Nope. Whats this all about? Lottie appeared at the edge of the crowd, one arm draped protectively around Candy. 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. What if its all true? Beautiful wedding, nice party, wonderful gifts., Flushing, Aaron stared at the hands crossed over the back of the chair. He closed his eyes at the feelings those fingers induced, the deep craving they elicited. Its not worth it., Wiggling her way between the two adversaries, Lottie touched Aarons cheek. Im sorry. After the wedding of the hundredth bride, Jason and Aaron have a conversation. Knowing what we know now, can you try to understand why Aaron did some of the things he did? tip: "sherlock (tv)" m/m NOT "sherlock holmes/john watson", Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings. Salty tears flavored her lips as he claimed them for his own. Im not sure if I should encourage a friendship between these two sons of mine. But try as he might, he couldnt unearth any of his usual enthusiasm for the books, the company or even the future. It was more than the contract that Thompson might offered that pushed him forward. Josh and Jason also wore new suits, crisp white shirts and meticulously knotted ties. Have you written any more stories - and if so, will you please share them? She drew in a sharp breath then let it out slowly. Jasons sympathy went out to Aaron although a part of him was vastly amused at bemusing the man. Its dangerous to let the boy get too close. I didnt mean to upset you, Lottie., Wiping her eyes, she gave his hand a smart slap. We only received one or two letters in the years he was gone. Lottie made a lot of sense. Let me see the man he could be, if he let himself. Hardly a day goes by that I dont think of my lost son. Hed been too dazed with grief to even try to figure out who could have delivered that lumber. What do I care about that? Days hed thought hed go insane from boredom. Did she love him? I know you, Aaron. Who raised him to expect rejection as his due?But how could I have done anything else? Mirimantos, he pronounced her name carefully. Bobby Sherman also recorded music and was a heart-throb back then, too. And a swindler., For which he apologized, Jason interrupted before Aaron could work himself into a lather with the remembrance. ( Read more. Hes a mite small but healthy. Id admire to call that man my brother. I cant. Of all the things hed never thought hed feel, sympathy for Aaron Stempel was high on the list. After a long sleepless night, Jason stormed into Aaron Stempels office without knocking. Then one day, with nae warning, he returned. Why had he said nothing in all the years as they worked their way to a fragile friendship? Did you ask us to help? Did he have that type of courage? It scared him how good it felt. You didnt tell us about your plan until you and Stempel had already broken Bass out of jail., I had to get Aaron on our side or they would have lynched Redmond. Jason protested. "Jenny!" Did Mirimanto have to die so we could live?, Nae, lad, nae. Duncan grabbed for his hand. He made me look like a fool in front of the whole town.. I just dont know. What was the right thing to do? But he had to present a strong, calm faade or Thompson would gnaw at them like a dog with a bone. 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. Jason watched as suspicion and curiosity warred on Aarons face. 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. Joshs analytical mind couldnt quite comprehend it. But most of all, I see Miri in his every feature. You're the richest man in town. The diary opened again before he knew he intended to continue reading. He must have taken the lad in after his mother died., Jason shivered as a seabird sobbed in the distance. Well meet sometime this week to talk about how were going to make the presentation., Aaron waved back. Enough! Josh lurched upright. Now I think Ill be taking myself out for the evening.. Hed thought of little else for the previous week. She used our fathers name in her diary. Nae, lad, it does nae seem possible that you could even have been two. Hed have to do the rescuing himself. Not because of what he could gain or what he stood to lose? But they hadnt known and now they had few things they could say, this was my fathers. Jason took that as a good sign. They shared the blood of Jonathan Bolt. With much shouting and bumping, the crowd carried the newlywed couple to the party waiting to happen. Wearing one of his big-city suits, Stempel might be freshly shaved and neatly groomed but he didnt look much improved over the way he had right after the beating. Although his lower lip had resumed its normal shape, the bruises had progressed to that awful yellowish-green stage. 