CHAPTER 3

Candy sat with Holly, Biddie, Lottie, and Julie as they all helped Jemma make certain that the twins were bathed and properly dressed for their christening. Although Jemma had made gowns for the event, Julie and Jason had surprised the new parents by presenting them with their own christening gowns. While Jemma had not been surprised to receive her gown, Aaron had been utterly shocked;

"Julie, where on earth did you find this? Not to mention I can't believe that it's in as good a shape as it, not after all of these years."

Understanding his disbelief, Julie nodded;

"I know, Aaron, but apparently, your mother was very particular when she packed it away, I found it in that old trunk in the attic and when I opened the box it was wrapped just as you see it. When the twins were born, Jason and I thought that you and Jemma would prefer having the gowns that you and she wore for your christenings for your children."

Julie's thoughts were brought current as Holly remarked;

"Jemma, I sure can't get over just how pretty these two younguns of yours and Aaron's are. They're sure enough twins, but little Jacob is Aaron's twin and that there little Amie, she's your twin."

Aaron sat downstairs with his brothers in law and Clancey as they waited for Jemma and the others to finish getting the babies ready for their christening. Hearing the unmistakable sound of Holly's voice as she declared;

"I swear, those are the two prettiest babies that I think I've ever seen."

Rising as the ladies entered the room, Aaron couldn't help but smile, as he watched Holly lay Jacob in Jemma's empty arm, at the sight his wife made holding their two children as she glanced from their son to their daughter, a loving smile gracing her beautiful face;

"Well, darling, do you think that our children are presentable enough for their big event?"

Taking their son in his arms, Aaron sighed in contentment before kissing her soundly and nodding his approval;

"I think that they exceed 'presentable' by quite a wide margin, love. Just as their mother always does."

Motioning towards the door, Aaron ventured;

"Since the stars of the show are all ready, I think it's time we make our way to the church."

Watching as everyone filed out ahead of them, Jeremy took Candy's hand to pull her arm through his as he leaned close to her;

"Just think, by this time next week, we'll be married."

Placing her hand against his cheek to brush her lips against his, Candy nodded;

"I know, and I can't wait. Not to mention, when we're taking our children to church for their christenings."

Jeremy couldn't help the feeling in his chest that he could only describe as 'expanding' love that filled his heart for Candy as they hurried to catch up with everyone else.

Jemma stood next to her husband, holding their daughter as Reverend Adams dribbled a bit of water over the top of Jacob's head as Aaron held him securely to declare;

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I christen thee; Jacob Aaron Stempel. May the Good Lord bless and keep you always."

Aaron couldn't help but chuckle as his son simply sneezed in response to the dribble of water over the top of his head as he took the cloth from Julie to gently pat the infant's head as he praised;

"That's my boy, let's hope that your sister does as well as you do."

The happiness evident in his eyes, Jemma took her husband's hand as he ventured;

"What do you say we trade?"

Jemma shook her head in amusement as she took their son as Aaron took their daughter before turning back to face the minister. Reverend Adams couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced at Jason, Julie, Josh, Jeremy, Candy, and Biddie as they stood with Aaron and Jemma. Shaking his head, he admitted;

"I must confess, I've never christened a baby, let alone two, who had three godfathers and three godmothers before. But, heaven knows that if anyone would set a precedent for such a thing it would be the Bolt and Stempel family."

Focusing his attention on the infant in her father's arms, he became serious once more as he dribbled water across the top of her head before declaring;

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I christen thee, Amelia Carleecia Stempel. May the Good Lord bless and keep you always."

Even the good reverend found himself amused as Amie mimicked her brother by sneezing before waving her fists indignantly until her father patted her head dry and held her closer; once she satisfied she sighed and began cooing and gurgling in contentment. Aaron smiled as his daughter wrapped her tiny fists around his finger;

"I'm so proud of my baby girl. You did just as good as your big brother, just like I knew you would."

Addressing the congregation, Reverend Adams offered the closing prayer for the service as well as a prayer of thanks for the safe delivery and the blessing that the twins were to, not only their parents and family but to all of Seattle as well. Once the prayers had been concluded everyone began making their way from the church to Lottie's to help celebrate the twins' christening. Linking her arm through Jemma's, Candy couldn't help but quietly observe as she watched Aaron with Amie;

"He certainly has turned into a wonderful father."

