Chapter 13

Candy sat at her dressing table, pinning her hair into place as Biddie sat on the bed holding Jamie. Although she wouldn't give voice to the thoughts occupying her mind, Candy couldn't help that her heart went out to her friend, especially when she caught glimpses of Biddie in the dressing table mirror as she cooed and cuddled Jamie. The fact that Biddie wanted a husband, home, and children of her own was an obvious one, but it was becoming even more obvious as of late. It seemed as if the activities that Biddie was throwing herself, even more, into were centered around the very things Biddie so longed for; weddings, christenings, and anything centering on the children, such as the school and library. Finished with her hair, Candy turned in her chair, smiling at the picture Biddie made holding a baby in her arms, wearing a serene smile as she now was, so caught up in the joy of little Jamie's coos and giggles. Noticing that he seemed to be getting a bit fussy, Candy crossed the space to take her son in her arms. Seeing the stricken look that began on Biddie's features, Candy rushed to assure her;

"Oh, Biddie, it's nothing you've done, I promise! He's just getting fussy because he's hungry, that's all."

Settling herself in the rocker, Candy began, carefully;

"You know, Biddie, you're going to make a wonderful wife and mother for just the right man."

Seeing the sad look that seemed to cloud her friend's face, Candy hurriedly offered;

"Oh, Biddie! Please don't look so sad, I know that the right man is out there for you, and not someone that you settle for either! You deserve someone who will appreciate just what a wonderful girl you are and just how much of a treasure he'll be blessed with by having you as his wife and the mother of his children."

Candy felt a reserved sense of relief as Biddie raised her head, having hung it to look at the floor earlier, and smiled, somewhat, sadly;

"Oh, I'm alright, Candy. It's just that, well, I see how happy you and Jeremy are, Jason and Julie, and Jemma and Aaron, and then I see how much you love your children and how much joy they bring you and I just feel sort of left out I guess."

Sighing heavily, Biddie admitted;

"I know I act silly about men sometimes. I suppose I just really want someone to make me feel as if I'm wanted for just me. I see how your husbands make you, Jemma, and Julie feel, and I want that, to feel as if I'm just what someone's always wanted. But, so far, there's only been one man to ever really make me feel appreciated like that; Barnabas."

Shaking her head, Biddie confessed;

"But it's just been ever so long since I've heard anything from him. I guess I was wrong when I thought we felt something for each other."

Seeking to divert her mind from her troubles, Candy finished burping her son before pleading;

"Biddie, I hate to impose, but I do need to finish getting dressed. Would you mind terribly changing Jamie for me and make certain that Molly and Christopher are about ready? Grandpa and Jeremy are getting ready at the camp so we only have to leave when they get home."

Her usual effervescent smile back in place, Biddle nodded eagerly;

"Why yes indeedy! I'd be ever so happy to, Candy."

Reaching for her godson, Biddie ordered;

"You just come to your Aunt Biddie, little boy and we'll get you all nice and tidy in no time."

Hurrying to the bedroom door, Biddie turned just as she opened it;

"And, Candy...thank you!"

With that, she hurried into the other room and left Candy shaking her head in amazement at her friend's fortitude as she stepped into her dress.

Glancing about, Julie was taking a mental inventory of what there was left to do. Frustrated she placed her hands on her hips and huffed just before she heard a cooing sound from her daughter's bassinet. Pushing her frustration aside, Julie lifted her daughter in her arms to cuddle the child next to her cheek as the infant placed her hand against her mother's mouth;

"You certainly know how to remind Mommy of just what's truly important, don't you, my little angel love?"

At the baby's tiny giggle, Julie placed a kiss on her daughter's cheek as she cuddled her closer, unable to prevent the smile that lit her face as she gazed at the tiny miracle she held in her arms as Lisa waved her tiny fists happily. Hearing a slight creaking of the floorboards, Julie looked up and yelped slightly at the sight of her husband leaning casually in the doorway, his arms folded across his chest in that self-determined way that she always associated with him. Noticing his wife's slight start, Jason quickly closed the distance to apologize;

"I'm sorry, Julie sweet! I certainly didn't mean to scare you, it's just that when I walked in and saw the picture you and Lisa made together,"

Placing his arm around her, Jason admitted;

"I just couldn't help myself from watching the two of you."

Placing a kiss on her cheek as he let their daughter wrap her small hand around his finger, Jason's face lit up with the love he held in his heart for his wife and child as he confessed;

"I never get tired of watching the two of you together, it reminds me of just how lucky and what a blessed man I truly am."

Jason gazed into his wife's eyes;

"And I have you to thank for that, darling."

Noticing their daughter's slightly lopsided grin, Jason reached out and took their daughter in his arms to observe;

"Especially for the gift you gave me of our little angel."

Lacing her fingers together to rest her hands on her husband's shoulder, Julie laid her head against his arm as she reminded;

"I'd say that we're even on that score, my love. I have you to thank for our daughter and my happiness."

Remembering her earlier mood, Julie laughed lightly as she placed a kiss on her husband's cheek before remarking;

"Do you know something? Earlier, I was just so frustrated because I couldn't think of what I had already done and what else I needed to do for the party tonight."

Lifting an eyebrow in question, Jason ventured;

"But I'm willing to bet that there was a certain little someone who helped alleviate that frustration?"

Nodding as she caressed the top of their daughter's head, Julie laughed softly, reminding Jason of something delicate and musical;

"And you'd win your bet, my love! You know, it's strange, but no matter how bad my mood or how frustrating I may find something, whenever I look at our daughter, none of it seems to matter."

Glancing down at Lisa, who seemed to have become fascinated with her fingers, Jason could only agree;

"I know what you mean, darling. I used to get so aggravated and ill-tempered with things at the logging camp, but ever since you and I were married and with our little miss's appearance, just thinking about the two of you seems to clear all of that away for me. Sometimes, I even think I was silly to let it bother me as much as it did in the first place."

Feeling much more at peace, Julie moved about the kitchen, making certain that she had everything for the party gathered together as Jason kept Lisa occupied. Glancing over her shoulder, Julie couldn't help but remind him;

"It's a bit of poetic justice in a way, don't you think, sweetheart?"

Jason scowled somewhat;

"How so, sweet?"

Setting the basket she had finished packing on the table, Julie couldn't help but giggle slightly;

"It's just that, well, I couldn't help but think of how you once found it so amusing that, as gruff as my brother tended to be, a look or word from you sister could seem to calm him down with little to no fuss, not to mention just how Jacob and Amie seemed to affect him in that regard. You do realize that here you are, confessing the same weakness?"

Chuckling as he engaged in a sort of 'tug of war' with his daughter as he pulled his hand back slightly to allow her the chance to yank his finger back towards her, only to giggle as she hugged her father's hand to her. Jason couldn't help but shake his head as she glanced at his wife to confess;

"Would you like to know a secret that I've never told anyone else, love? I can remember when Jemma was about seventeen, about to turn eighteen, when I realized just what sort of woman she was growing into, how much Aaron could benefit if he were to find a woman like Pixie and marry her. I even remember contemplating the idea of just how it would take a man with your brother's personality to make Jemma a good husband. Little did I ever imagine that the two of them would prove my theory right and that it would be by marrying each other."

