TRACY

The little dog snuggled against me as I sat in bed waiting for Ben. Holy crap, I felt like crap. I’d caused so much trouble! I got so caught up in worrying about a stupid little dog, I completely lost track of the fact that someone could have gotten hurt. Someone did, Samantha. But it could have been so much worse. Oh God, it could have been Ben!

Tears dripped down onto the puppy’s head and he looked up at me, yipped then licked my face. You simply can’t help but smile when a little dog licks away your tears, but the fear beneath it all still remained.

When Ben came from the bathroom and climbed into bed, I didn’t wait for him to ask me to evict the dog, I just set little Pierre LaFluff down on the floor and turned to cuddle. Man oh man, Ben was being so nice. If I was another kind of woman, I’d have just taken the “get out of jail free” card and ran, but I just couldn’t.

“Ben?”

“Yeah?” he said into my hair, his arm already tight around my waist and pulling me close into a perfect spoon position.

“I want you to know I love you.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I respect you.”

“Yeah.”

“And I will never, ever, ever interfere again as long as I live.”

“And?” he said, his palm cupped a breast.

“And … I’m sorry.”

“All right darlin’. I’m holdin’ you to your word.” His hot lips nuzzled the back of my neck.

Yip! Yip!

“Hush now Pierre LaFluff. Hush,” I said.

The dog continued to yip then yap then whimper and cry then went right back to yipping.

“Quiet, StuntDog!” snapped Ben and we didn’t hear one more peep out of our newest member of the Wade family. And … the way we went at it, you’d think we were trying to make the Wade family even bigger.

“Tracy,” Ben whispered just before entering me a second time. “Ya gotta know. I love you too, darlin’. Don’t ever make me so scared of losin’ you again, you hear?”

“Yes sir.”

Yip.

EGAN

Samantha sat at the foot of the bed brushing her hair as I watched in the darkness. The evening was cool and I’d offered to start up a fire, but she shook her head, saying that she’d rather get her warmth from me this night.

I’m not sure which upset her more; the stray bullet that grazed her temple or Jacob’s crying and throwing himself into her arms as she came out of the emergency room. She has this sense of confidence about herself that might put some men on the defensive, but it’s one of the first things I noticed about her and I find it sexy and intriguing as hell. Her strength and sense of doing what is right is strong and constant, but tonight, for the first time, I saw her confidence waiver.

“Come to bed.” I patted the space beside me and pulled back the covers. “You’re safe and Jacob’s sleeping peacefully just down the hall.”

She lay down her brush and came over to snuggle in beside me, her body soft and warm as I pulled the covers around us.

“I can’t forget the look in Jacob’s eyes.”

I tightened my hold around her and gently kissed the top of her head. “He loves you.”

“I love him too – I think tonight I realize just how much I love both of you. But now I feel as if I’m facing a decision that I never thought I’d have to make.”

I felt the familiar sadness in my heart. We’ve had this talk before and I’ve never tried to force an ultimatum. I learned long ago that you can’t force anyone to change and all you can do is hope that they’ll find their way back to you. But I suddenly realized that perhaps what Samantha needed was a little bit of persuasion. I took a chance of my own in order to keep her with us.

“Then give it a trial run.”

She sniffled and snuggled in closer. “Give what a trial run?” 

“Step back and take Ben up on his offer to put you on Dispatch. He’s got enough officers to handle the job and it’ll give you a fresh sense of perspective. See if you can handle being a desk jockey.”

Her body melted into mine as she gave a soft sigh of resignation. “I don’t want to lose you or Jacob, but this is so scary for me. I’ve always been so proud of my job.”

“What would your grandfather say?”

Samantha had a deep spiritual bond with her grandfather and he had always been the one to champion her fierce sense of independence as a teenager, much to her mother’s dismay.

“Perhaps I should give him a call and find out.”

I held her close, tracing my fingertips along the length of her arm. She was asleep in a matter of minutes and I was left wide awake to do some worrying of my own.