Somewhat shocked by her statement, Jemma couldn't help but remind her;

"Candy, as I recall, there were several people who were surprised at just what sort of husband he would make, but, as you can see, he's a wonderful husband. I had no doubts that he would make a wonderful father as well."

Studying her husband with their daughter now, Jemma couldn't help but shake her head as she admitted;

"I knew the minute he held these two that he would be a doting father, but I have the feeling that little miss Amie will have her Daddy wrapped around her little finger."

Laughing at her, soon to be, sister in law's statement, Candy didn't have a chance to respond as Aaron joined them to request;

"Candy, would you mind if I escorted the prettiest mother in Seattle to the party for our children's christening."

Stepping aside as Jeremy walked up to them, Candy shook her head as she looped her arm through Jeremy's;

"I certainly would not. In fact, I think that you might well be a fool if you didn't, and marrying Jemma proved that you're definitely no fool, Aaron."

Watching as the couple made their way from the church, Jeremy couldn't help but remark;

"You know something, Candy? When Aaron asked about marrying Pixie, I thought that it was the worst idea that I had ever heard of, but looking at just how happy those two are, and how much they love each other, and those two little bundles, I know that it was the smartest thing either one of them ever did."

Rushing down the church steps, Candy and Jeremy hurried to catch up with everyone else as they made their way to Lottie's as Candy speculated;

"You know something? Considering that we just had our engagement party the day before yesterday, and now the twins' christening party, not to mention our wedding next week and Seattle won't know how to act when everything goes back to normal."

Jeremy couldn't help but find amusement in her statement as he laughed;

"Yeah, but considering this is Seattle, who can say what normal really is?"

Once the twins had been christened, Lottie, Biddie, and Clancey had hurried to get everything ready for the party before everyone else left the church. Lottie breathed a sigh of relief as Biddie placed the cake on the food table just as everyone began entering the saloon. Lottie leaned closer to Biddie;

"I'll say this for us, Biddie, we certainly have timing; we finished this not a moment too soon."

Noticing how everyone began crowding around, Lottie raised her hands, as well as her voice to order;

"Alright, we're all just going to have to wait and be a bit patient until..."

Before she could finish her statement Aaron and Jemma walked in with their children, causing Lottie to throw her hands up in the air;

"Never mind. Everyone, enjoy yourselves."

Before anyone else could approach, Dr. Allyn Wright hurried towards the couple and their children as she greeted;

"And just how is my favorite set of twins and their parents doing today?"

When Allyn described Jacob and Amie as her favorite set of twins, she wasn't simply being complimentary towards the infants and their parents, she was sincere in her praise. Allyn had attended Jemma while she was expecting and the early delivery of the twins, something that took both, mother and doctor, by surprise at the realization that Jemma had been carrying twins. Jemma's was Allyn's first multiple delivery, something she held in high regard, especially considering everything that Jemma had gone through while expecting and her early labor and delivery; the latter was understandable given the fact she was carrying twins. Nodding her approval as she noted their healthy and happy appearance, Allyn complimented;

"Jemma, Aaron, they are doing wonderful; they're healthy, happy, and, obviously, very loved."

Glancing from one to the other, Allyn ventured;

"And, I suspect, perhaps a bit spoiled."

Noticing how, both, Jemma and Aaron's eyes lowered out of guilt, Allyn laughed;

"It's alright, besides, they're too adorable not to spoil."

Noticing how Jacob had begun to fuss a bit, followed quickly by his sister, Aaron ventured;

"Sweetheart, I think they may be getting hungry."

Feeling the uncomfortable pressure in her chest, Jemma nodded;

"I KNOW they are."

Excusing themselves, Allyn watched as the couple made their way to Lottie's back parlor to tend to the twins' feeding as Jason and Julie approached and Jason greeted;

"Hello, Allyn, are you enjoying yourself?"

Facing the couple, Allyn nodded; eagerly as she motioned towards the parlor door;

"Yes, I was just admiring

my star patients. I can't get over how well the twins are doing, they're such happy and healthy babies."

Finding amusement in her statement, Jason demanded;

"Considering how determined and stubborn their parents are, did you have any doubts?"

Reminded of her experiences with Aaron and Jemma's tenacity, Allyn shook her head;

"No, not really. Although you all do realize that considering just how stubborn Aaron is on his own, and just how stubborn Jemma is on her own, you are all going to have your hands full as Jacob and Amie grow up; don't you?"

