After calling him boy as if he were a stray gutter rat, in the next sentence, Bolt acknowledged him as son. But Aaron Stempel was made of sterner stuff than that. The suspense is killing us, Jason replied with a slight grin. But he needed to talk to someone who understood how he felt and she deserved to know about the family she would marry into in a few short weeks. It might be the only way he would hear any of Aarons feelings. Another spate of knocks sounded before he felt steady on his feet again. But he is my family too. Proof he was better than Abigail Stempels insistence that he was worthless and destined to accomplish nothing. Frantically, Jason searched for the source of the screams. One long leg stretched out in front of him, he looped his arm around the other upraised knee. He wondered what kind of scene he would find there. While we've done our best to make the core functionality of this site accessible without javascript, it will work better with it enabled. Would it be better to let it rest with their father? Aye, he was a man in love.. Will the revelations from an old journal tear the town of Seattle apart? Spit it out. The hesitancy wasnt like Bolt at all. Jason couldnt resist a smile. ", A reluctant smile curved Jasons lips. Getting into a fight with him would accomplish nothing. Was he simply what his experiences had made of him? Jeremy identified two more Bolt loggers as they were pulled free from the fight. Everything bad in his life could be traced back to a Bolt. When he thought we were in trouble, he came looking; even though youd insulted him in the worst possible way., What do you think will happen now, lad?, I dont know. I dont believe it, he spit in the older mans face. Well, if Id known you were throwing a party for me, I would have come sooner, the big man in an army officers uniform exclaimed. He had only known Stempel as an adult, though he realized for the first time that Stempel must have been younger than Josh was now when they first met. Josh considered, then nodded slowly. Aaron felt a surge of resentment at the mans apparent ease. Aaron gave Josh a jaundiced eye before settling back. My friendship has never been based on what someone else has done for me. Raised voices from inside the office gave him a distraction from his inner turmoil. Very late the second night, Aaron picked up the journal of Jonathan Bolt. Aaron watched the middle Bolts slow growing grin in trepidation. Damn, why was he thinking about all this? I should have known better than to ever think hed give a fair deal to a Bolt.. Mirimanto. Joshua tried to keep the anger out of his voice, but after spending two days immersed in her life he couldnt let her be slighted. Help had arrived. tip: "sherlock (tv)" m/m NOT "sherlock holmes/john watson". Aaron took a large gulp of brandy, not even bothering to pour it in a glass. Is all of this so you can blame me for losing the contract? Aaron wanted to shriek. You do nae know? Duncans eyes widened in amazement. In spite of the seriousness of what he felt, Jason had to chuckle himself. Theres a mail-order bride. The unwavering love Joshua had taken for granted seemed to have been entirely missing from Stempels childhood. The two men were close to the same age and size. They broke up reluctantly, trailing off in small groups, the buzz of rumor already starting. I know it goes against your nature, but take things slow. A mass of humanity boiled out of Lotties. Of course, it had never happened and hed come to the realization that he wasnt important enough for anyone else to rescue. There Ive said it. Thank you. Fine, fine, just the men I wanted to talk to. Jeremy groaned when the birds outside his window greeted the new day. Before Jason could say a word, Biddie charged after her quarry. What about the other side? Jake and Lucas cringed. Ive neverI dont know how! Stempel exploded. As much as Jason didnt want it to be true, Aaron was their brother. Would they understand the significance? But I should have been more of the loving brother and less of the future Laird., But if you had, what would have become of us? He shot a sideways glance at the oldest Bolt. ! Josh gasped. I dont really want to hear it. But I am my mothers son and I can not truly regret than her last days were free of the distress your existence would have caused her., Why did he have to make that choice? Aaron appealed, hands spread wide. What if Aaron didnt understand? I should have known. But when Aaron Stempel finds out, his next obvious move is to make her leave town so he can win Bridal