JOHN

Finally, after one three month delay and another threatened postponement, it’s Election Day and I’m on the ballot. Gotta admit, I’m a nervous wreck. Thank God everything else is moving along just dandy. Inn’s doing fine and moving into what promises to be a great ski season. I’ve got a new kid on the way and everything’s put together in the nursery - crib, that diaper changing thingy, wallpaper’s up and Nathan’s all adjusted into his big boy bed. Riley’s doing fine and it looks like everything’s going to be right on schedule. This is perfect.

Even Eva, our houseguest and Terry’s fiancé, seems to be comfortable and involved. I worry about her, taking on a man like Terry. But then again, without Terry, there would have never been such quick action in San Sebastian after her brother’s kidnapping. We’re all praying for a good outcome and so far it hasn’t gone on too long.

Eight a.m., Riles and I drove our respective cars down to the polls, went in and voted (for me), then I closed her driver’s door and leaned into the open window for a kiss. “Baby, you be careful today. Weather said there might be snow and no way I want you driving if it gets ugly. You call and I’ll pick you up, wherever you are, okay?”

“That’s why I love you, John,” she said with that teasing twinkle in her eyes. Man, my wife is so pretty when she’s pregnant. Well, yeah, she’s pretty when she’s not, too. Anyway, she patted my hand and said, “You’re obsessively protective, compulsively concerned all the time and generally a worry wart. My kinda man all over. You’re gonna be one hell of a mayor, John.”

“Don’t be joking around. You call if it snows and I’ll pick you up. Where you heading first?”

“The florist to discuss the holiday wreaths and tree they’ll be putting up and decorating in the lobby. Then I’ll pop in to talk with Gerry Kennedy, see if I can book a bartender for that party on the 15th. He knows a few good bartenders’ looking for work … I hope.”

“It’s Kim and Em’s job to book a bartender, Riles.” I hate when she takes everything on like an Amazon on steroids. 

“I know, but I’m in town. Besides, I’m meeting Tracy for lunch then popping in to see Jeff Wigand. Did you know he lost fifty pounds?”

“Yeah? Doctor’s orders?”

“Since the heart attack I guess he’s on a strict diet. Then I think I’ll head to Burlington and maybe get some Christmas shopping done.”

“Not today, woman,” I glared.

“Oh, I’ll be back before the polls close. Don’t worry.”

“That’s not what I’m worried –”

“See,” she beamed. “Like I said, I love you because you’re a worry wart. I won’t go all the way to Burlington, but I am going to the mall this afternoon. Who knows when I’ll get shopping done?” She ran a hand over her big belly and I reached in and did the same.

“This is my Christmas gift, baby. Huh, is that seatbelt too tight?” I followed it under the swell between belly and thigh. “Or, has baby Biebe dropped?” I tried to make it sound like I was happy, but hell, her going into labor early scares the shit outta me. I’ll never get over us losing our first baby. Never.

“Maybe the baby’s gotten lower, maybe I’m just getting fatter. Seatbelt’s fine. Kiss me, soon-to-be mayor of the fine town of Stowe. I’m going to be late for my appointment at Flora’s Flowers.”

Yeah, I tried to stop worrying as I watched her drive from the school parking lot. I checked the sky, clear as a bell … so far. But who knows, over Mount Mansfield could be the mother of all blizzards just waiting to pounce. I checked my watch.

Man, I had to run. I had lots to do too.

SAMANTHA

Ever since I was a child, I was bound and determined to be the master of my own fate. None of this floating about and swirling on the wind like a fallen leaf or speck of dust; I’d witnessed too many times how the lack of a plan often meant settling for whatever came along. For many of my girlfriends it meant being saddled with children before they even had the chance to explore their own adulthood. For my male friends, it often meant dropping out of school and grabbing whatever work they could to pay for diapers and baby formula. Dreams of going back to school once the babies were a little older became a wistful memory, no longer looked upon as something attainable.

So I stayed focused on my education and my career in law enforcement. I was proud of my accomplishments and felt good about the path I had chosen, and until I met Egan, I never quite dared to admit that a secret part of me longed for a chance to set down roots and find long term companionship with someone special. But it was his eight year old son who convinced me to make this fateful decision.

Jacob had stolen my heart from the very moment our eyes first met. I’m not quite sure why this little boy has such a powerful hold over me, but with the equally powerful hold I feel from his father, I guess I never really stood a chance of escaping. It’s still a little frightening, but yet it feels so right to be here. The three of us just seem to fit.

