their first anniversary. Seeing his sister's worry, Jeremy had rushed to assure her;

"Pixie, we promise, we don't mind in the least. I mean, think about it, if there wasn't some type of fuss raised then it just wouldn't be a normal Seattle party. Now would it?"

Jemma could only sigh before shaking her head as she admitted;

"No, I don't suppose it would be a normal Seattle party. Alright, if you're sure."

Once the details had been ironed out, everyone sat down to enjoy the meal that Jemma, Julie, Candy, Peggy, and Kassandra had prepared. After the meal had been finished, Molly, Christopher, Benjamin, and Duncan volunteered to take charge of the infants while the men enjoyed a drink in the living room and the women took charge of clearing away the meal and cleaning the kitchen. Seeking to break the rather somber mood, Candy asked;

"Jemma, have you picked out the dress you're going to wear tomorrow night?"

Noticing the look of intense worry that Kassandra wore, Julie offered;

"Kassandra, I know you're worried, but believe me, if Jason and Aaron think that this will work, then I have every faith that it will."

Her blue eyes filled with hope, Kassandra begged;

"Do you really think so?"

Having finished with the last of the dishes, Jemma rinsed her hands before turning to Kassandra;

"Kassandra, I want you to listen to me and then YOU decide if you think their plan will work. Four years ago Jason decided to bring one hundred marriageable women to Seattle from New Bedford, no one thought that he would be able to do that, but he did. When Aaron took over the mill it was about to go under and, even though I was just a little girl, I can still remember everyone saying that there was no way he could make it successful again. But, as you can see, he proved everyone wrong."

A slight smile gracing her features, Jemma continued;

"When our father died, no one thought Jason would be able to care for Josh, Jeremy, and me, but he proved them all wrong. Then, when everyone learned that Aaron wanted to marry me, everyone was certain that there was no way Jason would ever give his blessing. As you can see, he proved everyone wrong, once again."

Placing her hand over Kassandra's she ventured;

"In case you haven't come to realize it yet, my brother and my husband thrive on making what seems impossible possible. Believe me, if anyone can accomplish this, it's Aaron and Jason, you just need to have faith in that."

Nodding, Kassandra admitted;

"I do, Jemma! I just wish that Ward and I didn't have to hide, it just seems so 'illicit' somehow."

Seeing the look of frustration and sadness her one-time adversary wore, Jemma couldn't help but be reminded of having those same feelings when she and Aaron had confessed their love for each other. Despite never having done anything more than what every other couple in love would have done chaperoned, knowing that they had to keep their love a secret until they could convince her brothers of their sincerity had made their few stolen moments seem clandestine. A sudden thought crossing her mind, Jemma's face brightened as she asked;

"Kassandra, do you and Ward necessarily want a large wedding?"

Shaking her head furiously, Kassandra vowed;

"I don't! I only want to become Ward's wife!"

Narrowing her eyes in contemplation, Peggy asked;

"What about Ward, what does he want?"

The women found themselves shocked as a masculine voice answered;

"I want the same thing! All I want is to be able to marry Kassie and make her happy."

Noticing the look her sister-in-law wore as she crossed her arms over her middle, Candy asked hesitantly;

"Jemma, just what is it you're thinking?"

Hearing the sound of Christopher about to enter the kitchen, Jemma reached into one of the drawers to pull out a notepad she kept handy. As she suspected, Christopher rushed in to plead;

"Aunt Jemma, could Molly and me have some cookies?"

Quickly scribbling out a note, Jemma tore the paper from the pad and folded it before jotting a name on the outside as she instructed;

"Christopher, I want you to take this note, no questions, when you get back you and Molly can eat as many cookies as you want and with my blessing."

Seeing the name on the note, Christopher was about to open his mouth when Jemma shushed him;

"Ah, ah, ah! Remember, I said no questions! Just hurry up, and come straight back, understand?"

Christopher nodded;

"Yes, ma'am."

With that he hurried out the door as everyone looked at Jemma, puzzled. Smiling broadly, Jemma clapped her hands together as she eagerly declared;

"Don't look so worried! We're not having a funeral, quite the opposite."

Motioning towards the doorway, she ordered;

"Ward, you go back in there with the other men, it's bad luck for you to see Kassandra right now anyway. Julie, Candy, Peggy, take her upstairs and help her get ready."

Her confusion showing, Kassandra demanded;

"Ready for what?"

Ushering them out the door, Jemma fussed;

"Your wedding silly, what else?"

