CHAPTER 16

Julie stood in front of the mirror in her and Jason's bedroom as she fastened her earrings, letting her eyes slide to look at her husband's reflection;

"Jason, I can certainly see the validity of what Aaron's proposing and just how much it will benefit all of us, especially Josh. But, you and I both know that your sister won't be nearly as 'receptive and accepting' of the idea as the rest of us are."

Seeing that he was having trouble adjusting his tie Julie turned once she had her earring secured to brush his hands aside as she pointed out in amusement;

"Here, let me do this. I swear, I think there's something about slipping a wedding ring on a girl's finger that makes the male species lose their capability to tie a tie properly."

His chin lifted high as his wife tied the piece of silk and straightened his collar before brushing at the front of his jacket as she stated proudly;

"There! Perfect!"

Glancing in the mirror and finding no fault with her handwork, Jason nodded in satisfaction as he turned to place his hands on her shoulders before agreeing;

"Yes, it is, but not as perfect as you, my love."

Bending his head he placed his lips against hers in a kiss full of love and appreciation as he took the necklace she had been holding and motioned for her to turn around as he offered;

"Here, let me, darling."

As he fastened the silver locket about her neck, Jason ventured;

"As far as a certain baby sister of mine goes, I happen to be very much aware that she'll be upset. However, I hope that when she realizes that this is what's best for Josh and what HE wants, she'll resign herself to it and accept it."

Turning to place her hands against his chest, Julie looked up into his eyes, concern filling her own;

"Jason, darling, don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way, but I feel like this is going to be hard on Jemma. I mean, I know she sees you more as a father figure, and Jeremy as more of a big brother, but Josh fits into a totally different category because he's the one constant that has ALWAYS been there. You were working and Jeremy was in school but, until she was at an age where she didn't need someone constantly with her, Jemma's always had Josh. She has no memories of your mother and little to none of your father, her first memories are of Josh. I mean, think about it, love; he was the one who she learned most of the things that small children need to know from; walking, talking, practically everything."

Wrapping his arms about her waist, Jason nodded his agreement;

"Julie sweet, I know, I've thought of little else since all of this was discussed. However, Pixie is a grown woman, not just because she's now twenty-one, mind you that's aside from the fact she's a mother of two children and wife, and she has to understand that we gave her our blessing to find her happiness with Aaron, something she was willing to take if she had to. Now, it's Josh's turn to find his happiness and she is going to have to accept that, I know it may well be difficult for her, but I have faith she'll do as Jeremy and I are; accept the fact that we're going to miss him but glad that he has this opportunity, especially since it seems to have given him new purpose."

Shaking her head, the dismay that she felt evident on her face, Julie sighed;

"I know, it's just that, well, I wish that the three of you had chosen a different time to tell her about this. I mean, this party is supposed to be to celebrate her birthday and her and Aaron's anniversary, it just seems like she's being ambushed in a way."

Placing his hand against her cheek, Jason offered in a pleading tone;

"Sweetheart, I know that it seems like that, and I hate that it seems that way, but I promise you it's a coincidence. When we found out that the arrangements that Aaron and I put into place for this deal were finalized before we had a chance to tell her, Pixie found out too and insisted that we celebrate the deal as well. Josh feels that she'll be alright with all of it and wanted to surprise her, given that this is his call to make there really wasn't much that we could say. He feels she'll be happy for him and see it as the wonderful opportunity that it's meant to be."

Her eyes reflecting her sentiment, Julie nodded;

"I certainly hope so, love, for all of your sake's, especially my brother's. Because if she learns that this was his idea she may well make him regret having even contemplated the thought."

Glancing at the clock on their dresser, she advised;

"We had better hurry if we're going to help Lottie."

Grabbing her wrap from the end of the bed, Jason draped it over his wife's shoulders as he silently hoped that his middle brother's theory of just how their sister was going to take his announcement would be an accurate one, for all of their sake's.

Jeremy finished helping Christopher with his tie as Candy finished fashioning the ribbon in Molly's hair into a bow as she asked;

"Jeremy, are you sure that it was such a good idea NOT to tell Jemma about Josh's decision before the party tonight? You know she's not going to be very happy about this, and to be honest, I'm not sure that I can blame her. I mean, it's like you all are blindsiding her and doing it in such a way she won't say or do anything accept agree, or at least so you think."

Jeremy couldn't help but sigh in frustration; he had voiced his opinion that Jemma should have been told what was taking place, but Josh had been firm in his decision that until the proposal Aaron had made became firm and certain, that nothing should be said. The proposal became a deal the day before, something that found Josh eager to celebrate, which happened to coincide with the party for Jemma's birthday and her and Aaron's wedding anniversary. Given that her birthday was just a couple of weeks within her anniversary she had stubbornly insisted that there could only be one party, and when the news was confirmed regarding the deal that Jason and Aaron had brokered would indeed be taking place, the celebration grew to include the deal's success. Finishing with Christopher's tie, Jeremy turned to face his wife as Molly asked;

"Candy, since we're all dressed should we go and offer to help Aunt Lottie or Aunt Jemma with the twins?"

Placing her hands on her hips, Candy tilted her head to the side as she lightly warned;

"Alright, you may go and see if Aunt Lottie could use your help and if not then see if Aunt Jemma might need it, but don't you two dare get dirty, and Christopher, remember our deal; you have to keep that tie and jacket on until the cake is cut."

Nodding Christopher agreed;

"I remember, I won't get dirty, Candy, I promise."

Placing his hand on his granddaughter's shoulder, Benjamin offered;

"Don't worry, Poppet, I was heading to Miss Lottie's myself to see if I could offer her any help, I'll keep an eye out for them."

Nodding as she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, Candy offered a warm smile of affection;

"Thank you, Grandpa."

Once the door had closed behind them, Jeremy faced Candy;

"Candy heart, listen if I had my way I would have told her already, but it's Josh's decision to make, not mine. We didn't find out that the deal was for certain until the day before yesterday and Josh decided to 'surprise' her and that we'd tell her then."

Her hands on her hips, Candy shook her head;

"I have the feeling that it's going to be you four who find yourselves 'surprised'. You know she's going to be furious."

Heaving a deep breath of frustration, Jeremy nodded;

"I'm aware of that, I just hope that Aaron enjoyed his sleep last night."

Shocked by his concern over such a trivial matter, Candy demanded;

"Why in heaven's name would you be concerned about how Aaron slept last night?"

Taking the lace shawl from the back of the chair where she had placed it earlier, Jeremy placed it over his wife's shoulders as he kissed her cheek before holding her close as he ventured;

"Because, when Pixie finds out just who came up with this idea and just who proposed it to Josh in the first place, last night might very well be the last time he'll see his own bed for a while."

Motioning to the door he observed;

"We had better go or we're going to be late."

Aaron stood in front of the mirror in the washroom as he finished shaving for the party. Despite the joy he felt at celebrating, not just Jemma's twenty-first birthday, but their wedding anniversary as well, he couldn't help the trepidation that he felt over the idea of the announcement that would be taking place later that evening. Although he had been the one to formulate the idea and construct the proposal with Josh in mind, he had never contemplated the idea of breaking the news to Jemma the way that Josh had insisted; just after the party, something that found Aaron more than a bit frustrated, yet unable to express his frustration else he give what was going on away to his wife. He found his thoughts brought back to the present as he flinched slightly as he nicked himself, shaking his head he stared at his reflection as he chastised himself in the mirror;

"Serves you right for getting yourself into this damn mess, to begin with, not to mention just what your wife is going to do when she finds out that you're the one behind this."

Wiping away the last of the shaving soap, Aaron hurried to finish dressing, leaving his tie and suit jacket for last as he opened the door to the bedroom. His head bent as he was placing the thin piece of silk around his neck and under his collar, Aaron began;

"Darlin, I know it's a pain, but would you..."

