CHAPTER 6

As the morning dawned so too did the flurry of activity in preparation and anticipation of Candy and Jeremy's wedding. Thankfully, thanks to Biddie's gift for organization, everything was moving along in a fairly smooth motion; from transporting the food and wedding cake from the dorm, Julie and Jason's house, and Jemma and Aaron's to Lottie's, to making certain that the female members of the wedding party had more than enough help, especially Candy, and Jemma with the twins. However, at that moment, Jemma was in a slight flurry of panic as she was trying to deal with making certain that her children's needs were met, something that was proving difficult, at best, at the moment.

So far that morning, Jacob had managed to spit up all over himself and then his sister before Amie managed to spit up all over her father; all, of whom, were dressed for the wedding. Jemma's heart sank as, in his haste to try and help, Aaron had rushed to pick Amie up from the crib to clean her up and didn't realize that, having just nursed, such quick movements might prove disastrous, which they did. Hurrying to remove her soiled dress and bathe her off, Aaron felt satisfied with his efforts, at least until he cradled his daughter against his chest to comfort her as he crooned softly;

"There, that's much better, isn't it, baby girl?"

Aaron shifted her slightly;

"How's Daddy's girl?"

Assuming she was content, Aaron found himself shocked, to say the least as Amie opened her small mouth, almost as if to sigh, just before covering his jacket with her breakfast. Seeing the look of dismay on his wife's face as she finished tending to their son, Aaron rushed to assure her;

"Sweetheart, it's no big deal. I can wear my other suit and I should have known better than to shake her up like I did without making sure she was burped."

Dejected, Jemma shook her head;

"They've never had any problems like this since they were born, of all the days for them to start."

Before Aaron could respond they could hear a familiar voice on the stairs demanding;

"Now just where in the heck are y'all hiding?"

Before either could answer, Holly, stood in the nursery doorway, her hands on her hips as she stared in disbelief to demand;

"Well, what in the world happened here? Shoot looks like y'all done had some sort of ruckus up in here this morning."

Motioning towards Aaron, she ventured;

"By the looks of it, I'd say them younguns decided they wasn't happy with their breakfast."

Hearing Julie and Jason downstairs, Jemma turned to her husband in panic;

"What are we going to do? Julie and I have to help get Candy ready, you need to change and the babies..."

Huffing, Holly waved her hand in dismissal as she exclaimed;

"Aw, shoot, just hold your horses."

Making her way to the railing, having heard her companion as of late, Holly motioned towards Jason, Julie, and Duncan to order;

"Julie, get yer tail up here and bring that husband of yours and the big feller there with ya."

Seeing the look of trepidation and suspicion in Jemma's eyes, Aaron shrugged;

"Your guess is as good as mine, love."

Before they could speculate further, Holly took a couple of towels from the nearby shelf where Jemma kept the diaper changing supplies as Duncan, Jason, and Julie entered the room. Motioning towards Duncan, she ordered;

"Hold still there, big feller."

Fashioning the towel into a makeshift apron, she waved her hand towards Jemma;

"Alright, you take Jacob and make sure he's as clean as a new penny and get him dressed."

Turning to Julie, she tossed her the towel before facing Jason;

"You might wanna take that there jacket off unless you'd like a suit like Aaron's. When Julie gets you fixed up you take Amie and make sure she's all cleaned and pretty and ready for this here wedding and wingding. Oh, and if I was you, I wouldn't shake her up too much; somethin tells me that's how her pa ended up wearing her breakfast."

His face reflecting his disbelief, Jason demanded;

"But, but, what am I supposed to do?"

Finding amusement in the situation as he shifted his daughter from his arms into her uncle's, Aaron ventured;

"Practice for when you have your own children. Come on, Jason, you raised your sister, surely you retained some of that knowledge, just bathe her, change her, and dress her."

Seeing the trepidation in his brother in law's eyes, Aaron shook his head in disbelief as he demanded;

"You can't be serious? Do you mean to tell me that you don't think anything of climbing a hundred feet or more to the top of a tall pine, but you're intimidated by a baby girl who weighs less than ten pounds?"

Glaring at his brother in law, Jason reminded him;

"The difference is that, if I drop the tree, my baby sister isn't waiting at the bottom to rip a piece off of my hide with you waiting behind her to wring my neck."

Surprising everyone present, except for Holly, Duncan shook his head as he clucked somewhat;

"I canna believe that, Jason lad, you're afraid of such a wee little lass."

Laying Jacob, who was now clean, dry, and fully dressed, in his uncle's arms, Duncan took Amie from her father as he ordered;

"Alright, man, go and get changed into something a bit more fittin for the occasion."

Facing Jason, he issued;

"Just rest yourself in that rocking chair, nephew and I'll take care of the little lass here."

Glancing over his shoulder, Duncan addressed his niece;

"Alright, Jemma lass, go and get into your frock and we'll have everything right as rain by the time you two are ready."

Jemma found herself being ushered into their bedroom by her husband as Julie and Holly took charge as Aaron offered;

"I'll change in the washroom while you get ready out here, sweetheart."

Finding herself pushed down into the chair in front of her dressing table as Julie took the hairbrush and began arranging the curls and waves of her hair, Jemma glanced in the mirror at her sister in law to venture;

"I'm willing to bet that you and Jason had a much easier time dressing this morning than what we seem to be having."

Julie laughed as she offered;

"You might be surprised."

