ANTONY

The most difficult part of the next day was leaving Claudia's bed, for I surely did not wish to be apart from this satisfaction I had found. But I am an employee of this Inn and my responsibilities are clear. Twice I returned to her warmth but weather had begun to create a distraction I could not ignore. Even with the growing blanket of blistering cold snow outside, I had much to do to confirm the security and safety of this place and those staying or living here. Biebe was not overly demanding, but I had more than once crossed an invisible line with him, opening the gates to his wrath and … unfortunately justified … his frustrations with me. Fresh from Claudia's body, I had no desire to press those limits and find myself without home or work.

I kissed her and begged my cock to wake quickly so that I may enjoy one more encounter before facing the cold, but neither my body not my lover's was prepared for anything before rest and nourishment was offered.

"Claudia," I blinked apology. "I must walk my rounds again and see what the storm has brought. I want you to go downstairs and enjoy your afternoon meal and perhaps we will meet this evening. At my room? For something delicious and exciting?"

Her eyes glowed and she hugged me close. "Yes, yes, yes, yes."

"I will understand that to be acceptance," I grinned, satisfied for the first time in eons. "For now, I must go … unless you think that perhaps …"

"Go," she smiled. "I need a little time to be ready for another round with you."

"Thank the gods." I rolled my eyes just to hear her soft laughter.

***

The storm had caused no damage but much needed to be done. The young gardener had begun shoveling and spreading salt on the walkways and I managed the plow, clearing the driveway and parking lot. It required a second pass as soon as I had finished, the snow was still falling heavily. But I did not mind, the work was mindless and I was content with my memories of the night.

"Yo, Antony! Need your help in the right tower basement, buddy," Biebe called as I parked the plow. I nodded and followed him.

"Is there a problem?" I followed him down the back stair and into the dark space.

"Yeah … no … maybe, I dunno. There's the light switch. Hit that, will ya."

The space was large. I often checked it for security purposes but had never truly questioned its use. Several machines hummed and I eyed the one he was looking at.

"Ain't this one," John sighed and pointed. "See that little flame? One of these furnaces is out. You check those three and I'll check the ones on this side."

I set myself to the task, discovering the errant machine on my first inspection. "I believe I have found the enemy."

I stood back and watched him gingerly work with it, rekindle the small flame and brush off his hands. "These are easy, man. You should've seen the fucking monsters we used to have down here. One in each tower basement, damn things took up the entire center of the space, could hardly walk around them." He chuckled, continued to watch the furnace, I am assuming to assure that the flame would remain active … although what a flame of that size could do to warm an entire block of rooms was an amazement to me. Truth? I cared not. I was warm, so I was thankful they worked well.

Biebe continued, running a hand through his hair. "Ah well, I still think I'll get Kevin to look at these things when he gets back from Maine. Furnaces in Vermont ain't nothing to take lightly. No way I care to chop enough wood for forty-four fireplaces, ay?"

We began the trek up the steps and he continued to talk. Did he really think I was listening? My mind was on things of the body. With everything so quiet and the Inn buried under a storm, there were no real security concerns. Men are animals when Nature shows her ugly teeth. We hunker down and wait it out. I wished to be waiting it out in Claudia's arms. But I did listen to his babble, offering an occasional grunt or nod and wondered how soon I could fucking get away.

"Good thing Kelly's here. Her old furnace is damn questionable. Least I know she's not freezing and trapped down in Stowe, what with Jeff away and all."

"Pardon, John," I interrupted. "I'll bring in firewood for the lobby and parlor fireplaces."

"Yeah, yeah. Good idea," he was saying to my back. I chuckled as I loaded the carrier, shaking my head and wondering. Was that conversation Biebe's efforts to 'bond'? Seldom have we had discussions where I was made to feel close to the man, but perhaps it was correct and right. Perhaps I would return the efforts … later … after I've had my fill of all that Claudia brings to me … if that is even possible.