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. 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. Hope it finds some interested readers here. So far hed seen no proof that the Jon this woman loved was his father. I doubt itll influence his decision, but it cant hurt to keep him sweet. Or more importantly, who do you want to be? None of the other loggers had approached him since his arrival before dawn; the scowl on his face warned them away. Most of his days were, but today had taken more energy out of him than usual. Of course you do nae. Would he understand how much I regret not being there to watch him grow? Jason sat silently beside his uncle on the empty pier. Without warning, she pressed the cloth against his lip. Half a dozen loggers loitered within earshot, trying to look like they were working. Maybe those times hadnt so courageous when losing his life had never really mattered that much to him. Jason stared just as morosely at the checkerboard in front of him. I didnt invite you in, Bolt.. Jonathan was never a man to harbor hate in his heart but I do nae think he ever truly forgave us for our scheming.. And, mostly, to yourself., Pat Foran is a writer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Well, Mrs. Bolt, shall we make our way to our reception?, Yes, Mr. Bolt, I think thats exactly what we should do.. The only day sadder in my life was when your father left Kilmarron. Jeremy, whats your vote?, Jeremy flicked his gaze between all the players. One of Jason's loggers has been killed by some kind of large animal. The mountain!? The church was overflowing with almost the entire town packed inside. No, you went right to Stempel., You did, Jason, Jeremy took up the argument. The mans two companions slid on either side of him with evil grins. 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. The things that happen and the things that dont. He hoped the contents of the decanter of brandy in front of Aaron and Lotties nonjudgmental presence would help Aaron open up. Jason?, Please, Lottie, I cant explain. 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. Cookie said you didnt eat with the rest of the crew either., Youre not my mother, Josh snapped. Harve shoved Billy toward his companions. There was Aaron to consider, too. In the next moment, an internal voice said, "It's about Lottie." Damn! 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. 1. Standing just inside the doorway, he beamed at the crowd. Im talkin about siccing your loggers on me. Aaron knew in his gut Jason had nothing to do with the attack but at the moment he was willing to say almost anything to get Jason out of his office. And "The Chatelaine" wrote itself. All the questions hed longed to ask Jonathan Bolt, but hadnt been able to because of the mans denial, bubbled up inside of him. Both of them already darkening with bruises, his left was more swollen with a couple gashes over the knuckles. I still had my shirt on, he protested. He would have knownhis father would have told him But the words, written in a strong hand, taunted him with their reality. What if Aaron didnt understand? Why are you taking his side?. I hate the idea too, but, Oh, but it did, a gentle baritone voice intruded. If it werent for the contract, he would ride the officer out of Seattle on a rail. Reluctantly he pulled back before it could get too serious. Being part Indian didnt make him less of a man. All day long hed tussled with his dilemma. I have a sister whos not and three brothers who would just as soon see me dead. And he remembered the first time he was allowed to hold his tiny newborn brother. Twenty years of his fathers life, contained in ten worn leather-bound books, was stacked beside him. 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. Young boys, wary of the white man in their midst. Both Bolts recoiled. Are you sure? The bride and groom had sneaked out more than an hour ago. Well, you better wait until after the wedding for that.. Im shaking like a w-w-w-wet dog., Jason poured a glass of water and held it out to his brother. I gotta finish these books before Jason gets back with Thompson.. It does nae look like now is a good time to push him. I didnt think Id ever say this, but I feel awful for Aaron. Was he simply what his experiences had made of him? Why would I know why that man does anything? Every answer was met with a slight sneer. What would their father have wanted them to do? Is it true, Aaron? Lottie asked in a hushed voice as she bathed the blood from his hand. Physically, that is., It wasnt my fault! Josh burst. My lord, Jason. Familys important, Jason. He turned