Veil Mountain. Do you know what a bride is? Miss Clark asked Earnest. Forcibly swallowing each mouthful of food, it sat like a fiery lump in his belly. Youre just too cheap to pay someone else to do it., Watch what youre sayin, Bolt. Aaron raised the ax in a mock-threatening manner. A breathtaking gift, one hed never expected from Aaron. The determined expression made him appear to Aaron suddenly more adult, a man to be reckoned with. He hadnt noticed how tender they were until now. And itll give me a chance to talk to Biddie. What we know. You captured the essence of each character, and the story is well written. Then there was the matter of the wooden box Aaron had been clutching all night. Leaning back on the porch rail, Jeremy pulled Candy close to him. Aaron resisted the urge to squirm under that bright, sincere gaze. Jeremy, Candy, why dont you two sit down for a second and Ill get you something to drink., Candy fanned her face with her hand. Tell me every single thing you remember about her. She drew in a sharp breath then let it out slowly. Jeremy and Candy were finally together, flushed from a lively jig around the dance floor. Aaron had finally reached a point in his life where his heritage and past no longer haunted him. It wasnt possible that Abigail Stempel - as fair and white-blond as Julie - and Jonathan Bolt - with tawny brown hair and eyes the same blue as Jasons - could have produced a child with Aarons black hair, olive skin and brown eyes. Winning the mountain would have been like spitting in the face of all the people whod tried to stomp him into the dirt most of his life. The pot callin the kettle black, Bolt?, Jason gave a rueful grin and shrug. Not only had he been on his own at a young age, hed lost someone hed loved. With savage satisfaction, the logger stepped back to watch it fall. Showing off a bit, I must admit. Against his will, Josh felt some kinship to this unmet woman. This woman meant nothing to him. Is that why you came to Seattle? Now, with the preparations done, the girls flocked around Thompson, barely giving the man a chance to catch his breath. He rubbed his burning eyes. We wont muss a hair on her head, Harve assured him. Stopping at the corner of the square, Jeremy took the opportunity to just look at her. Gods, you cant even say the word. Aaron laughed caustically. Would Jason still love me in that openhearted way of his if he knew the truth? The reverend cleared his throat with a slight blush. A single stride took him toe-to-toe with Bolt. Its true., Pshaw! she waved with indifference. Jason shook his head with a sigh at the mans cluelessness. I just dont understand. Why the hell is this so important to you? Aaron turned back to him, honest confusion on his broad features. Today was one day he didnt want to show up with shaving cuts or razor burn. Accept that someone cares about you?, Be part of a family, Aaron muttered. His house offered peace and quiet while at Lotties there were bound to be Bolts. Before he anticipated, the boys stood to clear the table. I think you should read this, Jason held a book out to him. I have a sister whos not and three brothers who would just as soon see me dead. Well, let me take a look anyway. Fear and rage roared through Aarons veins. The only thing he was concerned about was the scandal I might cause. I think they would have found a way to be happy. Josh propped himself up on his elbows. My mother was Dwamish., That wasnt mentioned in any of the reports.. No, Uncle, I think you should be part of this. The enormous tree shuddered under his assault then wobbled. A tall, well-built man stood outside the open door. Nothing! Just close the damned thing, he told himself. I ask readers to be frank about my writing, accepting criticism as constructive. Thats not true, Joshua., What about with Sheriff Wade? The contract will go where it should have gone in the first place. Leaning back in his chair, Jason watched as the party slowly wound down. I waited to eat with you., Thank you, Uncle, Jason grinned as he ladled out the stew. Jason decided it was time to put him out of his misery. A deadly influenza outbreak is spreading from San Francisco up the US West Coast. And I never will.. You have my word., I hope so, she whispered. You sure you dont need me to help clean up?, We can handle it, Candy sighed heavily. His heart broke for that girl. A hint of gratitude sparked in Aarons eyes at his understanding. Jon promised in the ceremony that he would always provide for me and I must trust that promise. Kerry Weaver walked into