I need to see that you want this as much as I do. The gathering gloom of evening matched the darkness in his heart. Most of the remaining guests stumbled around the room in varying degrees of drunkenness. He laid his own hand on top of hers. His room in total disarray, he at last slumped down on his bed, physically if not emotionally, exhausted. The princess and the knight who journeyed to a far-away land to win her hand. Hed used hate before to drive him to higher achievement. The boy is Miris son. When he faced the millowner, Joshua still felt like the twelve-year-old hed been when theyd first met. He grinned. He began to understand a little of what lie behind Aarons hostility. Heyes and Curry make some new friends in Seattle. He didnt need to be Jonathan Bolts son or Jason Bolts brother. Quite a surprise. Too early for those seeking dinner, the saloon was nearly empty. Shes looking at me, the groom. Aarons our half-brother., Jeremy approached them warily. Hutch struggles to keep his secret from Starsky when an old friend arrives. Some glances held more than curiosity. Relief? Before he could regain his balance, a second thrust moved him deeper into the corridor between Bens and the apothecarys. No accidents, fights or major faux-pas marred their presentation. Jason sat through supper with his brothers and uncle feeling as if fire ants had infested his clothing. Welcome me to the family with open arms? We never heard what happened to the girl and the child after they left., She died, came a rumbling voice. And who the hell gave you the right to judge me, boy? It was better than digging deep enough to find the true reason. But if Aaron was nothing else, he was a savvy businessman. Should he turn to his left and his house or continue up the path to Lotties? Rancor filled some eyes; whether the hostility was caused by the knowledge of his heritage or the loss of the government contract he didnt know nor did he care. Aaron Stempel own a piece of Bridal Veil? He blinked at the passage hed just read. Seattle expanded every day and he had been and would continue to be at least as influential as the Bolts in its development. What dont you know how to do, Aaron? Im sorry for every wrong done to you by the Bolt family.. The description of their rivalry as a game to Jason, is spot on. Just dont make it hard for him change his mind. Shocked eyes appealed to Jason to deny the earth-shaking revelation. No. Watching you., Blushing, she touched her fingers to her lips. I dont think this cat can be put back in its bag. But then again, perhaps Jason had been trying to influence him in a subtle way Aaron hadnt comprehended at the time. But as much as Ive been tempted to try it myself, knocking heads together isnt going to work. Now and then, I suppose. Duncan sighed. Though it made me feel like I was being unfaithful to Maddie, I couldnt refrain from asking about her. I've started posting a new story called Choices. Aaron felt a surge of irritation at the way they lounged against his desk but he didnt have the energy to sustain it. The two men were close to the same age and size. 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. But the Bolt clan was nae much different all those years ago. Who will care for him? In the next moment, an internal voice said, "It's about Lottie." To have people he could turn to in times of trouble or joy. What do you stand to gain?, Aaron shook his head back and forth, his disbelief obvious. He was scared but hed been scared before and always had been able to find a way out. I said we need a family vote.. Aaron let out his breath, feeling as staggered as Thompson looked. What could it possibly accomplish?, Just pretend I never found out the truth? Jason shook his head violently. But Jason knew if he didnt announce his arrival soon, he would only stoke Aarons justifiable anger. But it hurt. But Im afraid this mill doesnt meet with our expectations.. He loved her, Josh offered. His hand whisked over his beard and up into his hair. What a wonderful story! Give him time. Faith let go of my barely held hand. Yeah, I know, he called back with less volume than his brother. That Im half-Indian? I didnt let you in my house so you could make fun of me. 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? Jeremy Bolthis brother Jeremy was getting married at three oclock this afternoon. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. Half-breed! You bucking for a raise or something? Shipped to the bluest skies youve ever seen are in Seattle from New Bedford, Massachusetts, the brides are in the post-Civil War Pacific Northwest to keep the lumberjacks happy, as one of the guys on the show puts it. Well, he did. Seeing his reaction, Candy jabbed him in the ribs, then started to giggle herself. What about the other side? Am I drunk?, Yes, you are. Think thats really true? He was just a littleoverly enthusiastic trying to help., For a moment, Aaron looked like he wanted to continue the harangue, but after a deep breath he nodded. My son. Is this my punishment for daring to love a man not of my people? You are my brother. Jeremys grown into a fine young man. We also got to see Jeremy grow into the roll of being a parent instead of staying the stereotypical younger brother. Jason sighed at their open, vulnerable expressions. Now he wondered if hed ever really known him at all. So was Joshua. Abigail Stempel had always made certain Aaron had known what a good deed she was doing by taking in the poor half-Indian boy. Well, you better wait until after the wedding for that.. And his family in Scotland compounded the error. Jason laid a hand on both of his brothers shoulders. His princess who saw beyond his shyness and stutter to the man he wanted to be inside. Would it be better to let it rest with their father? Everything you have has been given to you. Will he and his crew infect the entire town? Jason couldnt contain his gasp. Titillating., Im glad you find my lineage of interest., Did I hear correctly? Colonel Thompsons cold voice came from over Jasons shoulder. Undiluted compassion for the man unexpectedly struck Joshua. You werent at the cabin for breakfast. Jeezus, says another bride. So many of Stempels actions were understandable now that they knew his secret. But if there was punching to do, hed do it himself; he had no need to call in a bunch of coyotes. We compete. Not in this town.. There was more pain and anger beneath Aarons statement than that. How much I love him? How bad a beating was up to him. Do you have any doubt in your mind at all that this savage couldnt change your life?, Jason wrapped long arms around Aarons shoulders, tugging him back. Ive known the man almost fifteen years and he knows just about everything about the Bolts, but I have no idea if his mothers still alive or not. I gotta finish these books before Jason gets back with Thompson.. Only with his brothers or for his brothers had he ever been able to stand strong against the man. And itll give me a chance to talk to Biddie. Leaning back against the wall of his house, Aaron drew hard on his expensive cigar. You know what a clam he can be. But Jason knew he wouldnt be able to let it go. Damn, why was he thinking about all this? Damn, that was all they needed. Jonathan Bolt was my father, he said, his voice hoarse and strained. Twisting, Josh propped his elbow on the chair back. Even if I wouldnt always do as he advised, Id like to be able to ask the questions again., Well, Duncan stroked his beard. Its not true! He covered his ears with trembling hands. He started across the floor, urgency speeding his feet. You cant just stop being Jason Bolt. Jason exploded with startled glee. With a goofy grin, Josh filled three glasses with the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction. Shuffling a few pages further, he started to read. He wasnt! Synopsis. He wasnt defeated yet but he needed time to regroup. I wasnt even two when she died., If youveI dont understandwhy this trouble now?. All that anger can be a very heavy burden. Duncan pulled himself upright. Candys talking to her now., His oldest brother nodded in sympathy. Backstory, plus answering the questions 1) Why do the Bolt Brothers look so different? I thought I knew who you were. He dreaded it but he felt in his gut now was the time to come to terms with himself and his family. With savage satisfaction, the logger stepped back to watch it fall. Jasons chest filled with pride as he watched Joshua help Jeremy adjust the new suit hed bought specifically for his wedding. The writing had improved since the beginning of the diary, but he took little notice. But I dont know if I can. He hoped the little surprise hed planned for later in the evening would turn the man in the right direction. You would have been eaten alive., Josh blinked at the ferocity and pain radiating from Stempel. You probably broke a couple of knuckles on their thick skulls.. Now I think Ill be taking myself out for the evening.. They had heard some of this before. Im sorry, Aaron, but you should see your face right now, she giggled. All of which takes a backseat to Aaron's and Jason's biggest concern; who is trying to bring harm to Jemma and why? But keep it closed. Shall we get this show on the road? With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife, Reverend Adams intoned. Lottie grasped Aarons clenched fist with both of her hands. You know, if you keep this full, youll be tripping over the drunks before the night is over., Jason, she tittered. Well, all Fancy Suit had to do was crook his finger and your girl left you laying in the dust., Never carried on about her, George grumbled. Is there anything I can to do help?. Will he and his crew infect the entire town? A discreet cough reminded them they werent alone. Aaron used the appellation constantly when talking to the younger Bolt brothers, basically because he knew how much it irritated them. Your father saw to that.. It would only upset them. Frantically, Jason searched for the source of the screams. He felt it in his own gut as Aarons eyes widened, face losing color beneath the