CHAPTER 10

Candy woke in slow degrees before stretching in an almost catlike manner, enjoying the luxury of sleeping late. Her hand reached to the opposite side of the bed to find it empty, something that found her rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she rose on her elbows to glance about the cabin, looking for Jeremy. Her eyes locked on his form, leaning against the porthole, his arms crossed in the sill as he enjoyed the ocean breeze drifting in as it gently blew the stray wisps of hair from his face and brow. Candy turned on her side and remained quiet, enjoying the sight of her husband's strong body as he stood to enjoy the breeze, she couldn't help but blush as she recalled the memories of the last few days and nights in Jeremy's arms. She couldn't help but marvel at just how thankful she was for the sound advice that they had both received from Jemma, Aaron, Jason, and Julie.

Candy found her thoughts scattered to distraction as Jeremy turned away from the porthole, away from her, as he bent to retrieve his clothes from where they had been discarded from the night before. Although she and Jeremy had lost their shyness with each other on their wedding night, Candy couldn't deny just how relieved she was by that fact, especially as she watched the rippling play of the muscles of his back, legs, and thighs as he moved now. Despite her best attempts, Candy found herself gasping in a combination of shock, appreciation, and desire as he bent from the waist to retrieve his trousers, a motion which found his wife with an artist's eye view of, what she considered, a prime example of nature's handiwork at its finest.

Hearing the sharp intake of his wife's breath as he bent to grab his clothes, and realizing the reason given his state of undress, Jeremy remained in a bent position as he turned to demand, an amused grin full of mischief on his face;

"See something you like?"

Blushing Candy stammered;

"I, uh, well, I..."

Taking his clothes in hand, Jeremy stood straight to cross the space before sitting on the side of the bed to push the hair from her face before leaning over to kiss her cheek as he teased;

"I'm the one who stutters, remember, honey?"

Noticing the scarlet tint of her skin, Jeremy brushed his finger over her cheek as he quipped;

"You know something, I think that shade of red looks really good on you."

Pushing her hair over her shoulder, Candy huffed;

"Oh, you. You should be ashamed of teasing me like that, Mr. Bolt."

Reaching out for her, Jeremy wrapped his arms about her as he pulled her against him to offer;

"But, Candy heart, it's so much fun watching you blush, especially since you seem to do it all over."

Jeremy let his eyes roam over her thinly clad body in appreciation of just what he knew the sheer lawn material of her nightgown covered. Inwardly, he couldn't help but find amusement in the fact that she refused to forego the gown when they slept; although, thankfully, he had managed to get her to give up the pink nightcap that she once wore to bed. He couldn't help but shake his head in amusement as he recalled the conversation when he had asked;

"Sweetheart, just why DO you wear that thing, anyway?"

Somewhat shocked, Candy looked at him strangely as she demanded;

"Jeremy, don't tell me that you never saw one of these before we came from New Bedford. I mean, didn't Jemma ever wear one of these to keep her hair from getting messed up when she slept?"

Jeremy could only shake his head as he laughed heartily at the thought of his sister wearing such a thing;

"Candy heart, I can promise you, one of the last things that you would ever catch Pixie wearing would be one of those caps. Heck, all she ever did was just brush her hair, braid it and that's where it ended."

Pulling the cap from her head, Jeremy ran his fingers through the red length, before nodding in approval;

"There, that's MUCH better."

Chuckling, Jeremy admitted;

"I love you more than anything in this world, Candy, but I'm sorry, seeing you in that little pink cap makes me think of Little Miss Muffet."

Giggling, Candy ventured;

"Well considering just how 'active' we seem to be at night, I guess that it has become pretty useless, hasn't it?"

Jeremy's thoughts, although along the same lines as his recollection, returned to the present as Candy brought her hand up to let her fingers slide through the waves and curls of his hair before asking;

"I wasn't imagining things last night, was I? I did hear Captain Clancey say that we were making port today, didn't I?"

