JEFF

"How could you forget about a lecture?"

I openly cringed as Kelly asked, even though I could tell she was more disappointed than angry. We were standing in her kitchen about to prepare breakfast when I received an unexpected phone call. We had made plans to spend the next two days setting up the final touches on her shop and I knew she had been counting on me. And here I was, having had to tell her that the secretary to the Dean of Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire was calling to confirm my flight departure. They had booked the lecture over a year ago and I hate to admit it, but I simply overlooked it on my calendar.

"Honey, I know it's a rather annoying and bone-headed thing to do, but I can't cancel. They've booked too far in advance and I've actually played golf with the Dean; he's a bit more than a casual acquaintance. This is absolutely the last speaking engagement on my itinerary."

She continued to pout, but it did look rather cute. I felt horrible for having to let her down, but promised myself that I'd make it up to her when I came back.

"I think I can take care of most of the stuff on my own." I could see her mind working on a solution as she chewed her bottom lip in concentration. "Babe, I don't mean to give you a hard time or anything like that; I know you want to honor your commitments."

"I'll only be gone overnight and will be home again late tomorrow afternoon. It's the standard lecture with questions and answers afterwards, followed by a student and faculty luncheon."

"I'm being a baby, aren't I?"

"No, you're being a slightly pissed off girlfriend and I don't blame you. But this is the absolute last public speaking appearance."

"And you have to leave tonight?"

I felt a scowl work its way across my face as I digested that reality, "Lecture's first thing in the morning with the luncheon following soon afterward. My flight back is scheduled at 3pm, so I should be home by five or so. Luckily Nashua isn't all that far away."

"Do you want me to drive you to the airport?"

"That's not necessary, honey. I can park it overnight at the airport and you can concentrate on things here."

Again, that sexy, petulant pout. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help you get ready? Iron your shirt…anything?"

"Sweetie, all my stuff's back at the Inn and my suit and shirts are still wrapped in plastic from the cleaners. I'm an old pro at this sort thing."

"Can I at least give you a little bit of a send off?" The glint in her eye left no question as to her intent.

"Will twenty minutes be enough?" I glanced at my watch for effect, but I had no intent of turning down her offer.

She grinned as she took my hand and pulled me back towards the bedroom. "Baby, you forget that I too am a pro at this sort of thing…"

JOHN

Riles was bopping around our apartment kitchen and the baby was sound asleep. I love nap time. Usually it was a chance to do some bonding with my wife, even if all that meant was talking. But we had dinner guests tonight. Yeah, I can totally understand her inviting Claudia for dinner. After all, she was one of Mere's dearest friends, a guest at our Inn, staying without benefit of a rental to get to town for dinner … and our damn dining room was closed until Sunday, thanks to that fucking Frog chef.

Claudia wasn't the problem. I just couldn't figure out why the hell she invited Antony. "Why did you invite Antony?" I asked, snarfing a roasted potato right out of the oven as she checked the beef. "Ah! Hot! Still hard too." I drew in cool air to sooth my burned tongue.

Riley laughed. "You do that all the time, John. Patience isn't your strongest suite, you know."

She slid the roasting pan back into the oven and reached her neck up, kissed by sizzled tongue and that was nice. I got a few more pretty deep kisses in too, wishing we had no guests for dinner coming any minute. I could develop patience … if I could get at my wife until the potatoes were fully cooked, ay?

She set the table and I watched, still sucking air into my mouth. "Why'd you invite Antony for dinner, Riles?"

"Because," she shrugged. "He's a nice guy, and all alone here, really. I thought it might be nice to show him he's welcome." Her eyes twinkled. "He likes you, you know. Respects you too."

"Yeah," I grunted, dug in the drawer for forks. "He likes you too. Not sure I like that about him."

"What?" Her hands were on her hips and she had that fighting stance going. "People aren't supposed to like me?"

"Not the way he looks at you," I ducked her playful slap but she caught my temple. "Ow." I reached to capture her but there was a knock at the door. I chuckled as I went to open it, hoping it would be just Claudia. I ain't so lucky. They were there together. Huh? The way Antony was looking Claudia, maybe him looking at Riley was a thing of the past, nothing for me to worry about anymore.