Despite the surreal nature that everything seemed to be taking on, no one bothered to question or deny the possibility of just such an event taking place. To all involved, it only seemed a natural course of action that if Jemma Bolt Stempel decreed something was about to happen, then there was no doubt that it would.

Aaron sat in the living room with his brother's in law and Ward, enjoying a drink, when Ward decided to see what the women were up to. More specifically to check on his fiancee, something that seemed to amuse Josh and Jeremy to no end. Feeling irritated by the younger men's amusement at Ward's expense, Aaron and Jason frowned slightly as Jason chastised his brothers;

"And I suppose that you two have never done the same thing? Jeremy, just how many times have you just so happened to decide to 'check' on Candy, before and after you were married?"

Seeing that he had made his point with his youngest brother, Jason turned his eyes to his middle brother, who was now finding humor in Jeremy's discomfort at having the fact of just how much he doted on his wife become spoken knowledge. Crossing his long legs, Jason rested his elbows on the arms of his chair before pressing the tips of his fingers together in a steeple fashion as he pinned his middle brother with his eyes;

"And, Joshua, I happened to notice how you've taken every opportunity possible to come into contact with Peggy. I also happened to notice tonight just how you would look at her when you didn't think anyone was looking."

His gaze swinging from one to the other of his brothers, Jason admonished;

"I hardly think that either of you is in a position to criticize how a man in love acts considering the jackasses that I've seen the two of you make of yourselves in the past."

Somewhat incensed, Josh began pointing wildly at Aaron and Jason as he demanded;

"WHAT ABOUT YOU TWO?!"

Narrowing his eyes, Jeremy stared at his oldest brother in disbelief;

"You're no different when it comes to Julie, Jason."

Nodding his head slightly, Jason agreed;

"You're absolutely right, Jeremy, I am the same way when it comes to my wife. However, unlike you and Josh, I'm not in the least timid when it comes to letting my feelings for my wife show."

His head swiveling, Josh faced his brother-in-law to accuse;

"And you definitely have no room to talk, Aaron. A blind man couldn't miss seeing how you feel about our sister."

Holding his glass in front of him, as if carefully studying the amber liquid, Aaron chuckled in amusement;

"And you, Joshua, are right as well. Even when Jemma and I were trying to keep our relationship a secret I was barely able to keep from showing how I felt about her. Quite frankly, now that we're married, I see no reason why I shouldn't show how much I love my wife."

Glancing at each other, the three brothers couldn't help but laugh, a reaction that prompted Aaron to demand;

"Now just what's so funny about me wanting to show how much I love Jemma?"

Shaking his head, Jason clarified;

"It's not the idea of you showing your love for Pixie that has us laughing, Aaron. It's being reminded of you trying to hide your feelings for her that's so amusing."

Nodding, Jeremy piped up;

"Especially just how well you hid your 'reaction' when you found out about Pixie, Candy, and Biddie working in that saloon trying to find out where Josh and I were when we were shanghaied."

Irritated, Aaron huffed;

"Well, weren't you concerned about the three of them in a saloon?"

Although he tried to maintain a stoic visage, Josh's attempt failed as he laughed;

"Oh, we were worried alright, Aaron. However, I don't recall Jeremy asking Candy, after he fussed at her, mind you if she happened to still have the dress."

Bracing his forehead against his hand, Aaron grumbled;

"I can't believe Jemma told you I asked her that."

Shaking his head, Josh confessed;

"She didn't! I overheard you ask her that, I just didn't put the pieces together as to the reason for your curiosity until we found out about the two of you."

Aaron had a retort on the tip of his tongue, however, before he could open his mouth the kitchen door swung open as Candy, Julie, and Peggy were ushering a flustered Kassandra upstairs towards his and Jemma's bedroom. Baffled, Aaron hurried to the staircase just as Jemma was hurrying from the kitchen to follow in the women's wake. Recognizing the determination behind the look on his wife's face, Aaron reached out to catch her around her waist as she began climbing the staircase to declare;

"Not so fast you little whirlwind!"

Lifting her to swing her from the staircase to stand in front of him, Aaron wrapped his arms around her waist;

"Now, not that it's any of my business or anything, I mean just because this is my house too, but would you mind telling me what's going on that has you girls in such an uproar, Jemma Elysia?"

Lifting on tiptoe to place a sound kiss on his mouth, Jemma pulled back slightly and patted the flats of her hands against her husband's chest as she cajoled;

"I'll explain it to you later, Aaron love, but for right now, just trust me please."

