The twilight shadows filled the room, slowly closing in on the solitary figure sitting on the bed. As she let out an audible sigh, Biddie looked around the near empty room. Once, many beds had lined the walls of the dormitory, but now, there were only three. Emma had moved out the week before when she left for Tacoma on her honeymoon, now, there was only Biddie and Hannah. Hannah was engaged to John, the new pastor, they were to be married next Saturday. Biddie wondered what she was going to do in this big building all alone....

Three years ago, there had been a hundred marriageable girls living in this dormitory. One by one, they had all married, all but Biddie. There were still many eligible men in town, and she had dated a few of them, but she didn't look at any of them as marriage prospects. Corky had almost proposed to her once, he was the only one that had seemed interested enough to marry her. He had been dead for almost a year now, killed in a hunting accident. She had never thought she would feel normal again.

The pain had been unbearable for a long time. Little by little, she had started to feel like her old self. Candy and Jeremy had helped to keep her busy, so had Lottie and Jason. She knew she had many wonderful friends and she was grateful for them, but sometimes, even surrounded by loved ones, she felt so alone. As alone as the totem pole in the town square on a rainy day Seattle day. Biddie blew out the flame in the oil lamp, and went to bed.

Meanwhile, at Lottie's Saloon, Jason Bolt was having a drink with Lottie and Captain Clancey.

"Jason, Biddie can't stay in the dormitory alone. It's not safe."

"Lottie, I know that. It's not her safety I'm concerned about, I just don't want her to be alone. We've got to think of something... It's going to be difficult for her after Hannah and John get married. That's when it's all going to sink in I'm afraid, that she is the last bride."

"Ah, but Jason m'buckoo there aren't any rooms available in town, there's no where to move her to." Clancey interjected.

"I realize that, Clancey, but I intend to do something about it.... I think I will have a talk with Aaron tomorrow. Lottie, one more for the road for my friend here!" Jason said as he slapped the bar with his hand. "Goodnight to you both." And with that, Jason left the saloon and headed up the trail to the Bolt family cabin. He approached the dark cabin thoughtfully. This house was where he had grownup and had raised his brothers after their father had died.

All was quiet now, the rowdy days of boyhood long since past. Jason turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. His eyes fell upon a notch on the doorframe, and he smiled to himself. In his mind, eight year old Joshua was trying to measure younger brother Jeremy's height on the doorframe with a hatchet! Poor Jeremy had almost lost an ear in the process! Luckily, Jason had spotted them and taken the hatchet from Josh in time. In time for the Jeremy that is, but not for the doorframe.

Jason sat down in his chair by the fireplace, and was swallowed by the darkness in the room. Leaning back, he thought of Jeremy and Joshua. They were getting ready for bed in their own homes with their wives right about now. Josh had probably helped put his son Jacob to bed. He was a very active six month old, with light blond hair and blue eyes. Jason thought his nephew was a miniature copy of Josh at that age. Mary and Josh had been married for year and a half. After the wedding, they had lived at the Bolt cabin while Joshua built theirs. It was strange having a woman in the house, even for a short time... Jason and Jeremy stumbled all over themselves to stay out of the newlyweds' way.

Candy and Jeremy had finally married about a year ago. Their cabin had been finished long before, thanks to the many postponements of their wedding. By this time of night, Candy had put Molly and Christopher, her younger sister and brother to bed. The children's arrival in Seattle had been one of the main reasons for the postponements. Candy had not wanted Jeremy to be burdened with an instant family. No matter how much Jeremy argued, Candy stood firm. It was nearly two more years before the wedding would take place. Both families had him over for dinner regularly. Candy fussed at him for being alone all the time. He found himself at Lottie's more than he should be. He also found himself thinking about Dr. Allyn Wright, the beautiful woman doctor he had brought to Seattle almost three years ago. She had come back to help several times, but could not be persuaded to stay. Jason thought of her often, there had been a connection between them. A mutual admiration and respect for each other. Maybe it was more than that. With most of the Brides married, Jason knew they would have to find a use for the dormitory. He and Aaron could decide later, there was no rush. He got up from the chair and went to bed.

