SAMANTHA

“I just don’t think that we need to go rushing into this. I mean, it’s not like we’re a couple of frightened teenagers who don’t have any other options.”

We’ve been having this same conversation for the past twenty-four hours. Every time I think I’ve gained some ground in convincing Egan to step back and slow down just a little, he barrels back in as if he hasn’t heard a word I’ve said.

“You’re right. We’re not frightened teenagers. But I think the real problem is that you’re afraid of what your family will think if we marry right away.”

Damn him, somehow he always manages to know what’s really bothering me, even when I don’t want him to know.

He sat down beside me on the bed and took hold of my hand; his fingers were calloused and warm. “Do you really fear your grandfather all that much?”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t already know; he has a way of doing that.”

“But didn’t you tell me that both your sisters were pregnant when they got married? I mean, it should hardly be shocking at this point.”

“That’s not it at all.” How could I make him understand? “It’s always been different whenever it came to me. I was the one who went on to college and wanted to travel and have a modern career. I’ve held a job since I was fourteen and always knew that I had something better waiting for me. My sisters, they were more like little brown hens that live their entire lives in the safety of the chicken coop.”

“You say that as if their choices were beneath yours.”

Once again, he was right but I’d run out of arguments and rationalizations.

“Sam, you’ll never live an ordinary life, and you’ll never have to face poverty. I own the title to this house and I’ve enough money in the bank for all of us to live comfortably for a long time. You’ve already exceeded your family’s expectations. Do you really think you’re going to miss out on something if we just go ahead and get married now?”

I’ve never wanted a big fancy wedding, but I don’t like the idea of eloping either. But even a modest wedding took time to plan. I still had to introduce Egan to my family and then there would be the unavoidable debate over where to hold the ceremony. Did we have Egan’s family all travel to Colorado or did we pay to fly my entire family out here to Vermont? And never mind what my grandfather thought about Egan; I was more worried about my mother’s opinion. She’s had a long annoying habit of disapproving of any man I’ve ever had a crush on or dated, all the way back to second grade.

 “You just don’t understand the dynamics of my family. You sometimes joke about your own family arriving here by time machine, but Egan, my family has yours beat in that area. Everything’s so steeped in deep tradition that it’s like another world to an outsider.”

A funny look came over his face and I wondered if I’d unintentionally said something to set him off, but he only sighed and shook his head.

“Sam, when you get down to it, none of that really matters, not in the large scheme of things. You’ve already taken on a different job and turned down the undercover assignment without any hassle from me. You’re setting up road blocks where they don’t need to be. You’ve changed your mailing address with the post office and your cottage is up for rental. I don’t understand why you’re hesitating.”

“Just give me a little more time to get my head all around this; those other decisions were easy. But a marriage is, or should be, forever.”

He let go of my hand and threw his arms up in defeat. “Honey, I need some air. We can pick up where we’re leaving off later tonight.”

He bent down to kiss my cheek and stomped out into the hallway and down the stairs; I waited for the sound of the front door slamming and the roar of his truck’s engine as he drove away in a huff, but instead I heard the sound of the sliding glass door that led out into the backyard.

EGAN

I went out into the backyard and stared up at the sky, as if I could somehow find the answer floating up there with the clouds. Sometimes I just really don’t get women at all. Sam’s stubborn, and I love that about her, but why does she have to be so stubborn right now? I’m sure I’ll get on just fine with her family, and even if they don’t care for me, they’ll fall in love with Jacob and that’ll help balance everything out.

And while I really don’t understand my own sense of urgency over getting married, I do know that I’ve waited long enough to find someone to love and now that I have her, I don’t want to let her get away. All this talking hasn’t gotten us anywhere.

I shoved my hands into my pockets and closed my eyes, hoping to find an answer in the later afternoon silence. Then it came to me; all Sam’s talk about family and tradition and I’d somehow forgotten the biggest tradition of all; an engagement ring. Maybe that was what I needed to break through her defenses. Saying yes to a marriage proposal meant a lot more to a woman when there was a diamond ring as part of the deal.