Jeremy found amusement in, yet, another attempt to pry the information from him as to where they were spending their honeymoon. Since the morning after their wedding night, she had tried every way that she knew to pry the information from him as to where they were heading. Even Clancey had held fast in keeping the secret when she tried to cajole the information from him, stating that they had several ports to make and where Jeremy planned on them disembarking he had no idea.

Realizing that his hand had become fascinated with the feel of the thin material against her smooth skin, Jeremy suggested;

"You know, honey, it'll be a while until we make port yet, and, since we have everything pretty much packed, we could find some way of passing the time, if you'd like."

Leaning closer against his bare chest before bringing her finger against her lips, as if concentrating, Candy's eyes widened as if struck with inspiration before venturing;

"That's a wonderful idea, Jeremy, would you like to play Go Fish or Old Maid?"

Rolling his eyes as he offered his bride a look of wry amusement, he found her yelping in surprise as he tightened his hold before rolling to pin her beneath him;

"Oh, I'm definitely in the mood to play, Candy heart, but not a game of cards."

Amid her giggles and squeals of delight, Jeremy grasped the hem of her gown in his hand to lift it up and away from her body before challenging;

"Besides, can you think of a more pleasant way for us to pass the time until we reach port?"

With that, he lowered his head to trace a path of pleasure over the soft skin of his wife's body as they soon found themselves lost in the pleasure to be found in each other's arms.

Candy glanced about the cabin, ensuring that she hadn't forgotten anything as she closed the last bag. Placing her index finger against her lips in consideration as she surveyed the space, she simply shrugged;

"Well, it isn't as if we won't be back aboard in a few days."

Hearing the sound of the door opening, Candy turned to greet her husband with a smile;

"I think I've gotten everything, but I suppose that worse case if I've forgotten anything that we need we can replace it; can't we?"

Nodding as he grabbed their bags, Jeremy assured her;

"Yes, love, there are plenty of places to go shopping as you will soon see."

Clapping her hands together excitedly, Candy gushed;

"Oh, Jeremy, why won't you just tell me? I mean, we are docking so.."

Taking her arm by the elbow to lead her to the deck Jeremy chuckling slightly;

"Candy, sweetheart, you'll see soon enough."

Holding the door open for her, he let her precede him as Clancey's crew was securing the gangway in place. Just as Jeremy knew would be the case, Clancey was there to bid them farewell;

"Well, young Bolt,"

Tipping his cap to Candy, he offered;

"And the pretty Mrs. Bolt. I hope that ye's has a fine time and enjoys yer honeymoon. Now, remember, I'll be back to get ya's in four days. So be ready to make sail with the tide four days from today."

Offering Candy his hand to help her up the steps to the gangplank, Clancey leaned closer for Jeremy's ears only as he offered quietly;

"And no worries there, lad, they'll be more than enough room should ya's have a wee bit of extra cargo to bring back with ya's."

Nodding his acknowledgment, Jeremy followed after his bride to disembark. Joining her on the pier, he couldn't help but notice Candy eagerly searching the area for clues as to just where they were. Shaking his head in amusement, he hailed a cab as he directed, having gotten the name of the nicest hotel available from Clancey;

"The Oregonian, please."

Narrowing her eyes in contemplation, Candy tilted her head to the side slightly to ask;

"The Oregonian? But isn't that in..."

Nodding, as he settled in the cab beside her, Jeremy replied;

"Yes, it's in Portland."

Seeing the semi confused look that she wore, Jeremy offered;

"I knew that you had been to San Francisco and I know that you said you'd like to see someplace new. Clancey made mention that he would be taking this route so I thought you might enjoy spending our honeymoon in Portland."

Glancing about eagerly at the sights, Candy wrapped her arms about his neck before kissing him soundly as she gushed;

"OH, JEREMY! THANK YOU!"

