JOHN

The few days after the group session with Natalie, things just weren't settled in my guts. I realized that we're all hurting somehow. What Natalie told us brought a lot of shit home to me, things like the deep pain we all carry and try our damn best to hide, just so that we can go on, get outta bed every day, put one foot in front of the other.

I know for me, I will never recover from losing my boys. Never, ever get over the loss of Riley's and my baby. But what do we do? We grit our teeth, bear it and try to move on. The only things that keep us going are the people around us, how much we care about them and what they need. It's a good survival technique, but once in a while we all have to do a reality check. Thinking about losing Nathan made me wonder about Riley. She did what we all expected right after the miscarriage. She mourned, she cried and she shut down until we found a way to reach her. Same with Natalie, and fuck we were lucky to catch her in the nick of time. It's the same with anyone I guess. And it's too easy to get caught up in the stuff that isn't that important. Riles and me, we needed a reality check. The only way that happens is when someone stops the circus. She has a habit of burying herself in work. We'd just come off the 'dreaded week of cleaning' just in time to rev up for Valentine's Day Week, the biggest week of the ski season. So fitting in a reality check for my wife and me could prove difficult.

Of course, there were the standard complexities. An Inn full of people always holds elements of surprise, but by Monday afternoon I'd had my fill of one of those surprises. It takes all kinds I guess, but Christ, this one took the cake. Mr. Cole checked in on Sunday with one small suitcase and no skis. No big deal, not everyone skis. Sunday evening, we got three complaints that the middle aged man had plopped his fat ass into the hot tub, naked. He didn't stay there long, so I didn't figure I had to say anything to him, ay? Like maybe he got the point. After all, there is a sign; Swimsuits must be worn in the hot tub. But Monday morning, the idiot showed up at breakfast wearing one of our towels and nothing else. I was off the premises at the time, but the waitress asked the man to leave. She packed up his breakfast and he took it up to his room. Monday afternoon, now that was the last straw.

It was the Après Ski treats time in the parlor and Monna had just set out the trays of cookies, cheese and crackers when the guests began to arrive from the slopes. I was at the front desk reviewing messages and listening to Marla as she talked to some nut on the phone who thought she could get a reservation for Valentine's Day week. Hell, we'd been booked solid for this week since July! Then I saw Cole in his towel. He walked past with a congenial grin, ignoring everyone staring at him, strolled into the parlor and proceeded to readjust his towel. I got the fucking full moon!

"Marla," I grunted. "Whoever the fuck wants a room, tell them they have one, starting this very night!" I charged to the parlor, ejected our resident nudist to a rousing round of applause then accompanied him to gather his meager belongings. The man was smiling in some goofy condescending way.

"Mr. Biebe, do you do anything healthy in your life?"

"Yeah," I tossed his suitcase into his trunk and slammed the door closed. "But most of it is while wearing clothes when I'm out in public, God Sakes."

He chuckled, slid behind his wheel and looked up at me. "Do yourself a favor, do something healthy for yourself today. Goodbye."

I watched him drive away. That's when I got the idea. It was a good idea and most of it would be done wearing clothes. I checked my watch. If I wanted to make this happen by lunchtime tomorrow, I had some things to delegate and other things to get ready.

RILEY

John can be so damn demanding sometimes. He just walked into my office and told me we had someplace to be by noon and that was that. He was gone before I could ask what or where or for how long. Ah well, not like it was a hardship to spend time with my husband. I don't know a more delightful or charming man on earth than John Biebe, especially when he wanted something. It was Valentine's Day on Friday; maybe he wanted to celebrate early? Either that or Mister Cole was trying to press charges for being so abruptly put out. Excuse us for assuming guests would know that clothes are not an option when staying at the Inn. Ah well, we had a good attorney, if that was the problem it would be solved soon enough.

I quickly ran a hand through my short hair, checked my makeup and tugged on my coat. The Inn was eerily quiet, every single guest gone for the slopes and Jack at the hospital visiting Nat. John told me to meet him out front at eleven forty-five and it was exactly that when I stepped out onto the porch. There, waiting at the steps was our sleigh, two of the beautiful horses and the sheriff's son, Brad holding the reigns and grinning ear to ear. John held out his hands.

"S'go for a ride, beautiful."

