John and I stood in the lobby as my new executive chef, Pierre Gillet (pronounced Pee-air Gee-lay as I've been repeatedly corrected) spouted off his frustrations. He glared, his hands flailing as I worked my way through his thick accent and obnoxious attitude.

"And … do not think that I will re-open this kitchen for dinner trade simply because you have returned early!"

"Chill, Pee-air," I tried to smile, sensing my husband's back bristling at the remark. "We're not reopening until Sunday as planned."

"This kitchen is atrocious! It is disorganized and it is filthy and -"

"My kitchen is NOT filthy," I hissed. Okay, he'd gotten to me.

"It is backwards and inefficient! Foolishness. And the menu? The menu is simplistic and unpolished. Far beneath anything I have ever seen! You have had no leadership here! None!"

John stepped forward, almost pressing his chest against the chef's. "Listen, you pompous fucker. I'm only gonna say this once. You watch what's coming outta your fucking mouth or -"

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Antony stepping forward from the far edge of the lobby. Man, I had to bring some semblance of calm and I had to do it quickly. I shot John a glare and he reluctantly backed off, swallowing whatever he was about to say next.

"Listen to me," I said quietly. "Chef Gillet, I have no problems with your desire to put your mark on this place. It's what a good chef does. But … the menu has been vastly successful and you know that … as is evident by the fact that you approached me for this position. My problems are not with your talent or extensive expertise; my problem's with your attitude. Everyone in my kitchen is classically trained with the exception of Cassie in the pantry … who by the way has been in tears since you started and threatening to leave."

"Good! She has no place in a professional kitchen!"

I regrouped, took a deep breath and continued, my voice nearly a whisper making the chef, John and even Antony lean in a little closer to hear. "I warn you, Chef Pee-air Gee-lay … if your attitude does not improve, I will have no problem firing you."

He blinked, reached into his jacket and waved an envelope. "I have a contract, my dear Mrs. Biebe."

"Yes, you do, and I suggest you read it. This is a temporary position, buddy. Undefined in length, but clearly temporary."

He blinked, fingered the contract then shoved it back inside his pristine white coat.

"Tomorrow, our Corporate Chef will be here to talk with you. If you feel you can overcome your … issues with this place, maybe the two of you can come to some agreements regarding staff and menu adjustments. If not, you can simply not show up in the morning."

"And who will run this place?" he spat.

"I will," I spat back and he shot a brutal guffaw into my face. With that, both John and Antony had the man by the back of his collar but they had the sense to look to me before doing anything stupid.

"Well chef, what's it to be?"

He shook free, turned on his heel and walked away. I have no clue what he'll do. In the meantime, I watched Terry, of all people, walk into the lobby and right down to the pub without a wave or a word. It was only eleven in the morning. What the hell was he doing here? "John," I groaned.

"I'm on it," he grinned. We both knew it might not be a good thing that Terry was drinking so early in the day, but the truth of the matter was simple. John always enjoyed Terry's company. A few beers with his buddy would get his mind off my kitchen problems too. I had to chuckle, watching Antony follow John down the steps. What a trio those guys were. A laugh a minute; three completely different men from three completely different cultures. I almost wished I could've joined in.

But with Terry at the Inn, that gave me a new opportunity to talk with Bridgid. I collected the baby from Marla who'd been sitting at her desk staring at the battle of the chefs and flipped open my cell.

"Nat, code red. We're heading to see B. Meet me in the lobby in fine minutes."

"Ohhh, I love this secret stuff!" she giggled and hung up.

JOHN

I went downstairs, Antony at my heel and stopped at the bar. I glanced around, finding Terry hidden in the back booth, looking sullen and a little dangerous at that.

"What's he drinking?" I asked Steve as he polished a glass behind the bar.

"Bourbon, straight. Doubles."

"Ouch," I turned to Antony. "Beer?" He nodded and I ordered then followed him to the booth. We didn't wait for an invitation, just sat down.

"I ain't lookin' for company, mates," Terry groaned and swallowed the last of his drink.

"Tough," I said. "Getting rough on the home front?"

"Fuckin' brutal. Bloody hell, John. How'd you do it? Two pregnancies and Riley was bonkers during both of 'em."