dark tint of his skin. Lottie hurried to his side. I just recalled. Why check on him? Josh followed his brother off the porch, tension taking away his usual grace. Astonishingly a few days later, Wainwright appeared at the Bolt cabin, money in hand and cursing Aaron Stempel. Thanks to the whiskey strike, Seattle has become a dry port. Perhaps some day you will be able to forgive the Bolts., Not for us but for yourself. Jason scowled, torn by loyalty and love for his mother and indignation for that unknown girl whod borne his fathers child then met rejection based on the color of her skin. I think you need to calm down a touch.. Hell, he was in serious trouble even if they didnt get behind him. To see how ludicrous it was to think Aaron Stempel could be even part Bolt. For ten years Ive fought those sneaking Indians, now you expect me to deal with one as if hes white?, Fought Indians, my Aunt Mabel, Lottie muttered. The rising moon glittered off the Sound. Abandoning his quest for the moment, Aaron strode across the room to the new arrival. Include him in family occasions. I cant do that, Aaron. He never said he loved me. His arm cocked back to hurl this book of lies into the fire where it belonged. In her presence hed found himself wantingno, he wouldnt delve back into those ludicrous childhood fantasies. But it had happened. He came back to Scotland not to shame your mother but because he thought Madeline deserved to hear the words from him. If hed been a little less drunk suspicion might have won, but alcohol and the pervasion joy of the day tipped the scale. And what difference could it truly make? A cool spring breeze ruffled the papers on his desk but did nothing to relieve the oppression. Someone to be proud of you? With a vague nod, Josh shuffled off toward the office tent. Why?, Jason sighed deeply, wanting to reach out but knowing Aaron would accept no comfort from him. How do you do Aarons eyes widened as he glanced down at the mans insignia. The day Father died., Yeah. He rarely even thought about it. Shocked. We thought it best at the time, Duncan scowled. Affronted, he dropped her hand. Were you so jealous of Father leaving the mountain to us that you had to keep trying to hurt us any way you could?, Jealous?! A tall, well-built man stood outside the open door. Its up to you now.". Not Jason - that man pounded, he never just knocked. If you were on your own at that age with nothing but the clothes on your back? She knows what a parent is. And Uncle Duncan confirmed it., Yeah. The story had been no surprise to Stempel, Jeremy belatedly realized. How could everything go so wrong so quickly with so little warning? Winning his approval would mean a long-term contract with the United States Government. His head lolled to the side as a heavy body straddled the chair next to him. Why didnt he ever say anything?, Father, he Jeremy choked on his shame, a feeling he never would have associated with his father. But this is important. Lied to us? The answer to that question was the hardest part of this whole thing. My mill has a third more capacity than his and you know it. Its dated about two months before mother died.. The last thing they could afford was to put on another show for Thompson like they had yesterday in Aarons office. Aaron had fought it tooth and nail but somehow in the years theyd known each other theyd become friends. How must he have felt knowing he was but that the right to claim it had been denied him? Showing off a bit, I must admit. We dont have to. Whatever direction he was going to take, he had to take the first step today. What end result do you want?, I want all my brothers to be a family together. He frowned at the obviousness of the question. Here Come the Brides is an American comedy Western series from Screen Gems that aired on the ABC television network from September 25, 1968 to April 3, 1970. Jason didnt know where to start. No, Uncle, I think you should be part of this. Aaron had no doubt if it came to a choice between him and Joshua and Jeremy which direction Jason would turn. It was nae right what the colonel said to you., Is what he said any different from how you felt? Aaron snorted. Jeremy, whats your vote?, Jeremy flicked his gaze between all the players. But the thought of losing any of the mountain, Aaron reached over and slapped the back of Jasons curly head. Once I was sureit took me weeks, Jason approached softly. The ensuing chaos had almost ripped Seattle apart. That is, if I give him a few minutes to calm down before I go over there., Thank you, Lottie, Jason leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. I dont want to know. Jon says I should write a diary. He rose, more nervous than hed been in an eternity. Mr. Jeremy came in and went up to the bar. Candys eyes echoed the same startled confusion. God, I dont know if I dare to write this down. With a little effort, Jeremy wiggled the top free. You mean if I knew and they didnt?, Maybe selfishly, but yes. He never showed the slightest interest in the fate of my mother or what