The sun rose on a beautiful spring day in Seattle. The birds were singing in the trees, flowers were blooming. As she crossed the town square, Candy Bolt looked up at the puffy clouds filling the sky. "No rain today," she said to herself out loud.

"Biddie! How are you?" She called to her friend who was shaking out a rug on the porch of the Dormitory. Candy hurried over to meet her friend, spilling flowers from her basket as she ran.

"Hello, Candy, what are you doing out so early?"

"I came over to invite you to dinner tonight, can you come?"

"Well, I was going to work on the quilt I am making for Hannah and John."

"Oh, Biddie, you can work on that later! Please come tonight."

"Well, all right. What time do you want me there?"

"Be at the cabin at 7. I have to run now, but I'll see you later."

Jeremy Bolt placed the dishes on the table as his wife furiously stirred pots on the stove. He straightened each place setting as he went around the table. He stopped, and straightened the flowers in the centerpiece.

"Candy, do I need to set places for Christopher and Molly?"

"No, they're spending the night with Jason at the cabin. We only need four plates."

"F-forks on the left?"

"Yes, dear, forks on the left. Why are you so nervous? You're stuttering again."

" I-I-I just don't want Zach to think we're setting him up."

Candy walked to her husband and put her arms around his neck.

"Jeremy, we are setting him up, him and Biddie." She whispered in his ear.

"B..B..But"

"No buts. They are both lonely and I think they will like each other. Zach is new in town, and there are not many single women left."

"If you think so, Candy, but I still think we are sticking our noses where they don't belong."

"Jeremy Bolt! Biddie Cloom is my best friend, and I just want her to be happy." Candy stated emphatically. She hugged him hard to emphasize her point.

A Bolt man knows when to give up a fight...this is especially true if it means the difference between sleeping on the sofa or in your own bed. There was a light knock at the door.

"I'll get it, " Jeremy said as he wrangled himself from his wife's embrace. Candy headed back to the kitchen to check on dinner. Jeremy opened the door for Biddie to enter the cabin.

"Hi Biddie, come on in."

"Hello, Jeremy, is Candy in the kitchen?"

"She's in there cooking up a storm. You can go on in."

"Hello, Candy, can I help with anything?"

"No, thank you, Biddie, everything is all ready."

"Oh, I see, well, who is the fourth place for? Is Jason coming?"

"No, Jason took the children fishing, and they going to stay at the cabin with him tonight."

"A friend of mine from the logging camp is joining us. He's new in Seattle."

"A man? Jeremy, you're bringing a man here... tonight?"

"Now, Biddie, Zachary is very nice. He's a little shy about meeting people, so we thought we would start introducing him around."

"So, I am FIRST? You're starting with me? Candy, how could you?"

"Biddie, please... calm down! He's just coming to dinner, he's not taking over the town!"

"I don't want to be forced on someone!" Biddie exclaimed, then in a quieter, sly voice, she asked... "What does he look like?"

"He's tall, he has blond hair, and blue eyes. He's very nice looking."

"So, then what's wrong with him? If he's so good looking, why isn't he married? Doesn't he bathe?"

"Oh, Biddie! Of course he bathes! You're so silly. He's just shy, and he's moved around a lot."

Before Biddie could answer, there was a knock on the door. A minute or two later, Jeremy came into the kitchen followed by Zachary Harris. Biddie mouth gaped wide open as she stared at the tall man standing in front of her.

The sound of axes hitting their marks filled the crisp mountain air. Joshua Bolt put logs on a campfire while his brother Jeremy put water in the coffeepot.

"Josh, it was like something just surrounded them. It seemed as if Candy and I weren't even there. I've never seen anything like it before."

"Did they say anything?"