KEVIN

I knew it when we got on the plane, maybe even sensed it as we planned the trip. I'm a builder and a contractor, the weather moves and affects everything I do. So where the fuck was my head when I told Jack I'd take this little jaunt up to Maine with him in the morning?

Jack, the old salt, seemed completely unaware of the intensifying storm. He'd occasionally look out at the ocean, now becoming almost impossible to see in the blowing snow and sleet. The fact that the ground we were walking was becoming covered with snow and probably deeper than hell just a mile further inland, had completely escaped him.

What a morning. We'd no sooner strapped into the seats and taxied to the runway and already he was making my life a nightmare.

"There will be many, many changes to the plans, my man. I have thought this through and - "

"Jack," I groaned. "Jack, you know Natalie's already agreed to what we've got."

"Yes, yes, but she will see my reasoning, I assure you."

"Fuck, Jack," I hissed. "She won't. We've gone through this little war before. She's assuming that we're moving ahead with everything you've both agreed on."

He turned a glare and trust me, it wasn't easy not to back down. Jack's a big fucker and he seems to get bigger, the madder he gets. "Are you suggesting that I can not control my wife?"

I didn't even blink. "No, Jack," I hissed back. "I KNOW you can't control your wife. Fuck, you shouldn't be controlling her. You two should've agreed on changes before we left, dammit."

Jack laughed loud and hardy. "My wife is not your concern; I assure you that the changes I wish to make will fully meet with her approval."

And the changes were massive. Rather than the Old English Manor style structure Natalie had specified early on, he wanted a completely different construction built to recreate a 1910 Arts and Crafts type mansion. He claimed that the design was similar but much larger than the house Natalie had owned in California, a house she adored and his eyes brightened. I had to admit, it was right up my alley. I've always preferred projects like this, the renovation or recreation of a craft long gone. It gave me a fucking chubby to even think about it, but I wasn't about to let him know I was leaning toward his side. Natalie might be the fairer sex and super pregnant to boot … but I get the impression she's got one hell of a temper. Probably packs a good left hook that I intend to avoid too.

"Do you not see, Mr. Boyer? This will surprise and delight her. The square footage is the same and the layout is much closer to the concepts she had wished to create within the original design. She had only chosen it to please me … and I am choosing this to please her. Now," he squinted at the obscured sea and glanced around at the frozen plot of land high atop a hill. "Let us proceed with the placement and design of the grounds, shall we?"

Not only did the weather have me worried, the fact that I felt like a conspirator in some crime was making me shake harder than the blowing wind. When we finished and climbed into the rented SUV, I blasted the heat and turned. "We're not getting out of Maine today, Jack."

"We are not? Is there so much more to discuss?" His hand was on the handle and the guy was about to go back into that fucking blizzard.

I quickly hit the automatic lock, stopping him from letting all the warmth out. "Jack, Jesus, look around you. I'll bet my life's savings the damn airport is closed."

He finally looked around, maybe seeing the nasty blowing sleet for the first time all day. "Ah … perhaps you are correct. Let us take a hotel room and call home to report our delay."

Sheesh. This guy was a real trip.

BRIDGID

I have to get out of here. I've been cooped up like a hen for too long and yeah, I know it's self-inflicted but to be honest, I felt like shit. Cranky is an understatement. At least this morning I didn't feel like a levee about to break. Go figure, it decided to snow on the day I want to be with my friends. Mother Nature has not been very nice to me lately. I get hormones from hell and when they finally decide to subside the old beeatch throws a Nor'easter into the mix. Too bad, too sad.

Like I'm going to let a little bit of white stuff stop me. Hey, I'm bred, born and raised in snow country, I've got a four wheel drive so what's the big deal? Terry's got his nose buried in something. He'll hardly know I'm gone. I'll leave a note for him and I'll make sure I have my cell phone. There's no way I'm going to disturb him now. He'll be pissed off enough about that, let alone about the fact that me and our future bundle of joy are going for a short ride in this weather.

