SAMANTHA

Keeping tabs on my grandfather has never been easy; medicine man and tribal elder, at 80 years old he still has the energy and stamina of a man half his age. Three years ago one of my cousins gave him his first cell phone and you’d think he’d be easier to track down. But grandfather has an uncanny way of knowing when his wisdom is needed and answered my call on the second ring.

“And how is my favorite granddaughter?”  There was no surprise in his voice, even though we hadn’t spoken in close to a year.

“I needed to hear your voice.”

“I suspect you’re more in need of advice.”

“Well, yeah, that too.”

He listened patiently while I caught him up with personal news. He didn’t interrupt until I mentioned Egan and Jacob.

As always, my grandfather focused straight to the heart of the matter. “This must be serious if you feel the need for my wisdom. But perhaps your answer is more simple than you realize. I can tell just by the sound of your voice that there is a strong bond with this young man, and sense that you already know the answer. Perhaps it’s time to listen with your heart instead of your head.”

“But grandfather, what if…?”

“Maybe spirit is trying to tell you that the time to be alone is over. Even eagles feather their nests.”

“But I’ve worked so hard to be taken seriously with my education and career and I’m afraid that this will somehow take away all that I’ve worked for.” 

“You know who you are, Samantha, and no one can take that away from you. If you love this young man and his son, perhaps it’s time to take on a new adventure.”

I sighed in frustration. “You make it all sound so easy.”

“And you want to make it more difficult than it is; loving someone is a good thing. Having them love you back is even better.”

“Sounds like you’ve been reading mom’s romance novels.”

His craggy laughter sent tingles of delight down my spine. “Oh, I can’t stand that nonsense. You know I prefer John Grisham.”
 
With the matter seemingly solved, at least on his end, we chatted for several more minutes with the promise that I would call home on Thanksgiving and Christmas. He knew without my ever mentioning that I planned to stay home again this year for the holidays.

It wasn’t until we had said our goodbyes that I realized that Vermont was now my home and that Colorado was simply where most of my family still lived. By the time I made it into the station and walked into Sheriff Wade’s office, I had found the peace I’d been seeking and there were no more questions or doubts behind the decision I made.

BEN

Some days are good, some are better.

Sure as hell didn’t know which way this one was goin’ when the first person to sit in front of me was Officer Samantha DeLaCroix. Yeah, yeah, I’ve learned a lot about how I should and shouldn’t treat my female officer but some shit just doesn’t die. Women ain’t supposed to put themselves in harm’s way. Period. I bit my tongue, waiting to hear what she had to say and let my mind wonder to a nicer time, when pretty ladies wore those tight corsets and big, long skirts over layers of petticoats and pantaloons and stocking tied with ribbon and … “What did ya say?” I had to ask, something about DeLaCroix words caught my attention more than what could be found excavating under white petticoats.

She blinked and one of her brows curled while the other shot up. I know that look; I’m in some kinda trouble. “I was just worryin’ ‘bout Biebe’s campaign. Election’s soon and I’m hopin’ he’s got a good shot.” There. Cool as hell. She actually nodded.

“I understand. I mean, it would be great for us all if John wins the election … but … I wanted you to know … I’m ready for … other … duty.”

“Other?” I leaned back, starting to feel kinda pleased, although couldn’t for the life of me say why. “What kind of other duty?”

“You know.”

She squirmed in the chair. Okay, maybe all those skirts and petticoats are a bit overrated. DeLaCroix has a great caboose on her, but that’s not what I’m supposed to think these days. I pulled my focus up to her eyes. “What kinda duty.”

“Desk duty, sir,” she almost whispered.

“You’re sayin’ that like it ain’t an important job or somethin’.” I flipped open a random folder, I didn’t want her to see the decision was making me real happy. Now she’ll marry Egan, get herself pregnant and live the life she’s meant to live. Loved, protected and safe, dammit. “You’ll have to ride with Shaeffer today, I’ll have you on dispatch startin’ tomorrow. Somethin’ else you want?” I looked up and damn if it didn’t look like she was about to start crying. “What’s the matter?”

“I … I’m sorry. I’m letting you down … letting my career down but … you know … this is the right thing to do … I can’t just …”

She went on and on and I blinked then felt my heart stir. I closed the office door, knelt near her chair and handed over my handkerchief. “Listen to me, woman. You ain’t letting me down or you down or anyone. You’re takin’ care of what’s important. Right?”

She nodded and sniffled.