Jacob must have sensed my mood this morning as I stood in front of the sink, sipped coffee and stared out the kitchen window.

“Will you miss being a police officer?”

His words were muffled from a mouth full of oatmeal, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pleasure. This normally picky eater always seemed to devour whatever meal I placed before him. I turned and smiled, answering as truthfully as I possibly could.

“I don’t know. I think it’ll be kind of strange at first, but maybe I’ll enjoy being a dispatch officer.”

“Are you doing this because of me?”

I saw the anxiety in his eyes and decided that I wasn’t going to let him take on the responsibility of worrying over this matter. I sidled over and pulled up a chair to sit down beside him.

“I’m doing this because I think it’s time I tried doing something a little different. There’ll always be someone around to catch the bad guys, but I think right now I’m supposed to take care of you and your daddy.”

“For how long?”

I reached over and brushed his curls out of his eyes. “For as long as you both need me, I should think.”

He seemed to consider this for a moment, and then gave me a bright eyed smile. “I think we’re gonna need you forever.”

I felt the inside of my chest grow warm. “That long, eh?”

Jacob nodded his head. “Longer.”

EGAN

I caught Samantha as I was coming out of the shower. Normally she would just be arriving home from her shift, but with her new job position came new hours. Nine a.m. to five p.m. With Jacob fed and safely loaded onto the school bus, we had a little time alone together before we both set out to start our day.

I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and gave my head a good shaking, like a wet dog just come in from the rain. Sam let out a screech and I looked at her innocently.

“Oh, don’t start with the puppy dog eyes …” She waved her toothbrush at me. “I don’t care if you are half naked.”

I pulled her into my arms, ignoring her cries of protest that quieted soon enough. “How’re you holdin’ up?”

She shrugged her shoulders and turned her head away from the mirror. “Okay, I guess.”
I tightened my hold around and felt her relaxing against my chest. “I’m behind you, even if you decide to go back to being a cop. I just want you to know that.”

I learned a long time ago that you can’t force anyone to change, but I wasn’t too terribly disappointed by Samantha’s choice to step down into the dispatch position. I’ve never doubted her capabilities, but I guess that little part of me that’s still ruled by old fashioned male chauvinism just wants his woman around where he can make sure she’s safe. And there was no denying the effect the news had had on Jacob; the boy was ecstatic.

“You left the decision up to me. It might have been different if you’d laid down the law or something, but I guess I’m just hoping I’m doing the right thing … for all of us.”

I rested my chin on the top of her head. “Change is always scary, but I can’t deny I like the idea of having you take on a less dangerous job.”

“Why didn’t you just give me an ultimatum?”

I chuckled and she turned her head back towards the mirror and her eyes met mine.

“I don’t have the right to ask you to change something about yourself, just to suit my needs. Besides, you’re not the kind of woman who sets well with a man giving her ultimatums.”

“But what if I decided to stay a cop? What would you have done?”

“I don’t know. I guess I’m like Jacob in that I prefer the idea of you being around more often. It feels right to have you here with us. Is that such a terrible thing for a man to want?”

“Maybe I’m scared because I’m just now starting to realize how much I’ve wanted this, too.”

“Sam, I promise that I’ll never do anything to break your heart.” I leaned down to kiss her and the towel fell from around my waist.

Samantha kicked it aside. “I don’t have to be at work for another hour; think we have time?”

We made time.

LACHLAN

I’m tired of walking on eggshells in my own home, so this morning when Enid came over to visit with Jessie and the baby, I decided that enough was enough. No more hiding upstairs or out in the workshop; I was going to face my mother in law head on.

Jessie saw the look in my eyes as I entered the kitchen, her own eyes growing wide as she reached for Amanda. I grabbed the chair next to Enid where she sat at the kitchen table and went straight to the heart of the matter.

“You and I are going to have this out right here and now.”

Where Jessie scuttled off with Amanda to a quiet corner, Enid might as well have been facing an annoying housefly.

Up went the left eyebrow. “So you think we have something to discuss?”

For some reason, I’d just at that moment realized that Jessie had inherited this well known expression from her mum. It had the power to make a man question his common sense as well as his virility, but I reminded myself to stay strong and focused.