"Come on in, make yourself comfortable. Potatoes are still hard so dinner will be a little while yet. Beer or wine, Claudia?"

CLAUDIA

John had an interesting hospitality style about him and I couldn't help but smile when he made the 'potatoes are still hard' statement. The glare from Riley was priceless. Even Antony grinned.

The evening was delightful, the food very good and I felt relaxed and comfortable … NOT. Antony so close, across the table, his eyes on mine, his voice rippling through me, I swear I don't even know what he was saying, I was just … feeling. Something I haven't done in a really long time.

Dessert was served in the living room along with a rousing discussion about the coming weather, the possibility of snow and an early ski season, and of course the chef, it seemed neither Riley nor John was very fond of. Then it felt like the bottom fell right out of my evening. Antony announced that he was leaving, going off to walk his rounds and elegantly excused himself.

I couldn't help it, I turned to Riley. "What did I do?"

She patted my hand and refilled my coffee. "Antony's sometimes a little out of place. He'll warm up, you'll see."

"Yeah," John grunted. "Sure he will. He's been here months and I never once seen him really laugh. But, eventually. Eventually."

I left about an hour later, it was hard to stay so long, but the prospects of an empty room, nice as it was, were not appealing either.

ANTONY

What was there to check on? The Inn was quiet, less than twenty-five percent occupancy and most had gone down to Stowe for dinner. Unfortunately, I simply could no longer remain in the company of so many when I wished to only be in the company of one.

She shone like the sun. Claudia, lovely even as she was silent and especially when she spoke, her mind bright and brilliant, her words intelligent and insightful. She was a woman of knowledge, well educated as a nurse and healer. A woman with the most enticing nurturing qualities. Was it possible that this woman could heal me? Soothe the emptiness and hopelessness inside of me?

As enchanting as these thoughts had been, I was forced to wonder, why was I there, dining at her side? What would she see in a displaced soldier of my nature? There were moments when I know I had all of her attention and my chest swelled with pride and desire that had no place in this day and time. What was I to do with such feelings? I could not simply take her, fuck her and keep her as I desired for all my remaining days. My ways were unacceptable, and the woman I wanted, extraordinary. Far beyond my quality. I was a man who rode at Caesar's side, conquered the Gauls and loved a queen. And yet, before Claudia that evening in Vermont in a time so unfamiliar and uncomfortable, I was a coward.

I walked the perimeter of the property, tight within myself and bundled against the night chill. I stood at the pond and gazed at the Inn, at Claudia's room, dark and silent. I do not recall walking back; do not remember standing at her door knowing she was not there. I only knew that I was to be there, to humbly put myself at her feet and hope for the dreams I was harboring. And I sat on the carpet, my head against the door, awaited her return and the opportunity to offer myself.

JACK

Natalie has finally come to agreement with my decision. I fear she doesn't like when I'm gone from her side, but as I recall, most things of a woman with child were the province of women, not mine. I was not present when Sophie carried or delivered my children, and here I stand, proudly carrying on my person the strange photograph of my beautiful twin daughters even before they are born! I travel weekly to practice breathing exercises with my wife to assist in her birthing experience ahead, and I often listen to Natalie talk of child safety for hours on end. What has become of the world? I know that I would do or think or listen to no such silliness before. But I must confess, I love Natalie so very much, so fully and with precious adoration that I can do nothing but smile and endure.

And think of the life ahead as well. This is why the good contractor, Mr. Boyer, and I will fly out early in the morning for a brief day visit to Maine and my property. There he and I will discuss the plans as men do, make decisions necessary and proceed with scheduling the groundbreaking the coming spring.

I had promised to retain all of the final choices Natalie and I had made on the plans; but I must confess, I will not. There are things I intend to do, alterations I plan to implement and adjustments I fully desire. Fear not, these are not things I do for my own selfish wishes; these are changes I have devised to please my love even more than the designs she had chosen to please me.

Should I survive making these changes after my return from Maine, ah now, this remains to be seen. But I assure you that my heart is truly in the right place.

"It's going to snow, Jack. Why don't you guys wait until the front comes through?"

