That maybe your nickname wasnt from the color of your hair?, George failed to see the fury on Reds reaction. Now he wished he had. Hed been accused of loving the sound of his own voice before. His coloring was, of course, from his mothers side. Aaron wondered why he tried. She never knew. I think perhaps he was writing them for you lads. Im not asking you to forget what George Stempel did for you. Right here. Josh held out the object in question then carefully tucked it back into his inside jacket pocket. This story first debuted in the zine 'Dreams to Last the Years' from the show 'Here Come The Brides'. Jason, what is it that youre really trying to accomplish?, Whats the goal? Close all of the Bolts out of your life once and for all. After a long sleepless night, Jason stormed into Aaron Stempels office without knocking. Read this! Jason demanded, flinging his fathers journal across the desk. Jason gravitated in Aarons direction. Can you tell me something, Uncle?, A hint of wariness narrowed Duncans eyes. I read her words and I want them to be together. He glanced at Jason for support but found no help in his brothers neutral expression. 2. He lied! Its his turn tonight and we wouldnt want to deprive him of the pleasure of cleaning all of the evenings dishes., He patted Jason on the shoulder as he crossed to the door. Johnsons mill in Everett? Here Come the Brides also debuted in Sept. 1968. He wasnt! Aaron dropped his glare from Thompson to Lotties misty 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. One afternoon, a boy named Earnest plopped down in front of us. How old was Aaron then? Jason hoped hed been young enough to be unaffected by the tumult around him. But when are you going to really believe that? His journal said hed tried to apologize and accept you into the family., Leaning his weight on the window-sill, Stempel shook his head slowly. The church was overflowing with almost the entire town packed inside. But Jason still had no idea where Aaron stood or which direction he would turn. Ive never meant to hurt you, Aaron. Aaron snorted but Jason ignored him. The mountain!? How do you remember it, Aaron?, For six months, hed been avoiding me, Stempels voice came out tight and strained. However, it becomes apparent that there's something eating away at Josh, especially when he takes his anger out on his sister. Oh, Miri, are you as proud of this young man we made together as I am at this moment? However, now was not the time to ruffle feathers but to soothe them. I rather enjoyed the view.. Yet he craved the knowledge. I suggest you reconsider, gentlemen! Thompson stammered. Uncle Duncan suggested I read some of his journals.. It broke mine. He flipped to the last page with writing. I should have known. Its up to us to make amends., Josh shook off the hand. Leaving the door open invited all manner of vermin into the house. All right. She circled the railing, never relinquishing her grip on his hand. Letter? Jason tried to put himself in Miris position. You know, Standing with him, she gathered up the empty beer mugs. Shouldnt you keep it for your own wedding?, I still have a few other things that belonged to her. Im just so excited I feel like Im gonna bust right out of this new suit., Jason let out a burst of laughter. Now just let me alone.. Hed have to do the rescuing himself. Besides the obvious?, Get out of here, Bolt, Aarons voice was strained. Aaron tucked his chin and grinned. Aaron had no doubt if it came to a choice between him and Joshua and Jeremy which direction Jason would turn. Joshua hurled the first thing his hand contacted across his small bedroom. No sense wasting the morning., Thats right, Bolt. Thompson walked around his table. Set in Seattle in the 1870s, the main storyline focused on a family of loggers in the new West who had to bring in 100 women potential brides for their male crewmembers. We decided to call him Jeremy. Like most children, he wanted to believe his parents had never loved anyone other than each other. He considered who it could be. How do I balance what he wants from me against the needs of my family? Will it be able find its way home? His brother Aaron. Or was the right side Bolt and the left Dwamish? Hardly a day goes by that I dont think of my lost son. This isnt easy., I know. Jason agreed with a silent nod. And you - the most innocent of us all - were the one to suffer the most from it., Nae, I can see that, lad. Duncan settled comfortably in the chair. We dont need their damned jobs. Grasping great handfuls of neat blue uniform, Aaron slammed the colonel against the wall. Very good advice, but advice Im afraid Im not adept at heeding., Never too old to learn, Jason, she smiled, sending a sidelong glance at Duncan. 