My heart actually skipped a beat. This is a quality John has, that ability to make me feel light and free, happy and like a teenaged girl. He helped me up then covered us with the blankets. Brad clicked his tongue and we were off. How long had it been since I'd taken the time to survey our property? Granted, it was daylight and none of those little added attractions were visible as they would be for guests arranging a sleigh ride at night. We'd carefully chosen areas to light with twinkle lights along the tree lined trail, but I wasn't missing those. My mind was soaring over all the times I'd walked that route. The day I'd found the old mansion. The time with Terry when he climbed a tree and nearly gave me a heart attack. The times with Maximus, as we talked and learned from each other. The times alone, as I pondered what life would be like once the Inn was built. And there we were, having come full circle. I cuddled close to John and watched the pines along the path, gasped as though I'd never seen the openness at the end of that lane, magnificent Mount Mansfield looming in the distance. The horses, long familiar with the trail, turned without being guided and did a loop around the gazebo, around the pond, then stopped right in front of the old cottage.

That old structure had been there a very long time, probably as long as the house. At first, we didn't even realize it was on our property until Kevin, being the efficient genius he is, had the surveys clarified and we learned that we were the proud owners of the shabby old place. I sat up and looked. It was so beautiful, covered with snow, the frozen pond nearby and deep green pines all around.

"Let's take a look inside," John slid from his seat and helped me down. Brad gently slapped the reigns and the sled left us there.

"What do you have up your sleeve, John?"

"Some time alone with my wife. Gotta problem with that?"

My answer was a deep kiss, my entire body stretched to his, up on tip toes and feeling amazingly like it was the very first kiss we'd ever shared. He pushed the door opened and inside was like a fairytale come true. Time . . . alone . . . together. The fireplace was crackling; there was a tray of imported cheeses and rustic breads, winter fruit and a thermos of hot cocoa. But the best part? A mountain of blankets and pillows right in front of the fire. I was most definitely being wooed and I was loving every moment of it.

We rushed out of our clothes and snuggled beneath the blankets and I felt the prick of a tear burn my eye. An ache I'd been ignoring for days pressed in my belly. One year ago that very weekend, I'd almost lost John to an avalanche. But rather than feel sad, I found myself instead very pleased. I held a secret deep in my heart, my own Valentine's gift for John.

We may have been two people happy to find intimate moments alone, but we were also very busy business people, knowing damn well that we had little time before the real world would encroach on our precious few hours. His kisses were like fire, hot and demanding and I couldn't get enough of him. When John slid his desperate cock into me, I gasped with the power of it, the excitement of feeling like we were a couple of bad kids who'd skipped school. Watching his face, hearing his words of love, I couldn't hold back another minute.

"Are you still thinking about trying for another baby?" I asked quietly, whispering into his ear so close to my lips.

"Sure, baby. As soon as you're ready." Then he chuckled, thrusting deeper. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Well John. It's already done."

He suddenly slid out and rose to look down at me.

"Hey! Put that back!" I grinned but his brow was twisted with concern.

"Are you sure? You're pregnant?"

I nodded, my tongue tipped out and tears in my eyes.

"Are you afraid, baby?"

"Nope. We see the doctor next week. Nothing to be afraid of. I've already seen the baby. It's a boy and he's beautiful." Poor John hated when I did that stuff, so I softened it with a shrug. "Well, at least that how I imagine it. Are you okay with this?"

He sighed and slid into me where he belonged. "God sakes, Riles. Of course I am, but we gotta be careful this time. You hear me? Super fucking careful."

"Well," I said between excited moans, "the doctor will tell us what to do," another gasp as my climax tingled at the edges of my thoughts. "I'm sure," grunt, "absolutely positive," gasp, "it's going to be perfect . . . Oh God . . . oh John!"

DANIELLE HAWTHORNE

I know, I know. I've been working way too much. So what if I hadn't taken a vacation in three years? So what? Because it's driving me nuts, that's what. The last three years had been, well…they'd been a real bitch. Doing nothing but working constantly sure hadn't changed anything, except my bank account. That's taken a sizeable turn for the better. I glanced up from my paperwork and looked out the huge picture window, searching for a shred of calm among the endless buildings of the city. Huh, gloomy skies, a little smog, far too much noise. Some picture. Why shouldn't I take a vacation? I had the money. I could easily make the time. Fuck it…I'm going, for at least a week.

