Times Are a Changing Chpt 1
Traditionally on Monday, the Bolt men would gather for breakfast at Lottie's before the beginning of a new work week. Since Aaron's marriage to Jemma, he was accepted into their breakfast club. Jeremy yawned and stretched his arms as he mentioned " I could use a weekend to recover from this weekend. Next weekend is sure to be even wilder. Ta Da, the wedding of Seattle's, oh let me correct that, Washington's most eligible bachelor." Jeremy and Josh shared their sideway glance smile which they have done since they were children when they were poking the bear, Jason. Josh stood with his coffee raised in his hand "Toast to all the broken hearts and tears which will be spent as Jason removes himself from the market." Jason looked over at Aaron "I guess it is your turn to say something regarding the end of my bachelorhood." Aaron continued to eat his breakfast as he said "I am sure there will be plenty of chances this week to get a jab at you. I can't say much since I lost my bachelorhood to your little sister and now the Bolts and I are permanently joined at the hip both monetarily and familial. How do you really feel, Jason?" He sat back and his sharp blue eyes peered at his companions and answered "Honestly, I could not be any happier. Correct that, if I was marrying Kathleen today, I would be happier. I had a good run but now it is time to move onto bigger and better things with the woman I have adored for 17 years. To celebrate, I am going to pick up the tab for the table." Josh smirked at his big brother "Funny, I thought it was your week to do just that." Jason winked at Josh, threw the payment on the table and as he rose he said " Let's hope for good weather for the next seven days. We have new people to get situated at their new assignments, let's go."
Aaron waved good bye as he headed towards the mill. Aaron was happy that the two companies were booked for close to a year but he was also concerned about being able to hire enough people to perform the work. As he approached the mill a beautiful vision awaited him. Jemma and April were outside of the office whatever concerns he had quickly evaporated . "To what do I owe the honor of you two greeting me at work." Jemma smiled "April was upset she didn't see you before you left for work." Aaron twisted his lips and lowered his head so his eyes stared directly at her and responded "I love the idea but think there is more to it. Why are you here?" Jemma giggled "You are just too smart for me. How would you feel about going to San Fran this weekend so you can participate in the meeting with Jason regarding all the new construction and our future homes?" Aaron shook his head "Jemma, you realize that we would literally be going on Jason's honeymoon. I know you are close but really? " Jemma put her arms around Aaron's waist "San Fran is a big city. They won't even know we are there except for the meeting. We will stay with your sister. I don't think we should tell them until we run into them on the ship." Aaron held his wife at arms length and questioned "This has all sort of catastrophe written on it. Why?" Jemma sighed "I really need an adventure. We keep saying we are going to San Fran. You want to be at this meeting. I think it would be fun to have another couple." Aaron shook his head again "I will think about it but don't get your hopes up."
Kathleen and Allyn arrived at the dormitory within seconds of each other to check on the patient. Allyn opened the door to the Pruitt's previous residence. It appeared the patient was feeling quite well as he was sitting up and Cassie was on the edge of the bed feeding him eggs. Both of the adult women felt a bit uncomfortable as the image of the Cassie and Johnathan felt a bit more intimate than nurse and patient. Kathleen sternly ordered Cassie off the bed and in the future she was to sit on a chair. Kathleen paced back and forth until Allyn had completed her check up. She cleared Johnathan for waking between the dormitory to Lottie's every two hours. Kathleen started "I am going to say this once. Missie, you are meant to be a nurse. Do not make me regret getting his and your father to agree to you acting as his nurse. I am riding up to your camp and hopefully getting your mother so we can all have a conversation over lunch. Until I return, I want that door opened into the dormitory and the curtains pulled back so everyone can see what is happening here if they should walk by. Understood." Cassie sheepishly asked " Are you bringing my papa?" Kathleen smiled and gently touched Cassie's face and whispered "Neither papas are being involved. I have waited seventeen years to marry Johnathan's father and nothing is going to stop it not even a crazy Scot and a crazy Greek. You did nothing wrong yet and I hope your mother and me can convince the two of you to put the brakes on your relationship a bit before you do something wrong."
Candy was cleaning up after breakfast and was now checking to make certain Molly and Christopher were ready for the new week of school. As the children reached for the door, Biddie knocked. Christopher had hoped to use Biddie's arrival as a reason to be late for school but Candy rushed the children out the door. Candy actually appeared more excited than her best friend who seemed to be floating in the air for the news of Sunday's services and the family picnic. Candy poured two cups of coffee and they sat at the table to exchange the exciting news. Biddie began to relay the tale of her Sunday with the Hales. Biddie began " Candy, it was wonderful. The girls wanted to sit between us." Candy looked concerned and questioned if they were attempting to keep them apart. Biddie rocked back in the chair and looked at the ceiling "No, it was nothing like that. They wanted us as bookends like many of the other families are. It really was quite sweet." Candy clapped her hands with happiness for her friend. Biddie continued " The picnic went very well. Rodger loved my cooking. The girls did a bit of exploring which gave us a chance to speak. Rodger said if he wasn't serious about us, he would not have me near his children." Candy and Biddie jumped up from the table and grabbed each other in shear excitement.
Lottie, Maggie and Clancy were making a list of supplies needed for the big day. It had been confirmed the governor was attending so the entire town was agreeable to assisting with the food and entertainment. Clancy was going to Olympia to refurbish supplies and booze so he had plenty of time to return. Clancy had already been at dock for over two weeks . In the past he would never stay that long but his relationship with the Bolts had deepened to the point he considered them family and he was not missing Jason's or Jeremy's weddings. Clancy was certain that Jason was going to be an old bachelor like himself. Suddenly, Clancy thought am I really an old bachelor, I have Lottie and now Maggie, throw in the Bolts ,I have a pretty damn great family. He said to himself that I am pretty content on land these days. Jason and Aaron had mentioned to him that should he decide to retire to please let them make an offer on his ship. Lottie approached Clancy "Hey fish face are you alright, You have a faraway look." He looked up and admired his lady friend " Lottie, how would you feel if I was around all the time and gave up the sea for a landlubber's life. Lottie replied "By now fish face, I thought you knew I am happy as long as you are happy. If you want to change that's great, if you want to stay the same I am happy as well."