I dont know if I can ever call that man brother., Seating himself at the table, Jeremy folded his hands in front of him. Jason, she bawled, darting toward them. Or thirty-five years ago, when you stole my father and killed my mother? Satisfaction filled him when the old man flinched. It would only upset them. Hadnt he already accomplished all that, without the damned mountain? Could he do this? His brothers had noticed his distraction, but he couldnt explain, at least not yet. I've been requesting Here Come the Brides fic since the year yuletide began, and I swear, Mystery Authorit's like you were reading my mind about what I was hoping to get as a gift.. I do., And your father a man who loved both you and your mother. Duncan ignored Aarons soft grunt. Work Search: I should have known. Now just let me alone.. Dont need it. Stick with the script! several brides shout. I cant imagine that thisMr. He knows all the right facts. Im sure he wants to prepare for the long trip back to his fort.. I wont ruin our chances by taking a punch at you. Dodging, Josh retreated as quickly as his unsteady legs allowed. The good humor faded from the generals face. Joshua knew in his soul that Jonathan Bolt had been an honest man, a fair man. I dont want to believe it, but its true. Jason looked down in awe at the delicate tome. What should I do? A tall, well-built man stood outside the open door. You heard the results of the vote. What he saw raised a lump in his throat. They should be there by now then. Aaron just wanted this sham over. We were nae fair to your father or the girl., He rubbed at his beard. A hearty laugh escaped Jason. Why, Uncle? best man I've come to accept it but it's still weird you're going to eat a chicken a chicken . An enterprise where contracts were awarded on the basis of how much money the owner was willing to kick back to Thompson rather than the basis of which was the best business., And Duncan Bolts information helped us to finally get enough proof to remove the mans rank and position., Double damn, Joshua stepped closer. When?, How about the night after our father died when enough seasoned lumber for a casket mysteriously appeared at our cabin. Jason hadnt made the realization at the time. Jason reached for him but Josh evaded the effort. I would nae take anymore of your time tonight. Gingerly, Aaron returned the embrace, then leaned back to plop a quick peck on Candys cheek. Jonathan Bolt might have been a wonderful father to you. I had a confrontation today with the boy whos building the mill. I said I wouldnt. Tell me every single thing you remember about her. Shocked. But when I suggested he might be my sire, he spat in my face, even though he knew it was so. Youre my brothers bairn.. In the dark. Sounds like it to me. The memory of the incident still stung. He began to understand a little of what lie behind Aarons hostility. But, God, someone who wasnt intimately affected by all this might help balance the equation again. Not in this town.. He seems to be a decent young man. But he was engaged to our m-m-mother at the time., Aye. Jason hid his chuckle behind his hand while Lottie did nothing to disguise her laughter. He shrugged. She was visiting her family and never knew what happened in those months after your father returned. Just close the damned thing, he told himself. As much as I hate to admit it, Stempels mill is the best in the area. It just hadnt happened. A short week ago, they had been nervous and excited about the arrival of Thompson. Abruptly, he collapsed back, the hand still holding the diary covering his face. Choices are made in love, friendship, anger and pain. B-b-but its g-g-gonna take some g-g-g-getting used to.. And what the hell business was it of anyone elses anyway? But I'm trying to get back into it, even if its just posting some of my older stories, although I'm about 1/2 through a newer story though the going is slow. Candys eyes echoed the same startled confusion. Possibly a night of drinking the spiked punch would open his mouth a bit. Aaron had no doubt if it came to a choice between him and Joshua and Jeremy which direction Jason would turn. It didnt happen like that., You never had to worry where your next meal was coming from. I witnessed what happened at the party tonight. With a final hug and kiss to the bride, Lottie headed inside. Other times he choked back the tears. But you tell her its not her fault. And somehow you got Wainwright to pay off on our contract. Immediately after their fathers death, Joe Wainwright tried to renege on his contract, saying the contract hed signed had been with Jonathan Bolt, not Jason or any other Bolt. All you had on were shreds and let me tell you, they didnt hide anything. Ill live my life the way I decide. I don't think so.". The only day sadder in my life was when your father left Kilmarron. She clamped a hand over Biddies mouth. Jason continued as if Josh hadnt spoken, It must be very precious to him, yet he trusted me with it. What did Jeremy want? Alone, hed