RILEY

Maximus. A remarkable man no matter how you look at it. There’s no real bad angle to Maximus Decimus Meridius. He is honorable beyond belief, powerful in mind, body and spirit as well as tender to a fault.

I remember the first time I saw Maximus in the flesh. He was the first ‘brother’ I met in this world. Things were so different then. Everything was different, we lived differently. The men shared the women and the women enjoyed every aspect of that. It was how we believed it all worked, until one day … it didn’t anymore.

Human nature prevails and slowly but surely couples paired off and slithered into the woodwork to build their lives. Finally, we all learned that we didn’t need to do it alone. That life would be stronger together. Now we’re all marrying and again a family. But my first meeting with Maximus will forever remain important in my heart. Needless to say, the Gladiator made one hell of a mark on me. The General taught me to live every moment. Damn important lesson.

Today is a special day. Today Maximus will present his new daughter to the world in a way only he could do. We were all standing, crammed tight in the parlor. All the Inn guests were off skiing and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. What happened afterwards was up in the air. I figured we’d all go upstairs to John and my apartment and do a little celebrating. Even Andy and Monica were available for any festivities, as the dining room is closed on Mondays. We all chatted quietly until Maximus stood in the center of the room, Sophia glowing with new motherhood and holding the baby in her arms. Everyone silenced.

“Brothers and sisters,” Maximus said and all eyes focused on the General. “This day I will present my child to this family, to the gods and to the spirits of this land. But before we begin the naming ceremony, I wish to explain the reasoning behind naming my daughter as I had … as we had.”

I held my breath. Now this should be interesting. Maximus continued.

“We have been through much have we not?” All heads nodded. “We have endured losses,” Maximus sighed and looked to Jack and Cory, Pullo and Valerie, Claudia, Egan and little Jacob. Gerry Kennedy. The General Maximus sighed. “And we have grown in numbers.” His eyes slid to the children and Jessie Curry’s belly. “Blessings all.”

“No!” Ruthie shouted, obviously a little tiffed because Mere was holding her hand tight keeping her between she and Hando.

We laughed and Maximus eyed her with a kind reprimand. “Oh yes, little one. Even you are a blessing,” he chuckled and Ruthie became visibly contrite and cuddled close to her father.

“But we are strong for it all,” the General sighed. “And strength is the reason behind choosing Lucilla as name for this child.” He took the infant from Sophia, cuddling her tenderly in his massive arms. “I wished to name my child for a woman of vision and undeniable strength, to call the spirit of that woman to watch over and protect this child.”

All heads nodded, finally understanding and noting Sophia’s brilliant, approving smile.

“Now,” Maximus sighed. “I beg your indulgence. If you would all get your coats, the ceremony will take place outside.”

Kim snorted, looking down at his polished Italian shoes.

“Put on your galoshes, brother,” Maximus teased and we all hurried to follow in a procession outside.

As we walked, I recalled Maximus over the years since his arrival here, in a world so different from his own; how he had acclimated and learned and still managed to retain his true self. Images slipped through my memory; Maximus playing football with his brothers; working years at Terry’s side in K&R; laughing and loving in his remarkable way. Maximus who had never failed to come when needed, fight for or against an idea. Maximus the General, the brother, the friend. Our strength.

I wasn’t surprised when he stopped at the Bear’s grave. Maximus had learned much on one visit to the Inn years ago. He had learned that the mystical elements of his world also existed in our world. The body buried beneath the ground and marked with the granite image of a large black bear was indeed a bear, but also a man; a teacher and guide, much as Maximus himself is. It is the shape shifting body of Grampa Luke, a kind, homeless old man who was as much a part of our property as the pond and the trees … and it is the body of a huge bear who had sacrificed its life to save John’s during a terrible avalanche accident.

We all circled the shrine and stood silently. Blessedly it was a warm day, reaching nearly forty-five degrees as we stood there in the noon sun. Maximus began speaking in his ancient, Latin tongue. We all watched and listened, even the children stood quietly and in awe. It was times like those that startling remind me of where he came from. But somehow, even though I had no idea what he was saying, I sensed he was not talking of the past, he was speaking of where we were going.

He knelt near the grave and placed two items that shook my heart. One; an ancient gladius, dangerous and ominous, sharp and glinting in the sunshine. The other; a branch from his vineyard in Sonoma. These two items were crossed and stark over the snow covered grave. He stood and spoke quietly.