“Enid, I’ve apologized to you too many times to count over what happened, and I’d give just about anything to be back in your good graces again. I was wrong, and I’ll never do anything like that again. I was worried about you and didn’t stop to think that you were fully capable of taking care of yourself. But it’s only because I love you and want what’s best …”

She didn’t let me finish. “Do you have any idea how much embarrassment you caused me? Not to mention the embarrassment you caused for Martin, who just so happens to be your most important client to date. I’m almost surprised that he didn’t try to pull out of the contract.”

“Enid, I’ve been beating myself up non-stop ever since this thing happened. I behaved badly and my actions were unforgivable. Can’t we just put this all behind us and start over? I really and truly am sorry.”

The room got very quiet as Enid considered her answer. The air between us seemed suddenly heavy until I overheard Jessie cooing to Amanda in a soft sing song voice.

“Silly grown ups …silly grown ups …”

Then Enid cracked a small smile. “If you promise to apologize to Martin, then I guess I’ll have to forgive you.”

I wasn’t aware that I was holding my breath as I waited for her answer, but when she reached over and patted my hand, I felt a surge of relief wash over me.

“I’ll call him and settle the matter this afternoon.”

BEN

Man, talk about things workin’ out just dandy? My wife is bein’ extra sweet (if ya know what I mean) after that whole saving the damn dog incident … and Samantha DeLaCroix is working the dispatch desk like a pro. I swear I never saw that job done better. This could be a real bonus. Last winter, when things got crazy, the dispatch officer kept getting nauseated and ran for the john. Could things have worked out any better?

But then there’s the other side of things. I been watching the poll results. Bein’ sheriff, I kinda get what I ask for, and today I keep asking how Biebe is doin’. See, if Biebe becomes mayor, my life might get even better. Havin’ him on my side to explain things I don’t yet get can make a difference … although I’ll do just fine if he loses. It’s just that I don’t wanna see him lose. John Biebe loves this town and he really wants to be the mayor. He’s been a sheriff himself and he’s more suited to the job than his opponent. What John don’t got is his opponent’s big mouth and fancy education. Most of this town is populated with natives since the late 1800’s, but a large portion is new, city folk getting away from the big cities and wanting country life. The only problem is that they still want citified government, so I’m doin’ what I can to get the old timers to the polls.

At noon, John was ahead. At three, he was way behind. At four, they were neck and neck.
Either way, at seven when I’m done here, me and Tracy are heading over to the Inn’s pub where we’ll wait and hope, celebrate or offer condolences when it’s all over tonight. I gotta be there. I can’t never forget how they all stood by me as I waited to find out if I’d won my election.

Oh, and I better get my own sorry ass to the polls and vote for John Biebe for Mayor.

EAST

Things haven’t been so smooth as I hoped. Yeah, I’m here, working a good job and pleased to do it.  But in truth, it’s not a job I can’t get anywhere else. I made a mistake. I took what wasn’t mine to take. Was I here at Aubrey’s stables making myself pay for it? It wasn’t like he wouldn’t let me leave. Truth be told, I get the feeling he only took me back because Natalie asked him to. It’s a shame we can’t just be brothers, fight this out and be done with it. But then again, if he’d rooted my wife …

I’ve taken to ignoring the dinner call. I would rather go on into town, get some tucker at Kennedy’s pub or Burger King than sit at that table and try to ignore the anger still brewing in the Captain’s head.

“Have you received the new delivery yet?”

I turned. It was Jack and what the bloody hell did he want? It wasn’t like he knows a damn thing about stables or horses. That’s why he brought me here in the first place. I shrugged. “’Course I did.”

“And the new arrival? Quarantined?”

The new Perkins horse arrived with a strange skin rash no one noticed but me. I’m the one who brought in the bloody vet, and I’m the one who informed the owner. “’Course the animal’s quarantined. If I wasn’t gonna quarantine the animal, why would I even bother reporting the problem?”

“Brother, I’ll let your attitude pass only this last time. I will not be disrespected in this way by –”

“By what?” I stood, squared my shoulders and stuck out my nose. “Your brother? The one who sullied your wife? The one who’s running your bloody stable because you don’t have the skill to do it yourself? Tell me something, Jack.” I pushed even further. “Why don’t you go back out to sea where you belong? I’m not sure there’s much you can claim expertise with here on land, mate.”

Jack bellowed. “Are you accusing me of not being a horseman?”

“A horseman?” I laughed. “Jack, I’m not sure you know a horse’s nose from a horse’s arse!”

“I do, my good man! I’m looking at a horse’s arse!”