Seeing how excited she was as she tried to take in all the sights and sounds around her, Jeremy couldn't help but feel grateful for the information that he had received from Clancey that had helped make his decision when it came to their trip. Once they reached the hotel that Clancey had recommended, Jeremy breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped into the lobby after paying the cab driver. He had been explicit in his description of what he wanted when it came to their lodgings and, given that he did not know Portland, he had relied on Clancey's knowledge and hoped and prayed that his faith in the old captain would prove well-founded. Glancing about the elegantly appointed lobby of the four-story structure, Jeremy was thankful to see that Clancey had taken him at his word, especially seeing the awestruck look on Candy's face as she glanced about. Always practical, he wasn't surprised as she leaned close to ask softly;

"Jeremy, this is beautiful, but can we afford it?"

Chuckling slightly, Jeremy patted the hand she had on his arm reassuringly as he offered;

"Sweetheart, I promise you that we can more than afford this. Now, you're not to worry for one second about our finances; this is our honeymoon and I promise you that we can more than afford it. So, you just enjoy our time here and enjoy letting me spoil you, I've waited forever just to do exactly that, so no robbing my joy; understand?"

Seeing the gratitude, laced heavily with love, in her vivid blue eyes, Jeremy wasn't surprised as she wiped a slight tear of happiness from her eyes before placing a loving kiss upon his cheek as she offered quietly;

"Oh, Jeremy, thank you for this."

Nodding, he turned to deal with the desk clerk, something that proved easier then what he thought given that, within ten minutes, a bell-hop had taken them to their appointed room where Candy began unpacking before venturing;

"I would love a nice, hot bath."

Motioning towards the bell pull, Jeremy offered;

"Well, the desk clerk did say that all you had to do was to ring and a maid would be happy to draw a bath for you if you'd like."

Biting at her bottom lip in hesitation, Candy asked quietly;

"Jeremy, I've never been waited on like that in my life; I can draw my own bath."

Jeremy found any argument that he was about to offer interrupted as a knock sounded at their door. Opening the door, he found a young woman, who he would guess to be around seventeen or eighteen, standing there with a stack of neatly folded towels. He realized that his confusion must have been evident as she offered a quick curtsy before venturing in a slight Irish brogue;

"Good day to you, Mr. Bolt. Mr Eldridge, the gentleman at the desk, thought that Mrs. Bolt might like the chance to freshen up a bit."

Opening the door a bit wider to allow the young woman entrance, he waved his hand towards Candy as he confirmed;

"As a matter of act, my wife and I were just discussing that very subject."

Noticing Candy's discomfort, the young maid offered;

"Mrs. Bolt, I understand that it may seem just a bit strange to you, to have someone do such a chore for you when you're used to doing it for yourself, but it is my job, ma'am and I assure you I don't mind doing so."

Noticing the slight shrug of Jeremy's shoulders, Candy sighed in resignation as she knew she had no arguments left to offer;

"Alright, Miss..."

Giving a slight shake of her blondish red hair, the girl corrected;

"Not 'Miss', ma'am. My name is Regina, if you'd like I'll show you to the washroom, it's empty at the moment, so you'll have it all to yourself. If you'd like I'll go on ahead and draw your bath while you gather your things."

Offering a slight curtsy, she turned and left the room; seeing her husband's slight amusement, Candy chastised;

"Not one word, Jeremy Bolt, do you hear me?"

Shaking his head, Jeremy ventured;

"I wasn't going to say a word, Candy heart, not one word. But I can't deny that I love winning an argument without saying one word."

Gathering her bathrobe and toiletries, Candy shook her head in amused irritation as she demanded;

"Just what am I going to do with you, Jeremy Bolt?"

Taking her hand in his to pull her close, he brought his lips against hers in a kiss full of love and happiness before venturing;

"How about spend your life with me and love me?"

Placing her hand against his cheek, Candy smiled lovingly;

"I already plan on doing that, I certainly hope that you don't think that, after waiting as we did, I plan on anything other than doing just that."

