RILEY

I woke up at six AM sharp and jumped from the bed, pulled on a pair of sweats and a tee shirt then poked John’s arm. He doesn’t like mornings. He growled and tried to pull me back in but I won. No time today. It’s Lachlan and Jessie’s wedding day! I love weddings, especially here at the Inn. I quickly shuffled Nathan to the babysitter (he does like mornings) and headed out to the gazebo gardens.

I’d added as many touches as I could to make it even more beautiful; more peach roses and lots of green ferns along the inside of the large white tent and all around the gazebo. I had added flowers to the Chinese lanterns hanging everywhere too. Officially the guests would arrive at eleven and the ceremony at noon. I only had a few hours to make it all perfect! Jess and Lach were insisting the wedding would only last until sunset, but I have my doubts. This family likes to party … but then again, this family is getting older, now aren’t we?

Solving problems is my forte, and of course this day was gonna be filled with problems. Not even six-thirty and Chef Chris was in a panic, one of the ovens wasn’t working and he had a hundred Yorkshires to bake. One phone call and a lot of pleading got a repair man over and before Chef even had to get the pastries into the oven, it was fired up and working again. Whew, one disaster averted. Things seemed in line with the construction too, as by nine AM the last engine was quieted and the workers had left. Yay. The hired wait staff was on time, setting everything up; the hired bartender was ready early enough to help set up the buffet tables and I was dressed and at my post at ten forty-five sharp … standing at the pathway with my clip board in hand.

John, on the other hand, was not ready. That was my fault. I got the last minute idea that twinkle lights should be added everywhere and he got the job. I love him; he’s so damn good to me. The lights added the ambiance I was hoping for but he smelled to high heaven when he stood beside me, his flannel shirt sticking to his chest and soaked with sweat but a big grin on his face.

“Don’t you have something to do, John?”

He snorted, kissed my cheek. “Off to shower, don’t worry; I’ll be back on time.” John is giving away the bride.

I watched him leave and took a deep breath, regretting having to refuse him earlier. Am I out of my mind? Refusing John is say saying ‘no thanks’ to fudge brownies. I’ll do my damn best to make it up to him later. But … I’ll have to think about that later too. The guests were arriving!

Wigand and Kelly, also newlyweds and glowing; Andy and Monica, who ran off to check on the wedding cake she’d made, all peach roses over luscious fondant. Zack and Debbie arrived, having driven up from New York this morning with Dino and Terry. Debbie looked spectacular, but then again, she is playing her hand for a wedding of her own. Mere and Hando walked along the path, Ruthie’s hand tightly gripped in her daddy’s, thank goodness. One sweep of a Ruthie tornado and all the hard work could be ruined before the bride and groom ever showed up. But Dino and Terry? I was assured they had arrived but they weren’t in the gardens.

Then I turned and saw Cory’s back, standing all alone and taking in everything. His broad shoulders really made that summer tweed 1950’s jacket look so good. His hair was clipped to perfection and I noticed he was wearing a watch. I never knew Cory to wear a watch, but his grandfather always wore a watch, one with a big face, all gold. Really cool. I was wondering what his vintage tie looked like so I walked up. “Hey Cory, where’s Daisy?”

And he turned. My stomach actually shook. People say Cory looks exactly like Bud but he doesn’t. Only Bud looks exactly like Bud and I watched the man grin … then shrug … then disappear. Damn …

“You okay, Riles?” I turned to see Cory and Daisy.

“Yeah, perfect,” I felt a secret sigh of satisfaction build. It was so special to know Bud was still an active part of the family he loved. “Just … perfect.”

JESSIE

Emily had just finished twisting Valerie’s hair into a neat French braid when a knock on the bedroom door reminded us that zero hour was approaching.

“Hey Jess, it’s me,” Jeff Mitchell’s voice called out from the other side of the door and my mom went over to let him in.

“My, don’t you look handsome?”

Jeff grinned as all four of us turned to look at him. He did look especially nice in his charcoal gray Armani suit. “You lovely ladies all look beyond enchanting.” He winked at my mother and I swear she actually blushed.

“Jess, you look beautiful.”

I felt my cheeks redden. “How’s Lachlan?”

“Hung over, but he’ll survive.”

“What?” All three of us adults exclaimed in unison.