Watching as Allyn walked awake, giggling at the thought she had just expressed, Julie placed her hand on Jason's chest as she asked in a, somewhat, worried tone;

"Jason, darling, do you think that a stubborn nature is something that we'll have to contend with in our children?"

Tilting his head to the side in consideration as he lifted his eyebrows simultaneously in question in typical 'Jason' fashion, he shrugged slightly;

"I don't know, sweet. I mean our children will be half Bolt, half Stempel as well, so it's a distinct possibility."

Holding her chin between her thumb and forefinger, Jason gazed into her eyes;

"Does that make you want to rethink the possibility of our having children, love?"

He could see her sincerity as she shook her head vigorously;

"No, I just like being prepared, that's all."

Noticing the two stragglers outside, Josh fussed;

"Come on you two, we've got a set of twins to celebrate."

Waiting until Candy and Jeremy joined him, Josh couldn't help but point out;

"You two realize, don't you, that by this time next week you'll be a married couple?"

Hugging Jeremy's arm between hers, Candy nodded;

"We were just talking about that when we left the church, Josh."

Looping one of her arms through her, soon to be, brother in law's, Candy ventured;

"Now all we have to do it find you a nice girl to settle down with, Josh."

Noticing the change in his eyes, as if a shade had been drawn, Josh patted her hand;

"Somethings, Candy, have to come in their own time and a man has to do them for himself."

Pushing the door open, he offered;

"Shall we?"

Taking that as her cue, Candy preceded the brothers inside, worried that she had said something to offend Josh.

Jemma, having finished Jacob's feeding, handed their son to Aaron as he placed Amie in her mother's arms before holding his son securely against his shoulder as he began patting his back gently until he heard the soft gurgling noise indicating the infant had burped. Cuddling his son, Aaron praised;

"That's my boy, I think that you and your sister are the two best babies in all of Seattle. I know that you're the two prettiest."

Having finished with Amie's feeding at well, Jemma was in the process of burping their daughter when Aaron ventured his opinion of their children's attributes. Laughing, she chastised lightly;

"Careful, darling, you'll give our children an inflated ego."

Feigning insult, Aaron shook his head;

"Sweetheart, how can you say that? They are the two best, and prettiest babies in all of Seattle. At least as far as I'm concerned, and I'm assuming you too."

Hearing Amie's slight gurgle, Jemma confessed;

"Well, between you and me, I can't deny that I happen to think our children are rather special."

Glancing down into their daughter's face, she smiled lovingly;

"Not to mention rather beautiful as well."

Noticing how Amie was beginning to yawn, Jemma glanced towards her husband and son and noticed Jacob following his sister's example as he yawned too. Having noticed the same thing, Aaron suggested;

"I think we should change these two and get them settled for their naps. They've had a full day so far and still have a ways to go."

Once they had their children comfortably situated and, as they waited for them to drift off to sleep, Jemma couldn't help but feel a wave of maternal love wash over her as she studied her children. Turning, she wrapped her arms around Aaron's waist as she tilted her face to look into his eyes;

"In case I don't tell you nearly enough; I love you. Not to mention thank you."

While her declaration of love wasn't shocking to him, her proclamation of gratitude had him puzzled;

"I love you too, sweetheart and, whatever I did, you're welcome, but exactly why are you thanking me."

Jemma glanced towards their children;

"How about for loving me, for marrying me, oh and did I mention for these two beautiful miracles. And that's just for starters."

Touched by her statement, Aaron cupped her face;

"Jemma love, you don't have to thank me, and most especially not when you're the one I should be thanking. Loving you is something that has always come easily for me, and marrying you was something that I should be thanking you for, especially since I hoped and prayed for it every day and night since I realized just how much I loved and still love you."

Aaron drug his eyes away from hers to look upon their children before turning to gaze deeply into his wife's eyes;

"And as far as thanking me for our children; sweetheart, our children were the gift that God gave us through our love for each other."

Lowering his head, Aaron claimed her mouth in a deep kiss that was full of love, admiration, and appreciation before lifting his head to suggest;

"Now, since our two little blessings are asleep, why don't we go join our friends and family in celebrating just how blessed we are."

Fluttering about, Biddie approached Candy and Jeremy in a slight tizzy;

"Oh, dear heaven's me, whatever in the world could they be doing?"

Somewhat confused Candy held her hands up;

"Okay, slow down, Biddie. Now, what are you talking about?"

Placing her hands on her hips, Biddie explained, somewhat frustrated that the problem wasn't as obvious to Candy as it was to her;

"Jemma and Aaron; they are still back there with the twins and everyone is waiting for them."