He found himself speechless as he stopped short to stare as his wife as she turned from the dresser mirror, where she had been fastening the pearl earrings that he had given her for her birthday a couple of weeks prior, to face him. Aaron's breath caught in his throat as he stared at her in awe. The gown she wore was a combination of blue and green in color, much like the color of the sea, with a sweetheart neckline that gave a modest view of her cleavage, the sleeves were made of a silver lace that matched the hint of silver in the gown's color, they went to her elbows before flaring out like butterfly wings to fall midway between her elbows and wrists, the center of the bodice and skirt appeared to be a lace insert to match the sleeves. She had arranged her hair by coiling it atop her head, somewhat similar to a crown, with loose tendrils and curls framing her face. Aaron found himself beyond words until he saw the concerned look on his wife's face as she asked timidly;

"Do I look alright? I can change..."

Shaking his head vehemently as he closed the distance between them to take her hands in his before exclaiming;

"Don't you dare, Jemma Elysia! You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart, it's just, you're a beautiful woman regardless, but you never fail to surprise me or take my breath away. And to be bluntly honest with you; that dress is amazing, grant you I don't think it would look nearly as beautiful on anyone else as what it does on you, love."

Jemma couldn't help but giggle a little as she replied pertly;

"I hope you'll still think that when Ben sends us the bill for the material it took to make this dress."

Chuckling slightly, Aaron reminded;

"Jemma love, considering that you NEVER indulge yourself and NEVER waste money, there is no way in the world that I would ever fuss at you for what you spend for clothes, especially not considering how wondrous the end result turns out."

Offering him a wry look of amusement, Jemma quipped;

"Why in the world would I indulge or spoil myself when you do such a wonderful job of it for me, love?"

Studying her for a moment, the realization suddenly hit Aaron as he placed his hand against her cheek as, the look in his eyes turning slightly nostalgic, he realized that he had been given a very rare gift that very few men were lucky enough to receive. Seeing the curious look in his wife's eyes, he offered;

"I know that we're celebrating your birthday, as well as our anniversary, sweetheart, but I just realized that I'm the one that received a gift."

Puzzled, Jemma shrugged;

"I don't quite understand, honey."

Brushing the back of his fingers against her cheek, he explained;

"Darlin, I remember the first time that I ever laid eyes on you, you were about four years old and it was when Jason came to the mill to negotiate a contract with me. I remember thinking that you were such a pretty little thing and that, when you grew up, I just knew that there were going to be men falling in love with you right and left."

Shaking his head ruefully, Aaron couldn't help but chuckle;

"I just didn't know that it was going to be me. But the gift that I'm talking about is the fact that not many men get the privilege of seeing the woman they love grow from a little girl into such a beautiful and amazing woman."

Cupping her face in his hands, Aaron lowered his head to place his lips against hers in a kiss full of love and adoration before looking into her eyes as he pleaded, unable to help himself as the thought of what could happen later crossed his mind;

"Jemma darlin, I want you to promise me something; promise me that, if you never remember anything else, you remember that I love you and our children more than anything else in this world."

Pulling her to him in a fierce embrace, he begged;

"Promise me, love."

Although concerned, Jemma wrapped her arms around him as she complied;

"I promise, but..."

Pushing away slightly so she could look up at him, Jemma placed her hand against his cheek as she vowed;

"Aaron, darling, I know that you love me and you know that I love you just as much, and nothing is ever going to change that, I promise. You don't have to be so afraid that I'll forget how much we love each other."

Reaching up she offered a tender smile as her fingers made quick work of his tie as she offered;

"I believe that you were about to ask me to help you with your tie."

Laughing softly, Jemma ventured;

"I think I know one of the reasons that you wanted to marry me, my love."

Still holding her shoulders, his head held high as she finished with his tie, Aaron questioned;

"And just what 'reason' would that be, sweetheart?"

Giggling slightly, Jemma ventured;

"So that you'd have someone to make sure your tie was straight."

Straightening his collar she nodded in satisfaction;

"There! I think you'll do, my love."

Taking a glance in the mirror, Aaron offered his appreciation;

"Thank you, but just so you know, darlin, I had a LOT of reasons for wanting to marry you. Finding out that you could do such a wonderful job on my ties was just a bonus."

Leaning down, Aaron kissed her forehead as she looked up at him quizzically to chastise laughingly;

"Aaron, darling, you're acting as if you think some disaster if about to take place rather than a party for my birthday, and..."

Wrapping her arms around his waist as she lifted her face to meet the worried look in his eyes with a joy-filled one in hers as she reminded;

"The new contract, not to mention we're also celebrating the fact that, as of midnight tonight, we, Mr. Stempel, have been married for a year and, I, for one, believe that we have been VERY blessed to enjoy more happiness in that time then what I thought I'd experience in my life's entirety. And I have you and our beautiful children to thank for that fact, my darling husband."

Lowering his head, Aaron kissed her soundly before noticing the time as he took the lace wrap that matched the lace of her dress to place about her shoulders as he hurried to don his own jacket before advising;

"I think we had better gather our son and daughter and make our way to Lottie's, or we're going to be late to our own party."

Holding the door open to let her precede him, once she entered the nursery, Aaron shook his head as he muttered quietly to himself;

"I sure hope that you keep everything you just said in mind, Jemma love, at least for my sake."

With that, he hurried to help gather their son and daughter before leaving to make their way to the party.

Clancey rushed through the doors of Lottie's, worried that the party had begun without him when Lottie issued;

"Slow down, Fish Face, you're going to give yourself a conniption before the celebration starts. Besides, the birthday girl and her husband haven't arrived yet, so you have time to catch your breath."

Once he got closer she asked conspiratorially in a low whisper;

"Did you take care of it, everything that we talked about?"

Glancing about the room covertly, Clancey hurried to the doorway to make sure that no one, especially the guests of honor, was coming before waving his hand frantically as four of his crewmen hurried across the square as Clancey ordered in a hushed voice;

"Hurry up ya scurrilous dogs ya. We got to get that there package hid right good and proper for the happy couple gets here."

Turning to Lottie he demanded;

"Lottie, me love, where do ya want the big present?"

Waving her hand towards the piano, Lottie advised;

"CAREFULLY, slide it behind the piano that way it's handy, but they won't see it and it's protected."

Holding out her arms, she ordered;

"Hand me those smaller ones."

Taking the packages in hand, she turned to Clancey in suspicion to demand;

"Fish Face, are you SURE that you got the right thing, the one that Aaron told you."

Shaking his head as he rolled his eyes in frustration, Clancey chastised;

"Lottie, me dear. I went to the EXACT address that Aaron gave me, I asked for the very man that he told me to ask for, THEN I gave him the slip of paper with the name written on it in Aaron's own hand and when the man handed me the bottle he opened it so's that I could take a sniff. I promise ya on me ship, I've been close enough to the little darlin to recognize the scent of that there perfume that she wears and that prettily wrapped package that ye be holding in yer own delicate little hand there be just what our little darlin wears."

Placing the wrapped gifts under the counter of the bar, Lottie raised her hand as she shrugged slightly;

"Alright, alright, alright, it's just that this is their first anniversary and Aaron wants everything to go just right, and since it's for Jemma's birthday too, I just want it to be nice for them."

Casting her a wry look of slight irritation, Clancey reminded;

"Darlin, I know it's their first anniversary; I'm the one that spoke the words over the two of em; remember? I want things to be just as nice as everyone else."

Before he could say anything more, the doors opened as Molly and Christopher rushed in, followed at a slower pace by Benjamin as the children rushed to greet in unison just before taking turns throwing their arms around Lottie and Clancey;

"Hi, Aunt Lottie, hi Uncle Clancey."

