The day soon arrived when the Seamus chugged its way off the open sea and into the Puget Sound. Jason joined Kate on deck as she kept her eyes pealed for Seattle's shoreline. As they rounded a bend, Jason pointed out the little group of buildings clustered together at the bottom of the tree line. She was home. Kate's heart raced within her. How many times had she and her papa dreamed of this day, and now here she was, standing next to Jason and watching as a small crowd of people gathering together by the dock.

     "Oh, Jason," was all she could find words to say.

      The lumberman leaned down to whisper, "Welcome home, Cricket."

     Tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She wiped away at them as she reached for the carpetbag that contained her few belongings. As Jason watched her he had to admit that she was about to make a wonderful first impression on Seattle. He had never seen her look quite so pretty.

     Clancey had made a stop in Port Angeles to collect merchandise ordered by people in Seattle. While the ship was being loaded, Kate ran down to a dress shop hoping to purchase something that would be just right for a reunion with Josh and Jeremy. The shop owner happened to have a dress that had been returned just that morning. It was robin's egg blue, trimmed with white lace and fit her perfectly. Katie bought the gown but kept it hidden from sight until that morning. As Jason gazed at her now in her blue dress with her golden hair shining like a mantle around her shoulders and the soft expression of joy on her face, he wondered what magic had transformed her from urchin to princess so effectively. Perhaps he'd been wrong to worry; Kate might fit into Seattle society after all.

      The young woman's hungry gaze scanned the crowd for the two faces she longed to see. Suddenly, she grabbed Jason's sleeve and pointed.

     "There they are! That's them," she cried, trying desperately to hold in her excitement.

     "That's them" Jason repeated with a grin.

      Jeremy and Joshua were sitting on the back of their wagon laughing and joking with Candy and a group of the brides who had gathered near the dock.

      "You know, they're never going to believe who you are," he murmured.

     Kate leaned in to Jason. "Don't tell them just yet. I'd like to let them know in my own way."

     Jason chuckled, always eager to pull one over on his younger brothers, "You can count on me. I'll make sure Clancey plays along, too."

     As the ship pulled closer to shore, the Bolts jumped from the wagon and made their way to the dock.

     "Hey Jason!" Jeremy yelled, waving both arms wildly. Jason waved back.

     Kate grinned, "He's sure happy to see you."

     "We were bidding on a big project for the Army just before I left."

     "By the look on his face, I'd say you got it."

     Jeremy practically tackled his brother the moment he stepped on to the dock.

      "Jason, we did it! Josh and I signed the contract yesterday. All we need is your signature and the deal is done."

     "That's great Jeremy. Another Bolt victory thanks to you."

      Josh came up and clapped his older brother on the back. "I hope you got enough supplies to last us through the summer. We're not going to get a chance to get back to ' Frisco, or anywhere else once we start this job."

     "Don't worry, Josh. I've brought back everything we need and then some." Jason assured him.

     Aaron Stempel approached the group, "Bolt, about this contract... If you expect the men at my mill to work overtime, you'd better be prepared to come up with..."

     Jason held up his hand, "We'll talk about it later, Aaron."

     Lottie pushed past the men to give Jason a big hug. "Welcome back, Jason. Things have been too quiet around town without you and old fish face here to stir up trouble."

     Clancey ambled down the plank heading straight for Lottie.

      "Do you hear the abuse I take from the woman," he called back to Katie.

     The captain planted a salty kiss on his friend's rouged cheek, "Hello, darlin'. You're a sight for sore eyes."

     Kate followed Clancey down to the dock. She had watched the brother's happy reunion from on board to better hide the joy she felt at seeing them all together again. It was going to take every bit of acting ability she possessed not to give away her identity too quickly.

     Lottie caught sight of Kate first, "And who is this?"

     Jason smiled as he took the girl's hand.

      "Ladies and gentlemen, I want to introduce you to a new friend of ours. She's a reporter from the Chicago Tribune and has come to do a story on the brides."

     The announcement caused quite a buzz among the members of the crowd. Aaron Stempel grinned broadly as he moved in closer to the attractive visitor.

      "Well, this is good news! Welcome to Seattle, Miss..."

     Jason introduced him quickly before he had to supply her name. "This is Aaron Stempel."

     "I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Stempel. My name is Kaitlyn."

     She introduced herself with a sweet dignity Jason had yet to see in her. Kate turned to the others with the same charm and control.

     "Jason has told me so much about all of you. I'm very anxious to get acquainted with everyone very soon. Miss Hatfield, Jason's bragged about your hospitality all the way from San Francisco. May I board with you?"

     "I'd be happy to put you up. Don't think we've ever had a lady reporter staying with us before."

      Candy sidled up next to Lottie and the woman introduced the two.

     "This is Miss Candy Pruitt. If you're doing a story on the brides, she's the one to talk to!"

     Kate smiled at the young woman from the tintype. "Miss Pruitt."

     Candy offered her hand, "Welcome to Seattle. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to ask. We girls live right across the way." She pointed to the dormitory.

     "I'm hoping to get an interview from you and Miss Cloom very soon."

     "We'll be glad to help."

     Kate had tried very hard not to notice Jeremy and Josh who were standing right behind her. She didn't know if she could maintain this cool, poised manner when they were introduced. The moment of truth had come, however, for Jason turned her in their direction.

     "And these are my brothers, Joshua and Jeremy."

     Kate took a quick breath as they offered her their hands. It was all she could do to keep herself from hugging the stuffing out of them both at that moment. Instead, she pressed each hand warmly, saying. "I can't tell you how glad I am to meet you both."

     The men both smiled their "charming" smiles, the ones they reserved for the pretty women they met.

     Candy placed her arm through Jeremy's. She misunderstood the warmth and affection she heard in Kate's voice and wanted to be sure that this attractive stranger realized that Jeremy was taken. Kate recognized the protective gesture and tried to put her at ease.

     "Congratulations to you both on your engagement," she offered sincerely. "I wish you every happiness."

     "Thank-you," Candy smiled.

     "Captain Clancey told me you met on his ship. I'd like to hear that story if you don't mind sharing it?"

     "No, we don't mind." Candy relaxed a little.

     Josh cleared his throat. "May I take your bags over to Lottie's, Kaitlyn?"

     "Thank you, Mr. Bolt. I only have one carpetbag on deck."

     The crowd began to disperse as they claimed their goods and returned home. Jason and Kate waited while Josh returned to the ship for Kate's bag. As soon as he was out of earshot, Katie whispered to Jason.

     "If he only knew he was being so polite to the girl who once ran his shoes up the flagpole, he'd spit tacks."

     Jason swallowed his laughter; "You're enjoying this aren't you?"

     "Every second of it," was the merry reply.