NATALIE

We walked arm in arm to Jack's door and he paused before sliding his keycard through the slot.

"Dearest Natalie, are you certain? Be assured, I have weathered many storms and am steadfast in my desire, but I don't wish to cause you any harm. If this will cause a setback in your recovery, as you fear, then perhaps…"

I caressed his cheek. "I'm sure, Jack. I love you and if any storms come from this, we'll weather them together."

He smiled and nodded, unlocked his door and stepped into his room. I took his outreached hand and moved into his arms. His kiss was stronger, more demanding than before. His fingers slid along the hem of my shirt causing tingles like electric sparks to spread over my skin. Slowly, he lifted it over my head. I unbuttoned his shirt, leaving small, tender kisses on his chest as it was exposed. We finished undressing each other, taking our time to kiss, caress and celebrate our bodies as they were revealed.

I was naked before him, vulnerable but completely safe. His manner, his touch, his eyes conveyed his love as he wrapped me in his arms. Scooping me up, he gently lay me on his bed. His eyes never left mine as he stretched out beside me and his large hand smoothed over my waist and up to my breast. Leaning over me, he took a nipple between his lips and teased it with his tongue. The sensation left me breathless and I lifted his head so that I could look into his eyes, eyes that reflected the deep blue of the sea he loved.

"My Treasure," he whispered as he leaned in for another long, deep kiss.

He rolled over, taking me with him and hands roamed over my back as I began to kiss and nip at his neck. Straddling him, I sat up and saw all his battle scars. In an odd way, they were beautiful. They represented his courage and devotion and were the proof of the man Jack is. He moaned with delight as I sought and kissed each one; his poor mangled ear, a gash on his neck, long stripes across his sides and arms, a deep angry flesh wound in his thigh. He gently pushed me back, sat up and kissed me. Taking my hands, he turned my wrists up and brushed his thumbs over my scars. He didn't utter a sound as he lifted them to his lips and kissed each one, so tender and loving.

I reached up and stroked his hair. "Jack," was all I could say as he kissed my face, neck, lips. I held onto him as he shifted me onto my back beside him. He ran his fingers down my belly and into my center, testing my readiness for him. He slid his fingers into me and spread my moisture over my folds. Finding my sweet spot, he caressed and teased until I was writhing in his hands.

Separating my legs with his knees, he slowly slid into me until we were joined in body as well as spirit. He buried his face in my neck and I could feel his heart beating, matching my own until I could not tell them apart. Together we climbed to the height of our passion until we found our release and slowly drifted back to Earth, back to Jack's room and back to his bed where we lay in each others arms.

Jack was spooned behind me when I woke the next morning, his strong arm wrapped protectively around me. Trying not to disturb him, I snuggled closer and listened to his soft snore wondering at all the changes that have happened since that terrible, lonely Christmas. And, I wondered at Jack. Who would have thought that it would be Jack who would fill all those empty corners of my life, and I thanked God for him.

He stirred and I felt his lips on my shoulder as his arm tightened around me. "Good morning," I smiled.

"Good morning, my love," he said soft and low in my ear. "Did you sleep well?" He began nuzzling my neck.

"Mmmm," I sighed. "Yes, I did. Very well. Did you?"

"Mm-mmm," he mumbled.

"You know, Jack," I said. He lifted his head and raised his eyebrow. "Your bed is infinitely warmer than the gazebo. I think I'll stay here this morning."

He chuckled. "Yes, my dear. I think you should stay here, too."

JOHN

Mid afternoon, time for the liquor inventory. Nice and quiet in the Pub. I was thinking about lots of shit. Life. One trauma at a time, ay? No need to create problems where there were none. But Riles had a doctor's appointment scheduled the next day and I was kinda freaking. Kept telling myself everything is okay. Everything's gonna be perfect. Nothing like last time. This pregnancy seemed way more normal, more like I remembered with Donna, so I shouldn't worry, right? But hey, it's me…so I was worrying. Then Terry dropped in.

I grabbed a glass and poured a stout for him, set it on the bar and continued counting bottles on the shelf. "You got one hell of a shit-eating grin these days, Thorne."

"Do I?"

I gave him a glare and he grinned wider. The fucker was in love, I knew it. Just as I was about to make some snide, grossly inappropriate remark, Lachlan trotted down the steps.

"Hey, mates. Oh," he pointed to Terry's beer. "I'll take one of those."