Happily accepting the affection, Lottie smiled tenderly as she greeted;

"Well, hello you two and my but don't you look nice. That's a pretty dress, Molly."

Giving a slight spin to make the skirt twirl out, Molly giggled;

"Candy, Aunt Jemma, and Aunt Julie made it for me, Aunt Lottie. They each had some material left over from their dresses so they made me a new one. See?"

Pointing to each part she explained;

"Candy had enough from the blue dress she made herself to make me a top, and Aunt Julie's dress has this material with the pink that has blue roses so she made the sleeve and skirt part, and Aunt Jemma had that pretty lace so she put the ruffles on my skirt and sleeves, and the sash. Isn't it pretty?"

Clancey patted the young girl's head as he nodded eagerly;

"I think it's the prettiest frock that I've ever seen, Molly me girl."

Frowning slightly as he shook his head, Christopher rolled his eyes as he griped;

"GIRLS! They're all silly."

Placing his hand on his grandson's shoulder, Benjamin chuckled;

"Just wait, Hoppy, one day you won't think they're so silly."

Glancing over his shoulder to look up at his grandfather, Christopher shook his head as he vowed;

"Oh yes, I will!"

Huffing as she placed her hands on her hips in a perfect imitation of her older sister, Molly shook her head as she retorted;

"We're no sillier then you boys are, so just behave Christopher Andrew Pruitt."

Turning to Lottie she offered;

"Aunt Lottie, should I go make sure the bassinets are ready for Amie and Jacob?"

Lottie couldn't help but laugh at the children's exchange as she nodded towards the door to the back parlor;

"Thank you, Molly, that would be very nice of you and a very big help, today is special for Aunt Jemma and Uncle Aaron and you wanting to help is one of the best presents you can give them."

Smiling brightly she hurried in the direction of the parlor followed by Christopher, eager to do his part as well. Hearing the unmistakable sounds of Jason's booming voice, Lottie wasn't surprised as the doors opened as Jason and Julie entered followed closely by Jeremy, Candy, and Josh, who had met the foursome as he entered the town square. Noticing how she was studying her and Candy's new dresses, Julie laughed as she approached to hug Lottie;

"I can see by the way you're looking at our dresses that Molly was showing off her new dress?"

Tilting her head slightly Lottie smiled as she defended;

"Well, it is a pretty dress and I think it was more for the fact that three of her favorite people each helped make it; however,"

Studying the two women, Lottie couldn't help but be impressed by Candy's periwinkle blue dress with its square neckline, short puffed sleeves, and full pleated skirt. Turning to Julie she took in the rose-colored gown with the scattering of periwinkle blue roses that matched the color of Candy's dress as did the full pleated skirt. The rounded neckline trimmed in blue lace with the puffy short capped sleeves that were also trimmed in the same blue lace as the neckline was truly becoming to Julie's blond fairness. Nodding her approval, Lottie praised;

"Your dresses are absolutely beautiful, girls."

Placing his arm about his wife's waist, Jason pulled her close against his side as he glanced down, his eyes alight with the adoration he felt for her to offer;

"Not nearly as beautiful as the women wearing them, Lottie. But I must admit that they give a touch of elegance that I can't possibly see anyone else gracing those frocks with."

Her eyes widening as she gave a slight shake of her head, Candy ventured;

"But you haven't seen Jemma's new dress yet, Jason."

Nodding her agreement, Julie offered;

"She's right, darling, Jemma's dress is an absolute wonder."

Hiding a slight giggle behind her hand as she lowered her voice, Julie confided;

"Poor Ben, when we went to see about the material for our dresses he was so nervous"

Furrowing his brow in amusement and curiosity, Jeremy questioned;

"Nervous? Ben? About dress material, why?"

Turning her face into her husband's shoulder as she sought to gain her composure, Candy remarked;

"You'll see when she gets here, honey. But, well, the fabric was sent by mistake it seems that when it was being dyed there was some sort of strange mix up of two colors. Apparently, the bolt of fabric was placed in the shipment coming here by mistake, Ben was planning on sending it back, but when Jemma saw it she talked him into selling it to her."

His confusion showing in his face, Jason gave a slight shake of his head;

"If Pixie talked him into it then why was he so nervous?"

Julie did her best to hid her amusement, but her attempt proved to be in vain as she laughed softly before offering;

"Ben said that he was worried that if Aaron found out that he sold his wife material that he knew was a mistake that he'd have to deal with his temper."

Her curiosity piqued, Lottie couldn't help but ask;

"What did Jemma say when he told her that?"

Glancing at each other as if sharing a conspiracy, Julie and Candy laughed in unison as Candy quoted;

"She told him that since Aaron wasn't the one that would have to wear the dress she was making with the material she felt that he was more than safe from Aaron's anger."

Unable to contain their laughter, Jason, Jeremy, and Josh burst out in laughter as Josh shook his head;

"That sounds like Pixie."

As the saloon doors opened to admit the very subject of their discussion, everyone's laughter stopped as their eyes widened in amazement as Josh's mouth lifted in a slow smile of pride;

"Leave it to Pixie doll to turn a mistake into a triumph."

Nudging her husband, Candy reminded;

"I told you, that her dress was a wonder."

Turning to face his wife, Jeremy clasped her hand in his as he begged;

"Candy heart, please don't take this the wrong way because you know you're the most beautiful woman in the world to me, but it's not the dress that's the wonder it's the girl whose wearing it."

Seeing the look of consent in his wife's eyes, Jason nodded;

"Here, here."

Hurrying forward to beat everyone else in their haste, Biddie clasped her hands together, her anxiousness showing on her face as she lightly admonished;

"Oh my heavens, we were all beginning to worry, I mean it is your party."

Sensing his wife's intention, Aaron took Amie in his free arm as Jemma sought to calm her;

"Biddie, I'm sorry, but it just took us a few minutes longer than we thought it would. It felt like there might be a chill tonight and we wanted to make certain that the twins would be warm enough After all it hasn't been that long since Amie recovered from pneumonia and we don't want to risk her getting sick again."

Her face reflecting her chagrin, Biddie rushed to apologize;

"Oh dearie me no of course not. I just didn't think about that, Jemma I'm sorry."

Embracing her friend briefly, Biddie offered;

"Happy birthday and happy anniversary"

Jemma nodded as she offered her a warm smile;

"Thank you, Biddie and thank you for planning this party for us. But if you'll excuse us, we need to get Amie and Jacob settled."

After placing their daughter in his wife's arms, Aaron took her elbow to lead her to Lottie's back parlor before leaning near her ear to quietly offer;

"One of these days, sweetheart, you're going to have to tell me how you manage to do that with Biddie."

Huffing in frustration, Jemma fussed;

"I swear, everyone says that but I don't understand why. I don't do anything but talk to her calmly and rationally."

Given that Amie and Jacob had been fed and changed before leaving for the party, neither Jemma or Aaron was surprised that their children were soon sound asleep as Molly and Christopher offered;

"We'll sit with them for you Aunt Jemma so you and Uncle Aaron can have some fun."

Leaning down slightly, Jemma placed a kiss on the girl's cheek;

"Thank you, Molly."

Before he could object, Jemma moved quickly to give Christopher a peck on the cheek as she laughed;

"You too, Christopher."

Rubbing at his cheek as he blushed in embarrassment, the youngster fussed;

"Aunt Jemma! How come ladies always wanna kiss a fella?"

Laughing, Aaron placed his hand on the boy's shoulder;

"Believe me, Christopher when you get a little older you're going to be more than happy when a lady, especially one as beautiful as your Aunt Jemma, volunteers to kiss you."