Jeff gave me a shit eating grin. “I’m just kidding. He’s out by the gazebo helping John and Riley with a few a twinkle light malfunctions.”

“Is he, um, nervous?” I had to know.

Jeff shared a look with my mom and grinned. “His Marine friend Badger arrived last night and they’ve been boring me to tears with talk about their antics on the flight line. Riley put him to work as an usher and I think he and Skinner are both in the running to see who can dance with the most attractive waitress.”

Valerie’s head shot up at the mention of Max Skinner’s name, and Emily reminded her to hold still while she bobby pinned the wreath of flowers onto her hair.

Just then John appeared in the doorway right behind Jeff, looking equally as handsome in a dark gray suit. “You ladies about ready? Everyone’s seated and I’m about to sic Antony on your fiancée’s friend, that fella who goes by the name of Badger.”

“Oh God; what’d he do now?”

Jeff gave a snort and John just shook his head. “Let us worry about him. Lachlan’s waiting.”

He held out his arm to me and smiled. “God sakes, you look beautiful.”

I hoped Lachlan would feel the same way.

LACHLAN

You’d think that a bloke about to forever end his days of bachelorhood would be more nervous than a wombat surrounded by a den of hungry dingoes, but all I can think about is that in a matter of minutes Jessie and I will be officially married. Everything that I ever wanted is finally about to become a reality.

Of course, Badger’s arrival last night created a bit of a diversion. He tried his best to get me and Mitchell to head out into town to hit up some of the racier bars, but ended up getting drunk with Mitchell and passing out on the porch somewhere around nine PM. He came back inside sometime around two, complaining about some homeless bloke hiding out near the old Monkey Puzzle tree. I figured anyone crazy enough to try and camp out beneath the widow maker would get whatever was coming to him eventually, and dragged Badger off into the guest bedroom to sleep the rest of it off.

Enid caught up with me earlier this morning as I stopped by the Inn’s kitchen for bit of tucker to hold me over until the ceremony. She told me that she was happy that Jess had finally met her soul mate and I have to admit, that made me feel like I was almost walking on air. I know she and Jess have had a difficult relationship in the past, but I can’t help but like her. Maybe no longer having my own mother to confide in has made me more tolerant of the silly things that drive two family members apart; but I think Jessie and her mom reached a point of understanding last night and everything’s going to be just fine.

The JP arrived a few minutes ago, and Mitchell’s just signaled that John’s on his way out with Jessie and Valerie. I took my position at the foot of the gazebo and my breath caught in my throat at the sight of her as the wedding march began to play and they started down the walkway towards me.

She’s absolutely lovely.

JEFF MITCHELL

It feels pretty nice to get out of my jeans and flannies and put on a ripper suit and tie for a change. I’ve never been one to overdo the GQ routine, but it reminds me that I’m not a half bad looking bloke and maybe I need to consider getting back into the dating game. Maybe seeing Lachlan so deliriously happy and touching base with the family after being away for so long has helped give me a stronger sense of security. Sure, I have friends that have no relation to my life here in Vermont, but I’m feeling like I want to put down roots and settle in for the winter. I like the sense of history that we all share and it feels so bloody good to be surrounded by people who accept me and my lifestyle without question.

I watched Riley as she ran about this morning, assigning everyone with a task or errand like a seasoned drill sergeant and I can’t help but laugh. All these hulking men who tower over her jumping to when she snaps her fingers and woe betide the bloke who tries her patience this morning as she tried to make everything perfect. Although, I think Lachlan’s mate Badger might find himself on the business end of the Roman army – apparently he has this thing for redheads; he took one look at Antony’s lady Claudia, and well, let’s just say that the General is less than pleased. Good thing Riley set him to seating the guests, but I don’t think Wigand will appreciate him making the move on Kelly. Oh well, what’s a wedding without a little bit of a tussle?

HANDO

Things ain’t been so good at home. I been taking shit out on Mere and I was sure paying for it. Until we dressed to come to the wedding, I wasn’t sure if she’d be talkin’ to me or not. What’s on my mind? Fuckin’ Colin.

The blokes gone over the edge with his fuckin’ big NASCAR winner attitude. I know for a fact he’s fuckin’ around on Carrie, but she don’t know yet. Really considered tellin’ her too, but Colin’s my mate and I’m thinkin’ maybe I gotta find some way to help him find his way back to being normal again. But how can a bloke act normal when his face is plastered on Sports Illustrated, not once but twice in one season? And the fuckin’ season is far from over. Either way, can’t be pushin’ Mere over the edge ‘cause I’m mad at Colin.