Turning to her brothers, she ordered;

"Josh, you and Jeremy go with Ward to his cabin so he can get ready, just have him back here in twenty minutes please."

Placing her hand against her husband's cheek she begged;

"Darling, when Reverend Adams gets here, please make him comfortable, we won't be long."

Slipping from Aaron's embrace, Jemma hurried upstairs, leaving her brothers and husband bewildered and Ward somewhat shocked. Turning to Jason, Aaron demanded;

"What the hell just happened? I started out determined to get some answers and now, not only didn't I get any answers, but I've got even more questions."

Staring at his brother-in-law in disbelief, Jason grumbled;

"Well, Aaron, you had her right here in front of you. Why didn't you ask your questions?"

Aaron could only shake his head as he admitted;

"Because, Jason, that little vixen I'm married to managed to sidetrack me and I forgot."

Noticing Ward standing near the door, Aaron questioned;

"Ward, do you have any idea what's going on?"

Clearing his throat, Ward admitted in a mystified tone of voice;

"I'm not one hundred percent certain myself, Aaron, but I think Kassie and I getting married."

Although he understood that her heart was in the right place, Aaron knew that, realistically, he had to make certain that marriage was what both parties wanted. Approaching Ward, Aaron placed his hand on the man's shoulder;

"Ward, please believe that Jemma's heart was in the right place."

The amazement reflected in his eyes, Ward demanded;

"How did you know this was Miss Jemma's doing?"

Lifting his shoulders, Aaron chuckled;

"Call it a hunch. I'm familiar with my wife's good-hearted nature. But, Ward, if this isn't what you and Kassandra want or you're not ready for it yet..."

Holding his hand up to stall any further argument, Ward shook his head;

"No, Aaron! Kassie and I want this, more than anything! It's just that, well, you,"

Glancing past Aaron's shoulder to the Bolt brothers, he continued;

"all of you, have done so much to help us, especially Kassie, we just don't know how we can ever thank you. Kassie and I both want to be married, more than anything, we just weren't sure how to make it happen. But Miss Jemma, she saw what it meant to us and she's doing everything she knows to do to see our dreams come true."

Shaking his head, Ward vowed softly;

"We'll never be able to thank her."

Turning to Josh and Jeremy, Ward prompted;

"I guess we better do as Miss Jemma said and hurry up. Besides, there's a ring I've been waiting to give a certain someone for quite some time and I need to get it."

Watching as the three hurried out the door, Jason noticed the look of astonishment Aaron wore. Puzzled, Jason queried;

"Something wrong, Aaron?"

Shoving his hands in his hip pockets, Aaron turned to his brother-in-law;

"There's nothing wrong, Jason. But just when I think there's no way she can possibly do so, my wife finds a new way to amaze me even more."

Placing his hand on the man's shoulder, Jason laughed;

"I don't see why you'd be surprised by that, Aaron. You know, probably better than most, just how stubborn Pixie can be and usually is; a trait you should be grateful she possesses, especially considering it played a large part in helping see the two of you married."

Crossing to the liquor cabinet, Aaron refilled his and Jason's glasses before offering Jason his. Once Jason held the glass firmly in his grasp, Aaron lifted his as he toasted;

"Then God bless Jemma Elysia and that stubbornness of hers."

Downing the contents of their glasses, Aaron and Jason waited patiently for Reverend Adams arrival. Both silently wondering just what the couple might have to face when Carlin Everston discovered his daughter's marriage. That, of course, was aside from the much larger surprise awaiting the man.

Kassandra felt as if she was caught in a whirlwind as she sat at Jemma's dressing table while Jemma, Candy, Julie, and Peggy fussed over her. Noticing how Jemma had her lips pursed, Kassandra wondered what she was thinking, a mystery that was soon solved as Jemma put her hands on her hips to declare;

"She needs a wedding dress! The problem, however, is that there's no way to get one of her dresses without her father becoming suspicious, and that just won't do at all."

Tapping her lips with her index finger, Jemma's eyes suddenly widened as she recalled her husband's last business trip to Olympia. Hurrying to the large wardrobe, Jemma threw the doors open before motioning to Peggy;

"Peggy, can you help me with this, please?"

Pulling a large box from the top shelf, Jemma and Peggy placed it on the bed before lifting the lid to reveal a wealth of ivory-colored satin. Pulling the dress from its nest of tissue paper, Jemma felt pleased with her idea as Kassandra's face lit with happiness as she rose from the chair and crossed the space to, hesitantly, reach out and let her fingers graze the smooth, shiny fabric of the gown. Swallowing hard, Kassandra looked into Jemma's face;

"Jemma, it's beautiful! But, are you sure? I mean..."

