Later, after all the patient were taken care of, Dr. Wright met Jason at Lottie's.
"What brings you to Seattle, Doctor?"
"Karen asked me to come with her. We went to the same medical school. Being the only women there, we became friends."
"How have you been, Allyn? I've thought about you often."
"I've been busy building my practice in San Francisco. Karen met me there a few weeks ago. She came from Virginia to find Zachary."
"Find Zachary?"
"He's her brother. Their father died last year, and Karen has been trying to give Zach his share of the inheritance. She's had a hard time tracking him down."
"How did you find him?"
"His last known address was in San Francisco, from there, we followed him to Tacoma and then here."
"I'm glad you did," Jason said as he gently took her hand and smiled at her.
"Jason, Clancey tells me the dormitory will be empty soon. Have you got any plans for it?"
"Not at the moment. Aaron and I are trying to figure out what to use it for.
"How about a nursing school and clinic?"
"Now that's an idea! And who would head up this clinic?"
"Karen and I would. She has both nursing and doctor of medicine degrees. We want to prepare nurses to really work side by side with doctors, not just as maids to do their bidding."
"Sounds wonderful. I'll talk to Aaron. What about students?"
"We left about 60 of them waiting in San Francisco. They had all signed up, and we had nowhere to put them. We ran into Clancey in Tacoma, and he agreed to bring us here. He told us about the brides leaving the dorm."
"Seattle is growing everyday. I think this is just what we need. I know it's what I need...." He said as their eyes met.
Allyn turned her head away to avoid his gaze.
"Jason, I..I.."
"Allyn, what's wrong?"
"Jason, my husband will be coming to help us get started. Then Karen will eventually take over the whole operation."
"Husband? When did this come about?"
"About seven months ago, He's a doctor in San Francisco. His name is Timothy Moore."
"Congratulations, I hope you will be very happy. Now, if you will excuse me, I must get back to camp. I have a deadline to meet"
Jason walked out the door and up the trail to the mountain leaving Dr. Wright sitting alone.
Karen and Zachary Harris sat on the porch of the dormitory.
"You were very difficult to find, Zachary, I had almost given up hope."
"I'm sorry Karen, I haven't stay in one place long enough to write."
"Father was asking for you at the end. I promised him I would find you."
Well, you kept that promise. And I'm glad you did. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too. I brought you your share of Father's estate."
"My share?"
"He divided it equally between us. I sold the plantation and some land near Richmond. All but 4 acres that is. All together, your share is about $25,000."
"$25,000 dollars?"
"Father had some money in a safe deposit box."
"I had no idea there was that much money in the family."
"Neither did I. The plantation brought a nice sum. The land is rich for planting cotton and peanuts."
"I know, Father had a lot of success with those crops."
"What are you going to do with your share?"
"Well, I guess I can travel now without working for my passage."
"That's true... but I was hoping you would stick around here for a while. I could use help with the school."
"I'll think about it, but I usually don't stay in one place too long."
"This is a beautiful place, I'm glad I came here, I just wish I had some family here too."
"Karen, I told you I would think about it... can you please give me a chance to think?" he laughed.
"All right. But think about it quickly, okay?"
"I will. I promise"
Biddie rested on several pillows, propped up in her bed. She was telling Candy, Jeremy, and Lottie what had happened the night before.
"I was afraid when Zachary was unconscious. I couldn't help him. It was so dark in there! It seemed liked forever until you found us."
"It seemed like forever to us, too." Candy said.
"It was so silly of me to try to find the lake in the dark. I just don't know what I was thinking." Biddie exclaimed. Candy and Jeremy smiled at each other, they knew what she had been thinking... of nothing but Zachary.
There was a knock at the door, Biddie called,
"Come in!"
The door opened and Zachary came in carrying a huge bouquet of flowers.
"I wanted to see how you were feeling, " he said.
"Oh, I'm feeling much better, now." Biddie said as she stared at him all starry-eyed.
"I think we better go now," Lottie said as she signaled to Jeremy and Candy.
"Right, I think there are some things to do at the cabin, Jeremy."
"Things? What things?"
"Jeremy, we NEED to go finish getting things done...." Candy said as he pulled him by the arm.
"Oh, yeah, THOSE things. Bye Biddie, Bye Zach."
"Good-bye, thank you for coming," Biddie said absently as she waved.
"Yes, bye, nice to see you," Zachary said as he moved closer to the bed. The other backed out of the room pulling the door closed behind them. Once on the porch, they all started laughing.
"That's how they wound up in the cave!" Jeremy laughed.
"I have never seen anything like it before in my life," Lottie added as she shook her head. "That is amazing!"
