One would think we were brand new together. Colin is a tremendous lover, sensitive, hot, powerful and tender all at the same time. The minute our bed arrived he gave me that look and I laughed, tried to escape but who am I kidding, I didn't really want to get away. My God, my life had changed so much in the past year. Not only did I have a man to love, but damn … he loves me too!

I'd taken the job as road manager for the Burlington Race team just as a lark. I'm good with organization, great with details, but who would have ever known I'd end up like this? Well … not like this, breathless with Colin's face between my thighs and about to send me to the moon. I mean … like this!

I never planned to get involved, especially with a NASCAR driver and I'd managed to do it with two, count 'em, two. Thankfully one of them is a real man and not a manipulative drug addict. Colin is amazing.

I never intended to get married or own a house but there we were, engaged and making love in our own bed in our own house and I'm loving it. I actually feel like I've finally grown up … something my parents always wanted for me, by the way. Lucky for me, they're crazy about Col. They might not be crazy about what I was doing with him that moment as they're sure I'm still a virgin … old Vermont people, you know, they always want to think that stuff. They actually believe that a bride wears white because she's pure.

And speaking of a bride … I always thought I wanted one of those real traditional type weddings; the kind with a fluffy wedding gown and a huge reception and champagne toasts and everything. But tossing the bouquet is the furthest thing from my mind now that I'm so close to carrying one down the aisle. See, a wedding and a marriage are two different things. Really, they are! Okay, so most of you probably already know that, but I just figured it out.

I want a marriage to Colin, and having a wedding that was going to take a year in the making and a cast of thousands no longer held interest for me. I want children … even if one or more of them turn out like Ruthie. I want simplicity, even though we have a good eight months of NASCAR insanity every year until Colin decides to stop racing. I want those simple things and a big, fancy wedding just isn't that important.

"Col?" I whispered as he nuzzled against my breast. He moaned and mumbled and I ran my fingers through his hair. "I have an idea. About our getting married."

"Okay," he sighed and pulled away. "Let's hear it love. Give it all to me so I can get on to the important stuff."

"Well, that's exactly my point. I'd like to get on with the important stuff, with the being married part. Can we pass on all those big wedding plans?"

His brow curled. "Aren't you gonna disappoint your mom?"

"Probably."

"And didn't I hear your dad say he's waited his whole life to give you away?"

"Dad has three other daughters to give away, Colin."

He sat up, rubbed his sideburn. "What're ya thinking, Carrie?"

"Okay … I'm thinking we just get the license and go to the courthouse and do it. Easy." Colin grinned and chuckled. "What?" I asked.

"Just like John and Riles. It was good, kinda different. Things were different then, but they didn't tell us why we were going to the courthouse. I thought it was a joke," he laughed.

"That's so cool. We should do that too. Just have our witnesses meet us and not tell them why." I really liked that idea!

"Who ya got in mind?"

"Natalie and Jack?" I said it cautiously, knowing how painful Col and Nat's breakup was back then but sheesh, I really like Nat and Jack is a blast. So big and appropriate and funny. "What do you think?"

"Let's do it," he smiled. "We'll get the license this afternoon and do it next week. Make it a surprise. Then we'll just tell everyone else. They won't be upset, right?"

"Well, we just won't let them be. The point is to start our lives. I am so excited!" I climbed over Colin and covered his face with kisses and you can just imagine what happened after that.

ANTONY

Claudia was still asleep when I left for my first security round. My thoughts repeatedly went to Dino's gift of money. So much money and it made me quite uncomfortable. I certainly understand that he had done this with the others, but I was not sure I wanted such generosity. My experience told me that such gifts carry many treacherous burdens. What was Dino expecting in return? I had never seen such a political move within this family. My suspicions were strong and I needed to speak with him. The difficulty was that I could not reach him.

Dino's cell phone was not functioning and the Burlington hotel informed me that he had already checked out. This was strange, as most everyone had planned to remain close for the week. But Dino's work was demanding and I should not be so curious. I did not become fully befuddled until Thorne informed me that he too could not reach his partner. Was Dino avoiding my questions?

Each time I decided to return the gift, I also found myself selfishly exploring what could be done with it. And I had to consider Claudia and the benefits she too could enjoy should I in fact cash the massive check. A home for us, help for her new business, comfort. Perhaps I should consider that the benefits may outweigh the price of the gift? But perhaps Claudia and I would fare better to manage on our own? These things I pondered for hour after hour.

