CHAPTER 1
*DISCLAIMER: Although I do not own the rights to the main characters from the television series; Here Come The Brides, I DO claim rights to the original character of Jemma Bolt Stempel and any other original characters appearing in this or any other work I've written based off the series, and they may not be used in any other work without my express permission.
Even though it was the month of July in Seattle the weather was pleasantly mild for the time of year, a fact that Candy Pruitt was grateful for as she and the other ladies worked on the dresses for her and Jeremy Bolt's upcoming wedding. Although Candy knew that her dream of marrying Jeremy was about to become a reality, she still couldn't quite get over the, almost, surreal state of mind that she had been experiencing since Jeremy had formally proposed to her. Even though most girls might have well resented the timing of the proposal that she had received, Candy felt that the timing made the proposal even more special, especially after Jeremy had explained his reasoning behind his motivation;
"Candy, I know that I've asked you to marry me before, but I wanted the time that you said yes to be very special, and I couldn't think of a better way for us to remember the day that you formally agreed to become my wife and join our family then for it to be the day that Pixie's children were born. That way, each year we celebrate their birthdays and what a blessing that day was to our family, we also celebrate the day you agreed to bless our family by marrying me."
Considering the close relationship that she shared with Jeremy's sister; Jemma Bolt Stempel, or 'Pixie' as she was affectionately referred to by her brothers, Candy couldn't help but feel honored to be included in such a special day, especially given the fact that she had been present and helped in the delivery of Jemma's twins. Allowing her thoughts to continue on their present path, Candy glanced over to Julie Stempel Bolt, her other future sister in law and, more importantly, a close friend; Julie had been something of a shock to Seattle, not to mention the Bolt family.
Everyone had been shocked at what they thought had been a whirlwind romance between Aaron Stempel and Jemma Bolt. A romance that was in actuality a two-year courtship between the two that no one had been aware of except for Lottie Hatfield and Helen Dalton. Helen had only become aware of the fact because of her obsession with trying to find any information that would sully Jemma's reputation. However, the shock over Jason Bolt and Julie Stempel's courtship and marriage was an even bigger surprise to Seattle's populace.
Given that their interest in each other had begun out of Julie's determination to show her brother that he could not continue to control her life, despite a stipulation in their father's will, Candy couldn't help but chuckle at the idea that, in trying to trick Aaron into releasing her share of their inheritance, the two had managed to trick themselves into falling in love with each other. Candy realized that her amusement must have been evident as she noticed Jemma and Julie looking at her strangely as Jemma demanded;
"Alright, Candy, what's so funny? If something is amusing you should share it, we always do."
Blushing somewhat, Candy confessed;
"I don't know if you and Julie will find it as amusing as I do, especially since it centers around you two."
Hearing the statement, Lottie's head shot up from where she had been concentrating on the hem of Candy's little sister; Molly's, flower girl dress to venture;
"Oh, then you HAVE to tell us now, Candy."
Glancing up from her own task and always eager for a bit of good gossip, Biddie Cloom, one of the brides who came from New Bedford with Candy, nodded eagerly;
"Oh my heaven's yes, by all means, we'd love to hear what's so amusing."
Her mouth becoming a straight, thin line, Candy sighed as she observed;
"I was just thinking about how, so far, mine and Jeremy's courtship has been the most normal that the Bolt family has had unless Josh breaks that trend."
Turning to look at each other in amusement, Julie and Jemma both wore matching looks of amusement as Jemma ventured;
"Candy Pruitt! Now why in the world would you say that our courtships weren't normal?"
Raising one arched eyebrow in disbelief, Candy couldn't help but challenge good-naturedly;
"Jemma Stempel, why would you say they weren't? Think about it; Aaron courted you for, how long, and you didn't even realize it? Not to mention, how long was it that you were secretly engaged before Aaron approached Jason? And let's not forget that memorable marriage proposal that you received, the night before your wedding, I might add."
Finding humor in the observation, Julie couldn't help but laugh;
"She definitely has a point."