I shrugged. "You know how it goes, Ter. When the going gets tough, the tough -"

"Are you speaking of the hideous muses that take over a woman with child?" Antony asked as he gulped beer Steve had just delivered. My brave bartender/bouncer had dropped off the drinks then cowardly as a scared girl, ran back to the safety of his post.

"Yeah."

"Well," he grinned. "We had a simple way of coping with such things in my day." He shrugged. "Go to war."

I blinked. I'd certainly done my time on the hormonal battlefield and Terry was obviously carrying his own wounds.

"Not with your women," Antony chuckled. "Literally … go to war. Leave."

Terry scratched his temple and I let out a laugh. "Running away don't help. A man can get his sorry ass in all kinds of trouble doing that. Take my word for it."

"What're we talkin' about?" Hando grumped then dropped into a chair he'd dragged across the floor.

"Women," we all responded together.

"Fuckin' women. They'll kill us all, I tell ya." He turned to Steve. "Yo! Beer."

Three rounds later, Lachlan popped down. He had his own point of view about the fairer sex and we promptly proceeded to contradict him. Fucking Lock and Load Flyboy hadn't faced the demons of pregnancy. What the hell did he know?

When Jack showed up, we thought oh hell yeah! Another one for commiserating. Jack was dealing with a double whammy, Nat carrying twins. He must have a few juicy stories to tell. But it didn't work out that way. He was beaming over the ultrasound photos of the babies. I gotta admit, it made me feel better. After all, going through the hormonal shit had a happy ending. You got a little bundle to love … unless they became a holy terror like Ruthie. At the mention of the little girl's name, conversations went yet another way. Damn, it was going to be a long afternoon.

I turned to look at Terry. Fuck, this shit wasn't helping him one bit. I leaned close. "Listen. You need to go home. It'll all work out, and even though it looks like Bridgid's head's gonna turn completely around and she's about to puke green pea soup, I guarantee you, she's not possessed. She really needs you, Ter."

He sat, looking off thoughtfully then nodded, but he was trapped in the back of the booth and before he could grunt for escape, Jeff Wigand showed up with his pretty new lady friend.

MEREDITH

I've been pissed at Hando for a while now. Obviously he didn't like my friendship with Claudia. Why? I have no frigging clue. I was so excited about her visit and there we were, him scowling and me trying to bring him into a friendship that's become precious to me. Ruthie seemed to be taking his side, so I had to put a stop to that. There had to be an advantage to having more women than men in a house, right? Granted, H carries enough testosterone for a whole army. But me and Ruthie, under the right circumstances, can always win the day.

As Claudia and I sat in the parlor, talking over Ruthie trying to play the old player piano, he skulked off. Guess he found a friend of his own. Whatever. I didn't care. He'd be explaining his disappearance at length when we got home, that's for sure. I could shut him off, you know. I was mad enough. I could last … oh … maybe … two days without talking or touching. I could do that. Couldn't I?

Sure … I think I can. I looked over at Ruthie, realizing that a day or two without Hando at my side where the kid is concerned just might be harder than even I imagined. Ah well. It'll all work out. But he is going to get an earful, that's for damn sure.

Okay, being mad at H is one thing, but there I was, trying to have a fun conversation with Claudia and what's she want to talk about? Antony.

Antony this and Antony that. Apparently he looked like someone she once knew, but his voice was what got to her. Got her right in the gut. Claudia was a widow, had been for nearly five years. I guess it was good to finally hear her talk about considering another relationship. But … Antony? Sheesh.

JEFF

There's something about waking up next to the woman you care about that makes everything you face throughout your day a little bit nicer. Maybe I was just feeling the aftereffects of an evening with little sleep and a lot of woman, but it's a pleasant experience, nonetheless.

"Okay, mister…what are you grinning about?" Kelly was in front of the bed getting dressed when she noticed me watching her.

"You." She was on to my dirty little secret - I like watching women putting on and taking off their clothes. So sue me.

"No, you were watching my ass."

My grin grew larger as I watched her shimmy into her pantyhose. I think most men prefer silk stockings on a woman, but it was a lot of fun to watch as she struggled to put them on. "Is it my fault that you're prancing around in your undies? Men pay good money to watch this kind of stuff and here I am, getting a show for free."