Deciding that her sister in law could use a good laugh after the morning that she had, obviously had, Julie described the events of her and Jason's day so far. It had begun when Jason had decided to serve his wife breakfast in bed as a surprise, unfortunately, he and Julie both found themselves shocked as he was carrying the tray into the bedroom by their unexpected houseguest who had been hiding under their bed. Jason found himself tripping over a small kitten that had come out to investigate the smell of the food on the tray that he was carrying, and although he had been able to retain his hold on the tray the food had been a different matter as it had flown off the tray to land in Julie's lap. Seeing the look of horror on her husband's face, Julie couldn't help but laugh, especially when the kitten leaped onto the bed to begin helping himself to the food scattered on the covers. Laughing, Julie couldn't help but quip;

"I can't deny that I was hungry, darling, but obviously not as hungry as this little fellow."

Picking the little intruder up as he munched on a piece of bacon, Julie couldn't help but smile at the small gray ball of fluff, especially as he began purring when she scratched behind the feline's ears with her thumb. Seeing the hopefulness and silent pleading in her eyes, Jason knew what was coming, even as he vehemently shook his head;

"No, Julie sweet, cats do not belong in the house, not mention the fact of all the damage he's done and of all days to do it."

Tilting her head to the side as she widened her eyes before cuddling the kitten closer, Julie pleaded;

"But, Jason, he's just a baby and probably just wants to be safe and loved. I'm sure that he just got excited when he smelled all the delicious food that you cooked on the tray."

His eyes widening in shock as he waved his hand across the space of their bed, Jason exclaimed;

"OBVIOUSLY!"

Despite his objection to the animal, Jason knew that, as soon as she smiled demurely and batted her eyes that they had acquired a new pet when his wife begged;

"Please, darling, for me?"

Setting the tray on the bed, Jason pulled the quilt back to contain the mess the spilled food had made as he offered his wife his hand to help her up from the bed as she continued cuddling the kitten. Crossing his arm over his broad chest as his mouth became a thin line of frustration, Jason found himself chuckling as he reached a hand out to scratch the animals chin which found the kitten turning its head to rub its cheek back and forth against Jason's fingers before giving his host an appreciative swipe of his tongue in approval as the volume of his purr increased. Shaking his head in amusement at the animal, Jason ventured;

"Despite the trouble that you caused this morning, the lady seems intent on letting you call this home. What do you think, little fella?"

Neither could resist the urge to laugh as the feline looked up at Jason to offer his opinion as he meowed. Sighing in resignation, Jason offered;

"Oh, alright, go fix him a place in the kitchen while I clean this mess up and then we'll get dressed. I suppose we can always use a good mouser."

Julie's mind came back to the moment as Jemma laughingly demanded;

"So you talked him into keeping the cat?"

Nodding, Julie offered, her tone full of puzzlement;

"I'm not sure why he was so against keeping the poor little thing at first."

Hiding her amusement, Jemma simply shrugged;

"Oh, I'm sure he has his reasons."

Finding humor in the situation, but deciding to save it for later, Jemma studied her sister in law's handiwork in the mirror; Julie had arranged her hair to match her own hairstyle. She had coiled the waving mass to resemble a crown with ringlets falling to her shoulders from the center, the difference in the two styles only being that of Julie's blond tresses and Jemma's auburn curls. Nodding in satisfaction, Jemma complimented;

"Julie, I wish I was as gifted as you are at styling hair."

Hurrying into the room, Holly, carefully, lifted Jemma's gown from the bed where it had been laid out earlier to offer;

"Alright, your younguns are all set and ready and we just need to get their ma and pa dressed and we can go take care of Candy."

Helping Jemma into the gown, Julie began fastening the back as Holly nodded her approval;

"Oooh wee, you two are prettier than a new still full of sour mash."

Glancing over her shoulder at her sister in law, Jemma couldn't help but laugh at the matching look of amusement in Julie's eyes as Jemma offered;

"Well, thank you, Holly; we think."

Holly had to admit that the rose color of the gowns was becoming to both women, something she found surprising given the difference between Jemma's auburn hair, emerald eyes, and fair complexion, and the silver-gold shade of Julie's hair and blue eyes. However, the simple sweetheart necklines with full capped sleeves that ended at the elbows as well as the full sweeping skirts were a wonder in their simplicity. The women's attention was diverted as they heard Aaron's voice raised in frustration;

"Damn tie."

Just before he rushed out of the washroom to hold his hand out with the scrap of black silk in his palm as he approached his wife pleadingly;

"Sweetheart, please? I can't seem to get this thing right."

Neither Jemma or Julie could hide their amusement as Holly decided to take charge as she crossed the space to snatch the tie from Aaron's hand;

"Give me that thing, Aaron, can't you see your wife's trying to get all done up for this here wedding?"

Seeing the look of panic on her husband's face, Jemma stepped forward to ease his plight;

"Thank you, Holly, but I'm just about ready and, no offense to you, but Aaron's picky about his tie being even, it's taken me almost a year to get the hang of it."

Seeing that everything was well in hand, Holly relinquished the scrap of material into Jemma's open hand before nodding;

"Alright, me and the big feller, we'll get the younguns and be waiting downstairs for ya."

Motioning towards the door, Holly ordered;

"Come on, Julie, let's make sure that husband of yours ain't lost his nerve over them two little ones."