I sipped coffee, flipped open my notebook…system password…log on password…internet password; why do I have so many passwords? Okay, let's see. I browsed for a while and finally came upon a definite prospect: 1876 Manor; recently renovated; secluded destination at Mt. Mansfield. Hmmm…the pictures were beautiful; nice suites, spacious, elegant and comfortable. Very nice. I'm not much of a skier though. Horses and sleighs, now that sounded good. The place was perfect and Stowe was only about a two-hour drive. Found the number for reservations and picked up the phone. Well, that was good luck…a suite had suddenly became available. Within twenty four hours, I'd be sipping hot cocoa near a warm fireplace.

"Time to go pack," I said to nobody. "I think I'll take my car…poor thing hasn't seen the light of day since the auto show."

I loaded the trunk and crossed Lake Champlain into Chimney Point. Drove east to Middlebury, stopped at the Kennedy Brothers Market Place for a few snacks. Probably stocked up too much but they had a lot of great coffees. I passed the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. I'll have to remember to visit there on my way back. I was too eager to get to the Inn. However, I couldn't resist stopping in Shelburne to visit the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory where I bought an adorable chocolate-colored bear. After a half hour, I passed Burlington and glanced at my little co-pilot in the passenger seat. "Almost there kuma, one more hour to go." Oh, geeze, I really needed some time off. I was talking to a Teddy bear.

Soon I was soothed by familiar smells; fir trees and crisp, clean air, mixed with the pungent, earthy smell of burning wood. I haven't enjoyed those smells since the last time I was in Tahoe. I turned the radio off as I drove the last few miles up the mountain towards the Inn. I pulled up slowly, glancing around carefully, wanting to take in the whole picture. I parked and turned to my cute little friend. "Well, kuma, we're here." I glanced back at the Inn. "It's perfect."

LACHLAN

I warned Riles that I'd be around more. The place was quiet, so I wound my way back to the big kitchen and found Andy lounging in Riley's desk chair, his feet up on the desk and flipping through a clipboard.

"G'day, mate. Little Sister around?"

"Nope," he grinned. "They're off for some private time."

"Where?"

"No fuckin' clue. But my guess? Someplace between the sheets, mate."

I chuckled. "Good for them."

"Are ya hungry?" Andy started to get up but I shook my head.

"Had some business in Stowe, just thought I'd stop by. Who's the new sheila at the front desk?"

"Ah, her name's Marla and she's very, very married, mate. Married to the owner of that gym? You remember the big bloke?"

"The one who helped Francine with John after the accident? Big bloody fucker? So much for the new girl at the Inn, then," I laughed, but went out to chat her up a bit anyway. She was definitely nice scenery.

Two o'clock, middle of the afternoon. Pretty quiet. It was my favorite time there when I was seeing Sigrine. Had two months really passed since that? Bloody hell. I hate to admit it, but I didn't even really miss her. Oh I missed our time in bed. But her?

"Hi, I'm Danielle Hawthorne. I have a room for the remainder of the week."

I turned, it was a pretty voice but I wasn't prepared for the face that went with it. Exotic. She was actually someone you had to really look at to get the full sense of her features. Deep green eyes. Lovely soft, milky-brown complexion and small but full lips. Long, shiny dark hair. This woman was a feast for the eyes!

"G'day," I managed to say and watched her sign in and hand over her American Express card.

"Do you need help with your luggage?" Marla asked and I piped up.

"I'll do it." Those gorgeous eyes turned up to me like I'd just made a joke or something. "Ah, I'm Lachlan Curry . . . friend of the owners . . . I'll bring in your stuff, love." I followed her outside to the parking lot, never even thought to put on my bloody coat but I wasn't feelin' the cold.

"Well, thank you, Lachlan Curry. I'm right over here."

I stopped, blinked. "Wow, great car! Classic 1938 Jaguar SS, right?"

"Yes. You know old cars, don't you? I love this car, restored it myself. Poor thing never gets out, so I thought I bring her to Vermont. Just one bag in the trunk."

I tugged her suitcase then saw something on the passenger seat. I opened the door, took out the little bear then gave her a silly look and held him up. "And who's this?"

"Oh, that's my co-pilot. I … um …stopped at the Teddy Bear factory on my way here." A beautiful blush brightened her cheeks and I smiled.

"Ah well. Wish my co-pilots were as quiet as this bloke."

"You fly, Lachlan?" she asked as we made our way back inside.