"Not to us, except 'goodnight' when they were leaving, arm in arm."

"Who left arm in arm?" Asked Jason as he entered the camp.

"Biddie and Zach after dinner last night, " Josh answered.

"So, they hit it of, did they now?"

"That's putting it mildly, Jason."

"Well, I think that's wonderful! Maybe something will develop from this."

"After last night, I think something already has, Jason. You didn't see the way they stared at each other. It was like their eyes were glued together. They were like horses with blinders on!"

"Amazing! Now, back to business, brothers. Are the men finished on the North Ridge yet?"

"Zach's leading the team up there today. They only have about 20 trees left."

"That's good, Joshua. Make sure they get it done, the shipment has to go out by Friday morning."

"I will Jason."

"Now, Little Brother, how about some of that coffee?" Jason asked as he fetched his mug from a nearby table.

Later that morning, Jason and Jeremy were working on the payroll for the loggers. A commotion outside disturbed their work. Candy Bolt lifted the flap to the tent that was used as the office.

"Jeremy, Biddie didn't come home last night."

"Didn't come home? Are you sure?"

"I was shopping at Ben's store, and Hannah came in and said that Biddie never came home last night at all."

"Well, calm down, we'll find Zach and see what's going on. Jeremy, go up to the North Ridge and bring Zachary back here."

"All right, Jason," Jeremy said as he started out of the tent. He almost ran into Joshua who was running into the tent.

"Jason, Sam is waiting for Zach to help on the ridge. Have you seen him?"
"Zach is not on the ridge? Has anyone seen him?"

"He hasn't been in camp all day."

"Joshua, sound the alarm. Send the men out in teams searching for them."

"Candy, I want you to go back to town and stay with Lottie. They may come back there. They probably just got turned around in the woods last night."

"Jason, Biddie knows these woods!"

"Candy, I know she does, but from what I understand, she wasn't exactly thinking too clearly last night."

"You promise to let me know anything you find?"

"Of course we will. Stop by Stemple's mill and tell him what's happened and ask him to send some men to help us. Now hurry."

The cave was dark, and damp. Biddie's eyes had finally adjusted to the darkness. She felt as if she was covered in spiders and dirt, she was afraid to find out if it were true. When she tried to move, pain shot through her like a knife. In the dark, she couldn't see her injuries, but she was positive that her ankle was broken. To her right, Zachary lay unconscious. Biddie had tried to awaken him, but the only result was some moans. She had no idea how long they had been here. Far above, she could see a shaft of light through the hole they had fallen into.

"Candy must be worried sick about me by now," she said aloud to herself. She thought back to the events after they had left Candy and Jeremy. Showing the lake to Zach had been a good idea at the time, but, in the darkness, she had gotten all turned around, and they had fallen into this cave. Somewhere along the way, she had lost her shawl. It had been her grandmother's. "Oh, well, at least we're alive," she sighed.

Joshua and Sam had scoured all the trails between the cabin and town, and there was no sign of them. He tried hard to think of other places to look.

"Sam, let's head back to the camp, maybe someone has found them.

The trees were dense in the forest behind Jeremy's cabin. Even in the middle a bright, sunny day, it was still dark as night there. Jason and Jeremy looked hot and tired as they passed the big rock for the third time.

"Jason, it's as if they fell off the face of the earth."

"Now, Jeremy, they've got to be here somewhere. Think, where else can we look?

"On brightly lit nights, Candy and I always go for a walk by the lake."

"The lake, that's it! It's Biddie's favorite place. Let's go!"

Candy and Lottie sat drinking coffee in the kitchen of the dormitory. The aroma of baking bread filled the room. Hannah was at the stove stirring a large pot of soup.

"It all smells so good, Hannah, you're making me hungry!" Lottie said.

"I thought Biddie might be hungry when she got home. Besides, it keeps me busy."

"I need to help, Lottie, this waiting is driving crazy."