I smiled, feeling as if I’d finally figured it all out and not a moment too soon. I began to make a mental check list of all the things I needed to do in the next twenty-four hours to put my plan into action when I heard the sliding glass door open and what sounded like Jacob’s footsteps coming up behind me.

“Dad, you’re all sweaty.”

He gave me a funny look, as if he knew something that he wasn’t supposed to know.

“Don’t fret over it, son. Samantha and I were just having a discussion.”

He put his hand on his hip and rolled his eyes. “Dad, I’m not stupid. Valerie told me all about it and I know what it means when parents sweat.”

Whoa. Did I just hear my son say what I thought he said? “Valerie told you all about what?” Did I really want to know the answer?

Jacob smiled and shook his head. “Sex. You got your sweat all over Samantha and now she’s going to have a baby.”

I might have laughed if Jacob was anyone else’s son, but I’m afraid the honors were all mine. I knelt down and gently placed my hand on his shoulder.

“Uh, I don’t think Valerie is as well informed as you think she is; why don’t you say we go have a talk?”

Guess all the other stuff will just have to wait for a little bit. I wonder if the jeweler is open late tonight?

BEN

Back in my day they called it women’s instinct, least that’s what the women I used to … uh-hem … play with back then used to say. Always thought it was some kinda joke, or maybe witchcraft like my mama used to warn me about when I was a kid. Demon women who could see your secrets. Maybe it really is an instinct, like knowin’ when to come in outta the cold or when it’s time to fight or run. My point is, both my wife and John’s are either demon women or just know shit.

It started with Tracy first thing this morning. I didn’t even catch my breath yet, if you get my drift, and she was fast firing questions.

“Where are you going today? I have a bad feeling, like something bad might happen so maybe you can take my car to the garage for an oil change? Then we’ll go to lunch together at Kennedy’s okay? What do you say, Ben?”

“Nothin’ … can’t … and no. Got work to do.”

Hightailed it outta there and to the office. That’s when Riley called. She wanted to know why John had so many things to do on a Sunday.

“I don’t know nothin’ about being mayor, darlin’. You’ll have to ask him.”

“Why isn’t he answering his office phone?”

I leaned over to see through my door, and sure ‘nough, John wasn’t in his office. Lights weren’t even on. No doubt he was someplace hiding from his wife too.

“Went out to get us some coffee. Can I get back to work, Riley? A man’s got things to do, ya know.”

“Like what?”

“Do me a favor,” I huffed with frustration. “Go to my place, get Tracy and go to a movie or something. You’re both driving me –”

“Oh, cool idea. Do you and John want to join us for dinner after?”

“No. No clue when I’ll be done. No idea what he’s got to do, and ain’t hungry.”

“Are you mad at me, Ben?” I could hear that teasing grin on her face.

“I will be if you don’t leave me alone.”

“Bye, Ben,” she giggled.

“Bye Riley.” Women. Did she know we were up to something? Nah.

Around six, I met Biebe at Kennedy’s. We made it look real innocent like, eatin’ roast beef sandwiches and acting like we were talkin’ business but Gerry just kept givin’ me the stink-eye. Across the bar in a booth sat the solution to our problem … if I needed him. We’ll see. When Gerry finally left his place behind the bar, I downed my beer. I planned to save his sorry ass whether he liked it or not.

“Showtime,” I said. John nodded, wiped his mouth with the napkin and followed me to Kennedy’s cluttered little office.

GERRY KENNEDY

What the fuck? Ben’s back and he has Biebe with him. The man has fucked up timing, that’s for sure. Later tonight, Gripper’s coming for a “talk”. Can’t even imagine what that’s all about, I’ve been meeting the payment schedule, for Christ’s sake. I just know he’s out to fuck me but good. Seeing that the town mayor and sheriff here, maybe Gripper will cut out and not bother me? Yeah, like that’s gonna happen.

I’m also kinda wishing I could tell Ben about all this. He might be able to help. On the other hand … the third hand … all this is about keeping Rosie out of prison for a murder she’d have never committed if she wasn’t with that prick.