"Yeah, yeah. Pilot for Larson's Corporate Jets in Burlington. Use to fly for a K&R firm, kidnap and ransom, but it was too much like front line work. Dangerous. The principles did some heady stuff, saving kidnapped people all over the world. Lots of travel so . . . bloody hell . . . ya didn't need to know all that, now did ya?" My turn to fuckin' blush.

But her smile was radiant. We climbed the steps and I just kept on babblin'. Stairwell was kinda tight and her head was just below my chin so I got a whiff of her hair. Bloody hell, thought I'd fuckin' swoon. Everything about this woman was intoxicating. Told her I was from Australia, had been working in the States for several years, was a citizen. She kept noddin'. "Ah, here we are, fourteen." I took her key card and opened the door then handed her the toy bear and her suitcase.

"Well, thank you so much!"

Looked like she was about to close the door, but I couldn't bloody shut up. "Ah, you have a nice stay here at the Inn. Maybe I'll see ya around, Danielle Hawthorne."

Another one of those breathtaking smiles. "Maybe, Lachlan Curry."

"And . . . ah . . . maybe next time you can tell me something about you."

Her lovely eyes twinkled. "Maybe." And the door slowly closed.

JACK

As I returned to the Inn, I wondered about everything I'd learned at the hospital. I had sat beside the lovely lady Natalie for several hours with little intercourse, but as I prepared to leave, she volunteered information that was sure to alter my current plans.

"They're telling me I have to go to the Inn," she said softly as I returned to my seat.

"Yes?"

"Yes. Colin wanted me to stay with him, but no one felt that was a good idea. Truthfully, I'm afraid he might get his hopes up and I really don't want to stay with him." She never raised her eyes to mine, but I was exceedingly thrilled to hear her voice. I sat silently and permitted her to complete her thoughts.

"So, as much as I hate to be a burden, it looks like poor John and Riley will be babysitting the crazy person for a few months. They won't let me live alone yet, Jack."

I cleared my throat. "It seems a fine solution, my little dear. There is life and activity at the Inn and it seems a good place to assist your muses toward improvement." To this, I received a delightful chuckle. It was a gentle, emotionally healthy sound and I can not begin to say how much it soothed my heart. "When will you be coming to the Inn?"

"That depends on Siggie. But I understand it could be as early as next week."

And thus my plans were to be altered. I had thought to move to Maine that very weekend and stay in a hotel until construction began on my ship in the spring. Like Natalie, I feared I had become a burden at the Inn, taking a room they could have more profitably given to a patron. But with this turn of events, I would continue with the original arrangement and remain a guest in Vermont. I would now be able to offer a service. I would be the only family member there with an abundance of time to spend with our recovering sister. And I would be most honored to render such a service.

JOHN

Fuck, I couldn't have asked for a better time. It was just three hours, but we were weak from making love and laughing and talking. Talking a lot. Guess that's what the call the afterglow, ay? Whatever it was, I miss it. I had to make sure we did that sort of thing more often. Good for the soul. Not bad for the body either.

We folded the blankets and I made sure the fire was out. "We should do something with this place," I said, tugging on my jeans and looking around for my tee shirt and sweater. Where the fuck did I toss those damn things?

"Like what?"

"I dunno, maybe we should think about making it our place."

Riley sighed. "Nah. Too far away from the action. Besides, with Andy and Monica moving into her dad's house after the wedding, I was kinda looking forward to taking the whole floor and expanding our suite. Lots of room for kids."

"Yeah, guess so. Maybe we can make this a guest cottage. A place for families."

"Nuh-uh. I don't like guest too far away either. I'm envisioning a community of nudists booking the place. Besides, I sort of have another idea."

I pulled my sweater over my head, shook back my hair and squared a glare. "Like what?" I was against putting a gift shop on the premises, strongly opposed to taking that kind of tourist business from the shops in town.

"I don't know. Some kind of service. Maybe a spa?"

"A spa?" I held her coat; she slid into it and turned, letting me button it for her like she was a little girl or something. Some little girl. She had a plan and I was beginning to wonder what it was gonna cost us.

"Yes. A spa. Sauna, massage. Facials and manicures. Like that. It's far enough away from the main building, and I was talking to Margie. She said that the Gables Inn is making a fortune offering those services."

"Huh?" Maybe it would be worth the investment. "Well, look into it. I'll talk to Kev about the renovations; see what we'll be in for." We walked out and I pulled the door closed, tugged her tight under my arm.

"Cool. Oh, and John. About the baby."

"Yeah?"

