Times Are A Changing Chpt5
Maggie was thrilled when the stagecoach driver announced that they were finally approaching Seattle. The ride home had been horrendous. The problems started with a man who was headed to Tacoma who was quite smitten with Maggie. She was certain that he could not have possibly bathe in a month. He managed to slither his body next to her, so it was close enough to touch and rub up against her. After numerous polite attempts to request he move a bit, she finally screamed at the top of her lungs causing the coach to stop. She explained her problem to the coachman who really wanted to ignore it but luckily everyone verified the man was purposefully handling her. At the next mail stop he was dropped off to await the next stagecoach. In addition, there was a woman with a colicky baby who was screaming a good part of the trip, but Maggie had sympathy for her and offered to hold the child to give the mother some rest. Last but not least was the horrid man with the cigars. It was obvious, he had no consideration for his fellow passengers as he kept lighting them up. The smoke and smell made it difficult to breathe. She had her eyes closed imaging her reunion with Josh. Granted she had only been gone for a day but it seems like a lifetime without seeing that heart-warming smile of his. First, she must get bath and clean clothes as she most definitely must smell of cigars and baby barf.
Right before they reached Seattle, one of the horses caught a stone in its hoof. The driver stopped to remove it, and everyone took a moment to stretch their legs. They were all standing there minding there own business when the older child of the woman with the baby saw something in the bushes and try to obtain a better look. Well, they all found out what was in the bushes, SKUNKS. Each and everyone of the passengers now reeked of skunk. Maggie found some revenge in the fact that the cigar smoking man was most upset. Maggie had never been skunked before this time, but she had heard it was an effort to rid oneself of the disgusting aroma. She had been so excited to see Josh now she might not even be able to see him today. They all boarded the stagecoach in despair now dreaming of bath. Maggie was lucky she was getting off at next stop but some of them were now on their way to Olympia which meant hours smelling like skunk.
Finally, she saw familiar buildings and the stagecoach stopped right in front of her mother's saloon. She was confident that Lottie would know how to eliminate the stench which covered her. She wondered how she would get past anyone in the bar without causing a disturbance. She thought this day may go down as one of the worse days of her life.
Upon hearing the coach's arrival, Jason rose to go assist her with any bags which she may have. Due to Jason's loud voice they were able to hear his part of the conversation but not hers. Jason practically screamed "Dear God, what happened to you, Maggie? It is the whole coach." Jason's laughter could be heard many said all the way to the camp. He managed to get around to asking if he could help her as he tried to keep his distance. She attempted to act angry, but she realized that if their roles were reversed, she would be laughing at him.
Jason struggled with the choice of telling her that everyone was inside waiting for her, but he decided to let the day play out without any interference on his part. He opened the door to Lottie's for her to enter. As soon as she realized the entire Bolt clan and her own family were sitting there, she decided to go down fighting after she gave Jason a look to kill. She proceeded to the table and bent over and kissed everyone as they gagged. Once the kisses completed, she inquired as to why they were all there except Josh. She grew concerned and asked if josh was okay. Aaron responded, "He is better than you." which received a swift kick from Jemma. Maggie inspected all their expressions and asked "What are you up to? You all look like children who got caught with their hands in the cookie jar right before dinner. Where is Josh?" Candy had started to laugh uncontrollably, followed by Jeremy. Jeremy pointed to the backroom and barely got out "He is in there and anxious to see you. Please go see him." Followed by more laughter. As she went into the backroom, Jason called over to Aaron "Was that normal enough for you?" Aaron was gasping for air through his laugher "Normal is relative. Am I surprised this happened with you and your family, no. Lottie, welcome to the insanity." Lottie was dismayed, perhaps "I should have stopped and told her". Jason hugged Lottie said "No, ten years from now, we will all be laughing just like we are now about this. I just hope she says yes. I just wish I could see Josh's expression."
Maggie's knees buckled and she fell to the floor when she saw Josh standing there looking like a knight in shining armor compared to her appearance and scent which was that of a scullery maid. He was concern when she fell so he ran to her. Josh exclaimed "Maggie, what did you get into a wrestling match with a bunch of skunks on the stagecoach." He assisted her to her feet laughing. "Maggie, you poor thing, you look absolutely exhausted." With tears rolling down her face she cried "Don't you make fun of me. I just had to walk the gauntlet in front of your and my family finding my misery amusing." Josh lovingly inspected the disheveled Maggie but along with amusement felt a great love. Josh picked up the flowers "Maggie, the fact that they laughed at you merely means that they consider you one of the family. I would like to complete the process of making you part of the Bolt clan. I have already gained permission from your mother." Josh bent down on one knee "Maggie, would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife. I love you, beautiful and even when you are a bit of a mess like now. Please say yes to becoming my wife and a member of that group out there who are anxious to welcome you." Maggie pushed away the tears from her face, she stared into his bright blue eyes and touch gently his blonde hair, with a giggle she pronounced " Josh, this has to be one of the craziest proposals but I love it and I love you. I would be a fool to not marry a man who would propose to a smelly dirty, woman with baby vomit on her." He stood up and placed the ring on her finger and kissed her passionately. Even Maggie was amazed that he was plowing through her stench to demonstrate his love. He gave her the flowers and even their scent could not put a dent in the spray of the skunks.
While the Bolts and Hatfields awaited the decision. Aaron and Clancy were attempting to get some of the Bolts to wager whether he actually proposes. Jeremy felt it was unfair to take their money since he knows Josh inside and out. Jeremy claimed that Josh was the most romantic of the three of men in the family. Jeremy stated "There is no way that Josh will let some mishaps which she had no control over change his course of action. I know my brother." Jason agreed totally with what Jeremy was stating.
The door opened and the couple entered the saloon holding hands. Josh smiling announced we are engaged, plan for a wedding around Christmas. Josh bet over and kissed Maggie passionately. The kiss caused Jason, Aaron, Jeremy, Clancy and Johnathan to cringe while all the women went "ah".
Aaron suggested all the men relocate to his home to celebrate while the women assisted Maggie become more comfortable. Aaron's suggestion was acceptable by all. As they left the bar, Aaron turned to Jason "Would you kiss Kathleen like that if she was in that shape." Jason placed his hand on Aaron's shoulder "Of course I would, after they found me." Aaron smiled and shook his head in agreement.