Following Holly out of the room, Julie cast a knowing smile on her brother and sister in law as she issued;

"Don't take too long, you two."

With that, Julie pulled the door closed as Jemma turned to drape the piece of silk around her husband's collar as she began working on his tie. Seeing the effort that she was putting into trying to maintain a serious face, Aaron placed his hands on her waist as his features took on a stern look;

"Jemma Elysia, so help me if you laugh..."

Nodding in satisfaction of her efforts as she straightened his collar, Jemma offered her husband an innocent smile full of smugness as she challenged;

"You'll what?"

Catching her playful mood, Aaron held her firmly, unable to prevent his own mischievous grin;

"I'll do this."

Pulling her closer he lowered his head to kiss her soundly, yet thoroughly before lifting his head to look into her eyes as she opened them slowly as she leaned against him, catching her breath. Blushing slightly as she traced the line of his jaw with her finger, she shook her head;

"You do realize that, if you were trying to discourage me from that type of behavior, you really need to work on your methods; trust me, darling, all THAT did was to encourage me to want to do it more."

Gathering her bearings, Jemma left her husband's arms to reach into her jewelry box for the string of pearls that had been a gift from Aaron, as well as her mother's locket. Holding his hand out expectantly, Aaron took the necklace and fastened it about his wife's slender neck as he nodded towards the locket;

"I'm assuming that you're going to do the same thing for Candy that you did for Julie?"

Nodding as she held the necklace reverently;

"Yes, I know it may seem silly but, I know that when we were married and I wore it, I felt like Mother and Father were there with us. I wanted that for Jason and Julie, and I'd like that for Jeremy and Candy as well."

Aaron couldn't help but find himself reminded, once more, of one of the aspects of Jemma's personality and character that had drawn him to her in the first place; her giving and loving heart and her determination to do everything in her power to make certain that those she loved were able to experience the same happiness that she did for themselves. Turning her to face him, Aaron straightened her necklace before brushing the back of his fingers against her cheek as he brushed his lips against her forehead. Puzzled, Jemma looked at him strangely;

"Not that I mind, love, but what was that for?"

Studying his wife for a moment, as if trying to memorize every detail, Aaron finally replied;

"Maybe that's just because I happen to know just how blessed and thankful I am for that blessing to have you for my wife and the mother of my children, not to mention to be lucky enough to be the man you give your love and heart to, Jemma darlin."

Noticing the time on the mantel clock, Aaron placed his arm about her shoulders as he led her to the door;

"I think we better hurry, love. You and Julie have to help get a certain young lady ready to become your brother's wife and believe me, Jeremy is chomping at the bit to see that event take place."

Biddie, having finished with her own hair, stood behind Candy as she finished sliding the last hairpin in place, securing the red tresses into place. Standing back for a moment to study her work, Biddie nodded in satisfaction; she had thought that with the style of the veil that Candy was wearing, sweeping half of her hair into a coil and leaving half of her hair down would be the most becoming and she could see her instincts had served her well. Glancing at her pendant watch, Biddie sighed in poorly hidden irritation;

"I can't imagine where Julie and Jemma are."

Willing herself to patience and calmness, Candy offered;

"Biddie, you know that it takes time to get a baby ready, let alone two. Not to mention that it's not as if Jemma can simply hand Jacob and Amie off to Aaron since he's standing up with Jeremy. I'm sure that they'll be here any second."

No sooner had Candy expressed the thought then they heard the sound of hurried footsteps as Jemma and Julie burst through the door of the room that Candy shared with her brother and sister. Seeing the harried look on her soon to be sister in law's face, Candy surmised;

"Rough morning?"

Shaking her head, Jemma quipped;

"You have NO idea, believe me."

Noting the difficulty that Julie seemed to be having containing her amusement, Biddie demanded;

"Well, what in heaven's name happened?"

Sighing in amused frustration as she rolled her eyes, Jemma divulged;

"You name it, Biddie and it happened. I guess I didn't burp Jacob well enough so he spit up on himself and on Amie. Then, Aaron, trying to help, jostled Amie a little too much and she decided that her daddy should wear her breakfast, so she spit up all over him. Mind you, all three were already dressed and ready, so that meant cleaning up the twins and Aaron changing, and, mind you, I wasn't even dressed yet."

Wide-eyed, Biddie's voice conveyed her shock;

"How ever in the world did you manage to get everything taken care of so quickly?"

Julie made a sweeping gesture with her hand;

"Believe it or not; Uncle Duncan and Holly. The two of them just jumped in and Duncan and Jason took care of the twins while Aaron went and changed, and Holly and I helped Jemma dress."

Seeing the disbelief in Candy and Biddie's eyes, Jemma shook her head;

"I know, I was as shocked as you two are, but, believe it or not, they had Jacob and Amie dressed, happy, and smiling when we left the house."

Giggling, she confided;

"Although, Aaron did look just a bit 'concerned' when Holly offered to help him with his tie."

The four women meeting each other's eyes full of humor as they burst out laughing, a sound that found Lottie entering to demand;

"Alright, girls, and just what's so funny?"

Offering a quick narration of the earlier events, none of the women were surprised when Lottie giggled in amusement as she turned to Jemma;

"I'm guessing that Aaron was rather shocked when his little princess decided to express her opinion regarding her daddy's suit."

