RILEY

Five AM and I was up and bopping around already. Big day. Terry and Bridgid were having their housewarming party and we were catering as well as guests, a mammoth undertaking as the two are basically, mutually exclusive. John walked out of the bedroom with baby T in his arms. They both yawned wide and I grinned, poured coffee for my husband then took T. Nursing time and I loved it; a few moments to stop all the craziness and look down into my precious infant's face as he takes tender pulls at my nipple.

"You're not gonna be able to do everything like you used to, you know," John groaned and sat on the sofa beside me, smoothing a huge hand over the baby's fuzzy head and cooing. "This little guy is gonna limit you."

"A bit, but we'll be fine. I have good people in the kitchen, it's a nice menu with only a few complex items and I'll mostly be helping out and directing traffic."

Looking up I saw that John's smile was now aimed at me, blazing bright and so full, his beautiful baby blues were grinning too.

"What?" I asked, switching T from one breast to the other.

"Ah, nothing. It's just that I like hearing you like this. I like that you know what you really need to do and what others can do. You've come a long way, baby. From that maddening, over-concerned-about-every-detail nut case to this pretty well centered new mom. It looks good on you."

"Thank you," I kissed his lips and leaned my head back. "I am so happy they're having this party. They need to celebrate their new house, feel good about things, you know." We hadn't heard much from either Bridgid or Terry since the rescue and I'd been a little worried. Terry called once to ask Andy to take full control of the menu and tell them what they needed to have at the house, and B called to see how little T and I were doing. Other than that, they were pretty much to themselves. Well, the house did need put together and I remember that a few new items of furniture still hadn't been delivered yet. Maybe I shouldn't be concerned about those two. Terry and Bridgid are our rocks. But even rocks chip sometimes. I decided to do the follow up calls for Andy so I'd at least hear their voices.

John was mulling over what I said. He sighed, cuddled me close and lowered a peck on my forehead. "If it had to happen, the kidnapping thing … at least B and Terry have the emotional tools to handle it. I think they'll be fine. What do you need me to do to help?"

"Here, take the baby," I stood and reached for the little baby sling that had become my absolute favorite piece of baby accoutrement in the nursery. "Shower and come down to the kitchen. I'll be in the office checking on table and tent deliveries and making sure the vans will be here on time. Andy wants to bring warmers and everything. There's no way we can get everything there in our cars. By the time you get downstairs, we'll have a list for you, honey." I grinned, tucking T snuggly in the sling.

"Oh, goodie," John grunted but chuckled his way to the bathroom.

ANDY

Six fifteen AM. Nice to have full control of a party menu, but even nicer to know the bloke giving you that control. Terry's got heady taste, mates. I chose prime rib, a terrific grilled lobster dish I'd developed years ago, classic Vermont popovers and our Manor Inn homemade apple butter. Monna was working on the appetizers and deserts, and I had one of our line chef's working on the starch and veg. We were feeding about 50 people, just family and friends, but I wanted to make sure quality didn't suffer in transport. Rented two large vans and got the order in for tables, chairs and tents at the new house. Also made arrangements for a bar, liquor and two bartenders. No beer bash this.

Monna and I were bringing our best chef jackets for serving; after all, we wouldn't be doing much partying until after service then we'd just kick back and relax. Who cared if we were wearing nice clothes or not, by that point the guest would be stuffed full of good food and swimming in wine and whiskey. Wine!

Shit, almost forgot the wine. I passed Riley with little T snuggled like a tiny joey in that pouch thingy as I headed down to the wine cellar. Needed at least three cases of Los Olivos wine, after all, it was the only clear request Terry had made. Now, which wines? Riesling, check. Chardonnay, check. Cabernet Sauvignon, check. Merlot, check. Good, I started hauling cases upstairs, the reds to the waiting vans and the whites into the cooler.