“It’s better for Egan and better for his boy if you’re outta harm’s way. Not to mention, it’ll take a big load of my shoulders.” Her mouth opened but I raised a hand to shut her up. “I know, I’m not supposed to think that way. It don’t mean you’re less a cop than any other officer here. Truth is … you’re better than most and we both know it. Point is, I’m just tuckered out from worrying ‘bout you all the time. You’re gonna be family, Sam. I want you safe. So,” I stood and looked down at her then winked. “Sue me. I give a fuck if you’re whole and safe. Report me to whoever you report such stuff to.”

She stood and hugged me. “Thanks, Sheriff.”

“Fine. And don’t be huggin’ me no more like that. Get goin’, now.”

The morning went fine after that, then at lunch I thought I stop by and visit Tracy at her hair shop. Uh … sorry … I been told to call it a salon. I barely got inside the door and StuntDog comes running at me like a bat outta hell. Hell no, it weren’t that he was happy to see me; he was hoping I’d save him.

He had two blue bows in his puffy hears and almost all his toenails were painted pink. The dog whimpered and clawed at my knee, begging for a rescue. All the ladies in those chairs oohed and awed. I looked down and shook my head.

 “On your own, buddy.”

RILEY

John’s gone off to town this morning, doing John-running-for-mayor-things, and I decided to stick my nose into everything I could here at the Inn. It wasn’t like I’d gone into hibernation or anything this pregnancy, it’s just that I had this surge of energy that told me that I should make my presence known before I won’t be present anymore. New babies tend to take a workaholic out of the loop for a good few months and I figured it was my chance to make my mark on a few important issues.

New curtains and linens, for example. Housekeeping had been complaining regularly that the sheets were beginning to fray and the drapes were looking droopy lately. Kim and Emily had begun substituting a linen service to cover the discarded, unacceptable old linens and now the expense was getting foolish.

“We have a laundry on the premises,” Kim announced. “It’s bloody nuts to be paying for half our linens to be delivered … and launder the other half. I propose the whole lot be replaced and we eliminate the service.”

We were cramped in the office with Clarisse, head of housekeeping, Kim, Emily, their new assistant Tara Sweeney, and me … very wide … very cumbersome, me. I hate to admit it, but simply making the trek from our fourth floor apartment down to the management offices almost made me want a nap. But now I was there and I wanted to say something.

“Good. Go with it,” I said and shifted uncomfortably in my chair. I took a stack of folders from Tara’s desk and tucked them at the small of my back. A tight ripple of pain gripped at my crotch and I shifted again, sighed. “What else?”

“You okay, Riles?” asked Emily and I nodded. “All right,” efficient Em plowed ahead. “Next, here are the fabric samples for new drapes. I’ve included the decorator’s recommendations for liners, even though I strongly believe the liners we have are serviceable.”

“Uh-uh,” snorted Clarisse, always such a class act. “Those liners are crap. Double crap and dingy beyond repair. Shit can them.”

I blinked. Clarisse was always a bit flamboyant, but since her promotion from maid to head of housekeeping, at least her wardrobe had improved. She actually looked professional and I think we have Richie Roberts to thank for that. He got her to dress better, but somehow, I don’t think he realizes she needs to talk a little better.

“Shit can them?” I questioned with a grin. “Okay, let’s pick new … oh … ow.” Again I shifted on my seat. The tightness had intensified and begun to ripple along my lower back. Three sets of panicked eyes gawked at me. “What? Don’t worry, I’m not due for two weeks and Nathan was so late, I’ll be lucky if this kid checks in … oh! … OW, OW, OW!”

What followed looked like the Keystone Cops performance. Kim leapt to his feet and rushed to grab the phone as Em scurried to my side, tripping him while Tara reached a glass of water to me that got sidetracked by Clarisse standing, waving her arms and shouting for quiet. The water created a perfect, rainbowed arch through the air then landed right on Kim’s butt as he attempted to regain his dignity and get up from the floor.

“Um,” I groaned as another pain racked through me. “Can someone please take me to the hospital?”

It was drama all the way around. Kim with his soaked slacks wanted to take me in his corvette which basically made no sense as there’s no way on God’s green earth I could get in, much less out of the thing. Tara was driving one of those stupid looking Smart Cars that give me the creeps and I politely declined. I handed my jeep keys to Emily and we all piled in.

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE talked at breakneck speed at the nurse’s desk in emergency. Honestly, I don’t think the woman knew why we were there until my rabid entourage stepped back and pointed to my belly.

All this and not one person thought to call John until hours later as they drove me back to the Inn with a warning to avoid pepperoni omelets until after the baby’s born.

False alarm.

Ah well, at least we got the practice run in. Sheesh!