Like I said, life is fucked.

Had to get away for a few minutes. A nice busy night but things are moving smoothly. In the office I poured good Irish whisky in a paper cup, sipped and dropped my head back. When the door opened, I figured it was Gripper.

It wasn’t.

“What?” I asked. Maybe I should’ve asked nicer.

“The truth,” Sheriff Wade said and sat. John walked around, checking out the things in my office and looking like a goon or something.

“About?”

Ben shook his head and pushed back his hair. “Gerry, you’re in some kinda trouble and we just want to help. I know you’ve been borrowing a lot of cash from the bank lately, and I know you ain’t been making any deposits. I know your suppliers are carrying you and I know … someone’s got something on you. Just tell us what.”

“Now,” spat John and I stiffened. Okay, never saw Biebe like that before. Like he was ready to bite my head off. He had that killer hockey player vibe going.

“What’s this got to do with you?” I asked, trying to sound real cool, John glared like his eyes were fire.

“Whoever’s fucking with you is fucking with my town. Spit it out, or we bring the girl in for a talk.”

I was on my feet so fast both men had to hold me back.

“Easy! Easy,” Ben shouted and pulled Biebe off me. The man looked bloody rabid!

“Jesus,” I jerked free of the sheriff and sat down. “What the fuck do you guys want?”

“Go get the girl,” John hissed and Ben actually stood to leave.

“No! Leave Rosie alone! She didn’t mean it and I won’t let her … ah … fuck.” I watched both faces go blank. Those bastards were playin’ a bluff and won. Finally, looking more like normal, John pulled a chair close.

“Just tell us what’s going one, Gerry. What did Rosie do?”

“Her name’s not Rosie, It’s Rachel Marie Thomas … she … sorta … killed a man.” I groaned. “She didn’t mean it.”

“It’s still killin’, buddy. I didn’t mean to kill half the people I gunned down,” Ben stated. Good point.

“This is different.” I was sweating bullets.

Ben dialed his cell and said just a few words and I thought my heart would stop. “Take the waitress, Rosie.”

A minute later a man walked in with Rosie, casual as you please, all smiling at his side. “Gerry, this gentlemen has a few price sheets for … oh … ah …” And I heard the click of cuffs around her wrists.

Ben checked them. “Gerry, this is agent Cooper, FBI. Good friend of the family. What say we all leave real quiet outta the back door? Just got a few questions for Rachel here.”

I rode in my own car with Biebe but Rosie was put in the back seat of an unmarked Fed vehicle. At least they weren’t trying to put me outta business by dragging my arse off in a black and white in front of the whole town … even if they were about to toss my woman in a cell and throw away the key.

I glanced across at John. “What the hell was that all about back there?”

“Always wanted to play the bad cop. Kinda fun, ay?”

Not.

“How’d you know?”

“Didn’t,” John chuckled. “Well, we sure suspected blackmail, but we thought a woman was blackmailing you. This is obviously a bit more complicated. God sakes, Gerry. Why the fuck wouldn’t you ask for help?”

“Too hard to explain. What’s gonna happen now?” We pulled up and parked behind the police station. I wasn’t guilty of anything, so I was driving. Unfortunately, all I felt like doing was hitting the gas peddle the minute John got out but that would leave poor Rosie on her own. Enough damage was done, I had to at least stand at her side as long as they’d let me.

We were put into a room with a table, just like you see in the movies. I didn’t even know there were interrogation rooms in the town jail. Cells? Yes, I been there. Interrogation rooms? I suppose I figured there’d be no need in Stowe, Vermont.

The rules were simple, I could stay in the room and hold Rosie’s hand as long as I kept my mouth shut. Hard to do, it kept dropping open with every new surprise. Damn amazing what we all – feds, sheriff, mayor, me and even Rosie – learned in just a few hours.