Okay, here's the scoop. The roads were a lot greasier than I'd anticipated and I nearly kissed a tree. Joey Chitwood would have been proud of the way I covered a quarter mile of black ice at break neck speeds, backwards. I think I found my true calling. Stunt driver.

I reckon the gods were with me. I made it to the Inn in one piece, but my teeth were chattering. Next time I'll take one of the snowmobiles for this kind of expedition. Who the hell plowed the driveway into the Inn too? John couldn't have done it. There were ice grooves deep enough to lie in and the piles of snow were strategically placed to annoy the hell out of me. I bet some of them will be there next July if this storm keeps up.

I parked the beast of a truck as best I could and managed to trudge into the front door of the Inn. Wonder why everyone looked at me so strangely? Damn, it was good to see them and it made my face feel odd. Must have suffered some kind of crack or something. It's been a couple of months since I smiled but seeing Riles brought on one hell of a grin. Natalie was glowing like a Vermont sunrise too. I sure wish I wore pregnancy so well. Kelly and LizBeth looked totally toasty too. I missed Terry already but I knew I was called here for a reason. I needed to break some ice.

Uh oh. John doesn't look so happy.

RILEY

Kelly, Bridgid, LizBeth, Natalie and me together at the Inn and trapped by the snow. All I could think was … yay, it's a party! How often do I get to socialize with the people I love? Like … never. If I throw a party, I'm in the kitchen for most of it. If I invite everyone over, there's always someone who has other commitments and can't make it. Granted, this wasn't everyone, but it was the girls and I was thrilled.

LizBeth had popped in right after Kelly arrived, warning us all that the roads were getting nasty. She was alone like poor Kelly and she just wanted to hang out. She predicted Jack and Kevin wouldn't be coming back that night and asked how booked we were. We had several opened rooms … but not for long. Reservations were pouring in and those ski freaks would drive in anything to get to a covered mountain. Between Nat and me, our two apartments across from each other and both with guest rooms, I was envisioning a good old fashioned pajama party.

When Bridgid arrived I was afraid I'd have to save her from John. He worries so much and it's not exclusive to me.

He lectured and paced, ran his hand through his hair and growled. "You drove in this shit? God sakes, B, you know better than that!"

That's when I caught the playful glint in her eye. Damn, looked like the hormone influx had finally leveled and she was back to normal. "John, go shovel the walks. I'm here, I'm fine and I'll go home when I feel like it."

"No you won't! Hey … what the fuck is that? Are you … is it possible … are you really laughing? How come you're in such a good mood, woman?" And his eyes started to sparkle. They were on the same page, and it was John's turn to get in his teasing. "Wait a minute. Where's Terry? Did you kill him? Maybe bury him under the porch or something? 'Cause there's no way he'd let you drive in this. He's dead, I know it."

"Yeah," she grunted. "And there's another opened grave under the porch waiting for you. Dug them with my own hands." She chuckled and kissed his cheek then turned to us. "So ladies, what kinda trouble are we planning today?"

Damn, it was good to have her back!

JEFF

The lecture went far better than I had expected. The auditorium had a full house and the students attending asked thoughtful, intelligent questions, which continued during the luncheon that followed my presentation. Although I was content in the knowledge that this was my last speaking engagement, I was again reminded that teaching had always brought me the most satisfaction throughout my career. The glimmer of a notion began to take hold in my mind, one that I'd have to investigate and consider more fully upon returning home.

It's funny how living out of a suitcase had been second nature to me for so long and here I was pining away for the warmth of Kelly's hearth and home. Call me happily whipped, call me soft, but it was a pleasant sensation to have someone to go home to who was waiting for you with open arms. Sure beat the alternative any day. When it became apparent that I wasn't going to be able to make my flight due to the storm, I realized just how anxious I was to get home, which was a sensation I hadn't experienced in a long time.

