Times Are A Changing Chpt3
Josh took a detour on his way to Lottie's. He found himself at a spot where his brothers and he would fish with their father while his mother would sit on the shore playing with baby Jemma. This particular spot somehow simultaneously felt happy and sad. He remembered his mother as fair skinned, wavy blonde hair with bright blue eyes exactly like his father and all of her children. Her personality a strange paradox of extremely gentle and hard as nails. One had to be tough to survive in Seattle at that point. Josh realized now how lonely it must have been for her, a young girl from a foreign land with her husband and her young children as her sole company until Lottie arrived two years prior to her death. Josh and his siblings grew up fairly isolated, they depended upon each other. No one could figure out where Jason got his larger than life personality considering the first 8 years of his life, he was alone except for his parents. As much as Jason was an identical reflection of their father, Josh was a reflection of their mother. Josh believed that he was his mother's favorite. He remembered placing his head in her lap while she would play with his hair while reading to him. He was in no way prepared for her death even though Jason had try to prepare him. His father fell apart for a good three months, Jason and Josh took responsibility for the family and the business. Jason went to work at 15, Josh help his father keep things running at the house. Jason insisted that Josh maintain his attendance at school. He reflected on the fact that just as his father got back full steam, Duncan and his grandfather insisted on Jason being sent to Scotland for his college education. Josh remembered it was the first time he was terrified. He loved his father but Jason had become the backbone of the family. Jason had fought the decision. Josh remember Jason had cried when he was leaving as he was uncertain how they all would survive.
Josh finally asked himself why he was reminiscing about sad times when he was about to ask the woman he loved to marry him. He supposed it was natural to wonder if his mother would love Maggie as he did. He would see to it that she would never have the sad lonely life that he imagines his mother had, His mother would be happy that she was Lottie's daughter since in the last year of her life, Lottie had been a great friend. He took the family heirloom ring out of his pocket and admired it. He couldn't understand why they didn't sell the jewelry during any number of times when they struggled financially. Josh smirked as he could hear Jason in his head telling Josh that he was the practical one of their brood. At this moment, Josh was proud to have this piece of family history and he was grateful that Jason had not made him aware of its existence because he is certain that he would have argued to sell it. He pocketed the ring and imagine his family gathered there one more time as he turned toward the town and wished his mother and father were there for this big step in his life.
Candy was having an exceptional time being a hostess to Biddie and the Hales. Biddie had baked a chocolate on chocolate cake as requested by the four children. Candy appeared to be dancing around the room with her feet barely touching the ground as she poured coffee and milk for her family and guests. Suddenly the mood changed when Jeremy announced that he promised to meet his brothers at Lottie's. You work with your brothers and until a couple of weeks ago you lived with your brothers, so you need to stay here." Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck as he could feel the muscle tightening. He looked at his bride "I am happy to have company but you might need to tell me in advance. Tonight is a bad night and I need to go to Lottie's." Jeremy recognized Candy's expression and knew that he was in trouble though he felt it was unfair. Candy was turning red and she was biting her lip "Well, you made arrangements for going out without speaking to me." Jeremy responded "Touche'" Rodger chimed in " Listen , it was a wonderful evening so don't ruin it with a fight. We can go. It is getting to be bed time for the girls anyway. Believe me when I say this is nothing that all newlyweds don't survive, you just need on checking with each other before scheduling anything. It is not that hard." Biddie touched Candy's arm to verify that she was okay.
Biddie left with Rodger and the girls. She inquired "Did we cause their fight?" Rodger shook his head "Growing pains. When you are single, you have to make plans not to interfere with each other's schedule. For some reason when people get married, they forget the other person use to have plans also. They will be fine. Thank you for inviting us and your cake was out of this world." Biddie coyly smiled "Not trying to be pushy but I enjoy cooking for you and the girls." Rodger laughed "We enjoy you feeding us." The four of them were in front of the dorm, Rodger said "Close your eyes girls" as he took Biddie in his arms and kissed her good night.
Jason was relaxing after a wonderful pot roast dinner with Kathleen. He was drinking his coffee with Nosey curled up on the chair with him. After cleaning the dishes Kathleen leaned over her soon to be husband and kissed the top of his head full of curls. She laughed "You know that you are spoiling my dog, Mr. Bolt. As I remember you use to lecture me that they belong outside." Jason smiled up at his fiance' as he pat the head of the dog, he reminded her "When we return from our honeymoon, we can get the other collie puppy." Kathleen curled up on Jason's lap and passionately kissed him "Thank you for you remembering my love of dogs especially my collies." Kathleen's eyes enlarged as she jokingly stated " I am a very jealous woman, the dogs must love me the most as you must love me the most." Jason's eyes lit up "I would be glad to show you how much I love you right now if you like." Kathleen shook her head " What am going to do with you?" Jason laughed out loud "I can think of a few things but right now we need to go see our boy and go to Lottie's."
As they walked into town Jason's discussion turned to Johnathan. He was amazed at how quickly he was recovering. Kathleen stopped walking and looked at Jason "How would you feel if he didn't want to be a logger? " Jason gently held Kathleen by her arms "I am not surprised. It is a bit of a game for him now but I can tell it is not his destiny. So what does he think is his destiny?" She replied "He wants to be a doctor and Allyn is excited. She sees him being one of Seattle's first doctors at the new hospital." Jason chuckled "Well, that is getting a bit ahead of ourselves but I say go for it. You know if I hadn't been buried with all the responsibilities, I would have loved to been a college professor for literature. I could see myself talking about books all day." Kathleen sadly took his hand " I thought you loved being a logger." Jason smiled at her expression " I do. I have no regrets. I am proud when I see how my siblings turned out and I played a major role. The business is booming and I am proud of that as well" Jason took her hand "We better get in town for a possible surprise and I want to poke my head in and say hello to Johnathan."
Johnathan was thrilled to see his parents. As he healed, he was becoming progressively more antsy. He felt he was ready for more freedom to roam. When he discovered that his parents were headed for Lottie's, he begged that he and Cassie be able to go. Jason agreed on one condition, no drinking. Johnathan's response "I don't think I an ever going to drink again." Jason had a hearty laugh after which he responded "Believe me when I say that you will say that you are never going to drink many times but you will break that vow."
The four of them arrived at Lottie's to find Jeremy sitting at the table with Jemma and Aaron. Jeremy looked quite chagrined. When Jason inquired if he was alright, Aaron volunteered "first newlywed fight."
Jason pulled a table over so the party of seven could sit together. "Jason looked at Jeremy "Has anything happened yet?" Jeremy annoyed answered "He is not even here." "Kathleen, Johnathan, Cassie by any chance do you know why we are here?" asked Aaron. They all shook their heads, no. Aaron continued "You all seem fairly happy except Jeremy but his mood is due to Candy. Does this have to do with Josh starting his law career pursuit?" Jason sat back in his chair, crossed his arms on his chest "Aaron, I am afraid you are going to have to wait like everyone else and find out.
Just then the door opened and there stood Josh. Kathleen called over "You look very handsome, Joshua but I doubt that is for us." Aaron noticed that he had 2 bouquets of flowers and decided one must be for Lottie. Aaron with little discretion loudly stated "You are going to propose." Jason kicked his chair almost knocking Aaron "Maybe he wants to do the proposing not having you announce it to everyone."
From behind the bar, Ken informed Josh that Lottie was upstairs. He turned to the group and shot off a little salute. "Wish me luck" he was off to talk to Lottie.