Fuck, at that rate I'd never get the inventory done and I'd give away more beer before we opened at four than I'd sell all night. So, I did what any good businessman does…slid my clipboard aside and poured one for me too.

"Got somethin' to tell ya," Lach said after taking a long slug and lighting a cigarette. "I…uh…I…."

Terry chuckled. "Spit it out."

"I joined the U.S. Marine Corps."

"You what?" I almost choked, then took a cigarette out of his pack and lit. Not my day for being a good guy, ay? This wasn't good news; it wasn't good news at all. "What the fuck are you thinking, Lachlan?" I almost shouted.

"John," Terry said calmly. God sakes, he looked like a proud military pop or something.

Me? I was thinking about all the shit that could happen. Bad shit. The kinda shit that could get Lachlan dead! "Why the hell would you do this? Man, don't you read the fucking papers? There's escalation all over the goddamn Middle East!"

"Yeah, I read the papers. That's why I did it. Bloody hell, John. You make it sound like you give a shit or somethin'."

"Jesus," I started to pace behind the bar. Terry was quiet so that left the talking out of it part up to me. "There's no need for this, Lach. You did your time, you know about war. Why the fuck would you do this?"

"Hey, ya do give a shit," Lachlan chuckled. "I'm doin' this 'cause I need to, mate. It's me. I been lookin' for things to make me feel whole and… I really think…this is the answer. John I can fly, I can do somethin' good for my adopted country. Fuck, mate. I might come back feeling good about myself."

"If you come back."

"Yeah, John. If I come back. If I'm lucky."

"Enough," Terry groaned, not content to just let me do the arguing. Or at least that's what I thought. "Lach, you're reasons are your reasons. You're a good soldier, a good pilot. You'll come back."

Gave Thorne another glare. God sakes, one's running away to fight because he can't find happiness and Thorne's sticking around here making me nuts because he has. I chugged beer. "Lachlan, it isn't that I give a shit. You fucking die, you can't imagine how many women I'll have to comfort…the main one in my own fucking bed."

"Some hardship," Lach grinned and stood. He slapped my shoulder. "No worries. I'll be back. But if comforting Riles really gets to be too much for ya, my mate here could give you a hand."

"What?" Terry joked then walked out of my pub, his arm over Lach's shoulders.

"Yeah, yeah. Leave me to do all this work alone. See if I care." Not like I got much done. Not ten minutes later Bridgid came down.

SOPHIA

Vermont. My my. My name is Sophia Maria DeCello and I was born and raised in Rome. Yes, yes, I have been educated in some of the best schools in Europe. Papa has several very, very prosperous businesses and I have wanted for nothing. But of course, I have also stretched the boundaries of his tolerance at times…like now as I accompany dear American friends to a small town in the state of Vermont. Of course, I did not expect to like it here, but even as I entered the quaint entry hall and parlor, the scent of fine food wafting through from the dining room, I must admit, I was terribly curious.

This area is an odd place, nothing like I expected. The mountains are not impressive, but my friends prefer it to some of the more dramatic slopes in the western states or even the Alps. The weather too is strange, changeable and I am thinking that perhaps this was not the most optimum time of year to visit. The skiing is questionable, the travel difficult and the weather ghastly. Damp. Cold. But pleasantly, the Inn was warm and comfortable. A very nice man checked me into my room as my travel mates left to settle in theirs. It is difficult, traveling with lovers. I am a third wheel. I feel left out at times, but a bit of a puttana, as often I find more lovers and have more sex than they do.

We had been traveling for weeks across the United States, from winter resort to winter resort and we were unfortunately running out of winter. It would be the end of our adventure together and I am feeling saddened by it.

After settling in my small room, I chose to go down to the parlor where many skiers had come in from the cold. Perhaps I would find my lover for this final leg of the expedition? I could only hope.

I sat and sipped heady mulled cider and quietly watched the people around me. Families filtered in then left to rest after their strenuous day on the slopes. Couples snuggled near the fire. I was beginning to feel the drop that comes with disappointment as it seemed very likely I would spend the next two weeks alone in the forsaken wasteland that is Vermont in March. But alas, in comes the most beautiful man I have ever laid eyes on.

My heart nearly stopped beating. Dio! Magnifico, glorioso, splendido! Shoulders, broad and strong, dark hair and eyes the color of sky and sea! The energy of this man engulfed the room and all turned to look upon him. He was a specimen of beauty and he would be mine. I sat, crossing my legs and tossing back my hair. If I caught his eye just the right way, it would be done. He would be undone and spend every waking and sleeping moment in my bed.

