CHAPTER 7

Biddie flitted about, mumbling to herself;

"Let's see, we have the cake to cut, we have the cabin all decorated, so we just have to help Candy change."

Lottie lifted one eyebrow quizzically;

"Biddie, have you taken to talking to yourself?"

Stopping to place her hands on her hips, Biddie admonished;

"I'm just making certain that we've taken care of all the last minute things so that everything goes smoothly when Candy and Jeremy leave for their honeymoon."

Placing her arm affectionately around the young woman's shoulders, Lottie assured her;

"Biddie, you've done a wonderful job. I mean who else but you could have helped organize Jason and Julie's wedding, helped Jemma get ready for the twins, and plan and organize Candy and Jeremy's wedding? I have no doubts that you've taken care of every little detail, so why don't you go and enjoy the party like everyone else."

No sooner had Lottie commented then the outer doors opened as the bride and groom entered; arm in arm. After making their way through the crowd of guests who had gathered to wish the newlyweds well, Candy and Jeremy approached the small group gathered at the bar as Jason pointed out;

"Well, it's about time you two showed up, everyone's anxious to celebrate the newlyweds, you know."

Waving her hand in dismissal, Candy fussed;

"Oh Jason, you act like Jeremy and I have kept everyone waiting forever. I mean, you and Aaron are a good bit older than Jeremy and me, and no one was as anxious about your marriages as everyone seemed to be about ours."

Lifting his mug of beer to his lips, Jason nodded;

"You're right, Candy, no one was anxious when Aaron and Jemma got married, or when Julie and I did. But, then again, no one really expected that we would ever get married while everyone knew that you and Jeremy would. I swear, thanks to the expectations that everyone had, it feels like we've waited fifty years for you two to tie the knot."

Shaking his head in exasperation, Jeremy chided;

"Now, Jason, you know it's only been a couple of years or so, and you know good and well that, when you anticipate something, sometimes, there's a let down once it's over and done with because everyone was so excited about seeing it happen and once it has; no more excitement because there's no more anticipation."

Taking Candy's hand in his, Jeremy smiled lovingly as he leaned in closer to brush his lips across hers before patting her hand;

"Don't worry, sweetheart, we'll make our own excitement, I'm sure."

Blushing, Candy stared wide-eyed in shock of his statement;

"JEREMY BOLT! What on earth would everyone say if they heard what you just said?"

Leaning in closer, he reminded;

"They would think that we just got married and are very much in love and adore each other very much."

His eyes full of inquiry, Jeremy demanded;

"Do you think there's anything wrong with it when Aaron and Pixie are affectionate or when Jason and Julie are?"

Shaking her head, Jeremy nodded;

"Then why should there be anything wrong with us being that way when we're married?"

Candy couldn't deny that her husband had a point, making up her mind she leaned closer to kiss him soundly before stating;

"You're absolutely right! We're married and there's no reason whatsoever why we can't be affectionate with each other."

Glancing around, Jeremy asked;

"Would I be right in assuming that our favorite twins and favorite parents are occupied in the back room at the moment;

"Hearing his nephew's inquiry, Duncan nodded;

"Aye, lad, that they are. Jemma said that you're not to wait on them ifin you've got a mind to cut your cake."

Glancing towards the table where the cake was waiting, Holly shook her head as she declared;

"I know that if that cake tastes half as good as it looks I shore can't wait to get me a piece of it."

Nodding, Candy agreed;

"Believe me, it will taste better than it looks, but we're not cutting a single piece of it until ALL of the family is here to see us do it."

No sooner had the words left Candy's mouth then the door to the back room opened as Jemma and Aaron appeared to join the group assembled. Motioning towards the door, Holly demanded;

"Them younguns all settled?"

Letting a sigh of relief escape her lips before taking a sip of the punch that her husband handed her, Jemma nodded;

"Yes, they are fed, full, clean, dry, and thank heavens, napping."

Smiling at Candy as she noticed Biddie's approach, Jemma ventured;

"You two might want to get ready to cut your wedding cake, I see Biddie making her way over and, if I were a betting woman, I would lay odds that it's to tell you two it's time to cut the cake."

True to Jemma's predictions, Biddie approached the couple to order;

"Alright you two, it's time to cut your cake."

Watching as the couple followed meekly behind Biddie, Jemma wasn't surprised when Aaron sat his beer mug on the bar beside them before pulling her back against him as he wrapped his arms about her waist before leaning in closer to whisper;

"You're getting rather good at guessing what Biddie's thinking, love."

Kissing her cheek as he held her tighter, Aaron asked quietly;

"Can you guess what I'm thinking right now, sweetheart?"

Assuming that everyone's attention was on the newlyweds as they cut their wedding cake, Aaron and Jemma found themselves shocked as Lottie placed her hand on Aaron's shoulder and smiled mischievously as she noticed Jemma's blush of embarrassment and Aaron's chagrin before offering sweetly;

"I can, Aaron, and you really should be ashamed of yourself. Your children aren't even two months old yet and if you keep thinking THOSE kinds of thoughts, there won't even be a year's age difference between them."

Glowering at the woman, Aaron demanded;

"What in the world are you talking about a year's difference, Lottie?"

Nodding towards the back room, Lottie clarified;

"Your children; the two you have now and the one you'll be expecting pretty soon if you two keep it up."

Turning bright red, Jemma focused her attention on her brother and Candy as they held the knife that one of the girls had decorated with ribbons to cut the first piece of wedding cake. Once they had shared a bite of the cake with each other, Jemma, seeking to divert Lottie's attention, hurried forward to cut the cake for the rest of the guests as her brother offered his gratitude;

"Pixie, I can't believe you made my favorite lemon cake for our wedding cake."