Nodding, Jemma couldn't help but laugh;

"He took it in amazingly good humor, but, admittedly, he was a bit on the shocked side, especially considering that he had just asked her how 'Daddy's girl' was."

Shaking her head, Lottie complimented;

"Despite the little hiccups, I have to admit that I've only seen one other man who was as good at being a father as Aaron is."

The curiosity written all over her face, Lottie wasn't surprised when Biddie pursed her lips in that all too familiar Biddie like way that meant a question was coming, which sure enough;

"And who was that, Lottie?"

Lottie waved her hand towards Jemma;

"Johnathan Bolt."

Her eyes reflecting how full her heart was by the unexpected compliment, Jemma offered softly;

"Thank you, Lottie."

Hugging the girl she considered a daughter, Lottie reached out to take Candy and Julie's hands in hers as she held Jemma's;

"I want you three to know something."

Locking eyes with each, in turn, Lottie assured them;

"Johnathan and Julietta would have been very proud if they could see their children. Candy, I know that you're just what they would have wanted in a wife for Jeremy; you bring out the

best in him and give him the confidence to let others see it too. And, Julie, you're everything that they could have hoped for in a wife for their oldest, and Lord knows, none of us can imagine anyone else that can rein in that ego of his."

Her eyes softening considerably, Lottie smiled as she faced Jemma;

"And you, little miss Pixie, there is no doubt in my mind that, despite any type of objections that they might have had at first, your mother and father would have been proud to have Aaron as their son in law, especially considering just how happy he makes you and the fact that they wanted that for you, more than anything else in the world. Not to mention just how proud of those two little angels of yours they would have been."

Placing her hands on her hips and letting her gaze sweep over the four women before folding her arms across her chest, Lottie nodded;

"There's not a doubt in my mind that if ever there were two people up in heaven looking down and smiling on their children, it would be those two."

Biting at her bottom lip in an attempt to hold her tears back at Lottie's observations, Jemma swallowed her emotions back as she turned to Candy to smile timidly;

"Candy, I do believe that it's time we get you into that beautiful gown of yours. After all, you have a date with a certain brother of mine who's been waiting for this day for a long time."

Jeremy paced back and forth in the small room that Reverend Adams used as an office at the back of the church, stopping every once in a while to check his appearance in the small mirror to make certain that his tie was straight or that his hair wasn't mussed. Leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, Josh couldn't help but point out in amusement;

"Jeremy, if you straighten that tie anymore it's just going to give up and fall apart."

His hands folded across his middle as he leaned back in his chair, Aaron couldn't help but find humor in his brother in law's observation, something that found him chuckling, even more so when Jeremy turned to him, a look of accusation on his face as he demanded;

"I suppose you find that funny, Aaron?"

Resting his elbow on the arm of his chair as he rested his chin in his hand, Aaron reminded;

"I find this no less funny, Jeremy then what the two of you did on mine and your sister's wedding day. Which, I might add, you two didn't think I knew or realized that I had Jason and Lottie to thank for the fact that I didn't receive a hard time."

Offering an offended look, Josh denied;

"That's not true, Aaron, well not entirely. It wasn't just Jason and Lottie that kept us from giving you a hard time. "

Glancing over his shoulder, Aaron demanded;

"Oh really, Joshua, well then would you care to tell me just what it was that I have to thank for your and Jeremy's magnanimous generosity that day?"

His visage reflecting the seriousness with which he took the subject, Josh confessed;

"Well, first of all, that was a very special day for you and Pixie and we wouldn't have ruined that for anything in the world for anyone."

Feeling regretful for his earlier assumption, Aaron offered;

"Josh, Jeremy, I apologize for my assumption."

Having remained silent, Jason shook his head as he advised;

"Don't let them make you feel too guilty, Aaron, I can assure you that, while that may have been a consideration, it wasn't the ONLY consideration."

Chuckling slightly as the realization of Jason's innuendo, Aaron ventured;

"Let me guess, would it happen to have anything to do just how well a certain young lady, who I happen to be married to, can swing an ax?"

Jason nodded, a smug grin on his lips;

"One in the same, dear brother in law."

Turning serious, Aaron cleared his throat;

"By the way, Jeremy, I wanted to thank you for asking me to stand up with you today."

Shrugging, Jeremy offered;

"Well, Aaron, you are married to our baby sister and the father of our niece and nephew. Face it, you're family and I wanted ALL of my brothers up there with me today."

Offering his slightly crooked grin, Jeremy pointed out;

"Besides, considering that Candy insisted on having Biddie, Pixie, AND Julie stand up with her, it only seemed natural to have you stand up with me."

Hearing a slight tap on the door, Lottie poked her head in as she opened the portal;

"Gentlemen, I do believe that there is a certain bride over at the dorm who requires an escort up the aisle."

Straightening himself up from where he had been leaning against the wall, Jason checked his appearance in the mirror before turning towards his brother in law;

"Aaron, give us about ten minutes and herd these two to their places; would you?"

Nodding, Aaron confirmed;

"Consider it done."

Waving his hand towards the outer door of the church, Jason turned to Lottie to offer;

"Shall we?"