Nodding, Jeremy quipped;

"I should certainly hope not."

Placing a kiss on her cheek before offering her a playful swat on her backside, he ordered;

"Go enjoy your bath, Mrs. Bolt."

Candy found that, despite her initial discomfort at the idea of being waited on, she came to enjoy the small luxuries she experienced during her and Jeremy's stay in Portland. The time they spent seeing the sights that Portland had to offer was something she found informative and enjoyable, not to mention the nights and stolen afternoons spent wrapped in her husband's arms as they acquainted themselves more thoroughly with each other and the art of lovemaking. Shyly, she admitted;

"Had I known just how enjoyable this part of married life would be, I wouldn't have insisted on such a long engagement."

Jeremy couldn't help but laugh before shifting to face his bride as he propped himself up on his elbow before tracing the soft line of her lips to venture;

"But just think; maybe it's because we DID wait that we enjoy and appreciate each other so much."

As if the thought just struck him, Jeremy laughed in pure amusement as he shook his head;

"I think I have a much better understanding of the 'miraculous' change that took place in our brother in law."

Noticing the time as the small clock on the fireplace mantle chimed, Jeremy gave his bride a hasty kiss as he threw the covers aside before turning to insist;

"Come on, honey, we have some shopping to do. Remember, Clancey will be here the day after tomorrow."

Stretching, Candy demanded;

"What's the hurry? I mean do we have to go right now?"

Nodding as he began washing from the basin in the corner, Jeremy issued;

"Yes; tomorrow I'd like for us to be able to just enjoy ourselves and not worry about the last minute trying to buy presents for Molly, Christopher, Amie, and Jacob, not to mention I'm sure you'd like the chance to take your time and enjoy the sites. Quite frankly, when we're done we can have a nice dinner downstairs in the dining room if you'd like or go to that restaurant that we noticed yesterday, the one with the fountain that has the patio lit up at night with the gas lights. What do you think?"

Candy swung her legs over the side of the bed as he quickly wrapped her robe about her before closing the distance between them to demand;

"Do you know something, Jeremy Bolt? I'm so thankful that I married you, I could have searched the world over and I don't think that I would have found a more wonderful, loving, considerate, or sweet man to share my life with."

Brushing her lips against his, she offered a timid smile;

"Just let me freshen up and I'll get dressed and we can go; alright?"

Nodding as he began drying his chest, he offered;

"Take your time Candy heart."

Watching as she disappeared behind the door to the dressing room of their suite, he exhaled a sigh, hoping that the surprise he had worked on so carefully would prove to be one his bride would truly be happy about.

Jeremy couldn't help but smile at the enthusiasm Candy showed as they walked down the street as she took in everything around them, or the pride he felt in having such a beautiful woman holding onto his arm, especially considering that she was his wife. Seeing the sign for The Meier Mercantile, Jeremy waved his hand towards the door;

"I've always wanted to see this place, ever since I've heard about it. Let's go in and look around, sweetheart."

Holding her elbow, he led her inside and glanced about, as if searching. Catching sight of what he had hoped to find, Jeremy ventured;

"Candy, let's go take a look over here, I think there's something that you might like to see."

Leading her to what appeared to be a section reserved for the bookkeepers, Candy tilted her head in puzzlement as she turned to Jeremy to demand;

"Jeremy, love, what in the world would we want to.."

Her eyes roaming the area, they suddenly widened in shock and surprise as the brought her hand up to cover her mouth before beating on Jeremy's arm;

"Jeremy, do you know who...?"

Nodding, seeing that what he had hoped for would be the case, Jeremy offered;

"Yes, Candy I know EXACTLY who that is."

Taking her elbow he led her to the edge of the desk where she stood quietly for a few moments before calling softly;

"Grandpa?"