After the ‘I dos’ we found our name cards and sat at a table. I looked at her. So pretty, my Mere. Always happy and laughin’ … unless she’s yellin’ at me … which I usually deserve. She was talkin’ with Zack’s shiela and Kelly Wigand. Then, she surprised the shit outta me when she turned to talk to me.

Little stuff, nice stuff. Was she puttin’ on a good show for the family? Nope, ‘cause her hand was now on my knee under the table where no one else could see. This wasn’t a show. I sighed.

“When we get home tomorrow, we gotta talk, Mere.”

“Okay. Is it something bad?”

“Not about us. I need your help with a problem, love. Somthin’ eatin’ at me.”

“Maybe,” she leaned close and stole a kiss that made me feel good for the first time in weeks. “Maybe we can talk tonight.”

Maybe we should.

KIM

It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a wedding and usually I avoid them like the plague. There’s just something about those crazy gowns the bridesmaids end up wearing and everyone feels it’s their right to come up to you and ask when you’re finally going to take the plunge.

I’m happy for Lachlan; he’s always struck me as the kind of bloke who needed a wife and a lot of nippers, but things just never seemed to work out quite his way. It looks like he’s finally found what he’s been looking for.

I look at Emmy and I can’t help but feel like she’s the one I’ve always waited for as well. She’s changed so much about the way I look at things, always challenging me to try harder and keeping me on my toes at every turn. Everyone likes her and for some crazy reason, she’s decided that I’m worthy of her time and attention. Hey, I know that I’m a pretty hot commodity on my own, but Emmy makes me realize just how much better things are when she’s around.

Maybe I should bring up the subject of settling down and seeing what she thinks?

RICHIE

Nice wedding. Good food and wine. But hey, how the hell did I end up at this table? Most everyone else was taking their name cards and moving to other tables but then again, all those tables were couples. Me, I’m at the Lonely Hearts Club table. Me, Skinner, Pullo, Terry, Dino … and Natalie with her twins. Tell ya what, I really can’t tell if I’m at the singles table or the kids table because Biebe’s son and Hando’s crazy daughter kept coming over to join the little girls. Started getting on my nerves.

“Hey Nat, maybe you and the kids are supposed to be at another table,” I teased as she fed the babies some goop from jars and handed them bottles they kept tossing across at me.

“Another table? Are you nuts? What woman in her right mind would walk away from all you gorgeous men?” Her hand patted Terry’s beside her and I groaned. The newest toss from little Chelsea was a spoonful of mushy orange strained carrots. She thought it was funny as did everyone else as I wiped the crap from my face. Ain’t family gatherings fun?

ENID DALTON

I think that every mother longs for the day of her daughter’s wedding. There have been times when I had almost resigned myself to going to my grave without the benefit of such an event of my own, but over the past twenty-four hours my faith in the existence of miracles has been restored.

I’m a bit verklempt at the moment, touched beyond reason by the generosity of all these wonderful people who my daughter has surrounded herself with. Riley, the woman who owns the Inn with her husband John (who also happened to have the honor of giving my daughter away) had pulled herself away from her own busy schedule of overseeing all the wedding preparations to make sure that I was comfortable and have everything that I need. What’s to need? I have a beautiful room fit for a queen, my daughter looks like a princess in her peach toned wedding gown, and I’ve just gained a son-in-law who is the nicest thing since the Aztecs discovered the way to process and manufacture chocolate. Top it all off with a grandbaby on the way and my cup simply runneth over.

For what’s being considered a small wedding, I can’t help but marvel at the variety of folks attending. The men are all handsome beyond measure, even the intense looking man with the rather frightening tattoos. My first impression was that he was what’s referred to as a skinhead and I grew alarmed that anyone would allow such a creature to attend this wedding, but Lachlan assured me that this young man’s tattoos were the vestiges of a former philosophy in a former life. I’m not sure what that means, but he was accompanied by a lovely woman with incredible soulful eyes and an adorable little girl who charged ahead of them like an excited puppy without a leash. 