Her eyes did a quick assessment as she marked the obvious difference in their heights as well as a marked difference in how they were endowed, Kassandra sought a tactful way to ask;

"it's just that, well, we're not exactly the same size."

Nodding as she laid the dress on her bed, Jemma explained;

"I know, but that's why I think this may be perfect. You see, Aaron bought this for me on his last business trip to Olympia, I can't deny the dress is beautiful, but there were just a couple of things he didn't think about. Basically, the dress is meant for a taller woman with..."

Glancing down pointedly at her bust, she met her companions' shocked looks with her own look of amusement as she finished her statement;

"not as many blessings as I've seemed to acquire since my three children."

Jemma couldn't help but smile thinly at Kassandra;

"No offense meant, Kassandra. But, I think the dress might fit you perfectly and if it does I think it would make a beautiful wedding dress, if you'd like to wear it, that is."

Touched by the gesture, Kassandra felt compelled to ask;

"But, Jemma, since it was a gift from Aaron, won't he be upset?'

Holding the dress up to Kassandra's shoulders, Jemma shook her head as she assured her;

"No, not at all! The truth be told he'll probably be relieved. He was so upset when it didn't fit the way he thought it would, but maybe that was as it was meant to be so you would have a proper dress to be married in."

Glancing to her sisters-in-law and Peggy for support, Jemma turned her gaze to Kassandra;

"Kassandra, if you want to wear the dress, then I want that for you, this is my gift to you."

Brushing a tear from her eyes, Kassandra nodded as she offered her gratitude;

"Thank you, Jemma. This means the world to me."

Clasping her hands together, Jemma declared;

"Now, we have a bride to get ready for her wedding."

Kassandra laughed as she gave her friends free rein to help her prepare for her wedding.

Downstairs, Ward paced back and forth, nervously, as Aaron and Jason explained the situation to Reverend Adams. Although Ward had always liked the kindly old minister, he hadn't been certain that Reverend Adams would be willing to perform such a sacred ceremony with so little knowledge of Kassandra, even with Aaron and Jason's support. He had known a moment of concern when the reverend had turned to him to demand;

"Ward, there's something that I'd like to ask you. Do you truly love this young woman, and are you certain that she has the same feelings for you?"

Nodding, Ward stated in a solemn tone;

"Yes, sir, I am! Kassandra and I have loved each other a long time, Reverend Adams, and had it not been for her father's interference, she and I would have been married years ago."

Having met Carlin Everston, Reverend Adams had an idea of the man's character and, that being the case, he couldn't help but feel pity for the man's daughter, especially when he had learned of how the man had tried to use the girl for his own financial gain. Making his mind up to help the couple, and to help Kassandra find love and happiness, Reverend Adams nodded;

"I'll be very happy to perform your marriage ceremony, Ward."

Relieved, Ward extended his hand;

"Thank you, Reverend! You have no idea just how grateful Kassie and I are or how happy you've made us."

Chuckling, Reverend Adams admitted;

"Besides, judging by what I've seen of Mr. Everston's character for myself, I can certainly understand why you and Miss Kassandra have no desire to have the man present when you exchange vows."

Hearing the grandfather clock chime the hour, Ward began;

"I wonder what's taking them so..."

Before he could finish, the bedroom door opened as Jemma came bounding down the stairs to address the men gathered;

"Alright, gentlemen! I believe we're ready!"

Turning to her middle brother, Jemma waved her hand towards the staircase;

"Josh, Kassandra's asked that you give her away, and considering her reason I think it's a very good idea and Peggy is in complete agreement."

Turning to Ward, Jemma placed her hand on his arm as she smiled warmly;

"Ward, you'll need someone to stand up with you, although we'll all do that. And I promise, when you see Kassandra you'll realize that it was worth the wait."

Determined to leave no detail lacking, Jemma faced her eldest brother to order;

"Jason, please go pick some roses for me."

Glancing at her youngest brother, she asked;

"Jeremy, do you think you can play the piano softly? And can do you know the piece I'm hoping you know?"

Facing each other, both, Jason and Jeremy nodded as they each kissed a cheek;

"No problem, Pixie, we're on it!"

Making his decision, Ward addressed Aaron;

"Aaron, considering everything you and Miss Jemma have done to help us, I can't think of anybody I'd rather have as my best man. Would you?"

