Hed never been afraid of death. Here Come The Brides was an hour-long comedy/Western TV series that aired on ABC for a total of 52 episodes over two seasons from September 25, 1968 to April 3, 1970. But Ive had to admit to things I was ashamed about before. He looked up into her sad eyes. I tried once and what did it get me? Jason recovered first. That he was half-Indian? But sometimes its really hard being the middle brother. And you might be?, Jason took the generals hand in a hearty handshake, his expression as bewildered as Aaron felt. You cant change how people believe and feel overnight., But I need to do something, his voice rose. When they were well on their way, Jason turned loose of Stempel. I cant sleep. But the books drew him, teased him with their mystery. For a second he thought of ignoring the eldest of the Bolt clan, of hiding in the dimness, but he realized it was too late. No, Uncle, I think you should be part of this. I didnt invite you in, Bolt.. Emotions he didnt want to identify roiled through him. The great Jason Bolt. He wanted to hate Jason Bolt for what hed done this evening. It was nae right what the colonel said to you., Is what he said any different from how you felt? Aaron snorted. It was in his journal, but I remember that day too. Jasons sympathy went out to Aaron although a part of him was vastly amused at bemusing the man. Quite a surprise. Was he divided top and bottom? Please imagine that Stempel's nephew is played by guest star young Paul Michael Glaser. Josh marveled at his brother. And how do you feel about that?. He felt like he was living a moment from a fairy tale. Equal awe shone from Candys eyes. He thought of pulling the pillow over his head but knew it wouldnt do any good. All right. She circled the railing, never relinquishing her grip on his hand. All right, Jason. After Irv died, it was hard to get into HCTB, especially since he'd always enjoyed the fandom as much as me. You better, Aaron growled. Said he was going to the mill, though he wouldnt say why. What left did he have to prove? He supposed he did look a bit odd, standing there silently with a wooden box clutched against his hip. And what could the Bolt family gain by continuing to keep Aaron on the outside? I'm thrilled that you liked the writing if not the concept. Yes! he shouted. He was but a babe in arms. But the only way they could possibly have found out was from the Bolts. Handing a glass to each of them, he poured a liberal draught for all. Well have to depend on you. But if wed known you were coming we could have thrown a party for you. How could Bolt claim to be proud of something hed had nothing to do with? Surrounded by hideous clutter because my own sister thinks she needs to civilize me. So happy, sometimes I think Ill burst with it. Laughing aloud, he vaulted over the railing. Thinking deep thoughts? Sitting down, she pushed a full mug in front of him to replace the one he hadnt realized hed emptied. Like most children, he wanted to believe his parents had never loved anyone other than each other. I wont ruin our chances by taking a punch at you. Jason gaped, his mouth moving but no sound coming out. Your brothers not very talkative, is he? he heard Colonel Thompson say as he walked away. And if it was true, how much of it had she known? Measured by Jasons accomplishments. Love? No, Joshua moaned. Difficulties Jason should have considered before now plagued him. Or tired, the skin drawn taut across his broad cheekbones. Oh, lad., Itll break your heart. You dont have to go, Uncle, Jason protested. Rising to his feet, Aaron kept talking over Jasons increasing volume. Should I have told them?, It is too late to ask that question, is it nae, lad? Duncan laughed humorlessly. He must have or Jason would never have given them to me to read. Youd be fools not to., All right, we have one yes. They both sat staring into their coffee. Was Jason just trying to humiliate him further in front of Thompson? Were looking into each others eyes. Candy recoiled as if the box might hold a rattlesnake. Taking a deep breath, Jason throw open the door. Joshua isnt quite sure of what to make of his baby brother. I guess I can understand why he didnt say anything then. You will treat with Aaron Stempel with the dignity every human being deserves and the respect hes earned. All up and down the street, heads cranked this way and that. Finally his trembling legs and overworked lungs forced him to a halt. Because Im the one who just found out., Im sorry, Aaron. Jason shuffled his feet and twisted the books in his hands. The question of their fathers integrity. Beyond a doubt, Jonathan Bolt loved his family and would do anything for them. Before Jason could reply, Aaron marched out in Jeremys wake. If you survived that, you might find someone whod give you hope; make you see the possibility that not all people were evil and that life could be good. On his own in San Francisco, Joshua Bolt seems to have found his niche managing the family's business interests in California. At Lotties he could get a filling meal within minutes. With a goofy grin, Josh filled three glasses with the well spiked punch and meandered in their direction. I didnt tell them to jump Stempel!, Josh subsided, turning his palms up on the chairs arms. Stakes in a game?, No, of course not! Jason struggled to explain. Since Thompsons departure, Jason had been filled with a sense of quiet waiting. 