A vexed look on his young face as he addressed his uncle, Christopher pointed out;

"I know YOU don't mind when Aunt Jemma kisses you Uncle Aaron, but that's kinda your job since she's married to you. But all I need is for Charlie Bates to find out that I let a lady kiss me and I'd never hear the end of it from the other fellas."

Knowing just how seriously Christopher thought the matter was, Jemma nudged her husband slightly as she noticed him beginning to shake somewhat as he tried to contain his laughter. Fighting her own urge to giggle, Jemma offered;

"Well, Christopher, I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation, so I'll tell you what, if it will help you out I'll tell you a secret, it just so happens that I changed Charlie's very first diaper when he was born, not to mention, I'll make sure that you won't have to worry about him giving you a hard time or the other 'fellas' either."

Although he had no clue as to just how she planned on securing Christopher's 'reputation', Aaron didn't doubt that it was going to prove amusing, especially when she advised;

"Alright you two, give me about ten or fifteen minutes and then you two come out and join us; alright?"

Taking their nods as their agreement, Jemma and Aaron turned towards the door when Aaron, recalling Christopher's earlier comment glanced over his shoulder;

"And by the way: Christopher?"

His head lifting slightly to indicate that he was paying attention, Christopher acknowledged;

"Yes, Sir?"

Placing his arm around his wife's shoulders to turn him towards her, he bent his head to give her a sound kiss before turning to Christopher;

"Just so you know, kissing your Aunt Jemma isn't a job for me; it's a pleasure."

Aaron couldn't help but emit a short laugh as Christopher and Molly's mouths hung open in shock as he held the door open for his wife. Once he had pulled the door closed behind them, Jemma laughingly chastised;

"Aaron Stempel! What will those children think?"

Shrugging, he replied nonchalantly;

"Well, at least we know they WON'T think that kissing you is a 'job' for me."

Shaking her head in amused frustration, Jemma demanded;

"What in heaven's name am I going to do with you?"

Catching sight of Josh out of the corner of his eyes and finding himself reminded of what was yet to come that evening, Aaron grasped her upper arms to turn her to face him before bringing his mouth against hers in a deep kiss that Jemma couldn't help but feel was filled with a tinge of desperation as he lifted his head before pulling her against him fiercely to bring his lips near her ear as his tone of voice matched the tone of his kiss;

"Just remember your promise to remember that I love you and your promise to never stop loving me, no matter what."

Before she could question his actions they found themselves set upon by their family and friends as everyone was eager to bestow their love and well wishes on the couple for their anniversary and Jemma, in particular, for her birthday. Seeing that her attention was diverted, for the time being, Aaron pushed his trepidation to the back of his mind and threw himself into enjoying the evening with his wife. After a few minutes had gone by, Aaron noticed Christopher and Molly as they closed the door to the back parlor, glancing at his watch he placed his hand on his wife's arm as he motioned towards the children and pointed out;

"I have to hand it to those two, they're prompt."

His curiosity piqued, Aaron furrowed his brow as he asked;

"Sweetheart, just how are you going to help protect Christopher's reputation?"

Placing her hand against his cheek, Jemma offered him a smile that reminded Aaron of the impish side of her nature as she turned to move away from him, but not before throwing over her shoulder;

"You'll see, love, just try to contain your jealousy please."

Aaron's brow furrowed in question as he wondered just what his wife meant by her comment as she walked away in the direction of where Charlie Bates was gathered with some of his, and Christopher's, friends from school. His thoughts intent on trying to solve the mystery, Aaron started just a bit when he felt a hand on his shoulder before turning and finding his brother in law standing next to him to offer him a beer as he nodded in his sister's direction as he brought his own mug to his lips before asking;

"What in the world is Pixie up to, Aaron?"

Giving a slight shake of his head as his face reflected his own perplexity with the situation, Aaron admitted;

"I'm not sure, Jason. I know that, when she kissed Christopher on the cheek earlier to thank him for helping Molly with Jacob and Amie, he fussed about getting grief from his friends if they found out some lady kissed him and Jemma told him not to worry about it she'd make sure that his 'reputation' was protected."

Before Jason could say anything else, Aaron felt an urgent tug on his sleeve as he found Christopher at his side, his young face full of worry as was his voice as he demanded;

"Uncle Aaron, what's Aunt Jemma gonna do? Why's she headin over there to Charlie and the guys?"

Offering the boy a sympathetic look, Aaron explained;

"I'm afraid that I have no idea, Christopher."

Turning to Jason he admitted;

"Although she did say something about 'controlling my jealousy."

Given that the rest of the family had gathered around Aaron and Jason, their curiosity piqued, Jeremy had managed to catch Aaron's statement, something that found him furrowing his brow in consideration as he narrowed his eyes in recollection before he began chuckling to relieve his urge to burst out in full-blown laughter. Seeing the strange looks that he was receiving from his family, Jeremy cleared his throat as he offered in, as serious, a voice as he could manage;

"Don't worry, Aaron. If she's about to do what I THINK she's about to do, I'm sure that you won't have to worry too much about your 'competition'."

Hearing the half dozen or so boys eagerly greet his wife, something unsurprising given that she had often helped Miss Essie teach these same boys and had quickly found herself an object of their admiration once they learned that she was just as capable of climbing a tree as they were, Aaron watched in amusement as she returned the greeting, just loudly enough to be overheard, given that the music had not started as of yet;

"Hi, boys; Charlie, Pauly, Jimmy, Andy, Ricky"

Reaching over she ruffled one of the younger boy's hair as she singled him out, something that found the boy blushing as he grinned broadly as the special attention;

"And of course I can't forget you, Danny"

Glancing down at the floor as he scuffed his shoe against the wood, Danny fussed;

"Ah, Miss Jemma..."

Glancing up a moment and noticing Aaron, the boy quickly stammered;

"I'm sorry, I, I mean, Mrs. Stempel."

Shaking her head as she held the boy's chin in her hand, Jemma ordered;

"That's alright, Danny."

Turning to address all the boys, Jemma continued;

"This goes for all of you boys; I'm still Miss Jemma; alright?"

Looking at each other incredulously, Charlie asked excitedly;

"You mean, we don't have ta call ya 'Mrs. Stempel', we can still call ya 'Miss Jemma'?"

Nodding, she confirmed;

"Yes, and I'll be sure to let your parents know that I told you to do so."

Noticing how Danny had turned a chair for her to sit, she accepted graciously;

"Thank you, Danny."

Folding her hands in her lap she addressed her young admirers;

"I don't know about all of you, but I certainly miss seeing you boys at school."

Nodding, Pauly agreed;

"Yeah, Miss Essie's really nice and everything, but she just can't climb a tree like you can, Miss Jemma, especially now that she's gonna have a baby."

Smiling at the boy's logic, Jemma reminded;

"You boys know why we're having this party; don't you?"

Usually the spokesperson for the group, Charlie, happy to know the answer, proudly announced;

"Yes, ma'am, I heard Ma say it was because your birthday was a week or so ago and because you and Mr. Stempel got married a year ago and it's your anniversary."

Offering the boy a bright smile as a reward, Jemma nodded;

"That's right, Charlie."

Seeing the boys lower their heads, she felt her heart go out to them as Andy apologized;

"We were gonna pick some flowers for ya, Miss Jemma. You know, as a present, but, well we didn't get a chance to; we're sorry but we don't have a present for ya."

Touching the boy's cheek, her smile still in place, Jemma ventured;

"Well, flowers would have been a very lovely present, but you know what I think I would really rather have for a present?"

Their curiosity showing in their wide eyes, Charlie eagerly asked;

"Just name it, Miss Jemma and if we can get it for ya then it's yours."

Clasping her hands together, as if excited at the prospect, she explained;

"Well, you boys remember when we talked about twenty-one gun salutes in school?"

At their nods of agreement, she continued;

"Since it's my twenty-first birthday, I think I'd like twenty-one kisses for a present."