"Candy, Jason thinks you're needed here. The men will find them, don't worry."

The logging camp was deserted when Sam and Joshua returned.

"I guess they're still searching, Josh," Sam said.

"It looks that way, let's get some more water and check out the section below the North Ridge."

They filled their canteens and headed North out of the camp.

Mary Bolt entered the kitchen of the dormitory carrying Jacob.

"Have you heard anything yet?" She asked Candy as she handed her the baby.

"Not a word,"

"Candy, everything will be fine. The whole town is looking for them."

"I know Lottie, I know." Candy said as she played peek-a-boo with Jacob. This was the baby's favorite game and he showed it by several deep belly laughs.

"Well, young man, you are in need of a diaper change," Mary laughed as she picked him up.

"Here, Mary, let me do it, I need the practice," Candy told her...then added, "Oops!"

The other three women just stared at her as she skillfully changed Jacob's diaper. She looked up to find herself the center of attention.

"What? Haven't you ever seen a baby get changed before?"

"Sure, we're just waiting for you to tell us."

"Tell you what?" Candy asked sheepishly.

"Your big news, why you need practice."

"Well, I can't use Molly and Christopher, they're too big!"

"So when is the big event?" Lottie asked.

"Sometime around Thanksgiving. You're the first ones I've told. I've been waiting for the right time."

"I think the right time found you!" laughed Mary. "Good, now Jacob will have someone to play with! The next generation of Bolts continues!."

"Please don't tell anyone else. I haven't told Jeremy yet." Candy pleaded as the women hugged her. She hadn't been ready to share her secret yet, but at least it had taken their mind off the situation.

Captain Roland Clancey stood on the deck of the Shamus O'Flynn. He could see the town of Seattle off to his right, the totem pole standing tall. Only a few more minutes now, and they'd be at the dock. He couldn't wait to see the look on Jason Bolt's face when he saw the cargo he was carrying. The sea spray whipped across the deck, stinging his face. A life at sea was all he had ever wanted. He couldn't imagine living on land. He loved Lottie more than she knew, but he couldn't love anything or anyone more than the sea. One day, he hoped to bring both of these loves together. He wanted to marry Miss Hatfield and travel the world with her. "Ah, that would be the perfect life, now wouldn't it.?" He thought to himself. His reverie was interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. He turned to find Dr. Allyn Wright and her friend Karen standing behind him.

"Captain, we were wondering how long until we dock," Asked Dr. Wright.

"Well, now, Darlin' it will be just a minute or so. Seattle is off the starboard side. You might want to get your things together."

"Thank you, we already have. One of your men brought them up on deck for us." Karen said.

Clancey excused himself and went to the wheelhouse to prepare for docking. The ladies stood on the deck watching the ship moving closer and closer to the little town.

"Allyn, do you think we will find Zachary? The men in Tacoma said he was heading here to Seattle."

"I'm sure he's here, Karen. We'll ask Jason to help."

"It doesn't look like too many people live here, there's no one on the streets."

"Seattle has quite a few citizens, Karen, I guess they are just busy doing other things... I think you will like it here."

"I hope so... it was a big decision to move West."

"You'll be fine. Hold on to the rail, we're getting ready to dock."

The ship shuddered as it made contact with the dock. Two of the crew members jumped over the rail and tied off the tether lines, and put down the gangplank. The ladies disembarked, and walked down the dock and over to Lottie's Saloon. The closed sign was on the door.

Biddie woke up suddenly, not remembering where she was. The darkness frightened her for a second, then she realized she was still in the cave.

"Biddie, are you awake?"

"Zachary! Are you all right? You were unconscious for so long. I was worried about you."

"My head hurts but I'm fine. Are you allright?"

"I think my ankle is broken."

Zach lit a match, and held it up high. He looked over at Biddie's ankle, and gently touched it."

"Ouch!"

"I think you're right, it's broken. We've got to think of a way out of here."