"Let's keep it quiet for a while. Let Mere have the limelight. She's due in another month."

"All right . . . but . . . you need to start taking it easy now, okay?"

"Fine. Race you to the Inn!"

I caught her hand, held her tighter. "Nuh-uh, woman. No running. No lifting. No skiing and you be careful on the fucking steps - "

"Jeese," she giggled. "Here we go again."

"I don't care if you like it or not. No risks, got it?" We kicked snow and strolled slowly back. Suddenly she stopped and I turned. "What?"

"John, I think I really do want to slow down. Back off a bit, especially with a baby."

Man, I kissed her like mad. "Music to my ears, Riles. Let's get back before you freeze your pretty little ass off."

DANIELLE

Lachlan Curry, hmmm. Very nice, warm smile, heavenly eyes, handsome. I sighed and shook my head, nah…I'm just here for a vacation. I set down my bag and looked around the room. The beautiful bed was the first thing I noticed. Warm, heavy, antique furniture, beautiful mahogany finish. The bed was covered with silky-soft, crème-colored linens and pillows with an intricate brocade pattern. Delicate frosted glass shades on the bed-side lamps. A huge mirror trimmed with gold accents, hung above the bed. Beautiful, textured wallpaper on the upper half of the walls and mahogany wood paneling on the lower half. Sumptuous fabric used for the drapery and the floor was covered with an ornate Venetian rug. Elegant and comfortable.

I set one of my bags on the bed and took out my clothes. Something from outside the nearby window caught my eye. I glanced over and saw two people, a man and a woman, both carrying blankets as they approached the Inn from the pond. And they looked quite…happy. I smiled. As they disappeared into the Inn, I glanced back at the pond and wondered what else was out there. I reached into my suitcase and pulled out a pair of comfy shoes and headed off to explore the Inn.

As I walked down the hallway, I took in the lovely artwork adorning the walls. The whole Inn was similar to my room. Antique furniture, lush fabrics, soft rugs, very beautiful and inviting. Many more people were now in the lobby and parlor. Most of them wore happy, flushed faces as they spoke to each other. Skiers. I hadn't yet decided if I was gonna be brave enough to try skiing again. Nope…spent too much time on my butt, in the snow, skis twisted as I watched little kids whizzing past me with no use for poles, as though skiing was as easy as riding a bike. Nope, I'm just gonna sip hot cocoa. And, okay maybe I'll look for Lachlan again before my week is over.

I buttoned my coat as I pushed open one of the back doors and stepped outside. Deeply inhaled the wonderful mountain air and walked out towards the pond. Once I got closer, a sizable cottage came into view. It was an old structure, probably as old as the Inn I guessed. I walked up closer and tried the door. Locked. For an old building, it appeared to be sturdy. Many older buildings were made with greater care and quality materials. Not constructed by over-paid contractors, but by craftsmen who put a little of themselves into everything they built.

Of course, my little 'business voice' kicked in. The owners had already taken great care in restoring and updating the Inn. This old cottage has definite potential as well. Maybe I wouldn't have time for cocoa after all. I had that familiar buzz of a possible successful project charging through my veins. I couldn't help it, I had to find the owners and ask them if they had ever thought about adding a luxurious spa to the already luxurious Inn.

I walked quickly back and up to the front desk. I glanced at the desk clerk's nametag and waited while she finished with a guest. "Excuse me Marla, would you be able to tell me where I can find the owners?"

She looked up and smiled. "John and Riley Biebe? Um. Well, you can usually find Riley in the kitchen, but only employees can go back there."

"Of course," I nodded.

"Oh, and John is…" She scanned the room and pointed over my left shoulder. "There's John over there."

I turned. "In the blue flannel?"

"Yup, that's him."

"Danielle?" I turned to see Lachlan's adorable face.

"Hi Lachlan." I smiled, wanting to talk to him but I really wanted to catch John before he got away.

"Well…it's next time."

I gave him a confused smile. "What?"

"You promised to tell me something about yourself the next time I saw you."

"Huh uh…I said maybe…remember?" I teased. "Besides, you already know that I love classic cars and Teddy bears." I glanced over at John, afraid he was going to leave then turned back to Lachlan.

"C'mon love. Just one more thing."

Lachlan's persistence was adorable and I caved. "Okay, my favorite color is cobalt blue."

He touched my arm lightly. "See, that didn't take long."