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. We dont need their damned jobs. In her presence hed found himself wantingno, he wouldnt delve back into those ludicrous childhood fantasies. Aaron, Im not gonna fight with you. Ignoring the snort that got him, he laid his fathers journals gently on the table. An all-dressed-in-white bride. What Jasons been trying to do since this started. Josh scrubbed viscously at his scalp. The last few days you have seemed rathermelancholy.. Hed worked up the nerve to do this and now it seemed like the whole town was conspiring against him. 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. Just hold still and let me get this bleeding stopped. All the questions hed longed to ask Jonathan Bolt, but hadnt been able to because of the mans denial, bubbled up inside of him. Josh considered, then nodded slowly. Dowries?, Okay, fine, Earnest said. The good humor faded from the generals face. He lives here in Seattle., Who, Jeremy? she gasped. Jake and Lucas cringed. Not more of Fathers journal, is it?, Jason extended the book closer. Jeremy went to the dormitory to visit that pretty girl of his. Duncan threw a couple of plates at the table. The only day sadder in my life was when your father left Kilmarron. And she loved him. Snagging his fathers journal from the mantel, he opened it to the proper page. :). Why cant you accept Father cared about you as a son and be a part of our family?. Bunching his shoulders around his ears, he dropped his head. Without being asked, Duncan held out a plate with sliced bread. Jon says I should write a diary. Maybe itd be easier if I just read it to you. It seems Mr. Bolt here sent a series of telegrams to my office. With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife, Reverend Adams intoned. Immediately, Candy detached herself and hurried to Jeremys side. He took another swallow of brandy to drown it out. Lottie had always tried to stay neutral in the squabbles between him and the Bolt brothers. Did he love her? Rising, Duncan crossed to the cupboard. No, you dont. Duncan held up his hand for quiet. He could have simply stayed here in America and we could have done naught. Sure you would have, Aaron sneered at the page. The curtain try pulling it back, says the runaway bride, lifting her veil as she checks her Ubers ETA. A tug on his shoulder stopped him. That made me very tired at work today. But I hope you Bolts dont start thinking all this brotherly mush is going to be an every day occurrence.. How can I accept a man like that as our brother?. It gave him the courage to say what needed to be said. This town seems to have a perpetual party going on. Afternoon, Aaron, Jason greeted, his voice unusually soft, almost gentle. Oh, my, she breathed, her other hand coming up to cover her mouth. His younger brother raised his hands in apology. Jason hoped not; he didnt want to think his father capable of that. Would serve Bolt right if they did lose the deal. He squinted, trying to imagine Aaron Stempel as a baby. Grateful, he nodded. She knows what a parent is. But Abigail wanted no part of being Aarons mother, as shed proved the few times hed slipped. Now just let me alone.. Jeremy jerked his head back just in time to avoid the boot whisking by his nose. Aaron regarded the leather-bound book with suspicion. Thank you, Aaron, well always treasure your present. I witnessed what happened at the party tonight. Were on opposite The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour? Thanking him with a nod, Jason slathered a slice with butter. Yes! Perhaps I have some knowledge of your mother you might be pleased to hear. What he felt he would have felt for any woman in her situation. He threw down his pen in disgust. Forcibly swallowing each mouthful of food, it sat like a fiery lump in his belly. WellIm sureJason, I think its about time you go collect the bride., Im on my way, Reverend. He gave Jeremy a quick one-armed embrace. Hell, he was in serious trouble even if they didnt get behind him. Well, Mr. Bolt, your logging operation appears to be more than adequate to supply the governments needs at this time.. Reaching up, he pushed an errant lock of hair back off his forehead. Now you run along and tell whoever youre gonna tell, whatever youre gonna tell them, she said with a sly grin. Its tradition.. Of course, he hadnt been paying much attention to anything but one slim volume of a young womans life. What the hell are you up to, Bolt? Aaron spoke into hands cupped around his face. You go to Aaron Stempel. What exactly are you saying, Colonel? Jason cut through the babble. With a dark glare, he flung his defiance across the room. To have people he could turn to in times of trouble or joy. Aaron took a large gulp of brandy, not even bothering to pour it in a glass. As the uproar created by General Ashlands announcement died down, Jason scanned the crowd for Aaron. Where is he? Why check on him? Josh followed his brother off the porch, tension taking away his usual grace. I try not to show this to Jon. He hoped the contents of the decanter of brandy in front of Aaron and Lotties nonjudgmental presence would help Aaron open up. He regretted what he said to you. If Jon had nae told yea, I dinna see it as my place to inform yea. When the brides arrived, there was no housing for them, and the men had to build it overnight. Your father was the