Understanding that her husband's silence was an indication of just how touched he was by the request, Jemma grabbed his jacket and tie from where they hung near the door before approaching he and Ward to answer;

"He'd be very happy and honored to do that, Ward. Here, darling, let me fix your tie."

Leading him away from Ward and the reverend, Jemma began fussing with his tie after Aaron got into his jacket. Lifting his head so she would have better access while she fixed his tie, Aaron could only chuckle when she gave a slight bob of her head and placed her hands against his shoulders to declare;

"There, perfect!"

Placing his hands on her upper arms, Aaron bent slightly to place his lips near her ear;

"You, my darling wife, are something else. Only you could put together a wedding on a moment's notice, Jemma love."

Hearing Jason at the door, Aaron placed a kiss on his wife's cheek;

"Go on, sweetheart, let's get these two married."

Aaron found his compliment rewarded by her bright and loving smile as she lifted on tiptoe to brush her lips against his;

"Thank you, my love."

Hurrying, Jemma relieved Jason of the armful of roses he had managed to gather before issuing;

"Alright, all you take your places!"

With that, she hurried up the staircase to her bedroom. A few minutes later the bedroom door opened as Candy, Julie, Peggy, and Jemma descended the stairs. Once they reached the bottom and took their places opposite where Ward and Aaron stood in front of Reverend Adams, Jemma nodded to her brother;

"Alright, Jeremy, go ahead. Just keep it soft, we don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet."

Jeremy began working his fingers over the keys or the piano to softly play the Bridal March as Josh led Kassandra down the staircase. Even though everyone was in awe of just what a beautiful bride Kassandra made, there was none more awed than Ward as he watched his bride descend the stairs. He knew that Jemma and the other women had been determined to make the occasion as special as possible, even with such a limited amount of time to work with, however, what he saw made him truly wonder if Jemma Stempel wasn't some sort of a magician as he stared in disbelief at his bride.

Ward had never thought of Kassandra as anything less than a beautiful woman, but looking at her now, he couldn't help but compare her to a princess. The dress she wore was made of a beautiful ivory colored satin with a simple full skirt. The neckline was rounded to come slightly off the shoulders with short capped sleeves. The only adornment to the dress was a simple sash fastened at the waist that had a rose made of the same satin material with a small pearl pin to hold it in place. Ward couldn't help but think of just how the elegant simplicity of dress, without extravagant frills to distract, enhanced and showcased Kassandra's natural beauty. Seeing the look in her fiancee's eyes, Kassandra blushed as Josh placed her hand in Wards;

"It was a gift from Jemma. Isn't it beautiful?"

Holding her hand tightly, Ward smiled warmly as he looked into her eyes, the love he felt for her shining in his;

"Not nearly as beautiful as the woman wearing it."

Clearing his throat to gain their attention, Reverend Adams asked;

"Are we ready?"

Handing the bouquet of roses that Candy had put together for her and tied together with a blue ribbon to Jemma, Kassandra grasped Ward's other hand and turned to face him, the smile of love she wore making her even more radiant than before. Sparing the man a glance, Kassandra nodded;

"Yes, Reverend Adams, I think we've both been ready for quite some time."

Opening his Bible, Reverend Adams began;

"Very well then! Dearly beloved..."

Everyone present remained solemn and reverent given the seriousness of the ceremony, each reminded of when they had said those same words, pledging their love, hearts, and lives to their soulmates. Once he had gotten through the preliminaries, Reverend Adams looked kindly on the couple as he recited;

"Do you, Warden Phillip Kimberly, take this woman, Kassandra Eve Everston to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to love and honor, forsaking all others till death do you part, and do you pledge your troth only onto thee for as long as you both shall live?"

In a firm voice and without hesitation, Ward vowed eagerly; "I DO!"

Turning, the minister addressed Kassandra;

"And now, it's your turn, my dear. Do you, Kassandra Eve Everston take Warden Phillip Kimberly to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, in sickness, in health, to love, honor, and obey, forsaking all others till death do you part, and do you pledge your troth only onto thee for as long as you both shall live?"
Ward knew her answer by the love reflected in her eyes, even before she slowly nodded to state softly, yet firmly;

"More than anything in this world, I DO!"

Looking to Aaron, the minister asked;

"Do you have the ring?"