As had always been the case when he worked, Benjamin Pruitt had been so engrossed in making certain that his figures were as accurate as possible that he had failed to notice the presence of his first and first loved grandchild. His snowy white head snapped up so quickly that he wondered that it didn't break as he looked straight into the vivid blue eyes that reminded him so much of his late wife's. His own eyes reflecting their surprise, he rose from his chair to offer the open invitation of his arms as he greeted happily;

"POPPET!"

Rushing into the protective embrace that she had treasured ever since she could remember, Candy hugged her grandfather tightly as he placed a warm kiss on top of her head before turning to notice Jeremy as he greeted;

"Jeremy, it's good to see you, but what are you and Poppet doing here in Portland."

Removing her glove, Candy held her left hand out for her grandfather's inspection as he took her slight hand in his own to smile loving as he looked from one to the other before remarking;

"Ah, I see, so you two are married. But, that still doesn't answer my question, what are you two doing here in Portland?"

Shrugging, Jeremy confessed;

"Well, Clancey happened to notice you the last time that he was here in Portland and here in the mercantile and he told me so I thought that I would surprise Candy and bring her here for our honeymoon on the chance that you were still here. To be honest, this was the best wedding present that I could think of to give her."

Noticing the time, Jeremy offered;

"I don't know what time you're done with your work, sir, but Candy and I were going to dine at the restaurant with the patio that's lit by the gaslight; why don't you join us?"

Glancing at the large grandfather clock near the doorway, he nodded;

"I have another hour, why don't you and Poppet do your shopping, I'm sure that you have some things that you'd like to buy, and I'll finish up here and meet you at the restaurant after I'm done with work."

Giving her grandfather a last hug, she nodded;

"I'm going to hold you to that, Grandpa."

Turning to Jeremy, she ventured;

"I'm going to go look at some toys for the children and some things for Jemma, Julie, Biddie, and Lottie."

Watching as she scampered off, reminding him of when she was a child, Benjamin turned to Jeremy;

"I'm glad that you and my granddaughter are married, Jeremy I liked you the minute I met you and seeing how eager you were to do what you thought would make Poppet happy to make me happy, I knew that you would take good care of her. But tell me something, why did you wait so long to get married? I would have thought that the two of you would have found a preacher some time ago."

Debating on whether or not he should tell the man about Molly and Christopher, Jeremy finally decided that it was the man's right to know about his family as he confided;

"I'm sorry to tell you this, Mr. Pruitt..."

Before he could say anything more, Benjamin raised his hand to halt him;

"We're family now, Jeremy, so I give you leave to call me Benjamin, but if you ever feel inclined, I wouldn't be objectionable to Grandpa; but only if you're ever so inclined."

Nodding his head in agreement, Jeremy offered;

"Thank you, sir, Benjamin. As I was saying; you see, Mrs. Pruitt passed away almost a year ago now, but before she did, she knew that she was dying and sent Molly and Christopher to Candy. I wanted to marry Candy much sooner than what we did but she wanted to make sure that Molly and Christopher were settled and would be alright living in Seattle and that I knew just what it meant to marry her; to take on a ready-made family."

Eyeing the young man knowingly, having already assessed Jeremy Bolt's character the first time they had met, Benjamin stated knowingly;

"But you had no qualms about doing so, did you?"

Unable to prevent the loving smile that curled the corners of his mouth, Jeremy gave a slight shake of his head;

"No, sir, I didn't. But you know Candy, she was determined, and if waiting was what it was going to take to convince her, then I was willing to do whatever it took."

Benjamin shook his head somewhat in sadness as he offered;

"Poor Evelyn, she never could quite seem to recover when my son Andrew died. They were very much in love and when Andy was killed in the war, it was as if something vital in her was buried with my son."

Sighing heavily, he eyed Jeremy critically;

"What about Molly and Christopher, how are they? And where are they if you two are here?"

Raising his hands in placation, Jeremy explained;

"We're setting up a library in Seattle now, well I should say the women are. I don't know if you remember my sister, Jemma, or not,"

Benjamin nodded;

"Of course I do! The pretty little lady with the dark red/auburn hair and green eyes; reminded me of a china doll. What about her?"