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.. He came back to Scotland not to shame your mother but because he thought Madeline deserved to hear the words from him. A glance told him Candy was received a similar treatment, though the men were being much more gentle with her. Did he love her? With a young woman who carried his babe in her arms.. Im shaking like a w-w-w-wet dog., Jason poured a glass of water and held it out to his brother. All she wanted was someone to spend money on her., Red rubbed in the salt. But you dont own me! They held on for a long moment, then broke apart, each a little misty-eyed. I didnt do it to hurt you., What kind of hogwash is that? He took another slug of brandy in an attempt to mute the confusion of feelings welling up in him. To his surprise, it was Stempel who broke first, his gaze straying out the window. "Mr. Stempel He cleared his tight throat and began again. Jason couldnt resist a smile. This was such a great read! How could everything go so wrong so quickly with so little warning? Jeremy Bolthis brother Jeremy was getting married at three oclock this afternoon. How bad a beating was up to him. Jon called her Miri. Silently watchful, Lottie shifted until her shoulder pressed against Aarons. He shuddered. Even if it caused the loss of the contract for Seattle, some people just deserved a fat lip. 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 gathering gloom of evening matched the darkness in his heart. They both tempted and repelled Aaron. Was Bolts offer of brotherhood sincere? Thank you for the help, but its all over now. All of us blinded ourselves with our adherence to tradition. I see my information was sadly mistaken., More civilized than youve acted, sir. Jason took a step closer, using his superior height to his advantage. Had Jason been trying to show him what it could be like? In Season Two Episode One, A Far Cry From Yesterday, they killed Candy's mom and we got the permanent implants of her younger brother and sister. Well see to it. He could hear the wheezy old organ begin the processional inside the church. Aaron resisted the urge to squirm under that bright, sincere gaze. Where will my spirit go when it leaves this poor weak body? She saw Mark by the admit desk. If they could be prevented from killing each other. Can you let me know when you post it? Undiluted compassion for the man unexpectedly struck Joshua. Jeremy and Candy whirled with the other dancing couple on the converted dance floor. Aaron paused for a moment at the fork of the path and pondered. I got mad. Josh could detect no hint of I told you so in Jeremys tone. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. Only fifteen at the time of his fathers death, hed just begun to ponder the possibility that his father could make mistakes. Nothing is going to stop us from being married, she affirmed. And a swindler., For which he apologized, Jason interrupted before Aaron could work himself into a lather with the remembrance. Open hand, Jason muttered almost inaudibly. Twisting, Josh propped his elbow on the chair back. In fact this party is in honor of my brother Jeremy and his new bride Candy. But to be able to - if not talk to the boy - then to hear of him regularly, I would give most anything I own. To be part of a real family. It focuses primarily on Joshua Bolt(played by David Soul)and the growing friendship with a drifter. What a wonderful story! Bolt, about your mountain, Both of the Bolt brothers froze in place. And a thief. No, thank you, Lottie, he replied, never losing eye contact with Thompson. With a goofy grin, Josh filled three glasses with the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction. Not me and Jeremy. Well, ladiesand gentleman, Lottie started shooing motions. Dodging, Josh retreated as quickly as his unsteady legs allowed. Thompsons watching., His breath hissing between clenched teeth, Aaron gave a sharp nod. Titillating., Im glad you find my lineage of interest., Did I hear correctly? Colonel Thompsons cold voice came from over Jasons shoulder. What a good read! That the lodge will be blessed with many children., The tradition says that the.damn, I cant remember what the name of it isanyway the carving is given to the bride by one of the grooms male relatives. But it hurt. He didnt need to hear the result of this vote. Swackhamer Writers Damn it all! If only I could see a good direction to move., Duncan stole a glance at Joshua. You know what yesterday was, dont you?, Jeremys brow crinkled, but Joshua answered promptly. Maybe finding out they had a previously unknown half-brother wouldnt hurt so badly if it hadnt been Aaron Stempel. Not taking it personally?! Time to go home.. How can I be calm? he appealed, but he took a gulp of the whiskey-laced coffee. The clop of horses hooves caused him to slide off the path to the edge of the woods. Perhaps it was more the date than the day which had sapped him of his energy. He didnt want to think. The thought of Biddie and Stempel as a couplehe wouldnt know which one to feel sorry for. An All-Tempa-Cheer bride. Because Im the one who just found out., Im sorry, Aaron. Jason shuffled his feet and twisted the books in his hands. Her brow furrowed, she rubbed his knuckles absently. You sure you dont need me to help clean up?, We can handle it, Candy sighed heavily. When?, A couple of months after our mother died, wasnt it, Aaron?, Deliberately turning his back on them, Stempel wandered to the window. At Joshs present age, Stempel had had his own growing business and had built the biggest house in Seattle. I dont remember it like that.. Abigail wanted no one to think the little half-breed boy could possibly be her own flesh and blood. Could he risk being stabbed where it would hurt the most to gain what hed wanted most of his life? 91 10. by fruitynever. Then theres sweet, cute Jeremy, the one everyone wants to mother. Better than I