the ER with a huge smile on her face. What the hell! He whirled on his assailant. Better slow up on the booze or youre gonna pay for it in the morning. They are like fire and ice, these two; though I suspect there is more fire beneath the boys cool exterior than he exposes. He held out his hand and she immediately grasped it in her own. :). Oh God, and all the time He thrust the journal in Jasons face. Not appalled, he tried to explain. Aaron flipped through pages of the fragile journal. I may not have paid those telegrams much heed but, you see, the officer in question had already raised enough suspicion that an investigation was in progress.. He tried to order his thoughts but how could he, when he felt like his feet no longer touched the ground. Stempel, Biddie shrilled. Hes an arrogant, self-righteous, cold-hearted prig. Nothing you said will ever be heard by another soul., I never thought otherwise, He leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. The sky is bluer than David Souls eyes. Ive always had the impression that she was dead, but now that you mention it, hes never said anything one way or the other. He was proud of you and he would have shown it if you would have let him.. Other than the urge to badger me, what brings you over here this time of day?, Yeah. The swirl of crinoline and gingham pushed Jason further back against the wall of the dormitory. I am dying. He wasnt going to read them. At least I hope we will be after you hear what I have to say., Jeremy, youre not making any sense and its starting to scare me., Im sorry. He wrapped her dainty hand in both of his. Josh managed a wan smile. You know your father and mother were betrothed very young, do you nae? At their nods, he continued, They had known each other their whole lives. Work Search: His eyebrows furrowed as he listened. All because you were born on the right side of the blanket.. Rules which you bent on occasion, Jason interjected. But it hurt. Its dated about two months before mother died.. Jason sat through supper with his brothers and uncle feeling as if fire ants had infested his clothing. Not me and Jeremy. Without warning, she pressed the cloth against his lip. Any comment might set him off and a Bolt comment was practically guaranteed to start fireworks. How little of his origins did he really know? Did he love her? Surrounded by hideous clutter because my own sister thinks she needs to civilize me. About me. They planned on giving him a beating. With Maddie so sick, it would kill her if she knew. Candy recoiled as if the box might hold a rattlesnake. Half-breed. The morning sun added a golden halo to her hair and gilded her fair skin. He felt it in his own gut as Aarons eyes widened, face losing color beneath the dark tint of his skin. A roof over my head, thats all I got. In the little yard behind his house, Aaron Stempel, the owner of the biggest sawmill in the area, hefted his ax against a log on the stump he used for splitting wood. Not Jason - that man pounded, he never just knocked. Yes, me, boy. It was just terrible what they did, Red and his friends., A muscle in Aarons jaw jumped. Jason sucked in a sudden breath. But you tell her its not her fault. Ive never meant to hurt you, Aaron. Aaron snorted but Jason ignored him. Nearly as tall as Jason, Thompson cut a striking figure with the blue uniform stretched across his broad shoulders and sparkling gold buttons emphasizing the breadth of his chest. Everythings falling apart., Reaching over to the sideboard, she took a bottle of whiskey and poured a healthy jolt into his cup. My heart cried for you three bairns, left all alone so young., I was twenty-two, Jason forced a smile. Emotions he didnt want to identify roiled through him. I doubt itll influence his decision, but it cant hurt to keep him sweet. All you had on were shreds and let me tell you, they didnt hide anything. The name of his mothers tribe captured his attention as he turned pages. Jason watched Aaron flop in his chair as Joshua and Jeremy led a sputtering Thompson out of the office. Hutch struggles to keep his secret from Starsky when an old friend arrives. You dont have to go, Uncle, Jason protested. Just say it., This wont affect our wedding, will it?, No! he stated emphatically. To have broken their betrothal could have caused a feud between our clans. Well, I found something He tried to clear his throat of the sudden blockage. "He had a horrible choice to make and no time in which to make it. Hope it finds some interested readers here. Unsure what he wanted or needed, he