"Remind me of this conversation when we're back at my place and I'll bring out the Victoria's Secret catalog. We could have some fun." She gave me a wink and a sweet angelic smile as she worked the pantyhose up around her waist. "Oh bother! I should have just worn jeans!"

I couldn't help but chuckle and Kelly stuck her tongue out in response. That only made me laugh harder and the next thing I knew I had a pillow bouncing off the side of my head. "Missed," I teased, even though she did manage to almost knock off my glasses.

"You're just being smug because it's easy for men to get ready to go out."

"Well, I have been dressed for over thirty minutes and you're still fighting with your undergarments. And we're just stopping off at the pub for a drink, not getting ready for a night on the town." I was exaggerating. I'd only been dressed for about ten minutes, but I was enjoying the lighthearted banter. I watched as she slipped into her dress but when she went to pull her hair back I had to add my two cents worth. "Would you consider wearing it down? For me."

She smiled as she leaned forward, combing through her hair with her fingers and with a quick toss of her head her auburn tresses cascaded over her shoulders in a fluffy arc.

Her eyes sparkled. "How's this?"

I grabbed my cell phone and keys and jumped up from the bed. "Beautiful."

She didn't waste time with any more primping. Reaching for her purse as she slipped into her shoes I marveled at her balancing act. "You look pretty lovely yourself." Her gaze went to my sweater. "That shade of blue catches the color of your eyes." A soft giggle. "Not that you'd concern yourself with that sort of thing, being such an effortless hunky guy and all, but yeah, chicks dig it." Another giggle as she caught sight of my incredulous expression. "You love it."

I opened the door and watched as she sashayed ahead of me. Damn right I love it.

***

As we stepped into the pub I heard the booming voice of Aubrey and Curry's high pitched chortle bouncing off the walls somewhere towards the back. I led Kelly over to the bar where I introduced her to Steve, who took our orders. A moment later, I heard Biebe's unmistakable growl.

"Hey Doc, over here!"

I glanced over at Steve and he shook his head in mock solemnity.

"Don't tell me they've been at it all afternoon?" I held back a laugh as he nodded and rolled his eyes for effect. Truth was, Steve had probably been bantering along with them all the while.

Kelly thanked Steve for her diet soda and looked over towards where all the noise was coming from. "Is there some sort of party?"

"Hey Doc, bring your lovely sheila over and say hello!" Curry's voice called out. "We won't bite!"

Kelly threw back her head and laughed. "Boy, they're just feeling the love. Let's go over and see what they're up to."

I grabbed my Scotch and water and taking Kelly's hand in mine led her back towards all the commotion.

"Ah, the good doctor and his fine woman Miss O'Grady have arrived at a most fortunate moment." Aubrey rose gave Kelly a little bow of respect, his eyes shining in greeting and his smile full of excitement. When I saw the gray bordered strip of paper that he was holding in his hand I had a good idea of what had been going on. "We have the first images of my children - twin girls no less! Ultrasonic images - can you imagine!" I sensed that he was referring to the technology of being able to see images in utero, but I was ready to wager that the prospect of having twins had left him feeing rather proud of himself. Leave it to Aubrey to never do anything by halves.

Curry got up to bring over a couple more chairs and Kelly thanked him as he held one out for her. I could tell that the flyboy's charms had once again claimed another female victim; I noticed a soft blush come to her cheeks as she took her seat next to me.

"Here, please, have a look," Aubrey intoned, his voice softening just slightly as he handed the ultrasound images to her. "Aren't they a wonder?"

While Kelly busied herself with appropriate comments and various oohs and aaahs, I suddenly noticed that Thorne was seated next to Biebe. I was surprised that he wasn't more animated considering the tone of the moment. Wasn't this some sort of impromptu celebration? His eye caught mine and he nodded a greeting, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

"I still don't see how you can say that's a nipper's foot," Curry commented as he leaned over Kelly's shoulder to join her in looking at the pictures. "Now, maybe that's a spine right there … and okay, that looks like a hand … or is that the one of the babies' heads?"