Candy stood before the full-length mirror and stared at her reflection in stunned amazement. She never considered herself to be a vain person, although she liked looking her best, but seeing her reflection, standing in her mother's wedding gown, she couldn't deny the pleasure she felt that her appearance had exceeded her hopes and expectations, especially since she wanted Jeremy to feel that it had been worth the wait to marry her when she walked down the aisle. There was no denying just how beautiful the dress was; made of satin with a square neckline and full puffy short sleeves that were trimmed with a small ruffle of lace that matched the trim of lace adorning the neckline and hem. She had no idea how Biddie had managed it but determined to make a veil for a wedding gift for her friend, she had found the same pattern and color of lace to make the veil which was attached in the back to a crown of flowers.

Noticing the look of nostalgia in her soon to be sisters in law's eyes, Candy turned towards Jemma and Julie as Jemma stated, rather than asked;

"You feel like a princess from a fairy tale, don't you?"

Candy nodded as she smiled shyly;

"I guess it's silly, isn't it?"

Shaking her head, as they drew closer to Candy, Lottie ventured in a soft voice full of admiration and love for the girl she came to think of as a second daughter;

"No, Candy, it's not silly. I'm sure that Jemma and Julie felt the same way."

Nodding their agreement, Julie reminded;

"I know that when I stepped into my mother's gown to marry Jason, I felt like Cinderella on her way to the ball to meet Prince Charming."

Turning a suspiciously mischievous look on her sister in law, Julie offered;

"I think that Jemma and Aaron's was more along the lines of Beauty and the Beast."

Her eyes widening in shock as her mouth hung open, Jemma recovered enough to roll her eyes sarcastically before exclaiming;

"JULIE! I can't believe you just said that."

Placing her arm around the younger woman's shoulders, Julie offered;

"Oh, you know that I'm just joking, Jemma."

Nodding, Biddie agreed;

"Yes indeedy, although he sure is a lot less grumpy and sour since he married you."

Unable to contain her amusement, Jemma couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips as she shook her head;

"Well, I didn't exactly feel like mine was Beauty and the Beast, but I did feel like a princess standing at the altar with my own Prince Charming."

Getting things back on track, Lottie issued;

"It's almost time, so it's time for the last detail, ladies."

Stepping forward, Biddie began;

"Well, your something old is your mother's dress and your something new is the veil that I made you for your wedding present."

Turning to Jemma, she issued;

"Your turn."

Motioning for Candy to turn her back to her, Jemma fastened the locket around Candy's throat as she explained;

"As you know, Candy, this was Mother's. Uncle Duncan told me that it was a present from Father to Mother before they were married and that Mother wore it when she and Father were married. I wore it when Aaron and I were married, I let Julie wear it when she and Jason were married, and now, I'm letting you wear it for your and Jeremy's wedding. This is your something borrowed."

Grinning mischievously, Lottie held a lacy blue garter between her fingers;

"And I'm sure that you're more than aware of what this is, especially since you helped with Jemma and Julie's."

Candy laughed as she blushed and pulled the hem of her gown up to extend her leg as Lottie fastened the garter in place. Biddie shook her head as she pursed her lips in confusion;

"I just hope that Candy will be able to get that thing off later on."

Glancing at each other in amused humor before turning to Candy, Jemma and Julie giggled as they advised in unison;

"That's Jeremy's problem to figure out."

Shaking her head at the humor, Lottie reached out to take Candy's hand;

"Are you ready, Candy?"

Nodding, Lottie offered;

"I'll go get Jason."

Seeing the nervousness in her soon to be sister in law's eyes, Jemma squeezed her hand as she assured her;

"Candy, you are absolutely beautiful and I know a certain brother of mine who is going to be absolutely enthralled when he sees you."

Hurrying through the connecting door from the dorm, Molly and Christopher came in, carrying the bouquets for everyone as Christopher announced proudly;

"Look, Candy, we stayed clean and everything just like ya told us to."

Offering her siblings a loving smile, she praised;

"Yes you did and I'm very proud of you two."

Admiring the two youngsters, she complimented;

"And you two look very nice."

Molly, proud of the satin dress in a slightly lighter shade of rose than that of the dresses that Biddie, Jemma, and Julie wore, twirled as she giggled;

"I kinda wish we could dress like this all the time. I feel like a princess or something."

Meeting each other's looks of amusement at the little girl's statement, the four women burst out in giggles as Jemma placed her hand on Molly's shoulder;

"Well, you certainly look like a little princess, Molly. I hope that Amie's, at least, half as pretty as you are when she gets bigger."

Blushing as she smiled at the compliment, Molly, noticing her brother fidgeting with his tie, stamped her foot;

"CHRISTOPHER BENJAMEN! STOP FUSSING WITH THAT TIE THIS MINUTE!"

Scuffing his shoe back and forth, Christopher remarked sullenly;

"I was just trying to loosen it, that's all, Molly."

Turning to Jemma, he demanded;

"Aunt Jemma, how come Uncle Aaron wears one all the time, don't he get tired of em too?"

Trying to cajole the boy, Jemma offered;

"But Christopher, you look so handsome in your new suit; besides, you're the ring bearer."

Seeing the unspoken question in the boy's face, Jemma rushed to assure him;

"Don't worry, all the men are wearing ties today."

Their attention focused on the children the women turned as they heard Jason's voice booming from the door;

"That's right, Christopher, and since you're going to be standing with the rest of the men in the wedding that means you have to wear a tie too."

Glancing about the room, he nodded his approval as he observed;

"Ladies and Gentleman, I believe we have a wedding in need of the five prettiest girls in all of Seattle."

