You should have known better than to sign a contract without locking in a fair price, Jeremy countered. Even if it caused the loss of the contract for Seattle, some people just deserved a fat lip. When we reach land, Jon thinks it good if we stay until the babe is born. The journal was in his hands again before he knew he intended to pick it up. I have a sister whos not and three brothers who would just as soon see me dead. Jonathan must have contributed to half the population growth of Washington Territory. Obeying his brothers order, Jeremy stood in the open doorway, mild curiosity on his face. And Aaron Stempel? It promised to be a long day and he had already had a long night, only a few hours of it spent sleeping. And in a few more minutes shell be my wife. Hed thought hed worked his way past this feeling. Discovering Aarons secret at this particular time was looking less and less coincidental. Scattered around the room were a half-dozen loggers and mill-workers. He glanced over at Jason, who was watching him with intensity. But I dont know if I can. But it was a betrothal not of his own choosing. Josh sucked in a breath as Jason hit a nerve. Unconsciously, he began rocking, a moan rattling in his throat. Insulting the man because he was an arrogant jerk Jeremy could accept, even enjoy. You three. Finally his trembling legs and overworked lungs forced him to a halt. Grasping great handfuls of neat blue uniform, Aaron slammed the colonel against the wall. She truly did love your father and wanted what was best for him., We offered to raise the bairn as a proper Bolt. But the other option would have been equally hurtful. A little, he admitted. There might yet come a day when hed do it. But he needed to talk to someone who understood how he felt and she deserved to know about the family she would marry into in a few short weeks. Hes asking questions I wont be able to answer until hes a sight older. That was you, wasnt it?. Why cant you just relax and accept that there might be a place in our family for you?, Aaron jumped up from his chair, his movements sharp and jerky. Will the revelations from an old journal tear the town of Seattle apart? Twisting his head, he gave Lottie a what have you been up to look. What the hell do you want, Aaron? Jason ran his hand through his hair in frustration. Aaron tried to swallow around the rock in his throat. Bolt, Aaron returned his greeting. I thought I knew my father. Ill make sure nothing happens to it, he promised in his most solemn voice. In just a moment, he returned, a book in his hand. They warmed when I was able to speak some in their language. He wasnt! Now if that uncle of yours doesnt cause the problems he did the last time he was here., Oh, Aaron, Jason chided his friend, though he winced when he recalled some of Uncle Duncans actions on his last visit from Scotland. Ill be along in a little while. That is, how he should daily demonstrate how grateful he was by instant obedience to everything she wanted of him and how he should be properly humble and prove that he knew his place in the scheme of things by groveling before anyone who was his better. Which leaves me where Ive always been. "Aunt Brooke, Uncle Lucas said to tell you he's not here", she spoke matter of factly. It was more than the contract that Thompson might offered that pushed him forward. I thought they were gonna start throwing punches., Oh my, she breathed. But if anyone askes, I didn't condone your carnivorous tendencies. Here Come the Brides Episode aired Sep 25, 1968 1 h IMDb RATING 7.9 /10 51 YOUR RATING Rate Adventure Comedy Western After making a deal with Seattle's Mill owner, lumberjack brothers Jason, Joshua, and Jeremy Bolt got to New Bedford, Massachusetts to bring back 100 brides for the men in the town. Intelligent, strong, industrious sons. Havent you gotten your pound of flesh yet?, What pound of flesh? Jason leaned on his desk, twisting to attempt to see his face. Oh, so that is what is bothering you, lad., Duncans broad shoulders slumped and his head lowered. Its a Seattle tradition., Speaking of tradition Jason wheeled around and pulled out a gift box hed hidden under the table hours ago. Jason checked on the whereabouts of both of his brothers. They should be there by now then. Aaron just wanted this sham over. He took another slug of brandy in an attempt to mute the confusion of feelings welling up in him. Can I get you something to help wake up? Then with a sharp nod to himself, he strode across the room into his bedroom. Shes so beautiful. The only thing he was concerned about was the scandal I might cause. Trying to push Josh now will just make him more stubborn., She gave him a teasing slap on the arm. Jasons chest filled with pride as he watched Joshua help Jeremy adjust the new suit hed bought specifically for his wedding. Jeremy jerked his head back just in time to avoid the boot whisking by his nose. You know what this could mean to us, dont you, Aaron?, Of course, I know. Aaron rolled his eyes. Bolt! They should be fairly easy if you remember this wonderful show! A mass of humanity boiled out of Lotties. Could pieces of his personality be traced to one side or the other, like the color of his eyes or the curl in his hair? Seattle expanded every day and he had been and would continue to be at least as influential as the Bolts in its development. But Ive had to admit to things I was ashamed about before. He looked up into her sad eyes. He said it wasnt possible he could be my father.. He winked at Jason, Leave them for Joshua. Young boys, wary of the white man in their midst. This was such a great read! That Stempel aint the only one might be part injun. 