KELLY

I tried to go to bed early the night before the grand opening, but I kept running downstairs to double check a display, move a couple of items around, or just stare at everything in excited disbelief. My dream was finally a reality!

"I just want to sing, jump, dance, shout, gawd…this is so exciting!" I hugged myself and did a silly little two step across the shop floor while Jeff stood nearby watching. Then a horrible thought hit me; what if no one showed up? What if I didn't sell anything?

"Oh Lord…I'm so scared…" I looked to Jeff for assurance and found him standing right behind me.

"Honey, you're going to psyche yourself out."

I felt the warmth of his body press against my back as his hands began to softly massage my shoulders. "Everything is going to go wonderfully and you'll soon have more orders than you can keep up with."

It sounded good and I wanted to believe it, but grand opening jitters were making me doubt my own abilities. "Do you really think people are going to like it? I think the coffee mugs will do well - everyone likes coffee mugs. Maybe they'll think the dinnerware is too pricey…"

"I'm going to take you upstairs and put you to bed. You've done all you can do down here - everything looks beautiful and it'll all be fine. You'll need a good night's sleep though, so come on." His hands slipped down to grab hold of mine and I didn't fight him. As he led me down the hallway towards the stairs I turned to take a final look as he turned off the lights.

"Good night," I called to the now darkened room. "See you in the morning!"

"Now I know you need to come to bed…you're clearly delirious." Bringing his broad hand down upon my backside he gave me a gentle nudge up the stairs. "Remember, you're going to be on your own for a couple of hours tomorrow and you need to be clear headed."

It took a few seconds for what he had said to register and as we both headed for the bedroom I tried to convince myself that I was tired and simply hadn't heard correctly. Unfortunately, I had heard him just fine.

"I have to leave about nine-thirty tomorrow but should be back around noon."

I had kicked off my slippers and was tempted to pick one up and throw it at him. "What do you mean?"

"I have an important appointment." Setting his glasses on the night stand he turned to sit on the edge of the bed. "I told you about this two days ago - it can't be helped. You'll be fine on your own for a little bit before I get back."

I sat down on the bed opposite him, wracking my brain to remember. However, I couldn't recall him ever mentioning that he wouldn't be here to help me open. Then suddenly it hit me - he did tell me, but I was so preoccupied with other things that it really didn't register. "I didn't think you were serious…"

He gave me an apologetic smile, but didn't offer any further explanation. I was torn between wanting to cry and anger at him and then myself - I wasn't some helpless creature who couldn't handle a challenge, so why was I letting myself get so upset? Well, it was simple. Jeff had been with me on this from the beginning and was the one who pushed me to have everything ready in time for the holidays. I had come to depend on his sturdy calmness and in the process forgot to consider that he might have something of his own on the burner.

"I'll be back as soon as I'm finished, and I'll be there for you until closing."

I wanted to be understanding, but I was too tired and disappointed to answer. I heard Jeff sigh and turned away from him, afraid that I'd say something I'd regret in the morning. How could he do this to me? Okay, I was being childish, but damn it…

However, I needn't have worried about being all alone on opening day.

At ten AM sharp the following morning, just as I was about to officially open the doors; I spotted a familiar vehicle pull up across the street. I watched in relieved surprise as LizBeth, Monna, and Riley carrying a well swaddled baby T climbed out, their arms laden with pastries, Starbuck's and smiles all around.

I ran out to the porch to greet them. "Oh my God … I don't know what you guys are doing here, but thank you!"

Riley laughed as she hoisted T's diaper bag over her shoulder. "Did you think that you'd have to do this all alone?"

LizBeth gave me an encouraging hug. "I have a friend from the Stowe Reporter who's going to stop by a little later to take pictures and you'll be mentioned on the Go Stowe website. It'll be great local exposure."

Monna was next with a hug and greeting. "You were there for me and Andy, so of course we're here for you."

As I followed them inside I fought back tears of relief. "Hey, none of that," Lizbeth called out as she sat the donuts and coffee down on the counter by the register. "We brought munchies, Christmas music, and plenty of caffeine. It's going to be a busy day so we have to be on our toes."

I just stood there with my mouth open.