Thankfully, as much as I've traveled these past several years I've learned to adopt a few strategies for when the inevitable happens. I jokingly refer to it as Wigand's Air Travel Survival Course 101. It's a fairly basic concept; communication devices, entertainment media, spare change and comfortable clothing. It's helped get me through more travel delays than I care to recall.

Having a good plan B also helps. When I heard that a snowstorm was imminent, I quickly booked my room for an extra day after confirming that all flights out were delayed until further notice. Why camp out at the airport when you know you're not going anywhere anytime soon? However, even the best plans can go awry, as I was reminded when I returned to the hotel and tried to call Kelly to let her know that I wouldn't be home on time as planned.

I didn't worry too much when I got her voice mail. I just left her a quick message and asked her to call me back. I felt guilty about leaving her all on her own. I knew that she was really counting on my help with the shop, and here I was leaving her in the lurch. Reaching for the remote, I tuned the television to the Weather Channel and sparked up my laptop, hoping for some good news. The storm was right on course, and I reviewed my e-mails I found one from Kelly that had been sent just a couple of hours earlier.

Hi babe, just about to head on out to run a few errands before the storm hits. I'll be back soon, and hopefully so will you. Did you know how much I'm looking forward to seeing you tonight? XXOX

It was an innocent enough message, but something settled in my gut that gave me an uneasy sense of foreboding. I told myself that I was just looking for something to worry about, but I reached for my cell and again dialed Kelly's home number, only to hear a fast busy signal. I gathered she had left right before the storm hit. My next plan of action was to call the Inn, but after again receiving the dreaded fast busy signal, I tried Riley's cell, and it too went straight to voice mail.

The weight of concern that gripped my stomach turned into a full fledged knot of dread. I had every faith in Kelly's intelligence and ability, but let's face it. She was thoroughly clueless about the dangers of inclement weather. I instantly blamed myself for not stressing the importance of being prepared for winter and vowed to make damn sure that I took her through all the drills and preparations the moment I got home.

In the meantime, I was stranded myself, unable to get through to anyone. It was going to be a long night.

NATALIE

We were laughing and talking and I announced, "I'm hungry". I was sure they'd all look at me like I was nuts but instead Riles lead us like the Pied Piper down to the big professional kitchen and I headed into the cooler for cold cuts. "Big sandwiches!" I called out with my arms full and everyone went to work. Man, when had people stopped looking at me funny when I say I'm hungry? At this rate, I'm going to be as big as a house, but the babies were demanding and I wasn't going to deny them, right?

John and Lachlan came in, dug in and munched away while we all sat on stools around the big stainless steel table. Antony walked in too. He got two plates and loaded them with huge slices of overstuffed sandwiches and took an entire bag of potato chips with him but didn't managed to get away before we got our pokes in.

"Where you going with all that food, big boy," LizBeth teased and he turned. Was the Roman General Marcus Anotinius actually blushing?

"You eating for three too?" I chuckled.

"It's just a snowstorm, mate. No need to be squirreling food away," Lachlan grinned. Then John did something that surprised us all.

"Leave him be," John grunted and tucked a bottle of wine under Antony's arm. "Run while you can. She's waiting for you, buddy." And Antony ran.

Thinking about Antony and his new woman I started to miss Jack. I sighed and Then LizBeth sighed and then Kelly sighed and the whole room seemed to get sad. Bridgid sighed and we all looked at her.

"You left Terry at home, I thought you wanted to get away from him?"

She looked at us and just sighed again and we laughed.

"No more sad shit," Riles said. "I wanna play Piggy."

"NO!" shouted every one of us who knew what Piggy is and those who didn't know had the sense to stay quiet.

"Pictionary!" I offered and John stood abruptly, his mouth full and his head shaking.

"I'd rather go plow in a fifteen degree blizzard. Later ladies."