made his mill a success. Why was Jason forcing this on them? As they walked in silence toward the saloon, Jason tried to frame the dilemma in his mind. He hoped the three bushwackers faces looked worse. In just a moment, he returned, a book in his hand. Hardly a bairn., Aye, but still young to take on the responsibilities of a family.. Heard tales that your gramma liked Sioux bucks., Whirling, Red seized the fallers bicep hard enough to bruise, his other arm cocked back to strike. But the way he touched her, spoke to her and of her. I think hes known for a long time., How? Aaron had fought it tooth and nail but somehow in the years theyd known each other theyd become friends. Close all of the Bolts out of your life once and for all. Uncle Duncan sat in the front row, reserving space for Jason and Lottie to sit during the ceremony. Jason straightened abruptly. Most of his days were, but today had taken more energy out of him than usual. Could this possibly be about the contract? Now enough of this worrying. We publish fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on a rolling basis. I dont think Candy would appreciate it if you came out with a busted suit. Joshua added. I understood he had been born on the voyage to Scotland. The planks creaked as Duncan shifted. ( Read more. My heart cried for you three bairns, left all alone so young., I was twenty-two, Jason forced a smile. I mean about you and Jonathan., Why dont you ask Bolt? But even with all his attempts at our mountain, I could never hate him. What if its all true? 2 quizzes and 20 trivia questions. Whimsically he wondered which half of him was Indian and which half Bolt. Your fathers child?, Jeremy tensed. What the hell! He whirled on his assailant. Jason can be pretty stubborn too., While youve never been stubborn about anything., He pretended to consider the question. Everything bad in his life could be traced back to a Bolt. Whatever direction he was going to take, he had to take the first step today. What the hell do you want, Aaron? Jason ran his hand through his hair in frustration. She walked over to him. With Robert Brown, Bobby Sherman, David Soul, Bridget Hanley. Do nae misunderstand. Said I was a blackmailer, that I was only trying to shame his family. I got mad. Aaron had never seen the man before but he knew who he had to be. Occasion seems to call for some fortification, he smiled wearily. The only time he said a word to me was about business. Half-breed. He knew himself to be no great shakes as a cook nor did he enjoy cooking. Hed grown up in Jasons shadow. Dont know why yet., Damned half-breed tryin to pass for white! Reds shout rose about their whispered conversation. He intercepted the newlyweds just as they quit the dance floor, flushed and out of breath. Do you know what a bride is? Miss Clark asked Earnest. Trust you, Jason, to take something that could be answered in one sentence and turn it into a speech. With a chuckle, Lottie got up to refill their cups. There was no way they would ever be one big happy family. His age is right. What is up with you today, Jason? Joshua slapped his shoulder good-naturedly, though concern showed. My wife! Here, Uncle Duncan answered from the alcove. Aaron had no reason to love the Bolt family. Ive never been very fond of solitary meals.. Oh, Candy patted at the tears beginning to drip down her cheeks. Aaron? Lottie turned startled eyes to Stempel. Good morning, Mr. Stempel.. Would Jason still love me in that openhearted way of his if he knew the truth? Hed never talked about any of this before. And will Aaron be able to prove his suspicions about the girl's father to prevent his wife from becoming the man's victim? And now he had a long walk ahead of him to get back home again. Its tradition.. He knew Aaron would resent his efforts at motherhenning but he couldnt stop himself. I HAVEN'T HAD WINGS IN YEARS COME ON. As badly as Aaron had wanted to resent her, he hadnt been able to find it in himself to bear ill will to the fragile mother. Im gonna go see Candy.. The last of his fury swept away in the wave of her sincere affection. Jason sat in a quiet corner of Lotties watching the bubbles ascend in his beer. A sudden illness and advice from a friend makes Jason Bolt rethink his friendship with sawmill owner, Aaron Stempel. He hoped. Women loved a man in a uniform, Jason grinned to himself. Jason, m-maybe you oughta go check on him. Holding out his arm, Jason invited Joshua into the family circle. 