Nodding, Candy offered;

"And I've never seen a cake decorated any prettier than this one, Jemma, thank you so much."

Reaching to embrace the couple, she offered;

"You are more than welcome; I was very happy to do it."

Before they could say anything more, Jason raised his hands to try and dull the noise from the crowd, however, having failed to get everyone's attention, he raised his voice;

"Could we have everyone's attention please?"

Despite the dull roar of his deep voice, he had little success in achieving the quiet he had hoped for. Seeing her eldest brother's frustration, Aaron wasn't surprised when he noticed the pleading look that his wife was casting in his direction; giving a slight nod of agreement, he raised his voice in an attempt to help his brother in law;

"Everyone, could everyone please hold it down for just a second?"

Before either, Jason or Aaron could say anything more, an ear-splitting whistle broke the air, getting everyone's attention as Holly glared at the crowd;

"ARE YOU ALL DEEF OR WHAT? JUST HUSH UP A SECOND SO'S WE CAN HEAR WHAT JASON'S GOT TO SAY."

Shaking her head, Holly turned to Duncan, who couldn't help staring in wide-eyed amazement at the woman as she put her hands on her hips and stamped her foot;

"I swear, you'd think some people ain't got no more manners than an old mule."

Jason and Aaron couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as Jason regained his composure as he began;

"Today, we're celebrating something that we've all waited for, for what seems like decades; Jeremy and Candy's wedding. As memory serves, when we did this almost a year ago, I was the one asked to offer a few words in a toast when our baby sister married Aaron, however, I won't be doing that today; today is Joshua's turn, especially since he is the best man."

Making a sweeping gesture with his hand, Jason bowed his head slightly in deference to his younger brother as he stepped back to place his arm about his wife's shoulders as Josh offered;

"Candy, Jeremy, I'm not as good at making speeches as Jason is, but I, that is we, want you to know that we're all very happy for you. Candy, I'm pretty sure that you know that Jason, Pixie, and I, we think of you as a sister, not a sister in law, and Molly and Christopher, they're just as much family to us as Amie and Jacob are. I guess what I'm trying to say, Candy is; welcome to the family. Congratulations you two, I hope that you have nothing but happiness in your life together and that your joys outweigh your sorrows a hundred times over."

Once everyone had toasted the couple's happiness, Jeremy turned towards the musicians;

"Fellas, how about some music? I'd like to dance with the prettiest bride in Seattle."

As the music began and Jeremy led his bride to the dance floor, Jemma and Julie finished cutting the wedding cake for the guests as Josh approached his sister, shaking his head;

"I can't believe how fast things seem to change."

Offering her brother a piece of cake, Jemma asked in curiosity;

"There's no denying that, big brother, but in what sense are you referring to?"

Motioning towards the dance floor where Jeremy and Candy were so obviously focused on each other as they danced, Josh offered;

"Because I remember, just short of a year ago, watching you and Aaron dance like that and realizing that you two were in love. Now, almost a year later, you and Aaron are married with twins, Jason and Julie are married and I won't be shocked if we find out, any day, that they're expecting a baby, and we're standing here watching Jeremy and Candy dance at their wedding. That's a lot of changes in just a year, Pixie."

Nodding her agreement, Jemma hugged her brother's arm closer to her as she ventured;

"Yes, and before you know it, we'll be celebrating your wedding, and whoever the lucky girl you decide to settle down with, and then you'll be having a family of your own."

Jemma wasn't sure what it was that had set her brother off, but she could see by the iciness that seemed to frost over his blue eyes that he was less than pleased and any doubts that she might have had to the contrary were soon dissolved as he glared at her before issuing in a tone full of aggravation and condemnation;

"Not everyone is as eager to sell themselves into marriage as you were Jemma Elysia, or turn themselves into a human broodmare and stud like you and your husband did. Maybe some of us want to do more with our lives."

Josh regretted his statement and tone as soon as he saw the hurt that filled his sister's eyes as well as the tears as she turned, without a word, to escape to Lottie's back parlor, ignoring her eldest brother and husband as both asked what had happened. Having heard the exchange, Julie whirled on Josh, her anger all too evident in the cold blue of her eyes as she demanded harshly;

"What is the matter with you, Joshua Bolt? How could you say something that horrible to your sister."

Hearing his sister's irate inquiry, Aaron came face to face with Josh;

"What the hell did you just say to upset my wife so much, Joshua Bolt?'

Crossing his arms over his chest, Jason's eyes narrowed as he challenged;

"That's something that I would like to know myself Joshua Duncan Bolt. If I'm not mistaken, I would swear that I saw tears in Pixie's eyes; now I want to know why."

Having noticed Jemma's hurried exit, Duncan and Holly joined the group as Duncan expressed his concerns;

"Aaron, what's wrong with Jemma? Ifin, I didna know better, I'd swear I saw the lass crying."

Nodding towards Josh, Aaron issued;

"Ask your nephew, Duncan; I don't know what he said, but I'm about to find out."

Facing his brother in law, Aaron demanded;

"Are you going to tell me, or are we going outside to discuss this? And believe me, the ONLY reason I'm willing to take it outside is that I don't want to ruin Candy and Jeremy's wedding day, and I know how upset Jemma would be if that were to happen. And, obviously, as upset as she already is, I'm not going to add to that; now what did you say to her."

Lowering his head, Josh confessed the exchange between him and Jemma and, as he knew would be the case, he could see the anger burning in, not just Aaron's eyes, but in the eyes of everyone confronting him. His chest rising and falling heavily with his effort to rein in his temper, Aaron seethed;

"How could you have said that to her, especially knowing what she went through with Helen and Maude? Not to mention; HOW DARE YOU SAY THAT TO HER!"