Hearing the chime of the clock in the hallway, Jason asked;

"Darling, do you have everything ready that you needed for the party tonight?"

Having come to the same conclusion that her husband had, Julie nodded as she reached to take their daughter, who had begun fussing in anticipation of her feeding;

"Yes, love, why don't you go and get ready while I see to our daughter's evening meal."

Settling her in his wife's arms, Jason tried to look stern as he ordered;

"Now you mind your manners, young lady, and let Mommy get you fed."

Any attempts he had made to look fatherly and stern soon failed as his daughter waved her tiny fists excitedly before offering him a lopsided grin as she cooed. Shaking his head, Jason raised his head to meet his wife's look of amusement;

"I would be upset, but considering that's the same responses Aaron and Pixie used to get from Jacob and Amie, I'm not overly shocked."

Jason brushed his lips against her cheek;

"I'll hurry, sweet, I promise. Besides, I know Aaron's been held up, he asked if we'd mind helping Pixie get to the party."

Nodding as she settled in the corner chair to tend to Lisa, Julie agreed;

"I would imagine she would need help with everything that she's made for the party and three small children. Go ahead, love, we should be done by the time you are."

Jason hurried to their bedroom, eager to wash up. He knew his sister would require assistance, he simply wasn't aware that it would be a different type of assistance than what he thought, or how desperately in need of that help his sister would truly be.

Josh studied his reflection in the small shaving mirror that Ward had attached to the wall over the washbasin. Satisfied that his appearance was satisfactory, Josh's eyes slid in Ward's direction as he asked;

"So how are you finding married life so far?"

Snapping the rag he was using to polish his boots, Ward exclaimed;

"I LOVE IT!"

Sighing in frustration, Ward confided;

"Although, I'm sure that I'll love it a whole lot more when Kassie and I don't have to hide the fact she's my wife."

Coming to stand behind the man that he had quickly come to think of as a friend, Josh clasped his hand on Ward's shoulder to console;

"I know it's frustrating, believe me, I'd love nothing better than to climb the tallest pine and shout how much I love Peggy. But, this is almost over, from what Aaron said, tonight should see an end to it."

Nodding, Ward stated fervently;

"I hope so, Josh! I certainly hope so!"

Rising from his chair to face Josh, Ward sought to show his gratitude;

"By the way, Josh, I don't know how Kassie and I will ever be able to thank you and your family, especially Miss Jemma and Aaron for everything you've done to help us. Especially considering all the time you've spent here so no one would be suspicious of just why Kassie was here so much."

Shrugging it off, Josh laughed;

"Well, considering that it gave me an excuse to spend more time with Peggy, I'm just as grateful to you, Ward."

Shaking his head, Josh pondered;

"That part that I find so miraculous though is the fact that Carlin's yet to figure out you live in Seattle."

Huffing slightly, Ward pointed out;

"I'm not! As I recall, once that man thought he had everything under control and back on track where you and Kassie were concerned, his first course of action was to find his way into a bottle to congratulate himself. And since I don't really go to Lottie's or spend much time in town, missing my presence is something that's pretty easy to do. Mind you, that's aside from the fact the man is so arrogant that, I'm sure, once he thought he had managed to drive me out of Kassie's life he dismissed the idea that I even existed."

Realizing just how helpful Carlin's arrogance was proving to be to their cause now, Josh theorized;

"I think we should be grateful he's that arrogant, Ward. Think about it, it's really a sort of poetic justice that the man has his own arrogance to thank for his downfall."

Taking a deep breath and giving a slight shake of his head, Ward wished;

"Let's hope so, Josh, let's hope so. Hopefully, Aaron's plan will work out."

Giving it a moment's thought, Ward laughed;

"But then again, considering no one ever thought he'd marry anyone, let alone YOUR sister, I'd say that if anyone, outside of a Bolt, can pull this off, it would be that man"

Noticing the time on the small mantle clock, Ward suggested;

"Well, I suppose we better get going, I don't think the girls would be happy if we were late for tonight. Do you?"

Josh bowed slightly as he held the cabin door open and made a grand sweeping gesture with his arm;

"After you, sir! I'm quite certain that you must be as anxious to collect your bride as I am to collect my soon-to-be bride."

His face splitting in a wide grin, full of pride at the thought of his new wife, Ward nodded enthusiastically;

"Amen to that! Let's go!"

Hurrying on their way towards the dorm to collect Kassandra and Peggy, both whistling in anticipation, certain that the evening's events would see to a happy future for both couples. However, if Josh had any inkling of some of the events that would be taking place that evening, his happy mood would have quickly turned to one of panic and fury.

Jemma was carefully packing the last of the food that she had prepared for the party into a basket. The special anniversary cake that she had made, a recreation of their wedding cake, for Jeremy and Candy had already been taken to Lottie's earlier that day, thanks to Kassandra and Peggy's careful help. Consulting the list she had made up the night before, Jemma began checking items in the food basket before nodding in satisfaction;

"There! Everything packed and accounted for!"

Hearing the sound of her daughter's giggles, Jemma glanced over her shoulder to smile lovingly at her children as she lectured;

"Oh, you laugh now, young lady, but you just wait until your Daddy takes you under his wing! Besides, who do you think taught Mommy this little trick?"

Enjoying the back and forth with her children, Jemma jumped a bit as she heard a knock at the kitchen door. Assuming that it was Jason and Julie since Aaron had told her at lunch they would be helping her due to his having to work late, Jemma didn't think anything about inviting;

"Come in!"

Her back turned to the door as she was gathering her children's diapers and blankets together, Jemma greeted;

"I certainly owe you and Julie, Big Brother. I had no idea how in heaven's name I was going to manage to get the four of us to Lottie's, not to mention this food and the babies' things."

Jemma's head shot up as she spun around in shock as she heard a familiar voice advise;

"I'm afraid that I'm not who you were expecting, Miss Jemma. However, I'll be more than happy to 'assist' you in whatever way you'd think would be most agreeable."

Noticing the look of surprise mixed with a tinge of fear in her green eyes, Carlin slowly let his most charming smile lift the corners of his mouth. He had debated trying to approach Jemma Stempel, especially after the warning he had received from her husband, but when he had happened to overhear a comment Lottie had made regarding the fact that Aaron had to work later than usual, leaving Jemma and the children alone, he had decided to pay her a visit. Casually, he raked his eyes up and down her slight frame to take in her appearance. He couldn't help but admire just how well her gown, with its sweetheart neckline that allowed a modest, yet tantalizing, view of her cleavage, as well as it's short capped sleeves with a short fall of lace that fell to just above her elbows flattered her petite, yet enticing figure. Combined with the gown's color, a bluish/green hue that reminded Carlin of a colorful peacock feather, as well as simple, yet elegant, way that she had coiled her hair atop her head, leaving a few curling tendrils to fall here and there, he couldn't deny the strong pull of attraction that he felt. He could see by the sudden stiffness of her posture just how ill at ease she was in his presence, something she confirmed as she stated;

"Thank you for the 'kind' offer, Mr. Everston, but I can assure you I have more than enough help."