JACK

How could it have come to this? In truth, I love my brother and I wish him no ill will. I am stung by his boldness to touch my wife … but I have been corrected by said wife and reminded that she had touched in return. I’ve also been reminded by the same wife that I too have an indiscretion of my own to face. No one has asked for repentance on anyone’s part. Perhaps we should all share a time with the cat? But God’s teeth, am I to be exposed to such humiliation every time I enter my own stables? It will end this day! By all that is holy, it will end this day!

“Mount!” I shout and East simply laughed and swaggered toward his own animal. We stood in adjoining stalls and saddled our increasingly agitated horses. Even I - who may not be the horseman East is - know better than to create such negative excitement for well bread animals. And it occurred to me that the most ill bred animals in the stable that early evening were my brother and myself. And still, I could not bring myself to stop the unfolding aggression.

Like the sensitive animals, East was in tune and reached over the low wall to grasp my shoulder. It had begun.

“Outside!” hissed my brother.

“Outside!” I growled and we carefully chose the side of the stable no one at the house could see. The fists were wild, the words vicious and angry. My brother had become my enemy. In his accusation that I am not the horseman he is (which I will host humbly confess as true), I had heard every unsaid word beneath. That I was not as good a man, a provider, a husband to Natalie as he could be.

Blood and mud soiled our clothing and we continued, striking and tumbling, kicking and plowing ourselves at each other. I swear I felt the rolling of a ship throughout it all and in East’s eyes I saw nothing but my adversary, my foe, a rival for the love of my own wife. And then, as we parted, grunting and struggling to catch our breath … I saw something else.

Within his eyes I saw the fear of a brother. He did not wish to lose my love; he did not wish to damage me. He only wished to save face in a situation where not one of us, not even my sweet Natalie, had a right to stand with pride over the other.

He had asked my forgiveness when he returned and I had told him he had it.

I had lied.

And now I was faced with a dilemma; I must devise a resolution that would protect us all from further hostilities or hurt. It was not hard to find that elucidation. My body had begun to ache like I’d been run through with grapeshot. My breath came with raspy, painful and searing puffs. My left eye was fully swollen closed and I could taste the tinny flavor of blood where a tooth had gone missing. I finally dropped to my behind and watched East Driscoll do the same.

“God’s teeth,” I grunted. “I am not as young as I believed myself to be.”

“Bloody hell … neither am I.” He ran a sleeve across his face to wipe away the blood dripping from his misshapen nose. “How are we gonna fix this, Jack?” His voice was quiet, almost that of a child.

“I wish I knew, but I do have a thought, brother.”

“Say it … ‘cause if I should be leavin’, I’m ready to go.” He dropped to his back with a groan. “Maybe in the morning.”

“No, it is a different thought. Perhaps we can all simply forgive … and forget? You and I and the others have lived that life already. Colin was with Natalie for many years, and I do not hate him. She has loved Biebe but I do not hold her accountable for the past. You and I … we did not share that past, East. Now, we have. Now … it is time we joined the others and move ahead. Do you think this is possible?”

East rolled to his side and propped his head in hand. “Dunno.”

“Well, I do.”

We turned and both clumsily rose to our feet to face the music, the crescendo that is Natalie.

“Uh … what do you know, my little dove?” I said , brushing my sleeve as thought I had just returned from a performance of the New York Philharmonic.

“Enough, you two.”

East stumbled closer and we held each other up to await the verdict.

“Jack is right. Time to move on. This is total craziness and I won’t have you fighting like this around Eddie. Crap, you look like you’ve been in a cock fight! I’m not worth all this and frankly, neither are either of you. If you can’t just let this go, East, you’ll have to leave. If you can, there’s still a great partnership here for you. Of course, only if the partners aren’t out to kill each other, that is.”

And she smiled. It was like the sun after a three day long blow.

“Now, both of you, go clean up.” She turned on her heel and we followed like a couple of reprimanded midshipmen. “Dinner’s ready and we’re going over to the Inn tonight. Today was the election and we’ll support John no matter the outcome.” She suddenly turned to face us. “Please tell me you voted!”

“Of course my love!” I can lie as well as a Frog.

“Me too, love.”

And apparently, so can my brother. Let us hope that brother John does not lose the election by two votes, or East and I may both be leaving Vermont.