I tilted my head and smiled. But it was not this Adonis who responded to me. A massive form with not unattractive features stood before me and smiled wide as a poor beggar. He had entered with Adonis and was clearly his friend. I attempted to look around this man's large frame to catch the beautiful god's attention, but instead the smile became wider.

"Hello, love. I am Pullo, would you care to join me for dinner?"

How brash this man was! To approach me in such a manner and simply ask like that! But I believed that his boldness would assist me with my goal and I gave him my sweetest smile. "Pullo, I am Sophia. I would be most pleased to dine with you this evening."

Of course, my intentions were to discover all I could of Adonis. I would play this Pullo as far as his stupidity would allow…and I would win the man I truly wanted…or my name is not Sophia Maria DeCello.

BRIDGID

I had an hour long private lesson booked for the afternoon and Terry decided to go back to the Inn. When the lesson was over I hoped to catch him there but I ran into John first. Leave it to me to make it into the pub right before it opened.

"Hey Morgan, how ya doing? I still hurt from the other fucking day."

"John, great to see you. Have a bourbon, it will cure what ails you. On me, eh?"

I love the way he laughed. "What'll you have? We're not open yet but I know the owner."

"Make it a Rolling Rock long neck and I'll be a happy camper. Where is everyone by the way?"

He shrugged "Shit's going down. Good friend just broke it to us he's going into the fucking Marines. Can't figure out what's up with that." He pulled a beer, opened it and sat it in front of me

"Semper Fi. Been there, done that and I still have the uniform. It's not hard to explain John. The Marines will straighten anyone's ass out." I raised my bottle. "Ooorrah buddy. Who is this mysterious recruit?"

"The recruit is Lachlan. Pilot. You might have seen him hanging around."

"Ah yes. Is he around now? I'd be happy to talk to him. Did some recruiting during my enlistment and I'll tell him where the lies are in the fine print on his enlistment documents."

That made John laugh. "Fuck, Lach's just a kid at heart, but he kinda knows what he's in for. I'll hook him up with you...that is....if Terry won't mind." He was grinning and doing some brow waggling. He's such a cute guy but the only thing that registered to me was Terry's name I nearly choked on my beer.

"Terry? You know about me and Terry?"

I must have really been amusing him. He was laughing harder as he pulled up a stool to sit across from me. "Baby, nothing...and I mean nothing goes unnoticed around here. Especially when Terry's grinning like a fucking Cheshire cat."

"John, I ...um. I don't know what happened. Believe me I was not looking for this but there is something about him that just swept me off my feet. I'm really kind of scared. He doesn't live or work here."

John shrugged and set his hand on top of mine. He was looking directly into my eyes and it didn't make me nervous, it relaxed me. "Bridgid. Things change. I know Terry, known him a long time and trust me, that man's ready for some changes. Just look at his life! Look at what he does...what he goes through all the time. What he did for Riles? Getting her out safe like that? It's who he is...but it's taking a toll, big time. Did you know he's here for a six week R&R? I have never, ever seen him do that. Where he lives and works can change on a dime. It's time."

I looked away from his gaze and stared at the bar for a moment. "John, I think I'm in love with him." It felt kind of odd confessing it to him but I needed to talk to someone and John Biebe was so easy, like a big brother. "Six weeks is almost up. I figure if he does go I won't have any regrets. I wouldn't trade the time I've spent with him for anything but I'd feel a loss." I smiled and looked up at John. "He even went to work with me today. I think he had fun, you know?"

"I know he did. Had that fucking grin going, even while Lach broke his news." John scratched his temple and ran a hand down his face. "Think about this, Bridgid. You know about burn out. You've been there, told me all about it on the slopes. I'm telling you, he's in the same place right now. What did you do? You chucked it all and came to Vermont. He's here to figure shit out. One thing I can tell you...Vermont is a places full of fucking surprises."

"Don't tell him what I told you, okay? If he stays I want him to do it because he wants to be with me. I think if he knew how I felt it would hinder his judgment. He'd feel obligated." Why did that feel so wrong to say? Maybe I should climb the top of old Mansfield and scream...Terry...don't go! I want you, need you, love you.

John drew in a long breath, let it out slow. "Won't tell him, but I will tell you what I know about Terry...if you'd like."

What was he sensing? Desperation? Was I really desperate and fighting something I should just let happen? Fuck!

"Yeah, I'd like that. I know he's wonderful. I knew it the moment I met him. How the fuck did this happen to me? I swore off relationships a year ago."