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. Hes asking questions I wont be able to answer until hes a sight older. Just hold still and let me get this bleeding stopped. Its hard for me to accept they are the same - that smiling bairn and your Mr. Stempel., Youre not the only one finding this hard to accept, Jason smiled ruefully. Can Aaron put aside his differences with the Bolt brothers to save the woman he loves and can the Bolt brothers put aside the years of built-up animosity they harbor against Aaron for the sake of their sister's life? Aaron exchanged a charged glance with Jason. He was at sea for months at a stretch and didnt spend a lot of time wondering how we would survive while he was gone. Both his brothers were bound to be upset. All the questions hed longed to ask Jonathan Bolt, but hadnt been able to because of the mans denial, bubbled up inside of him. That might be just what I need right now., Giving his nephews hand a brief squeeze, Duncan stood. I never would have guessed, but its Aaron you were talking about, isnt it?, Yes, Jason whispered. She drew in a sharp breath then let it out slowly. But if wed known you were coming we could have thrown a party for you. Let go, Bolt!, Using his own momentum, Jason spun him against the wall. Wedding Preparations ! Muscles taut, Jason jerked upright in his bed. How much was true? Why check on him? Josh followed his brother off the porch, tension taking away his usual grace. With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife, Reverend Adams intoned. Jeremy and Candy were finally together, flushed from a lively jig around the dance floor. Its all okay cause he didnt do anything illegal? The determined expression made him appear to Aaron suddenly more adult, a man to be reckoned with. His day on the mountain had been long and tiring. Jason Bolt strode down the main street of Seattle, altering his course only to avoid the largest of mud puddles. When they were well on their way, Jason turned loose of Stempel. I know. Oh, I do love his eyes. Oh, lad., Itll break your heart. Was Bolts offer of brotherhood sincere? Did this young lady say that youre Indian, Mr. Stempel?, Pulling his hands from his pockets, Aaron straightened to his full height. I dont know anybody who deserves it more., Against violence in general, this time Jeremy couldnt help but agree. Didnt say I believed it., Seems to me you aint got no reason to defend Stempel, Red continued to glare. Now at twenty-six, his fathers human struggles were being forcibly illustrated. Many years ago, goaded by a few too many drinks and an incautious remark or two, theyd had a chopping contest. Find him on Twitter at @pdforan. All Josh had donehe squelched the thought. What schools would she have gone to? Always together, while he stood on the outside, alone. We came close to losing everything., If you couldnt afford to lose the mountain, you shouldnt have bet it. What kind of farce is this?, No game, just a family vote. Jasons gaze pinned him. Lottie made a lot of sense. ! Josh gasped. I guess I cant deny that. Even if it caused the loss of the contract for Seattle, some people just deserved a fat lip. Stepping up on the porch, Duncan ignored his sarcasm. Were on opposite The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour? There are so many things I want to know of him. Maybe those times hadnt so courageous when losing his life had never really mattered that much to him. Im the living, breathing proof., Josh lunged to his feet, forcing Aaron to lean away. When?, A couple of months after our mother died, wasnt it, Aaron?, Deliberately turning his back on them, Stempel wandered to the window. As long as you swear youre not hiding any broken ribs under there., Nothing broken, he assured her. But it felt like a cowardly way out to the rest of him. But if Aaron was nothing else, he was a savvy businessman. He worried-, No! Aaron jumped up so quickly his chair crashed to the floor behind him. But I have to talk to someone, let this poison inside me out. As Aaron opened the gift, Jason had a moment of trepidation. I know the subject of the visit but nae the conclusion., Well, I wont keep you fine gentlemen in suspense much longer. Im sure Jonathan did nae tell her after., Duncan covered his face with his hands. Encounters with her wooden spoon had enforced that she was to be called Maam or Mrs. Stempel. I was always the dutiful son. He didnt want to know what the woman had to say. Perhaps I have some knowledge of your mother you might be pleased to hear. What we know. Yes. Jason straightened and faced him directly. How many times as a child had he sustained himself with the love apparent in his mothers diary and the idea that somewhere there was a father who would love him if only he could find that father? They also shared more than ten years of history - clashing against each other and standing shoulder to shoulder when their town or family was threatened. He hadnt thought about what Stempel might have been feeling all these years. Too good, sometimes. And I think shed like it that it was given in accordance to tradition.. I thought I knew my father. Just pride, Aaron guessed. Ill do it, Jason, Lottie insisted, ever practical. You know, if you keep this full, youll be tripping over the drunks before the night is over., Jason, she tittered. Was it worth the risk? He remembered days on the voyage around the Horn back from New Bedford that had seemed endless. Jeezus, says another bride. Ive never beennot reallyIve always been alone.. His parentage didnt matter in