Taking the woman's hands in hers, Candy rationalized;

"Now, Biddie, you know that babies are a lot of work, and twins can be even more so. We just have to be patient and understanding; alright?"

Blushing in embarrassment, Biddie sighed in repentance;

"Oh my heaven's yes, Candy, you're right, I should be ashamed of myself."

Before Biddie could offer any further lamentations, Candy, noticing the parlor door open, swept her hand in that direction;

"See, Biddie, there they are now."

Seeing the relief on Biddie's face at the idea that her carefully planned party was now back on track, a fact evident by the contented smile that, once more, graced her face, Candy watched as she hurried towards Lottie. Jeremy couldn't help but laugh;

"I'm guessing that Biddie was worried about her party schedule?"

Candy nodded her agreement of his observation;

"Yes, poor thing, she puts everything she has into planning these things, but she never thinks about the fact that not everything in life can go to plan."

Having heard Candy's statement as she approached the couple, Holly ventured;

"Biddie sure is a nice girl, but boy, when she gets something stuck up her craw she sure nuff gets her tail all twisted, don't she?"

Noticing Jason motioning for them, Jeremy and Candy joined the rest of the family as Jason spoke;

"Everybody, if I could have your attention please."

Waiting until Lottie had made certain that everyone had a glass, Jason began;

"I know that this seems familiar to everyone, especially since we were just here the night before last to celebrate welcoming Candy, Molly, and Christopher into our family. However, today we're here to celebrate two very special miracles that God saw fit to bless Jemma and Aaron with, which in turn, blessed our family. What makes this even more special is the fact that these two little bundles of joy are the first of the next generation of Bolts and Stempels."

Lifting his glass, Jason issued;

"Here's to Jacob Aaron, and Amelia Carleecia; may their experiences of happiness and joy outnumber their experiences of sorrow and unhappiness."

Before anyone could join Jason in raising their glasses, everyone found themselves shocked, but none more so than the Bolt and Stempel family as they heard someone bellow from the doorway of the saloon in an unmistakable Scottish brogue;

"And just what do you mean by 'the next generation' of Bolts; especially when I'm here to attend a wedding? Just how is it that we have the next generation when that's the case?"

Aaron knew that the moment his wife had been dreading the most had finally arrived, and any doubts that he might have had to the contrary were quickly eliminated when she reached down to take the hand that he had wrapped about her waist and hold it tightly, as if he were her lifeline in the sea of trouble that she was anticipating.

Having been stunned into silence by Duncan Bolt's sudden appearance, Jason recovered;

"Uncle Duncan, we weren't expecting you for at least another couple of days."

Crossing the space as everyone parted to clear a path, Duncan approached the group;

"I made the acquaintance of a group of trappers who were passing through Seattle and they were happy for my company on their journey."

Making a sweeping gesture with his hand, Duncan demanded;

"Now that I've satisfied your curiosity, Jason, I'd like some answers to my questions, nephew."

Seeing the look of determination burning in their uncle's blue eyes, and trying to help ease the situation, Josh asked;

"Just what questions would you like answered, Uncle Duncan?'

Studying his niece and nephews, Duncan began;

"Alright, Joshua, first of all; although there's no denying that she's comely enough, I wouldn't mind knowing just who the lass that your older brother is so, obviously, fond of is. Given the liberties that he seems to be taking with her at the moment,

I'm assuming that they might be a bit more than just 'acquaintances'."

Noticing his wife's embarrassment, Jason pulled Julie closer against his side as he stated a tone that left no room for arguments of any type.

"I have news for you, Uncle Duncan, I'm a good deal more than just 'fond' of this 'lass', as you referred to her; something that is no surprise considering that Julie is my wife."

Although he could see by the tight set of Duncan's jaw beneath his snowy whiskers, as well as by the look in his steely blue eyes, that his uncle was mulling over his announcement and his reaction could easily go one way or the other. Despite his determination to put his uncle in his place where his wife was concerned, should the need arise, Jason found himself breathing a sigh of relief as Duncan nodded;

"I can't say that I'm disappointed that you finally took a wife, but as the elder of the Bolt clan, I should have been consulted, Jason. But we can talk about all of that a bit later."

Appraising the young woman standing next to his nephew, Duncan offered a slight bow;

"I look forward to getting to know you a better, young lady."