I reached over my desk where Riley was shifting through the catering sheets to make a note, assuring that the white wine wasn't forgotten. I kissed the nipper on the cheek. Damn that little guy was bright eyed, looking like he knew it was gonna be a fun day for him.

RILEY

Everything was in order so I went out to see if Monna needed help. Nat was already rolling fresh grilled asparagus in prosciutto and joking with Darla, who was stuffing beautiful mushroom caps with crab meat. Looked like the apps were under control.

Eight thirty five AM. After a few rounds of a very well organized and happy kitchen, I returned to the office and dialed the house. Terry answered and blessedly didn't sound the least bit harried or concerned.

"No, no love. Everything's apples. Table and chairs are here and the blokes are constructing the tents. That bartender service arrived with the bar and libations. House is together. Looks good, Riles."

"How's Bridgid?"

It was quiet for a moment and my heart thumped. My brain begged that she was fine and well and ready for a party that was sure to trash her beautiful new house. But last time I spoke with her, I promised her two of our maids to restore sanity as soon as possible.

"Ah, sorry, was directing the bloody truck around the lawn. B? B's great. Checking out the liquor. She wanted to know about the wine. I wanted all Max's wines. That coming with the food?"

"Sure is. We're planning to be there around one. Colin's coming here to lend a hand but Carrie will be over there at noon to help you guys."

"Seems like everything's in order. See you soon, and Riles?"

"Yeah?"

"Kiss that nipper for us."

"Of course."

JOHN

Eleven ten AM. I was everywhere, covering stuff for the Inn and doing what I could in the kitchen. I packed all the dry goods and equipment, serving utensils, chaffing dishes, china plates, racks of glasses, cups, saucers etc., etc., etc. This catering stuff is lots of fucking work and all I kept thinking was that when it was all over, we had to bring all this crap back, clean it and put it away!

My back was already aching, my leg throbbing and a not-so-nice thought went through my head. There'd be neighbors at the party and I wondered if I could snatch all the business cards out of Riley's purse before we left for Terry's. Nah, wouldn't make any difference. If someone wanted to book catering, they'd track us down like dogs and give us the order. So goes success, ay?

RILEY

High noon. Everything went smooth as silk and we packed the hot and cold food into the vans. Andy headed to the house and John and I went upstairs with the baby to shower and get ready.

"I've got nothing to wear," I whined, looking into the closet while little T slept in the center of our bed.

"You got lots of nice things, Riles," John's voice was muffled beneath the towel he was rubbing over his wet hair. "What about that blue dress?"

"That's a maternity dress! I'm so fat, I'm reduced to wearing maternity clothes for the rest of my life?"

He laughed, hugged me close and kissed me so sweetly my breath caught and my heart did that flip flop thing making it hard to stay so frustrated. "You're not fat. Riles, you had that pretty baby two weeks ago. Just give it a little time. How about this?" He reached into the closet and tugged out one of my favorite white blouses. It was long and loose and I always liked to wear it with black slacks.

"Hmmm, that could work."

"Whew," John mumbled under his breath. "That could've gone real bad. A smart man knows never to attempt such a thing!"

TERRY

I could have stood for hours watching her, but then I realized it was one of my socks that she and Max were playing tug of war with and aside from that, Dino would be here any moment and Zack wouldn't be far behind with Debbie. Now there's a pair for you. If Zack and Debbie ever have a kid it will be a type double A. Kind of like the batteries the energizer bunny uses. Blimey, I hope they home school.

Back to my sock ...

"B, you should get changed," I tapped my watch but all she did was smile at me.

"I was just getting your stuff out of the dryer, Ter. Got a little side tracked. Here's your socks."

She handed me one normal sock and one that was ... shall we say a bit out of shape. Bridgid walked away but little Max stayed behind. He looked up at me as if I were next in line to play tug of war with him. I knotted the sock and gave it to him.

"Fits you better than me now, dog."

He grabbed it up and shook his head as if it were some kind of prized prey. Cute little bastard but he really was putting a dent in my wardrobe. Just this morning he peed in my track shoes. I guess they're his now too. Bloody hell.