Disbelief lighting her blue eyes, Candy laughed;
"Julie, your and Jason's was even more unconventional. I mean, you two tricked Aaron into releasing your inheritance by making him think that you were in love and getting married; the funny part is that you two really did fall in love. Although, you were both stubborn about admitting it, but thankfully, you finally did."
Noticing the stunned looks on both women's faces, Candy worried that she had offended, not only, her sisters in law to be, but two of her closest friends as well. However, Candy's fears were unfounded as both women turned to each other before bursting out in laughter as Julie quipped;
"I blame you and my brother; you two started the trend."
Shaking her head, Jemma retorted;
"But, in our defense, Aaron and I weren't as stubborn about admitting that we loved each other as you and Jason were."
Lottie sat, her chin resting in her hand as she addressed Candy;
"Actually, Candy, for Seattle, and especially for Bolts and Stempels, their courtships were fairly normal."
Jemma laughed as she placed her hand on Candy's shoulder;
"Face it, Candy, this is Seattle and you're marrying a Bolt, your definition of normal is about to change forever."
Offering a slight chuckle, Candy ventured;
"Oh, I learned that my first year in Seattle, Jemma."
Turning to Julie she couldn't help but ask;
"Do you think that's true, Julie?"
Shrugging, Julie answered;
"Well, Candy, Jason and I have only been married for, almost, three months now, so I'm not certain that I can give you an accurate answer. However, what I can tell you is that there's never a dull moment."
Concern wrinkling her brow, Jemma turned serious as she demanded;
"Candy, are you sure that you're alright with Jacob and Amie's christenings in between your engagement party and your wedding? This is a time that is supposed to be about you and Jeremy, I feel like my little one's are stealing some of your thunder."
Taking Jemma's hand in her own, Candy couldn't help but smile warmly as she reminded;
"They are my niece and nephew too, well almost, and their christening is just as important as mine and Jeremy's wedding. Besides, Jeremy knew when he asked me on the day they were born that they would need to be christened, and I don't mind sharing the limelight with two such adorable little attention thieves."
Relieved, Jemma turned her attention to Biddie;
"Biddie, how are we coming with everything for the engagement party?"
Consulting her notebook, Biddie nodded her own satisfaction with the progress as she gave her report;
"Why everything is coming along just wonderfully, including everything for the party at Lottie's afterward for the twins' christening."
Jemma couldn't help but shake her head as she sighed;
"Oh, Biddie, thank you, but it's not as if they'll remember the party. I'm not sure just who this party is really for; Jacob and Amie, their father, or Seattle."
Tying off the last stitch of her sewing, Lottie waved her hand as she observed good-naturedly;
"Why, sweetie, didn't you know? This party is for all three; the twins, Aaron, AND Seattle."
Lifting her eyes, Lottie cast a sly glance at Jemma as she ventured;
"Although I'm certain that you don't mind having a chance to show your little tykes off a bit."
Jemma couldn't help but look taken aback as she spread her hands in gesture;
"Lottie Hatfield, I'm surprised at you! You know good and well that I'm proud of my children, it's just that this party seems a little much for two small babies."
Rising from her chair Lottie approached the bassinet to gaze lovingly at the two occupants. Lottie loved children, having been robbed of the opportunity to raise her own child, she naturally doted on them. She had been trusted by many in Seattle when it came to delivering or helping to deliver the newest residents to Seattle's population; however, Jemma and her children held a special place in Lottie's heart. She had been Julietta Bolt, Jemma's mother's, best friend and when she had gone into early labor and there was no one who could or would help, Lottie had been there to help the frightened woman bring Jemma into the world, as well as helping her brother raise her and her brothers after their parents' deaths.
While she loved all children, there was denying the special place that Jemma's son and daughter held in her heart, having helped bring them into the world just as she had done their mother almost twenty-one years before. Studying the two sleeping infants now, Lottie couldn't help but find herself amazed as she remarked;
"I know I say this almost every time I see these two, but I swear, I can't get over just how much Jacob looks like Aaron and Amie looks like you, Jemma."