Taking their bouquets from Molly as she grabbed her basket of flower petals, Julie, Jemma, and Biddie hurried out the door with Christopher and Molly in tow as Candy turned to take the flat jeweler's box from the dressing table to hold it out to Jason to ask;

"Would you mind, I was going to ask Jemma, but, somehow I thought that having you pin it on me would be more appropriate."

Nodding, Jason lifted the emerald brooch from the box to attach it to Candy's dress as she worried;

"Jason, do you think that it's really alright for me to have this? I mean, you're the oldest, shouldn't it go to you for Julie or to Jemma?"

Shaking his head, Jason assured her;

"No, Candy, I don't. This belonged to Uncle Duncan and he felt you should have it and we all agreed, even Jemma. As far as something for Julie, she has Mother's wedding ring, so stop feeling guilty and just be happy and enjoy your day; you and Jeremy have waited for this for some time and you deserve all the happiness in the world."

Opening the door, he offered;

"Are you ready, Miss Pruitt?

Picking up her bouquet, Candy nodded;

"Quite, Mr. Bolt."

Linking her arm through his as he opened the door, Candy took one last look around the room that had been her home for the last few months, since the death of their mother and the arrival of her sister and brother. Deciding that she was more than ready to step into her future she pulled the door closed behind her as she issued;

"Let's go, I think we've kept a certain Bolt brother waiting for long enough."

Biddie stood at the top of the steps, sighing in frustration as she consulted her pendant watch for at least the tenth time in just as many minutes. Glancing to each other, Jemma offered;

"Let me."

Placing her hand on the girl's arm, Jemma ventured;

"Biddie, they'll be here in just a minute. I mean, it's not as if they can start without the bride, now can they?"

Shaking her head, Biddie conceded;

"Well, I guess that's true enough, they can't."

Noticing their approach, Molly pointed out;

"See, here they come."

Once Jason and Candy reached the steps of the church, Biddie's ever-efficient personality emerged as she ordered;

"Alright let's get ready. Remember, Julie, you go first, then Jemma, then me, the children, and then Jason and Candy."

Opening the door slightly to signal Miss Essie at the organ, Biddie nodded as she directed;

"Alright, let's go."

Leaning forward before they began, Jemma whispered to her sister in law;

"Didn't we just do this a couple of months ago, only in a little different order?"

Glancing over her shoulder, Julie nodded as she replied in a whisper;

"Yes, although it was different dresses and you snuck two extra guests to mine and your brother's wedding under yours."

Giggling slightly, both looked as if they were caught chattering in the schoolroom when Biddie chastised;

"Ladies, let us not forget just how solemn an occasion this is."

Waving her hand towards the door, Biddie ordered;

"Alright, let's go."

Julie glanced back to offer Candy an encouraging smile before stepping through the doorway to make her way up the aisle to take her place at the side of the alter. Once Biddie was satisfied that Julie was in her proper place, she turned to Jemma;

"Your turn."

Reaching back she took Candy's hand and offered her an encouraging squeeze and warm smile as she offered;

"Be happy and blessed, Candy."

With that she turned and began her walk up the aisle, finding that she couldn't help but meet her husband's eyes and realized that he, like she, was remembering a similar day close to a year before that found them in a similar circumstance. Any doubts she had to the contrary dissolved as she noticed the silent gesture he made by pointing to himself before placing his hand over his heart and pointing discreetly to her. Given that all eyes were on her at the moment she simply smiled lovingly and nodded as she came to stand beside Julie.

Turning towards the quickly dwindling group before her, Biddie reminded;

"Alright now, my turn."

Straightening Christopher's tie once more and checking Molly's dress, Biddie nodded her approval as she reminded;

"Now, Molly, you stand at the door and when I get up there with Jemma and Julie, that's when you and Christopher start, just like we rehearsed."

Giving Candy a quick embrace, she offered;

"It's going to be just wonderful, Candy."

Hurrying through the door, Biddie placed a solemn look on her features as she made her way carefully and precisely up the aisle to join Jemma and Julie just before Molly and Christopher entered, leaving no room to doubt the seriousness with which they were taking their duties as flower girl and ring bearer. Although, there were no doubts as to Christopher's relief when Josh removed the wedding ring from the small pillow, especially when the boy wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as he sighed in relief before muttering;

"That's a relief."

Finding the humor in the situation, Jeremy, Josh, and Aaron couldn't help but chuckle as Biddie tried to look irritated with the boy while Molly, Jemma, and Julie were hiding their giggles behind their hands. Shaking her head, Biddie finally capitulated as she huffed;

"Oh, never mind."

Waving her hand in her direction, Biddie issued;

"Go ahead, Miss Essie."

With that, the chords of the Wedding March began as everyone rose and the church door opened as Jason and Candy entered to begin their walk down the aisle. Jeremy's eyes widened in astonishment, since the moment he had bumped into Candy when she as doing laundry on Clancey's ship on their trip from New Bedford, he had always considered her to be the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, but the vision he saw walking down the aisle towards him on his eldest brother's arm was one that went far beyond anything he had expected on their wedding day. Reaching the altar, Jason placed Candy's hand in Jeremy's as he offered;

"Be happy, little brother."

Once Jason took his place next to Aaron, Reverend Adams couldn't help but smile as he began;

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for a very special reason; to join Jeremy and Candy together in holy matrimony. If there is anyone present who objects, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Allowing the customary moment or two, which seemed more of an eternity due to the tension the question raised, to pass, the reverend pushed forward;

"And who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

Offering the couple a warm smile, Jason nodded;

"I have that pleasure, Reverend."