His eyes narrowing for a moment before they fell on Christopher, Charlie motioned for him to join them as they huddled in a conference for a second before they all seemed to nod in agreement as Andy offered;

"Miss Jemma, is it okay if we kiss ya on the cheek? There's seven of us including Christopher so we could kiss ya three times each on your cheek and that'd be twenty-one, right?"

Taking the boy's hand in hers, Jemma praised;

"Why, Andy, I think that would be a wonderful idea, but are you sure you boys don't mind since I'm a girl?"

Shrugging, Pauly offered;

"Well, you're not really a girl, girl, Miss Jemma. You're sorta like one of the fellas cause ya climb trees and don't mind getting dirty having fun; cept you're prettier and wear dresses."

Although they would never let her know it because she was one of their most favorite people in their small world, none of the boys were exactly looking forward to publicly kissing a female. However, Jemma fit in a different category in each boy's book, and aside from knowing that it was, not only her birthday, but her anniversary as well, and the fact that what they were doing was something that would please her made each boy happy. Lining up, much to their parents' surprise, each boy placed a kiss upon her cheek before running to the back of the line to take another turn until each boy had met their quota of placing three kisses apiece on her cheek. Once they were finished they rushed to offer;

"Happy birthday and anniversary, Miss Jemma."

Touched by the fact that the boys were willing to do what was asked of them to please her, Jemma stood to place a kiss on each boy's cheek to show her gratitude;

"Thank you, boys. I think that's the nicest present that you could have given me."

Blushing all the boys nodded as they offered her slight smiles as Charlie begged;

"Miss Jemma, uh, if it's okay we'd like to go wash our hands before we eat anything."

Waving her hand towards the back of the saloon, Jemma offered;

"The washroom is in the back, boys."

Jemma watched in amusement as the boys broke and ran. Christopher, holding back slightly until the boys were out of earshot, whispered;

"Thanks, Aunt Jemma."

With that he hurried to catch up to his friends for appearance's sake as Aaron came up behind his wife to hold her chair as he leaned down near her ear;

"Sweetheart, that was an absolute masterstroke of genius."

Glancing up to meet his look of amazed appreciation, Jemma admitted softly;

"I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed though."

His eyes reflecting his surprise of her statement, Aaron demanded;

"Why are you disappointed, love? You accomplished just what you set out to do, didn't you?"

Nodding, Jemma admitted;

"Yes, but I thought that, surely, you'd be just a little jealous. I mean, it's not every day that a girl has seven young men kiss her at the same time you know."

Laughing at her statement, Aaron offered her his hand to help her rise from her chair before rejoining their family. Seeing her brothers trying to contain their amusement, especially Jeremy, Jemma crossed her arms over her middle to demand;

"And just what is it that you three find so funny?"

Offering a slight shrug, Josh ventured;

"Oh, nothing, it's just that you're the only female, except maybe their mothers, in all of Seattle who can get away with what you just did, you know that don't you, Pixie?"

Chuckling as he brought his mug of beer to his mouth, Jeremy quipped;

"Although I guarantee that when those seven boys come out of Lottie's washroom, they're going to have the cleanest hands and faces that we've ever seen."

True to his prediction they watched as the seven boys emerged and it was more than obvious that each boy had washed their faces and hands more than enough to impress the most finicky of physicians' sterile requirements. Glancing at each other, before focusing their attention on Jemma as she defended;

"Well, at least I made certain Christopher won't have to worry about getting picked on now."

Unable to contain their amusement everyone laughed as Lottie noticed Duncan and Holly's arrival and declared;

"I think that, now that Duncan and Holly have arrived, we should have a round of drinks since this IS a celebration after all."

Taking the opportunity presented, Jemma motioned for her husband to lean closer to her as she placed a kiss on his cheek before informing him;

"I'm going to go check on the babies, honey, I just want to make sure they're alright."

Turning quickly, Aaron brushed his lips against hers;

"Hurry back, love."

Aaron couldn't help but stare after her as she made her way to the back parlor; he still found himself having a hard time believing that his hopes and prayers had come true, more so then what he had ever thought possible. Irritated, Aaron found himself surprised by his oldest brother in law for the second time that night as Jason nudged him before asking;

"Aaron, when do you think we should..."

Shaking his head, Aaron gave his brother in law a sharp look;

"Not until after the party, Jason. I want her to enjoy herself and have some good memories of our first anniversary; at least let me have that much."

The look in his eyes reflecting his concern, Jason ventured;

"Aaron, you do realize that she may not take this very well; don't you?"

Sarcastically raising an eyebrow, Aaron couldn't help but quip;

"Really, Jason? No, I've not given any consideration whatsoever to the idea that my wife may well find the news that the brother, who she has considered to be her best friend her entire life, is leaving upsetting. Oh, and by the way, the guest room at your house is available isn't it? I may well need it when she finds out just who this idea originated with."

Seeing the door to the back parlor open, and hearing the music beginning, Aaron offered;

"Now if you'll excuse me, Jason, I'd like to go enjoy a dance or two with my wife, while I'm still able to do so that is."

Jason couldn't help but feel sympathy for his brother in law as Julie looped her arm through his;

"Jason, darling what are you thinking?"

Pulling her arm through his to hold her hand in his, Jason sighed;

"Honestly, sweet? I was just thinking that the baby I helped raise is now a grown woman with babies of her own. And, admittedly, I'm praying that she will also remember that, just as we gave her our blessings for her to find her happiness with Aaron, we all, including her, need to give Josh our blessings to find his happiness in his own way."

Deciding to follow his brother in law's example, Jason offered his wife a loving smile as he suggested;

"Come on, darling, I'd like to enjoy a dance with my beautiful wife."

Glancing covertly at her sister in law from time to time, Candy leaned closer to Jeremy's ear as she speculated;

"Jeremy, don't you think that, just maybe, we're all overreacting about how Jemma is going to take all of this. I mean, she may well stay perfectly calm about everything, you know that Jemma is very level headed."

Seeing the look of disbelief regarding the last of her statement in her husband's eyes, Candy wasn't surprised when Jeremy demanded in a hushed tone;

"Candy, you do realize that Pixie is the ONLY one of us who isn't aware of what's going on, AND that was by Josh's insistence. Not to mention, do you happen to remember just who it was that came up with the idea that's led to Josh's new opportunity? Call me cynical, Candy heart, but somehow I just don't think that she's going to be very happy, especially when she finds out that her husband knew about this and SHE didn't"

Glancing past her husband to where Aaron and Jemma were dancing, Candy sighed as she shook her head;

"I can always hope, can't I?"

Standing at the bar with Lottie and Clancey, Duncan stood watching his niece as she danced with her husband. Holly, noticing the look of nostalgia in her companion's eyes couldn't help but smile;

"Whatcha thinking, big feller?"

Leaning against the bar, Duncan motioned towards Jemma as he recalled;

"I was just thinkin, lass about the first time that I laid ma eyes upon the little lass there; lookin on little Amie is just like lookin on Jemma lass when she was a wee babe. I kin hardly believe that the wee babe I remember holdin all those years ago is now a grown lass with wee babes of her own."

Tapping his shoulder, Lottie ventured;

"Duncan, why don't you go ask Jemma to dance, I'm sure that Aaron wouldn't mind you dancing with the birthday girl."

Gently slapping the back of her hand across his shoulder, Holly encouraged;

"Aw, shoot, go on, big feller and dance with yer niece."

Finishing his drink, Duncan nodded as he crossed the dance floor to tap Aaron on the shoulder. Turning to find Duncan trying to get his attention and, having a fairly accurate idea of his intention Aaron wasn't surprised when Duncan asked;

"Aaron, I know that it's yer anniversary, lad, but ifin ya wouldna mind might I dance with ma niece?"