Turning on his heel, Aaron threw over his shoulder;

"OUR discussion isn't finished Joshua Bolt, but, right now, my need to make sure that my wife is alright is more important than my desire to take you outside and knock some sense into that head of yours."

With that, he stalked off towards the backroom to see to Jemma, leaving a stunned group in his wake. Noticing that Candy and Jeremy were looking in their direction in curiosity, Jason stepped up closer to his brother to issue in a quiet, discreet voice;

"Those two have waited for sometime for today and, quite frankly, right now I'd like to take a page out of Aaron's book and save him the trouble later; because let me assure you, dear brother, as you well know when it comes to Pixie, Aaron is not going to take any of this lightly. However, for right now, when those two ask, and we both know they will ask, especially Candy, you just keep your mouth shut and agree with whatever I say. You and I both know that, despite how upset she is, our sister is trying to push her own hurt aside for the sake of those two, which means that you and I are going to give her all of the help that we possibly can to help aide her in that area. Do I make myself clear, little brother?"

Noticing, as Jason had, the curious looks that they were receiving from the newlyweds, Josh nodded as he offered in a voice full of repentance;

"Yes, Jason."

At Jason's curt nod and as he was about to turn away, Josh placed his hand on his elder brother's arm to offer;

"Jason; I really am sorry for what I said to Pixie."

Shaking his head in self-loathing, Josh admitted;

"I don't know what's wrong with me lately, but I had no right saying what I did to Jemma; I'll go talk to her."

Shaking her head vehemently and even though it was said softly there was no mistaking the clear warning in the tone of her voice as Julie placed her hand on her brother in law's arm;

"No, Joshua, you won't, at least not right now. Trust me; the last thing you want to do is to get her any more upset then what she already is and you're going to want to give Aaron time to calm down. Believe me, I know my brother's temper and right now, he's furious and if you try to go near Jemma at this moment, he's liable to take your head off."

Affirming his wife's assessment of the situation, Jason ventured;

"What you need to do right now is to just wait and let Pixie calm down and then she'll calm Aaron down. Julie's right; if you go in there right now you're going to stir up a hornet's nest and that is the LAST thing that we need to happen today."

Knowing that his brother and sister in law had a valid point, Josh turned to walk away to take refuge in some dark corner when Jason halted him as he issued;

"But, Joshua, we ARE going to have a serious discussion about this when Jeremy and Candy are out to sea for their honeymoon Do you understand?"

Josh barely had time to nod his agreement of Jason's dictate before, true to his older brother's predictions, Jeremy and Candy approached as, without preamble, Candy demanded;

"Is Jemma alright? I noticed that she seemed upset when she went into the back room."

Given his many examples of prior success in utilizing his powers of persuasion Jason found himself surprised by his concern as to whether or not his expression of non-concern was convincing as he offered;

"She's fine, Candy. She was a little worried because she heard one of the babies crying and, given this morning's earlier events with them, she was just a little concerned that they might be getting a little ill."

Placing, what he hoped was, a convincing smile on his features, he issued;

"You know how worried new mothers can get sometimes, but I'm sure everything is just fine."

Jason disguised the sigh of relief that escaped his lips by bringing his beer mug to his lips as Candy nodded before admitting;

"Well, she did say that she had a difficult time with them earlier."

Jason found himself infinitely relieved as Clancey came up to the bride and groom to inform them;

"Although I can't say that I ain't enjoyin this hear celebration, if we're gonna make the next high tide then we'll be needin to prepare to set sail within the next hour to an hour and a half, you two."

Nodding, Jeremy advised the weathered old captain;

"We know. Clancey; our bags are already on board your ship and Candy will just need to change out of her wedding gown and we'll be ready to set sail."

Patting Candy's cheek affectionately, Clancey praised;

"Aye, I can see that you're already havin a positive influence on your new husband, dearie."

Noticing Lottie pouring a tray of drinks, Clancey excused himself to make his way to the bar for his share of the spirits that were flowing as freely as the happy thoughts and good wishes for the newly married couple. Seeking to allay any possibility of raising Candy's suspicions, Jason waved his hand towards the dance floor as he issued;

"Go on you two, it's your wedding day so go enjoy yourselves."

Jason turned towards his wife;

"As a matter of fact, I think I'll heed my own advice and enjoy a turn or two around the dance floor myself with my own bride."

Understanding Jason's motivation, Julie offered no argument or resistance as Jason led her to the dance floor before taking her in his arms as they moved in time with the music. Glancing towards the door of the backroom, Julie ventured quietly;

"I wonder what's taking place in there?"

Shaking his head, Jason's features took on a grim look as he speculated;

"I don't know, but I just hope that my baby sister can prove, once again, just what a miracle worker she is when it comes to harnessing her husband, your brother's temper."

Sighing in frustration, he admitted;

"Although, considering what he said to her, I couldn't blame her if she gave less then a damn about trying to calm Aaron for Josh's sake."

Jemma had hurried through the door to Lottie's back parlor, careful to close the door quietly to avoid waking her children. Although she had tried desperately, she knew that she had failed miserably at trying to hold the dam of her tears back, something that she knew had been an exercise in futility before she even made the attempt. Focusing her attention on Jacob and Amie for a moment, Jemma made certain that they were sleeping peacefully before moving to the window at the back of the room to sink into the chair in front of the portal to mull over her brother's statement.