Then there was the cowboy dandy, who was introduced to me by the name of Ben Wade. His voice was like hot butter and his lady friend Tracy, explained that she was a hair stylist and that Ben was running for the position of town sheriff. It was a little exciting to think that Jessie has found herself such an influential bunch of friends and I could hardly wait to tell my own friends back home all about it.

Soon as the wedding music had started to play, John came to our room to get us. Like Lachlan, he’s such a handsome young man, although a little older with a twinkle in his eye that I’m sure is meant only for his wife Riley. He held out his arm to Jessie and as we headed out to the pathway that led up to the Gazebo, he said something to Jessie then turned to me, smiling.

“Enid, I think it’s only right that you stand on the other side of Jessie and we’ll both walk her down the aisle together.”

I glanced over at Jessie and my eyes filled with tears.

“Oh ma. Please don’t cry. I’m having a hard enough time not crying as it is,” Jessie whispered. 

“Come on you guys,” the little flower girl Valerie called out as she came back to get us. “Everybody’s waiting.”

I took my daughter’s arm and John gave us a moment to gather our composure.

“Okay girls; everybody ready?”

We both nodded, then the three of us headed up the aisle where Lachlan smiled and waited. It was the most beautiful ceremony I’ve ever seen!

BEN

Tracy looks like a queen, all pretty in a blue dress. The best part is that her hair’s blonde again. No streaks of green or blue or red, just real pretty yellow, curly and soft. I think I like it this way the best. She’s not so mad at me today either … about me not wanting her to have a shop. She said we’d talk about it later.

Later. Everything’s kinda like that right now. I gave me a speech last Friday. Went real good too, lot’s of newspaper people and lots of voters too. They were cheering when I was done with tellin’ them all about my platform. Turns out a platform is nothin’ more than sayin’ what I intend to do as sheriff. Everything I said made sense except that one thing just wasn’t real clear to me. When we were all done, drivin’ back to the Inn, I asked Roberts.

“What the fuck is a mall, anyway?”

After he finished laughin’, he just snorted. “Something you don’t want in a town like Stowe.”

The next day, me and Tracy drove to Burlington and she took me to one of them there malls. She bought her pretty blue dress and all the other stuff women want to make ‘em so pretty all a man wants to do it tear it off of her. When we finally got outta that damn place I knew damn well Roberts was right. I sure as hell don’t want one of them there malls in my town.

That’s when I really started to wonder. When the hell did I start really wanting to be the Sheriff of Stowe Vermont? The election is Tuesday and I’m getting’ kinda scared. Hope I don’t pack a bad move. Be nice to win, but maybe I should start thinkin’ about what to do if I don’t.

CORY

I had her on the dance floor, holding her close and whispering the whole time. Daisy has been kinda weird lately. I think she’s getting used to my new look … and it is my new look; no different than the long black hair and a Ramones tee shirt, all black and silver, half-tucked into tight leather jeans. This is how I wanna look now … and I think it’s cool. And, I’m thinking it isn’t my clothes or the fact that I’ve removed my nose ring that has her so ticked. Those dreams with granddad are probably right, so I took the opportunity there on the dance floor to whisper to her.

“Baby, I’m gonna start focusing on the films. Got another offer from the producer to do some travel videos for the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. I accepted the assignments and … well … I want you to come with me.”

She opened her mouth to respond but I kissed her. I knew what she was gonna say, that she had a job, that the Biebe’s might not like their bartender jetting off for a few weeks but I’d fix that, smooth it all over. There were other things I still had to say, so I continued whispering real soft in her ear.

“Daisy, I also want you to help with editing the election piece on Ben. Maybe help me set up background info for John’s campaign. Least he won’t really be rocking and rolling for a while; Mayoral election isn’t ‘til May.” We both chuckled. John’s speech was really good last Friday, but the voters’ minds were on Wade for Sheriff so the impact was kinda missed. No problem, he’ll have lots of chances to turn voters heads. John is well loved in Stowe. Maybe they all just figured he’s a no brainer for mayor.

“And,” I kissed her ear and felt her tremble, grinned ‘cause it made me tremble to see it. “I’m steering clear of the tough stuff. We got enough cops in this family to handle that shit. I’m gonna stick with what I –”

I didn’t get to say anything else; she was kissing me like mad. So hard and hot, in fact that it was Grant who slammed his shoulder against my back and hissed, “Get a fuckin’ room.”

Daisy shot a scowl at Grant and gripped my tie. “Come on, lover. We already got a room.” And we left them all behind.