Facing the couple to bestow a warm, fatherly smile upon the young couple, Reverend Adams began the sermon part of the ceremony. Although both, Candy and Jeremy were taking the minister's words with the seriousness that was intended, neither could help but gazing into each other's eyes, even when Reverend Adams asked;

"Candace Gwendolyn Pruitt, do you take Jeremy James Bolt to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love, honor, obey, and cherish until death do you part and from this day forward do you pledge to plight your troth only onto thee?"

Despite just how seriously she took the ceremony, Candy eyes were bright with happiness as she offered a slight nod before stating in a soft, yet firm tone of voice;

"I most certainly do."

Jeremy couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the eagerness of her acceptance as he squeezed her hand affectionately before Reverend Adams turned to address him;

"Jeremy James Bolt, do you take Candace Gwendolyn Pruitt to be your lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love, honor, and cherish until death do you part and from this day forward do you pledge to plight your troth only onto thee?"

The joy of the moment beaming in the smile he wore and brightness in his blue eyes, Jeremy took the bouquet from his bride to hand it to Biddie as he took both of Candy's hands in his as he beamed;

"I most definitely do."

Reverend Adams held his open Bible out towards Josh who took his cue and placed the ring that he had been holding for safekeeping on the opened pages as the minister placed his hand over the golden band as he blessed it before reminding the couple;

"The ring is a symbol and reminder of the vow that two people who marry make between each other and God."

Motioning towards Jeremy, he advised;

"Jeremy, place the ring on the third finger of Candy's left hand and repeat after me; 'with this ring, I thee wed'."

Taking the ring from the Bible, Jeremy held it carefully between his fingers as he took Candy's hand and slid the ring into place as he spoke with calm deliberateness;

"With this ring, I thee wed."

Nodding his approval the minister asked the congregation;

"Would everyone please bow your heads?"

Assured that all present complied, he offered a prayer;

"Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless Candy and Jeremy in their marriage and that their marriage and family be filled with joy and happiness; amen."

Waving his hand towards Candy, Reverend Adams offered a happy smile as he ventured;
"Well, Jeremy, aren't you going to kiss your bride?"

Grinning broadly, Jeremy wrapped his arms around Candy before placing his lips against hers in their first kiss as man and wife. Although he had not intended to do so, Jeremy couldn't help indulging in the kiss that he and Candy had waited for, for so long. He and Candy found themselves reminded that they weren't alone as Clancey observed;

"Well, I don't see em breakin Aaron and Jemma's record, but it's for sure and certain that they're given Jason and Julie a run for their money I'll wager."

It was with much chagrin that the bride and groom ended their kiss as Reverend Adams proclaimed;

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Bolt."

Smiling at Molly and Christopher, he included;

"And family."

At the signal, Miss Essie began the exit music of the Wedding March as the couple made their exit, followed by Molly and Christopher. Turning to Biddie, Josh offered her his arm as he grinned;

"Miss Cloom, shall we?"

Blushing slightly, Biddie nodded;

"Oh, by all means, Mr. Bolt, lets."

Shaking her head in amusement at her brother and friend, Jemma couldn't help but laugh lightly as her husband offered his arm;

"May I escort the prettiest mother in all of Seattle?"

Jemma smiled lovingly as she took her husband's arm, however, as if on cue, knowing that their uncle's wedding ceremony was concluded, Amie and Jacob began crying. Looking at each other in silent agreement as they started up the aisle, Jemma and Aaron stopped where Duncan and Holly were sitting, next to Lottie and Clancey, to take their children in their arms before following the rest of the wedding party without missing a step. Amazed, Jason offered his wife his arm as he leaned closer to compliment;

"THAT was the most impressive display of teamwork that I think I have ever seen."

Nodding, as impressed as her husband, Julie agreed;

"Those two definitely seem to have developed their own routine for this parenting thing and they seem to have it pretty well in hand."

Bringing up the rear of the wedding party, the couple followed in Aaron and Jemma's wake to join the group just outside of the church doors. Jason had no doubts as to the scene he would find just outside the doors as he and Julie stepped through the portal, and sure enough, he had been right. Jeremy and Candy were standing to the side of the doors so that they could thank everyone who came to share their special day, locked in a close embrace and kissing. Chuckling, Jason ventured;

"You two might want to pace yourselves, you still have a wedding night and a honeymoon to get through. And,"

Waving his hand in the direction of their sister and brother in law as they held their children, he quipped;

"You see how quickly you can add to your family, although not everyone is as talented as these two and can manage to have, not one but, two babies at the same time."

Her eyes widening in disbelief, Jemma offered sarcastically;

"I'm glad you think that took talent; as I recall there were several hours of labor and some pain involved, not talent."

Glancing down into her daughter's face, the look of sarcasm was replaced by a tender and loving smile as she cradled the infant closer;

"But they were worth every second and so much more to bring them into this world."

Lifting her head Jemma's smiled mischievously as she issued in a deceptively sweet voice;

"And if I were you, big brother, I wouldn't be laughing too hard. There's nothing to say that, just because I'm the sibling who had twins, there's no earthly reason why another sibling couldn't as well."

Finding amusement at his wife's statement, Aaron nodded as he speculated;

"That's right, not to mention, if you'll recall, Jemma and I were married about four or five months when we found out we were expecting. How long have you two been married now?"