Sitting quietly for a moment, she couldn't help the tears that began sliding down her cheeks as she heard her brother's words echoing through her mind. Even though there had been times in the past when she had exchanged words with her brothers, the one thing that had held, until today, was the close relationship that she had always shared with her middle brother. She dearly loved all of her brothers and shared special relationships with each one; her relationship with Jason had always been one that was a cross between a father and daughter without the formality due to the bond of being the eldest and being the youngest. The bond between she and Jeremy had always been one of the close friends, companions, and protectors over each other. However, the bond she and Joshua shared was a much closer one because of all the time that they had spent together when Jemma was so small. Given the age difference, between the four siblings when their father had passed, Jason, who had just turned eighteen, became responsible for eleven-year-old Josh, seven-year-old Jeremy, and two-year-old Jemma.

As would be expected in such circumstances, many tried to encourage the young Jason to 'do the right thing' and allow his youngest brother and, especially, his baby sister to be placed in the care of others. However, as it soon became apparent, Jason Bolt, even at eighteen, was as stubborn as he would prove to be at twice that age and just as determined to keep his family with him, ESPECIALLY his youngest two siblings. To that end, he worked to expand their logging business with the help of Olaf, Big Swede, Gustavsen and a few others who remained after Johnathan Bolt's death. Thankfully, Miss Essie understood Jason's determination and sympathized with his reasoning to the extent that she allowed Josh to do his lessons away from the schoolroom, allowing the young man to be able to help out his older brother by caring for their baby sister while Jason worked. Having just begun attending school, Jeremy would wait each day for Josh to come for him so that he would get his own lessons and any tutoring he might need while Jeremy kept a, barely toddling, Jemma occupied.

Jemma knew that one of the aspects of their relationship that had found them sharing such a close bond was the fact that they had spent so much time together as she grew. She loved and trusted Jason and Jeremy, but Josh was the one that she always went to when she was afraid, happy, sad, or just needed a confidant, and that had remained a constant in their relationship, until his earlier outburst. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Jemma couldn't seem to fathom a reason for her brother's hurtful words, and worse yet the pain wasn't just for the insult that she felt at Josh's statement, but for how she felt the insult had been aimed towards her children. Josh's words had wounded her deeply given the adoration that she had for her elder brother and her hope that her children would know the same sort of relationship with their uncle.

Aaron opened the door quietly and, after casting a quick glance towards the bassinet to ensure that Jacob and Amie were still napping, closed the distance between the door and where his wife sat in front of the window. He knew, without a doubt, as she rushed by him that she was trying desperately to contain her tears until she was alone. But, given the tears that he had seen falling from her eyes, he had no doubts as to just how hurt she had been by Josh's words, and any doubts he had that might not be the case disappeared when Josh admitted to what he had said to her. Coming up behind her softly, he placed his hand on her shoulder;

"Sweetheart?"

Despite the knowledge of just how hurt she was and the belief that it wasn't possible, Aaron found his anger and frustration with Josh rising even higher as Jemma looked up at him and he saw the tracks of her tears as well as the deep well of pain in her emerald eyes. Although he couldn't deny his desire to beat some sense into his brother in law, especially given how it was affecting Jemma, Aaron desire to comfort her was even stronger as he pulled her up from the chair to stand in front of him before offering her the shelter of his open arms. He wasn't surprised when she buried her face against his chest before she began sobbing quietly as he instinctively wrapped his arms around her to hold her protectively in his embrace. After a few minutes, Aaron could hear her tears beginning to quiet as he pushed her back a bit before reaching for the handkerchief in his inside pocket to dry her tears before cupping her face in his hands;

"Darlin, it's alright, I promise you. You and I both know that there is no truth to what that idiot brother of yours said."

Jemma's eyes widened in shock as she demanded;

"How do you know what he said?"

Heaving a sigh of frustration, Aaron admitted;

"Because when I saw just how upset you were and heard Julie light into him, me and Jason made him tell us what he said to upset you so much."

Seeing the embarrassment in her eyes as she lowered them before turning her face away, Aaron made his mind up that his wife was not going to be made to suffer due to her brother's angst and stupidity. Although Aaron liked Josh well enough and knew how close he and Jemma were, he refused to allow that to sway him when it came to his determination to take anyone to task who did injury to her; whether it was physically or emotionally. Grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger, Aaron turned her to face him as he brought her eyes up to meet his before shaking his head;

"No, Jemma love, you've done nothing wrong, and neither have I. There's no reason for you to be embarrassed or turn away in shame."

He could see by the heavy rise and fall of her chest that she was trying to regain her composure as she pointed out in a sad, soft voice;

"But, Aaron, what he said.."

Shaking his head vehemently, Aaron demanded in a slightly harsh voice;

"Jemma darlin, let me ask you something; why did you marry me?"

The shock of his question evident by the look she wore, Jemma's voice conveyed her confusion;

"Aaron Stempel, why on earth would you ask me that? You know good and well that I married you because I love you."

Nodding in agreement with her statement, he pointed out;

"So in other words; the only thing that you expected in exchange for marrying me was that I love you, which you know good and well I do."

Placing his hand against her cheek, he offered a slight smile as he admitted;

"More than I thought it possible for me to ever love anybody, to be quite honest. But you get the idea, you didn't agree to marry me for any type of compensation, other than my love; right?"

At her slight nod, Aaron continued;

"So, in other words, you didn't 'sell' yourself when you married me. Now, as far as the other part of his statement; you and I happen to love each other very much and, it just so happens, we enjoy expressing that love by making love to each other and the result of that love just so happens to be napping in their bassinet in the corner"

Looking deep into her eyes, he reminded her;

"Do you remember when you went into labor and when I carried you back to our house and you fussed at me for blaming myself for what you were going through because I felt like I caused it?"

Quietly, she muttered;

"Yes"

Wrapping his free arm around her waist to pull her closer, Aaron asked;

"Then tell me something, sweetheart, how in the world can we possibly think of those two little miracles as anything but blessings."