rebel, the dreamer. Relief? His skin twitched at the knowledge of what he was about to do. Ill tell you what I can. Both Bolts assumed identical thoughtful poses. Now they were only blurred scribbles on the page. He began to understand a little of what lie behind Aarons hostility. Had nothin to do with jealousy., Jason stepped quietly behind the millowner. Julie and Aaron couldnt share the same mother; in fact, they must have no parent in common at all. I guess I cant deny that. Im not afraid!. Jason, she bawled, darting toward them. Hed forfeited any right to ask about me or my mother.. Aaron dragged his feet up the path from his house toward Lotties. Another spate of knocks sounded before he felt steady on his feet again. Please, sweetheart.. Yet you call yourself Stempel. Thompsons features twisted into a contemptuous sneer. And Aaron Stempel? Mr. I have no doubt his story is true. The things that happen and the things that dont. Im not offering you pity or charity, Aaron. So glad to see you writing again! A single stride took him toe-to-toe with Bolt. When Red opened his mouth to reply, Aaron lashed out. Like when you color outside the lines, take a step back to get a different view of your work, your coloring, and think to yourself hey maybe Im on to something., An abstraction? asked Miss Clark. A part of him yearned toward that solution. And what was done is written in stone. And I know you need to talk about this. He intercepted the newlyweds just as they quit the dance floor, flushed and out of breath. A hand stole up her back, savoring the softness of her dress. As much as he hated to admit it, Aaron Stempel intimidated the hell out of him. Jason met Lotties eyes and saw the same furious pain he himself felt. Go, Uncle. Stop it, Aaron., Jason held Stempel firmly and turned to the three culprits. For an instant he thought to deny the charge of having Indian blood. Jason breathed a great sigh of relief. Affronted, he dropped her hand. 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. Maybe you can build a family relationship too., Hands on his hips, Jeremys eyes wandered up to the ceiling. Everything will be exactly as youve always dreamed. 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. He did the best he could., He made a pretty big mistake, didnt he?, Mistake? His hand whisked over his beard and up into his hair. Could you pour for me? Its in every word she writes. Finding none, he simply took it with him in pursuit. He toppled his desk on its ear. He simply wasnt a good enough actor to cover what he felt. But he is my family too. What are you doing just standing there?, Putting his feet in motion again, he walked over to lean on the porch rail. He must know they had to put on a show of solidarity, even if that was the last thing they were. He f-f-fathered a child with a woman not our m-m-m-mother before Jason was born., Her hand tightened convulsively. How dare he be proud of me! Youve never been where I have. If you truly want me to leave this at rest with our father, Ill try, Jason promised solemnly. He took out a bottle of Scotch and four glasses. Undiluted compassion for the man unexpectedly struck Joshua. Or more importantly, who do you want to be? Jon called her Miri. He flattened his hands on the table. He deserved to be acknowledged as such. 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. For all of his hopeful optimism, Jason knew this wasnt the end of their conflict but only the first step in the right direction. And if he went into the house as mad as he was, he wouldnt have a stick of furniture left undamaged. Well, I think this calls for a family vote.. Thanks, Jason.. Other men needed the assistance of family. With a young woman who carried his babe in her arms.. Kerry Weaver walked into the ER with a huge smile on her face. Nothing! My mother never let it out of her sight untilshe died., Our father made this? Jeremy whispered, a catch in his voice. I've started posting a new story called Choices. Im sorry that men who worked for me tried to beat you up because of something they overheard my brothers talking about. Young boys, wary of the white man in their midst. If I couldnt rub your fur the wrong way, I would be bereft., Right, Aaron nodded decisively. A breathtaking gift, one hed never expected from Aaron. Their fathers death had been quick, unexpected, leaving Jason totally unprepared to raise his brothers. Dont worry, lad, the older man grinned. Aarons our half-brother., Jeremy approached them warily. All of our lumber will have to be shipped to Everett?, But the rest of the terms will be exactly as stated before?, Jason reached out to draw his brothers closer. They shared the rabbits theyd caught with me. Instinctively, he flinched away. Hey!, Men! And now that youve found out hes our brother, will you ever turn to us again?, Everyone looks up to you. Bolts opinion meant nothing. The pot callin the kettle black, Bolt?, Jason gave a rueful grin and shrug. Now youre gonna pay for that, breed! Red snarled. Both his brothers were bound to be upset. But he could feel everything hed worked for start to crumple around him. Jasons stride faltered. He wanted it exactly the way it was., Thats not true. Jason pushed his fathers journals across the table. Of course, Jason had won but not quite as easily as hed assumed he would. Only with his brothers or for his brothers had he ever been able to stand strong against the man. I did nae want to see it. 