“This is the crossing moment of my past and my present.” He took the tiny baby in his hands and raised her high above his head. “And this child is my future. Give me strength and courage, give me wisdom. I pray that the gods watch over this family, these children and this child with a ready sword. Whisper to them all that I love and honor them, that I forever stand ready to defend and care for them.” His eyes closed and I watched a tear trickle down his cheek. “I present … Lucilla Meridius.”

At that, we all drew in a shuttering breath. It was like the gasp of a newborn … our lives had once again been renewed and nothing felt like it would ever be the same again.

As we walked back toward the Inn, Gerry trotted ahead, turned and skipped backwards, his arms open. He was wearing one of his huge, charming grins. “Everyone!” he shouted. “Everyone!” We stopped and listened. “Now, you all know my bar isn’t open for business yet, but I’ve set things up for a private party to celebrate lovely Lucilla’s special day. Please, you’re all welcome … one o’clock.”

GERRY KENNEDY

Riley came up to me and kissed my cheek. “What’s that for?” I asked and she cuddled a hug. I squeezed her close, looking for John. His attention was on Nathan, trying to escape with a snowball in his little hands.

“Thanks,” she sighed.

“Well, you’re always doing all the family get togethers, all the work. Thought maybe I’d give you a break.”

Her eyes knowingly glowed. “Thanks for knowing you’re important to us all, Gerry. Anything I can bring?”

“Just your lovely self,” I grinned and headed to town.

Don’t ask me why I did this. Well, at least if you’d asked me earlier I’d have told you the logical reasons. I figured it would serve as a nice practice for my new staff, like a soft opening with friends only. A chance to test the place and take a good look at where we needed work. That’s not how I’m feeling now.

What I witnessed at that grave was nothing like an Irish Catholic Baptism, but it felt like more to me. It felt like … dare I say it? Family? And this was a family I wasn’t so sure I wanted to be a part of. Too late. Far too late. What I thought was going to be an exercise good for business, turned out to be a gesture good for the heart. It was almost like I’d gotten a final letter from Holly, telling me it was time to move on. P.S. I love you.

Inside my bar, renamed Kennedy’s Corner Pub, everything looked grand. Food was out in chaffers all lined on linen covered tables along the wall. My new wait staff was going to get a workout, as well as the kitchen guys, but I would be the only bartender. A little daunting, as I know for a fact, this crowd can do some serious drinking. I had my mixology book on hand and the bar was stocked and organized. Daisy had helped me yesterday with it, but she’s still a bit shaken after her ordeal with a would-be murderer, so I’ve been very clear that she is a guest and off limits behind the bar. I may crash and burn as a bartender, but at least I’ll learn a few things. Fuckin’ up in front of family is acceptable. At least Antony and Claudia had offered to help bartend, although how much help they’ll be is a curiosity.

I checked the sound system, still regretting the fact that I didn’t hire a live band or at least rent a karaoke machine. There were hundreds of CD’s to choose from and if someone felt like running the show, they were welcome to play disc jockey.

The food smelled wonderful and just as I was chewing a roasted carrot I’d snatched from one of the chaffers, they all started coming in.

Family. It all happened automatically. Granted, I don’t know these guys all that well, I’m not really sure I fit in at all … it just happened like puzzle pieces falling into place. Like a real family. Damn … my family. Go figure.

ENID

I love celebrations. At my age I’ve survived my share of family drama and now it’s fun to sit back and watch what everyone else is saying and doing. The men drink their beer and cocktails, gathering around the bar to share a joke and a laugh with Gerry and flirt harmlessly with the lovely redheaded Claudia. She catches Antony scowling at their attention and she whispers something into his ear and a wicked grin lights up his handsome face as he whispers something back in return. The flush in her cheeks suggests that she likes whatever it is he said.

“Are you people watching again?” Jessie edged up next to me and gave my shoulder a playful nudge.

“Guilty as charged.” I reached over and took her hand in mine. “How are your feet doing?”

She shrugged, holding up a swollen pink slippered ankle. “Not as bad as they were yesterday, but I still can’t fit into any of my shoes.”

“Well, you look very becoming in your black pantsuit, and your fuzzy slippers add a nice touch.”

“Oh well, I can’t see my feet half the time anyways, so I guess it really doesn’t matter.”

She grinned a dazzling smile and I felt such a sense of happiness. I’m about to become a grandmother for the very first time and my daughter and I have finally reached the point where we’re actually friends instead of adversaries. It’s been a long time coming, and I think my good natured son-in-law is the force behind most of it.