Shaking his head, Aaron admitted;

"I don't know what's wrong with Josh, or why he said what he did, but we both know that there isn't any basis for what he said and, I don't know about you, but I refuse to let, whatever, his issue is, change how we view our love for each other, how we express that love, and definitely not the blessing our children are to us."

He could see by the look in her eyes that she agreed with him completely, any doubts to the contrary were eliminated as she wrapped her arms around him before laying her head against his chest to nod;

"You're right, we love each other too much to let my brother's bad temper and tactlessness affect the belief we have of just how much of a blessing our marriage and children are to us. I'm sorry that I let what Josh said upset me so much."

Aaron held her closer, although he knew that she was trying to convince herself of the validity of her statement, he also knew that, given the close relationship she had with Josh, she still felt the pain in her heart over his words; not just for her own sake, but for the insult she felt had been issued against him and their children. One aspect of Jemma's character that many people didn't seem to consider, at least until it faced them full force, was her loyalty and protectiveness to those she loved, even more so if she felt they were coming under attack; something that made him question just what was wrong with his brother in law. He knew that Josh was highly aware of his sister's intense sense of loyalty and, that being the case, he couldn't imagine Josh intentionally opening such a doorway, especially given just how much it would raise Jemma's temper over the idea of her husband and children being insulted. Given that consideration and, knowing that Josh was very protective when it came to his baby sister, Aaron knew that there had to be something wrong with the man for him to have acted out the way he did. But, knowing his wife's personality he also knew what was coming, even before she said it;

"But, I'm sorry, I don't appreciate his implied insult towards you and I DEFINITELY don't appreciate the implication it carries where our children are concerned."

True to the loving side of her nature, she took his handkerchief and wiped at her eyes and cheeks to clear the last of her tears away as, just as he knew she would, she looked up at him and offered a smile as she issued;

"Today isn't a day to wallow in frustration and anger over stupid statements, this is

Jeremy and Candy's day and, unless I miss my guess, Clancey will be telling them at any moment that they need to make ready to set sail and I don't want to spoil this day for them."

Seeing the look of panic that crossed her features as she considered the possibility, Aaron rushed to assure her;

"Don't fret about it, sweetheart. Jason has already made certain that the newlyweds are none the wiser, the rest of the issue can be dealt with once they are on their way for their honeymoon."

Brushing the back of his fingers over her cheek Aaron asked;

"Now, does that help you feel a little bit better at least?"

Nodding, she took a deep, steadying breath before reaching for his hand as both noticed that Jacob and Amie were awake. Seeing that the infants were in a good mood, once they were changed, and wide awake, Jemma ventured;

"I don't think it would hurt anything for our little darlings to help see their Aunt Candy and Uncle Jeremy off; do you, love?"

Despite the undercurrent of frustration that he could sense in her over the earlier situation, Aaron was relieved to see that she seemed in a better mood. Taking their son in his arms, Aaron agreed;

"I think a bit of socializing on such a special occasion is definitely in order. Besides, it would be a shame not to show off to such adorable and beautiful babies."

Once she had Amie securely in her arms, Aaron held the door open for his wife and daughter, silently praying the Josh would keep his distance from Jemma for the time being. He knew that having gotten over her hurt at what had taken place between them earlier, Jemma's defenses would be up and at the ready where her brother was concerned. He did not doubt that, if another incident took place, her reaction would be one far from hurt and tears and he hoped that Josh kept that factor in mind.

Julie knew that her husband was concerned over the situation between Joshua and Jemma, especially given the hurt he had seen in both of his siblings' eyes; Jemma's for what Josh had said, and Josh's when he realized just how much he had hurt their sister. She couldn't help but notice, as the back parlor door opened, the look of intense scrutiny that Jason wore as he studied Jemma as she and Aaron made their way towards them, nor could she fail to notice the reserved sigh of relief he emitted when he saw the look of calmness that seemed to grace Jemma's features. Leaning closer against him, she ventured;

"Jason, it looks like everything has calmed down, at least judging by the look on Jemma's face, and Aaron seems calm enough."

Glancing down into his wife's hopeful face, Jason offered her a slightly amused grin;

"Is that what you think, Julie sweet; at least where Pixie is concerned?"

Concern clouding her eyes, Julie asked softly;

"Don't you?"

Nodding his head discreetly towards Jemma, who was chatting with Lottie as she held Amie, while Aaron and Clancey were conversing as Clancey occupied Jacob, Jason observed;

"No, my darling wife, I do not. You forget, love, I happen to know that young lady's moods and I can assure you that, despite how calm she may appear at the moment, it's not because she has brushed off what happened with Josh and put it behind her."

Glancing towards her sister in law and back to her husband, Julie's shock was obvious as she demanded;

"Jason, I don't understand, she seems so calm"

Nodding as he motioned discreetly towards his sister, Jason explained;

"Darling, had Josh contained his comment to where it was aimed at Jemma, and Jemma alone, then she would have done just what you have suggested; she would have brushed it off and accepted Josh's apology and things would have gone on as before, however, that isn't the case that we're dealing with."

Seeing the puzzled look in her eyes, Jason wasn't surprised when she asked;

"What do you mean?"

Sighing heavily, he pointed out;

"What I mean, sweetheart is that what Josh said is something that Pixie took as an insult to her husband and children. When it comes to herself, she'll forgive and forget, however, when it comes to those she loves, Jemma will fight tooth and nail."

Shaking his head in frustration, Jason speculated;

"I think that, although it wasn't his intentions to do so, Josh picked a fight with a she-bear that he has absolutely no hope of winning and given the one he picked it with, it's safe to say, he's going to end up missing a chunk of his hide before she is finished with him.