Smirking somewhat, Carlin eased his way closer to close the distance between him and Jemma as he ventured casually;

"I'm somewhat surprised that your husband isn't here to attend to that pleasure himself."

Despite being a wife and the mother of three small children, not to mention having been brought up in a primarily male environment, Jemma's knowledge of men was surprisingly limited, especially when it came to the intimate aspect of the relationship between a man and a woman. The fact was, the only intimate knowledge Jemma possessed, aside from the basic facts of life that Jason and Lottie had ensured was a part of her education, was what she and Aaron shared between them. However, despite her naivete where the opposite sex was concerned, her instincts told her two things; Carlin Everston was a man not to be trusted who could be very dangerous when he chose, and, judging by the look she saw in his eyes, the man's visit wasn't motivated by his desire to prove himself helpful to a young mother in her husband's absence. Noticing how Carlin continued creeping ever closer towards her, Jemma placed as much distance between them before advising;

"Normally, Aaron would have, but, as I'm sure you're probably aware, he had to work a little later than usual today. However, Jason and Julie should be here any minute to help me with the children, so I'm afraid you made the trip for nothing, Mr. Everston."

Despite her inexperience, Jemma couldn't help but notice the leering glint in the man's eyes as he offered provocatively;

"I can assure you, Miss Jemma, any effort made where the reward is being able to see you is a far from wasted one."

Noticing how his eyes seem to rake up and down her body from head to toe, Jemma shivered in revulsion as he ventured suggestively;

"I'm only too happy to offer my services to you, in ANY capacity you feel you might need them."

Her eyes widening at the implication of his statement, Jemma felt panic until she heard the blessed sound of her brother's heavy footsteps on the porch outside and his boisterous voice booming;

"Alright, Baby Sister, we're here to see you and your little one's safely to the party!"

Jason stopped short when he opened the door and caught sight of the look on his sister's face. Glancing to his wife, Jason could see the same worry in Julie's eyes as she met his look with a questioning one of her own. Setting her basket on the table, Julie hurried to place herself between Jemma and Carlin as Jason narrowed his eyes in suspicion before demanding;

"Pixie, is there anything wrong?"

Knowing that discretion was the better part of valor, Carlin offered a slight bow before bidding;

"Mrs. Bolt, a delight as always. Mrs. Stempel, I'm glad to see that you have such capable assistance in your husband's absence. Jason, I'll see you at Miss Lottie's."

With that, Carlin made a hasty exit, holding the delusion that, as was always the case in the past with other young women, Jemma in her innocence would be too shocked and too embarrassed to tell anyone what had taken place, leaving him safe. However, just as he would realize in a very short time, his luck had run out. But for the moment, he felt secure that he was safe and focused his concern on making himself presentable for the party.

Once the door had closed, Jason turned to his sister and, recognizing the look she wore from when she was a child, hurried to place Lisa in her mother's arms before closing the distance between Jemma and himself to pull her into an embrace before demanding;

"Pixie, did he hurt you?"

Jemma took a steadying breath before shaking her head;

"No, he didn't touch me, but, Jason...I, the things he said. They weren't...they...he."

Seeing her distress, Julie tried to help her express herself;

"Jemma, did he make 'advances' of some type towards you?"

Jemma nodded;

"He didn't come out and directly say anything, but, well, it was the WAY he said things. He kept making innuendos, he was saying things like how he wanted to offer his services in ANY capacity that I found acceptable in Aaron's absence. And that's the other thing; how did he know that Aaron was working late tonight?"

Holding his sister protectively, as if she was still a little girl, Jason shook his head;

"I don't know, Pixie. Seattle isn't that big, he could have overheard something from one of the men from the mill, but he had no right coming here knowing you were by yourself. When Aaron..."

Already knowing what the rest of his statement would be, Jemma shook her head vehemently as she begged;

"JASON! YOU CANNOT TELL AARON WHAT HAPPENED! Do you have any idea of what he would do to Carlin Everston if he knew? Please, Jason, don't say anything, he'll be gone soon and that will be that."

Stepping back to cross his arms over his chest, Jason looked down into his sister's eyes and saw the desperation there. Glancing to his wife, already knowing her reaction, he wasn't surprised when Julie nodded, her eyes reflecting her own concern as she confirmed Jemma's fears;

"She's right, darling! You know that if we were the ones in this situation, you'd be the EXACT same way and we both know what you would do. I think we should do as Jemma asks, but we just need to make sure we keep an eye on Carlin Everston until he leaves."

Jason threw his hands up in the air as he huffed;

"Alright, Jemma Elysia, I won't mention this to Aaron."

Wagging his finger at her, he ordered;

"But so help me, baby sister, if that man approaches you again or gives you ANY problems you had better tell me IMMEDIATELY, or so help me I'll turn you over my knee myself and then YOU'LL tell your husband why I did it. Agreed?"

Making a crossing sign over her heart, Jemma vowed;

"I promise! Thank you, Jason."

Nodding, Jason waved his hand across the room as he speculated;

"Alright, let's get these little ones, and you ladies get your baskets and we'll be off to the party."

Gathering the children and miscellaneous items together, they hurried out the door to Lottie's, eager to celebrate Jeremy and Candy's anniversary. No one had any idea of just what the evening had in store, for if they had, no one would have been inclined to do any type of celebrating.

Aaron sat at his desk, reading over all the documents Seattle's new resident lawyer had brought with him from Olympia and San Francisco. Inhaling sharply as he shook his head, further disgusted by Carlin Everston's actions, Aaron pressed;

"Is this everything? I mean EVERYTHING there was to find on this man?"

Taking a sip from the cup of coffee that he had been offered earlier, Aaron's guest nodded;

"Yes, Mr. Stempel! And, as you'll recall from my requests for additional funds, some of that information was rather expensive to acquire."

His eyes scanning the pages in front of him again, Aaron grimly declared;

"I can assure you, whatever it takes to protect my family from being victimized by this man is more than worth it."

Holding one set of papers, in particular, Aaron couldn't help but ask in astonishment as he slapped the documents with the back of his hand;

"What I want to know is just how in the hell did this...monster avoid prison?"

Leaning forward, the expert explained;

"From what I was able to learn, Mr. Stempel, the usual way...he bribed his way out. Sometimes it was payoffs to the authorities, sometimes he bought his way out by offering money to the young women. Considering that most of the girls were either young and naive, or they were impoverished, offering them, what they considered, a small fortune to help change their circumstances, seemed to quiet the matter to everyone's satisfaction. It seems that when he decides on a 'conquest' it's usually some young woman of, what some consider, no consequence."

Exhaling heavily as he tossed the documents on his desk, Aaron leaned his elbow on the desktop to rest his chin on his fist before venturing quietly;

"Until now."

The young man sitting across from him scowled sharply;

"I beg your pardon?"

Sitting up abruptly, Aaron shook his head as he rested his arms on the desktop;

"Never mind! It's something, if necessary, I'll deal with. Now, what about the deeds, were you able to get those dealt with properly?"

Nodding, the gentleman explained;

"With little to no trouble actually. Once the officials saw the reports from Miss Everston's attorney they were more than happy to correct the 'error', especially when I pointed out to them that Miss Everston wasn't yet aware of what was taking place and would have legal recourse, especially on those with knowledge, they were more than happy to reissue the deeds in her name."