LACHLAN

If I had hoped that my mother-in-law wouldn’t allow personal matters to carry over into the office, I was sadly mistaken. The four of us, Jeff Mitchell, Egan Kevin and myself had called together a mid-morning meeting to discuss current and upcoming projects, our moods were serious as we looked over the end of year report. Normally, Enid holds off any incoming calls while we get down to business, but this morning pandemonium had taken full reign.

The coffee Enid had prepared was watery and the bagels were stale, but this was considered only a minor annoyance as we sat at the table and turned off the ringers on our cell phones. The mood was serious but light as Kevin read off the list of upcoming projects. We were about to review our quarterly financial statements when Enid’s voice crackled over the intercom.

“Mr. Curry, I have a Mr. Matthews on the line from the Stowe Saving and Loan; he has some questions about our line of credit …”

Kevin raised an eyebrow and gave me a look. “I thought I heard you ask her to hold our calls?”

“I did.” I took a sip of cold watery coffee and pressed the intercom button to respond. “Enid, please take a number and tell Mr. Matthews that I’ll return his call when we’re finished, and please hold any further calls.”

Mitchell snickered. “What’s with the Mr. Curry bit?”

I shrugged my shoulders and motioned for Kevin to continue. Not five minutes later, Enid’s voice came over the intercom again.

 “Mr. Curry, I have a solicitor on the line asking if we would like to order coffee cups with the Home Again logo. They have a special offer of fifty percent off the first five hundred ordered.”

Kevin shot me another look.

“Enid, tell the bloke we’re not interested and please hold all calls.”

Egan gave a heavy sigh and Mitchell held back his laughter. Kevin simply scowled. I shrugged my shoulders again and we continued on with our meeting.

Another five minutes passed when Enid’s voice came over the intercom again. “Mr. Curry, do we want to make a pledge to the Salvation Army this year?”

“That’s it, I’ve had enough.” Kevin pushed back his chair and tossed his paperwork onto the table, which nicked the top of Mitchell’s watery coffee that then spilled all over everything. “I need some air.”

All eyes were on me as Kevin stomped out of the room.

“Oh, is your meeting over already?” I heard Enid ask.

Kevin’s response wasn’t much more than a grunt but I didn’t need an interpreter.

A momentary silence passed between the three of us remaining, but Mitchell sussed it out.

“Bloody hell, Lach. What did you do to piss off Enid?” 

JESSIE

This second pregnancy has been easier to handle. I’m not as nervous as I was when carrying Amanda and I’ve had little morning sickness after the first trimester. I also haven’t gained as much weight this time around; only 18 compared to what thirty five pounds with the first one. Amanda and I attend Mommy and Me yoga classes three times a week but one thing that hasn’t changed is my craving for triple fudge chocolate brownies. As luck would have it, my yoga class is located just around the corner from Lachlan’s office and the best little coffee shop/bakery in town.

With Amanda next to me in her stroller happily working her way through an oatmeal cookie, I leaned back in my chair at the back of the bakery and bit into my brownie, feeling the waves of happy endorphins course through my system as I indulged in my favorite past time of people watching. This establishment receives a colorful assortment of patrons, but when a tall familiar figure sauntered in I waved my hand for him to come over and join us.

“Hey Kevin,” I called out as his eyes caught mine. “Come and join us!”

He paid for his coffee and sat down to join us. I noticed that he looked stressed.

“I thought you guys were having a meeting this morning?”

He gave a loud exasperated sigh and took a big gulp of his coffee, thinking over his words before speaking. He leaned forward, reaching over to run his fingers through Amanda’s curls.

“Jess, is there something going on that I should know about?”

Somehow, I suddenly knew what must have happened. “You mean, between my mom and Lachlan?”

“Jess, it’s a war zone in there.”

He motioned towards the office and I cringed. While I don’t like butting my nose into Lachlan’s work business, I decided that since my mother was involved that normal protocol wasn’t required. It was my turn to give a heavy sigh and I placed my hand on his forearm.

“You got a few minutes to hear the tale? It’s a bit of a doozy.”

Kevin’s eyes met and held mine, his eyebrows furrowing as he appeared to brace himself.

“Right now I have all the time in the world.”

KEVIN

Now that I knew what the fuck was going on, I went back to the office and took Lachlan by the arm.

“Where we goin’, mate?”

“Kennedy’s.”

“He ready to talk seriously about the project?” Lachlan ginned.

“Yeah. S’go.”