JOHN

The bar looked great! Frankly I was shocked. Not much had really changed; new upholstery on the booth banquets, new chairs, a new mirror over the bar, damn necessary since the original got broken during the final blow-out celebration as Old Maulder’s. But all in all, it looked the same, only … cleaner.

What I always thought was damn dark wood paneling, thick with years of grease splashes from a million plates of burgers and fries, was really a rich mahogany, now polished to a brilliant, high gloss and looking like glass. The wood floor must have been replaced with all new laminate wood flooring and chances are, no one was going to be tossing peanut shells on it too soon. The bar was stocked with a slightly higher quality of liquor and a lighted cooler with several international varieties of beer. Gerry had installed several strategically placed recessed lights. Now a person could actually see in the narrow hallway to the restrooms. Riley said the ladies room was the same but cleaner and my guess is the men’s was the same, except I sure hope he replaced that one broken urinal. Kennedy’s Corner Pub might look a little spiffier and be a little more attractive to the tourists, but he was smart enough to keep it just close enough to the original to retain the local trade as well. Good going, buddy.

Richie was picking the music until we all started griping, getting sick of  Sister Sledge. Yeah, We Are Fam-i-ly was apropos, but God sakes, fifteen times in a row? That’s when Terry took over. He waited until the silence had fallen and all eyes were on him. He pushed play and a Spanish guitarist, Riles suspects the piece was performed by Eva’s brother, rang loud and strong. It was damn good, sure better than Richie’s choices for entertainment … but that wasn’t all Thorne had in mind.

He walked to Eva and took her hand, leading her to the center of the floor and stepped back. The dance floor cleared and she began dancing the flamenco. Real flamenco. The kind you only see in classic movies. Her body was fucking gorgeous and her heels pounded the rhythm. It was her arms though that kinda got to me. I glanced around. Fuck. This gang was really getting into it. Every man had his mouth open and his eyes glazed over. Yeah, they were drooling. So was I. Damn, Thorne is one lucky puck. The way that woman could move? Shit.

Knowing Riles was watching me, I moved my focus around the bar. Antony and Claudia were helping Gerry bartend and I wondered what kinda Slow Gin Fizz a Roman General could mix up. Across the room, poor Egan looked lost. Takes time to feel comfortable with this brood, even though it was his choice to come to Vermont. He had his new business with Lach and he had Jacob to keep him centered. I wasn’t worried about Egan. He’d be fine.

Pullo had brought a pretty girl with him, Charlene something. Hell, I didn’t even know he was seeing a woman. Shows how on top of things I am outside of the Inn and my hopes to become mayor. Speaking of that, I noticed Daisy and Cory standing in the crowd and watching Eva’s dance. Lately, those two seem to be joined at the hip. After what happened the other day with Fisher, Daisy seems like a frightened waif, but Cory is being gentle. Bud would be proud. My eyes continued to take in the family.

Jeff and Kelly Wigand, well into the second half of their first year of wedded bliss, are still acting like newlyweds … and Ben and Tracy are still acting like they’re not. Ben was in a deep conversation with Tracy, standing off to the side, his eyes often slipping to the flamenco dancer bewitching us all. Next to them, Kim was standing all alone. I’d heard he had asked Emily to the celebration, but it seemed she had other plans. Poor dude. 

I couldn’t help it, my eyes were back on Eva Menendez soon-to-be Thorne. Damn that woman could move!
 
NATALIE

Everyone grew quiet as the Spanish guitar music filled the room. Terry escorted Eva to the center and kissed her cheek before taking his place at the edge of the floor. She stuck a pose, back arched, head down. Her hands held the corners of her shawl open behind her and when she turned, we could see its colorful embroidery and beading. She was breathtaking; dark hair smoothed back to a long, full ponytail hanging in waves down her back and a red rose was attached to the clasp. Her deep wine-red dress was elegant, yet simple and its full skirt just barely swept the floor as she slowly twirled in place, her eyes closed in preparation for the dance. Suddenly, a tenor voice rang out a Spanish cry over the speakers. Eva lunged and struck a pose, her shawl high above her head. A slow drum beat emerged from behind the voice. Slowly, seductively, she turned and twirled, her heels keeping the rhythm of the music which gradually grew faster. The beat reverberated under my skin … my heart began to beat in time and I could feel the thumping down to my toes. She was mesmerizing, absolutely beautiful.