COLIN

Privacy. This was the first thought across my mind as Vicky and I checked into adjoining rooms at the Inn. Well, that and the fact that I was still happily surprised that Vicky had accepted my invitation to get away from the Curry residence for a couple of days. I suppose we could have just gone back to my house in Burlington, but it didn’t seem quite right somehow with the recent change in our relationship. A bloke just doesn’t drag a sheila back to the house he until recently shared with his now current ex-wife…at least not if he has a dash of class. I wanted to start out fresh this time; no cutting corners, no dispensing of the little niceties women seem to need.

Vicky was impressed by the Inn’s sense of presence and she let go a low whistle of appreciation as the towers crested into view above the thick curtain of spindly tree branches. I glanced over and winked at her, grinnin’ at the dreamy expression on her face.

“Just wait’ll you see the inside.”

I almost regretted those words, because I didn’t want Vicky to think that I was in the habit of bringing women up here, but the smile on her face hinted that everything was apples.

Check in was a snap. We somehow avoided Biebe, and more importantly, Riley. I hadn’t bothered to let them know I was staying on for a couple of nights, and I was now happily convinced that neither one of them had bothered to check their reservations list for the week. Probably too busy with the excitement of the Mayoral election and the new little nipper that was on the way. I waived off the bellboy, not wanting to draw attention to ourselves. Vicky was still all smiles as we headed up the sweeping staircase, the key to her room held tightly in her hand.

A moment of awkwardness as we each went to our respective suites, but it was quickly resolved when Vicky unlocked the adjoining door between our rooms, her eyes narrowing as they quickly surveyed my quarters. .

“Hey, how come your room has a fireplace and mine doesn’t?”

I went over to where she stood and pulled her into my arms. “How else was I gonna get you to want to spend some time in here? I may be good, but a roaring fire on a cold winter night just might keep you from putting on a pair of pajamas afterwards.”

She giggled. She didn’t do that often and it had a nice sound.

“I didn’t bring any pajamas.”

Bonzer. “Neither did I.”

That seemed to be all the encouragement we needed. A flurry of movement as we practically tore apart one another’s clothing, the softness of her skin and the look on her face when I gathered her into my arms and carried her over to the big four posted bed. The groaning of the mattress, soft words of promise punctuated by an occasional gasp of pleasure followed by short waves of laughter when I rolled over and got my feet tangled up in the sheets and ended up falling off the bed; it wasn’t my best ever first time performance, but I had the rest of the evening and most of tomorrow to fine tune my technique.

Afterwards, Vicky snuggled in close next to me, her leg slung over my hip and her head resting on my shoulder. I laced my fingers through hers and held her close as we both drifted off for a moment, only to be awakened by a loud rapping on the bedroom door.
The familiar voice of John Biebe reverberated through the hall.

“Hey O’Brien! Why don’t you and Vicky come on down to celebrate my win in tonight’s election? What the hell, we’re gonna celebrate even if I lose, so you might as well join us either way.”

Vicky groaned. “Think he’ll go away if we don’t answer?”

I squeezed her hand. “Love, not with this family.”

RILEY

Nine-thirty p.m. and it was certainly one of the longest days of my life. I finally got Nathan down for the night and Eva offered to stay with him at the apartment while I went down to the pub to enjoy the family’s company. Of course, they were all there, hoping to celebrate with John if he won, but I know this family. They were steeled and ready for the worst. My heart broke when I thought about the possibility of John losing. For almost seven years we’ve been living in Vermont. John has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, he’s sat on every event committee and with me, we’ve finally convinced the town to do some serious all-season promotion and business is doing well, even in the down-turned economy.

I sat at a table with Cory, John, Ben and Tracy for a while. Daisy was bopping around behind the bar and the former mayor arrived with a flourish, shouting he always backed a winner. Always! And everyone cheered.

That’s when the first pain rippled, and I do mean rippled, all the way around from the small of my back to my crotch. Okay, I wasn’t about to panic, especially after that false labor fiasco a few days ago. I still have some time and tonight was no night to be an attention grabber.

I walked it off, chatted with Antony and Richie, then left the pub to sit on the steps from the lobby.

“Riles? You okay, love?”

I looked up at Colin on his way down. Man, if a man can glow, he was sure doing it. Vickie was glowing too at his side and I chuckled. “I’m just ducky. I came out for some cool air, it gets stuffy in there sometime.”

His brow curled. “Shall I send John out?”

“Hell no. I’m coming in in a few minutes, go on, have a drink. Ben’s buying the house a round.”