Glancing to his wife whose smile indicated her pleasure at her uncle's request, Aaron placed her hand in Duncan's as he offered a slight bow;

"By all means, Duncan and with my blessing."

Placing a kiss on his wife's cheek, Aaron made his way to the bar as Lottie offered;

"Let me guess, Aaron, whiskey; private stock?"

Offering her a gratified smile, Aaron nodded;

"You know me too well, Lottie, you know that, don't you?"

Leaning against the bar, Aaron took a sip of his drink as he motioned towards where his wife and her uncle were waltzing before turning to Lottie;

"You know something, Lottie, I was just thinking, not too long ago, about the first time that I ever saw her. She was about four or five years old and Jason had brought her to the mill with him to negotiate a contract, it was just after I took over the mill; do you remember?"

Recalling the descriptions that she had heard of the event vividly, Lottie nodded;

"I remember, it's hard to believe that was seventeen years ago now, but I remember."

Proudly, Aaron watched as she moved gracefully across the floor, he reminisced;

"I remember thinking that she was such a beautiful little girl that, when she grew up, men would be fighting for her attention and falling in love at just the sight of her."

Turning to glance at Lottie over his shoulder, Aaron couldn't help but chuckle;

"Little did I know, all those years ago, that I'd be the man lucky enough to claim her as my wife."

Lottie found herself gratified, once more, that her instincts had been right where Aaron and Jemma were concerned, any doubts that she may have had to the contrary were soon put to rest as she pointed out;

"Well, Aaron, you're prediction was right, she is most definitely a beautiful woman."

Lottie couldn't help but notice the look of pride that lit his eyes as he offered a slight nod;

"Yes, she most definitely is, inside and out."

Noting the serene smile of contentment that his niece wore, Duncan asked;

"Judging by yer smile and the light I see in those beautiful eyes of yers, Jemma lass, I'd be guessing that yer happy?"

Nodding eagerly, Jemma offered;

"Yes, Uncle, I'm VERY happy. I have a lot to be thankful for; I have a wonderful, loving husband who loves and adores me just as much as I do him and we have two beautiful children. I would say that is something to be happy about."

As the music came to an end, Duncan led his niece to the bar to join her husband before venturing;

"Jemma lass, there's something that I've been meanin to give ya, and now seems like the most appropriate time to do so."

Reaching inside his jacket's inner pocket, Duncan withdrew a small jewel box and handed it to Jemma, explaining as he did so;

"That there belonged to yer grandmother, lass. Ya see, when we found out that ya were on the way, yer grandmother just knew that ya were gonna be a lass and had me make the trip so I could give her all the details."

Curious as to their uncle's narrative, the family gathered around as Duncan turned to Aaron;

"I bet ya had no idea, Aaron of just how truly unique and special the woman ya married was, but she is. Ya see lass, you are the first female Bolt to have been born in four generations, you're the only female Bolt, at least until one of yer brothers has a daughter."

Motioning towards the jewel box, Duncan explained;

"What's in that box, lass, that was yer grandmother's and she made me promise that, when you reached your twenty-first birthday, I'd make certain that ya got it."

Bending his head, Duncan kissed his niece's cheek;

"Happy birthday and happy anniversary, lass, and many, many more."

Stepping closer to his sister's side, Josh nodded towards the box;

"What is it, Pixie?"

Opening the box, Jemma's expression changed from one of curiosity to one of amazed awe as she stared at the contents; the ring was made of solid gold, the band appeared to be twisted before meeting at the top to form a cradle that held a round diamond. Lifting her eyes to meet her uncle's as she exclaimed in a tone of reverence;

"Oh, Uncle Duncan, it's beautiful but, are you sure?"

Nodding, he affirmed;

"Aye, lass, it was yer grandmother's dying wish that ya'd have that there ring. Ya see, it was her wedding ring and had belonged to yer great-grandmother as well."

Seeing that she was overcome with emotion at the moment, Aaron took the ring from its cushioned box before taking her hand in his to slide it onto the ring finger of her right hand. Holding her small hand in his, Aaron brought his free hand up to brush the tears from her eyes as he offered her a loving smile;

"It fits perfectly, love."

Duncan found himself touched as his niece approached him to lift her head as she looked up into his pale blue eyes before hugging him tightly;

"Thank you, Uncle Duncan."

Placing his arms around his niece's shoulders, Duncan had to clear his throat to hide his own emotions as he nodded;

"Yer more than welcome, lass."

Tightening his embrace, he acknowledged;

"Yer mother and father, they'd be very proud to see the fine lass that ya grew into, not to mention how proud they'd be of those wee babes asleep in Miss Lottie's parlor."

Glancing up to face Aaron, he offered wryly;

"I think they'd even be proud of their son in law, especially given just how happy ya make their baby girl."

Facing his nephews, Candy, and Julie, he ventured;

"I believe they woulda been proud of all of ya."

Noticing Biddie fidgeting as she consulted her pendant watch, Duncan couldn't help but chuckle;

"Now, judging by Miss Biddie, I believe that it may be time to see about cuttin that beautiful cake that Miss Lottie and the brides made far the two of ya."

Relieved to have her schedule back on track Biddie nodded;

"Yes indeedy."

Waving her hands to usher the couple towards the table that held the cake, Jason issued;

"Just a moment, Biddie, there's a little something that we need to take care of first."

Taking her cue, Lottie reached under the bar to produce a stack of gaily wrapped packages to pass across the top of the bar to Josh who set the gifts on the table in front of the couple. Their faces reflecting their disbelief, Aaron admonished;

"Jason, Lottie, everybody; we weren't expecting anything."

Aaron pulled his wife closer to his side as he glanced down at her, the love evident in his eyes;

"I received all the gifts that I'll ever need the day that Jemma became my wife and the day our children were born."

Seeing how happy his sister and the man that he had come to consider his friend was, Jason found himself grateful that he had followed his instincts in giving his consent and blessing for Jemma and Aaron to be married. Jason couldn't help but laugh heartily as he reminded;

"Well, Aaron that's a wonderful way to look at it. However, I think you forgot that it's also a certain young lady's birthday and considering that we missed your birthday as well, AND it's your anniversary, well we just couldn't let those events pass without something to commemorate the occasions."

Glancing at the carefully written name on the paper, Josh picked up one of the packages and offered it to Aaron as he smiled brightly;

"I think that since we missed your birthday,"

Nodding towards his sister, he couldn't help but joke;

"Although I think our baby sister more than made up for it a couple of weeks or so later, why don't you open your present first; this is from all of us."

Never having had much experience when it came to receiving gifts, at least until having married Jemma, Aaron was still somewhat awkward when it came to receiving a present, from everyone that was except his wife. Taking the package from his brother in law, Aaron tore at the paper before removing the top of the box to push the tissue paper aside, his hands stopping as if frozen as his eyes widened in surprise before glancing to his brothers in law before turning to Jason;

"How did you know?"

Her curiosity breaking her boundaries of self-control, Jemma demanded;

"Darling, what is it?"

Trying to get a view of the contents of the box, Jemma stood on tiptoe to look over her husband's arm before placing her hand on Aaron's arm to encourage him to lower the box so that she could see inside. Taking the hint, Aaron couldn't help the quiet, tender smile that lifted the corners of his mouth as he took the framed photo from the box to hold it for his wife's inspection, seeing the look of shock light her features as she looked up into her husband's eyes before turning to her eldest brother;

"Jason, this isn't, I mean, this can't be?"

Crossing his arms over his chest, he nodded;

"Actually, Pixie, yes it can be and it is. Do you remember the last time that Aaron and I went to Tacoma?"

It came as no surprise to Aaron that her body stiffened somewhat as she retorted, somewhat, sharply;

"I don't think that I'll EVER forget that particular trip, Jason."