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. This is just soincredible. Im sorry, Aaron, Jason started, sliding his hand from Aarons shoulder to his neck. He grunted in response. What I call myself is my business, not yours. Facing the soldier squarely, Aarons dark eyes smoldered. And shed died only months before Aaron had confronted their father. I dont think I can take much more of this. He hoped the little surprise hed planned for later in the evening would turn the man in the right direction. You wouldnt?, Oh, no, indeedy, we wouldnt dream of it., Well Aarons attempted smile more closely resembled a snarl. Jason Bolt strode down the main street of Seattle, altering his course only to avoid the largest of mud puddles. It had little to do with her at all. Had Bolt truly cared or were the words just to soothe his own conscience? His father had denied him. But neither of us has ever hated the other., A game? Why the hell is this so important to you? Aaron turned back to him, honest confusion on his broad features. I wonder what he thought of me. Why dont you go outside and cool off?. I know what a parent is. Jason quickly headed toward the refreshment table, which just happened to be where Aaron had been hovering. Why cant you accept Father cared about you as a son and be a part of our family?. Physically, that is., It wasnt my fault! Josh burst. Ease up, Aaron. Half brother to the Bolts? Before all this started hed never spent a moment consider what Stempels life might have been like before he came to Seattle. I've started posting a new story called Choices. But to see my son, oh Lord. You remember that, dont you?. My mother never let it out of her sight untilshe died., Our father made this? Jeremy whispered, a catch in his voice. Harve shoved Billy toward his companions. I dont know how Ill go about bringing them together.. She drew in a sharp breath then let it out slowly. Pouring each of them a cup of coffee, she sat down next to him. Beyond a doubt, Jonathan Bolt loved his family and would do anything for them. His work has appeared in Okay Donkey, Milk Candy Review, Little Fiction, Bad Pony and elsewhere. Aaron stood unobtrusively in the corner of the dormitory closest to the refreshment table. 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. 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. I laugh and say it will also give me something to do while we must live aboard this great canoe. Oh, Jason had stopped by, but they had passed the evening with a companionable game of cribbage without a mention being made of family. Thinking deep thoughts? Sitting down, she pushed a full mug in front of him to replace the one he hadnt realized hed emptied. My son. Bound in well-kept deerskin, the book was obviously old and well read. Does this mean, Exactly, gentlemen, Ashland grinned. That makes it two to one against. Jason gave his answer as if he was voting for something as inconsequential as what to cook for supper. Mornin, Jason greeted as he came out of his room. He could have been hatched on a hot rock for all hes ever told anyone. Was it worth the risk? Said he should be here by Monday to look over the operations., Jason let out his breath in a noisy gust. Well, I better get home before the boys eat all the food. Jason started down the trail, waving back over his shoulder. Jason heard a muffled squeak of laughter behind him. What are you doing just standing there?, Putting his feet in motion again, he walked over to lean on the porch rail. I didnt need more Bolts; I needed someone Balter would listen to., And you were willing to put Bass life in Stempels hands?, Jason stared straight into Joshs eyes, no doubt at all in his expression. Opening his mouth to say exactly that, he closed it abruptly. Biddie has him surrounded.. This is my second quiz about the TV show, "Here Come The Brides", that aired from 1968-70. You cant meanYou are serious!, Clinging to his arm, Candy dropped her head on his shoulder. Reaching up, he pushed an errant lock of hair back off his forehead. And why did he want Jason to drop the subject now? Find him on Twitter at @pdforan. Maybe its just an attempt to make us feel guilty.. Our father would never have made a baby with another woman when he was engaged to our mother! A man could write whatever made him feel better about himself on a sheet of paper. Jonathan loved the girl. Damn it all! For everything they had that would never be his. Hardly a day goes by that I dont think of my lost son. Jason was appalled but not for the reason Aaron thought. As soon as she disappeared, Candy clutched Jasons arm. Lottie had always tried to stay neutral in the squabbles between him and the Bolt brothers. Now and then, I suppose. Duncan sighed. Showing your crude origins? Thompson tried to sound confident, but he couldnt hide the fear in his eyes. Hesitantly, Jason accepted it. Jason was the one who was good with words, not him. Brides of Destruction was formed by Nikki Sixx and Tracii Guns in Los Angeles 2002 initially with the name Cockstar after Mtley Cre went on hiatus and Tracii left L.A. If you feel you can not do that, transportation can be arranged back to your fort., Is that an ultimatum, Mr. Bolt? Thompson sneered. Jeremy wanted to go back to the time when he understood the world and the people around him. Jeremy grimaced at Candys question. Is that why you hate us so much? Josh asked. What could it possibly accomplish?, Just pretend I never found out the truth? Jason shook his head violently. Shed said it was because calling her Mother was disrespectful to his real mother, but Aaron had known the truth. Here Come the Brides!. You can tell Essie to start the music.. With a wink at Uncle Duncan and a solemn nod to Aaron, Jason continued