Patting his satchel;

"I have them right here, Mr. Stempel."

Glancing at his watch, Aaron pointed out;

"I'm going to assume that you'd like to freshen up before meeting me at Lottie's?"

Seeing his nervousness, Aaron smiled encouragingly;

"I can assure you, SHE'LL be there, and she has no idea."

Nodding slightly, the young man, noticing the photo frame on the corner of Aaron's desk, asked hesitantly;

"May I?"

At Aaron's nod, he took the frame in hand to study the recent photograph taken of the Stempel family. Amused the man pointed out;

"I have to admit, when I heard that you had married Miss Jemma I was shocked, although I can certainly understand why you did. It's hard to believe looking at her that she's the mother of three children."

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle;

"How do you think I feel? I look at her and have a hard time believing she's old enough to be my wife, let alone the mother of my children."

Taking the frame from his guest, Aaron studied the image a moment as a smile he couldn't contain lifted the corners of his mouth;

"But I'm very glad and happy that she is."

Placing the photo back on his desk, Aaron motioned toward the side room before inviting;

"Why don't you go in there and wash some of the dust off yourself, and we'll head to Lottie's and get the unpleasant part of tonight's festivities out of the way. I think everyone will be the better for it when it's done, especially a certain newlywed couple and a young lady who is about to be in for one heck of a surprise."

Watching as his guest followed his suggestion, Aaron's eyes fell on the report he had read earlier before falling on his wife's image. Picking up the frame, Aaron ventured aloud;

"I pray I'm just being an overprotective and jealous husband, sweetheart, but I know what I saw in that man's eyes that day and these reports confirm what I suspected about Carlin Everston. What scares me is that, if I was right about that, I just might be right about what I'm afraid he's thinking where you're concerned, and I REFUSE to let that happen."

Hearing the sounds of his guest approaching, Aaron pushed his chair back from his desk to stand as he hurried to the door before shouting out;

"I'm going to go ahead to Lottie's, I'll see you there."

Hurrying out the door, Aaron made his way quickly down the trail, anxious to join his wife and children for the evening.

Candy and Jeremy hurried to join their friends and family at Lottie's for their anniversary party, having already sent Benjamin ahead to keep up with Molly and Christopher. Holding their son close to his chest, Jeremy tried to ease his wife's concerns;

"Candy heart, slow down! We don't want to jostle Jamie too much considering that doing so earlier is why we're running late now."

Holding her hand over her mouth in an attempt to stifle a giggle, Candy couldn't help but remind him;

"Well, love, you were the one who thought it would be a good idea to bounce him around. You can't exactly blame him for spitting up."

Glancing at their son's face lovingly, Jeremy could only smile tenderly;

"I know, sweetheart, and that's why I'm not fussing."

Lifting his shoulders carelessly, Jeremy quipped;

"He probably just didn't like my suit and thought I should wear something different."

Laughing as they entered Lottie's they greeted everyone enthusiastically as their friends and family gathered around to congratulate them on their anniversary. Noticing how Jamie was getting cranky, Candy and Jeremy excused themselves as they made their way to Lottie's back room, where she had set up a nursery for her adopted grandchildren for just such occasions. Opening the door, they found Jemma, Julie, and Jason, along with Molly and Christopher trying to settle Jacob, Amie, Alex, and Lisa. Noticing Jamie's crankiness, Jason invited;

"Welcome brother!"

Smiling warmly at Candy, he greeted;

"And sister! Come on in, the more the merrier!"

As Candy was settling Jamie in the bassinet next to Alex, Jemma turned to her sister in law and raised one delicately arched eyebrow in question;

"I take it you had unforeseen delays?"

Giving a slight shake of her head, Candy sighed;

"You have no idea! Jamie decided that he wasn't happy with what his father was wearing, so he tried to 'discourage' him, by the strongest means possible. You have no idea how frustrating that was."

Having let just what Candy was saying sink in fully, Jemma began laughing softly, trying to avoid disturbing her children as Candy stared at her, puzzled by her reaction. Noticing Candy's look of disbelief, Jemma shook her head;

"I'm sorry, Candy. It's just that, well, don't you remember? On the day of your wedding, Jacob spit up on himself and Amie, and then Amie spit up all over Aaron. I just find it amusing that Jamie decided to do the same thing to Jeremy on your anniversary."

Reminded of the occasion, Candy laughed;

"I supposed it really is funny."

Once they had their children settled, the adults decided to join the party. As he held the door open for the women to leave the room, Jason couldn't help but notice how his sister's body stiffened. Jason instinctively scanned the group of people gathered and seeing Carlin Everston knew the reason for Jemma's trepidation, placing his arm around her shoulders, he softly consoled;

"It's alright, Pixie, I promise! You know good and well that me, Jeremy, and Josh won't let him get anywhere near you. Besides, once your husband gets here he won't have a chance to get anywhere near you."

Feeling some of the tension in her body ease, Jason suggested;

"Go enjoy yourself, baby sister."

Puzzled by the exchange, Jeremy waited until their sister was out of earshot before demanding;

"What was that all about?"

Her curiosity piqued, Candy stopped as she turned to Julie.

"What's the matter, did something happen to Jemma?"

Crossing his arms in his distinctive fashion, Jason jaw tightened somewhat as he explained;

"When Julie and I got to Aaron and Jemma's to help her with the kids, Everston was there."

Julie, seeing a look that mirrored her own shock and concern reflected on Candy's face, nodded;

"We could tell that it upset Jemma a great deal, especially since he as good as said that he was there because he knew Aaron was going to be working late and she would need 'assistance', as he put it. He claimed he was trying to help her to get to the party with the children and what have you, but you know that was an excuse."

Indignant, Jeremy faced his oldest brother as he observed;

"Jason, you know how that man looked at Pixie that day at the lake. I don't know about you but there's no doubt in my mind what he has in mind where our sister's concerned. And when Aaron hears about..."

Cutting off the remainder of his brother's statement, Jason shook his head;

"We CAN'T tell Aaron, Jeremy."

Disbelief showing in his blue eyes, Jeremy placed his hands on his hips as he demanded;
"And why not, he's her husband and you know good and well that when he finds out..."

Placing her hand on her husband's arm, having understood the look she saw in Julie's eyes at the mention of the possibility of telling Aaron what had taken place, Candy speculated;

"And THAT'S why we can't tell him, Jeremy. I'm willing to bet that Jemma made Jason and Julie promise not to say a word because she knows just how Aaron will react."

At the couple's twin nods of confirmation, Candy continued;

"We ALL know just how Aaron will react, Jeremy; the same way that you and Jason would react if it were me or Julie in that situation."

Candy shook her head;

"If Jemma thinks it's best not to tell Aaron, at least not at this moment, I think we should respect her decision. But, that doesn't mean that we can't make sure one of us is always around her to prevent him from getting near her again."

Noticing Josh, Peggy, Ward, and Kassandra entering, Jason motioned for them to join their group as he hastily explained what was going on. As they knew would be the case, Jason and Jeremy found themselves trying to calm their brother over the idea of someone causing their sister any problems as he noticed Carlin's entrance and thundered;

"Pixie doesn't want Aaron to know what happened? Fine! I'll take care of the problem myself!"