the mill. He could only speak from the heart, as he always had. I understand why Mr. Bolt didnt give you his name, Thompson snickered maliciously. There Ive said it. Damn, why was he thinking about all this? Im talkin about those damn journals. Jason could almost imagine if he touched the bears coat it would be fur under his fingers. His eyebrows furrowed as he listened. My mothers tribe lived near here. Hardly a day goes by that I dont think of my lost son. Im sorry that men who worked for me tried to beat you up because of something they overheard my brothers talking about. He knew bird-dogging Aaron all night would only stoke the mans ire, but he couldnt dismiss the feeling that Aarons fuse was burning and the explosion would happen tonight. Not now, not ever. It can nae be taken back now., No, he agreed with sadness. A little, he admitted. That was the only answer of which he was sure. Jason met Lotties eyes and saw the same furious pain he himself felt. He took another slug of brandy in an attempt to mute the confusion of feelings welling up in him. Could Aaron really be my brother? This was such a great read! Why the hell is this so important to you? Aaron turned back to him, honest confusion on his broad features. The rest of the crowd shuffled in the background uncertainly, not knowing what to make of the hostilities. That its Aaron Stempel., God, Jason, how many times has he cheated us? Josh tried to make his brother see sense. A kick to a delicate table crumbled it and the bric-a-brac it had displayed into a messy heap on the floor. Unable to sleep because of a nightmare, Amie Stempel begs her father for a story.but not just any story; Amie wants to know about her daddy as a little boy and as he grew up. He was told over and over just how grateful he should be, if only he werent too much of a little beast to be appreciative. ", Jason felt like screaming his frustration but forced his volume down. And it doesnt make him more. There was Aaron to consider, too. Is Mr. Stempel inside?. Beyond a doubt, Jonathan Bolt loved his family and would do anything for them. Youre my brother and I think we all have to find some way to live with that., Aarons fist thumped down on his desk. Maybe he had been pushing both Aaron and Joshua too hard. Jason exploded with startled glee. Evening, Aaron, he shouted as he approached the man. George Stempel was never a shining example of a father. That reaction was exactly what Aaron was aiming for. Prejudice of the kind the man had displayed couldnt be coddled, even if it did mean the loss of a huge contract. Our clans were quite close and our father and hers decided they would be a good match. With much shouting and bumping, the crowd carried the newlywed couple to the party waiting to happen. Will wonders never cease? But Duncan just might be the perfect sounding board. It was over, done with, and nothing anyone did now would make a bit of difference. The last few days you have seemed rathermelancholy.. Curiosity tinged glances passed over him as people helped themselves to the refreshments. What the hell?, Peering over Aarons shoulder, Josh looked just as confused. He took another swallow of brandy to drown it out. Undiluted compassion for the man unexpectedly struck Joshua. You and Candy. Or more importantly, who do you want to be? Ordinarily he knew he had a talent with words; he could make them sing and dance at his command. Chapter 1 - Revelations. Cant you see that, Aaron? Tentatively, Jason placed his hand on Stempels shoulder. Or even what her name was., You know, neither do I. Lottie leaned back thoughtfully. In his grief we convinced him to fulfill his responsibility by marrying your mother. Bobby Sherman also recorded music and was a heart-throb back then, too. But not enough to tell me to my face, Aaron sneered. Now and then, I suppose. Duncan sighed. Jason moved before it could develop into more than a staring contest. You want a piece of me? To cover, he stomped to the coffeepot warming on the stove. He just wanted this to be over so he could go off and lick his wounds. I know you, Aaron. Take a break. But he remembered Jasons frustration and worry over Wainwrights refusal to pay his bill and his stunned joy when the man had unexpectedly coughed up the money. Fine. He sighed, not having the strength to continue the battle. You just couldnt resist rubbing my face in it, could you?. Aw, wise Lottie. Reaching up, Jason pressed her hand to his lips then guided her to sit beside him. Like some other Bolts I know., Yeah, he grinned. Chapter 6. You know what a clam he can be. I might not believe it myself if I hadn't written it. I think we should go explain to Mr. Stempel how we feel.. I know youre not mad at me. Jason and Aaron's conflict/friendship has always fascinated me. Today, being in his treasured mill helped to ease his discomfort not at all. Fear and rage roared through Aarons veins. Feeling the animosity, Aarons eyes narrowed then flashed danger. 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