Jason couldn't help but chuckle slightly;

"That look you see now is because, come hell or high water, Pixie is not going to allow anything to mar Candy and Jeremy's special day, especially if she can help it, and in this particular case, she can. No, I'm guessing that once Candy and Jeremy are on the high seas that we're going to see all hell break loose; to be honest, by the time she finishes with him, Josh is going to just wish he had let Aaron take him outside and beat some sense into him as opposed to what baby sister probably has in store for him."

Before Jason could theorize on the situation any further, Clancey approached the newlyweds to advise;

"I hate to leave such a magnificent party, that I truly do, however, if we're to make the tide then it's time to be makin ready to sail."

Jeremy slapped the old sailor's shoulder good-naturedly;

"Don't worry, Clancey, we'll be ready."

Glancing at Candy, he asked;

"I know your luggage is on the ship but do you want to change before we set sail?"

Nodding, Candy advised him;

"Yes, the girls are going to take care of my gown for me."

Catching Biddie's attention and seeing that she was taking matters in hand, Candy turned to brush her lips against Jeremy's as she smiled warmly;

"I'll only be a few minutes, Mr. Bolt."

Reaching out to take her hand in his, Jeremy pulled her back towards him as he kissed her soundly before advising;

"Take your time, Mrs. Bolt."

Bringing his lips to her ear, he whispered;

"But hurry."

Giggling, Candy nodded as she motioned towards Molly before hurrying out the door towards the dormitory. Jeremy stood for a second, contemplating just how thankful he was to have found her that day on Clancey's ship doing laundry. Noticing the look on the young man's face, Clancey placed his arm around his shoulders as he offered;

"Now that we has the newest Mrs. Bolt on her way to getting ready to sail and I set me men to the task of makin ready, what say you, young Mr. Bolt, that we enjoy one last drink before we depart these shores?"

Deciding to take Clancey up on his offer, Jeremy nodded and followed him to the bar. He couldn't help but chuckle as he noticed Biddie scurrying about to inform Jemma and Julie that it was time to help Candy get ready to leave for the honeymoon. Oblivious to everything, except the task at hand, Biddie hurriedly informed them;

"Oh, Jemma, Julie, Candy's getting ready to leave."

Both offered a nod of understanding as Jemma advised;

"We'll be right there, Biddie."

Julie turned to kiss her husband's cheek before venturing;

"We'll be back shortly, darling."

Having already guessed the reason for Biddie's approach, Josh, Duncan, and Holly gathered about just as Julie turned to Jemma;

"Are you ready, Jemma?"

Seeing that Aaron had Jacob, Josh held his arms out to offer;

"I'll take her, Pixie, I haven't had a chance to hold either of them today."

Everyone, including Aaron, found themselves shocked as Jemma turned a cold glare on her brother before shaking her head;

"I don't think so, Joshua."

Turning towards Jason, she placed Amie in his arms before venturing;

"I'm sure she's in good hands with you, big brother."

Jemma features took on a chilling glare as she directed towards her middle brother;

"I wouldn't want to burden you with this broodmare's offspring."

Following Julie's example, Jemma placed a kiss on her husband's cheek before offering;

"We'll see you at the dock, love."

At that, she turned towards her sister in law;

"We better hurry if we're going to get those two off in time."

Ignoring the shocked looks on everyone's faces, Jemma linked her arm through Julie's to lead her out the door towards the dorm. Seeing the pained look that Josh wore, Aaron, despite the earlier pain that his wife had suffered at her brother's hands, couldn't help but feel sympathy for his brother in law as he shook his head to offer;

"I'm sorry, Josh, but you brought this on yourself. What you said is something that she took as an insult aimed at me and, more importantly, our children; that's going to take her some time to get over and until she does you can expect more of the same from her."

Narrowing his eyes to slits of anger, Aaron lowered his voice to avoid frightening his children before issuing;

"Quite frankly, Josh, I'd still like nothing better than to take you outside and knock some sense into that stubborn head of yours, especially considering just how upset and hurt she was. However, I have the feeling that judging by how she just acted, there's nothing I can do to you that's going to compare to what she has in store."

Turning to Jason he nodded towards the doorway;

"I think we better head on out to the dock and wait for everyone."

Motioning towards his daughter, Aaron asked;

"Are you alright with Amie? If not I can handle them both."

Glancing down into his niece's face, who was staring at him, wide-eyed, as if inspecting him, Jason nodded;

"I've gotten used to holding these two, besides, I hate to interrupt her inspection of her uncle."

Satisfied that his daughter was in good hands, Aaron nodded before making his way to the door. Facing his younger brother, Jason offered sympathetically;

"Just give Pixie some space. Like Aaron said; you didn't just hurt her, you insulted her husband and children, at least as she sees it, and you know how protective she is over the people she loves, especially her husband and children."

Seeing the look of abject misery in his brother's face, Jason placed his hand on Josh's shoulder as he offered softly;

"I'll tell you what, once we get Jeremy and Candy off, you, I, and, I think, Aaron are going to sit down and have a long discussion."

Perplexed, Josh demanded;

"Why Aaron?"

Jason couldn't help but look at his brother in disbelief as he pointed out;

"Because, dear brother, if you expect to have any hopes of breaking through that, rather, icy barricade that our baby sister has constructed around her where you're concerned, you're going to need the help of one of the few people who can get through to her when that stubborn nature of hers gets riled; her husband."

Nodding towards Jeremy, Jason ordered;

"Let's get Jeremy and head to the dock, just keep your distance from Pixie and don't say one word to Jeremy or Candy about any of this. Hopefully, we can straighten this mess out before they get back."

Julie kept glancing covertly at her sister in law until she couldn't contain her curiosity and concern any longer;

"Jemma, are you alright?"