I glanced over at Jack. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes were glued on Eva. He followed her every move, his fingers tapping in time on his knee. I watched him watch her … my husband, my lover, my mate. His movements became more agitated as the dance went on; hands clapping, feet stomping with hers. I wondered if maybe I should take some flamenco classes, or maybe belly dancing? In the past few weeks, we’d grown so much closer, but something was still lacking. Maybe a seductive, private dance would ignite that spark we seemed to be missing.

Eva finished her dance, her skirts flying high as she twirled, feet tapping rapidly as the music built to a crescendo. Faster and faster until we could barely breathe watching her then suddenly … a loud chord and she stomped, one arm high and the other wrapped around her waist, her face turned up to the ceiling. There was a pause while we shook ourselves out of the trance she put us under, then we applauded loudly, everyone leaving their seats to offer congratulations and thanks.

Luckily, Zack took over the DJ job and a slow torch song oozed out over the speakers. Couples began to take to the floor and sway to the music. I grabbed Jack’s hand and pulled him out with me. This wasn’t his style of dancing. In his day, it would have been scandalous to hold each other so close in public. But … he didn’t object when I wrapped my arms around his neck. He put his hands on my hips as we began to sway, getting lost in the music and the closeness of each other. After a few moments, I just couldn’t take anymore. Eva’s dance, Jack’s warmth, his smell, the feel of his lips brushing across my neck … I couldn’t bear to wait. “Hey, Jack,” I whispered, “how’d you like your own dance? A private one, maybe? In our room?” He pulled back in surprise and I grinned and batted my eyelashes. He roared out in laughter, nearly drowning out the music, and it wasn’t long before we gathered up Chelsea and headed for home.

LACHLAN

There’s so much to be thankful for as we head full force into winter. Friends and family all gathered together, creating new traditions as we prepare to celebrate a few old ones.
I spent some time listening to Zack and Richie trade good natured, rowdy insults with Jeff and Matt, sharing a laugh and a beer as Jess and I shared glances across the room. I wanted nothing more than to take her in my arms and join the others on the dance floor. But Enid seemed to be feeling no pain after a couple of gin and tonics so I headed on over to join them.

“Hello gorgeous.” I came up behind my wife and took a nibble of her ear.

She smiled and grabbed my hand. “Your lips are cold.”

“The beer’s even colder.” I caught Enid’s eye and gave her a teasing wink. “Hey mom, did you remember to bring your dancing shoes?”

She sat down her drink and grabbed my hand. “Oh honey, did Jessie ever tell you that I once won a jitterbug contest. Let’s go!”

She pulled me out onto the floor and I have to admit, the old girl sure knew how to cut a rug.  

EMILY

I had planned on spending the afternoon snuggled up in my apartment with a good book and supply of instant hot cocoa, but Adam had called from out of the blue and invited me out for coffee. I almost begged off.

“Come on, it’ll do you good to get some fresh air.” We had spoken on the phone a little earlier and I thought I’d made it clear that I really just wanted to be alone, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Just one cup of coffee, maybe a chocolate chip cookie and I’ll have you back within the hour.”

Against my better judgment, I agreed, carelessly throwing on a comfortable pair of jeans and this very warm but ridiculous red Christmas sweater that my mother had sent me. Pulling on my boots and an equally ridiculous snow cap, I grabbed my coat and went downstairs to wait for him.

A few minutes later he pulled up in his truck. “Hey, I would have come upstairs to get you. You could catch a cold or something standing out here like this.”

I settled in to the passenger seat and faked a smile. “I just needed some fresh air to clear to my head. It’s been a long week.”

“You work too hard. You should let someone pamper you once in a while.”

“Well, maybe coffee will do the trick.” I knew where this conversation was headed and I quickly changed the subject. “So, what have you been up to all day?”

I listened as he told me about visiting with his cousin the night before and when we arrived at the coffee shop, I caught myself glancing over at Old Maulder’s, located just across the street. Well, it’s not really Old Maulder’s any longer, but I knew that Kim was somewhere inside celebrating with his entire family. I watched several of them walking in.

The coffee shop was jammed with tourists and Adam pointed out a lone table in the back corner. “Why don’t you go grab a couple of seats and I’ll order for you?”

I left him standing in line and waded through the crowd, snagging the table before anyone else noticed it was available. Some woman sitting behind me was having a loud conversation on her cell phone and I tried my best not to listen. I failed.

“Oh tell me about it. Ever think that men were created only to drive us women crazy?”

Oh brother, did I ever.