As we set up in the parlor I pulled my cell phone and called Jack. Oh the sound of his voice was soothing and I was again glad he was safe in a hotel with Kevin. They were having dinner and just before we hung up I heard Kevin's cell ring, glanced at LizBeth and knew exactly why.

Finally, game time. My team was me and LizBeth and our first clue was 'biological clock'. Lachlan kept hinting to Lizzybell that I was drawing, 'hitting the lottery' and Bridgid was laughing so hard she kept going to pee. Damn, it's gonna be a long night.

KELLY

I have to admit that I never really gave very much thought to the ramifications of snow. I'd never been in a blizzard, never watched snow fall, never went skiing, never built a snowman and never threw a snowball. All my knowledge of snow was gleaned from Hollywood movies, outdated ski magazines procured from my dentist's office, and anecdotes from my friends who spent a small fortune every winter as they headed up to Mammoth Mountain or Big Bear to spend the day snowboarding. You'd think my moving to Vermont would have suggested that I had considered what life would be like when the temperature dipped below 55 degrees, but that evening I realized how woefully ignorant I truly was.

I couldn't help but worry about Jeff. We listened to the radio as we all camped out in the Inn's kitchen, the weather reports stating that all flights in the area had been delayed until further notice. The girls sensed my apprehension and assured me that he'd be fine, with Riley reminding me that he was a seasoned traveler who had grown up in New York and was accustomed to dealing with snow and all manners of cold weather. I sure had a lot to learn; snow was serious business here in Stowe.

Good food and several rounds of Pictionary helped set my mind a little more at ease. Lachlan and I were teamed against the opposing teams of Natalie/LizBeth, and Riley/Bridgid. I was getting quite a kick out of watching him enjoy being the only male in this little clique and was again reminded of how much I missed Jeff. After mentally kicking myself for the hundredth time over leaving my cell phone at home, I finally worked up the nerve and asked Riley if I could borrow her cell to try and call Jeff.

Excusing myself from the group, I found an empty cubby in the darkened breakfast room near one of the large picture windows that overlooked the grounds. The swirling snow had obliterated any view of the darkened landscape, but for a brief moment I thought I had seen something reflected behind me in the glass; it happened so quickly that at first I thought I was simply imagining things, but as I looked around the room I had the distinct feeling that I wasn't alone. Strangely, I didn't feel frightened, and as the logical part of my brain was ready to assume that it was merely a trick of the light, I couldn't help but entertain the notion that some benign presence was keeping an eye out for me.

Smiling at my fanciful imagination, I dialed Jeff's cell and felt a flood of relief wash over me when I heard his familiar baritone.

"Riles?"

"No babe, it's Kelly."

"Thank God …" The relief in his voice reminded me once again of my folly. "Honey, I've been worried sick about you. How come you're using Riley's phone?"

"I forgot mine at home when I headed out. I'm here at the Inn and I'm sorry I made you worry. What about you? Are you at the airport?"

"No, I'm holed up in the hotel to wait out the storm. What are you doing at the Inn?"

I sensed the irritation in his voice and guilt washed over me as I realized how worried he had been. "I had to come out this way to deliver some of my inventory for the gift shop. The storm hit after I arrived and we're all here keeping each other company while we wait it out. I'm safe, babe … the house was all locked up when I left and it looks like we're going to have an old fashioned sleep over."

"Who's all there with you?"

"Riley, Natalie, LizBeth, Bridgid, Lachlan ... John and Antony are out making the rounds, doing whatever men do when it snows."

"Honey, I'm relieved to know that you're safe, and I'll save giving you a piece of my mind until I get back. Promise me you won't try to drive home until the snow stops and John tells you that the roads are safe. You've never driven in snow and trust me; it's nothing like you're used to."

"Babe, I'm not going anywhere, and I'm very safe."

His worried tone softened. "I'm safe too. I'm sorry that I'm not there to share the storm with all of you. How's Antony dealing with all of this?"