Jason sat at his desk in the tent. He was supposed to be working on the payroll, but his mind kept wandering. He couldn't believe Allyn was married. Her husband had arrived yesterday, and he truly seemed like a nice man. She deserved a nice man, someone take care of her. He had wanted to be that man.
"Jason, the men are waiting for their pay," Joshua said as he entered the tent.
"Oh, yes, of course. Start sending them in, Josh."
One by one the loggers filed into the tent for their hard earned money. Jason checked their names off and handed them what they were entitled too. Zach was the last one in line. As Jason handed him his money, Zachary said,
"Jason, I think it's time for me to move on. My feet are getting itchy again."
"I see. I hate to see you go, Zachary. You've been a big help to me. I was hoping to make you foreman."
"I appreciate that, but I'm not used to being anywhere for a long time."
"Good luck then," Jason said as he stood up and shook hands with Zachary.
"Well, it will be a couple of days before I go. I want to be here for the opening of the nursing school. Karen's worked hard on it.
"I understand. Well, if you are ever back in Seattle and need a job, you've gone one waiting for you.
"Thanks, Jason. I'll talk to you later."
Sitting on a sofa with her foot propped up, Biddie supervised Candy arranging
knickknacks on a shelf. They had been putting things away all day long in Biddie's new cottage. It was located on an acre and a half of land near the edge of town. Jason had provided the land, while Aaron provided the lumber. The loggers had built the house over a two week period. The cottage was two stories high, with two bedrooms on the second floor. There was a water pump in the kitchen sink. The house also had an indoor water closet, which was indeed a luxury. The Bolt Brothers had wanted to make sure Biddie didn't have to go out at night alone for any reason. Biddie was thrilled with her little house.
"Candy, this place is wonderful! I feel like a queen. It was so nice of everyone to build it for me.
"The whole town loves you, Biddie. We wanted you to have a nice place all your own."
"Well, it certainly is nice. Thank you for helping me get settled in."
"You're welcome. This furniture Clancey brought from New Bedford is perfect in here. I didn't think we'd ever find a use for it again. Mother really loved this settee," Candy said as she lovingly rubbed the back of the small sofa.
"I can see why, it's lovely."
"Well, I'm tired, I think I better be getting home. Molly and Christopher will be getting home from school soon."
"Bye, Candy."
"See you soon."
So far, her secret was still hidden from Jeremy. She had not told him about the coming baby. They had been so busy lately! There had been the rescue, the camp deadline and then designing and building Biddie's house. For the past two days she had helped her get her stuff put away. She would be unable to hide her condition for much longer. She needed to tell Jeremy as soon as possible.
She walked home trying to figure out what to say. Puffy clouds dotted the crystal blue sky, sunbeams shining among the trees. Days were never like this in New Bedford. There was something about Seattle, and the Northwest Territory. The colors seems deeper and brighter. It was as if God had painted them with a palette and brush. The short walk from Biddie's tired her. In fact, it seemed as if she was tired all the time. All she wanted to do was sleep.
Jeremy and Christopher were sitting at the table doing homework when she entered the back door.
"Hi, Honey. Did you get Biddie settled?" Jeremy asked as he gave her a kiss.
"Finally! The house is ship-shape. She's really happy about it."
"That's good."
"Hi, Christopher," Candy said as she ruffled his hair.
"Hi Candy, Jeremy's helping me with my math."
"Good, do you think I could borrow him for a little while?"
"Oh, sure, I'll go finish in my room."
"Thank you, sir. See you later."
"So, Mrs. Bolt, you wanted to talk to me?"
"I was wondering if you could get some of Mother's furniture for me from Clancey's dockhouse?"
"Furniture! Candy, we have no room for more furniture in here! Where we would we put it?"
"In our room."
"Candy, honey, our room is jammed packed now! We can hardly walk in there now."
"Well, I guess we can add on a room to put the cradle in." Candy said quietly.
"I don't think we need to add on a room just to put a cradle in it. That's a lot of time and expense just for one cradle. Cradle? Did you say c-c-cradle?"
"Uh, huh," Candy said as she nodded her head. "And you're stuttering again, dear."
"We're going to have a baby?"
"Yes..."
"When? Shouldn't you be sitting down or something?"
"Jeremy, I'm fine just standing. It's due around Thanksgiving."
"That's wonderful!" He exclaimed as he hugged her tightly. "We'll need to tell Molly and Chris."
At Biddie's house, Karen and Biddie were making plans for the reception following the dedication of the nursing school. The answering of a knock at the door, brought Allyn and Timothy into the discussion.
"I think that we should have the reception in the dormitory so everyone can look around, " Karen said.
"I agree. Biddie, we need you to make out a list of townspeople for us, including the town council."