Turning to face her sister in law, Jemma offered a quiet smile;

"I'm just fine, Julie"

Seeing the concern in Julie's blue eyes as she studied her intently, Jemma offered a slight chuckle as she stopped to take her sister in law's hand before vowing;

"Julie, I promise you, I am fine."

Glancing over her shoulder towards Lottie's Jemma issued in a challenging tone;

"I'm not the one with the problem."

Waving her hand towards the dorm, her smile back in place, Jemma ventured;

"Come on, we have a sister in law to help get ready for her honeymoon."

Deciding that her husband was right, Julie kept her opinion to herself and simply nodded her agreement, choosing to remain silent as she and Jemma hurried inside the dorm. Hurrying towards the room that Candy shared with her siblings, Biddie admonished;

"Well we had wondered where you two had gotten to; we have to hurry and get Candy ready"

Jemma raised her hands in a surrendering gesture;

"It's my fault, Biddie, I had to make sure that Amie and Jacob were situated before I left them with their father and uncle."

Motioning towards Candy, she ventured;

"So let's get the new Mrs. Bolt ready to set sail for her honeymoon."

Hurrying to help Candy out of her wedding gown and into her traveling dress, the four women chatted back and forth as they made certain that she was ready for her honeymoon voyage as Biddie asked;

"Candy, are you and Jeremy going to San Francisco, like Jason and Julie did?"

Shrugging slightly, Candy admitted;

"To be honest, Biddie, I really don't know where we're going for our honeymoon, Jeremy said that the surprise would be part of the adventure. When I asked Captain Clancey about our destination all he would tell me was that there were several on our route, so I have no idea where we're going."

Jemma couldn't help but giggle a bit;

"I'm sorry, Candy, I should have warned you; when Jeremy decides to surprise someone wild horses couldn't drag the information out of him."

Taking her new sister in law's hand in her own, Jemma couldn't help but smile fondly as she offered;

"Candy, as Julie and Aaron can tell you, there's never a dull moment when you're married to a Bolt. But there's also never a moment when you don't have love either."

Noticing the deep sigh as Candy glanced about the room that she shared with her brother and sister, Jemma assured her;

"Don't worry, Biddie, Julie, and I will make certain that everything is moved to the cabin before you and Jeremy return."

Offering a relieved smile at the idea of that detail being handled for her and the children, Candy nodded;

"I know, and I'm very grateful to you ladies for that."

Sensing her other concern, Julie spoke;

"And don't worry about the children. Christopher is ecstatic at getting to spend time at the logging camp with Jason and Josh."

Nodding, Jemma reminded;

"And Molly has already informed me of just how much she's looking forward to helping with Amie and Jacob while Julie, Biddie, Miss Essie, and I work on the library. We promise, they will be in good hands, Candy"

Candy reached out to hug her sisters in law and Biddie as she nodded her agreement;

"I know, Jemma and I know they'll love every moment of the time they get to spend with all of you."

Glancing at her pendant watch Biddie advised;

"Well, it's time, Candy."

Gathering her bag and the small traveling case that held the toiletries that couldn't be packed with the rest of her luggage, Candy glanced about before issuing;

"Ladies, I believe I've kept my husband waiting long enough."

Jason stood at the dock with Aaron and everyone else, ready to wish his youngest brother and Candy well on their voyage for their honeymoon. Noticing the strange look of contemplation that his brother in law wore, Jason couldn't help but ask quietly;

"I get the feeling that something is weighing on your mind, Aaron, it wouldn't happen to be what happened earlier between Pixie and Josh would it?"

Shifting his son in his arms a bit, Aaron sighed as he admitted;

"Well, that's not exactly far from my mind, Jason. But no, what I'm thinking about at the moment has more to do with something that I'm feeling guilty over where my wife is concerned."

His curiosity piqued, Jason demanded;

"What do you have to feel guilty about, Aaron? You make my sister very happy and, as reluctant as I am to admit this, you seem to be a wonderful husband and father, so what could you have possibly done?"

Shaking his head, Aaron lamented;

"It's not what I did, it's what I DIDN'T do."

Motioning towards Clancey's ship Aaron explained;

"Despite how long we waited to be able to do so, once the way was cleared, Jemma and I married so quickly that I overlooked a honeymoon She didn't seem to mind and I figured that we'd just take a trip later to San Francisco, especially since she had never been there, but..."

Understanding dawning in his eyes, Jason finished his brother in law's statement;

"But, we had the contract come up, the time of year and then Pixie found out she was expecting. Am I right?"

Aaron nodded;

"Yes, I didn't think much about it when you and Julie went on your honeymoon because she was so far along And, after everything that happened with Anderson, Helen and Maude, and that fall in front of Ben's I wasn't willing to put her at any unnecessary risk. But now that she's given birth and our anniversary coming up, not to mention I'm due to make a trip to San Francisco soon, and..."

Nodding, Jason ventured;

"And you'd like to take Pixie with you this time."

Shrugging his shoulders slightly before holding his niece against his chest as she stretched before closing her eyes, Jason reminded;

"Well, Aaron, she is your wife and if you want to take her on a trip then that's your prerogative, but you have considered the fact that, since she's nursing these two, you'll also have to take your children with you as well, haven't you?"

Glancing between the two infants lovingly, Aaron chuckled;

"Believe me, Jason, I've considered all the aspects. Besides, you know your sister, there's no way that she'd go anywhere without these two, and to be quite honest, I'd enjoy the trip much more if they were with us, so I don't mind the idea of them going with us in the least."

The subject settled, at least in his mind, Aaron motioned towards Jeremy as he chatted with Josh before remarking;

"He certainly seems considerably less nervous about what tonight's going to bring then what you and I were."