Given just how quickly their wedding had been pulled together, Kassandra had not thought that she would have a wedding ring, at least not for the ceremony, so when Aaron reached inside his vest pocket where he had placed the ring Ward had given him to hold for safekeeping, she had assumed that it was borrowed for the ceremony. However, once the golden circle had been placed on Reverend Adams' Bible and prayed over, Ward slid the band into place on her finger to vow;

"With this ring, I thee wed."

Giving her fingers an affectionate squeeze, he couldn't help but grin proudly as he claimed;

"THERE! I finally put that right where it belongs!"

Seeing her confusion, Ward explained;

"That wedding ring belonged to my mother, Kassie. I've waited a long time to put it on just the right woman's finger; YOURS!"

Touched by the gesture, Kassandra blushed as she gushed softly;

"Oh, Ward, how can I ever thank you for this!"

Lifting his shoulders slightly, Ward ventured;

"Simple! Just love me and let me love you."

Remembering they weren't quite finished, Ward turned to the reverend;

"I'm sorry, Reverend, I guess we lost track of ourselves."

Raising his hand to halt the remainder of the young man's comment, Reverend Adams gave a slight shake of his head as he remarked;

"That's quite alright, my boy."

Glancing pointedly at Aaron and Jemma, Jason and Julie, and Jeremy and Candy, the minister remarked in wry amusement;

"Besides, I happen to know some other couples who also 'lose track of themselves' as well."

The well-meaning minister couldn't help but find humor in his comment as he noticed Jemma blush as she looked down at the floor while Julie and Candy followed suit as one inspected the walls while the other became fascinated with the window. Noticing his oldest brother's glance, Jeremy railed;

"Well don't look at me! Candy and I had a nice, respectable, long engagement."

Pointing wildly at their brother-in-law, Jeremy demanded;

"What about them?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Aaron challenged;

"What about us? If you'll recall, Jeremy, your sister and I had an engagement longer than what your and Candy's was; we waited for a little over two years to get married. Mind you, that's aside from the two years we waited to admit we loved each other. "

Nodding his head towards Jason, Aaron reminded;

"If I remember correctly, there was a certain couple who ended up tricking themselves into falling in love with each other and were rather stubborn about owning up to it. I think they were engaged for an entire month, six weeks at best before they married."

His eyes wide with embarrassment, Jason waved his hand in Josh's direction as he stammered;

"Well...that's different! We just had to..."

Before he could finish his statement, Jemma smiled to sweetly offer;

"Stop being such a stubborn mule and admit that you were in love?"

Scowling somewhat, Jason chastised;

"Not entirely helpful, Pixie."

Shaking his head, Jason corrected;

"I was going to say 'come to terms'. But, it's not like I arrived intending to marry one person, and then decided to marry someone else. Mind you that's turned out for the best for all involved, but..."

Shaking her head, Julie speculated;

"Jason, darling, that's not REALLY the best argument for either of us to make."

Despite the seriousness with which he always took the ceremony he was performing, Reverend Adams laughed as he turned to Ward and Kassandra;

"I apologize for instigating this hullabaloo, but before it goes any further, I suggest we make this marriage official. Agreed?!"

Everyone present nodded as Jemma spoke for all;

"More than agreed, Reverend. We apologize! Please, continue."

Smiling warmly at the couple, the minister gave a slight nod;

"Now, with no further adieu. By the power vested in me by the Washington territory, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Taking Kassandra in his arms, Ward placed his lips against hers in a kiss that was meant to convey his love, respect, and need for her. He wasn't surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder as Aaron suggested;

"Although I understand."

Glancing past Ward's shoulder to meet his wife's look of contentment, Aaron couldn't help but sigh as he continued;

"BELIEVE ME! I understand, fully! However, you might want to consider pacing yourself, especially since there are still a few kinks that need to be worked out yet."

Understanding his meaning, Ward nodded as he reluctantly released Kassandra from his embrace to offer Reverend Adams his hand in thanks. Eagerly the minister accepted the young man's hand as he congratulated him and Kassandra, swearing his silence. Glancing at his watch, Reverend Adams advised;

"Although I would love to stay and celebrate with all of you if we're going to maintain secrecy I think I'd best leave now."

Noticing Aaron pouring drinks for the men in anticipation of toasting the newly married couple, Jemma offered;

"I'll see you to the door, Reverend."

Once they reached the portal the kindly man lowered his voice to confide;

"Jemma, you know I would have done this as a favor without any enticement, don't you?"

Nodding, Jemma placed her hand over his;

"Yes, but I also happen to know how much you enjoy your 'guilty' pleasure."