I left him to his own devices and went upstairs to get dressed. B was standing in front of the mirror holding her hair up and trying to zip the back of her dress at the same time. Perfect opportunity for me to play the bloke of the house.

"Let me help." I rested my hands on her back and kissed her neck. I love the sound she makes when I do that so I did it again for a repeat. I slid the zipper up slowly savoring the feel of the material as it snugged up to her curves. "Maybe after the party, you'll let me help you out of this."

"Maybe sometime during the party I'll let you help me out of it."

"Vixen!"

"Flirt!"

Now we'd be exchanging looks all night but that was nothing new. I kissed her back just above the zipper and reluctantly moved away to get myself dressed. Hopefully I'd find a pair of socks.

BRIDGID

This party was the best thing that could happen for us. It would give us a chance to show everyone that we were alright; doing fine and it would also give us a chance to see everyone before we took off for California. I was certainly going to miss everyone but a little time away together would do Terry and me some good. Tua would tend to my shop, Dino and Zack would tend to Terry's and all would be well.

I finally got outside to check everything and I have to say everyone did a stellar job. I felt kind of guilty but catering was Andy and Monna's business and Riley was the mistress of perfection. Yeah I know that sounds funny but here are the facts, the party of the season was at our house and I didn't lift a finger to help. I can't say enough good stuff about the people around us. We're really blessed and speaking of blessed, maybe this trip to California is just what the doctor ordered for us to receive another kind of blessing, ala the type John and Riley have with little T. I could only hope.

Okay, the yard was stunning. Beautiful flowing tents and elegantly set tables made the place look like some kind of five star restaurant set up in the wine region of France and I have to say I was pretty damn proud of what Terry did with the house. He took my plans and ran with them. Top of the line, first quality everything. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought when I moved here that this would happen to me. I've got the business I've always wanted, the most magnificent friends, a bulldog and most of all I've got the love of a man who just blows me away. I really need to shut up now before I somehow wake up in hell. It almost happened you know but that man, he came and got me, brought a few of his mates to boot. Speaking of mates, Dino pulled up while I was thinking all of this.

DINO

Look at this fucking place. No wonder he wants to plant his ass deep in the ground here and look at the skirt he's settled down with. Lucky fucking bastard. I guess I shouldn't call her a skirt; she's not so bad you know.

She was standing right there when I got out of the car. Nice dress, nice gams, okay I'll admit it, nice woman.

"Hey, B. How you doing?" I gave her a little kiss on the cheek but she pulled me into a tight hug, damn it.

"I'm alive, thanks in part to you."

"Just doing my job, now let go of me before your old man picks me off with a Seig assault rifle. I don't want him to get the wrong idea. Where's he at anyway?"

"Upstairs in our bedroom, trying to find a pair of matching socks. He'll be happy to see you. Go on up."

She knew I was teasing her. I could see it in her eyes and I'm sure she was pretty capable of reading me. Frigging cops. I gave her a little wink and made my way into the house, no let me rephrase, fucking mansion, to find Thorne. It wasn't hard; he was right where she told me.

"Can I come in?" I asked as I stood in the doorway.

"Be my guest, mate. Nice to see you here. Thanks for coming."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. This bedroom looks familiar. Isn't it the one from your flat in London?"

Terry chuckled kind of wryly. "Yeah, it is. We've had to make some repairs on the bed but Bridgid didn't want a new one. She's rather attached to this set."

"I can only imagine why. So, anyway, brother, are you ready for this shindig?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. Grant here yet?"

"Knowing him, he stopped at every motel along the thruway just to play a little hide the wiener with Deb. Truth be told, brother, I think he's in love. I hope it's not contagious. I kind of like my freedom right now."

Thorne laughed again. "Someday you'll pick one and make an honest woman out of her. You mark my words, mate."

"Don't count on it."