"Lachlan, I'm really sorry, but I need to speak to John."

"S'okay Love…so, we'll talk later?"

"Sure Lachlan, that would be nice." I didn't mean to dismiss him so abruptly, but I had business on my brain. I suddenly felt a little flush as I turned to approach John.

Okay, I said to myself. I know I'm supposed to be on vacation…but that cottage would make a great spa.

"Excuse me, Mr. Biebe?"

JOHN

As soon as I saw her coming toward me, in her big city business suit and with that purposeful stride I recognize from Riles, all I could think was, now what? People don't come up to me unless there's a problem. I didn't recognize her but she might have checked in while we were at the cottage . . . if she was a guest at all. She had a lawyer look about her.

"Can I help you?"

"Mr. Biebe, my name is Danielle Hawthorne and I've been looking around your lovely facility."

Now I was thinking, safety violation. "Yeah? Are you a guest Miss Hawthorne?"

"Yes, yes I am. This Inn is delightful, beautifully refurbished and the historical preservation is wonderful."

"Uh-huh," now I was thinking nut bag. People don't ever come up to me just to say they like the place. I'm the one's gotta go up to them and ask if they're enjoying their stay before they start doling out the compliments. This was odd. I shuffled my feet, prepared for the worst. "Is there something you need, Miss Hawthorne?"

"Well no, but perhaps I have something you need. Have you ever considered putting a spa on the property?"

I squinted, tilted my head. "Did my wife call you? Already?"

"Excuse me?" She blinked her pretty eyes.

"Um, as a matter of fact, we were just talking about putting a spa - "

"In that old cottage near the pond?" she completed my thought.

"So," I chuckled and put my hand out, guiding her to the stairs. "Riles did call you already."

"No. No one called me, I was walking around and I saw that old structure. See, that's what I do, Mr. Biebe - "

"John, call me John." I led her up the first flight.

"Okay, John. That's what I do; I develop wonderful, top-shelf spas for hotels just like this. I would love to discuss it with you and your wife when you have the time."

I chuckled again, turned a wink up to her. Poor girl was walking backwards up the steps. "Where do ya think we're going, Miss Hawthorne? We're heading up to see Riley in the private suite to do just that. It's kinda weird; we were just talking about this a few hours ago." She was blinking like I was the lunatic on the stairwell. "You a mind reader?" I teased.

"No, no. Of course not," and she smiled. This was going to be interesting, that's for sure. I couldn't wait to see Riley's face when we got up there, she was not gonna believe this.

NATALIE

Letters and mail I never get. Visitors? I get them by the droves. One after the other like a never ending trail of smiling faces all strategically placed in my room to make me feel better. Most times it didn't work, sometimes it did. I swear, I'd blink and there's a different person sitting there. John, Jack, Riley, Andy, Mere, LizBeth, Hando, Monica. See? A rolling kaleidoscope of faces.

But letters? Never. That's why when it arrived; I just held it my hands for a long time. I recognized the handwriting and noticed that the post mark was from Bahrain. The only person it could be from was Maximus. And for the first time since attempting to end my stupid life . . . I was ashamed.

For two days I carried it in my pocket. I talked to it when I was alone; I fingered it and thought about reading it. But finally, I had to see what the General had to say about my foolish stunt. I slowly ripped the envelope and unfolded the light weight paper. I squeezed my eyes closed; thinking that whatever he had to say didn't matter. He didn't matter. But this was Maximus and he did matter. Of all the people I've ever met, he was the one who would find my actions fully unacceptable. This was a man who had struggled to survive against all odds. He must have been disgusted with me. I took a long, deep breath and read.

My dear Natalie,

I am deeply sorry to hear of your severe unhappiness and most regretful to have not been available during your difficult time of need. It saddens me to learn of your attempt to end your own life and remove yourself from those who love and cherish you. I can not imagine the hardships that must have taken you to that point and regret being unable to come to your aid.

I have been under deep cover here in the Middle East until just yesterday when I was informed. Unfortunately, I am to now leave for Madrid where I am assigned yet another potentially lengthy assignment. But I am told that you are healing and your heart is recovering.

As for myself, I am beginning to believe that this work is not for me. Your situation has brought to light the reminder that I have lost too many loved ones while fighting another man's war. I can not say when, but soon I will come to Vermont to see you. Hold strong, Natalie. And remember that courage is the true sign of an honest heart.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.

With deepest love and respect,
Maximus