to appeal to his youngest brother. Joshua had always felt safe and secure in his fathers love. A roof over my head, thats all I got. And now thanks to your family, Im gonna have to start fighting them again., Has your life been so dreadful, lad, that you must strike out at those around you? That he was my father., Jason closed his eyes against Aarons expression. Hed hated seeing the disappointment on Jasons face. His brother Aaron. She had the box holding her medical supplies tucked under her arm. Jasons slap to Thompsons shoulder resounded in the morning quiet. But she would nae hear of it.. The brides are homesick for family. All you had on were shreds and let me tell you, they didnt hide anything. This young womans voice demanded to be heard. Maybe because there were times when he allowed that wall of his to slip a little. He had to find his own way, so nae long after the betrothal, he left for America. Some coffee? How would he have faced the impossible choices his father had faced? Thank you for the story. And hated himself for the weakness. Were fine. Heavens, why would you want to know about Aarons mother?, He waved his hand vaguely. What about intent? As the uproar created by General Ashlands announcement died down, Jason scanned the crowd for Aaron. Do you know what a bride is? Miss Clark asked Earnest. We decided to call him Jeremy. Beautiful morning Turning, Stempel stalked up the church steps. Dont need it. Aaron watched the middle Bolts slow growing grin in trepidation. Josh and Ken stepped away but kept a cautious eye on the three men. You dont have to go, Uncle, Jason protested. I dont ever want to see any of you in this territory again., Aw, Jason, Billy started to whine but Red cut him off. What could be more perfect than that. Joshua knew in his soul that Jonathan Bolt had been an honest man, a fair man. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site status, or find something interesting to read. Jeremy knew Jason would do whatever he thought right no matter what his brothers said. Jasons chest filled with pride as he watched Joshua help Jeremy adjust the new suit hed bought specifically for his wedding. He ran his finger along the delicate item. I just have to talk to him.. Oh, no, he moaned to himself. Shed said it was because calling her Mother was disrespectful to his real mother, but Aaron had known the truth. When their lips parted, she continued, You were saying you were mad at your father?, The journal said Stempel confronted him not long before Momma died. Ive had enough of your fancy words, brother. Now enough of this worrying. Josh considered, then nodded slowly. Hed never been able to win against Jason and when hed gone up against Stempel, hed ended up looking the fool. Damned coward. When they were well on their way, Jason turned loose of Stempel. That was justya knowsomethin I had round the house., Sure, Aaron. Jason nodded agreeably. They shared the rabbits theyd caught with me. Jason shook his head with a sigh at the mans cluelessness. Morning, Jason pasted his biggest, most insincere grin on his face. But I do know I want to keep our family together.. Joshua, come over and join us. You dont want to claim me as a brother., It doesnt really matter if I want to or not. Taking the journal from the table, Jason took a step closer. The thought of Biddie and Stempel as a couplehe wouldnt know which one to feel sorry for. Hope you might enjoy it. But if Aaron was nothing else, he was a savvy businessman. And Aaron Stempel? Read this! Jason demanded, flinging his fathers journal across the desk. Thank you. Thankful she asked no questions, Jeremy steered them away from town. No, Joshua moaned. It seemed a lifetime since Jason sat at this table in Lotties, but had just been twenty-four hours. The rest of the crowd shuffled in the background uncertainly, not knowing what to make of the hostilities. This woman meant nothing to him. Theyre on a mountaintop laced with luscious greens and derelict yellows. Waves sloshed against the pilings beneath them in an elemental rhythm. A quick left lacked the power to drop Shorty but it backed him off enough to allow Aaron to maneuver away. tip: "sherlock (tv)" m/m NOT "sherlock holmes/john watson". The girls seem to be quite impressed with our guest., Aaron arched an eyebrow. Suddenly one day he shows up in my office and starts asking all kinds of questions., Josh could see Stempels throat work as he swallowed hard. After making sure Jeremy had Thompson started on his journey, Joshua headed back to the mill office. Jeremy and Candy drifted closer, but Joshua remained leaning against the wall as if he watched a particularly interesting play. Why cant