Understanding that she was recalling Amie's illness, everyone overlooked the sharpness in her tone, as Jason explained;

"I happened to notice, while I was waiting for Aaron to finish a transaction at the bank, a photographer's shop and I realized that it was the same photographer that had come to Seattle just after your sixteenth birthday who I hired to take that photo of you. I just didn't know that he took more than one photograph."

Meeting Lottie's look of amusement, Jason continued;

"After everything settled down and after Amie's illness, it just so happened that I had to make a trip to Tacoma, alone, which gave me the perfect opportunity to speak with the man. As it turns out,"

Pointing to the photograph in Aaron's hands, Jason continued the explanation;

"That photograph was purely accidental."

Turning to his sister, Jason asked;

"Pixie, do you happen to remember the day that photograph was taken?"

Her brow furrowing slightly just before her eyes widened in sudden realization as she looked up at her husband the memory suddenly as vivid in her mind as if it had just happened rather than a memory from five years prior. The pleasure of the memory obvious in her eyes, Jemma recalled;

"Yes, I do."

Laughing slightly, she relived the memory;

"The poor man, when he learned that Jason was having the picture taken because I had just had my birthday he wanted to take another picture, just to be on the safe side. Once he took the first one he asked would it be alright if he treated me to a lemonade while he had a beer to cool off a bit before taking the second photograph. I don't know why but he was so nervous that he ended up spilling his beer all over the skirt of my dress, just as Lottie was coming down the stairs."

Unable to contain her laughter as she pointed to Lottie, Jemma recalled;

"I can still hear Lottie fussing as she shooed me upstairs with strict orders to change my dress because to quote her; 'Aaron Stempel already thinks you're some sort of wild creature and I have no intentions of him thinking that I let you go around smelling like beer.' Then, she told the poor man that she hoped he could get whatever photograph he was after because I had a lesson that she was going to make certain I was on time for. He didn't think that he was able to get but the one photograph, but I guess this proves differently."

Pointing to the photograph that showed her arm lying on a low branch, her hands clasped with her fingers laced together, her head laying on her arm as she looked off into some far distance, a happy, wistful expression gracing her lovely face, something that the photographer had managed to capture, Jemma recalled;

"He said that he didn't have another plate for his camera and that he didn't think there would be time considering the time frame that Lottie had given him to be finished."

Nodding, Jason picked up the tale as he recounted what he had been told;

"When I went to talk to the gentleman he remembered me immediately. He explained that he had forgotten that he had put a plate in the camera before going into Lottie's and that when he was packing up his equipment, he noticed you leaning against the tree through the lens and couldn't help thinking how beautiful a picture that would have been. Apparently, he must have clicked the button and given how bright and sunny that day was there was enough light, he said that when he developed the photograph and realized what happened he decided to keep the photograph; he said it was one of the best ones he had ever taken. However, when I saw it and realized EXACTLY when that photograph was taken, I felt that the best place for it was with someone who would treasure it almost as much as he does the girl in it."

Studying each detail of the photograph, Aaron couldn't help but smile as he recalled the discussion that he and Jemma had such a short time ago as he glanced up to look at Jason as he pointed out;

"Jason, I don't know how to thank you."

Looking at each of his family members, he included;

"any of you. This was taken the day that I gave Jemma her first dancing lesson,"

Turning to gaze into his wife's eyes, he admitted;

"which also happens to be the day that I fell in love with her."

Reaching to take the frame from her brother's hands, Julie, carefully, placed it in the box with the tissue paper as she chastised lovingly;

"Come on, big brother, it's Jemma's turn."

Seeing a small specially wrapped box and knowing what it was, Aaron plucked it from the pile as he nodded;

"You're absolutely right, Julie."

Holding the gift out to his wife he couldn't help but smile;

"Here you are, sweetheart."

Taking the small package, Jemma eagerly tore into the box and found herself shaking her head in amazement at just how much attention her husband paid to the small things as she placed the box with the bottle of special perfume on the table. Meeting her husband's look of hopefulness with her own look of loving appreciation before wrapping her arms around his waist as she raised on tiptoe to place her lips against his cheek as she accused;

"You notice everything, don't you, love?"

Aaron placed a loving kiss on her forehead as he embraced her before nodding;

"About you? Yes, darlin, I most certainly do."

Stepping forward, Candy took the last two packages to hand them to Jemma as she reminded;

"Now, since you insisted that we not make a fuss on your birthday, you get two gifts and we hope you like them because we all put our heads together on one of them."

Jemma made quick work of the wrapping before searching through the tissue paper as she stopped short before exclaiming;

"Oh, my word!"

Curious, Aaron looked into the box, something that soon found him frowning as he slowly turned to cut his eyes in his sister's direction;

"I'm going to assume that I have you to thank for this, Julie."

Spreading her hands in a placating manner, Julie ventured;

"Well, Jemma was telling me one day how she could still remember the first time that she ever saw you and when Jason and I were in San Francisco and I was going through some things in Father's old desk in the attic I found that and I thought that, with Jemma's birthday and your anniversary that it would make a wonderful present for her."

Shaking his head in frustration at his sister's actions, Aaron was about to say something to that effect when he felt his wife's hand on his and turned to find the irritation he felt disappear at the sight of the pleading look in her emerald eyes. Resigned to the fact that he couldn't disappoint her, Aaron remained quiet as Jemma took the frame from the box to study a younger image of her husband as Julie explained;

"Father had that taken just before Aaron left to come to Seattle, Jemma. And, I thought you'd like it."

A slight smile gracing her features, Jemma nodded;

"I do, Julie, very much so; thank you."

Pinning her husband with her eyes, she admitted;

"I don't think I can ever explain just how much this means to me."

Carefully, she placed the frame back in its box as Jeremy moved the last gift on the table to set it between his sister and brother in law;

"This is for both of you for your anniversary."

Working together Jemma and Aaron divested the package of its wrapping as Aaron lifted the lid while Jemma dug through the tissue paper. Both stopped short as they stared in amazement before looking to each other as Aaron demanded;

"I'm not surprised that you all managed this, but I'd certainly like to know how."

Laughing lightly, Lottie waved her hand towards Duncan and Holly as she confessed;

"Do you two happen to remember, on Jemma's actual birthday, that Duncan and Holly offered to babysit the two little darlings who are now sleeping in the backroom so that you two could go riding and I 'just so happened' to have a picnic basket ready for you? Well, it just so happens that we had a photographer waiting in the wings and once the two of you were out of sight we changed the little angels into their christening gowns and voila."

Touched, more than she could express, Jemma reached to hug her uncle and Holly as she offered softly;

"Thank you, both of you, I was hoping that we would be able to have a photograph of the twins before they got much older so we have a reminder that we were blessed with such beautiful babies."

Hearing the sound of her children beginning to fuss, Jemma wasn't surprised when Molly opened the door to call out;

"Aunt Jemma, I think they're getting hungry."

Offering Biddie and apologetic look, Jemma excused herself;

"I'm sorry, Biddie, I promise as they grow I'll teach them to respect and appreciate your schedules when you organize these events."

Hearing the sounds of their children's full-blown frustration, Jemma and Aaron hurried to tend to their twins. Once the door was closed, Lottie ordered;

"Alright, Fish Face, Jason, you get the present; Jeremy, Josh, you two situate those chairs so it can be propped up against that pillar so they see it when they come out."

Although it seemed like a lifetime, but was considerably shorter, everyone waited for the Stempels to return to the festivities once their children's needs were met. Finally, the door opened as Clancey muttered;

"Well, it's about time they had them little darlins settled."

Smacking his shoulder with the back of her hand, Lottie warned;

"Fish Face!"