"As far as I can see, the only way out is up! Biddie said, as she pointed to the opening far above.

"Hmm, I can't imagine how we can get out that way. We need some light. I'll be right back."

"But, Zachary..."

"Don't worry, I'll be only a minute."

Zachary crawled around the cave feeling for something to use as a torch. He found a large stick, and crawled back to Biddie.

"Biddie, tear off a piece of your petticoat, please"

"Why I never!"

"No, I just want to use it to make a torch! I can't see in the dark anyway. Please hurry."

"Oh, all right then, that's different," Biddie said as tore the bottom trim off her petticoat.

Zachary tied the strip of cloth around and around the stick, then lit a match to it.

"Biddie, I am going to try to find a way out of here. Can you be brave here alone? I won't be gone long.

"Please hurry, my foot is getting numb."

"I will." He said. Then, on impulse, he kissed her on the cheek.

Biddie touched her hand to her the spot his lips has just brushed. She smiled to herself, forgetting for the moment what was happening around her.

Jason and Jeremy walked around the lake and surrounding forest until they knew every rock, tree, and leaf. They stopped to rest in a peaceful clearing overlooking the lake.

"Jeremy, I'm beginning to think you were right, maybe they did fall off the face of the earth. Have we missed any part of this area?"

"Well, there's this one spot over there I think we should check closer," he said as he pointed to his left.

"Well, let's get to it," Jason said as he started off in that direction.

As they walked past a small group of boulders, Jeremy thought he spotted something on the ground.

"Jason, over there, I've see something!"

As the men approached, Jason could see something white caught on a rock.

"That's Biddie's shawl, she was wearing it last night!"

"They must be around here somewhere then! Biddie! Zach!" Jason called.

"Biddie!" Jeremy yelled.

Down below in the cave, Biddie heard her name. She recognized the Bolt brothers' voices.

"Jeremy! Jason! Down here! We're down here!" She called as loud as she could manage.

Candy answered the knock on the door to the dormitory.

"Allyn! What are you doing here?" She said as she hugged her. "Come in!"

"I'm here with a friend, looking for someone. Hi Lottie, Mary."

"Hi, Dr. Wright! It's good to see you. Did Jason know you were coming?" Lottie asked.

"No, I only came to help Karen find her brother. Ladies, this is my friend, Karen Harris."

"Nice to meet you," Candy said, then thinking for a second added, "Harris, did you say your name is Harris?"

"Yes, I'm looking for my brother Zachary."

The three Seattle women were speechless for a moment, then Candy spoke.

"Karen, I'm afraid I have some disturbing news for you, you'd better sit down."

At the lake, the cave's opening was surrounded by the men from logging camp and Mill.

Jason and Joshua lowered Jeremy through the hole.

"A little more, it's only a few more feet, Jason," he called to his brother.

"Jeremy, watch out for my foot!" Biddie said as she tried to move out of the way. Zachary stood at the base of the hole waiting to grab the rope from Jeremy. Once on the ground, Jeremy tied a splint on Biddie's ankle and then tied the rope around her waist.

"Okay, pull her up now, but be careful, Jason."

Soon, Biddie was lying in the back of a wagon headed for town. Zachary rode up front with Jeremy telling him about their adventure.

"We were walking along, talking and the next thing I knew, I'm waking up on the floor of that cave! "

"I'm just glad you're both all right. The whole town was looking for you two!."

The dormitory was a flurry of activity. Biddie was put in a bed on the ground floor while Dr. Wright treated Zachary's head wound.

"It's nothing serious, but, you'll have to take it easy for a few days. You're going to have quite a headache, though."

"That you, Doctor. Have you and Karen been here long?"

"No, we only arrived a little while ago. Karen was pretty worried about you."

"A lot of people were! This town has been kind to me."

"There are some very nice people here. I think it's perfect for you and Karen. Well, I need to set Biddie's ankle, she should be settled in by now."

"Take good care of her Doctor, she's very special."

"I will."