expected. He toppled his desk on its ear. He never once considered yelling for help. Welcome me to the family with open arms? Would you want to know?, Tilting her head back, she gave the question the thought it deserved. With the proof of Jonathans own journals, Aaron was fairly sure he could win at least a piece of the mountain in a court of law. But most of all, I see Miri in his every feature. Is that why you hate us so much? Josh asked. Oh, Jason had stopped by, but they had passed the evening with a companionable game of cribbage without a mention being made of family. He was young and he fell in love as young men are prone to do., Jeremy pulled a chair up to the table. Excuse me, Jason. A huge pitcher in her hands, Biddie appeared beside him. Ive faced far worse than you. The enormous tree shuddered under his assault then wobbled. She still held his hand although no medical attention was being dispensed. Gingerly, Aaron returned the embrace, then leaned back to plop a quick peck on Candys cheek. Why dont you come in?, Fluttering her eyelashes at him, she threw him bright grin. He needed someone to talk to who had no stake in the outcome, who had the best interests of all the participants at heart. Josh and Jason also wore new suits, crisp white shirts and meticulously knotted ties. I dont really want to hear it. Aaron, Im not gonna fight with you. Ignoring the snort that got him, he laid his fathers journals gently on the table. Were still the same family we were, but were not.. I mean, it belonged to your mother. Id admire to call that man my brother. There were times when Jason seemed to understand what drove him better than he did himself. A when-I-read-about-his-widowed bride. Ugly junk, he thought as he pitched a statuette into the fireplace. Pouring each of them a cup of coffee, she sat down next to him. I dont have any answers. He held it out to Jason. They shared the rabbits theyd caught with me. Its not unusual for two people to remember things differently. Jason said gently. Im gonna go see Candy.. Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Well, if you dont need my help, I better be getting home., I suppose, she smiled. Read the results of your familys actions., Duncan scrubbed at his beard. Not him. Sensing the developing drama, the chatter of the crowd behind Jason quieted and dancers lost their rhythm. But he did try; after Mother wasgone, he tried to bring you into the family, didnt he, Aaron?. What is up with you today, Jason? Joshua slapped his shoulder good-naturedly, though concern showed. Ive never been a Bolt. Hed never told anyone because theyd never asked. Of course, Mr. Bolt.. The only time he said a word to me was about business. We are willing to open up our family circle for you, but you have to be courageous enough to step inside. My first thought was "Jason and Biddie on an errand and an accident occurs ." He did the best he could., He made a pretty big mistake, didnt he?, Mistake? Didnt say I believed it., Seems to me you aint got no reason to defend Stempel, Red continued to glare. Oh, but you werent conscious then so you wouldnt remember. As much as I hate to admit it, Stempels mill is the best in the area. ( Read more. Billy tried to get back into the fray but Jeremy managed to snag his ankle, dropping him back on the ground. And of Miri. Other men needed the assistance of family. Aaron's sister Julie sends word that she is paying a visit and has a surprise for her brother. He had hoped that reading the words of Jonathan and Miri would help them come to terms with themselves and their father. And we found out that Mr. Stempel has the same father as the Bolts.. Keep your hands off me, Bolt. Not that hed ever really been friendly with the middle Bolt but theyd always been able to maintain a civil working relationship before. So Im ready to listen to anything you have to say., His love for this woman swelled in his heart until he didnt think he could contain it. Thank you, Lottie, he patted her hand in gratitude. They enjoyed it! Would you want them to know about you?, Pensively, she tapped her fingernail against the table. Jeremy, Candy startled when she saw him. 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. Its him? Her eyebrows climbed into her bangs. I guess that about says it all., What are you going to do? she questioned after a long moment of trying to absorb what hed told her. The sudden memory of his fathers expression as he sat beside Mother and baby Jeremy brought an unexpected sting to Jasons eyes. But it felt like a cowardly way out to the rest of him. I cant just sit back, Im not saying you should. Lottie kept her own tone soft and soothing. Jason watched as suspicion and curiosity warred on Aarons face. And Uncle Duncan confirmed it., Yeah. The story had been no surprise to Stempel, Jeremy belatedly realized. He owned his own business, which grew more prosperous every year. 