"I surely can do that. What else can I help with?"
That's all for now," Allyn told her. "We've just need to get the decorating and the food finished."
"Well, I'll help with that, then."
"Oh, no you won't! You need to stay off that foot, Miss Cloom!" Dr. Wright told her.
"Oh, my heavens! I'm just so tired of staying here with nothing to do!"
"I know you're bored, but it won't be much longer until you'll be up and around. Your foot is healing nicely. Maybe we can think of some other things you can do for us here."
"Thank you, Dr. Wright."
"I think we should ask Jason Bolt and Aaron Stemple to sit on the podium. They played a big part in all of this."
"You're right, Timothy. That's a fine idea," Karen agreed.
Allyn looked slightly uncomfortable at the mention of Jason's name. He had been cordial, but cool, whenever their paths had crossed. She knew she had hurt him deeply. They had not had a formal understanding, but there had been a bond there. She should have written to inform him of her marriage.
"Are you all right, my dear?" Timothy asked his wife.
"Oh, yes, of course. I was just thinking of something else. Please continue."
The more Zachary thought about it, the more indecisive he became. He knew in his heart that he loved Biddie. He had not told her this yet, because he still planned to leave Seattle soon. It wouldn't be fair to tell her how he felt. She would be hurt when he
left. He didn't feel right keeping it to himself either. As much as he wanted to go, he also very much wanted to stay. He sat on a boulder overlooking the lake, the same lake that Biddie had wanted to share with him. This could have been the very spot where they would have sat and talked. It made him feel close to her.
The entire Bolt family was at Candy and Jeremy's for dinner. Jason was roasting chicken over a spit. Candy had made fresh green beans and cornbread. Mary and Joshua had brought mashed potatoes and a big coconut cake. They were celebrating a Bolt family milestone, the anniversary of Jonathan Bolt's arrival in America. This was going to be a feast! Molly and Christopher ran in and out and around everyone playing tag. Baby Jacob lay on a blanket watching all the movement around him. Josh and Jeremy played checkers on the porch while the women set the table. Jeremy kept looking at Candy, and whenever their eyes met, he broke into a sly, knowing smile.
"Jeremy, keep your mind on the game! You just jumped your own man!"
"Sorry, Josh," he said as he turned his eyes back to the board.
Joshua took his last king and skillfully jumped all of Jeremy's remaining men on the board.
"Whoa, Little Brother! I've never beaten you at checkers before. Where is your mind these days?"
"On whether or not you'll have a niece or a nephew come November.
"What? You're kidding! Jason, did you hear that? We're going to be uncles!" Josh called to his older brother. The Bolt men slapped Jeremy on the back, and hugged Candy.
"This is indeed an anniversary we will long remember." Jason said, then added, "To the Bolt Clan."
"To the Bolt Clan, " The others chorused.
Karen had gotten a note from Zachary saying that he had left Seattle during the night. The opening of he school the day before had been a huge success. Everyone in town was there, and the Governor had even made an appearance. She was not surprised that Zach had left, he had said he would go after the opening. As she sat at her desk, she wondered when she would hear from him again. Suddenly, she heard the bell clanging in the town square. She went to the window and looked out. Jason Bolt was
the one pulling on the rope to the bell, with a small crowd gathering around him.
"What's going on, Jason?" Aaron Stemple asked as he joined the group.
"Biddie is missing again. She couldn't have fallen in a hole this time, she can't walk. Candy went by her cabin this morning and she's not there. She's just gone."
"Well, maybe she's out with Zachary."
"No, he left town yesterday," Candy said.
"I'll get the men from the camp, Jason," Jeremy volunteered.
"I'll get the Mill workers, we'll search the South Ridge," Aaron called as he ran toward his office.
"Jeremy, take your men to the North Ridge. Candy, you and Lottie search here in town."
The women nodded and started off in different directions on the main street. The sound of horses hooves and wagon wheels filled the air. Candy turned toward the direction they were coming from. A large, ornate black carriage pulled up beside her. Not recognizing it, she watched to see who got out. The driver got down and opened the passenger door. A finely dressed Zachary Harris descended the steps of the carriage.
"Zachary!" Candy exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello, Candy. What's all the commotion about?"
"Biddie is missing, and we"
"I'm not missing! I'm right here," called a very familiar voice from inside the carriage. Zachary tipped his hat to Candy, and went into Lottie's smiling.
"Biddie? Is that you? The whole town is looking for you!" Candy said as she climbed through the door of the carriage.
"Oh, dear, I thought we would be back before anyone missed me."
"Back? Back from where?"
"Tacoma. We left yesterday afternoon."
"Why in the world would you go to Tacoma?"
"To get married, silly."