you accept Father cared about you as a son and be a part of our family?. God, I dont know if I dare to write this down. His entire future could be determined by what he did today. Jasons voice faded into silence. Just splendid, General Ashlands voice echoed through the room. Maybe lets dont, the princess bride says. Whimsically he wondered which half of him was Indian and which half Bolt. She died because of him! With a young woman who carried his babe in her arms.. She still held his hand although no medical attention was being dispensed. As they walked in silence toward the saloon, Jason tried to frame the dilemma in his mind. You were looking out for us until we were in better shape to look out for ourselves., Turning away from Jason, Aaron gave an irritable shrug. Ive never beennot reallyIve always been alone.. I thought they were gonna start throwing punches., Oh my, she breathed. With a goofy grin, Josh filled three glasses with the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction. It took no guesswork to figure out how Red and his cronies learned of Aarons ancestry. Why?, Jason sighed deeply, wanting to reach out but knowing Aaron would accept no comfort from him. Even with his white-knuckled grip, he could still see his confusion reflected in his hands appalling tremor. Jeremy came in and went up to the bar. Picking up a book at random, he began to read. More than thirty years.. Shes so beautiful. All right. I wouldnt be buyin now either., In a way you are. She started to steer him across the room. He reacted as if he anticipated my denial. Most of the remaining guests stumbled around the room in varying degrees of drunkenness. Insulting his mother because she was Indian boiled Jeremys blood. Jason only gave the journals to you because he knew what torture it would be to read them. Jason sighed at their open, vulnerable expressions. Thats all Aaron was to the man - a past mistake best forgotten. It hurt to think his father had loved another woman enough to consider leaving his mother, even if they were not yet married. 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. What a hardship it was. I thought maybe it would help if we talked about it together., Well, theres nothing to talk about. Josh clenched his hands around the shaft of the ax to stop their shaking. But you tell her its not her fault. Red lunged in, driving his shoulder into Aarons midsection. I thought I knew who you were. Seeing his reaction, Candy jabbed him in the ribs, then started to giggle herself. Nothing was too big for a Bolt to tackle. Their fathers death had been quick, unexpected, leaving Jason totally unprepared to raise his brothers. Hes telling everyone else in town., Cause Im asking you. She dabbed salve over his knuckles. Then there was the matter of the wooden box Aaron had been clutching all night. He and his mother so easily replaced. A quick glance told Aaron that the other two brothers were just as stunned as he was. I knew I could count on you for a warm shoulder and a willing ear., Its part of the job when you own a saloon. She cracked her dishtowel in his direction. Damn him! Theres nothing worse than being an outsider to your own family. Misty blue eyes lifted to his. I hope youre not taking this personally, Mr. Stempel?. That Stempels part injun?, Didnt sound like they was making it up. Jason breathed a great sigh of relief. Hed never seen the millowner look quite that confused before. I think hes known for a long time., How? He knew all the words; they were written in his heart. Jason Bolt strode down the main street of Seattle, altering his course only to avoid the largest of mud puddles. You can afford to pay someone else., Why should I pay someone to do something I can do myself?, Admit it, Aaron, Jason teased. Theres never been any hate involved. Jason continued, not noticing Joshs reaction. Read the results of your familys actions., Duncan scrubbed at his beard. After church and a good meal at Lotties, Sunday was reserved for the small household chores he didnt feel comfortable asking his housekeeper to do. Aaron just looked so damned awkward compared to the loggers Jason spent his days with, though Jason knew from experience Aaron wasnt as inefficient with an ax as he first appeared. You can never have too much of it., He ran his fingertip round and round the lip of his mug. Gentle hurt/comfort (which, yes, Aaron had to be the one who was ailing, didn't he, since Jason already has more than enough people in his life who who'd have been happy to tend to his care) and pre-slash . Besides, hed never lied about his heritage in the past and he wasnt about to begin now. Now Aaron has not only controlling