Before Josh could even turn, Jason and Jeremy each grabbed an arm as Jason growled in a low and dangerous tone;

"Joshua, you will do no such thing! Just how do you think that would make our baby sister feel?"

Narrowing his eyes to mere slits of anger, Josh hissed;

"I'm not going to let him get away with that, Jason! I wouldn't let him get away with it with Peggy, Julie, or Candy, and he's not about to get away with it where Pixie's concerned either. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't go over there and take that man apart right now."

Before Jason or Jeremy could say anything Josh heard the one reason, softly uttered, that could stop him in his tracks;

"Because, I'm asking you not to do that, Joshua. I'm also asking you not to say anything to Aaron, please."

Josh sighed heavily as he begged;

"Pixie, do you have any idea as to just how furious your husband would be if he were to find out what that man did and the fact that we didn't tell him, or do anything about it?"

Turning to Kassandra, Jemma began;

"Kassandra, I apologize in advance for what I'm about to say."

Placing her hands on her brother's arm, Jemma reasoned;

"Josh, I'm very much aware of just how angry Aaron will be. However, if that man was brazen enough to do what he did, don't you think he might well be brazen enough to also be dangerous. I have no doubts that Aaron would be able to deal with that man in a physical confrontation, however, I don't believe that Carlin Everston would be inclined to 'play fair', do you?"

Lowering her voice as she locked eyes with her brother, hers full of worry and fear at the thought she was giving voice to, Jemma's eyes were bright with the tears that were threatening to fall at the mere idea as she demanded;

"Josh, what if he were to pull a gun or a knife to 'even up the odds'?"

Shaking her head furiously, Jemma vowed;

"No! I won't put my husband at risk, or allow anyone else to! I wasn't hurt and he didn't pose a threat to our babies. He's going to be gone very soon and that will see an end to ALL of this."

Glancing over to his fiancee, Josh knew what needed to be done as Peggy came a bit closer;

"Josh, this really is a decision that should be left to Jemma. Besides, from the way he talked a few days ago, Aaron has a plan, and acting rashly might ruin that and I'd hate to see that, especially if his plan will help Kassandra."

Josh found he could only sigh in resignation as he patted his sister's hand;

"Alright, Pixie, you win. But, none of us are letting you out of our sight until Aaron walked through that door, and even then we're sticking close by."

Deciding to lighten the mood, Ward suggested;

"Come on, Kassie love, let's dance."

Her eyes wide with trepidation, Kassandra was about to speak when Ward shook his head as he took her hand;

"No more hiding, sweetheart! I want to dance with my beautiful wife, your father be damned! Besides, love, he seems intent on blending into the woodwork tonight so let's enjoy ourselves."

Ward and Kassandra joined the other couples on the floor as Jemma turned to Candy and Jeremy to encourage;

"Go on, you two, it's your anniversary, go enjoy yourselves. Besides, Jason and Josh will make keep me company until Aaron arrives."

Jeremy took Candy's hand as they joined the others enjoying the music. However, as it turned out, that expectation of keeping close to Jemma was short-lived as Aaron hurriedly entered Lottie's. Noticing his entrance first, Jason motioned in his direction as he advised;

"Speak of the devil, there's your husband now, Pixie."

Noticing his appearance, Jason pondered;

"This must be something pretty important considering he's still in his work clothes."

Seeing the look of determination, along with thinly veiled disgust and anger on her husband's face, Jemma muttered quietly;

"I think that may well be an understatement. If that look he's wearing means what I think it may very well mean, trust me, Jason, the last thing on Aaron's mind is what he's wearing."

However, before anything more could be said, Carlin seemed to notice that Kassandra wasn't dancing with Joshua. Although it took him a moment to realize just who she was dancing with, he more than made up for his slowness by his anger at, what he considered, the man's brazenness to dare defy his dictates, even after all these years. He was even more offended by his daughter's defiance, although most of that stemmed from the shock that she would dare to do so. Stalking towards the couple, Carlin roughly grabbed his daughter's wrist to jerk it painfully from Ward's arm as he demanded loudly;

"KASSANDRA EVE! HOW DARE YOU!"

Narrowing to mere slits, Carlin let his eyes slide from one to the other as he hissed menacingly;

"I told you what I'd do to him if you disobeyed me, and I meant it."

Trying to maintain his imagined facade of respectability, Carlin raised his voice slightly for effect;

"What will all of these people say, seeing you dancing with this 'MAN' and not your fiancee."

Before Kassandra could offer an explanation, Josh gave caution to the wind and spoke up;

"They'll probably realize that she's dancing with the right man since he's the one she loves, just as they'll think that about Peggy and me when we dance."

Glancing down as he pulled her arm through his, Josh smiled lovingly as he ventured;

"Or at least I hope so."

Seeing the stares of curiosity, Josh raised his voice;

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement. Mrs. Ward Kimberly, formerly, Miss Kassandra Everston, and I have mutually agreed not to wed, although we shall remain good friends. I would, however, like to proudly announce that Miss Margaret Thornly and I will be marrying fairly soon."

His eyes widening to the size of large saucers, Carlin stammered in a panicked voice;

"But...but...but..."

Taking a step to bring him toe to toe with the man who had proven himself the bane of his and Kassandra's existence, Ward's mouth was fixed in a granite-like grimace while his eyes were steely blue slits of anger and determination as he closed his fist around the wrist that held Kassandra's in a grip of iron in his own unrelenting grip of steel as he issued in a dangerously low voice;

"Get your hands off MY wife, Everston."

Closing his fist in a painful vice, forcing the man to release Kassandra, Ward challenged;

"Never, EVER put your hands on Kassie like that again! Father or not, I'll make you regret it!"

Satisfied when he released his wife's wrist, Ward took Kassandra's hand as Carlin huffed;

"You can't be married! You never asked my blessing, you can't..."

Shaking her head, Kassandra spoke;

"Oh yes, I can! As you, yourself, pointed out, Father, I am well over twenty-one, which means I need your permission for nothing."

Carlin couldn't miss the disdain with which she said 'Father' something that set off warning bells, pushing him to try another tactic.

"Fine, Kassa, but I'll get in touch with the attorney and make certain that your mother's and grandfather's estates are..."

Having always been one to know just when to take a cue, Aaron stepped forward as he held up a sheaf of papers demanding;

"Are what, Everston, made unavailable to her? The remainder that is, considering just what you've been stealing and pilfering from your daughter."

Handing the documents he had received earlier to Ward and Kassandra, Aaron elaborated;

"Kassandra, he's been working with a clerk at your attorney's office that he had managed to bribe. Basically, the clerk's been getting the necessary paperwork signed, or at least a reasonable signature that would pass a quick glance, to withdraw money from your accounts. Money, that is, aside from the monthly allotment he was receiving. He's been doing this for quite some time. It would seem that he's been funding his 'business ventures' with your money for years."

Studying the papers in her hand, Kassandra took a moment to let what Aaron had said and what she saw in black and white sink in before raising her head to pin her father with her eyes, which were full of hurt and betrayal, as she demanded, her voice full of confusion;

"Why? You're my father and I loved you, I would have gladly given my blessings for you to have the money you needed. Why not ask me, why go behind my back and steal from me?"