held himself apart from the others. No! Standing outside of Lotties, Jason gave himself a bracing speech. How? Jason choked into the stunned silence. Do you think he loved the other girl, Miri? While we've done our best to make the core functionality of this site accessible without javascript, it will work better with it enabled. Joshua, Jeremy, why dont you escort the colonel back to Lotties. The lineup was rounded off with singer London LeGrand, keyboardist Adam Hamilton and Kris Kohls of Adema on drums. Hed worked up the nerve to do this and now it seemed like the whole town was conspiring against him. I want to know how you could ever be friends with a man like him. That man could never have fathered a child outside of wedlock. Half a dozen loggers loitered within earshot, trying to look like they were working. He ducked his head away, uncomfortable with the closeness. A more beautiful sight Ill never see. You werent at the cabin for breakfast. But, God, someone who wasnt intimately affected by all this might help balance the equation again. Who raised him to expect rejection as his due?But how could I have done anything else? Seating herself again, Lottie took his hand in both of hers. Always acting like hes our better when he aint nothing but a damned injun.. I wonder what he thought of me. I would nae take anymore of your time tonight. But he stood straight and asked again. Im so alive, I think Ill burst with it.. Jason winced a little at her choice of names. Jeremy scrambled back up to his feet. And his family in Scotland compounded the error. Jason laid a hand on both of his brothers shoulders. Not taking it personally?! It can nae be undone.. Please, Jason. Its a good thing to know I can always count on my family lookin out for me., Aaron, listen, I didnt arrest them because, No! He backed away from Jasons reaching hand. Of all the things hed never thought hed feel, sympathy for Aaron Stempel was high on the list. Jeremy, whats wrong?, He allowed himself a slight grin. Closing his eyes, Jason shook his head slowly. Colonel Amos Thompson, the man who would give the final approval to the biggest contract Seattle had ever seen. Do I know him?, Yeah, I think you do. He could barely bring himself to say the name. This young womans voice demanded to be heard. But even with understanding, Josh couldnt get beyond the resentment and anger which had built over years. But youre supposed to get drunk when your baby brother gets married. Howd it go at camp today?, Letting out a little breath of relief at Aarons willingness to play the game, Jason smiled. Jason straightened abruptly. Its up to you now.". That might be just what I need right now., Giving his nephews hand a brief squeeze, Duncan stood. I tried, he acknowledged with a crooked grin. But they hadnt known and now they had few things they could say, this was my fathers. And you havent made but three moves on the checkerboard since you started. All the questions hed longed to ask Jonathan Bolt, but hadnt been able to because of the mans denial, bubbled up inside of him. Even with his white-knuckled grip, he could still see his confusion reflected in his hands appalling tremor. Oh, Jeremy, why would you want to do that?, And I was thinking of what itll be like to see that pretty face every morning for the rest of my life., Raising her head, she looked directly into his eyes. If you feel you can not do that, transportation can be arranged back to your fort., Is that an ultimatum, Mr. Bolt? Thompson sneered. I suppose we are. He was in a grand fury when he found out. +. Hed never seen the millowner look quite that confused before. Like most children, he wanted to believe his parents had never loved anyone other than each other. But because he loved the struggle so much? That made me very tired at work today. Your father was the rebel, the dreamer. 2020 - Colonel Shaun Geoffrey Christopher, son of Air Force Captain John Christopher, and grandson of Jimmy Christopher (Operator #5), heads the first manned Earth-Saturn-Titan probe (Star Trek . Seattle expanded every day and he had been and would continue to be at least as influential as the Bolts in its development. The brides are homesick for family. Your brothers not very talkative, is he? he heard Colonel Thompson say as he walked away. 91 10. by fruitynever. I think hes looking forward to holding another little brother in thrall with his tall tales. Youre gon na pay for it in her own you escort the colonel back to a Bolt.. Mirimanto its... 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