Nodding his agreement with the man's description of his sister's appearance, Jeremy offered;

"Well, last year, she married Aaron Stempel and they have a set of twins. In fact, we had their christening the week before Candy and I got married, anyway, Molly has gotten very close to Jemma and the twins so she is staying with her and Aaron while we're here. And Christopher, he was thrilled to be staying with my brother, Jason and his wife, Julie so he could go to the logging camp with Jason every day. Molly jumped at the chance because she's helping the ladies with the library. I promise, sir, they're both doing just fine. Believe me, between Pixie and Jason, not to mention Josh, Aaron, and Julie, those two will probably hate to see us pull into port."

Chuckling somewhat at the thought, Benjamin couldn't help but venture;

"Molly always was the little homemaker and Christopher always did like his adventures."

Narrowing his eyes, he demanded;

"Not that I'm not happy to see Candy and you, Jeremy, but what made you search me out, I mean go to all this trouble?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, Jeremy confessed;

"With Mrs. Pruitt passing, I know that our marrying was something bittersweet for Candy, but I also know that she loves you a great deal and when Clancey told me about you being here, I knew that seeing you would make her happy. More than anything, even making her my wife, what I want most is to make Candy as happy as I possibly can."

Shaking his head, Benjamin accused;

"But seeing me isn't where your plan ended, was it, Jeremy?"

Chuckling in humor at the realization of just who his wife had inherited her blunt and direct manner from, Jeremy confessed;

"To be perfectly honest with you, Benjamin, I was hoping that you might consider coming back to Seattle with us. The town has grown quite a bit and there would be no shortage of work for you, I can promise you that. You see since Pixie married Aaron we have sort of a partnership now thanks to the contracts that we've landed. Josh used to do our books and when Aaron doesn't do the books for the mill, Pixie usually would, but, with a set of twins...

Nodding, Benjamin finished;

"But with two babies to care for, she doesn't have the time to do so anymore."

Agreeing, Jeremy finished;

"Exactly, not to mention that Josh is needed at the camps more so the books fall behind. Pixie used to help us as well, but she just can't keep up with the mill, the logging operation, her home, and her children."

Sighing, the elder glanced at the huge clock suspended over the doorway before suggesting;

"Jeremy, I still have a bit of time left to work, and I would really like to finish these entries. Why don't you go and find that pretty bride of yours and help her with her packages, I'll meet you two at the restaurant; alright?"

Jeremy studied the determined look on the old man's face and decided that, given what he knew of his wife's stubborn determination, it was best to do just what he did; make his case and leave the issue for his grandfather in law's consideration. Offering the elder his hand, Jeremy shook it eagerly when Benjamin reciprocated the action before bidding;

"We'll see you in just a little while, sir."

Benjamin watched for a moment as his grandson in law hurried to catch up to Candy before turning back to his task at hand, determined to make certain to finish the work left on his desk, especially considering that he had no wish to leave his employer in any type of a conundrum when he tendered his resignation.

Candy glanced about the patio area of the restaurant eagerly before turning back to her husband to gush excitedly;

"Oh, Jeremy, I can't believe that you did this for me, you have no idea how much seeing Grandpa means to me."

Sighing with a little sadness, she confessed;

"Although, I really wish we could talk him into coming back to Seattle with us."

Placing her hands over her mouth as if she had said something horrible before rushing to apologize;

"Oh, darling, I'm sorry. I guess that was very selfish of me, I mean we already have Molly and Christopher and..."

Placing his hand over hers, Jeremy assured her;

"Candy heart, I promise, it's alright. To be honest, I wish that your grandfather would go back to Seattle with us too. I mean there's plenty of work for him and we'd have no trouble with him staying with us, and if he didn't want to do that there's plenty of room at Lottie's, the camp. Heck, I bet Jason and, even, Aaron would be willing to let him stay with them."