The lighthearted banter continued for several minutes, with Aubrey calmly assuring everyone that the images did indeed depict two perfectly healthy female babies, thank you very much. It was always entertaining to be around Aubrey when in a jovial mood and I could tell that Kelly was enjoying his enthusiasm as she spoke to him. The fact that she seemed so at ease and so quickly accepted among this group gave me a warm feeling. Sometimes I've felt like a bit of an outsider but at that moment I realized nothing was further from the truth as Kelly reached over and took my hand in hers and asked Biebe about Riley and baby T. I even saw Thorne crack a small smile a couple of times during Aubrey's exultations.

We stayed only a few moments longer. Kelly had a meeting with an owner of one of the gift shops in town to discuss the possibility each carrying the other's products and I wanted to stop by and visit Andy for a bit and check in with Monna to see how they were holding up. I would then head on back out to Kelly's afterwards and whether she liked it or not, we were going to check out her supposedly haunted basement. As we said our goodbyes amid promises to all meet up again within the next few days, Kelly stopped to give Aubrey a quick departing hug.

"Congratulations again, Captain Jack." He seemed surprised by her show of affection, but pleased nonetheless. "I know the babies are going to be healthy and beautiful, just like their parents."

"My dear, I hope with all sincerity that they resemble their mother in every possible way, but I thank you for your fond wishes." Was the old salt actually blushing?

A quick wave to the others and we were off. As we stepped back outside into the sunlight I caught Kelly watching me.

"They are so much fun!" She exclaimed, smiling. "I would like to get to know their wives better. I haven't really had the chance to hang out much with friends lately, even before my divorce. I'm beginning to see what I've been missing."

"I think you've been accepted with open arms," I assured her. As we made our way into the parking lot towards her car her words took on a special significance. As varied and different as our backgrounds and personal histories all were, what drew us all together was the longing for family and a sense of belonging. And we'd all found it right here, in the arms of our loved ones in the mountains of Vermont.

CLAUDIA

I actually felt a little guilty. I swear I don't know what had gotten into me. I hadn't even had a date since Bill died and there I was, not just thinking about a date, I was thinking about what could happen after the date. Maybe it was beautiful Vermont. Maybe it was because I'd finally taken time for myself. I have no clue, but whatever was happening, it was happening big time.

I looked at Mere and felt like a real shit. I should be focusing on her and her lovely family. "I'm sorry Meredith. I just feel … I don't know, like a schoolgirl with a crush. It'll pass, I promise."

"Nah, don't let it pass. It's kind of nice seeing you like this. But Antony? Man, I gotta warn you, that guy's a little strange."

With that statement, Hando trotted up from the pub and leaned against the parlor doorjamb.

"Daddy!" squealed Ruthie and she launched herself toward him. Talk about being a daddy's girl. But the feeling was obviously mutual. I watched his eyes close in something resembling ecstasy as he drew her into a hug, his face buried in her soft yellow curls.

"You 'bout ready, M?" he growled and Mere stood with a sigh.

"Yeah."

I walked them to their cars, my arm around Mere's waist, still trying to apologize. "Tomorrow I'll come to the house and we'll just talk all day."

She brightened but Hando scowled. And she said Antony's strange? Has she looked at her husband lately? I walked to him before he climbed behind the wheel. "Listen, Hando, if you'd rather I not come to the house, it's okay. I can just take Mere to lunch or something. I don't mean to intrude."

His eyes wandered, finally settling on me but I could tell he wasn't really looking at me. "Don't care what ya do, Claudia. Whatever. It's fine."

Watching the two cars drive away I wondered how fine it really was, what his problem with me entailed and how I could correct it. After all, the point of this trip was to spend time with them. Well, at least one of the points.

The bumpers disappeared down the lane and I turned to take a walk. It was chilly, but I was wearing a thick sweater. The sun hadn't set yet and I wanted to get a look at this Inn I'd heard so much about. I was enthralled, following the paths that seemed to reveal something delightful around every bend. I spied a carriage in the small shelter and draft horses off in the distant corral. There was a lovely pond and the prettiest gazebo I ever saw, encircled with blooming fall flowers and overlooking the glass-still water. And everywhere there was autumn, flaming brilliant in the setting sun.

Yes, there were more reasons I was in Vermont. It wasn't exactly a holiday or even a vacation. Lord knows, being a registered nurse at the Cleveland Clinic and volunteering as an online advisor would have never allowed me to take a whole month off. But the truth of my life was that I'd gone into hiding after Bill died; buried myself into as much work as I could find. Mere was the only one who seemed to see that, seemed to sense my hiding and managed to draw me out. Our friendship was a lifesaver. It took me out of the realm of always caring for others and into a reality of me; of fully, personally relating to another human being, not just their symptoms and their condition.