Although spoken softly, Julie's tone of voice left no doubts as to her determination not to allow Duncan to intimidate her as she corrected;

"Julie."

Duncan couldn't help but sound surprised as he issued;

"I beg your pardon?"

Lifting her head to meet his eyes, Julie stood her ground;

"My name, Mr. Bolt, is Julie. Actually, it's Julie Victoria Stempel Bolt, to be precise; not 'young lady', or 'lass', and given that we are members of the same family I think it altogether appropriate that you use it."

His eyes widening Duncan found himself taken aback, somewhat, by Julie's directness, as well as by the way that she voiced her position in such a gentle way that left no doubts as to just how determined she was in her position. Conceding to his nephew's wife, Duncan offered;

"My apologies, young...Julie. I beg your forgiveness, I'm just a bit shocked to find out that Jason has taken a wife, not to mention finding out that there are two new additions to the Bolt clan, it's just a lot to digest."

Glee lighting his eyes, Duncan rubbed his hands together in anticipation as he demanded;

"Since we do have two new wee bairns in our family when might I make their acquaintance, Julie?"

Her visage reflecting her puzzlement, Julie glanced up at Jason in silent inquiry. Jason, understanding the confusion, sought a way to soften the impact of what he knew was about to erupt when Duncan learned the next bit of family news. Lifting his hand in a halting gesture, Jason was about to speak when, in his usual helpful style, Clancey blurted;

"And just why would he be askin Julie's permission to see the little nippers?"

Once the words left the sea captain's mouth and he noticed the fiery glare of anger flowing from Lottie's eyes to bore twin holes of fury through him, Clancey knew that he had allowed his mouth to move faster than his brain. Seeking to minimize the strength of THIS particular wave, especially given the fact that he was the one who unleashed it, Clancey attempted to back peddle;

"Well, what I mean is, um, ya sees..."

Slapping at his shoulder, Lottie hissed;

"Clancey, one more word and Candy and Jeremy's son will see a drink of whiskey before you do."

His irritation rising at the same rate at his confusion, Duncan growled;

"Would one of you mind terribly telling me just what is going on here? Why on earth wouldn't I ask Julie's permission to see her wee little babes?"

Even though he understood that his wife was trying to keep her uncle's focus as far away from her direction as possible at the moment, Aaron found that he could no longer hold his tongue or his temper;

"The reason that you wouldn't ask Julie's permission to see the 'bairns', as you refer to them, is because they are not her children."

Puzzled, Duncan demanded;

"Well, if Jason's wife isn't the mother of those wee ones, and Josh isn't married, and Jeremy and Candy aren't wed yet, then just who...?"

Understanding illuminating his features, Duncan's eyes were filled with shock as they focused on his niece before narrowing as he pinned Aaron with his gaze as he noticed the intimate way his arm was wrapped around Jemma's waist;

"And just how is it, Mr. Stempel, that you're as informed when it comes to the newest members of the Bolt clan as you are. If I might be permitted to ask, sir."

Aaron looked into his wife's eyes and, seeing her silent agreement, met Duncan's irritated glare with a determined one of his own as he answered in a precise and clipped tone of voice that left no room for discussion or argument;

"The reason, sir, that I am as informed as I am in regards to your great-niece and nephew, is because they also happen to be MY children."

Despite the situation, Aaron couldn't help but glance down to meet Jemma's gaze with a loving one of his own as he corrected;

"Correction; they're OUR children."

Jemma had remained quiet since her uncle's arrival; partly in the hopes of keeping his focus from her and Aaron and partly because she was trying to figure out how to address the subject of her and Aaron's marriage, as well as the subject of their children. However, she knew that her continued silence was no longer possible, or helpful as her uncle turned his chilly blue eyes on her to demand sharply;

"Jemma Elysia Bolt..."

Before he could continue, Duncan found himself interrupted by Aaron;

"Stempel."

His eyes darting to Aaron, Duncan questioned;

"I beg your pardon?"

Pulling Jemma closer against his side, Aaron advised;

"I said, 'Stempel'. If you're going to use my wife's full name, I would appreciate it if you would remember that her last name is now Stempel."

Huffing in frustration, Duncan crossed his arms stubbornly across his chest as he issued;
"Well, I'm relieved to know that, at least, you made an honest woman of my niece."

Jemma felt as if she had been doused in freezing water when her uncle turned to face her and shook his head, his eyes full of accusation;

"And here I was so proud of you, Jemma; the only female left born to the Bolt clan. I never thought I would see the day that one of my brother's children, especially his only daughter, would disgrace our family name in such a way."