Clearing his throat slightly, he stammered a bit;

"Um, yes, well, I do indeed enjoy it."

Leaning closer, Jemma promised;

"Alright then, we're agreed. I'll bring it with me and hide it in the rectory Sunday before church."

Patting her hand, Reverend Adams gushed;

"You're a dear, Jemma! Until Sunday!"

Having heard part of the exchange, once Jemma closed the door behind the minister, Aaron furrowed his brow in curiosity as he questioned;

"Sweetheart, not that I don't trust you, but just what was that clandestine exchange between you and the good minister about?"

Linking her arm through her husband's Jemma walked with him towards the dining room where Julie and Candy were setting the cake she had made for dessert on the table, having decreed it to now be Ward and Kassandra's wedding cake. Stopping she tilted her face to look into Aaron's eyes as she giggled a bit before confessing;

"Well, I, sort of, bribed the good reverend with one of his favorite vices."

Frowning slightly, Aaron questioned;

"Vice? Reverend Adams? I have a hard time believing that, and an even harder time believing that you would do such a thing, Jemma love. Just what sort of vice are we talking about here?"

Jemma couldn't prevent her laughter as she explained;

"Well, honey, it seems the good reverend has developed quite a fondness for my rum cake."

Aaron stood, stunned, for a moment by his wife's statement before leaning his head back to laugh heartily. Placing his arm around her shoulders, Aaron led his wife to the dining room table as Ward and Kassandra were cutting the cake. Glancing down, he couldn't help but smile, caught up in her happy mood, and the realization that they had helped such a deserving couple, as well as paved the way for Josh and Peggy. Placing a kiss on her cheek, he wasn't surprised when she tilted her head to ask;

"Not that I object, but what was that for?"

Setting his glass on the table, Aaron shifted to stand behind her as he wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer as he bent close to her ear to whisper;

"That was just because I love you, and because I'm so very thankful that you agreed to spend your life with me. It also happens to be because I think you're a very special, loving, and wonderful woman who I'm extremely proud to have as my wife. You know, you could have let Ward and Kassandra figure this out on their own, but you pulled all of this together and helped make a dream they've had for a long time come true."

Leaning back slightly, Jemma tilted her head to remind him quietly;

"You seem to forget that you played a very big hand in this too, love. Thanks to you asking the right questions and not stopping until you had the answers, Kassandra can now be free of her father"

Frowning slightly as she scrunched her brow, she questioned;

"But you never did tell me about the 'legal help' you've talked into coming here. What about that?"

Holding her tighter, Aaron kissed the top of her head as he chuckled;

"Patience, my love, patience! You'll know soon enough! For now, let's help the newlyweds celebrate."

Ward and Kassandra seemed to radiate happiness as if it was a bright lantern that burned brightly. The only note of discontent came when Benjamin, ever practical, had reminded;

"Not that I want to put a damper on the celebration, but have you two considered just where you'll stay your first night as husband and wife? I only ask because of your father, Miss Kassandra."

Glancing at each other in question, Ward reminded;

"It's small, but there's always my cabin, honey. I know you're used to more refined, but..."

Placing her fingers against his lips, Kassandra shook her head;

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT FINERY, WARD!"

Her voice softening, she wrapped her arms around his neck before brushing her lips against his;

"I care about YOU. You give me something I've never had before; love!"

Biting at her bottom lip, Jemma muttered;

"I wonder?"

Recognizing the look his sister wore, Josh surmised;

"You have an idea don't you, Pixie?"

Having made certain that all the children, except for Molly and Christopher, were settled, Holly and Duncan had joined the party. Having learned what had been taking place, Holly offered her thoughts on the subject at hand;

"No offense or disrespect meant to you there, Kassie, but why in the heck can't we jest go and whoop the tar outta yer pa and be done with it?"

Crossing his arms stubbornly over his chest, Duncan shook his head as he reminded her;

"Holly lass, if I've told ya once, I've told ya a million times; ya can't just go around whoopin ever scoundrel ya meet. Besides, a man like this here Everston didna strike me as the type to learn a lesson from a simple whoopin, he's gonna be needin a wee bit more of an intellectual lesson. Do ya not think so, clan?"

At there unanimous nods of agreement Aaron reminded;

"You had an idea, sweetheart?"

Nodding, Jemma explained;

"Well, he seemed eager at the idea of Kassandra and I becoming friends, right? So what if we just send a note to him saying that Kassandra's going to spend the night here in our guest room? That way, she and Ward can spend their wedding night together without worrying about the possibility of Carlin looking for them."