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. Abruptly Candy stumbled around the corner. Who are you, Aaron Stempel? She seemed to be satisfied with what she saw there. But youre supposed to get drunk when your baby brother gets married. Obediently, she raced down the street. Despite his recently aroused sympathy for the man a flare of anger tinged his voice. A shiver coursed down his spine. Im fine, he answered the question he knew was foremost on her mind. I dont like that he lied then but I can understand., For three years after Momma died, he still kept the secret. Grasping great handfuls of neat blue uniform, Aaron slammed the colonel against the wall. Jeremys grown into a fine young man. Colonel Thompson swept Lottie out onto the dance floor just as Jason got within earshot. Aaron slapped away the hand. She drew in a sharp breath then let it out slowly. If youd read the journals, youd see that wasnt true. I cant believe you two. Should he turn to his left and his house or continue up the path to Lotties? I trust you had a good nights sleep., As a matter of fact, I didnt, Thompson growled. Why rake it all up now? You think hes still mad?, Who knows? Palms against the back of his chair, Jason leaned heavily forward. Leaving the door open invited all manner of vermin into the house. I think hes known for a long time., How? A more beautiful sight Ill never see. I dont think we have anything else to discuss. The diary opened again before he knew he intended to continue reading. He scampered out of the saloon, dreading his next task, but with a little lighter heart. Please, Spirits of my fathers, help me be worthy of him. But I cannot in good conscience include this mill in the deal. Thank you, Lottie. Who was he to make such a judgment? As long as you swear youre not hiding any broken ribs under there., Nothing broken, he assured her. The only thing he was concerned about was the scandal I might cause. Well, why dont we get going then? Josh realized with a shock that they were drawing a crowd. You had her journal, did you nae?, She didnt put any dates in it, Aaron admitted in a hoarse whisper. Jason had been partially right about that; Bridal Veil was only a tangible symbol of all he wanted to achieve. Without drinking he pressed the cool glass against his brow. But, Lord, it was killing him. The air whooshed out of his lungs at the impact. The smile Aaron had directed at Lottie faded when he noticed Jasons approach but he made no move to escape. Well take care of this. She spoke of long days in an unfamiliar environment. Good experience for him and I could always step in if things started to go bad. Stempel glared as he visibly wrenched himself from distant memories. Jason noticed them at the same time. Jason quickly headed toward the refreshment table, which just happened to be where Aaron had been hovering. Hes done nothing to deserve my lies. If they could be prevented from killing each other. So, Aaron, arent you going to congratulate the bride and groom?, Wellyes Aaron stumbled. Not that it matters what I say - but go ahead and take his offer. As soon as she disappeared, Candy clutched Jasons arm. In the resounding echo Jason heard the lock slam home. Youre the ones who agreed to bet the mountain and you all agreed to the rules.. Aaron strode away from the Bolt cabin, trying to stomp his anger into the earth below his feet. Oh, posh, just an old lady feeling sorry for herself. Someone thought you were LORI Smith, a former contributor. Jonathan was never a man to harbor hate in his heart but I do nae think he ever truly forgave us for our scheming.. Showing off a bit, I must admit. Or his mothers tribe would find and beseech him to join them. And what difference could it truly make? The uniform and his air of authority practically had the girls swooning at his feet. I dont really want to hear it. Miss Cloom., I just have to tell you how badly we all feel about what happened to you the other day. She clung to Aarons sleeve. Look out everyone here come the brides! The brothers shared a pleased grin but Aaron waited for the blow to fall. He was beginning to wonder if a person could die of frustration. Could they No, it was pretty plain. I dont have any answers. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. Jason groaned as Joshua stepped into the office. Not ever! Lurching to his feet, Josh started to stalk away. 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. Thompsons eyes widened, then his lip curl back in an unconscious snarl as the insult sunk in. I dont think you want him to do either., Cupping his chin, he leaned his elbow onto the table. Reaching across the table, Jason offered what comfort he could. The church was overflowing with almost the entire town packed inside. Its up to you now.". Tilting his head up, she stared intently into his eyes. He held out his hand and she immediately grasped it in her own. Not another story about an illegitimate Bolt sibling. Candy continued in a tiny voice, isnt it? He ducked his head away, uncomfortable with the closeness. He knows all the right facts. Jason only gave the journals to you because he knew what torture it would be to read them. I cant imagine the courage it took for you to approach him. Especially for a man like Aaron, he added mentally. He just wanted this to be over so he could go off and lick his wounds. His