Turned out, the man Rosie/Rachel shot, didn’t die after all, thus, no murder. Turned out, Rosie was forced to keep a record of Gripper’s collections in a log book … a book hidden in a Burlington Greyhound bus station locker along with the gun. Turned out the Fed, Cooper, was able to pull all the elements together to help Rosie turn state’s evidence against Gripper … who actually was wanted for more than six murders in more than three states … including Vermont.

Turned out … it just might work out fine. IF … and that was a big if … Cooper could get his hands on Gripper.

I was sent back to the pub in the blink of an eye, tapping cool beers while John and Ben planted themselves in the crowded bar along with about eight undercover Feds.

Gripper arrived for his “talk”. I gave the nod, and led him back to my office. The wire taped to my chest was working and after less than ten sentences where Gripper demanded more money, talked about killing several men like me, and assured he would kill Rosie too … finally … FINALLY … the Fed’s swooped in.

Could they have cut it any closer? Gripper had his hand at my throat!

JESSIE

Bringing home a new baby this time around seems so much less hectic; I think we’re pretty much seasoned veterans when it comes to 2:00AM feedings and the never ending task of diaper changings times two. With Amanda now walking and into everything, I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful for my mother’s help or Lachlan’s ever good natured attitude. I smiled and looked at my son sleeping quietly in my arms, recently fed and swaddled up all warm and cozy in his blue bunny receiving blanket as Amanda prattled about us in the family room, chattering happily to everyone.  Lachlan looked up from the sofa as she piled all her stuffed animals onto his lap, his eyes tired but sparkling as they met mine.

“How you holding up, Mrs. Curry?”

I nuzzled my cheek against the top of little Daniel’s head, kissing him gently so as not to wake him. “I’m exhausted, but I wouldn’t trade this moment for the world.”

Lachlan picked up one of the plush animals, a well worn bear by the name of Barnaby, and playfully bopped Amanda on the nose. She giggled and threw herself into his waiting arms.

Lachlan chuckled and Amanda squealed as he blew raspberries on her tummy. The sound of her delighted cries might have registered a 4.0 on the Richter scale, but Daniel slept on peacefully, softly smiling and oblivious to it all.

“He takes after you; a good meal and a warm bed and he’s out for the count.”

Lachlan looked up and gave me a cheeky wink. “If all my meals came from where his just did, I’d fall asleep with a smile on my face, too.”

I felt my cheeks grow warm and Lachlan waggled his eyebrows at me before turning his attention back to Amanda. I love how he can always make my heart flutter. I know it sounds ridiculously corny, but right now I’d have to say that my cup really does runneth over.  Life is very good indeed.
 
LACHLAN

When I stop to remember all the years I bumbled about desperate to find my way, I’m thankful for holding out long enough to make it to this moment. Vermont has been good to me; a lovely wife, two beautiful children, a large home with plenty of room for more, a job I enjoy and an extended family close at hand to fill up every holiday and busy weekend. My children will grow up feeling safe and settled in one place, secure in the knowledge that their mom and dad will always be there to offer a safe haven.

I’ve always been a home body at heart, even when I was busy fighting a war and trying to find my way in a world that was out of time from where I’d first started. I’ve traveled and had my share of adventures, enough to last a couple of lifetimes, never realizing until this moment that all I’d ever longed for was waiting for me. I just had to slow down and open my eyes.

I think the others feel it as well. Colin, Kim, Egan; all involved with women who’ve somehow managed to rock their world, bringing out a side of themselves that I’m sure they never expected. And they seem genuinely happy, as if they’ve finally found the answer to the dilemma that we all faced when sprung from the bowels of that bloody Portal; it all lies in the security and love of family and faith and the ability to just let go and let life unfold.

Life can be good, if you just allow yourself the possibility of believing.

RILEY

Tracy and I went to see a movie at the little old theatre on Stetton then had dinner at the South Mountain Café. It wasn’t until dessert arrived though, that I started to feel a little better. I didn’t ever realize I was so stressed. I let out a sigh.

“What?”

“I don’t know, but all day I was worried about something. Like something weird was going to happen or could happen. I even tried to talk Ben and John into joining us today.”