“Who? Oh, you mean Mr. Business Suit? No, I’m definitely not interested.”

I reminded myself that it was rude to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself.

“What happened? You mean I didn’t tell you? Oh man, it was crazy. He calls me out of the blue one day after ignoring my phone calls for months. I had the feeling he wasn’t interested, but I liked this guy, ya know? So he invites me over and it turns out his girlfriend’s left him to be a participant on some reality show, and he’s totally shit-faced drunk. He’s babbling and practically crying over how this bitch just up and left him and oh yeah, I forgot to mention that he answers the door in this ratty bathrobe and it’s obvious that he’s wearing nothing underneath and so I’m thinkin’, maybe he needs the whole dominatrix routine to help snap him out of it. So I get him back into the bedroom and he just passes out on the bed.”

I felt my heart skip a beat and I couldn’t find my breath. Hell no. It couldn’t be….

“So, I’m standing there trying to figure out what to do and guess who shows up out of the blue … his girlfriend. Yeah, it was like something out of a movie. She sees me and goes all mental. It was really ugly. She grabs my riding crop and chases both of us out of the apartment, tossing all his clothes and stuff off the balcony. The neighbor’s were all looking out their windows at us and it was so embarrassing. I felt kind of bad for him because he kept babbling about how much he loved her and I should have followed my instincts and left as soon as I realized how drunk he was … what’s that? Oh, I did try to call him afterwards to see if he was okay, but he refused to answer any of my calls. Hey, what are you and the girls doing over New Year’s? There’s this new club I’d like to check out …” 

I felt sick. Of all the places to run into the infamous PonyGirl, and there I was, just inches away from her. I glanced over at the order line and caught sight of the back of Adam’s head as he stepped up to order and I don’t know what came over me, but I had to get out there. Fast.

I didn’t even wait for Adam. I darted out the back door, feeling guilty but needing to be as far away from that coffee shop as possible. Maybe I was crazy, but without even realizing what I was doing I darted across the street and went into Old Maulder’s.

JACOB

Not all the grownups wanted to dance. Uncle Jeff and grumpy Uncle Zack seemed to be having a lot of fun over by the bar with Uncle Kim, who looked kind of sad. Aunt Jessie’s mother seemed like she was having a lot of fun dancing with Uncle Lachlan and Nathan was trying to dance with Ruthie but she kept pushing him away.

I looked around for Valerie and saw her sitting at the bar, spinning around on one of the barstools like a helicopter. I went over to sit next to her and waited until she stopped spinning.

I took a deep breath. “Um, would you dance with me?”

She seemed to think about it for a minute before answering. “You’re too short.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “That’s okay. You’re too tall.”

She smiled, and I felt good because Valerie isn’t the kind of girl who smiles unless there’s a good reason.

“Okay. But since I’m taller, I get to lead.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it didn’t seem to be all that important. Valerie said that I could do the twist really good and that she’d dance with me any time.

KIM

I’d been trying all afternoon to get into a celebration state of mind, but even though it was nice to have the family all together, I still felt empty inside. I was close to saying, bloody hell with it all, and joining Grant, Roberts and all the other misfits over at the bar when something bloody remarkable happened.

Emily appeared out of nowhere. She looked wonderfully out of place with her raggedy jeans and funny stocking cap with this big pink poofy thing on top, her cheeks and nose pink from the cold as she came towards me.

“Is everything okay?” She had this funny look in her eyes and I was worried that something bad had happened, but she reached for my hand and gave a shy smile.

“I think it’s time that you and I finally had a talk about a few things. Do you feel up to it?”

I wasn’t sure where it was headed, but something told me that my answer needed to be yes. 

She smiled as I nodded and led her over to one of the quiet booths off to the back.

MAXIMUS

I held my beautiful daughter and looked around the room. Many things were still in flux, but I could see that many things had worked out well. Difficulties seem to be the nourishment of these vines, and every family within the family was grinding wheat to make bread to see them through the winter. My brothers were genuinely happy, even the newest ones. Antony and Pullo had settled in nicely, Mr. Kennedy wasn’t even aware how valuable he had already become. And of our older men, Terry was seeing the light of day for perhaps the first time in his life; Jack was surely home with his wife in his arms; and John … well, John never looked so complete. Ben was proud and strong at his woman’s side and Lachlan glowed as much as his lovely wife. Yes, much had happened to form us all.

We are strong. We are a family in the truest sense of the word; invincible, flawed, perfect in our imperfection … and most certainly entertaining.