Chuckling slightly, Jason pointed out;

"Considering the discussion that we had with him yesterday, I think we put most of his concerns to rest. It's nice to know that our own angst can at least serve a purpose and ease the way for those two."

Noticing Candy, Biddie and their wives' approach, Aaron couldn't help but venture;

"I don't know about you, Jason, but whatever 'angst' I may have suffered on my wedding night was worth every bit of it and much more for the reward I received."

Leaning closer, Jason confided;

"Mine too, Aaron."

Before they had a chance for any more conversation they were joined by their wives as Julie placed her hand on her husband's arm to observe;

"You seem to have grown accustomed to holding our niece, darling."

Glancing down into Amie's sleeping face, Jason could only smile warmly as he nodded;

"Let's just say that there are a lot less pleasant ways to pass the time then holding these two little angels."

Turning to her husband, Jemma ventured;

"Honey, I have the feeling that judging by how he's acting, we may have to kidnap our own daughter to get her away from her uncle."

Laughing softly, trying not to wake his niece, Jason offered;

"I'm shocked at you, Pixie, you know good and well that I'll let you see your daughter any time that you'd like."

Noticing Candy and Jeremy's approach, Jason shifted Amie into her mother's waiting arms before extending his hand to his youngest brother;

"Jeremy, Candy, I don't want you two to worry about anything while you're gone. Christopher and Molly will be well taken care of and we'll have all of your and their things moved into the cabin by the time you return, Candy. So you two just enjoy your honeymoon and each other, that's what a honeymoon's for after all."

Hearing Clancey's blustering as he ordered his crew about in preparation to weigh anchor, Candy hurried to hug Jemma, Julie, Biddie, and the children as Jeremy kissed his sister in law's cheek before moving to his sister as he gently kissed the top of his niece's head before advising;

"Now, you be sure to take good care of these two and let Molly help you. I expect them to be walking and talking when we get back."

Giggling slightly, Jemma ventured;

"So you're planning a honeymoon that's going to last at least a year and a half then?"

Laughing, Jeremy shook his head;

"No, but if they're anything like their mother they'll be rushing towards one milestone and then another just as fast as possible."

Offering her brother her cheek, Jemma quipped;

"I think that we have everything in hand here so you and Candy do as Jason suggested; enjoy your honeymoon and each other."

Nodding, Jeremy and Candy turned towards Molly and Christopher as Candy offered sternly;

"Now you two behave while we're gone Enjoy yourselves, but be good and we just might bring you back a surprise when we return."

Eagerly, Molly nodded;

"We will, Candy, we promise. When you and Jeremy get back does that mean that we're all going to live together in the same place?"

Happily, Candy answered;

"Yes, Molly; you, me, Jeremy, and Christopher will be living in the cabin together. Now, you be sure to help Aunt Julie, Aunt Jemma, and Biddie all you can so we can have the library running by school time, alright?"

At the little girl's nod, Candy hugged and kissed her siblings as Jeremy took her hand;

"Well, Mrs. Bolt, are we ready?"

Stifling a giggle behind her hand, Candy nodded;

"Yes, Mr. Bolt, I think we've been ready for quite some time; don't you?"

Leading his bride up the gangplank they boarded Clancey's ship to wave farewell to their friends and family as the Shamus began pulling away from the port. When the only visible sign of the ship was a small dot on the horizon, everyone began dispersing. Noticing that, both, Amie and Jacob were sound asleep, Jemma ventured;

"I think we should settle these two and start cleaning up..."

Shaking her head, Lottie chastised;

"Oh no, you don't! Biddie assigned tasks so cleanup is already taken care of, all you have to do, little mother, is take those two little darlings home and put them to bed."

Offering a slight laugh, Jemma nodded;

"Alright, grandma Lottie, far be it for me to argue with you."

Holding her daughter closer, Jemma turned to her husband to offer;

"If you'd like to have a beer I can take them home and settle them."

Before Aaron could answer, Josh offered;

"I'd be happy to help you, Pixie."

Turning a cold glare to her middle brother, Jemma shook her head vigorously before narrowing her eyes;

"I would think that the last thing that you would want would be to find yourself 'burdened' by my children No thank you, Joshua, despite my shortcomings, I'm more than capable of caring for my children."

Motioning towards their son, she faced Aaron to demand;

"Would you like me to take Jacob too?"

Aaron shook his head;

"No, I'd rather go home with you then have a beer."

Nodding, Jemma stepped off the pier and, without waiting, hurried towards their house. Turning to follow and making certain that she was not within hearing, Aaron glared at his brother in law in frustration;

"Dammit, Joshua, what part of' 'keep your distance right now and let her cool off about this' don't you understand? You know good and well that if you don't give her the space to settle down about this, that temper of hers is just going to get hotter and hotter. I'm telling you if you want a hope in hell of things going back to normal between the two of you then keep your distance and don't say anything for the moment."

At that, Aaron stepped off the pier and hurried to catch up to his wife as Jason, Julie, and Josh watched after him. Turning to his older brother, Josh lamented;

"I really made a mess of it this time, didn't I, Jason?"

Jason could only sigh as he observed;

"Yes, Josh, you have, but you need to do as Aaron said and give her a little time. Tomorrow, you, me, and Aaron will sit down and discuss this. In the meantime, I suggest you head home and get a good night's rest."

Following their sister's lead, Jason and Julie left of their own home, leaving Josh on the pier by himself; kicking himself for letting his frustrations and temper get the better of him to the extent that it had caused harm to his and his sister's relationship. Heaving a heavy sigh of self-loathing, Joshua could only lament;

"Damn me and my temper and mouth"

Slowly, Josh made his way towards the cabin, wondering if the damage could be reversed and, if so, how long it would take to undo the damage that had been done.