"C'mon mate. Guests will be arriving soon. Let's go talk John into a few drinks before things get started."

Terry looked out the window and nudged his head for me to look too. Zack and Deb had arrived and he pointed out that she was walking a bit funny. "Reckon you were right, mate. Either that or she can't walk in those stilettos on the lawn. Let's drag Zack into the mix and we'll get it out of him. Gotta have a bit of fun, eh?"

TERRY

Things were moving along nicely and everyone seemed to be having a great time. Zack and Deb brought us a huge stag horn plant as a house warming gift and we spent an hour trying to figure out where we would put it. Everyone got in on the act. Colin and Carrie. Kevin and LizBeth, Jack and Natalie but it was Hando who pointed out that it fit in the sunroom as if it were built to house it. I think he even surprised Mere with his decorating sense.

Dinner was wonderful, the wine was superb and everything was first rate until the moment IT happened. No one would admit to setting up the deal with the karaoke but I had an idea it was Riley. She had that look on her face when Bridgid grabbed my hand and demanded we sing together. I wasn't pissed enough to do this, not yet but I reckon she'd hide all of my socks if I didn't. I could have muddled through until she told me what song we were singing. Bloody hell, Muskrat Love? My God I'm never going to hear the end of it.

Before I made my way up to the mic I stopped to whisper in Riley's ear. "Your idea, Gamer? I'll get you back for this, wait and see."

RILEY

I was innocent! I swear it … but there was something about Terry getting me back that made me smile. Terry and I used to do a competition thing, that's why he calls me Gamer. Last score, I was ahead. But of course, that was a long time ago. We were big kids now, all grown up, married, responsible … ohhh, I can't wait to see how he's going to get me back!

All in all, now my curiosity was really peaked. Who did arrange the karaoke? It wasn't me. Bridgid was loving it, but I'm sure she didn't bring it in. John absolutely despises karaoke. Nat? Nah. Colin? Highly unlikely. Kevin was reluctant but finally sang a duet, The Time of my Life, with LizBeth (who'd had a little too much wine). Well, they had fun but didn't look like they'd venture another song in front of this harsh crowd or had the idea to bring karaoke to the party in the first place.

I sat back and watched the mystery unfold when finally the answer was revealed, although of course, I wasn't telling anyone.

About an hour into this outrageous torment that had us all groaning and pointing and laughing, Hando stood. He took little Ruthie by the hand and, bent over to accommodate her tiny stature, he led her to the small stage of doom, as we'd all come to call it. Hando sat on one of the rented folding chairs and perched his little daughter on his knee then sang the sweetest baritone rendition of Daddy's Little Girl anyone ever heard. Her eyes were glued to his and when it was over she hugged him tight around the neck and we'd all gone silent. Just before a communal sigh could ring out, Hando's eyes flashed at us all and he growled … "Shut the fuck up".

We shut the fuck up.

TUA

I hope Terry didn't know it was me who called him a dork after he sang that silly song with B. At least he could carry a tune but she actually sounded like a muskrat. My ears are still bleeding.

I know the boss is only going to be gone a few weeks but it means I got double duty. I'll have to do the bookings for the up-coming season along with my usual chores. Nice thing about it is, she trusts me. I won't let her down, not this time. Pullo is in California anyway and it was his entire fault. Shit, man, I hope he comes to visit again. I could use another night out. Speaking of nights out, there are a few unattached sheilas at this party and I think I'll find one to love for the night. Which one, blonde, brunette? Who is that dark haired beauty in the corner? Crikey, I'm in love already. Down boy! I love this place called Vermont and I sure as hell love the people around here.

Oh bloody hell, now B wants me to sing with her. Someone help me, please!

RILEY

One AM and all was well. With the party cleaned up and over, the baby tucked snug in his crib, John and I headed to bed. I slid out of my clothes and yawned, slipped between the sheets and snuggled against my husband. John snuggled back. And he snuggled more … then a little more … then I … well, I guess you know where that went.