my life might have been like. Both men whirled toward the intruder. Jason could almost imagine if he touched the bears coat it would be fur under his fingers. Aaron gave Josh a jaundiced eye before settling back. If they were so in love, why did father let her come back to America alone?, He did nae let her. Duncan stared down at the toes of his boots. Jason was appalled but not for the reason Aaron thought. Was Bolts offer of brotherhood sincere? Imagine that, instead of three Bolt siblings, there are four Bolt siblings and the youngest isn't Jeremy, but there sister, Jemma Bolt. Met a Dwamish hunting party this afternoon. Hunkered against a tree in the far corner of camp, Joshua attacked his ax with the sharpening stone. Who raised him to expect rejection as his due?But how could I have done anything else? Snatching a final kiss, he turned and headed for home. They both sat staring into their coffee. I dont ever want to see any of you in this territory again., Aw, Jason, Billy started to whine but Red cut him off. ( Read more. Your father knew, as the younger son, there would nae be much for him to inherit. Very cool idea, and I love your take on the characters -- Aaron especially! He wasnt trying to hide, he told himself, but only one group would be heading this way at this time of the morning and he didnt want to meet them. And it doesnt make him more. Oh God, and all the time He thrust the journal in Jasons face. Well be ready in the morning.. Oh, thered been lots of times hed badly wanted to plant his fist in the middle of the mans smirking grin. Today, reading was the last thing he wanted to do. His father couldnt have loved another woman. How would he have faced the impossible choices his father had faced? With a wink at Uncle Duncan and a solemn nod to Aaron, Jason continued on his journey. Oh, look, theres Mr. Stempel. I think you should read this, Jason held a book out to him. Not a whimper when three guys are beating on them but let a woman try to clean them up and they start to fuss. Unless you enjoy the taste of blood.. Seems I remember you carrying on about how Mary Kate was the girl for you. But the declaration of guilt, when it was over, had been strangely liberating. Here Come the Brides Characters: Jason Bolt Aaron Stempel Joshua Bolt Language: English Stats: Published: 2014-07-02 Completed: 2014-08-14 Words: 36878 Chapters: 13/13 Comments: 20 Kudos: 32 Bookmarks: 2 Hits: 1144 Family Duty lsmith7768 Summary: Will the revelations from an old journal tear the town of Seattle apart? He swallowed hard before he could continue. Oh, Lottie - she had a special place in his heart, although he didnt think hed ever find it in himself to tell her so. Tell me whats wrong, she demanded gently. The trees are up on the mountain. Of course, Mr. Bolt.. You heard the results of the vote. He ran his finger along the delicate item. And each let out a soft sound of appreciation. He seems to be a decent young man. Perhaps you can. Finally his trembling legs and overworked lungs forced him to a halt. Tried dirty tricks to steal our mountain? However, Jason Bolt's wedding isn't the only happy event that everyone is waiting for as Aaron and Jemma wait for their child's birth. You would nae want me to deprive her of my fine company?, Jason grinned his first real grin of the day. Oh, for Gods sake, Aaron groaned. Hey, Red. Nearly a full head shorter than his partner, Billy reached up to slap his shoulder. He had been stalking Jeremy and Candy the entire evening. Tables were stacked with food until they looked near to collapse. Thoughts of her and the child have torn at me since I set foot on this land again. Jason felt a little misty-eyed himself. Some days Id give anything to hear his voice again. I mean about you and Jonathan., Why dont you ask Bolt? Biddie has him surrounded.. The journal crashed into the far wall, perilously close to the fireplace. Hed never been afraid of death. Could you pour for me? I know he wouldnt mind at all if you read them, seeing as you are needing to be close to him., Turning his hand over, Jason grasped the hand on top of his. Aaron was finally starting to open up and Joshuas presence could cause him to roll back up in his protective ball. This woman meant nothing to him. He leaned back onto a rock to catch his breath, taking in his surroundings for the first time. You wouldnt?, Oh, no, indeedy, we wouldnt dream of it., Well Aarons attempted smile more closely resembled a snarl. Would you want them to know about you?, Pensively, she tapped her fingernail against the table. Mother must have been devastated, Joshua breathed. Theres never been any hate involved. Jason continued, not noticing Joshs reaction. Who, in Abigail Stempels opinion, was anyone with skin lighter than his own. Too good, sometimes. Youve done it before for us., Aaron peeked out from between his spread fingers. I think he should be named after his father but Jon says no. A split lip and some bruises. Why the hell is this so important to you? Aaron turned back to him, honest confusion on his broad features. With a final hug and kiss to the bride, Lottie headed inside. His grip loosened and he took a half-step back. What is it? Just came in to warm up., Josh checked the surge of irritation. You Bolts think you own the world. My wife! But he didnt seek that thrill out the way Jason seemed to. Joshua suddenly understood what Jeremy had meant when he said that Stempel might not be the man he was if their father hadnt denied him. But it felt like a cowardly way out to the rest of him. Joshua, Jeremy, why dont you escort the colonel back to Lotties. A few monthscleared up things in Tucsonthen George diedI ended up in Seattle.. He hadnt thought about what Stempel might have been feeling all these years. 