John chuckled. "I don't know about 'wonderful' but I'll tell you what I do know. Terry's probably the closest thing to a real brother I got in this world. Not even sure why, but that's how he is. He's always there when I need him, kinda like magic, you know? Riles lost a baby last October. It was ugly...but the point is, at the moment it was happening, I wasn't with her. I was out on the grounds somewhere. Terry was in fucking Dallas and he called me. Goddamn called me! Shouted over the fucking phone to get to her NOW! Probably saved her life that day too. He's always there for us. Always. Bridgid," again he squeezes my hand. "This is a good man. A really good man. If you want him to stay…you gotta tell him. It's just his style to compromise his own heart and walk away if he thinks he's asking too much. A good man, a really good man."

I knew how Terry felt about his extended family here. He told me about Riley that night we'd spent talking. I think slowly but surely they're becoming my extended family as well. "John...I've just made a decision. Where's the population sign to this berg, the one on the road that you see when you come in to town. I'm going to change it to one more. Care to help me with a little vandalism?" Who's a good man? John Biebe, that's who, just like Terry. "I suddenly feel like I'm at home now. It's not just where I live, it's home."

John smiled, looked like he wanted to wipe off his hands and announce that 'my work here is done'. "Good for you. And about relationships...it's got nothing to do with whether you wanted one or not. Relationships, when they're right, just take over. They just are. You are home, Bridgid Morgan. And so is Terry."

"Aww."

"Now, go do what you gotta do. I think Terry's up in the lobby. I gotta finish this inventory before I can open this Pub. Shoo, will you." And his eyes sparkled in that way they did. I think he kinda liked me and I think he really liked the idea of what was happening between Terry and I. God I just wanted to...

"Not without this first." Leaning over the bar, I grabbed him up in a big bear hug. "Don't expect Terry for dinner. I've got an idea. I'm going to try to...*gulp* cook."

TERRY

Lachlan and I were talking when she walked into the room. I must have stopped mid sentence because the next thing I knew his elbow was buried in my bloody side.

"Never mind, Ter. We'll have a natter later," he shook his head and walked away from me. He and Bridgid exchanged a few words and the bastard kept looking at me. I knew they were talking about me. When she left him and walked up to me I could actually feel the heat from her body.

"G'day. I wasn't sure you'd make it." I tried to kiss her but Lachlan's laugh cut it short. I gave him one of those looks and the bloody bastard fired me a one finger salute. He winked at Bridgid and walked away.

She seemed nervous for some reason and it made me uncomfortable.

"Hi. You know what, Ter. I was just talking to John. I'm not going to beat around the bush. We were talking about you."

"About me?" So that's it. She's going to dump my sorry arse. I knew it was coming and I knew falling for her was a mistake. I just couldn't fucking stop it. "I can see you've got something to say. Just go ahead."

The look on her face was priceless. Her eyes grew large and she swallowed hard. At least I could take some solace in the fact that it was hard for her. "Okay, Terry. I'll give it to you straight. I'm head over heels in love with you and if you leave you'll break my heart into a million pieces. Please, please, please don't leave me. Stay here in Vermont."

She kind of shuddered and let out a breath. What the fuck did she just say to me? Love? Stay? I didn't expect this at all. Come on, mate. You can do it. You can tell her how you feel. Tell her before she gets the wrong idea.

"I love you. Bridgid." Christ, that didn't hurt a bit. It felt bloody great in fact. "I knew I wasn't leaving from the moment I met you."

"You did, eh? Terry Thorne, I sure hope you can cook."

Hah? What have I bloody gotten myself into?

PULLO

"She is an angel!" I was telling Maximus as we climbed the stairs to our suite late that night. "A vision wrapped in flesh and light."

"She is a woman, my friend. And a dangerous one at that. Pullo, I have seen many like her. She has an agenda. You must only be alert to that fact and you might, just might escape whatever her unique treachery is."

I turned to him and he was smiling. "You jest, General. Are you …perhaps jealous?"

And he burst into laughter. "You will learn, Pullo. Women of this time are nothing like you think. Take care and protect your balls."

But how could I protect them when the only intention I had was to place them into the lovely Sophia's hands? To feel the sensations of her warm, long fingers as they caress and roll them, her pink tongue readying to slather along them…I did not wish Maximus a good night. I chose to immediately take a shower and relieve the severe difficulty I was having beneath the horrid metal zipper of my pants.