Before Jeremy could venture any further, they heard a familiar voice issue;

"I'm sorry I'm late Poppet, but I had something important to see to before I left work."

Her eyes reflecting her concern, Candy demanded;

"Grandpa, they aren't working you too hard, are they? Be honest with me now."

Reaching across the table, Benjamin patted his granddaughter's cheek affectionately;

"No, Poppet, it's just that my employer has been very good to me and I wanted to make certain that I didn't leave my work in a place that would be too difficult for one of the other bookkeepers to pick up."

Tilting her head to the side, the confusion evident on her face, Candy shrugged;

"I don't understand, Grandpa, what do you mean?"

Benjamin offered his granddaughter a fond smile before turning to Jeremy;

"Young man, I certainly hope that you and Candy have enjoyed your honeymoon trip so far because I've decided that it's time I settle near my grandchildren. I'm going to go back to Seattle with you and Poppet, that is if you think you can stand one more in law in your house; at least until I find a small one of my own."

Jeremy felt his heart soar with happiness as Candy's eyes lit with the excitement of her grandfather's news as she shot from her chair to hug her grandfather;

"Oh, Grandpa, that's the best wedding present I could have ever even hoped for."

Turning to wrap her arms about her husband's neck before kissing him soundly, Candy gushed;

"Thank you so much, Jeremy love, I'll never know how to thank you."

Returning the embrace, Jeremy ventured;

"Oh, I know a way, sweetheart."

Curious, although blushing a bit at the ideas running through her mind as to just what her husband's request might be, Candy asked somewhat hesitantly;

"What was is that, and should we discuss it here?"

Bringing his hand up to brush his fingers against her cheek gently, Jeremy nodded;

"Yes, we can discuss it here, Candy heart. All you need to do to thank me is to love me and be happy."

Intruding on the couple, Benjamin ventured;

"I don't know about you two young people, but I happen to be starving, so why don't we order and, by the way, this is my treat."

Candy couldn't believe how fast the next day went as she and Jeremy prepared their luggage, as well as making certain that Benjamin was prepared for the journey as well.

Jeremy couldn't help but find amusement in just how Candy had come to grow so fond of having Regina help her draw her baths, although he understood that the girl worked as a maid to help fund her education in the hopes of attending school to become a teacher. Candy had come to grow fond of the young Irish girl, so much so that she had specifically requested the girl's help to make sure they were packed for their return voyage. Once the last bag was closed, Jeremy handed the young woman an envelope just before she was about to leave. Curious, she demanded;

"But what is this for, Mr. Bolt?"

Waving his hand towards the envelope, Jeremy explained;

"My wife told me that you hope to be a teacher, well my family and I believe that it's important to help those who are trying to help others. You've been an enormous help to us while we were staying here, especially Candy, and that's our thank you. I hope that it will help you get closer to what you need for your education."

Slowly, the girl opened the envelope and gasped as her eyes widened just before swallowing back tears of gratitude before shaking her head;

"But, Mr. Bolt, sir. This is much too generous, I can't except this."

Holding his hand up, Jeremy nodded towards the envelope;

"Yes, you can. Besides I also put our information in there and that of Captain Clancey, he makes port here routinely, so if you decide you want a change from Portland once you've gotten your certification, I'm pretty sure we can find a place for you as a teacher in Seattle."

Turning to Candy who had just come from the dressing room, she eagerly hugged her as she offered;

"Thank you, Mrs. Bolt, Mr. Bolt. I will never forget the two of you. You just don't know what this means; I can pay for my schooling now."

Once the girl had left and the door was closed, Candy shook her head;

"I never understood until I came to Seattle just how much a hundred dollars could change a person's life."

Closing the distance between them, Candy placed a kiss on his cheek;

"Thank you, Jeremy, that meant a lot to her and I appreciate you agreeing to do it."