interest, he owns the whole damn pine cone.. Jason watched Aaron flop in his chair as Joshua and Jeremy led a sputtering Thompson out of the office. But there was the time you were attacked by Bigfoot. Would they understand the significance? Mornin, he returned, scanning the room. Why, he didnt even yell at me for what I said at the colonels party., Maybe notoh, I dont knowIm just so nervous. The strategy had seen him though more than one encounter like this in his youth. Take Fathers journal to heart, Aaron. Perfect for Jasons present state of mind. I think perhaps he was writing them for you lads. Aaron tried to swallow the lump in his throat, grateful for the darkness that hid his expression. By the way, I am in charge of the administration of all the lumber contracts in the area. The adventures of a logging work team and the marriageable single women sent to them in post-American Civil War Seattle in the Washington Territory. Finding none, he simply took it with him in pursuit. And who was he trying to prove himself to? What makes you think you can walk down a white mans street, breed? A tall red-haired man Aaron vaguely recognized as a Bolt logger spat. Imagine that, instead of three Bolt siblings, there are four Bolt siblings and the youngest isn't Jeremy, but there sister, Jemma Bolt. Pulling up the collar of his jacket against the misting rain, Joshua tried to appear attentive as Jason laid out the plans for the day to Colonel Thompson. You tried to steal everything wed worked to build., I never stole anything in my life, boy., Well, what do you call it then, if you dont call it stealing?, Winning! Their shoulders touching, they both leaned back against the same tree. Aaron had no reason to love the Bolt family. They enjoyed it! Jason, m-maybe you oughta go check on him. But his own stubborn pride made him snap, Is that why you treated us like garbage to be disposed of as quickly as possible?, Duncan tensed. We dont have to. I should have known hed tell everyone he knew as soon he found out. How old am I? The questions slipped out against his will. Wed, Oct 16, 1968 30 mins. Im fine, he assured her. Listening to the exchange between his two older brothers, Josh could stand being a bystander no more. The two men were close to the same age and size. He was young and he fell in love as young men are prone to do., Jeremy pulled a chair up to the table. I think he should be named after his father but Jon says no. Joshua knew his presentation of the Bolt brothers financial status could mean the difference between them getting the contract or losing it. How did you find out?, He rubbed wearily at his brow. What dont you know how to do, Aaron? Knowing only a part of the truth is worse than anything you could tell us.. Dark smudges under red-rimmed eyes didnt enhance the image he presented. 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. Hed quietly accepted the gift and with Joshuas help made the best coffin he could. Sorry, Jeremy mumbled, taking a step back. He even seemed to be enjoying their competition as much as Jason. Will you be a girl who will steal her fathers heart with her smile? Jason tried to let the peacefulness soak into his soul. I confess that when I scanned the first chapter of "Family Duty," I moaned, "Oh, no! What did Jeremy want? You lost someone you cared about, then our father hurt you again; is that what started this vendetta you have against us?. It was wrong what we did. Duncan shook his head slowly. His own words came out strong and confident without a hint of a stutter. "He had a horrible choice to make and no time in which to make it. Jason gaped, his mouth moving but no sound coming out. But even with the substantial amount of money at stake, Aaron wouldnt - couldnt - stand still and take that kind of insult. How do you Stempel, what Questions tumbled over each other, too quickly to be answered. But he stood straight and asked again. "Aunt Brooke, Uncle Lucas said to tell you he's not here", she spoke matter of factly. Oh, my goodness., He nodded, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. Without warning, a rough shove sent him crashing into the side of Bens store. Joshua took a breath to protest, but then caught a glimpse of Stempels face. Freed him up to take a crew to the stand as you wished him to., Then it was a day well spent, Jason returned his grin. What game are you playing now, Bolt? After calling him boy as if he were a stray gutter rat, in the next sentence, Bolt acknowledged him as son. With a little effort, Jeremy wiggled the top free. Were on opposite The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour? 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