Pondering her idea, Ward was the first to venture;

"You know, she's right, I think it'll work!"

Looking to his bride, Ward asked;

"Kassie, what do you think?"

Nodding eagerly, Kassandra promised;

"Oh, I know it will! He wants nothing more than for me to get close to Jemma so he'll just think he's getting his way."

Reaching for his glass, Aaron decreed;

"Alright, it's settled then. Now, on to more important things."

Raising his glass he began;

"As the best man, it's my pleasure to offer the first toast to the newlyweds."

Waiting until everyone had a glass in their hands, Aaron continued;

"Ward, Kassandra, despite how things might have started, we're all very happy for the two of you that they've worked out as they have. When I look at you two I see the love you share between you."

Looking down into his wife's emerald eyes so full of love for him, he couldn't help but smile as he confessed;

"And believe me, I'm familiar enough with the look to recognize it when I see it in others. What I wish, what we all wish is that the two of you are as happy in your marriage as we are in ours."

Once the festivities were concluded and their guests had left, including the newlyweds under the careful cover and with help from the others, Jemma and Aaron saw their children settled and prepared to retire for the night. Noticing the faraway look he wore as he sat propped up by pillows in their bed, his hands laced behind his head, Jemma studied her husband for a moment as she slid in the bed next to him. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Jemma called softly;

"Aaron?"

Having been lost in thought, Aaron started slightly as his wife's summons startled him. Somewhat chagrined, Aaron apologized;

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, I was just thinking."

Lifting one eyebrow, Jemma replied wryly;

"Obviously! My question is; about what?"

Sighing heavily, Aaron admitted;

"About Carlin Everston, love."

Sitting on her knees, Jemma folded her hands in her lap as she tilted her head before narrowing her eyes slightly in contemplation;

"Darling, do you really think that this is going to all work out? I mean, can he REALLY be stopped? What he's done to poor Kassandra..."

Aaron could see, as she shook her head, the sadness in her eyes as she continued;

"I just can't help but think...what if Jason had treated me like a bargaining chip? Not just that, but when I look at Amie and Lisa, any of the children, especially

our own, I just can't understand how he can be like this about his own child."

Tentatively, she reached out to take his hand in hers;

"Thank you for being the type of man you are. I know that you'd never let anything happen to our baby girl like what Carlin Everston has done to his own daughter."

Reaching out, Aaron took her in his arms and shifted her to lay against his side and began stroking her hair away from her face as he promised;

"Jemma darlin, I SWEAR to you! I'd die before I'd ever let anything like what's happened to Kassandra happen to our Amie, or to any daughter we may have in the future."

Lifting her face to stare at his profile, Jemma's mouth curved in a tender smile as she placed her hand on his cheek;

"I know that my darling heart, and you have no idea just how much I love you for being that type of man."

Grasping her hand in his, Aaron pressed his lips against her palm before leaning over to bring his lips against hers. Lifting his head he brushed a kiss against her forehead and cheek before suggesting;

"Well, the plus is that we can help Kassandra now and stop him; plus, we helped make her and Ward a very happy couple. Now, considering the party taking place tomorrow evening and the fact you have a certain bribe to make good on, I say we get some sleep, sweetheart."

Reaching over to turn the bedside lamp down, Aaron settled himself and waited until he was sure his wife was comfortable against his side to situate the bed covers around them. Sighing contentedly, Jemma bid;

"Goodnight, my love."

Placing a kiss on the top of her head, Aaron patted the hand she had resting on his chest before returning;

"Goodnight to you too, my little love. Sweet dreams!"

Although he could tell that Jemma had fallen asleep, held securely against his side, Aaron remained awake for a while longer, asking the same questions in his mind that his wife had given voice to earlier. He couldn't understand how ANY man could take one of the greatest blessings that a man could be given and do what Carlin Everston had done. Glancing down at Jemma, her face relaxed in sleep, Aaron couldn't help but feel revulsion at the part of the report he had kept to himself regarding Everston's treatment of his own wife, Aaron amended his thought as he gently lifted Jemma's hand and kissed it before stating softly;

"TWO of the greatest blessings."

Deciding that Carlin Everston's character, or lack thereof, had occupied more than enough of his thoughts, Aaron closed his eyes and followed his wife to find his rest, wondering just what the next day's events might bring. Had he had any idea of what was yet to come, Aaron might well have never closed his eyes again.