Deciding to be playful, Jeremy placed his arms around her shoulders to hug her close before joking;

"Oh, just consider it your dowry, sweetheart."

Her mouth dropping open in shock of his statement, Candy stood staring at him, her hands on her hips as she demanded;

"Jeremy Bolt! What am I going to do with you?"

His grin changing from mischievous to seductive, Jeremy swept her up in his arms and hurried to the bed as he vowed;

"Hopefully the same thing that I'm about to do to you, Candy heart"

Losing themselves in each other's arms, they made the most of the last night that they would have to themselves, determined to wring enjoyment from each moment left to them.

Benjamin Pruitt stood in the wheelhouse with Clancey, watching as he skillfully maneuvered the Shamus away from the pier to head her out to the open waters as he set the course for the trip to Seattle. Noticing Candy standing on the deck as she enjoyed the cool breeze from the water, Benjamin couldn't help but smile as Jeremy placed his arm around Candy's shoulders and she leaned her head against his shoulder in return Motioning towards the pair, Clancey gave voice to Benjamin's silent observation;

"They make a fine lookin pair the two of em, don't they?"

Turning to his companion, Benjamin ventured;

"I think so but then again I'm rather partial to at least half of the couple in question."

Deciding to glean some information of what he might expect when he reached, what was to be, his new home, Benjamin asked;

"Captain, would you find it amiss if I were to ask you some questions? I understand that a great deal has changed in Seattle since the last time I was there and I'd just like an idea of what I might be able to expect when we arrive."

Giving a slight shrug, Clancey ventured;

"I don't see no harm in yer askin a few questions, Mr. Pruitt."

Shaking his head, he offered;

"Benjamin, please Captain. I have a feeling that you and I may well become friends and I know that Moppet is fond of you and I understand so are Molly and Christopher, not to mention Jeremy's family, and of course Miss Lottie."

Offering the elder man a cup of coffee, Clancey lifted a bottle of whiskey to offer;

"Would ya care for a wee nip, just to get the circulation flowin ya understand?"

Chuckling as he presented his cup, Benjamin shrugged slightly;

"Maybe just a nip."

Once Clancey has poured a generous 'nip' into his companion's cup, he waved his hand in invitation;

"Alright, man, get on with yer questions."

Giving the sip of coffee he had just taken a chance to digest, Benjamin began;

"I understand from Jeremy that he and his brothers are in partnership with Mr. Stempel now, at least on some of their contracts."

Nodding as he poured a generous portion of whiskey in his cup, Clancey issued a short laugh;

"Aye, that they are, the miracle that it is. But, I always did say that baby sister of theirs' must be some sort of an angel, especially given the miracles that she's worked where those four stubborn mules are concerned."

Chuckling, Benjamin nodded;

"From what I remember of the young lady in question, I don't doubt it. Jeremy told me that she and Mr. Stempel are married with a set of twins now."

Offering a smile full of pride, Clancey nodded;

"Aye, and there be no doubt that they're wed proper since I was the one that spoke the words over em. Reverend Adams was away traveling when the two of em decided to marry, so that sweet girl asked ole Cap'n Clancey to do the honors. As a matter of fact, we should be returning to Seattle just in time to help em celebrate their anniversary."

Processing the information, Benjamin asked;

"What about Jason? I understand that he's married now as well."

Laughing heartily;

"Oh that's a story in itself, but ya were told right. In fact, he's married to Aaron Stempel's sister Julie."

Noticing that the man's cup was empty, Clancey invited;

"Man, why don't ya's pull up a chair there and pour yerself another cup of coffee and I'll tell ya all about the comin's and goin's in Seattle. And don't worry about those two, they'll keep each other proper company, so to speak."

Doing as the weathered sailor suggested, Benjamin refilled his cup and listened in amusement as Clancey described the changes that had taken place in the lives of the residents of Seattle since his last visit. Little did either know just how serious of a turn things were taking in the lives of the people they were discussing as they made their way on their voyage to Seattle's port.