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. Why should I care? Josh replied with feigned indifference. He wasnt! Hesitantly, Jason accepted it. Seating herself again, Lottie took his hand in both of hers. Shreds. She gave him a teasing pat on the cheek. Oh, no, we cant have that, all the other men agreed. But she would nae hear of it.. But I hope you Bolts dont start thinking all this brotherly mush is going to be an every day occurrence.. Oh, Mr. Stempel wouldnt do anything to hurt you, Biddie defended. Especially in a family like the Bolts., Why didnt you say anything? Jason framed Joshs shoulders with his hands. What I call myself is my business, not yours. Facing the soldier squarely, Aarons dark eyes smoldered. I should have known. Then with a sharp nod to himself, he strode across the room into his bedroom. He got a polite nod of greeting from Jeremy but Joshua refused to even look at him. I do have another story I was planning to post, I just haven't had the time to do it. Hes not sleeping much either. He simply wasnt a good enough actor to cover what he felt. Pushing himself up, he paused as surge of lightheadedness hit him. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my story. An All-Tempa-Cheer bride. I have never thought of myself as cowardly, but the thought of seeing hatred in those eyes shrivels a piece of my soul. Ive faced far worse than you. A mass of conflicting emotions flooded through Joshua. Jason spread his arms in an expansive shrug. He thought of pulling the pillow over his head but knew it wouldnt do any good. I remember the show, but just barely. Both his brothers were bound to be upset. I turned ditto-machine purple. What a man became wasnt just determined by the blood in his veins, but by his experiences and the way he was raised. Then it seemed to grow a life of its own. We will not tolerate that kind of prejudice here., Prejudice? Thompson sputtered. Jason watched Aaron flop in his chair as Joshua and Jeremy led a sputtering Thompson out of the office. So you told him about your mothers death in the most spiteful way you could, didnt you, Aaron? Jeremy couldnt suppress his chuckle. Seattle finds itself anxiously awaiting the event that no one thought would ever take place; Jason Bolt's wedding, especially considering the bride is Julie Stempel. This time Joshua was glad for his older brothers talent; too little sleep and too much brooding had reduced him to barely being able to think. And bring some more of the good punch.. There was even a hint that it was a good thing his mother had died - so he could be raised as a good Christian instead of a heathen Indian. I thought you were pulling my leg., Incredible? He gave a bark of laughter. Keep working like this and youre gonna drop like that tree., George, another of Reds few friends, carried over a pail of fresh water. Were fine. Work Search: 'Here Come The Brides' told of the adventures of a logging work team (The Bolt Brothers: Jason, Joshua, and Jeremy) and the marriageable single women brought by them to post-American Civil War Seattle in the Washington Territory. Could I resist temptation if I did see her? It didnt happen like that., You never had to worry where your next meal was coming from. Hes a mite small but healthy. A quick glance told Aaron that the other two brothers were just as stunned as he was. She kept her head down as she walked up the aisle on Jasons arm. How did a person ever know the right thing to do? I want to do whatever I can to help. Jason met Lotties eyes and saw the same furious pain he himself felt. But I cannot in good conscience include this mill in the deal. Aaron watched the middle Bolts slow growing grin in trepidation. Hed walked all the way up to Eagle Point. Im so alive, I think Ill burst with it.. But you know that, dont you? What he saw raised a lump in his throat. How old am I? The questions slipped out against his will. Staring down at his shuffling feet, Josh wished he could recall the words. He didn't want to talk about this, not to anyone. Oh, Candy, you dont really think hed do anything to ruin your wedding? Jason kept his voice confident although he had his own misgivings in that direction. Only your father or the girl could tell you more., Father isnt here to tell us, Jason reminded.

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