Julie, seeing the look of pride in her sister in law's eyes and the slight smile that graced her mouth, couldn't help but remark;
"Face it, Jemma, you're just as proud of those two as Aaron is. Not to mention, considering just how long it took my brother to marry, and the fact that they're half Bolt, half Stempel, there was just no way around having a big party for them."
Nodding eagerly, Biddie ventured;
"Oh, my heaven's yes, why we just couldn't not have a party to celebrate the little angels' christening. Besides, everything has already been planned and it would be ever so much a shame if we canceled it."
As if the thought had just suddenly struck her, Biddie's eyes grew wide in fear as she demanded;
"Oh, Jemma, you're not thinking of canceling the party are you? Why just think of how disappointed everyone would be."
Holding her hands up in a gesture of surrender, Jemma begged;
"Calm down, Biddie. I PROMISE, we're not going to cancel the party, especially not after all of the work and trouble that everyone has gone to."
Deciding to get Biddie back on track, Julie asked;
"Do we have everything lined up for the party tomorrow night, Biddie?"
Clasping her hands together excitedly, Bidding nodded eagerly;
"Oh, my stars yes."
Waving her hand about the saloon, she detailed;
"Everything here is decorated and all the food that could be prepared beforehand has been, the rest will be taken care of tonight or in the morning and the cake..."
Glancing towards Jemma, who motioned towards the counter before finishing her statement;
"Is ready and waiting. Of course, that's provided I can keep my husband and brothers from trying to sneak a piece of it before tomorrow night."
Seeing the curious looks, Jemma nodded;
"Yes, I've already made the one for my babies' party too."
Rolling her eyes she quipped;
"Do you have ANY idea of just how hard it is to hide not one, but TWO cakes from those four?"
Laughing, Candy observed;
"Well, that's what you get for being so good at baking."
Lottie decided that it was time to stop skirting around the elephant in the room as she demanded;
"So, have you all had anymore word from Duncan?"
Busying herself with gathering glasses for everyone as well as the lemonade that she had made for their get together, Jemma shook her head as she sighed heavily;
"No, nothing except that telegram that we received letting us know he was going to be arriving, but no idea as to exactly when."
Facing Jemma, Lottie folded her arms on the countertop as she ventured;
"You're nervous about his arrival, aren't you, sweetie?"
Shrugging nonchalantly as she made her way to the table with the tray, Jemma quipped;
"Who? Me? Nervous? I mean just because he has no idea that I'm married, let alone to whom I'm married, oh and let's not forget that I have two children; now why on earth would I be nervous?"
Filling each glass, Jemma steered the topic in a different direction;
"Candy do you have your dress ready for tomorrow night?"
Before Candy could answer Jacob and Amie let their need for their mother's attention be loudly known. Eager to help with the infants, Biddie offered;
"Jemma, I could help you with them if you'd like."
Grateful, Jemma nodded as she lifted her daughter from the bassinet;
"Thank you, Biddie, that would make it much easier for me to feed them."
Biddie happily took Jacob in her arms and followed Jemma to Lottie's back parlor, leaving Candy, Julie, and Lottie to their discussion as Candy gave a slight shake of her head;
"I think that was her way of saying she didn't want to discuss it; or am I wrong?"
Setting her glass on the table, Lottie confirmed;
"No, Candy, you're not wrong. But we all know that if she doesn't want to discuss something, wild horses don't have a chance of dragging it out of her."
Candy ventured hopefully;
"Maybe she's not as worried as we think she is."
Julie shook her head;
"No, she's definitely worried. Jason and I were discussing it last night, as a matter of fact, and he told me that Jemma asked him point-blank what could happen if Uncle Duncan were to raise a fuss over her and Aaron's marriage. Not to mention, Jason said that he's worried because he knows just how upset Jemma would be if Duncan DOES raise a fuss."
Holding her hands together, as if in prayer, in front of her mouth, Candy's eyes widened as she realized aloud;
"And if Jemma gets upset..."