room in total disarray, he at last slumped down on his bed, physically if not emotionally, exhausted. I do have another story I was planning to post, I just haven't had the time to do it. Thompsons watching., His breath hissing between clenched teeth, Aaron gave a sharp nod. Was it worth the risk? Jasons chest filled with pride as he watched Joshua help Jeremy adjust the new suit hed bought specifically for his wedding. Damn Jason for raking it all back up again. As the babble died, the two men locked gazes, Duncans questioning and nervous, Aarons intense and challenging. Jeremy, what are you really here for?, Jeremy settled on the ground beside him. Getting into a fight with him would accomplish nothing. I was only eight but I remember how sick Momma was in those last few months, how frail. Just as he exited, he spotted Candy daintily making her way across the street, Lottie and Biddie holding up her skirts to keep them out of the mud. Aaron snatched at the brandy glass beside him. He couldnt remember all the times hed laid his life on the line. He clasped Candys hand in his and together they joined the other congregation members strolling toward church. Of course, it had never happened and hed come to the realization that he wasnt important enough for anyone else to rescue. 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. Vaguely aware of the Bolts protests, Aaron opened his eyes to meet Thompsons triumphant gaze squarely. Jeremy, whats wrong?, He allowed himself a slight grin. He wouldnt allow himself to care. Colonel Thompson, he cleared his throat so he could speak through his anger. Dont be a wet blanket, Aaron. Thats all Aaron was to the man - a past mistake best forgotten. What?, Thats what its always been about, hasnt it? Jason leaned in closer. He called me a liar, Aaron ground the words between clenched teeth. I dinna think he would ever write about it, Duncan whispered, his face ashy gray. About my mother., And you got angry, didnt you, Aaron? Jason prompted quietly. Ive waited too longweve waited too long already. It would seem right Jason sighed, trying to think of the right way this should be settled. What a bride is what a groom is what a spouse is what a partner is what connection means what a marriage is? Offer him brotherhood with an open hand.. Giving Aaron a hard shove, Josh stalked across to his room. Thanks, but I think this is something I have to work out for myself. He let Jason reel him in for a quick hug and whack on the back. To see how ludicrous it was to think Aaron Stempel could be even part Bolt. Joshua hurled the first thing his hand contacted across his small bedroom. After calling him boy as if he were a stray gutter rat, in the next sentence, Bolt acknowledged him as son. He said "Jeremy, you usually don't have this hard a liquor this early in the day. Ive known my fathers name since I was old enough to read., Oh, Aaron, she gasped. The brides are homesick for family. Hed let no one else in his house right now, and they had to know it. And the reason theyd set on Stempel raised the gorge in the back of his throat. Four firm knocks reverberated at his door. Were fine. Jason stared just as morosely at the checkerboard in front of him. I know, but I promised a certain lovely saloon owner I would share a drink and a game of cribbage this fine evening. The gathering gloom of evening matched the darkness in his heart. Thanks for sharing!! And Aaron was giving it in accordance to tradition. Hes telling everyone else in town., Cause Im asking you. She dabbed salve over his knuckles. Jason took that as a good sign. Is that all our mountain means to you? He considered who it could be. Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings (11), Aaron Stempel/Original Female Character(s) (7), Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Aaron Stempel/Original Female Character(s), Here Come The Brides; Bolt/Stempel series, Here Come The Brides; Worth The Wait, Story 4, Here Come the Brides; Hidden Agenda; Story 2, Here Come The Brides; The Bolt That Holds Them Together, Story 1, Sarek and Amanda Archive Maintainer (Selek). Half brother to the Bolts? How are you doing this morning?, Confused, Jeremy confessed. So you told him about your mothers death in the most spiteful way you could, didnt you, Aaron? Joshua exited the cabin just in time to catch Jasons words as Jason headed toward Stempels. But if anyone askes, I didn't condone your carnivorous tendencies. And why did he want Jason to drop the subject now? Jeremy Bolthis brother Jeremy was getting married at three oclock this afternoon. Or a boy for Jon to teach the ways of the forest? What you have a right to., Aarons grin grew wolfish. Do you believe its true?, Relieved that someone was finally asking his opinion, he sighed. He knew all the words; they were written in his heart. Jeremy snagged his jacket and headed for the door. I cant just sit back, Im not saying you should. Lottie kept her own tone soft and soothing. Bolt, about your mountain, Both of the Bolt brothers froze in place. A hurt built in Aarons throat. My mill has a third more capacity than his and you know it. No, I cant believe that. Everything hed believed about his father, his mother, even what hed believed about himself now lay in shambles around his feet. It didnt work. Hed thought hed worked his way past this feeling.
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