“What’re the odds of that?” He chuckled and went through the antique carved saloon doors behind his new squeeze. It’s always nice when one of the brothers gets settled. Colin has had his share of rough times and I’m hoping this is a good sign of good things to come. Vickie seems perfect and I grinned.

Then I gasped. Another pain, this one even lower, if that’s possible. I tried to recall labor with Nathan and no matter how many times a woman says she’ll never forget … trust me, she forgets. This felt like a battering ram was trying to make its way out of me. Time to get up and walk it off again.

I went inside, walked around, socialized a bit sipped a glass of ginger ale then slipped into the dry storage room to double over and swear under my breath. This wasn’t good. Not good at all.

Out in the pub, I located John across the room. He was beaming. The television reporter had just announced that he’d taken a nice lead. All the ballots should be registered within the hour and we’d have an answer.

Another pain rattled me and my decision was made. No way I was about to interrupt such an important moment for John. I simply walked upstairs. (Right, I make it sound like it was so easy but it wasn’t. Took me a full ten minutes!) I went to the lobby desk and asked to borrow Marla’s coat. I told her I wanted some fresh air and she pushed her warm wool hat on my head and gave me a pair of gloves from lost & found.

The coat was way too small to close over me, but at least I wouldn’t freeze. Out on the porch I dialed my cell and called for a cab. I looked up, seeking stars but at that moment, snowflakes drifted down like tiny cotton balls. So beautiful. So damn beautiful.

“Ow,” I crunched over then sat on the porch stoop. No one came out or went inside so I did my deep breathing unnoticed. The cab arrived and I climbed inside.

“Where to lady?” He turned around and his pleasant smile dropped. “And please, don’t tell me you’re about to pop.”

“What’ll you do if I am?”

“Shit. Where to?” He revved the engine.

“Stowe General Hospital. Um … ow … can you kinda rush? Please?”

“Sure thing.”

“Ow!”

“Shit!”

I sort of came to my senses during the ride. Oh hell yes, I was definitely in labor … deep labor because the contractions were less than two minutes apart. I should have never left without telling John where I was going, no matter what was going on. It was my plan to call him the moment I got inside the hospital doors but guess what?

I was whisked onto a gurney and practically examined right there in the hallway!

“I need to call my husband.”

“Lady, you’re crowning. You need to give birth,” the brusque nurse snapped and just like that, I was raced through the hospital and up to delivery.

“I need to call my husband,” I cried through another pain, this one a super, mega industrial-strength labor pain and I swear to God, I will NEVER forget this delivery!

I was stripped of my clothes and possessions, assured that everything was safe then the next thing I knew … honestly … the very next thing I knew … I was holding my brand new, squirming and squealing son.

“Hey there,” I said through tears of joy. “You think you’re mad? Wait until your daddy hears about this.”

“Who’s his daddy?” asked a grinning nurse.

“John Biebe.”

“Ahh, the new mayor. Congratulations, Mrs. Biebe. For the baby and the Mrs. Mayor status,” she chuckled. “How do I reach him?”

“Just call the 1876 Manor at Mount Mansfield.” My eyes were starting to droop. They took the baby from my belly to clean and examine and I felt like I’d just been run over by a truck.

I don’t remember anything after that. I woke cleaned and warm in a bed. The tiny clear plastic crib was right beside me and the baby was actually playing with his fingers, flexing and trying to chew them. I rolled over. Oh-oh.

“John, before you say anything, I’m so sorry. I meant to call you but it all happened so fast. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry!” My words were stopped up by his kiss and no one kisses like John. I was in his arms and enveloped by his whole being. “I’m sorry,” I repeated when he let me come up for air.

“We’ll talk about it later. I’m just so fuckin’ glad you’re okay, the baby’s okay. Thank God.”

“You’re not mad at me?”

“Didn’t say that.” He grinned and walked over to lift the tiny boy into his arms. “What’re we gonna name this little dude?”

John had left it up to me this time and I thought I had a very clear idea for the perfect name. But suddenly, above John’s head on the television screen, was the score from the local pond hockey team and I knew exactly what this little boy’s name was. “I want to call him Michael.”

John turned to me, his eyes wide. “You sure … because ...”

“I know. I want him to be named after your son, Michael from Alaska. Is that okay?”

Tears rolled down his face and he lay Baby Michael Biebe at my side then leaned down for another devastatingly sweet kiss. “Ya see Riles. This is the reason I can’t fuckin’ stay mad at you. But I’m warning you. The next time you go off and give birth without me, I’m gonna …”