JOHN

Now how did I know this was only gonna get tougher? Never fails, but no matter, I gotta hold things together, in this case … hold Eva together. I hated getting that call from Dino. It was one of those calls, good news/bad news and no real answers. But all the same, I was charged with informing Eva about the situation.

Today is one of those perfect autumn days. Vermont shines this time of year, all golden and crisp, the air was a chill warmed by the bright sunshine. Somewhere on my property was Terry’s woman. It was my mission to find her and break the news. When did I get recruited for all the hard stuff, huh? Where’s the out clause? You know, the one where I can refuse to take the mission and the tape would disintegrate in thirty seconds? Seems John Biebe doesn’t get to say no.

God sakes, I wouldn’t anyway and I know it. It’s not that I like this part of my life, I just accept it. Worrying about my brothers and sister-in-laws health and wellbeing comes with the territory. I know for a fact that Terry does the same. So in this case, I’m more than willing to take the brunt and take care of Eva until everything’s resolved in the Basque Country.

Yeah, right. Until I spotted her. That’s when I got cold feet and wished Riley was with me.

Eva’s an extraordinary beauty; dark, ethereal, elegant just like a dancer should be. She has that thick Spanish accent … and those steel tipped flamenco shoes … so no one messed with her. She’s strong and soft all at the same time. She thinks before she speaks, believe me, a rarity in this family. She’s a blessing and a pleasure … and sad and lonely all at once. Broke my heart seeing her sitting alone at the pond like that.

She’d found the second best place on all the grounds to think. The other was actually only known by a few of us; Maximus, Riley, Lach, me. It’s the bear’s grave. Hell, most guests didn’t even know it was a bear’s grave or the story behind the brave creature/spirit teacher who’d deeply affected me and my wife. It was just a quiet grove near a big oak with a stone statue of a grizzly to them.  To me, it’s my place of sanity and prayer. Yeah … I pray. Hell with all the crazy shit in this family, someone has to, right?

She looked up and noticed me coming. I could see her stiffen so I did my best to look softer.

“Nice day, ay?” I joined her on the bench.

“Si, yes, a beautiful day.”

“Should see when that pond freezes. I teach the neighbor kids how to ice skate. Pond hockey. It’s a blast.”

She turned those eloquent eyes. “I can imagine it is wonderful. John?”

“Yeah, Riley makes hot cocoa and cookies and it’s a great time. Sometime I light a bonfire and we roast marshmallows.”

“John?” Her voice was so quiet, so tender. Damn.

“Have you ever had a marshmallow roasted over an opened fire?”

She didn’t even blink.

“All soft and gooey inside, some nice brown crispy edges … Dino called.”

“Yes?”

I took her hand. “The news is they’ve located Carlos and are going in after him very soon.”

She blinked back tears. “And Terry?”

Damn, damn, shit, damn, motherfucker! “Uh … Terry’s in a little … danger right now.”

LACHLAN

Looking back now, I wish I hadn’t let my emotions get the best of me, but something just snapped when I overheard Enid speaking to Martin Dominguez on the telephone, making plans for yet another lunch date this very afternoon.

This bloke, my client, had been wasting no time in courting my mother in law. Now normally I reckon that Enid can look after herself, but Martin Santiago Dominguez is a man of the world, and Enid is, well, my mother in law. She deserves better than some two timing lothario, and it bothered me to no end how this man had just taken over her life. It’s always, “Martin this” or “Martin that” or “I’m sorry my lunch ran into overtime, but Martin took me out to this lovely restaurant and we just lost track of the time.”

It was a simple enough plan to put into action; discreetly follow her and Martin as they drove off in his car; wait until they get seated inside the restaurant, then I’d make my entrance and confront the bloody bastard who’s been ruining my mother in law’s reputation.

Problem was I never counted on Enid’s response to my attempt at intervention. While Martin simply smiled and invited me to join them, Enid gave me an icy stare that chilled me to the bone.

“Don’t bother, Martin.” She sat her napkin on the table and grabbed her purse. “My son in law will be driving me home now, and I’ll call you later this evening.”

Once in the truck, I started to take us back over towards the office, but Enid wasn’t having any of it.