“Jeeze, I was like that too! What is that?” She shivered like a chill had run through her. “When we know trouble could happen? I get that feeling all the time with Ben, and sometimes I find myself even worrying about StuntDog. Like something bad is coming. It’s not like we can stop it or anything.”

I shrugged, swirled my fork through whipped cream topping a piece of mile-high cherry pie. “I have no clue what that’s all about. But,” I grinned ear to ear, “I do know how to make it all go away.”

Her perfectly shaped brow rose.

“Party. I think, no, I know it’s time for a full family get together. I’m going to check reservations and plan a takeover of the Inn, well, at least one tower. It’s time to, I dunno, celebrate things. There’s so much gong on in our lives, did you hear Samantha might be … you know?”

We put our heads together and shared all the gossip and excitement and finally I realized what I was really doing. Something could actually be very wrong … I was sensing the threat or a shift or a change … and I’m trying to pretend it’s party time just to get us all together in one place. To be safe. Together. God Sakes, I really hope I’m just misreading everything. It would be really nice to see everyone together. Most live here in Vermont, but Maximus, Juba, Terry, Dino and Zack never made it for the holidays.

Yes. It was suddenly vital to see them all … together … and soon. Granted I could just be dealing with post partum hormones still, but it didn’t matter. I need to see everyone.

TERRY

My life has been fucked lately, but it looks like things might turn around. I bloody hope so. The problem with Eva’s brother … the international terrorist issue … had come to a head. Carlos will spend his life in prison. Eva is trying to cope but blessedly she’d refrained from leaving me to deal with it in San Sebastian. I know I wouldn’t handle that well at all.

Lately she’s been sticking close to me, actually talkin’ to me more and finally the subject of our marriage is coming back to the forefront. No, we didn’t tie the knot on New Year’s Day like we planned. Guess it could be expected. Truth is, it’s not me and Eva who have a problem, it’s the rest of the bloody world. A world that could produce the kinda criminal Carlos had become.

Suddenly, while Eva and I walked through Central Park, watching the kids build snowmen and strolling past other city dwellers spending an afternoon bundled up against the deep winter weather, something came to me.

“We gotta get to Vermont.”

“Now?” she grinned up at me. “I’m not sure the interstate is cleared of snow.”

I shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, we gotta go. Not this minute, but real soon. I can feel it.”

“Feel what?”

“Instinct.”

Like she was reading our minds, my cell phone chimed and Riley’s name lit on the screen.

JOHN

No casualties, not a shot fired and no one in Kennedy’s Corner Pub any wiser that a Federal criminal had been captured. I’d say it was a good day, ay! The adrenalin was pumped, I felt kinda young again and at one point, after I told Wade he was a damn good sheriff, he told me I’d’ve made a damn good outlaw.

When I got home, Riles had already put the boys down for the night. I made my rounds, tucked Nathan in nice and tight while he told me about his day, then just stood at Michael’s crib and watched him sleep.

Yeah, a damn good day. I’ve got a family and a fucking good life all around. Riley’s arms slid around me and I pulled her around, tucked her under my arm and kissed the top of her head.

“Good day?”

“Yeah,” I whispered.

“Anything exciting?”

“Nah.”

“You know what I want?”

My brows bobbed. I sure as hell knew what I wanted.

“A party. It’s time to get the family together.”

Usually I balk at this kinda stuff. Someday we’ll settle and have a simple life, me and Riles and our kids. But for some reason, I had to agree with her. “Yeah, let’s do that. Maybe … I dunno … two weeks?”

“Exactly what I thought. I can shuffle reservations around to empty the whole left tower for out of town family. All I have to do is make a few calls to New York and California. Terry already said he and Eva will come.”

“Baby, don’t get all disappointed if they all can’t make it. People have lives, you know.”

“I have a weird feeling John. I think they’ll all come. I think … they already know I’m calling.”

“You are weird,” I teased and lowered to kiss her good. Thank God our bedroom is just on the other side of the door. One swoop and she was in my arms.

Yeah. A really good day.