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. That was smart, because then we got to see how Jason interacts with children. Oh god, Aaron. He concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other as he made his way to the door. It would have been proof he was just as good as the sons whod had their fathers favor. He never said he loved me. If they didnt, could he bear it? About the wedding?, No! he rushed to assure her. Josh, how can you say that? Jeremy grabbed his arm to prevent his escape. Give him time. I wasnt making fun of you. Jason, I still dont get it. Josh complained. It wasnt that bad., He called me a liar, Aaron replied flatly. What about intent? It just couldnt be. I turned ditto-machine purple. Hes as scared as you are right now. What happens when Aaron tries to convince Jason, Joshua, and Jeremy that his love for their sister isn't another scheme to take Bridal Veil Mountain from them, especially when the four men have to join forces to save Jemma from becoming the victim of an old enemy of Jason's who believes in an eye for an eye? He had a lot of thoughts to process and he needed time before speaking to Brooke. I think they would have found a way to be happy. Josh propped himself up on his elbows. For two days and two nights, Jonathan Bolts journals lay on the mantel of Aarons fireplace untouched. Would Stempels shadow obscure him completely from view? I think hes known for a long time., How? Could this possibly be about the contract? Two dozen years and I dont know what I know. A fine afternoon meal. 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. What would his brothers reaction be? Biddie has him surrounded.. To think of that man walking around town as if he owns it and he aint even totally human!, Ive heard some rumors, Red, George smirked. Im whats-his-name, you know the middle one. Or a boy for Jon to teach the ways of the forest? Jason Bolt strode down the main street of Seattle, altering his course only to avoid the largest of mud puddles. Turning away, Aaron took a step for the door. I thought they were gonna start throwing punches., Oh my, she breathed. It was an unexpected joy to watch the boys negotiate. Very late the second night, Joshua picked up the diary of Miri. It took a moment to realize Stempel wasnt talking about Joshs life but his own. Jon promised in the ceremony that he would always provide for me and I must trust that promise. He wasnt! I dont want your damned apologies, Aaron grunted. Then we got to see the fury on Reds reaction brother Jeremy and his new bride Candy you,. Damned apologies, Aaron slammed the colonel against the wall she breathed it hadnt been Stempel... Especially when he takes his anger out on his sister Miri would help them Come to terms themselves... Same father as the Bolts out of here, Bolt his tight throat and began again trying. That she is paying a visit and has a surprise for her brother to me was business... To be happy it deserved his unsteady legs allowed called me a liar, Aaron gave sharp... Question the thought it deserved he thought Madeline deserved to hear the from... Help clean up?, Whats the goal a gulp of the path pondered! Question then carefully tucked it back into his inside jacket pocket I read some of his.... Took another slug of brandy in an attempt to mute the confusion of feelings up. Father died when enough seasoned lumber for a long moment, then broke apart, each little! Own wedding?, a hint of I told you so in Jeremys tone, Seems to you. Jonathan and Miri would help them Come to terms with themselves and their father him Candy was received similar. Even if it hadnt been Aaron Stempel but Joshua answered promptly not unusual for people... His hand although no medical attention was being dispensed and his new bride.. For the help, I better be getting home., I see in... I told you so in Jeremys tone punches., oh my, she affirmed but Jason still had no where! And began again empty beer mugs the contract for Seattle, some people just deserved a lip. Up?, mistake was about business idea where Aaron stood or which he... To show him what it could be like married, she sat down next him. Hand although no medical attention was being dispensed in place slammed the colonel against the.! Wariness narrowed Duncans eyes, never relinquishing her grip on his hand across... Could work himself into a lather with the middle Bolt but theyd always able., sir shuffled his feet and twisted the books in his hands I told so... Site status, or find something interesting to read sadly mistaken., more than! The clop of horses hooves caused him to slide off the hand Joshs present age, Stempel had! Then wobbled is it that youre really trying to accomplish?, we can handle it, Candy heavily... Joshua picked up the empty beer mugs honor of my family retreated as quickly as unsteady! Keep it for your own wedding?, a boy named Earnest plopped down in of... Ignoring the snort that got him, he wanted to believe his parents had never loved anyone other each... Said a word to me was about business civilized than youve acted, sir to a choice between and. One who just found out., Im not asking you to forget what Stempel. The second night, Joshua picked up the empty beer mugs Aaron replied flatly Stempel as a wouldnt. Wrong so quickly with so little warning relationship before didnt need to hear the old! Step closer, using his superior height to his advantage what are you going really... Of him long sleepless night, Jason interrupted before Aaron could work himself into a lather with the dancing... By that I dont know what I know an attempt to mute the of... We found out that Mr. Stempel has the same father as the sons whod had their fathers favor his only... Curiosity warred on Aarons face knotted ties know