His indignation raised, Carlin railed;

"I shouldn't have to ask ANY woman's permission, for ANYTHING! You're my daughter, whatever you have is mine for the taking, not for the asking. The first thing I'm going to do when we get back to San Francisco is to have your 'marriage' ann..."

Before he could finish the word, Kassandra, standing her ground, advised him;

"You won't be having anything done, Father, except to have your belongings packed. And then, you'll leave MY house."

Turning to glance to Ward for support, Kassandra corrected herself;

"Actually, I'm sorry, let me correct that; OUR house, mine, and Ward's."

Shaking her head, Kassandra vowed;

"As far as I'm concerned I want nothing more to do with you and certainly I don't want you anywhere near me, my husband, or any children that we might be blessed to have. I'll see to it that you retain your allowance, but that is the ONLY thing that I'll be worried about where you're concerned in the future, Father. And even THAT I'm leaving for the lawyer to deal with."

His arrogance showing, Carlin challenged;

"Keep your charity, Kassandra. My new partnership shall, I'm quite certain, prove most profitable."

Glancing over his shoulder to his brothers in law for their confirmation, Aaron issued;

"I don't think so, Everston! You see, we found out about that little plan and we even found out about you going behind our backs to buy Mathew Balter's mill and the land with the stand of birch trees that we had planned to buy. It was just a little too convenient that a couple of days after Jason and I had discussed making an offer on both that they had suddenly been bought, although we didn't know at that time by who. However, that mystery was soon solved thanks to a little digging and Biddie, explaining about your 'questions' and asking her where you could find the owners, it wasn't hard to put the pieces together."

His temper rising, Carlin turned to Biddie to accuse;

"I should have known that the town spinster and resident gossip wouldn't have been able to hold her tongue. I'm sure you couldn't wait to get back to the dorm and entertain your other spinster friends with your delusional tales about your afternoon with the worldly Carlin Everston, could you? This might well be why you've yet to land some poor unsuspecting man in your matrimonial net."

Seeing the look on their friend's face as her bottom lip trembled slightly before she held her head down shamefully, Jemma, Candy, and Julie rushed forward and formed a protective circle around her as Jemma placed her arm around Biddie's shoulders to comfort her. She was about to give Carlin a piece of her mind when everyone found themselves surprised as they heard a vaguely familiar voice fume from the doorway;

"DON'T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MISS CLOOM THAT WAY!"

Her head lifting sharply, Biddie's eyes widened as they stared in shock while Carlin demanded;

"And just who the hell are you?"

Crossing the space to stand nose to nose with Carlin, the newcomer advised;

"I just happen to be Barnabas Webster, attorney at law, and Miss Cloom's fiancee."

Somewhat dazed, Biddie could only mutter;

"Fiancee?"

Turning to look over his shoulder, Barnabas admitted;

"Well, it wasn't quite how I had planned on asking you, but yes, Biddie, if you'll have me and do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Clasping Julie and Candy's hands tightly, Biddie looked at each in turn before facing Jemma. Squeezing her friend's shoulders reassuringly, Jemma asked;

"Biddie, what do YOU want?"

Giving it a moment's thought, Biddie wiped the tears from her eyes before smiling sweetly and nodding;

"Yes, Barnabas, I'll marry you!"

Relieved, Barnabas breathed a sigh of relief as he smiled lovingly at his future bride. Ensuring that his mask of sternness was back in place, Barnabas turned to, once more, face Carlin to warn;

"NEVER let me hear you ever say anything more about Miss Cloom the likes of what I heard you say earlier."

Having indulged in more than a liberal share of liquor, Carlin snickered;

"How romantic! The knight in shining armor, rising to the defense of the pitiful old maid's honor if she has any, that is."

Much to everyone's, including Barnabas', surprise, Carlin found himself the recipient of a sound right hook across the mouth; courtesy of Barnabas Webster, attorney at law. Whistling low, Aaron advised;

"If I were you, Everston I would quit while you're ahead."

Glaring, Carlin began laughing somewhat;

"Oh, I'm quite aware I'm ahead, Mr. Stempel. You see, whether you and your family wish it or not, I'm going to be your new business partner, at least in your ventures with Edwards Thorndyke. I've been trying to get into business with that gentleman for quite some time, I had hoped that when Kassandra and Josh became engaged that was going to be my opening. However, thanks to my daughter's carelessness where your son was concerned, I was certain that was going to fall through, so much so that I was doing my best to forge some type of alliance with you and the Bolt brothers."

Smiling broadly as he shook his head, Carlin confessed;

"I was on my way to do just that when I overhead your and Jason's conversation regarding the mill and the land. Realizing just how important those seemed to be to you I bought them."

Laughing, Carlin issued;

"Face it, Aaron! You have no choice, you have to take me in as a partner or risk losing what your business needs the most at this point."

Aaron narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest to challenge;

"You think so? I've got news for you, Everston, Jason, and I have faced much tougher than you and survived, our businesses intact. Not to mention, do you honestly not think that we' haven't considered this attempt of yours?"

Seeing the shocked look his adversary wore, Jason nodded;

"Oh, we knew you purchased the land and mill since shortly after the sale, but while you were busy congratulating yourself, we were busy protecting ourselves."

Relishing this particular aspect of his position with great pleasure, Barnabas reached into his jacket to withdraw a packet of papers before handing them to Kassandra as he explained;

"Miss Ever...I mean, Mrs. Kimberly, I believe these belong to you."

Noticing the look of intense concern on Carlin's face as Kassandra read over the documents, neither, Aaron or the Bolt brothers could help but smile in satisfaction as Kassandra looked at each in turn, her confusion and shock evident by the look of perplexity she wore as she shook her head;

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

Glancing to his brother's in law, Aaron requested;

"May I?"

At their eager nods of agreement, Jason made a sweeping motion with his hand in Carlin's direction;

"By all means, dear brother-in-law! After all, we have you to thank for having the foresight to set the wheels in motion to protect our interests."

Savoring the opportunity to put the man in his place, Aaron advised him;

"You see, Everston, I had several suspicions, especially when you had such detailed questions about the mill and logging camp. Admittedly, those suspicions became even stronger when you voiced your 'opinions' about Jemma's involvement in both businesses. So, that being the case and the fact that I had finally managed to convince Mr. Webster to relocate to Seattle, I wired him and set him to investigating my suspicions."

Motioning to the documents that Kassandra held, Aaron observed;

"And, as we can see, my suspicions were well-founded."

Narrowing his eyes in disgust, he lowered his voice;

"Apparently, ALL of my suspicions where you're concerned."

Carlin understood Aaron's unspoken statement, especially when he noticed the man's dark eyes dart worriedly towards his wife, Jemma, before cutting back to narrow even more menacingly in a warning. However, ever reckless when it came to overestimating his luck, Carlin realized that he had made a grievous error in judgment as his own eyes slid sideways to enjoy a brief, appreciative glance of Jemma. Any doubts that he had to the contrary of how careless he had been were soon eliminated as his eyes returned to meet Aaron's dark stare of intense hatred and determination as he hissed menacingly;

"I told you that day on the pier, Everston, THOSE types of thoughts where my wife is concerned will get you killed."