SKINNER

“Six whites and three really excellent reds,” I was saying, deep into a negotiation with Pullo that seemed to continue no matter where we were.

“All red,” he grunted and our eyes slithered to the waitress with the full frontal view that would make any red blooded man’s mouth water.

“Toss you for her, mate,” I grunted into my wine glass.

“No, no, no!”

We turned to stare at Valerie. She looked so sweet and pretty all dressed up as the flower girl. But, Valerie was still Valerie and I leaned back in my chair. “No, what?”

“No. That waitress isn’t good enough … especially for you.”

I snorted and Pullo looked kinda hurt. “Why especially for him?”

Valerie sat between us and propped her arms on our respective shoulders. “Maxie is special. He needs a good wife.”

“Wife?” I spat.

“Yes. Daddy has me and you need a good wife. That lady smokes and chews gum,” her eyes went big as saucers. “Once I saw her come out of Old Maulder’s! She was drunk!”

“Sounds like a sterling woman to me,” I sighed, watching her clear empty plates from the next table.

“No! No, no, no!” Valerie huffed and walked away.

“No worries, Max,” Pullo grunted. “Apparently she’s good enough for me, I’ll let you know how it goes then, won’t I mate.” But he didn’t leave to chat up the buxom beauty; instead he shuffled in his seat and continued the same bloody argument we’d been having for weeks. “All red wines. White wine is for pussies.”

“Pussies spend money, mate. Six white and three really excellent reds. It’s the best way to go. The only way to go.”

ANTONY

A marriage is a marriage and seemingly such tradition and superstition has not changed in hundreds of years. A man, a woman, locked together by arrangement or through love remains the mainstay of human existence, the center of the human family. Watching the festivities I am made clearly aware that it was well past time for my and Claudia’s marriage.

But even as I think these things, I am reminded of what comes after marriage. Claudia led me to Natalie and her two … lovely … squealing infants. No longer infants, they can now hold and throw things quite accurately. Too bad they can not grow to be Roman soldiers. Much could be gained through their technique.

Claudia, like most women, adores babies and it seems we were to tote those two along for some time this festive day.

“Which one is Catherine?” I cautiously asked and Natalie grinned a wicked grin.

“Which one do you want to be Catherine?”

I simply rolled my eyes and resigned myself to whichever one was placed into my arms. The little thing cuddled and cooed but I have known this tactic before. If it was Catherine, it was standard behavior. If it was Chelsea, I may not be able to relinquish her until well past midnight; the child was most tenacious in her possessiveness. 

Ah, but seeing my beautiful Claudia holding a child does tug at my heart.

TERRY

Walking away from Eva in San Sebastian was the most revealing thing I have ever done in my life. I learned more in those excruciating hours flying home than I thought possible. Of course, the sadness is nearly unbearable, but it’s somehow overlaid with a sensation of unmistakable hope. Hope that it is possible for me to truly find love. It just requires being present in the moment and letting the good things come. Simple? Hardly. But, there is hope.

I glanced around at all the happy couples, the lovely bride and her groom. Riley and John sitting together and talking on the gazebo steps. Hando and Mere dancing close. Life is meant to happen in pairs. Even a bloody priest has God. My other half is out there. Somewhere.

I spied my godson Nathan as he made his way around the gardens and through the people. Such a great little bloke, young Terrence Nathan Biebe. He displayed all the qualities of his mum and dad and a few that concern me a bit … a few that just might come from me, as they do say a child takes on a few characteristics of his godparents. I caught him subtly protecting one of Natalie’s twins from the other, then politely escort Valerie to the dance floor and wrap his arms around her hips to sway like the adults. Then I saw him rather expertly convince Ruthie to not destroy the icing roses on the wedding cake, successfully distracting her with the vintage hat Cory likes to sport. Watching the kid I was proud, but I wish I could have a real heart to heart with him, tell him, mate, good that you take care of everyone else, but don’t forget about yourself.

As if he heard me, he looked up and trotted over, climbing on my knee and giving a sweet cuddle. “I missed you Uncle Tewwy!” That lasted all of thirty seconds and he was off again for another adventure.

“You look well rested, Ter,” Natalie said softly and I turned to her. “Was Spain beautiful?”