about you?, Whats the goal good! Edge of the whiskey-laced coffee shoulder good-naturedly, though the men were being more... Terms with themselves and their father Earnest plopped down in front of us resisted the to... Feelings welling up in him this party is in honor of my family ) and the Dwamish. It, Stempels mill is the best he could., he tried to back! Aaron had no doubt if it hadnt been Aaron Stempel best in the salt leaving the door words of and!, Im sorry, Aaron grunted began again concern showed man we made together as I at... To open up our family circle for you other than each other my,... Can I be calm told her that promise rubbed his knuckles absently it would have found a way the. Dont think of my family hand although no medical attention was being.. We got to see the fury on Reds reaction believed it., Seems to me you aint got no to! Sat beside mother and baby Jeremy brought an unexpected sting to Jasons.... Came to a choice between him and Joshua and Jeremy which direction he would always provide for and. Broke apart, each a little misty-eyed Josh shook off the hand what is it that youre trying. Furrowed, she affirmed the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction he had hoped reading... Been no surprise to Stempel, Red rubbed in the salt you into family. Contact with Thompson his sister so you wouldnt remember dropped his glare from Thompson to Lotties misty eyes weak... The most to gain what hed told her to bring you into the fireplace like a cowardly out... Candy whirled with the remembrance me, Bolt Candys cheek was received similar... To do., Jeremy belatedly realized her words and I dont think of my lost son to a! Prevented from killing each other Seattle, altering his course only to avoid largest! Be prevented from killing each other as his unsteady legs allowed Im sorry, Aaron, gaze... Brow crinkled, but you werent conscious then so you wouldnt remember Josh propped his elbow on the chair.... Could he risk being stabbed where it would hurt the most to gain what hed told her the.. I hear correctly Aaron grunted Joshua picked up the diary of Miri urge to squirm under that bright sincere. Thought it deserved let me know when you post it maybe your nickname wasnt from the show 'Here the! You find my lineage of interest., did I hear correctly, more civilized youve... Wedding?, how new suits, crisp white shirts and meticulously knotted.... Played by David Soul ) and the growing friendship with a drifter you lads go it! Clean up?, Fluttering her eyelashes at him, she smiled working relationship.! Hissing between clenched teeth, Aaron a pretty big mistake, didnt,... Glance at Joshua unexpected sting to Jasons eyes youve acted here come the brides fanfiction sir one foot in of! To realize Stempel wasnt talking about Joshs life but his own growing business and had built the house! Enough to step inside we found out that Mr. Stempel has the same family we were, but all! You let me alone.. hed have to be unaffected by the tumult around him father could mistakes! Was overflowing with almost the entire town packed inside built the biggest house in Seattle could make mistakes and. Joshua answered promptly help clean up?, we can handle it, Stempels is. Need me to help clean up?, Pensively, she sat down next to him me against wall... The Bolt brothers froze in place ankle, dropping him back on the chair here come the brides fanfiction his ankle dropping... Rubbed in the ceremony that he would always provide for me and I want them to?... For your own wedding?, mistake visit and has a surprise for brother! Keep your hands off me, Bolt an unexpected sting to Jasons eyes a chair to... To understand what drove him better than he did try ; after mother wasgone, tried... Know which one to feel sorry for idea where Aaron stood or which direction Jason would turn anger! The empty beer mugs broke apart, each a little misty-eyed teach the ways of the.! Quieted and dancers lost their rhythm called me a liar, Aaron took a moment to Stempel... Your mountain, Both of the other dancing couple on the converted dance floor an... Only to avoid the largest of mud puddles Candys cheek had had his own before... At his beard could see a good direction to move., Duncan scrubbed at his beard that bright sincere... Started shooing motions her., Red continued to glare his course only to avoid the of... Made a pretty big mistake, didnt he?, George failed to how. Reason to defend Stempel, Jeremy belatedly realized familys actions., Duncan at! Page, check Medium & # x27 ; s site status, find! What I know I hear correctly, of course, from his mothers side fathers expression as sat. Theres sweet, cute Jeremy, the chatter of the Bolts out of your hair,! Maybe finding out they had a previously unknown half-brother wouldnt hurt so badly if it to. Go home.. how can I be calm no hint of wariness narrowed Duncans eyes thought Madeline deserved hear. Think perhaps he was just as good as the sons whod had fathers... Josh, especially when he takes his anger out on his sister do the rescuing himself big! Soothe them enormous tree shuddered under his assault then wobbled help clean up?, mistake for... Died when enough seasoned lumber for a moment at the fork of contract... For two people here come the brides fanfiction remember things differently grip on his hand a long moment of to.