Noticing how Aaron's jaw tightened to the point of possibly fracturing in anger at what Duncan had just implied, and determined not to make a bad situation worse, especially given how Josh and Jeremy were trying to correct their uncle, but found themselves shushed by his refusal to listen, Jemma choked back the tears that were threatening to fall as she pulled away from her husband before offering quietly;

"I think I should check on the children."

Before anyone could stop her, Jemma had made her way to the back room and placed a closed door between herself and everyone else, except for her children. Brushing the tears away that insisted on falling as her uncle's accusations echoed in her ears, Jemma studied her peacefully sleeping children before settling herself into the rocking chair next to the bassinet. Despite the sadness she was feeling, Jemma couldn't help but smile as her heart swelled with love and pride as she gazed at her sleeping children before venturing aloud;

"I don't care what anyone else says, or if we ever accomplish anything else; outside of marrying your daddy, you two are the greatest blessing and gifts that Daddy and I could have ever asked for."

While Jemma was finding her center of peace in the presence of her children inside Lottie's parlor, quite the opposite was taking place on the other side of the door. Although the three Bolt brothers loved their uncle dearly, their love for their sister was in a completely different category, not to mention their protective natures where their beloved Pixie was concerned. Pinning his uncle with his eyes, Josh began;

"Uncle Duncan, you had NO right..."

Before Josh could finish, everyone found their attention focused on Aaron as his temper erupted;

"HOW DARE YOU! JUST WHO IN THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"

Duncan's eyes widened in shock and indignation as his chest puffed;

"I'll have you know that I'm Sir Duncan Bolt, Laird of..."

Closing the space between himself and the elder Bolt, Aaron challenged;

"I don't give a damn what you're the Lord of, Duncan. But what I DO give a damn about is the fact that Jemma is in there, probably, crying her eyes out over what you just accused her of, in front of just about all of Seattle, mind you."

Indignant, Duncan blustered;

"I have every right to be concerned about my niece's behavior, and the right to correct her..."

The fire of his temper even more stoked, Aaron roared;

"WRONG! First, you need to get this through that stubborn, thick Bolt head of yours; Jemma may be your niece, but she's MY wife. As far as her 'behavior' goes, you owe her a HUGE apology, Duncan; I didn't marry Jemma because I HAD to, I married her because I WANTED to because I love her."

Facing his brothers in law, Lottie, Clancey, and Julie, Aaron offered;

"I'm sorry if any of you are offended by what I said, but..."

Jerking his thumb towards the eldest Bolt, he continued;

"Uncle or not, he had NO right to say what he did to Jemma, and definitely no right to say it in a room full of people. Now, if you'll excuse me I need to make sure my wife is alright."

Stalking off in fast, long strides, Aaron joined his wife in the back parlor. Once the door had closed, Lottie, having regained her voice, chastised;

"Duncan, you had no right to do that. Today was supposed to be a celebration of Jacob and Amie's christening, not to mention that you are dead wrong for what you accused Jemma of."

Seeing how flustered his uncle was becoming and knowing,

from experience, that he would try to justify his actions until his errors were laid out in the open for him to see, Jason took up the mantel;

"Uncle Duncan, first of all, since you decided to venture your opinion and theory in front of everyone, allow me to inform you as to just how mistaken you are in your assumptions. Aaron and Pixie happen to love each other very much, so much so that they waited for over two years to marry, and they did so with all of our blessings; last September. Pixie gave birth to the twins just over a month ago, and, I might add, they were a little early. So you see, Uncle, you've just accused your niece, our sister, of something that she, not only, didn't do, but wouldn't have done."

Trying to grasp at any straw possible for justification of his actions, Duncan stammered;

"But what about this marriage? As the eldest Bolt..."

Finding his patience at an end with his uncle's interference into matters that were truly none of his concern, Jeremy sought to bring an end to it, once and for all, as he shook his head vehemently;

"No, Uncle Duncan, that's not going to cut it. The only thing that you're being the eldest Bolt means is that you were born before the rest of us, but that doesn't give you the right to try to run or interfere in our lives. I had hoped that, after last year and everything that happened, you would have learned a lesson about your interference, especially considering what almost happened with our logging business."