"Oh posh my little dear. Nothing to be concerned with. If there is snow, it will be good for the local sports enterprises. If it rains, it will pass quick enough. There is always the likelihood that the front will skirt us all together. God's teeth, Natalie. So far from the sea, I am adrift without surety about the weather gauge," I grinned, held her close and kissed her tenderly. My love was fuller, wide and heavy with child … children in fact … who are not due to arrive until January and I wonder, will they wait that long?

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"Nope, I feel great. Just big and fat and I kinda miss seeing my feet. I'm fine. I'm just going to miss you."

"Ah, then," I snuggled her close in our large bed and ran my hands soft on her new terrain. "We can not have such a thing. I must love you enough that you will not miss me," I kissed her deeply and we were both in need of a long breath of recovery. "And I must love you enough to ensure that you will not forget me."

CLAUDIA

Believe it or not, I left the Biebe's apartment and went for a walk. A walk! And without even a jacket. I was hoping to catch Antony, maybe apologize for whatever I did or said to make him feel out of place. But low and behold, he was nowhere to be found, probably already in his own apartment and warm under a blanket with the remote in one hand, a beer in the other.

I was chilled to the bone, shivering as I climbed the stairs. I actually dropped my key twice; I think my fingers had gone numb! When I turned the bend to my suite I nearly dropped it again. And I smiled, I couldn't help it. He was sitting on the floor, right at my door.

He stood slowly, his eyes on mine and I smiled wider. He wasn't smiling; the poor guy looked like a deer in the headlights. Was he thinking I'd send him away? I didn't think about words, didn't give him a chance to speak, I just leaned close and brushed a soft kiss on his lips. His hands slid around my waist and he pulled me close, his strong chest solid against me and I sighed into his mouth. The kiss became more intense and I fumbled to unlock my door. Together, we slipped inside.

KELLY

I wanted to be supportive, but I knew that I ended up behaving a bit like a brat. I'd pretty much had Jeff all to myself ever since arriving in Vermont and I'll admit that he has me spoiled rotten. I hate to say it, but I had never really spent much time musing over what his lifestyle had been like before retiring. The Jeffrey Wigand I knew was a big huggy teddy bear of a man with a voice as smooth as buttered rum punch, usually decked out in jeans and a sweater or a comfy set of sweats. While I could relate to his time employed as a high school teacher, business suits and college lectures were a part of his life that just seemed foreign to me.

He called me that evening after having arrived in Nashua, sounding tired and a bit preoccupied. I tried to appear upbeat, maybe a little too much so as I tried to disguise my embarrassment over my earlier disappointment. After all, Jeff was the one being inconvenienced far more than I.

"Hey babe, is your hotel room comfortable?"

"It has the usual double bed with a dresser and television. Honey, I can't talk long because I have to go over my notes, but I wanted you to know that I arrived safely, and remind you to take care."

"Take care…of what?" His tone sounded so serious and I couldn't imagine to what he was referring. "Everything's fine over here. The house is warm, the cats are sleeping next to me on the couch and all is calm and peaceful." Again I forced the cheerfulness.

"There's supposed to be a storm coming in. I've been watching the news and it looks like it might be heading our way in from the Great Lakes. Looks like a good old fashioned early winter. You'll want to make sure you have enough wood for the fireplace - hopefully you won't need to try and spark up the furnace."

"Jeff, I'll be fine. I'm a big girl and I can manage. You don't need to worry about me. I should be worrying about you; you're the one who's out of town and will have to fly back under the threat of a storm front."

"Sweetheart, just be careful. Allow me to worry about you. You know how important you are to me, so let me exercise that prerogative."

How could I argue with such a sweet comment? We spoke for a few more minutes before we said our good nights. The house seemed so empty as I readied myself for bed a few minutes later, and I was happy for the added presence Shalimar and her kittens. It made the place seem less lonely.

I had grown accustomed to having Jeff sleep beside me and after a night of fitful sleep, I awoke the following morning to the sight of sunlight streaming in through my bedroom window. Pushing aside the curtains as I stumbled out of bed, I was greeted by a blazingly clear blue sky and a loud wail from Shalimar as I accidentally stepped on her tail. Apologizing to her as she darted out of the room to a safer destination, I thought that Jeff had surely been mistaken about the weather; there wasn't a cloud in the sky. While my mood lightened at the prospect of him being home again within a matter of hours, I needed to make sure that I had everything taken care of in the shop before he arrived.