"Married? You got married!" Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, we were just going for a wagon ride on the road near the lake. We were talking, and Zachary told me he couldn't leave because he loved me. So, he asked me to marry him. Off we went to Tacoma. Isn't this carriage just beautiful! We're rich you know."
"Biddie you are so SILLY!" Candy said as she hugged her friend.
With Biddie's marriage, Jason soon faced another dilemma. Early one warm summer morning, Jason reported to the logging camp as usual. He entered the office tent only to find himself surrounded by loggers.
"Well, gentlemen, to what do I owe this honor?"
"Jason, we're quitting," said the spokesman for the group. His nickname was Bunyan, because he was six feet, seven, and towered over the others.
"What brought this on?" Jason asked.
"We've been here for months now, and there are no women for us to court."
Jason shook his head, thinking to himself, "Here we go, again!"
"Well, men," he said, "I've had some experience with this particular problem. I will see what I can do. Until then, do you think we could get back to work? We have a quota for the day."
"Jason, we're serious. If there are no women, we walk out."
"I understand that, Bunyan, but you must give me some time to work out a solution."
The men talked among themselves for a few seconds, finally, Bunyan spoke.
"That's fair. You have two days."
"Two days! That's not enough time!"
"Two days...."
"All right, two days. Now back to work."
The men filed out of the tent, picked up their tools and headed up the mountain. Jason stood at the open tent flap watching them. He had to think of something, and quickly. He needed these men to help with the government contract that Jeremy had just procured for them.
Clancey stood on the gangplank watching the "gaggle of geese" as he referred to the group of young women on the dock. He had just survived bringing his second group of young women to Seattle. Praise be, he had not had to travel as far with them as he had the Brides three years ago. San Francisco was a much shorter cruise than from New Bedford.
"Now men, get all that luggage off here. We have a big shipment to pick up in Tacoma." He barked to his crew. He walked down the gangplank and across the square to Lottie's. He was in need of some refreshment.
Jason Bolt sat forlornly at the table with his brothers. All three of them nursed beers. None of them felt much like talking. Clancey burst in the door.
"Lottie, m'darlin! A drink for this poor old sailor."
"Fishface! I thought you were coming back yesterday." Lottie said as she ran over to him.
"Well now, darling I had to wait for Dr. Harris's students. Took them young ladies forever to get on board the ship. You know how women are."
At the word "women," Jason's ears perked up. He looked toward his old friend.
"Clancey, you say you brought women from San Francisco? How many of them?"
"Well, I never really counted them, but I would say about 60 or so."
"That's all I wanted to know! " Jason said as he raced out of the saloon with his brothers close behind. The Bolts approached the group of women gathered on the dock.
"Good evening, ladies. Can we be of some assistance."
"We're looking for Dr. Karen Harris," said a tall, blond young woman.
"We'll take you there. It's just across street. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jason Bolt, and these are my brothers, Jeremy and Joshua."
Josh and Jeremy both nodded hello.
"Nice to meet you all. I am Melanie Johnson. I'll be teaching at the nursing school. These are my students."
Jason extended his arm to Miss Johnson, and said.
"My brothers and I will take care of your bags, let me escort you to the school."
"Thank you," she said as she took his arm. The entourage walked across the square to the dormitory. Karen, hearing the commotion on her porch, came opened the door, and came out on the porch.
"Melanie! I'm so glad you're all finally here."
"So am I!" Jason muttered to himself.
"Did you say something, Mr. Bolt?" Karen asked.
"Uh, Uh, " Jason struggled to cover up what he was thinking. Then added, " I was wondering if you would have dinner with me tomorrow night, Miss Harris."
"I'd like that very much. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get the girls settled. See you tomorrow."
The women followed Karen into the dormitory, while the Bolts went back to get the luggage. Bunyan and some of the loggers were going into Lottie's and saw the Bolts picking up suitcases.
"Hey Jason, can we give you a hand?" He called.
"We could sure use it, Bunyan."
The loggers picked up all the luggage, and turned to look at their boss. Jason knew this was just what he needed.
"Where to, Jason?"
"It all goes over to the nursing school. Just put it on the porch and knock on the door."
"Right."
The Bolts leaned back on the totem pole and watched as the men placed their cargo on the porch to the dormitory. Bunyan knocked on the door, only to find it answered by Melanie Johnson. Bunyan was speechless at the young lady's beauty. Jason walked up behind him and slapped him on the back, and whispered in his ear,
"I think I just met my deadline." Then louder said, "Bunyan, meet Melanie Johnson. She and her friends are going to be living here in Seattle for a while." Then, Jason wrapped a big arm around each of his brothers shoulders and they started up the trail to their mountain. The twilight shadows fell all around them.