CHAPTER 13

During the celebration, Jeremy, Candy, Josh, and Biddie are standing next to the piano talking. "I'm sure glad that's over," Candy says. "That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

"Me too," Biddie laughs. When she sees how everyone is looking at her she adds, "Keeping my mouth shut. I wanted to tell someone so badly." They all laugh.

Josh says, "Jeremy, you were a good actor. I didn't think you had it in you. And you Candy, you were pretty good yourself. You know, maybe we should start a community theater group and put on plays. Heck, you were as good if not better than some of those actors we saw when we went to San Francisco."

"I love that idea," Candy bounces up and down with glee. "Jeremy, you would do it wouldn't you?"

Shaking his head, Jeremy answers, "I'm afraid not. My acting days are over."

"Oh Jeremy," Candy says disappointed. "Joshua, you would make a great director. I mean, Jeremy says he only did what you told him to do. I think the unbuttoning of her bodice and running his finger down to her cleavage was a little much, but it worked."

"He did what?" Biddie asks. "Jeremy Bolt!"

"Blame Josh, not me," Jeremy says.

"Well, I'm not going to give up on that idea of a community theater group. Seattle needs something like this."

"Now Candy, you do what you want, but just don't ask me to be a part of it. I'll be glad to come watch but that's it," Jeremy says.

"Jeremy, you could provide the music. You do play piano and guitar," Biddie suggests.

"Biddie, you're a genius," Candy tells her. "Jeremy, you can't turn down the chance to play your music. You will, won't you?"

"I'll think about it," Jeremy replies.

Candy and Biddie excuse themselves to go talk to Lottie about their idea. Jeremy says to his brother, "Josh, I'm sorry about Jasmine. I know you loved her."

"Thanks Jeremy. I did have a strong attraction to her, but no, I don't think it was love. At least not the strong deep love that you and Candy have. You're really lucky, Jeremy. Candy's a lovely girl with a good heart. She loves you and she'll do anything for you," Josh says.

Jeremy grins, "I am lucky, aren't I? I do love her, too. She's my everything."

"I know. I do hope I can find that kind of love someday," Josh says.

"I hope so too, Josh. She's out there somewhere. You'll find her someday," Jeremy tells him.

"Thanks, Jeremy."

Later as Jeremy walks Candy home, he takes her hand in his entwining their fingers. "Candy, thank you."

"For what, Jeremy?"

"For loving me like you do."

"You're welcome. I guess I should thank you also for loving me like you do." She leans over and kisses his shoulder.

"Loving you is easy. You know, Josh reminded me how lucky I am to have you," he chuckles. "I agree, I am the luckiest man alive."

"He did? Sometimes I wonder if Joshua even likes me. He acts so indifferent towards me."

"Oh he likes you. He said you were a lovely girl with a good heart and he hopes he can find a love like ours," Jeremy says as he stops and takes her in his arms. "It's been a long day, but I'm not ready for it to end. Not yet anyways."

"Me either. Would you like to sit here in the swing?"

"I was thinking more of walking to our spot. I'd like to talk to you about something," he says.

"Sounds serious. I hope nothings wrong," she replies.

"No, nothings wrong." He whispers in her ear, "I thought maybe I could try that move on you that Josh taught me. That is if you're willing," he blushes.

Candy takes a deep breath and exhales. "I was hoping you would. I love you, Jeremy."

"I love you, too," he says as he gives her a gentle sweet kiss on the lips. Then they walk to their spot to talk and practice Jeremy's move.

THE END