I wondered why he would ask about Antony. "Um, fine I guess. I haven't seen him in a while. I guess John's keeping him busy - they've both been running around checking the furnaces and plowing the driveway. I never knew that so much had to be looked after when it snowed."

"Honey, I'll give you the detailed course on living with snow when I get home. You're in for a real surprise."

For some reason I had the feeling that 'surprise' would hardly be one of the adjectives I'd end up using by the time he was finished with me. We spoke for a few more minutes then said our goodbyes, and as I flipped the phone closed I once again felt like something was in the deserted room with me. It was only then that the former sensation of benevolence was replaced by a creepy feeling and I couldn't get out of there and back to the others fast enough. Leave it to Lachlan to suggest the telling of ghost stories when I returned back to the group.

TERRY

Son of a bitch! She knew I wouldn't let her go and that's why she left the bloody note. I'll get to the bloody Inn if it kills me.

I only fell sixteen times. Lost a boot once, got my sock wet trying to get it back on so I reckon I'll lose the toes on my right foot. Frostbite can be hell to deal with. Fucks sake I could have climbed Everest with less effort. I've been well paid for jobs that took less effort than this.

Why the hell did I decide to stay in Vermont? What possessed me to do it? I could be nice and warm in Sydney right now or even in New York where the public works keeps the roads clean no matter what. Fucking B! Leaves me a note and risks life and limb for what? By this time tomorrow it will be a damn site warmer and the roads will be plowed. I've got bruises in places where the sun don't shine and I think the last ass over tit maneuver may have cost me my left nut. I had no idea I could sit on them that way.

I know. She's an independent son of a ... she's so damn headstrong and I swear sometimes she gives the word bitch new meaning but you know what? That's exactly what drew me to her. I love her more than I've ever loved anyone before and now she's going to have our baby.

Now that pisses me right off. Did she even think about the sprog before she decided to drive in this mess? I swear if this kid has her brains and my looks it's going to go far. It? Is it a boy or a girl? She doesn't want to know, she wants the birth day surprise, but I do. I want to know if we're having a son or a daughter. With us as parents, God help him, or her.

I'm freezing my ass off. How long have I been walking? I sure could use a good stiff drink. Thank Christ, I see a snow plow. It must be John.

JOHN

God sakes, as much fun as it is to listed to those ladies laugh and talk I knew I was in the wrong country. I left them to their devices and headed out to check on things. Antony was … a-hem … otherwise occupied, so I started up the plow and did the third run in as many hours. I'd have to keep an eye on it all night or there'd be hell to pay come morning. I tugged my knit toque lower on my head and snuggled my chin deep into the scarf. Fucking cold, witch-tit cold, ay.

Plowed the parking lot and the drive then looked up and down the deserted road. What the hell, anything was better than getting my ass trapped in a game of pictionary. So I plowed a mile one way then headed back to do the road as far as Terry and B's place … just in case she wasn't kidding about driving back.

I saw his head bobbing, a hunched form struggling along the side of the road where the snow was nearly three feet deep and I laughed out loud.

"Thorne, are you fucking nuts?"

"Coming to get my wife, that's all," and he climbed into the cab, shivering and grunting. "Bloody hell. Think I left my bollocks thirty yards back. Swear I heard them crack right off."

I turned the plow and headed to the Inn, still laughing as he lit up a cigarette. "Gimme one," I said and he obliged. "Hey, Ter," I added as he climbed out at the entry and Terry stomped his feet, wanting to get inside before frost bite took more than his balls.

"Yeah, mate?"

"Glad you're not dead." And I left him standing there, shaking his head.

I know it sounds crazy in the midst of a bad storm, no phone, several of us stranded out of town, two pregnant women, two love sick women and my postnatal goddess inside around the parlor fireplace … but for the first time in a fucking long time … I swear I could feel that all was right with the world. Winter was here and we Vermont innkeepers love winter.