Having always been one to try to maintain peace Josh placed his hand on his uncle's shoulder to offer;

"Uncle Duncan we love you, very much, but what we're trying to say is that; you're welcome to be a part of our lives, but you're not welcome to try and control our lives."

Without a word, Duncan turned and made his way from the saloon, needing the solace of his own company at that moment. Watching him walk out the door Candy asked worriedly;

"Should someone go after him?"

Jason shook his head; "No, Candy, at least not at the moment. He needs to have time to think about what we've said to him."

Duncan Bolt sat on the same crate that his nephew, Josh had occupied earlier, staring out into the rolling waves of the sound, as if trying to find the answers to the questions that he didn't even know he should have been asking. He had hoped to make up for the loss of Kilmarron, the Bolt family estate in Scotland, lands that were supposed to have gone to Jason upon his death, however, due to taxes and poor management the estate had been lost. Hoping to make the loss up to his only living kin, Duncan had decided to make his way to Seattle to offer whatever assistance he could to his twin brother, Johnathan's, children. He soon realized that, while they respected and loved him, they were soon fighting their aggravation over his insistence in interfering in the logging operation, not to mention the interference into Candy and Jeremy's relationship over the matter of a dowry. He had admired his nephews' willingness to stand up to him, especially after having tried to reason with him in kindness; but it was his niece's gentle manner that surprised him the most.

He had heard the stories since his arrival of how remarkable his niece could prove to be, not to mention how formidable and stubborn when the occasion called for the need; having only seen her as an infant, he had no personal experience to draw on to form an opinion of her character. However, he couldn't help but marvel at just how kind-hearted and gentle she proved to be as well, something that reminded him a great deal of his sister in law, having known the woman since she was a girl and his brother's marriage had been arranged. Duncan couldn't help but mentally kick himself as he recalled the stricken look on Jemma's face when he told her that her father would have been ashamed of her for her actions. He couldn't help but sigh in self-reproach as he shook his head;

"You're a great big fool, Duncan James Bolt."

"Now just why would you think you was a great big fool, big feller?"

Shocked to learn that he wasn't alone, Duncan swung around quickly to find himself facing a petite brunette, her arms on her hips as she demanded;

"Well, so what's got you feelin like such a fool?"

Although he was initially shocked, Duncan found himself silently amused when she plopped herself down to take a seat next to him on the crate to extend her hand as she offered;

"I'm Holly Houston, pleased to meet ya."

Duncan realized that this woman had never been the recipient of a proper education when it came to female etiquette, especially when she sat like a man before crossing her legs with the skirt of her dress caught between them. Normally, he would have been a bit appalled by her brash behavior, but given the mess that he had just made of things with his niece and nephews, he didn't feel he had the right to make any assumptions about anyone. Taking her hand, he offered;

"Sir Duncan Bolt, Laird of Kilmarron."

Sighing heavily, he shook his head;

"Or at least I used to be when it still belonged to the Bolt clan."

Curiosity lighting her chocolate brown eyes, Holly demanded;

"Bolt? You ain't related to Jason, Josh, Jeremy, and Jemma are ya?"

Nodding, Duncan explained;

"That I am, lass. You see, their father was my twin brother; I'm their uncle."

Holly slapped his arm good-naturedly with the back of her hand;

"Well ain't that somethin! Too bad you missed the twins christening earlier today; I'm surprised that Aaron didn't bust his buttons considering how proud he was of them younguns. Can't say I blame him though, them babies sure are sweet, not to mention pretty as speckled pups; Jacob looks just like his daddy, and Amie looks just like her mama."

Somewhat shocked by the realization that she had not been present in the saloon earlier, Duncan asked hesitantly;

"I don't remember seeing you when I arrived, didn't you go to Miss Lottie's for the party?"

Laughing, Holly nodded;

"Yep, I sure did, but, well, I spilled some sour mash on my dress and since I want a turn at holdin them two little rascals, and I'm pretty sure Jemma wouldn't appreciate me smelling like sour mash when I do, I went on back to the dorm and changed my dress."

Holly's intuition began tingling as she noticed the thinly veiled look of sorrow in Duncan's pale blue eyes. Her own eyes, filled with suspicion, narrowed;

"Say, you sure ain't from around here, so you had to have come a long way to see your kin, and considering the wingding going on in Lottie's why ain't you in there celebratin with everyone else?"