She was the one who'd convinced me to stop the crazy roller coaster, hop off and take a breather. To take a chance. And oh damn, what a chance I took. See, I'd been sitting on a lot of money. Bill was such a success and a smart man to boot. I had what I needed to sit comfortably for the rest of my life. It's just not me to do that though. When Mere convinced me to quit the job and all my other commitments, come to Vermont to smell the roses for a while, I just jumped at it. The problem was; I still hadn't even begun to think about what to do with myself after. Vacation can't be endless. It wouldn't take long for me to get antsy and want to do something, I just knew it.

I sighed and turned back to the Inn. The last sharp rays of sunlight caressed the beautiful Victorian structure and I stopped to watch.

"It is beautiful, is it not?"

That voice! It rippled through me faster than the chilling evening air. I sighed, turned to look at him. "Absolutely breathtaking."

"As you are," Antony said and I watched his boldness dissolve, his eyes drop. It felt like someone had turned out the light inside his eyes. Did I do that? If so, I certainly didn't mean to.

Quick, Claudia! Think! Say something … if for no other reason than to hear his voice respond! "Uh … thank you." I reached out my hand. "I'm Claudia."

He didn't take it like anyone else would, not to give a hearty shake at all. He touched it tenderly and took my knuckles to his lips. I think I could've swooned if I wasn't a professional woman.

"I am Antony. It is a pleasure to have you at the Inn."

We strolled slowly and my mind scrambled for something to say. I wanted a conversation so bad I could taste it. "So … Antony … what do you do here?" I turned to his surprised expression. "I mean, I know I'm a guest, but I guess you work here, correct?"

"Yes, Claudia. Security."

Oh God, the sound of that voice speaking my name! Was I blushing? Again, we were silent and almost at the front steps. "Oh." Perfect! An idea! "I understand that the dining room is closed for dinner this week. I don't have a car. I wonder if there's anyplace close where I can get a meal." You know what I was hoping for. I was hoping he'd take me.

"Ah … the reason I had sought you is to inform you that you have been invited to dine with the owners this evening … in their apartment. Seven o'clock."

"Oh," so much for hopes. "Thanks." And as I stepped up onto the porch his hand gently grasped mine.

"I too have been invited, Claudia. I will be happy to escort you."

"Thanks." Now I know I was blushing. What the hell is happening to me?

KELLY

As I drove back down the hill into town I had time to reflect upon the drastic and yet positive changes my life has taken since arriving here in Vermont; that I had met someone so wonderful so quickly and survived our first real fight. Not to mention my new home and growing number of friends and acquaintances, it was almost overwhelming if I allowed it to become so, but I wasn't about to allow that to happen. Last night I finally had the opportunity to put the ghosts and questions about my former marriage forever to rest. If I didn't have Jeff and all the wonderful happiness that came from knowing him, I may have actually ended up listening to David; the thought made me shudder. But then I remembered the look of pride on Jack Aubrey's face as he showed me the images of his wife's ultrasound and I knew that I had somehow landed in the right place.

I reflected back upon Riley's statement several days past about how this group of people I'd found myself with. They were simply an extended family who loved, fought, and looked after one another. At that moment I had been too tired to reflect upon her meaning with very much insight, but what had just happened at the pub had driven it all home. I had fallen in love with this place and everything that came with it. For so long I had felt that I wasn't deserving of feeling happy and optimistic. I'd felt like such a failure but if that were indeed true, I wouldn't feel so much affection for these new people in my life; they certainly wouldn't even bother to give me the time of day. But their smiles this afternoon were all genuine, and that charmer Lachlan was the icing on the cake. As we were getting ready to leave he leaned over and whispered into my ear, careful that only I could hear.

"Do you know I can't remember ever seeing Doc smile as much as he has since you two took up together? You're good for him, love, and I can see that he's good for you, too."