Glancing towards Lottie, who was wearing a knowing look, she wasn't surprised when Lottie gave voice to the remainder of her thought;
"Then Aaron's going to get upset, and if that happens, I can promise you that it won't be a warm family moment."
Placing both of her hands flat on the tabletop, Candy decreed;
"Well, then, Ladies, we just have to make sure that Duncan behaves himself and doesn't upset his niece; or her husband."
Offering the young woman a cynical look, Lottie couldn't help but point out;
"Candy, your enthusiasm is to be admired, but just exactly how you think we're going to be able to rein in that crazy Scotsman's behavior is beyond me."
Jeremy stood before the mirror, inspecting his face to make certain that he had shaved closely enough, studying his reflection he couldn't quite believe that he was about to become a married man. Searching his face carefully, he realized that it still seemed as if a boy was looking back at him as opposed to a grown man just turned twenty-five. Noticing his brother, Joshua's, thoughtful look as he offered him a towel to wipe the last of the shaving soap from his face, he demanded;
"Alright, somethings on your mind, so what is it?"
Giving a slight shake of his head, Josh offered;
"The truth? I just find it hard to believe that my kid brother is about to get married. I was just remembering when you and Pixie were little and how you would take her with you wherever you went until you started school. And now, here Pixie's married with two children of her own, Jason and Julie will probably be having one or two of their own anytime now, and you're about to get married."
Josh couldn't help but shrug;
"Just a lot to take in I guess."
Slapping his brother on the shoulder, Jeremy ventured;
"Well, that just leaves you, Josh. Any ideas on who the lucky lady you settle down with might be?"
Josh couldn't help but sigh in aggravation;
"I haven't even thought about it, Jeremy. It seems to me that every time I've considered settling down, it's ended in disaster, so I think that I'll just take my time. Besides, I'm willing to bet that, since you and Jason are settled, it won't be long before there's a new generation of Bolts; just look at Pixie, she had two babies at one time."
Deciding to change the course of the conversation, Josh ventured;
"So how do you think things will go when Uncle Duncan arrives?"
Jeremy couldn't help but give a slight shake of his head as he finished buttoning his shirt;
"Hopefully, it will go well. As long as he doesn't try to 'help' us at the logging camp this time, we should be fine."
Josh pinned his brother by the knowing look in his eyes as he challenged;
"Jeremy, you know that wasn't what I was referring to."
Glancing in the mirror at his brother as he worked on his tie, Jeremy sighed in resignation, knowing there was no way around the topic;
"Yes, Joshua, I do, but I was sort of hoping that we might be able to table the topic, at least for tonight."
Jeremy wasn't surprised, when he saw the determined look in his brother's eyes, that he became somewhat insistent;
"Jeremy, remember what you and Candy went through over that whole dowry issue because of 'tradition'? Just what do you think Pixie's in for? He has no idea that she got married, not to mention what he's going to say when he finds out to who, and let's not forget that there are a couple of other things that might get a rise out of him; such as our niece and nephew. Given she's the ONLY Bolt female at the moment, I have a feeling this is not going to be pleasant, at least not for her and Aaron."
Although he had no wish to discuss the matter, at least not that night, Jeremy had done little else but consider just what his sister might well have to deal with, something that, given his protective nature over her, he couldn't help finding himself aggravated at the idea of how their uncle might very well act towards their sister. Meeting his brother's worried gaze, Jeremy pleaded;
"Josh, I know that his visit might be less than peaceful, especially for Pixie, but I also know that we'll figure it out. Let's enjoy tonight, especially since we're celebrating mine and Candy's wedding coming up, I promise I'm just as concerned about Pixie and Uncle Duncan as you, Jason, Aaron, and everybody else, but I want to enjoy tonight and not think about anything but Candy, our wedding, and Jacob and Amie's christening."
Understanding the reason for his younger brother's plea, Josh clasped his brother's shoulder;
"You're right, Jeremy, let's go pick up your fiancee for the evening."
Chuckling, Jeremy couldn't help but ask;
"Alright, so who's the lucky girl that has the pleasure of your company tonight, brother?"
Shaking his head as he opened the door, Josh offered a simple;
"No one, Jeremy. I decided that I wasn't going to take a date tonight, I'd much rather go stag. That way, I can dance with whoever I want without some pretty little bride getting her nose out of joint because I did."
Jeremy couldn't help but stare after his brother as he left the cabin, perplexed by his recent behavior. Josh had never been overly serious when it came to his courting of the brides, although he had been serious a time or two, those instances had never seemed to work out, but still, given his rather serious nature Jeremy had always thought that when his brother met 'the one', that he would settle down. However, he couldn't help but notice, thanks to his sister's observations, that ever since Jason's wedding, Josh seemed to have become more carefree and blasé when it came to dealing with women in his life; the only exceptions in that trend were the relationships he had with his sister, sister in law, and Lottie. Deciding to heed his earlier plea to his brother and table the discussion of anything aside from the joyous events that were going to be taking place over the next couple of weeks, Jeremy pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind as he followed behind Josh to make his way to the brides' dorm to pick up his fiancee for their engagement party.
Julie Stempel Bolt slid the last pin into place in her hair before checking her appearance in her dressing table mirror. Satisfied with her efforts, she searched through her jewelry box and was securing her earrings when she heard the connecting door from their bedroom to the washroom open as her husband crossed the room to the full-length mirror as he began working on his tie. Allowing his eyes to roam over his wife's reflection in the glass, Jason drank in his fill of her beauty before allowing a loving and tender smile to lift the corners of his mouth;
"Julie sweet, you look absolutely beautiful, if anyone didn't know it they'd mistake you for the bride."
Approaching her husband, Julie wrapped her arms about his waist as she laid her head against his back to offer a slight laugh;
"Well, darling, we've only been married just under three months so technically, I am still a bride. But in this case I'm just not THE bride; Candy is."
Nodding as he finished securing his tie, Jason turned to wrap his arms about his wife before venturing;
"And it's high time that she is, but considering the ups and downs that she and Jeremy have faced and given how young they are, I can understand why they waited."
Amused by part of his observation, Julie couldn't help but remind him;
"Jason, Jeremy is only a year or so younger than I am and DEFINITELY older than Jemma. But you didn't seem to be concerned about my youth, or hers, once you accepted her marrying my brother that is."
Tilting his head to the side, Jason pointed out;
"Julie love, there's a vast difference between you and me, Pixie and Aaron, and Jeremy and Candy getting married."
Curious, Julie couldn't help but ask;
"How so?"
Slackening his hold slightly so that he could look into his wife's eyes so that she could see his sincerity, Jason explained;
"Well, take us for example; we both knew that we loved each other but we both had to come to terms with it and when we confessed to each other we knew that what we both wanted was to spend our lives together and that we were the one person that each other couldn't imagine not spending our lives with."
Acknowledging the truth of his statement, she pressed;
"And Jemma and Aaron, what makes their case different?"
Considering her question for a moment, Jason finally offered;
"In Pixie and Aaron's case and despite her age and the difference in their ages, they had been in love for quite sometime before Aaron even proposed, and they waited for a couple of years before they did marry. Add to that, Jemma has always been a very level headed girl, even if there might have seemed like there were times when that wasn't the case she has still always had a method to her madness. I knew good and well that what they had was real and true love, because had it been just a flight of fancy there's no way that the two of them would have held on as long as they did to be married."
Having already guessed her next question, Jason continued;
"Now as far as Jeremy and Candy; they're very level headed but they've also had a lot to deal with and to adjust to since deciding that they wanted to marry; the death of Candy's mother, and, of course, Molly and Christopher. Candy wanted to be sure that Jeremy understood just what he would be taking on with a ready-made family by marrying her, and I think that she was wise for doing that. And, given just how Jeremy has stood by her and made himself a part of the children's lives as well, there's no doubt of just how much they love each other."
Julie couldn't help but concede her husband's point as she looped her arms about his neck;
"Do you know something, Jason Bolt? I hope that, when we have them, our children are as smart as you are."
Kissing the tip of her nose, Jason couldn't help but smile;
"And hopefully, Julie Bolt, they will be as beautiful as you are."
Kissing her soundly he motioned towards the door before venturing;
"Shall we, sweet?"
Aaron sat on the bed keeping his son and daughter occupied while Jemma finished dressing. He still couldn't get past the realization of just how much their son and daughter had seemed to change his and Jemma's life. When they had learned they were going to be parents, although they took the matter seriously and began preparing for their child, as it turned out, children's arrival, it still seemed surreal. However, everything changed the moment he saw his wife holding their children just after they were born, and even more so after they were put into his arms for the first time. Shaking his head he couldn't help but state;
"Do you two know something? Daddy still can't believe that, when Mommy told me you were on your way, I couldn't imagine what life would be like when you got here. Now, I can't imagine how Mommy and I would ever get through life without you two."
Jemma stood quietly in the washroom doorway with her arms crossed and a contented and happy smile on her face as she watched her husband playing with their children. Quietly, she crossed the space to place her hands on Aaron's shoulders as she leaned over his shoulder to place a kiss on his cheek before placing her lips close to his ear;
"You know something, my darling husband, if anyone could see you like this with our children, they would never believe that gruff exterior that you show to everybody."
Making certain that their children were far enough in the middle of the bed, Aaron turned to wrap his arms around her waist before pulling his wife onto his lap as he reminded;
"You mean to everybody but you, don't you, sweetheart?"
Wrapping her arms about his neck as he took possession of her mouth, Jemma couldn't help but smile as they heard a slight cooing sound like a tiny giggle. Turning to glance at their children, Jemma laughed as she reminded;
"Careful, love, remember that's how we found ourselves the parents of twins."
Glancing at the mantel clock, Jemma sighed;
"As much as I'm enjoying our 'conversation', honey, we do have an engagement party that we need to attend tonight."
Giving her a slight push to help her up from his lap, Aaron couldn't help but remark, the pride obvious in his voice;
"Sweetheart, you look stunning."
Despite giving birth to twins just a month before the only evidence of her pregnancy was a slight roundness to her hips that comes from giving birth, and a slight increase in her bust, from nursing her children. However, unless someone knew beforehand that she was a mother, they would never believe that was the case. He couldn't help but be amazed by her appearance; she had chosen to wear the dress that she had worn as Julie's matron of honor when she was almost seven months along, and thanks to Miss Essie's talent with needle and thread, she was able to wear the dress whether she was expecting or not and, as flattering as the gown had been when she was expecting, it was a true wonder as she wore it now. Studying her reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but glance towards the bed, watching the wonder on the babies' faces as they became fascinated, having discovered their fingers, before turning back to his wife as she was trying to fasten the string of pearls that he had given her just before discovering that she was expecting. Stepping up behind her, Aaron took the ends of the necklace to fasten it for her as he placed a gentle kiss on the side of her graceful neck before praising;
"Jemma love, I know what you'll say when I say this, but I don't care; as far as I'm concerned, you are going to be THE most beautiful woman at that party tonight."
Turning to wrap her arms around his waist, Jemma tilted her head back to look into her husband's eyes before offering him a coy smile;
"You do realize, love, that flattery can get you everywhere, don't you?"
Brushing the back of his fingers against her cheek, Aaron offered his wife a mischievous, grin;
"Everywhere? Hmm, I like the doorway of possibilities that statement opens up, darlin."
Laughing softly as she stretched to give him a sound kiss Jemma reminded;
"Not that I'm slamming the door shut on you, but for the moment, we do need to close it so that we can get to Lottie's."
Turning towards their bed, Jemma took their daughter in her arms;
"Are you ready for your very first Seattle party, baby girl?"
Chuckling as he picked up their son, Aaron couldn't help but laugh;
"Well, son, I'm willing to bet that we're going to have to fight to keep the ladies away from you tonight."
Hurrying down the staircase, Aaron escorted his family for their first family outing and Seattle's first chance to see his and Jemma's children.
Candy sat, curiously, calm as Biddie finished arranging her hair. Studying her friend's reflection in the mirror, Biddie couldn't help but shake her head;
"Candy, I simply don't understand just how you can manage to look so calm when you're about to go to your engagement party and then, next week, you and Jeremy will be married."
A calm and serene smile gracing her face, Candy nodded;
"I know, Biddie, but when you know that something is right then you have no fear or worry over it."
Turning to face her friend, Candy vowed;
"And Jeremy and I know that this is what's right for us, Biddie."
Biddie couldn't help but smile warmly at her friend as she gushed;
"Well, Candy, if you're even half as beautiful on your wedding day as you are right now, well all I can say is that Jeremy Bolt had just better count his blessings."
Biddie couldn't help but shake her head as she offered;
"But considering that I know you're going to look even more beautiful that day, he's definitely going to be a blessed man."
Giving her reflection a final inspection as she put on her earrings, Candy couldn't help but feel giddy
as there was a light knock on the outside door to the room that she shared with Molly and Christopher, her younger brother and sister. Rising from the chair as Biddie opened the door she faced her fiancee with a shy smile as she asked haltingly;
"Do I look alright?"
Jeremy could only stare at her, his mouth slightly open in awe; Biddie had arranged her hair in a crown of ringlets with a few falling down in the back and the periwinkle blue silk gown she wore set off the blue in her eyes to perfection. Approaching her, Jeremy couldn't contain the broad smile of pride that lit his features as he took her hand in his and, oblivious to Biddie's presence, gave his fiancee a sound and full kiss before praising;
"You look more than alright, you're absolutely beautiful, Candy. You always have been, I don't think that there's another woman in Seattle who can touch just how beautiful you are."
Lifting her eyes in a, somewhat, haughty manner, Candy quipped;
"As beautiful as Jemma and Julie?'
Seeing the panicked look in Jeremy's eyes at the thought of how to appropriately answer her question, Candy couldn't hold her look as she laughed before placing her hand against his cheek to reassure him;
"Jeremy, I was only joking with you."
The look in her eyes reflecting her love for him, she issued;
"Besides, as long as I'm beautiful in your eyes, that's all that really matters. I don't care if anyone else thinks I'm an old nag fit for the glue factory."
Placing his hand over hers, he turned to place a kiss on her palm before stating;
"Candy, you are the farthest thing from an old nag that anyone could get and you ARE beautiful; inside and out."
Jeremy's eyes darted about the room before he asked;
"Where are Molly and Christopher? I figured that they'd be ready and eager since they were being allowed to go to the party."
Candy waved her hand in the direction of Lottie's;
"Lottie asked if they would like to help her make sure everything was ready, so they're already over there waiting for us."
Closing the space between her and Jeremy, Candy placed her hands against his jacket front, to pick at an imaginary piece of lint as she offered;
"Thank you for suggesting that we include them in all of this, they have been absolutely thrilled."
Shrugging slightly as he placed his arms around her before kissing her, Jeremy pulled back a bit to venture;
"Well, they are a part of all of this; we're going to be a family and they need to be included in everything that takes place for that to happen. Besides, we expect them to weather the bad so it's only fair that they get to enjoy the good."
Throwing her arms around him, Candy couldn't help but gush;
"I'm so thankful that I'm marrying you, I just couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. And I certainly couldn't see raising Molly and Christopher, or any children that I may have with anyone else but you."
Touched by her declaration, Jeremy couldn't help but blush as he pulled his shoulders back and his chest puffed just a bit in pride as he offered her his hand;
"Well, Miss Pruitt, are you ready to go to Lottie's for our engagement party?"
Reaching out to grasp a handful of her skirt as she curtsied, Candy smiled brightly as she placed her hand in his;
"Why I would be ever so delighted, Mr. Bolt."
Meeting each other's gaze, both laughed, caught up in the emotion of the moment as Jeremy opened the door for her and they made their way across the street to celebrate being one step closer to their dream of a happy life together.