Having heard his brother-in-law's comment, Jason stepped forward and added his own opinion, especially given the man's earlier actions where Jemma was concerned, something that he knew his sister had been right to insist not be shared with her husband. His eyes narrowed and his mouth fixed firmly, Jason's, normally, booming voice took on a frightening quality as he lowered it to back Aaron's statement;

"Make no mistake, Mr. Everston, even if Aaron didn't deal with you for what you're THINKING where his wife is concerned, I can assure you, my brothers and I would make certain you regretted the day you were born where our sister is concerned."

Certain that they had made their positions clear, Aaron motioned towards the papers Kassandra held as he explained;

"As to what you're holding, Kassandra, those are the deeds to the land your father recently purchased and Mathew Balter's sawmill. Jason and I are still interested in purchasing them, I can assure you, we'll buy them from you for more than what your father paid so that you recoup what he spent and make a decent profit as well. However, if you decide not to sell, then we'd like to discuss some form of partnership with you."

Finding his reserve of discretion at an end with, what he considered the final insult, combined with the amount of liquor he had imbibed throughout the day and evening, Carlin turned to his daughter to sneer;

"YOU have been nothing but a disappointment since the day you were born, Kassandra Eve! The one thing that you COULD accomplish, considering you're just a woman, you failed even at that. Rather than marrying a man of means you married some lowly clerk with no future, I should have taken a friend of mine up on his offer when you were younger and send you to his 'finishing school' where you could have proven yourself very profitable."

Although the women within hearing distance were uncertain as to Carlin's exact meaning, given the man's sneer and tone of voice, Ward, as well as the other men knew all too well just what Kassandra's father meant by his statement. Seeing the pain brimming in his bride's eyes, Ward placed a gentle kiss on Kassandra's brow as he issued softly;

"Kassie, baby, I'm sorry."

Trying valiantly to hold back the tears to prevent her father from seeing just how he had hurt her, Kassandra's face reflected her puzzlement as she asked;

"For what?"

Placing himself between Kassandra and her father, Ward explained;

"For this!"

With that, Ward drew his right arm back and pushed forward with a right hook to Carlin's jaw, the momentum of which spun the man around, forcing him to brace himself against one of the tables to prevent him from falling to the floor. Giving the man a moment, Ward issued;

"Never, EVER come near my wife or me again. And so help me, if I catch you near Kassie or any children we may have you had better be prepared to meet your maker."

Seeing that he was about to argue, Kassandra shook her head;

"Don't waste your breath! As far as I'm concerned, from this day forward, I'm an orphan and the only decent parent I had was Mother."

Seeing the pain in his wife's eyes, Ward took Kassandra in his arms and led her to a table. Testing his jaw, Carlin chuckled in sick amusement as he ventured;

"And THIS, gentleman, is why women are nothing but trouble and should be kept in their proper place. When you allow them too much freedom you soon regret it, but fools that we are, we allow our heads to be turned by these 'creatures' with their feigned innocence and guile."

Allowing his eyes to roam over the shocked faces of Julie, Candy, Jemma, Biddie, and Lottie before bringing them back to stare pointedly at Jemma, Carlin lifted his hand as he pointed before accusing;

"And SHE should be burned at that stake as a witch! Considering the way she teases and tempts, but then hides behind her 'innocence', even though anyone with a brain in their head would know better. She asks, no begs, for the attention that any 'normal' man would pay to her, yet she makes it seem as if she's being victimized when she gets what she's been asking for. What woman would stand in front of a man, not her husband, half-dressed and soaking wet, her underthings nearly transparent the way she did if she wasn't wanting that man's attention?"

Mortified by the statement, Jemma defended;

"You make it sound as if I simply stripped off my dress and took a leisurely swim!"

Intent on stopping her father's slander, Kassandra came to stand by Jemma as she put her arm around her friend's shoulders protectively before testifying;

"FATHER! You know good and well that had you and I been paying the proper attention to Jacob that never would have happened. The ONLY reason Jemma was in her wet underclothes was that she jumped in to save Jacob from drowning and there's no way she could have swam in a long skirt or petticoat."

Focusing his eyes on Jemma, relishing how becoming he thought she looked in her present state of mortification and anger, Carlin pressed;

"I think she was glad for the incident, it gave her the opportunity she had been hoping for to show off what she had been blessed with, and despite her objections, she enjoys the attention of being able to flaunt herself so shamelessly behind the guise of saving her son's life."

Horrified at just the idea of what the man was accusing her of, Jemma cried out in anguish as she brought both hands up to cover her mouth. She was trying desperately hard to hold back the tears that she wanted desperately to cry, determined not to give Carlin Everston the satisfaction of seeing he had affected her in such a way. Even though all three Bolt brothers were incensed at the man's statement, before any of them could react, Aaron's natural instincts where his wife and children were concerned took over. He might well have been able to resist the temptation, however, always one to push his luck our of his arrogance, Carlin met Aaron's look of intense hatred with his own look of amusement as he challenged;

"Let me guess, Mr. Stempel, you'd love nothing better than to give me a good right hook."

Between the man's insult towards Jemma, the attitude towards women in general, the way he treated his daughter, and his conniving self-serving agendas, Carlin's taunt was the last straw as Aaron closed the gap between the two of them before shaking his head as he answered calmly;

"Actually? No."

Moving faster then anyone was able to comprehend, Aaron's left arm drew back and slammed forward as if it had been shot out of a cannon to connect with the left side of Carlin's jaw. Aaron's punch had packed enough power behind it that Carlin found himself looking up at the crowd around him from the floor. Seeking to clear his vision, Carlin gave a slight shake of his head as he looked up to find Aaron standing over him, still seething in anger as he was rubbing his fist before clarifying;

"I forgot to mention, I'm left-handed."

Motioning towards Jason, Aaron reached down and snatched Carlin's jacket front as Jason grabbed the man's arm to haul him up from the floor. Once he had him upright, Aaron held a death grip on Carlin's jacket as he stood toe to toe with the man;

"NOW! I want you to understand something, you're no longer welcome in Seattle, nor around any of the women, and definitely not around my wife."

Turning towards Clancey, who had stood at the ready should he be needed, Aaron demanded loudly;

"CAPTAIN CLANCEY! WHEN WILL YOU BE SETTING SAIL FOR SAN FRANCISCO?"

Clearing his throat, Clancey stepped forward;

"Given the circumstances, Mr. Stempel, as well as the cargo I'm sure that you be askin me to haul, at yer earliest convenience, sir. Will tomorrow evenin with the next high tide be alright with ya's?"

Nodding, Aaron glared at Carlin;

"If I were you, I'd be packed and on that ship. Oh, and by the way, Mr. Webster took the liberty of suggesting to Kassandra's attorney that, until she returns, your personal items will be waiting for you to pick up when you return but you'll be denied access or entrance to the house. Now, get the hell out of here and out of my sight, this is supposed to be a happy get-together and your presence is spoiling it."