“Take me home.”

The tone of her voice was icy cold, and I knew better than to press my luck and try to cajole her into a better mood. Where just a few minutes earlier I was certain that I was doing the right thing by championing her honor, I now realized that I had crossed the line. When we pulled into the driveway, Enid turned to me and I knew I was going to get an earful.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so angry or humiliated in my entire life, Lachlan Curry. If you’d only bothered to ask, I would have told you that Martin and I are simply good friends. He’s a very fine individual whose company I enjoy and he’s always been a complete gentleman. You may not believe this, but men and women can be friends without there being anything of a sexual nature involved.”

She reached for the door handle and was just about to get out when she stopped and turned to face me.

“But even if our relationship had been one of a sexual nature, it would hardly have been any of your business, young man.”

I expected her to slam the door behind her for emphasis, but she didn’t.

Jessie came out to greet me as I walked up the front steps, holding a squirming Amanda in her arms. “Hey, home for lunch? What a surprise.”

I reached for our daughter who squealed in delight to see me. “Well, I guess now I am.”

Jessie gave me a puzzled look and I explained what happened.

“Maybe I should go talk to her.” I was about to hand Amanda back and head on up to Enid’s flat, but Jessie shook her head.

“Babe, take my advice and let her cool off a bit first. She’ll come around eventually, but you’re going to have to give her some space.”

I then had an idea. “What if you talk to her?”

Jessie shook her head. “No way. This is between the two of you and you’re going to have to wait her out.”

“I thought I was doing the right thing.”

Jessie gave me a rueful smile and a warm hug. “I think Mom’ll realize that … in a few days.”

My heart sank even further.

NATALIE

Life seems to be becoming more peaceful, although there is a constant undertone of strain at the farm. Yes, everyone is pleasant and friendly, Jack is spending more time with the horses and East, and never has either shown up with a black eye so my hopes are high that eventually this will all improve. Needless to say it’s a prickly situation. I feel guilty. Jack feels guilty. East feels guilty. At least no one is pointing fingers without first pointing at themselves. So far we’ve managed. Perhaps with time the true brotherhood between my husband and East will heal. Perhaps.

I was in the kitchen with Chelsea baking cookies, sugar cookies that I rolled out for her to use the cookie cutters and create whatever she wanted. It was a fun collection. Jack-o-lanterns, Christmas trees, Valentine hearts and even a guitar and a boat. We were having so much fun I wasn’t prepared when I was sideswiped with something Chelsea said.

“Mommy, lookie. For Catherine!”

My heart sank but I smiled. “Oh sweetheart, that’s so nice. She’ll love taking them up to heaven for her friends.”

“Do her friends like footballs?” Chelsea poised the football cutter over dough.

“I’m sure they do.” I couldn’t help it, I had to turn away. This is a pain no parent ever recovers from. Losing a child just isn’t natural. It’s just not right. Jack has been hinting at having another baby but in truth, I’m just not ready to even think about it. We have Chelsea and now we have Eddie. There’s enough on my plate for now.

A knock on the door startled me. Did East smell the baking cookies? Or maybe Jack’s sweet tooth was tuning him in to our kitchen activities.

But as I opened the door I look way, way up at a very concerned Pullo. Beside him Valerie shuffled her feet nervously and I immediately suggested she go out back, since Eddie was doing his homework on the porch back there and I’d be bringing cookies out soon. She skedaddled like I’d given her a death sentence reprieve.

“What can I do for you, Pullo?” I asked, waving him into the living room. He wouldn’t sit, just paced. Men pacing makes me nervous. “Just tell me what’s happened.”

Finally he thumped down onto the sofa. “I have done everything wrong. What kind of a parent am I?”

Okay, this was intriguing. I sat on the coffee table and looked into his worried eyes. “Just start at the top.”

“I was concerned for Valerie, she was so … moody … private. I found her diary and read about her feelings for Eddie. I assumed your son had encouraged those feelings so I confronted him. When that didn’t work, I brought him to my house to talk with Valerie. Now … my daughter won’t talk to me; she says she hates me and I can’t figure out why!”