“Spain was beautiful … Madrid, spectacular … Barcelona, delicious … and San Sebastian … San Sebastian was … amazin’.” I actually couldn’t go any further. Had to swallow hard and force a smile. “Tell me love, how’s Jack?”

“Jack is wonderful! I just saw him … real briefly … in Portland. A stopover for supplies and he’s off again for a few more weeks. The girls and I leave tomorrow for the new house in Maine. Oh Terry, it’s gorgeous! Absolutely wonderful!”

And she talked on and on. I heard most of what she said, got the gist of it all. Natalie and Jack are happy and I could tell the girls were healthy. It was actually just nice to hear the joy in her voice, what she was sayin’ didn’t matter.

Then I felt it. The hair at the back of my neck stood at attention. Was it a warning? An alert? And did I have the nerve to turn at take a bloody look?

EVA MENENDEZ

Mi hermosa medra had never taught me that life could change in the blink of an eye, at the turn of a glance or the brush of a tender touch. She had never told me that life is not in my control or that I must learn hard lessons to find my way. My beautiful mother had left this life when I was fourteen and my grandmother taught me only to show emotion through the dance.

Having tasted the truth of heaven and watched it leave my house, I spent several days struggling with my fears. Had Terry Thorne taken with him not only my heart but my soul? I could not sleep, could not eat. I could not … dance. I did the only thing I could do. I left my home to go to him.

I had thought to await him in New York, unsure of how I would be received in Vermont, a stranger at a wedding. But Terry had spoken so often of the town of Stowe, of the Inn and his family, I felt somehow safe making my way onto the property. I stood on the garden path and saw the bride and groom, all of the lovely women and handsome men. The children.

I had worn only a simple gold sheath dress, my mother’s shawl at my arms for encouragement. Looking over the gathering I closed my eyes. There was an energy of love and hope, of blessing and understanding. At first I could feel him, hear my own heart beating within his. Slowly I opened my eyes and I saw him. Terry. It was his back but I could never mistake his back, the slope of his muscular shoulders, the way his blue jacket fit snuggly across powerful muscles. The way he held his head. His stillness. Drawing in a deep breath I stepped closer, controlling my fear that he would not accept me, would never forgive me.

When he turned I blinked, a tear had escaped my eye and slid down my face. “Terry. Yes, I come with you.”

He stood and his eyes registered so many things. Fear and excitement, confusion and confirmation. When the smile finally pulled at his lips I breathed again. His arms embraced me and his voice was so quiet but so very sure.

“Bloody hell, Eva. I love you.” His chest shuddered against me and my hand moved to the back of his head. Our lips touched but only for a moment. “I love you.”

As we moved from the table I heard a man’s voice grunt. “Guess he’s going to sit at a couples table. Lucky bastard.”

“Fuck no, he’s going up to the Inn, you idiot,” said another.

RILEY

I gotta admit, I was surprised. Just as the sun kissed the top of Mount Mansfield and began a slow melt behind her, all the guests drifted from the garden, single men to the pub, couples to their beds, kids already dropping to sleep. Nat had kindly taken Nathan for the night and John and I sat alone on the gazebo steps, looking at the ruins that remained.

The rental company would be there in the morning to take the tables, chairs and tents. John and I would handle the rest of the cleanup after a good night’s sleep. But for now … we just sat, me tucked warmly under his arm and we talked.

We talked about the ceremony and we talked about the missing people … Maximus and Sophia, unable to come because she was in her eighth month … Colin and Carrie, off racing … East, Eagan, Braddock … so many who were simply not close enough geographically or emotionally to be a part of the beautiful day. Then the subject moved to Jessie’s mother and little Valerie’s crush on Skinner. We laughed and cuddled. It wasn’t me but John who brought up Terry.

“Who was she?” he asked and I shrugged.

“The love of his life?” I ventured then repeated it as a statement. “That’s who she is, that woman is the love of his life.”

“Good for Terry.” John stood with a groan and helped me to my feet. We strolled slowly toward the Inn. “Was a real nice wedding.”

“Yes it was,” I turned in his arms and kissed him gently. His beautiful baby blues gazed down at me.

“Ever regret our wedding … the fact that we didn’t do it with all this fancy stuff?”

“Never.” I glanced up at the left tower as we neared the porch. “Hey, you know who else was here today?”

“Who?”

“Bud.”

“Huh,” John sighed, following me up the stairs. “I thought I smelled Aqua-Velva.”