Holding his hand up in surrender, Clancey sighed;

"I know, I know, Lottie me love; "Shut up or you'll be cutting me off."

Waving his hand towards Jemma and Aaron he ventured;

"Carry on, you two."

Seeing the confusion in her eyes, Aaron placed his arm around his wife's shoulders as he ventured;

"Never mind, love."

Both stopped short at the sight of the large rectangular wrapped object that had been balanced between two chairs to lean against a pillar. Motioning towards the object, his face reflecting his confusion and curiosity, Aaron demanded;

"What in the world is that?"

Shrugging nonchalantly, Lottie ventured;

"Well, it looks like some sort of gift and considering the reason we're all here, I'm guessing that it would be for the two of you."

Approaching the object, Aaron held it to make certain it wouldn't fall before nodding;

"Go ahead, sweetheart, I'll hold it still."

Reaching to the top corner, Jemma took hold of the paper at the corner before pulling it to expose a gap. Quickly, she removed the rest of the wrapping before stepping back, her eyes wide with surprised delight as she exclaimed;

"Dear Lord in heaven above."

Shocked by the contents, she covered her mouth with both hands. Although he had determined it to be a painting, Aaron, seeing the shock on his wife's face, asked worriedly;

"Darlin, what is..."

Moving to see the subject of the painting, Aaron found himself just as shocked as Jemma although he recovered much more quickly as he found himself venturing;

"I think we now have an explanation as to why our wedding photograph 'mysteriously' disappeared."

None, having seen the painting, save Clancey, those present couldn't help but be impressed with the artist's work as they stared at the portrait in awe. Although their wedding had been something of a 'spur of the moment' affair when Aaron had learned that a nature photographer was staying at Lottie's he had hired the man to please his bride. His hopes in that department had turned out to be well met when the man had ventured to the mill office on his way out of Seattle to deliver the results of his work. Aaron couldn't help but remember the shocked pleasure he had felt, having assumed that, given the man's age, he would be lucky to have gotten a decent image, especially considering that he couldn't really remember seeing the man on his and Jemma's wedding day, not to mention they had not been asked to pose for the photo when he opened the cardboard folder meant to protect the photograph, he could only stare in amazement. Aaron quickly realized that hiring this man had been one of his better decisions; as soon as he saw the photo he knew exactly when he had managed to capture the image; when everyone had hurried to Lottie's for their reception and he and Jemma had been left alone at the pier. The photographer had managed to capture the image of Aaron holding his bride as they looked at each other adoringly as if the world could pass the two of them by and neither would care as long as they were together; amazed by the man's obvious talent with a camera, Aaron confessed;

"I have to admit, Mr. Brady, I never expected anything like this, Jemma will be overjoyed with she sees this. I have to ask you though, I only noticed you one time how did you manage to take such a beautiful photograph?"

Aaron could still remember the strange half-smile the elder man wore as he voiced his theory;

"That's the mark of a good photographer, Mr. Stempel. We're not meant to be seen, that way we can capture what SHOULD be seen and remembered."

Waving his hand towards the cardboard folder on Aaron's desk he ventured;

"Such as the love I see in that photo. Tell me, sir, Jemma, I assume that would be the lovely young lady in that photograph with you."

Unable to hide his pleasure at claiming such a distinction, Aaron nodded;

"Yes, sir, that would be my beautiful bride."

Taking the envelope that held his fee from Aaron to tuck into his inner jacket pocket, Mr. Brady pinned Aaron with his weathered gray eyes before offering;

"Mr. Stempel, I want to thank you and that pretty girl you married."

Puzzled by the man's gratitude, Aaron couldn't help but ask;

"For what, Mr. Brady? If anything, you did me the favor and when she sees this I know that my wife will feel the same way."

Aaron couldn't help but notice the sadness that clouded the man's eyes as he explained;

"Mr. Stempel, during the war I took photos that documented nothing but death, desperation, and the violence of this country being torn apart."

Nodding towards the cardboard folder, he ventured;

"After four years of seeing nothing but THAT from behind the lens of my camera, I made my mind up to find something that reminded me that there is still beauty in this world to be found. Thanks to you and your wife, sir, I'm also reminded that there is also love to still be found in this world."

Placing his hat on his graying head, he offered a slight bow of his head before bidding;

"Have a good day, sir and please give my regards to your lovely wife."

Aaron's thoughts were brought back to the present as Jemma took his hand in hers as a hint of amusement lit her eyes as she scanned the group of family members assembled to challenge;

"So this whole time that I have been frantic and searching for our wedding picture, all of this time, you all knew where it was?"

Taking the lead, Jason stepped up to place his hands on his sister's shoulders as he offered;

"I'll take the blame, Pixie. I thought that this would be a wonderful anniversary present for you two and everyone else agreed so, just before Julie and I left for our honeymoon, I made a detour to your house and 'borrowed' your wedding photo. Julie knew an artist and on this last trip to San Francisco, Clancey picked it up so that we would have it in time for your anniversary. And..."

Extending his hand in expectation, Jason took the box from his wife as he offered in an apologetic tone;

"I know how much this means to you, Pixie and I promise it's in the same condition as it was when I 'borrowed' it."

Jemma couldn't help but feel guilty for her irritation as she saw the repentant look in her brother's bright blue eyes as he apologized. Taking the box to place it in her husband's hands, she crossed her arms stubbornly over her middle as she fussed;

"I should be furious with you Jason Bolt; you know how special that picture is to me and Aaron."

Turning her head to study the painting for a moment and seeing that the artist had paid careful attention to detail, even down to the color of her hair and eyes, she couldn't help but feel amazed by the fact that the most important detail; the love that was so obvious between her and her husband had been fully captured in the artist's brush strokes, she found she couldn't possibly hold her frustration as she faced her brother, a slow smile lifting her mouth at the corners;

"But considering the reason, I suppose I can forgive you ."

Turning to glance over her shoulder at the gift from their family, Jemma turned to offer her brother a look he recognized from when she was a small girl. Bestowing a loving smile on his youngest sibling, Jason opened his arms wide in invitation as she rushed into his embrace to be caught up and held, much as he did when she was a little girl, as she offered in a slightly teary voice;

"Thank you, big brother. I love you."

Swallowing his own emotions, Jason gave a slight nod;

"And I love you, Pixie doll."

Setting her back on her feet, he cleared his throat before noticing Biddie glancing at her pendant watch. Seeking to change the serious tone the party seemed to be taking, Jason issued;

"I think that it's time we cut this delicious cake."

Relieved, Biddie stepped forward;

"Oh, my heavens yes."

Once the cake had been cut and served, the adults enjoyed themselves for a while longer before beginning to offer their congratulations and farewells for the evening. Finally, when the only ones left at the saloon were the members of the Bolt, Stempel, and Pruitt family, which included Lottie, Clancey, and Holly, Jemma placed her hand over her husband's to suggest;

"Darling, as much as I've enjoyed this evening and as grateful as I am to everyone for everything they did to help us celebrate, not to mention the beautiful gifts they put so much effort and thought into, I think that there's a certain little boy and girl who are more than ready to be settled into their own beds."

Seeing his brother in law's look of concern, Jason rushed to offer;

"I think that's a wonderful idea, Pixie, that way you can get the twins settled and we'll bring your presents so you won't have to worry about it and maybe enjoy a nice cup of coffee with our favorite baby sister and her husband."

Although such events weren't uncommon, and Aaron took them good-naturedly, Jemma found herself a bit surprised when, before she could say anything, her husband spoke up;

"I think that sounds like a good idea, Jason. If you'd like, just go ahead and go to the house while we get Amie and Jacob and get them settled."

While she found her husband's ready agreement to an invasion of their family, especially considering that it was their anniversary, a bit surprising, Jemma merely shrugged it off, unaware of just what was about to take place.