With that, Aaron pushed the man away from himself before Carlin snatched a bottle from the bar and left the saloon. His chest rising and falling heavily as he tried to rein his temper under control, Aaron turned to face the one person, outside of their children, who could help him accomplish his goal. Her face still reflecting just how embarrassed she was over Carlin's words as well as the horror over his accusation that she was glad for what had taken place with Jacob, Aaron's temper immediately cooled as he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms protectively around her;

"It's alright, sweetheart, everyone knows that man for what he is, even his own daughter. Everyone knows how much we love our children and what a wonderful wife and mother you are. That man is sick and twisted and, sadly, he's trying to spread that poison by trying to blame his victims or, if he had of had his way, would-be victims."

Pulling back, oblivious to anyone else's presence, Aaron shook his head as he kept one arm wrapped around her waist while his free hand took her chin between his thumb and forefinger to beg;

"Don't let him make you a victim, love. I fought hard to keep that from being the case, please don't let my efforts be in vain."

After he brushed his lips against hers, Aaron brushed the stray tears from her cheeks as he asked solicitously;

"Are you alright now?"

Taking a deep breath, Jemma nodded before wrapping her arms tightly around her husband's middle as she laid her head against his chest. Waiting a moment she pulled away slightly to offer him a timid smile;

"I am now and thank you for doing all of this. Not just for Kassandra, but for me, and most especially what you've done for Biddie."

Turning they noticed that, now that the excitement was over with, Biddie and Barnabas were in a corner, obviously engaged in each other's company to the point that they were oblivious to anyone else's presence. Nodding, Aaron directed;

"You're most definitely welcome, Jemma love."

Noticing his attire, Aaron chuckled;

"Sweetheart, I'm going to run home and change into more appropriate clothes, alright?"

Seeing his point, Jemma giggled;

"I think that might be a good idea! Not that I don't find you attractive in your work clothes too. While you're gone I'll go tend to Alex and check on Jacob and Amie, honey."

Kissing the tip of her nose, Aaron's lips curled in a loving smile;

"Good! Because when I get back I intend to keep you busy on the dance floor, Jemma darlin."

Watching as he hurried through the saloon doors, Jemma turned as Jason and Julie approached;

"I'll be back in a few minutes, I need to take care of Alex, and check on Jacob and Amie."

Motioning towards the door, Jason demanded;

"Where's Aaron going?"

Placing her hand on her oldest brother's arm, Jemma explained;

"It's alright, he's just going to change into more appropriate clothes for the party."

Seeing that he was satisfied with her answer, Jemma reminded;

"I'll be right back."

Hurrying into Lottie's back parlor, Jemma could see that she was just in time as Alex's small face was beginning to scrunch up in irritation. Laughing lightly, Jemma teased;

"You're just like your Daddy, my little heart; when you're hungry you're hungry."

Taking her son in her arms she settled herself in the rocker in the secluded section of the parlor that Lottie had Ken fix for her, Candy and Julie for just such occasions as these. Holding her son close to her heart as he satisfied his hunger, Jemma cooed;

"Do you know just how proud I am of you, your big brother and sister, and most especially your Daddy, my sweet little angel?"

Noticing the intense way that her son stared at her, with eyes that mirrored his father's, Jemma sighed contentedly as she laid the baby against her shoulder to begin patting his back gently. Once she heard the small gurgle she readjusted the bodice of her dress before returning to the main part of the parlor where Christopher and Molly were trying to coax Amie with a piece of cookie. Noticing her daughter's agitation, Jemma eagerly seized on Molly's offer;

"Aunt Jemma, would ya like me to change Alex for you?"

Placing her son in Molly's arms, Jemma nodded before asking;

"Molly, has Amie been like this the whole time?"

Nodding as she began changing Alex's diaper, Molly explained;

"Yes, ma'am. Me and Christopher keep trying to get her to eat something from all the food that Aunt Lottie put back here for us, but she won't. Jacob keeps wanting more, but Amie just refuses and shakes her head, but she keeps saying something weird, I'm just not sure what it is though."

Worried, Jemma demanded;

"What is she saying, Molly?"

Furrowing her brow, as if trying to find the best way to say it, Molly tried to mimic;

"Well, it's kinda weird, but she says, 'bu ee'."

Thinking about the word, Jemma muttered;

"Bu ee?"

Hearing her mother say the word, Amie's eyes lit up as she grabbed the bars of her playpen to bounce up and down shouting excitedly;

"BU EE! BU EE! ONT BU EE!"

The thought suddenly struck Jemma; the last business trip that Aaron had made that took him away from home overnight, he had brought back presents for his family, and the present he had brought their daughter was a stuffed furry bunny rabbit, something that she had grown very attached to. Realizing what she was saying, Jemma nodded as she explained to Molly and Christopher;

"She wants her bunny that Uncle Aaron brought her from Tacoma the last time he went."

Glancing about the parlor, Jemma sighed in aggravation;

"Well, I know she had it when she left the house, she must have dropped it. Has she been out of the playpen?"

When both children shook their heads, Jemma realized that her daughter must have dropped the toy somewhere between the Stempel home and the side door to Lottie's parlor. Resigned to what she knew she had to do. Jemma placed her hands on her hips as she advised;

"Well, there's just no help for it! Amie must have dropped him between here and our house."

Seeing that Molly had Alex comfortable, Jemma asked;

"Molly, do you mind settling Alex for me, sweetie?"

At the little girl's nod of agreement, Jemma opened the door;

"Alright, thank you. I'm going to retrace the way between here and the house to see if I can find her bunny. I certainly hope I can find it, she's very attached to her stuffed rabbit."

Hurrying out the door, Jemma took slow deliberate steps, doing her best to remember exactly which way Jason had walked since he had been the one to carry Amie and Jacob from the house. She was about halfway back to the house, near the area near the dorm, thick with brush, trees, and a few shrubberies when she spotted the toy just under one of the wild ferns. Relieved she muttered;

"Oh, thank heavens! I don't know what Amie would do if she didn't have her bunny."

Before she could reach down to grab the toy, Jemma felt a strong arm wrap around her waist in a vice-like grip to pull her tightly against a wall of solid flesh as a hand clapped over her mouth, preventing her from screaming and nearly from breathing. Jemma felt true fear and panic as her suspicions and concerns were confirmed as she heard Carlin Everston's voice near her ear;

"I told you earlier, dearest Jemma, I would have been more than happy to offer you my 'services'. You should have taken me up on my generous offer, you would have enjoyed what's going to happen so much better because make no mistake, this is going to happen. Now, your enjoyment is hardly my concern, but I can promise you, I'll most assuredly enjoy myself when I find out just what it is that makes you so special, not to mention, I've been cheated out of what was rightly mine and since it was at the hands of your husband, it only seems fair that I enjoy something that's rightfully his. Don't you think, my dear? Besides, I have the feeling that if your passion is half what your beauty is, my patience will be well rewarded."

Jemma tried her best to fight, but given the difference between her and Carlin's sizes as well as the stranglehold he had around her waist and the effects she was beginning to feel from the lack of oxygen, she knew that her chances of winning against him physically weren't in her favor. Still, holding on to her stubbornness and her hope, Jemma prayed for divine intervention to stop Carlin Everston from carrying out his plan.