It took a full five seconds for me to digest all this. “You did what?” I asked as calmly as I could.

“I worried?”

“No, not that thing, the thing about her diary.”

“I read it.”

“Are you crazy? Of course she’s mad, you’ve invaded her private thoughts, the ones she’s still so leery of, she may even be ashamed because of them. Do you really think Eddie encouraged her?”

Pullo gave a massive Pullo shrug. His shoulder almost took up my whole living room. “I assumed he had, but I’m no longer sure. In my time – ”

“Oh pooh on your time. I hear enough of that from Jack. Buddy, this isn’t your time. It’s now, and one of the ways to understand your daughter is to talk to her. I mean wow, if my dad had done what you did, I might still not be talking to him!”

The man looked destroyed. He wrung his hands. “Have you any suggestions?”

“Pullo, if I had any suggestions about fixing broken relationships, I sure as hell wouldn’t be in the position I’m in.” His eyes flickered and I bit my lip. “Never mind that. Let’s try something. Come with me.”

In the kitchen I plated several cookies, poured two glasses of milk and put it all on a tray. Pullo rescued Chelsea from her much hated high chair and we all went out to the back porch. To our surprise, Eddie and Valerie were on the swings, talking away like nothing was wrong. In fact, as we munched sugar cookies we overheard Eddie ask Valerie to go to the Snowball Christmas Dance with him in November.

“Just to save me from that red haired girl, ya know. She won’t leave me alone,” my adopted son said real quickly.

“Sure, sure. I can save you from her.”

“Um,” Eddie dragged his feet in the loose dirt under the swing. “It won’t be so bad. I can kinda dance, ya know.”

“Me too,” Valerie grinned.

“And, I kinda like you … like a friend and all.” Man, Eddie was good at the evasive thing, I’ll give him that.

Valerie smiled wide. “Exactly, like a friend and all. It’ll be really fun.”

Pullo turned to me. “What kind of dress will I be buying for the Snowball Christmas Dance?”

“An expensive one,” I laughed. “Have another cookie.

COLIN

Kennedy’s Pub seemed like the right place to take Vicky to celebrate her getting hired on at Tracey’s salon; friendly atmosphere, good food and music, and I’d have her back home early so she could get an early start for her first day on the job tomorrow.

“You’re spoiling me; you know that, don’t you?”

Her eyes were sparkling as I opened the passenger door and helped her up into the SUV. She seemed so happy tonight and it was then that I realized that her whole attitude has been lighter ever since arriving in Vermont.

“You deserve a bit of spoilin’, love. Watch your fingers.” I closed the door and walked around the front to the driver’s side. The night was cool and the scent of wood smoke was heavy on the air. I suddenly realized that I was enjoyin’ the change of seasons and that my attitude had been lighter as well. The holidays were just around the corner and it was at that moment when I realized that I intended to stick around to celebrate ‘em with the family. There just didn’t seem to be any rush to be anywhere else.

“I hope you’re hungry.” My stomach was growling and I was fancying a steak. Vicky laughed and adjusted her seatbelt.

“Actually, I’m famished. I was so nervous when I went in to talk to Tracey earlier that I haven’t eaten since breakfast, and even that was just some coffee and toast. I seem to work and think better on an empty stomach.”

“Well, order whatever your appetite tells you to, and leave room for dessert.”

“You trying to make me fat?” She smiled easily, her eyes still sparkling.

“I like a sheila who enjoys her food. No need to worry about impressing me, because I’ve seen you covered in grease and wearing coveralls that were two sizes too large on more than one occasion.”

She gave a soft laugh and nodded her head. “Well, you have to let me pay you back for tonight’s dinner as soon as I finish my first week. Your choice of restaurant.”

I shook my head. “I have a better idea; I need a haircut.”

“You gonna trust me with those notorious sideburns?”

It was my turn to laugh. “What? You don’t fancy ‘em?”

“Well, to be honest, when I very first met you, I thought they were kind of attractive. I mean, in a dispassionate, just making an observation sort of way.”

“And now?”