I smiled as I recalled his comment, surprised that he had taken the occasion to notice such a thing. There was obviously much more to that young man than a winning personality and a devastating smile. Vermont and Jeff were both my unexpected saviors, and this big crazy family was just the added surprise that made everything fit all together. I had been welcomed with open arms and the realization filled my heart with happiness.

My reverie was broken as I noticed an old truck coming up fast behind in my rearview mirror. I pulled into the right lane to let him by. The driver waved amiably as he passed and as he pulled ahead I caught sight of the bumper sticker on his back fender, Vermont is For Lovers.

Indeed.

HANDO

She wasn't gonna give me a break. I don't think she took a breath since the minute we walked into the bloody house. Mere was on a roll and somewhere in my gut, I reckoned I must deserve it. She never goes off on me that way, and I wasn't about to react the way my body wanted to either. Fuck all; that could really cause trouble.

"Alright, gimme a fuckin' tic to talk, will ya Mere?"

Ruthie had fallen asleep in the car and was tucked tight in her bed like a good little nipper. I paced, trying to figure out exactly how to fix this. Exactly what was botherin' me. I started with a lie.

"You're so bloody off the mark, Mere. It ain't that I don't like the sheila. Ain't like I give a fuck about her. Got nothin' to do with her."

"Then it's got something to do with me!" Mere shouted. "You've done a lot of shit, Hando, but I've never seen you be so damn rude to someone just because you're pissed at me!"

"I'm not pissed at you!" I followed her out to our little backyard and lit a fag right beside her, blowin' out the smoke, hoping for an answer I could give her that would end the bloody fight. Hate fighting with Mere. Hate it so fuckin' much, most times I never even tell her I'm on the edge about stuff. That's when I saw it, well heard it first. A sniffle, then the glisten of a tear on her cheek reflecting from the kitchen light. My wife, she never cries. Not like I haven't giver her reasons. Damn! I'm one fucked man. "Don't fuckin' cry, dammit."

She turned a glare. "I'm not! Jesus, H. I stand for everything you say and everything you do. I do my damn best not to complain or gripe. Whatever decision you make with the business or our lives, I have always been beside you. I just don't understand this. It's like you don't want me to have a friend!"

She stomped away but I did it, reacted, grabbed her arm tight and pulled her back. She swung those beautiful blue tearful eyes at me and I thought I'd choke. Yeah, she always did stand by me. Always. "It's not that. You can have a bloody friend."

"Just not in your face, I guess," she spat.

Me? I spat back. "Ever think I'm kinda fuckin' jealous?" I paced in front of her, shivering in the cold, my eyes hard on hers. I didn't mean to be so harsh, I really didn't. I just don't know any other way to communicate when I'm cornered, that's all. "Ever think maybe I like it that me and Ruthie got all your attention? Ever think maybe it don't feel so good being excluded?"

"Excluded? Hell yeah! That's how I feel every stinking day down at that garage!" Her hand shot to point down the street. "You only take my advice on the business when you and Colin are totally stumped. You never want to know what I think, never ask my opinion. Jesus, talk about excluded! I give sixty percent of my day to that place, my name's on the business, but I never … oh Jesus," she gaped, stepped back, obviously seeing the expression on my face.

I had no idea she felt like that. It wasn't what I was doin' at all. "Fuck sake, Mere. We got Ruthie. I thought I was making shit easier for you."

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to say that. You work so hard there. I just …" the tears flowed harder. "I just want to make shit easier for you too."

I took her into my arms. Bloody hell, how did all this happen? "I don't wanna fight, baby. It isn't that I don't like Claudia; I just can't see how a woman like that is gonna ever like me. Kinda afraid she's gonna point out my flaws, make you see me different. Other than that, I'm fine with your mate. Really."

"I tried to get you into the conversation. She's really a fascinating woman, Hando. There's no reason she won't like you once she gets to know you. But you have to try too."

I kissed her hard, felt her heat up against me, then took both our cigarettes and tossed them away. "I'm sure she's fascinating, but Mere, I got the only fascinating woman I need right here." She snuggled and groaned. Guess I said the wrong thing. "Tell ya what. I'll try, okay? She obviously knows how great you are, so at least we got one thing in common, right?"

Mere nodded and I kissed her again. "Let's get under some fuckin' blankets. I'm freezin' by bollocks off out here." Another nod and I felt the tightness in my chest lesson.

Whew.