on his journey. Only grabbing onto the rainspout kept him on his feet. I said we need a family vote.. Rather formal for a new brother-in-law. He knew himself to be no great shakes as a cook nor did he enjoy cooking. He scampered out of the saloon, dreading his next task, but with a little lighter heart. I wouldnt be buyin now either., In a way you are. She started to steer him across the room. Every accomplishment belittled with tales of how other mills did it better. For two days and nights, Miris diary lay on the bookshelf in the Bolt cabin untouched. But will painful secrets from Jemma's childhood and one woman's determination to exact revenge find Aaron and Jemma suffering disaster; or can Jason and Aaron stop one woman's twisted logic before something precious is lost? So hed sought refuge in the one place he knew he still had control. Cant you see that, Aaron? Tentatively, Jason placed his hand on Stempels shoulder. I didnt tell them to jump Stempel!, Josh subsided, turning his palms up on the chairs arms. He squinted, trying to imagine Aaron Stempel as a baby. Not jealousy or vengeance, but trying to prove you were as good as us?. A tall, well-built man stood outside the open door. Johnsons mill in Everett? Before all this had started, hed been sure of himself and where he stood, now he felt like an rudderless ship, lost and adrift. Aaron turned enough so their momentum crashed them into the wall instead of the ground. He answered firmly, Absolutely not., I vote no, too. He wasnt! I know youre not mad at me. Great! In his opinion, there was nothing tall, strong Jonathan Bolt couldnt do. Another episode of Here Come The Brides is on. Stempel glared as he visibly wrenched himself from distant memories. Congratulations, he whispered. Contracted yellow fever crossing the Isthmus. Aaron stepped into the lamplight, his expression unreadable. '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. This lightens my heart some, but I still long to be back with the women who have been birthing babies in my tribe for more seasons than I have been alive. Dont think so.. You and Candy. With a goofy grin, Josh filled three glasses with the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction. Ive never liked him, he stated baldly. Josh shrugged, not taking his eyes off the axhead. Take responsibility for what hed done to my mother. What did that mean? If he cared so much, why did he deny he was my father? Oh god, Aaron. Joshua knew in his soul that Jonathan Bolt had been an honest man, a fair man. Aaron probably wouldnt have liked the analogy but it resonated with Jason. Muscles taut, Jason jerked upright in his bed. Insulting his mother because she was Indian boiled Jeremys blood. Jeremy, whats wrong?, He allowed himself a slight grin. Sorry, Jeremy mumbled, taking a step back. He wasnt happy about tonights events himself. A member of an HCTB fanfic site proposed a challenge: write a story that includes Jason, Biddie, a broken wagon wheel, a bottle of perfume, knitting, and fog. Abandoning his quest for the moment, Aaron strode across the room to the new arrival. Now I feel like the whole worlds been turned upside down., Aaron collapsed back into his chair. Could they No, it was pretty plain. But try as he might, he couldnt unearth any of his usual enthusiasm for the books, the company or even the future. Thanking him with a nod, Jason slathered a slice with butter. Just something he said today. Be good to your mother, George Stempel often told young Aaron on the infrequent times he wasnt out to sea. Anyone but him., White teeth showed in a feral grin. Well, he would know today. Viciously he slung a stone off the edge of the cliff. My first thought was "Jason and Biddie on an errand and an accident occurs ." Bolt. The millowner looked pleased with himself, as well as more than a little drunk. Jason couldnt contain his gasp. I never Stempel faltered, staring down at his shoes. Do you know what today is? he asked softly. Had Jason been trying to show him what it could be like? Would they want to know? At least I hope we will be after you hear what I have to say., Jeremy, youre not making any sense and its starting to scare me., Im sorry. He wrapped her dainty hand in both of his. 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. Maybe I can calm him down a little.. The man whos tried to destroy everything our father worked to give us. Read this! Jason demanded, flinging his fathers journal across the desk. But when I suggested he might be my sire, he spat in my face, even though he knew it was so. Is it the fever, or is Amanda just seeing things? So have the rest of the men. I rather enjoyed the view.. Joshua was nearby and heard the order. Of course, he could just leave the box on the table with all the other wedding gifts. How much worse would it have been if there had been no family around him and everyone spoke an alien language? He considered going inside the house but he had a decent view of the town from the porch and the light breeze cooled the fire inside him. Just splendid, General Ashlands voice echoed through the room. How bad a beating was up to him. Hed thought hed known his father so well. Would Stempels shadow obscure him completely from view? 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. You are beautiful. Lottie adjusted the flow of Candys wedding dress as she mounted the steps. He even searched for you., Then why? Aaron whirled, his voice breaking in anguish. 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. What do you say, Aaron?. But I know Jason. I have not slept well myself, Duncan admitted in a murmur, swiping at the moisture in his eyes. 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