Monna pushed something into my hand. "Here, have a donut. Hope you like Carmel Macchiato. Wow, I love the way you decorated the windows ... hey Riles, is this the dinnerware you were telling me about?"

LizBeth was busy examining the Earth Goddess display. "These are lovely, I'd like a couple for my garden. I love how they're so round and fat."

Just then, baby T let out a loud burp and we all laughed. "Okay, you have the baby's seal of approval," Riley said. "Ooh, hey, I like this vase …"

I took a bite of donut and just smiled like a loon. Looked like my friends were all hooked, now let's see what the customers thought. Mother Earth Designs was officially open and ready for business!

RILEY

This was going to be fun! And lord knows I'd do anything for Jeff after all he'd done for us but helping out today wasn't something he even had to ask. LizBeth, Monna and I had planned to do it anyway.

I quickly tucked the baby into my little front pouch thingie, thankful that he was still small enough and light enough for me to move around with him there. Terrence was growing like a weed, but he adored being tight against me and always quieted in that neat pouch. I handed him his teething ring with a calm reminder than if it hits the floor once, it was over and he blinked his big baby blue eyes. His hair was wild dark curls and I swear, every day he's more and more John-like. How lucky could I get, huh? Such a good baby and as pretty as my husband to boot. I realized that most of Stowe hadn't seen little T yet. It was going to be fun to work the register and see him get all those oohs and ahs.

The shop looked fantastic and I sighed, looking around and wishing the Inn was still at its beginning phase. Those were the days. We had no freaking clue what we were doing or how we were doing it, but it all worked out. At times, I think maybe too well. There's a lot on the horizon that John and I hadn't even talked about yet, growth and possibilities that were only going to complicate life even more … make it maybe too hard for just he and I to manage, that's for sure. But that's how success works, it moves at its own speed until your brain is crying from the stretch marks. But Kelly had something a little different.

Already I could see how big her business could get, how easy it would be to franchise the shop and products all over the Northeast. How easy it would be to put out a catalog and ship all over the world. For right now, it was perfect though. I actually envied her, remembering the excitement and pleasures of all those baby steps way back then.

The teething ring popped out of the baby's mouth and jumped to the floor. But before I could figure out what to do with it, Kelly snatched it up and ran to wash it. So much for being the tough mom. Little T gave me a wicked grin when Kelly put it back into his hand and he chomped. Sheesh, just like his daddy.

MAXIMUS

The Inn has always held great comfort for me. I have loved this place and have loved in this place; found remarkable spiritual experiences here, having witnessed the shapshifter Bear/Man who walked this land and saved brother John's life so long ago. It has been a place for joy and trauma. I had been blessed to help Riley recover from the loss of her first child thanks to the powerful gods who also love this place. And I have seen the joys of so many new and coming births associated with this family.

Being in Vermont for the holiday of Thanksgiving this year was not something new or unusual. I have always treasured spending this particular holiday with those I love and John has done much to make the Inn all of our cherished home. But this year, I had also come to pray to the spirits of that powerful mountain, to speak to whatever gods will hear me. This morning I have learned that they say … no.

Sophia and I live a blessed and happy life at our Northern California Vineyard, but we have not been fruitful. More than once we felt our hopes would bring the joy of a child, but it had not come to pass. I had finally conceded to pursue the medical tests required to determine the reasons and hopefully the solution for this particular difficulty. The past few weeks had been fully occupied with blood work, numerous questions, foolish suggestions and the examination of our bodies. Sophia could not follow my suggestion to wait until we returned home to learn the answers and she called the physicians this morning. She is barren and I am at a lost as to how to console her.

There are times to find peace in solitude and Sophia had asked for that, I will give this to her although I am unsure of how to fill my own heart. Meeting Antony as I walked the trails was a gift I could not have needed more.

"Salve, General," he called, his brow curled with obvious concerns of his own.

"How goes your morning, Antony?"

"This place is a haven for peace and little ruffles it. Sophia is well?"

I groaned and sat on the bench near the mystical bear's grave. Antony looked down at me and scowled.

"She is not well?"

"She is not. We've learned that there will be no children and this is breaking her heart."

"Children? Maximus, I have had many children. They are loud and messy creatures. They are troublesome and demanding and all this before they even speak a recognizable language … and … I am most sorry she will not experience such joy. