CHAPTER 2
Lottie stood behind the bar, as everyone began arriving for the party, making certain that she had enough glasses. She had no doubts that everyone in Seattle would be eager to attend Candy and Jeremy's engagement party, if not to celebrate the couple's upcoming marriage, then out of curiosity to see Jemma and Aaron's children. Even though Seattle had been shocked by Aaron and Jemma's marriage, the birth of their twins had compounded that shock; the idea that Aaron Stempel had married had been surprising enough, let alone the fact that he had married Jason Bolt's sister, but to have married and become a father was something that took the city of Seattle by storm. Lottie found her thoughts brought back to the present as Molly, Candy's little sister skipped up to the bar;
"Aunt Lottie, do you need me or Christopher to do anything for ya?"
Offering the little girl a warm smile, Lottie ventured;
"Well, let me think, Molly, did you make sure that the bassinets are all nice and clean for Jacob and Amie?"
Eagerly, the little girl nodded;
"Yes, ma'am. I even put the special blankies that we made for them before they were born in there for them. Do you think that Aunt Jemma will mind me helping her with them?"
Shaking her head as she bent down to hug the little girl before glancing around, Lottie pondered;
"Where did Christopher get to?"
Pointing towards the doorway that led to the parlor, Molly explained;
"He'll be out in a minute, Aunt Lottie, he was getting some fresh water in the pitcher. You know, just in case the babies make a mess."
Lottie found herself trying very hard to rein in her amusement at the utterly serious look that the little girl wore as she placed her hands on her hips before pointing out;
"They do that sometimes you know."
Chuckling a little, Lottie nodded her agreement;
"Yes, I've heard that can happen, Molly."
Glancing towards the door as it opened and closed, Lottie couldn't help the warm smile that lit her face as Christopher came bounding up to join his sister and Lottie as he remarked;
"Alright, Molly, I made sure that the pitcher's full, just in case, well, you know."
Looking up at Lottie, he beamed;
"Is there anything else, Aunt Lottie?"
Ruffling the boy's hair, she nodded;
"Yes, as a matter of fact, there is."
Taking two glasses, she filled them both with lemonade before motioning to a table in the corner;
"Why don't you two take a break and have some nice cool lemonade before everyone gets here."
Happily, the youngsters took the glasses and followed her advice. Hearing the sound of Jason's booming voice calling out a greeting from just outside, Lottie couldn't help but smile as she watched Jason hold the door open for Julie as he bowed gallantly and waved his hand;
"After you, my lady."
Julie found herself laughing openly at her husband's playful mood as she offered a slight curtsy;
"Thank you, my ever so gallant husband."
Taking her hand, Jason placed a kiss on her cheek;
"You're most welcome, my sweet."
Noticing Lottie leaning against the bar watching them, Jason greeted eagerly
"Ah, Lottie, how are you doing this fine evening?"
Lottie waved her hand about with a flourish;
"I'm just fine, Jason."
Noticing the look of contentment that Julie wore, Lottie ventured;
"Although I'm willing to bet that I'm not doing nearly as well as you two seem to be."
Placing his arm around his wife's shoulders, Jason couldn't help the smile of happiness he wore as he ventured;
"Isn't it amazing, Lottie, how having just the right person in your life can make all the difference? Not to mention just how happy it can make you when you're sharing your life with them."
Studying the couple as they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes as Julie pressed closer to Jason's side as he stood, his arm around her shoulders, any doubts, which were minimal at best, totally evaporated and left Lottie feeling happy and secure that Johnathan and Julietta Bolt's eldest child had finally found a portion of happiness for himself that he had worked so hard to help others gain. Lottie had been finding a good deal of her thoughts centered on the Bolt parents over the last few weeks or so, something that she didn't find all that surprising given the rush of events that had taken place in the lives of the siblings. Between Jemma and Aaron's marriage, Jason and Julie's marriage, the birth of Jemma's children, and now, Jeremy and Candy's wedding, she simply couldn't help but wonder if, in some divine way, Johnathan and Julietta weren't looking down on their children and sharing in the happiness that each had found.
Despite the inner peace that she had found at the knowledge that her self-appointed charges had found happiness, there was one sticking point in making that feeling complete; Joshua. Just as the thought crossed her mind, Lottie noticed the subject of her concern walk in the door, and although he appeared congenial enough with his pleasant smile, she knew that it was just a facade to mask his unhappiness. Nodding towards the couple, she offered;
"If you two lovebirds will excuse me."
Making her way across the room, Lottie approached Josh, her usual smile of fond greeting in place;
"My, but don't you look handsome this evening."
Glancing about, she frowned slightly;
"But who's your date for the party, Josh?"
Shaking his head, Josh explained;
"I don't have one, Lottie. I decided to go stag tonight; that way, I don't have to worry about upsetting anyone in particular if I dance with more than one girl tonight."
Despite the light tone that he tried to convey as he spoke, Lottie could hear the underlying sadness and frustration in his voice. She could tell that he realized that she was aware of his attempt to hide his angst by the momentary look of panic that she saw in his eyes. Any doubts that Lottie might have had to the contrary were soon put to rest when, in his attempt to find a valid escape route, he rushed to excuse himself;
"Excuse me, Lottie, but Pixie just got here and I'd like to see my niece and nephew."
With that, he hurried off as Clancey, having just entered behind Aaron and Jemma, and after having gotten his turn at bestowing attention on the twins, approached Lottie to motion towards Josh;
"Now what was that all about, Lottie, me love?"
Lifting her shoulders slightly, Lottie shook her head;
"I'm not quite sure, Clancey, and to be honest with you, I don't think Joshua is either."
Looping her arm through his, she offered;
"How about a small drink, just to loosen up before the guests of honor arrive?"
Waving his hand towards Jemma and Aaron as everyone began crowding around them, Clancey couldn't help but venture;
"Well, given the crowd, mind ya, you'd think those two wee ones be the guests of honor; wouldn't ya's?"
Noticing the look of concern that Jemma wore as well as Aaron's rising agitation at seeing Jemma and the twins upset; something understandable given the level of noise and strange people eager to meet the newborns. Lottie decided to solve the issue before it erupted into one, Lottie glided up to the couple and, noticing the pleading look in Jemma's eyes, ventured;
"I bet Grammy Lottie's little angels would like a chance to rest, wouldn't they, Mommy?"
Thankful, Jemma nodded as Lottie cleared the way to the backroom as she ushered Jemma and Aaron inside before closing the door. Turning, Jemma offered;
"Thank you, Lottie. I know that everyone just wants to see the babies, but so many people at one time, it's just too much for them."
Looking down into their daughter's face before glancing over to study their son, Jemma looked up at her husband, worried;
"Honey, do you think we should take them home? I mean considering the party for their christening after church on Sunday, maybe this is just too much for them."
Holding their son against his chest as he sought to comfort the infant, Aaron ventured;
"Sweetheart, I know that they're a little scared and that's natural, everything is new to them so it's a little frightening for them right now. I'm, by no means, happy that they were frightened, but it's going to happen, love and we just have to help them adjust."
Motioning towards the rocking chair, he suggested;
"I'm sure they're probably ready for their naps too, especially since I had them up playing with them while you were getting dressed. Why don't we get them settled so they can go to sleep and then we'll join the party."
Lottie crossed to the door and watched quietly for a moment as Jemma settled into the rocking chair as she began humming quietly to Amie while Aaron walked back and forth patting Jacob's back comfortingly. Satisfied that they had the matter of calming their children well in hand Lottie left the couple to settle their children. Joining Jason, Julie, Josh, and Clancey at the bar, Lottie wasn't surprised when Jason demanded sharply;
"Lottie, is everything alright with Pixie and the babies?"
Lottie nodded as she poured drinks;
"Yes, Jason, they are just fine. It's nothing unusual, the twins were just a little frightened at facing so many people, all at one time, which is natural. Jemma and Aaron are getting them settled and putting them down for their naps now."
Looking up at the clamor of greetings, Lottie motioned towards the door as she observed;
"It looks like our guests of honor have arrived."
Turning, Jason's face lit up as he raised his hand in greeting and boomed;
"CANDY, JEREMY, COME JOIN US!"
Making their way to the bar through the crowd of well-wishers, Jeremy shook his head;
"You'd think that Seattle has nothing better to talk about than our wedding."
Waving her hands, Lottie ventured;
"Well, you have to think about it, you two have been engaged for quite some time and now that you're about to be married, everyone's
excited and anxious to see the wedding take place and they just want to celebrate with you."
Searching the room, Candy demanded;
"Where's Jemma and Aaron; aren't they coming?"
Before Lottie could answer, the door to her back parlor opened as the subjects of Candy's inquiry joined everyone at the bar as Jemma sighed in relief;
"They're asleep."
His concern obvious, Jeremy demanded;
"The babies are alright, aren't they, Pixie?"
Taking the mug of beer that Lottie offered him, Aaron nodded his thanks as he ventured;
"They're fine, Jeremy, it's just that seeing so many people at once they got a little scared, that's all. We got them calmed down and they went right to sleep, they were getting a little cranky and ready for their nap anyway, but they're just fine."
Studying his sister and sister in law's appearance before taking Candy's hand in his to step back slightly, Jeremy shook his head before addressing his brother and brother in law;
"I don't know about you two, but I think that we should be grateful that we have the three prettiest girls in Seattle, if not the Washington territory."
Noticing the band about to begin Molly approached the bar to tug Aaron's jacket sleeve to gain his and Jemma's attention. Turning, they found themselves amused as they noticed her young face scrunched in concern as she offered;
Aunt Jemma, Uncle Aaron, would you like me to go sit with the babies to make sure they're alright? I mean, they might get scared when the music starts and if they do I can try to calm them down."
Meeting each other's eyes and, despite their amusement, Aaron and Jemma couldn't help but be touched by the little girl's concern for their children. After Jemma's nod of silent agreement, Aaron placed his hand on the girl's shoulder to suggest;
"I think that sounds like a really good idea, Molly, and I sure would be grateful to you because this is the first time that Aunt Jemma and I have had to dance since Amie and Jacob were born. But are you sure that you don't mind?"
Shaking her head she reassured him;
"No, Uncle Aaron, besides Aunt Lottie said that it won't be too long before Uncle Jason and Aunt Julie will probably be having a baby, and that you and Aunt Jemma are probably going to have another one too, although she figures it will just be one this time; oh and then Candy and Jeremy will probably be having babies too. So see, I need the practice and since your and Aunt Jemma's babies are the newest and there's two of them I can get plenty of practice."
Waiting until she had hurried in the direction of the back parlor and had closed the door, all three couples turned in unison to stare in disbelief at a chagrined Lottie as she shrugged slightly. Seeing the red creeping into her cheeks, Clancey sought to divert the couples' attention;
"Well, now before all of ya's get up in arms, so's to speak, Lottie here just might well be having a point."
Setting his beer mug on the bar, Aaron pointed out;
"Lottie, you'll have that little girl, and everyone else in Seattle, thinking that we're all like a bunch of rabbits."
Clancey couldn't help but allow an amused chuckle to escape as he waved his hand towards Aaron and Jemma;
"Mr. Stempel, sir, would ya care to tell ole Cap'n Clancey just how long you and yer lovely wife have been married?"
Offering the weathered sailor an irritated glance, Aaron reminded;
"Clancey, you know good and well how long Jemma and I have been married, you're the one who married us."
Nodding, Clancey pointed out;
"Aye, that I did, and right proud of the fact I am. But I want you, Mr. Stempel, to tell me."
Heaving a frustrated sigh;
"Fine, in September, about six weeks from now to be exact, we will be married a year."
Nodding, Clancey demanded;
"And HOW many children do the two of ya's have, sir?"
Shaking his head, Clancey ventured in amusement;
"I'll be thinkin that Lottie could be makin a right smart sum, ifin she was to open up a bettin pool on the six of ya's."
Glaring at Clancey for his 'tactful' answer, Lottie threatened;
"Fish face, would you please stop trying to 'help' me."
Turning to the couples she offered;
"I wasn't trying to cause a problem; Molly asked me if I thought there would be any more babies born anytime soon and I just pointed out that it was a distinct possibility that all of you may well be having, or having more, babies, that's all."
As soon as the music began playing Jemma and Aaron turned towards the parlor door as they tried to look casual and calm but their concern over just how their children were handling their first experience with the sound of the various musical instruments was obvious on their faces. Biting at her bottom lip in worry, Jemma turned to her husband;
"I think that I'll just peek in on them and..."
Before she could finish her statement, Lottie stepped from behind the bar to stand in front of Jemma before crossing her arms stubbornly over her chest as she shook her head vehemently;
"No, you won't 'just go peek', Jemma Elysia. Now, you're letting Molly keep an eye out for them and if they were upset she would come and get you."
Waving her hands in a shooing manner, Lottie turned to Aaron and issued;
"You, go and dance with your wife."
Turning to the rest of the group, she ordered;
"And the rest of you too. This is a celebration and you all need to start acting like it."
Despite his adoration and concern for his children, Aaron knew that Lottie was right, he and Jemma, especially Jemma, had been through a great deal in a year and he felt that they needed tonight's celebration. Placing his hand on her shoulder, Aaron offered gently;
"Sweetheart, you know, it doesn't make us bad parents because we enjoy ourselves tonight."
Seeing the pleading in her eyes, Aaron sighed before addressing Lottie;
"Surely it couldn't hurt to let us have a little peek, just to be sure."
Shaking her head as she chuckled, Lottie moved aside before making a sweeping gesture towards the door;
"Oh, alright you two, but if they're quiet then you two go enjoy yourselves; deal?"
Jemma nodded eagerly as she rushed past Lottie with Aaron close behind her. Opening the door quietly they found themselves, both, amazed and amused; both babies must have been woken by the music, but Molly was reading to them and they seemed on the verge of sleeping once more, despite the sound of the music. Making his mind up, Aaron reached around her to pull the door closed before taking his wife's hand in his;
"Come on, sweetheart. Any doubts that I had have just disappeared, I think that Amie and Jacob are in good hands with Molly and we're all out here so they'll be fine. I'd like to do something that we haven't done since we found out that we were expecting; I want to dance with my wife."
Jason couldn't help but find amusement at the look on his sister's face as Aaron led her to the area designated for dancing, he was even further amused by the fact that she didn't utter one word of argument or protest. Chuckling, Jason turned to Jeremy and Lottie before motioning towards the couple;
"Am I the only one that finds it amusing at just how well Aaron seems able to bypass Pixie's stubborn nature, with no problems?"
Nodding towards the subject of their conversation, Candy observed;
"Yes, but I've also noticed that she has that same tendency when it comes to his stubborn nature as well."
Realizing the fun they were missing out on, Jeremy grabbed Candy's hand;
"Come on, we can't let Aaron and Pixie have all the fun."
Watching in amusement as the couple made their way to join those dancing, Jason ventured;
"Ah, the advantages of youth."
Julie huffed slightly as she chastised;
"Jason, my love, we're not THAT old."
Taking her hand in his, Jason nodded;
"You're right, sweet, let's go have some fun."
Noticing the smile she wore, Clancey turned to Lottie to offer;
"Dearie, how about takin a turn or two about the floor with me?"
Offering him her hand, Lottie agreed;
"Why not, come on, Fish Face, let's dance."
Noticing the way that her eyes kept wandering towards the door to Lottie's back parlor Aaron placed his thumb and forefinger on Jemma's chin to bring her eyes up to meet his;
"There, that's better. It's been a while since I've had the pleasure of looking into those beautiful eyes of yours as I held you while we were dancing."
Understanding the look in her eyes, Aaron offered;
"Sweetheart, they're fine. You saw Molly with them, and you know that she'll come out here to get us if anything's wrong, so I say we enjoy ourselves. Besides, it's been a while since we've been able to do this, so let's enjoy it; alright?"
Sighing in frustration, Jemma nodded;
"You're right, darling, I'm sorry. I guess I'm just being silly."
Aaron shook his head as he kissed her forehead;
"No, love, what you're being is a good mother."
Noticing her brother and sister in law, Julie turned to Jason;
"I wonder what that was about?"
Allowing his eyes to shift in their general direction, Jason spared his sister and Aaron a brief glance before venturing;
"I can almost guarantee you that Pixie is worrying over her little bundles of joy and Aaron is trying to convince her that they are just fine and that there is nothing wrong with her enjoying herself."
Astonished, Julie demanded;
"You were able to tell ALL of that, just by looking at them?"
Chuckling, Jason admitted;
"Actually? Yes and no; I could take a pretty good guess by the look on my sister's face what was probably taking place. You forget, sweet, I raised that young lady, and I know just how she thinks, I also know just how determined she is that those children of hers are well cared for."
Noticing the strange smile that his wife wore, Jason couldn't help the puzzled look that lit his features as he searched
her eyes;
"Darling, not that I mind the idea that you're happy, but just what does that smile mean?"
Allowing her fingers to brush against the back of his neck, Julie's tone softened;
"Because, my love, I was just thinking of how wonderful Jemma, Josh, and Jeremy are, and that's thanks to how you, and Lottie raised them. And, if your siblings turned out to be as wonderful as they are, I can only imagine how wonderful our children will be, considering that you'll be their father."
Touched by her declaration, Jason brushed his lips against hers before venturing;
"That's because they'll have you as their mother, sweet."
Candy couldn't help but smile as she watched the exchange between Jemma and Aaron as she and Jeremy danced. Noticing the look she wore, Jeremy couldn't help but ask;
"Candy, you have such a faraway look, what are you thinking?"
Motioning towards Jeremy's siblings, Candy ventured;
"I'm just thinking that, if you make me half as happy as Jemma seems to make Aaron, and Jason makes Julie, then I have no doubts that I'll have a very happy life."
Pulling her slightly closer, Jeremy kissed her cheek before bringing his lips close to her ear;
"Candy, I plan on spending the rest of our lives making you as happy as I possibly can. I love you and I don't ever want there to be a day when you're not completely happy, and as long as I have a say in it, and I do, that will be exactly what happens."
Candy felt herself swept up in a wave of love at Jeremy's words and embraced him tightly as she swallowed the lump of emotion as she returned;
"Oh, Jeremy, I love you so much and I can't wait to become your wife."
Josh sat, unnoticed, in the corner, sipping at his beer, as he watched his brothers and sister. Even though he tried to seem easy-going about everything, especially when it came to his interactions with the fairer sex. The truth was that Josh envied the love and happiness that his siblings had found, a feeling that he found increasing even more so since Jemma had given birth to Jacob and Amie, but he knew just how much his siblings would worry if they knew his true longing to find such happiness for himself, especially Jemma. Remembering just how he, Jeremy, and Jemma had worried when Jason was going through his own doldrums over the lack of love in his own life, he didn't want to cause that same level of concern in his siblings, so to that end, Josh decided to make it seem as if he was enjoying his bachelor status, although he had strong suspicions that he wasn't as convincing in his act where his sister and Lottie were concerned. Any doubts that Josh had to the contrary were soon squelched when the music ended and he noticed Jemma kiss her husband's cheek before turning and making her way to where he sat as she placed her hands on her hips to accuse;
"And here I thought that I was your favorite baby sister."
Rising from his chair, Josh couldn't help but laugh, her good mood infectious;
"As it just so happens, you're my only baby sister."
Kissing her cheek, Josh couldn't help but offer;
"However, even if you weren't, you'd still be my favorite."
Hearing the music beginning again, Josh offered her his arm;
"Which is why, baby sister, I'm dancing with you before I turn my attention to any other female at this party tonight."
Josh couldn't help but laugh as he navigated across the dance floor with his sister as he demanded;
"Alright, Pixie, I have to ask; so do I dance as well as your husband?'
Although the look she attempted to bestow a look upon her brother was one of irritation, as had always been the case where Josh was concerned, Jemma couldn't maintain the visage and found herself slapping at his shoulder in mock frustration as she laughed lightly;
"Joshua Duncan Bolt! That is an unfair question and you know it!."
Chuckling slightly, Joshua ventured;
"I was just wondering if maybe I was good enough that I could offer to teach some beautiful young woman how to dance and find myself as lucky as your husband."
Seeing the underlying sadness in her brother's eyes, as well as the tone that, despite his best effort, found its way into his voice, Jemma couldn't help but feel a slight stabbing pain of guilt as she realized that Josh wanted to experience the same thing that she and Aaron, Jason and Julie, and Jeremy and Candy shared. Lowering the tone of her voice, Jemma offered;
"Josh, just because you haven't found 'The One' yet, does not mean that you won't. Don't you remember what Mother said in her letter to you? You've always been more cautious than the rest of us, Josh, and although it might well take you a time to find that special person, I have absolutely no doubts that you will."
Lifting one eyebrow sarcastically, Josh couldn't help but offer a slight chuckle;
"I'M cautious? Which couple was it that was in love with each other for two years before admitting it to each other? Not to mention, which couple was it that was secretly engaged for, another, two years before they married? And you call ME cautious?"
Blushing in slight embarrassment, Jemma stammered;
"Josh, that's not fair! You know good and well that Aaron was concerned over the difference in our ages, and he wanted to make sure that I was sure of my feelings for him."
Josh nodded;
"And that's my point, Pixie; I'm not the ONLY cautious child that our parents had."
Realizing that the music had stopped, Josh was about to excuse himself when Biddie corralled he and Jemma;
"Oh there you two are, Jason said that he's about to make the toast and that he wants everyone to gather around."
Grasping Jemma's hand, Biddie offered;
"Oh, Jemma, Molly said that the babies are awake and seem a little fussy."
Nodding, Jemma turned to take her brother's hand;
"Are you going to be alright, big brother?"
Giving her hand an affectionate squeeze as he smiled at her affectionately;
"I'll be just fine, baby sister."
Josh watched as she made her way towards her husband. In a way, he felt relieved having voiced his fondest hope to his closest confidant, something that he realized his sister had been for most of her life. Even though he felt the need for some fresh air, Josh knew it would have to wait until after Jason's toast to Jeremy and Candy, and given what Biddie had mentioned about the twins, he was fairly certain that the toast would have to wait for a few minutes while Jemma and Aaron tended to the babies' needs.
Seeing the look on her oldest brother's face as she approached, she raised her hands in a pleading manner;
"I know, I know, I know; you want to toast Jeremy and Candy. Can you give me a few minutes to tend to your niece and nephew?"
Taking his wife's hand in his as he led the way to the backroom, Aaron threw the challenge over his shoulder;
"I'm sure that he'll be happy to give us a few minutes to take care of Jacob and Amie."
Seeing the look on his brother in law's face, Aaron conceded;
"And since they've had a chance to nap, I don't see why we can't bring the babies back out with us so that they can get their first taste of their uncle's gift of gab."
Shaking his head as he watched Aaron usher Jemma through the doorway of the back room, Jason couldn't help but shake his head as Julie demanded;
"What's the matter?
Heaving a heavy sigh, Jason admitted;
"Oh, nothing, darling, just thinking of just how skilled your brother has become in diplomacy as well as sarcasm and I'm certain that I have my dear sister to thank for his advancement in those areas."
Candy lightly admonished;
"Jason, you know that taking care of two babies at once is no easy task and, even with Aaron's help, there are still somethings that ONLY Jemma can take care of."
Much to everyone's amazement Jemma and Aaron returned, with the twins, much quicker than what anyone had anticipated and it wasn't difficult to see that they seemed to be in a more willing mood to join the party then they had been when they first arrived. Jason motioned to Lottie and Biddie, who made certain that everyone had a glass as Jason turned to face his youngest brother and Candy;
"Jeremy, Candy, I know that you two have waited for a long time for what next week will bring, believe me, I know because we've all waited with you, just as anxiously."
Once the titters and chuckles of amusement had died down, Jason continued;
"All jokes aside, even though Seattle will be happy to see you two married and settled, there won't be any that are more happy about the fact than the Bolt family."
Discreetly, Aaron cleared his throat as a reminder as Jason added;
"And the Stempel family."
Raising his glass, Jason toasted;
"Congratulations, Jeremy and Candy."
Motioning towards Molly and Christopher, Jason offered;
"And Candy, I don't think that we have to tell you, but we all consider you, Molly, and Christopher to be family already. The only thing that will change is that it will be official next week, but as far as we're all concerned, it's official now."
Once everyone raised their glass and toasted the happy couple, Josh noticed that Candy and Jeremy were focused on each other as they danced, as was Jason and Julie. Noticing how his sister and Aaron were occupied as they, Lottie and Clancey were busy entertaining the twins, Josh saw his opportunity to escape outside the saloon for a breath of fresh air. Making his way to the pier to listen to the gentle lap of the water against the sides of Clancey's ship, Josh sat on one of the crates and enjoyed the breeze from the sound. As usual, when he was alone, Josh found the same thoughts mulling around in his head, although he knew from experience that he wouldn't find an answer to the questions that they kept raising in his mind, at least not this night.
Deciding to rejoin the party, Josh had left the pier when he heard the distant,
yet distinct, sound of wagon wheels as well as the sound of a voice that he would recognize anywhere. Waiting a moment until the wagon rolled into sight and seeing that his theory was right, Josh couldn't help but laugh aloud as he realized that, unless he was mistaken, things were about to take a very entertaining turn. Hurrying back inside, his eyes roamed about the room until he located the ones that he was certain were about to become the subjects of attention; Jason and Aaron, both of whom were engaged with their wives as Aaron was holding Amie, while Jason was holding Jacob, both men focused on entertaining the infants. Locating Jeremy and Candy, Josh hurried over to them, a smile of amused mischief lighting his features as he approached the couple;
"Hey, how would you two like to see something truly memorable in about the next minute or so?"
Puzzled and concerned, Jeremy demanded;
"Josh, what are you talking about? It's not anything that will ruin our party, is it?"
Placing his hand on Jeremy's shoulder, Josh vowed;
"Jeremy, I promise you, this will not spoil your party, if anything it will probably make it even more memorable if our brother and brother in law do what I think they will."
Before Josh could elaborate, and just as Jason placed his nephew back in Jemma's waiting arms, and the music ended as the musicians prepared to take a break, everyone turned to the saloon's entrance as they heard a familiar voice declare loudly;
"OOHHH WEEE! IT SURE LOOKS LIKE I SHOWED UP AT THE RIGHT TIME SINCE THERE'S ONE HECK OF A WING-DING TAKIN PLACE!"
Her eyes wide with surprise, Candy began to venture;
"That sounds like..."
Before she could finish her statement, Aaron and Jason turned to each other, both wearing twin looks of panic as both finished Candy's thought aloud;
"HOLLY HOUSTON!"
Without another word, both hastened for the door to the backroom to make a getaway as Julie turned to Jemma, her shock obvious, to demand;
"I've heard of Holly Houston, but why on earth are they running, especially considering that they're both married now?"
Her own disbelief obvious, Jemma motioned towards the door as she pointed out;
"Jason's panic is somewhat forgivable, given that you two are still newlyweds. But, considering he's holding our daughter, I'm a little surprised at Aaron's reaction."
Lottie couldn't help but find the humor of watching Jason and Aaron trying to wrestle to open the door in their haste to escape from Holly. However, before they could make good their getaway, Holly burst through the swinging doors to demand;
"So what's this here wing-ding for anyway?"
Noticing Candy standing to the side, trying to hide her amusement, Holly made her way towards her with her arms wide open to embrace the young woman as she greeted;
"Candy, how are you doing?"
Studying the woman's appearance, Candy could see that, given her buckskins and rosy cheeks, as well as her slightly tousled hair, Holly was in her element and happy to be there. Candy nodded;
"I'm wonderful, Holly, as a matter of fact, you arrived just in time to help us celebrate, this is mine and Jeremy's engagement party. We're going to be married next week and we hope that you can stay for the wedding; "
Her face lighting with excitement, Holly gushed;
"Why I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Seeing Aaron and Jason by the door, arguing over whose fault it was that they didn't make good their escape, Holly offered Lottie a warm embrace as she approached the mountain woman to ask;
"Holly, what on earth brings you to Seattle?"
Motioning towards Jason and Aaron, Holly reminded;
"Well, I told you last time I was here that I had my sights set on Aaron, especially since he stirs my juices something fierce."
Lottie couldn't help but giggle as she realized that the look Aaron wore reminded her, somewhat, of a frightened rabbit. Her amusement only increased when Holly, noticing the infant in Aaron's arms, widened her eyes in surprise as she speculated aloud;
"Well judging by that baby he's holding, I'm guessing that he stirs someone else's too."
Even though she wanted to laugh more than anything, Jemma decided to take pity on her husband as she raised her hand and nodded towards her son;
"I supposed that would be me, Holly."
Her eyes going from Aaron to Jemma and back again as she noticed the two infants in their parents' arms, Holly demanded;
"Jemma! You and Aaron tied the knot?"
Regaining his composure, Aaron approached his wife as he answered;
"Yes we did, Holly, we've been married since last September and we have twins; a boy and a girl."
Glancing up, Jemma offered quietly in an amused tone;
"Welcome back to the land of the living, my love."
Aaron gave a slight shake of his head as he observed;
"I think that you might be getting just a bit too much amusement out of this, sweetheart."
Offering her husband a slight smile full of sarcasm, Jemma reminded him;
"I wasn't the one who tried to make a run for it while holding our daughter, love."
Turning her attention back to Holly, Jemma offered;
"Holly it's wonderful to see you again. How have you been?"
Drawing closer, to the couple, Holly was quiet for a moment as she studied Aaron and Jemma as they stood close to each other, holding their children. Realizing just how suited the two were for each other, Holly declared;
"Well, I think it's a good thing that the two of you went ahead and tied the knot. I mean you have only been looking at each other for the last couple of years. Heck, every time I came around I wondered why you hadn't done it sooner, and I figured since you hadn't done it by the last time I was here that you just weren't ever gonna get around to it."
Jemma glanced over her shoulder at her husband;
"Do you get the feeling that our courtship was the worst kept secret in Seattle?"
Noticing, the way that Jason was gripping Julie's shoulders, Holly ventured;
"And I'm guessin that you and this here lady went and tied the knot too; right, Jason?"
Nodding, Jason introduced;
"Holly, this is my wife, Julie."
Julie offered the woman her hand;
"It's very nice to meet you, Holly. I've heard a lot about you."
Placing her hands on her hips as she studied the pair, Holly nodded her approval;
"I think you were right smart to marry this one, Jason. She looks like she can give you a run for your money, which is something you need."
Letting her eyes slide towards Aaron and Jemma, she offered;
"I KNOW that Jemma can give you a run for yours, Aaron so you're in good hands and mighty lucky."
Holly reached out to pull the blankets back a bit to look at the babies as she praised;
"It sure ain't every girl who can give their husband two such pretty babies at one time."
Shaking her head, she couldn't help but remark;
"I swear, you two sure can't deny these younguns, they look just like you."
Her curiosity getting the better of her, Biddie couldn't help but demand;
"Uh, Holly, were you planning on staying in Seattle for a bit?"
Glancing towards Candy, Holly ventured;
"Well, I was thinking of staying for a few days. That is if there's room for me to hunker down in the dorm with the rest of ya."
Pressing a glass into the woman's hands, Lottie offered;
"Well, Holly, even if there wasn't, I've got more than enough room here for you. So don't you worry about a thing, you just enjoy this 'wing-ding' and don't give it another thought."
Taking a long drink from the glass before smacking her lips, Holly declared;
"Well then, I guess I'm here for a spell, at least until after Candy and Jeremy here tie the knot."
The matter having been settled, Holly joined in the celebration as Josh turned to his brother and future sister in law;
"So, not only, is Uncle Duncan arriving at any time, but we've got Holly Houston here in Seattle now too. You two realize that, as interesting as things can and probably will get with Holly here, once Duncan arrives we're probably going to have our hands full; don't you?"
Taking the cup of punch that Jeremy offered her, before taking a sip, Candy ventured;
"Oh, come on, Joshua, I'm sure that you're over-exaggerating."
Josh could only shake his head in amusement of Candy's naivete;
"Oh, Candy, ye of little faith."