“I can’t imagine you without them. I guess it’s kind of like when a man who’s worn a beard or mustache for years suddenly goes all clean shaven; it’s a bit of a shock, especially when you realize that they looked better with all that facial hair. I think your sideburns fit your personality and if it works, why change it?”

“I once dated a sheila who tried to trim them while I was sleeping.”

“Well, I’m glad she didn’t succeed. Keep the ‘burns. But I’d be happy to trim your hair for you.”

When we arrived at the pub a few minutes later, there was already a thirty minute wait for a table, so we waited over by the bar. Vicky ordered an iced tea and her eyes widened when I ordered the same.

“I’d have thought you’d be ordering a bourbon or something.”

I shook my head. I got my secrets too. I don’t drink anymore. “Just enjoyin’ the company.”

She blushed, but just then a new song started to play over the jukebox and I grabbed her hand. “Fancy a spin?”

“I’m a terrible dancer.”

“So am I, but I don’t think anyone’ll mind.”

The dance floor wasn’t very crowded, and it felt good to take Vicky in my arms. She laughed when I stepped on her toes and poked me in the ribs.

“Maybe I should just stand on your feet like I used to with my dad when I was little.”

“Not with those bloody heels, you won’t.”

We both laughed and I’m not sure what came over me, but I saw my opening and leaned down to kiss her. It lasted only a moment, but she was still smilin’ when I drew back to look into her eyes.

“What was that for?”

I shrugged and grinned. “Well, you haven’t slapped me yet, so I reckon you didn’t mind too much.”

She drew away just a little and we both stopped dancing. Uh oh, I thought, Here it comes.  But her answer surprised me.

“It was nice. But I think with me you’re gonna have to take it a little slow.”

It wasn’t a rejection, and until that moment, I hadn’t really been aware of my intentions. But as we stood there on the dance floor, I wondered why I hadn’t thought of kissing her sooner.

“I can do slow, love.”

RILEY

I don’t like to worry John. He carries so much and sometimes I act like I don’t even realize his emotional load. The Mayoral election is in two weeks and he’s so hopeful. I’m due in four weeks (and hoping it doesn’t happen election day!). Eva is so concerned for Terry and Carlos and the most recent news was neither positive nor negative. It was just news. Neither of us is talking about Cal, where he might have gone and why he hasn’t called. I know John’s freaking out about it. I know because I am too. And … I have a sneaking suspicion a vampire is behind it all, and trust me, that suspicion has nothing to do with Halloween.

Tonight when John kicked off his shoes and snapped back into his recliner to watch the World Series, I had a sudden need to let him know how much he means to me. Dinner was supposed to be something delivered, but I’d started a pot roast around two and it was perfect. I didn’t shout for him to come to the table, I took a beer and big bowl of stew to him. I didn’t mention that he’d forgotten to put in the linens order for the Inn, I didn’t hint that my birthday is coming up … I simply loved being close to John.

In a few short hours, with no real effort on either of our parts, we seemed to find the truth of our love. John and I are simple people, easy people. But John is by far the saint in our marriage. Every one of us has pushed him beyond the limits and every single time he’s stood strong for us, no matter the situation or problem.

If I loved him more at that moment, I think I might have burst. I sidetracked any conversation about the Inn or the family. I soothed his life, if only for one evening, with his favorite beer and a neck rub. And get this … not once did he ask why. He didn’t suspect I wanted anything or was about to break bad news. I think he simply knew it was genuine love and appreciation. John may be a man, but he can read me real well.

He took me to bed before the ninth inning and loved me sweet. We held each other and talked quietly about the new baby on the way, the fun Nathan will have with his new little brother … us. Nothing but us. Just me and John and our children.

When he fell asleep I wrapped in one of his wool plaid robes (since none of mine fit) and I went up to the left tower room.

“Cal?”

Silence.

“Where are you?”

More silence. I huffed.

“Listen, if you’re with Eric Northman, please ask him to take good care of you.”

I said a few prayers then returned to my warm bed and warm husband. And I wondered how I got so lucky to have what I have.