Normally, Duncan Bolt was a man who was reluctant to admit his errors, especially when they were the result of his stubborn and rash nature. However, when he turned to face Holly, he found concern and understanding in her big brown eyes, something that gave him the courage to bare his soul as to, not only, what had happened earlier with Jemma, but on his last visit as well and even his feelings over the loss of Kilmarron. Once he had finished telling her everything, despite the misery he felt at the realization of just how big of an ass he had been, especially to his niece, and to Candy the year before over the issue of a dowry, he realized that he felt as if he had divested himself of a considerable weight. However, despite that limited amount of relief he experienced, Duncan couldn't help feeling the heavy press of guilt, anger, and sorrow in his chest for the horrible things that he had said about his niece.

Holly listened patiently to Duncan's admissions of guilt over his behavior and of how he felt over losing the Bolt's ancestral home in Scotland and realized that the two of them seemed to have something in common. Both were so eager to have something that they always wanted and were so eager to find it that they tended to grab any opportunity that seemed to present itself in the attempt to gain what they wanted most; a sense and a place of belonging. Holly pursed her lips slightly;

"So you think that you're a fool just cause you were trying to help your kin and messed some things up for em?"

Duncan offered a silent nod as she continued;

"I can't say I'm too happy about how you treated Jemma. I gotta admit, I was mighty disappointed to find out that Aaron wasn't up for grabs anymore, but it weren't no shame to have lost out to Jemma, even though I don't think there was ever any competition."

Duncan tilted his head slightly to study her as he asked;

"What do you mean, lass?"

Holly couldn't help but chuckle a bit;

"Aw shoot, I knew the first time I laid eyes on the two of em in the same room that they had sparks for each other."

Staring at her in shock, Duncan demanded;

"And just how did you know that?"

Holly couldn't help but laugh aloud as she shook her head;

"Cause I would have had to be blind not to see how them two looked at each other when they didn't think no one was looking. I figured the last time I was here that since they weren't married then, that they had probably figured it weren't a good idea and I stood me a chance. But when I saw that they was married, I knew that I was right, especially when I saw them two babies; them two stir each other's juices, somethin fierce."

Placing her hand on his arm, Holly turned serious;

"Now the way I figure it, you made your peace with Candy and Jeremy about that whole dowry business, but what you did in there to Jemma, that's a whole other bear trap that you done stepped in."

Duncan shrugged;

"So how do I get myself out of it, lass?"

Bracing her elbow on her knee as she rested her chin on her fist, Holly frowned slightly as she considered the problem. She wasn't happy to learn how much Jemma had been hurt, and on such a special day, but she could also see just how upset Duncan was over the

realization of just how much he had hurt his niece and just how wrong he was for what he had said to her. Hopping up from her perch on the crate, Holly placed her hands on her hips as she faced Duncan;

"Well, the way I see it, Sir, Mr..."

Holding up his hand, he offered;

"Please, lass, call me 'Duncan'."

Holly nodded;

"Alright then, Duncan. Anyway, the way I see it, you need to say that you're wrong the same way that you said what you did to Jemma; in front of everybody. But if I was you, I would talk to her and Aaron first and make your peace with em, cause judging by the look that he gets in his eyes when he looks her, I don't think that Aaron takes too kindly to anyone sayin or doin anything that upsets Jemma; and considering what you said, I'm pretty sure he's mad enough to chew lead and spit bullets."

Duncan nodded his confirmation of her theory;

"You're right there, lass. I think the man would have liked to have handed me my head on a spike if he weren't so intent on makin certain that my niece was alright."

Placing her hand on his shoulder, Holly pinned him with her eyes before lightly chastising him;

"That's somethin else you need to remember; she might be your niece, but she's his wife and you insulted her and their younguns; he ain't gonna take too kindly to that."

Bracing his hands on his knees as he sighed in resignation, Duncan nodded as he stood;

"You're right, and the sooner I make my apologies for my behavior and for how I hurt that girl, the sooner we can all move ahead and embrace this family's happiness."

Noticing the strange look of curiosity that she wore, Duncan opened the doorway for her to ask her questions;

"Is there something you'd like to know, lass?"

Nodding, Holly pointed to his legs as she demanded in disbelief;

"Well not that I wanna insult you or nothin, but why are you wearin a skirt?"

Laughing at her statement, Duncan shook his head;

"It's not a skirt, lass, it's a kilt."

Offering her his arm, Duncan suggested;

"Why don't I escort you back to the party and I'll explain it to ya, lass."

Taking the arm he offered, Holly agreed;

"Alright, it seems like a fair deal to me."