I spend the majority of my morning setting up the display cases and touching up the trim around the windows. I was so absorbed in my tasks that when I glanced at my watch I was shocked to discover that it was already 2pm! I still had to deliver a load of my dinnerware and coffee mugs out to Riley for the Inn's gift shop and I had to hurry if I wanted to keep on schedule. Jeff would be home soon and I wanted nothing more than to not be consumed with last minute details. I would have to stop what I was doing and make the delivery right then.

I had been so busy working inside that I didn't notice that the sky had gotten darker as the day progressed. The sun was still shining, but over towards the east was a large gray wall of angry looking clouds and I reconsidered Jeff's words of caution. He hadn't called me yet to confirm that he wasn't able to make his flight, so I assumed everything was still on schedule. My car radio had stopped working after the accident, so I didn't even think to make a quick check of the weather report until I was halfway up the hill towards the Inn and realized that the storm clouds were coming in much faster than I had anticipated.

I decided that I'd better call for a weather update and dug through my purse for my cell phone when a horrible realization hit me; in my haste to load up the car and head on out I had left my cell phone at home sitting on one of the display tables. Damn! Determined that I could still drop off my delivery and make it back in time to beat the storm, I put more pressure on the accelerator, suddenly wishing that I had worn something other than jeans and tennis shoes. Perhaps I would have also been wise to have brought along something heavier to wear than a hooded sweatshirt, but figured I wouldn't be standing outside long enough to catch a chill. So far, time was still on my side.

Boy, was I in for a surprise.

RILEY

I knew almost everything going on around me because when the snow nears, my senses get stronger. Okay, okay. The truth us, when it's going to snow I get so excited I race around and make sure everything is in order for the coming deluge of guests.

That's why I knew that Jack and Kevin had taken the early flight to Maine … Nat was lonely and asking if I had anything for her to do. Easy peesy, I placed the baby in her arms and head for my rounds.

I knew that Jeff had left town too, as I passed his room, the maid had the door opened and I saw the empty dry cleaner bags in the trash. I just knew retirement wasn't going to come so easily to that man.

The neatest surprise was catching Antony leaving Claudia's room, skulking out at seven AM, and wearing the same jeans and shirt he'd worn to dinner to boot. Hee ha, I was pleased.

I knew I'd be facing the music too … French music … because I was about to tell Pierre Gilet that he was opening the dining room that very night. Snow was coming and all of Vermont was coming to life!

At two on the dot, the first rash of calls came from Boston, then New York. We were booking so fast my head was spinning, but we were ready for it. Guests would be arriving that very night, chains on their tires and skis strapped to their roof racks. Not even Thanksgiving and the season was officially starting!

I was thrilled when Kelly arrived with her stock for the gift shop. Lord knew, we might sell all of it over the weekend. They were great looking pieces and I bought a few for myself before Cathy even stocked them on the display shelves.

I convinced her to join me for hot cider before running back to her shop and all the work left to do there. We sat chatted in my living room while Nat put baby T to bed.

"Whew," she grinned when she waddled her return. "He's a handful, how the hell am I going to handle two?"

Kelly smiled. "I have a new cat with twins; maybe you'd like to talk with her?"

I went to the kitchen to get cider for Natalie and stopped dead. "OH … MY … GOD!"

They joined me, mouths wide and eyes popping as we watched what was happening outside the big sliding glass doors. Usually there was a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield out there, but now it was completely obliterated.

"Batten down the hatches!" gasped Natalie. "Are all the rooms ready, because this place will be rocking and rolling soon."

"What is that," Kelly stepped closer to the window and pointed. Poor California girl had never seen a blizzard before.

"Horizontal snow," Nat answered. "Guess you're stuck here until it stops."

"When will that be?" Poor thing looked scared and I laughed.

"Well, Kel. Could be weeks," I couldn't resist teasing her but regretted it immediately. "Hey, no, just kidding. No crying during a blizzard. It's a house rule. It'll stop soon and they'll have the plows out cleaning the roads. Shh, no crying. I've got Ben and Jerry's.