Blushing at the suggestion, Julie placed her hands on her hips as she ordered;

"Behave you two, not everyone is as fast as you are you know."

Shocked by his sister's statement, Aaron couldn't help the incredulous tone in his voice as he demanded;

"FAST?! Just how in heaven's name do you think that waiting as we did was fast?"

Chuckling as he placed his arm around his wife's shoulders, Jason defended;

"Now, darling, they do have a point. I mean, considering they were making up for lost time, is it really any wonder that they were parents before being married a year?"

Despite having been able to calm their children when they took them from Duncan and Holly earlier, Jemma wasn't surprised as Amie and Jacob began fussing, especially given the tightness she was beginning to experience in her chest, a clear signal that it was time for their feedings. Shaking her head in amusement at her eldest brother she quipped;

"Very funny, big brother."

Noticing that everyone was beginning to make their way outside to congratulate the couple, Jemma pleaded her case;

"Candy, Jeremy, I know that we're supposed to help you thank everyone but it seems as if a certain two babies are ready for their next feeding. Would you be terribly upset if we went ahead to Lottie's to get them tended to and settled?"

Shaking her head as she stepped closer to hug her sister in law, Candy waved her hand towards the saloon;

"Not at all, you go tend to those two and we'll be along shortly."

Before they could turn towards the steps, Biddie asked in shock;

"But, Jemma, you're going to miss when Candy throws the bouquet."

Chuckling in amusement of the girl's concern, Aaron pointed out;

"Biddie, that's for the unmarried ladies, remember? I'm pretty sure Jemma's not worried about whether or not she'll be the next bride since we covered that almost a year ago now. But if you're throwing one to see who'll be the next one expecting a baby..."

Shocked by her husband's statement, Jemma threw a chastising glare at him as she admonished;

"Would you please behave? Really, Aaron Stempel, I swear I don't know what gets into you sometimes."

Laughing good-naturedly as he placed his free arm around her shoulders and led the way to Lottie's, Aaron leaned closer to her ear as he ventured softly;

"I think it has something to do with a certain little minx that I'm married to, who is much more tempting than what she realizes and who I simply can't and don't want to resist."

Reaching the doorway and holding the portal open for her, Aaron reached out to take her hand once the door was closed to bring it to his lips as he shook his head;

"Face it, Jemma love, you're stuck with me."

Blushing in the pleasure of his admission, she placed her hand against his cheek as she shook her head;

"No, I'm not 'stuck' because that would mean I have no choice. I'm EXACTLY where I want to be, thank you very much."

Turning to lead the way to the back parlor where Lottie kept the bassinet handy, Jemma couldn't help but giggle as she heard the sound of her husband's laughter as he offered;

"What a coincidence, darlin, since that's exactly where I want to be and where I want you to be too."

Candy felt as if she were caught up in a whirlwind as the guests began filing out of the church to offer their congratulations. Once the proprieties had been seen to, Biddie clapped her hands in excitement as she ventured;

"I think it's time to toss your bouquet, Candy."

Candy couldn't help but giggle in amusement as Biddie practically flew down the steps to join the other unmarried girls for a chance to catch the flowers. Turning to her sister in law, Candy asked inconspicuously;

"What did you do when you tossed your bouquet?"

Hiding her laugh behind her hand, Julie confessed;

"Well, I asked Jemma the same thing; she said she aimed for Biddie."

Candy couldn't help but nod, a smile of satisfaction on her face that her theory had been proven accurate;

"I thought she seemed a little too on target that day, but my aim isn't nearly as good as hers so I guess I'll just have to try my best."

Turning her back to the group gathered, Candy put her all into tossing her bouquet as she flung the flowers high over her head. She knew just who had managed to catch the bunch by the sound of Biddie's high pitched squeal of delight. Unable to contain his laughter, Jeremy ventured;

"I'm not sure if it was your aim or just how good Biddie's gotten at catching those things."

Unable to resist the happy smile that brightened his eyes considerably, Candy gave little resistance as Jeremy laced his fingers through hers to pull her into an embrace before kissing her soundly as he asked quietly;

"Happy, Mrs. Bolt?"

Candy couldn't help but blush in pleasure at the reminder of her new status in his life as she nodded eagerly;

"Yes, Mr. Bolt, I'm very happy. But what about you; are you going to miss your status as an eligible bachelor?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Jeremy shook his head;

"I've got news for you, my darling wife, I haven't considered myself as 'eligible' since the day I helped you hang your corset on the sail lines of Clancey's ship."

Although he hated to interrupt the

exchange, especially given the warmth and love that was flowing between the couple, Jason cleared his throat to gain their attention as he apologized;

"I hate to interrupt but we do have almost all of Seattle waiting at Lottie's to help you two celebrate before you leave for your honeymoon tonight."

Nodding, Jeremy motioned towards the saloon as he offered;

"Well, by all means, let's join everyone and celebrate the happiest day in mine and Candy's lives so far."

Allowing his brother and sister in law to precede them down the church steps, especially when he noticed the stunned look on his bride's face Jeremy took her hand in his as he ventured for her ears only;

"Because the sooner we begin our reception the sooner we can begin our honeymoon."

Giggling, Candy nodded;

"I can agree with that."

With that, they hurried, eager to celebrate the day that they had been waiting and hoping for with their friends and family.