Now, Gerry Kennedy had asked us more than once about doing a roof top deck for summer time additional footage to the pub. The place would need a retractable awning roof to protect against hot sun or rain and a nice, durable indoor, outdoor flooring. If we convince him to let us put in a fireplace, it could extend the usage through fall. We’ll have to bring the plumbing up there for the bar and build in enough structures for lighting and electrical needs for a band. Kennedy’s Rooftop parties should be the cat’s meow.

But of course, there was no way we’d be building it with winter on the way. It was just a cover to get Lachlan away from the office and drinking a beer so I could lay down the law. We climbed up onto the roof and sipped Coors.

“Footage is bonzer up here,” Lach stated.

“Who gives a fuck? Just what the hell are you up to, pissing off your mother-in-law-slash- secretary like that? Don’t you know how damn powerful that woman can be?”

He blinked. “Uh … wasn’t me, mate. Martin Dominguez. Did you know he’s been courting Enid?”

“Did you know … IT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS WHO COURTS YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW! Especially if she’s your secretary!”

“Mate, relax. This’ll blow over. I mean Enid –”

“Enid? Keep some prospective here, Curry. Dominguez represents more than half of our company’s annual income. He’s an important client and he –”

“Can’t be fuckin’ messin’ with my mother-in-law. Kevin, the man’s is married!”

“Tell me something,” I leaned against the adjoining building, a story taller than Kennedy’s and for a split second imagined the benefit of that for the roof entertaining. I sipped my beer and sighed. “How old is Enid?”

Lachlan shrugged. “Sixty-somethin’, I suppose.”

“And Dominguez is easily in his seventies. Do you really think these two individuals are incapable of making their own decisions?”

“No, but –”

“And are you thinking Dominguez is interested in Enid for her money?”

“No, but –”

“And do you imagine what you think of their … decisions … is any right of yours?”

“No … um … but …”

I groaned and patted his shoulder. “My suspicion is that they’re two people who simply enjoy each other’s company. What they do beyond that is really none of our business. Now, the real question is … how are you going to fix this? Because short of firing her, I can’t see how this is going to work, Curry. We’re all about green energy. All I feel at the office is fire and brimstone.”

“What should I do?”

I just laughed and invited him down into the pub for another couple beers. Maybe the answer will come to him.

COLIN

I rolled over for the third time in as many minutes and punched my pillow, catching sight of the nightstand clock glowing in the darkness; 11:30. The cooler weather and peaceful Vermont lifestyle had gotten me into a regular routine of early to bed and early to rise, but tonight my mind was racing out of control. The muscles in my calves twitched and I stretched my legs out beneath the covers, only to feel the searing pull of what was about to turn into a bloody cramp. 

I didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to understand what was happening. I wanted to see Vicky again to make sure she was tucked in proper and look into her eyes as I told her goodnight. It didn’t matter that we’d already done all this just two hours earlier. I wanted more.

Feeling like a naughty schoolboy, I got out of bed and stuck my head out the doorway to make sure that Jessie and Lachlan had retired to their bedroom upstairs. The hallway was pitch dark as was the kitchen just beyond. I thought I heard the tingle of the little bell on Kahlua’s collar but the sound faded away as I cocked my ear to listen.

One step into the hallway, floorboards creaking as I edged my way along towards Vicky’s room. I wasn’t sure if I’d knock or just stand outside with my ear pressed to the door but when my toe slammed into something hard and sharp I let out a curse.

“Son of a ….” The back of my hand slammed hard against her bedroom doorknob and I froze, holding my breath as I listened in the darkness. Just when I thought all was well and was about to turn hide and head back towards my own room, Vicky’s door opened.

“What are you doing?” She whispered, her voice sounding more amused than irritated.

I stumbled forward and plowed into her bedroom, stubbing my toe yet once again against the frame of her bed.

“Shit!”

I was soothed by her soft laughter. “Are you okay?”

She slipped her arm around my waist to steady me, but I saw my opportunity and took her into my arms. When she didn’t protest or try to pull away, I seized my moment and kissed her.

Only I missed her lips and somehow ended up kissing her ear instead.

More gentle laughter before I felt her hands on either side of my face.

“I’m right over here.”

A moment’s hesitation as I locked onto my target; Vicky made a soft humming sound when my lips finally came into contact with hers. She tasted like mint toothpaste and smelled like flowers. I didn’t want to stop but I think we both realized that tonight would only be about a couple of kisses. Although I felt like a randy school boy, I respected both Vicky and the Currys too much to push it further and pulled away.

“Don’t stop.”

The disappointment in her voice helped snap me back into the moment and I pulled away quickly. “Not here, not like this.”

A few moments later I was back in the hallway. Vicky’s door was once again safely closed and I’d gotten my chance to kiss her just one more time for the night.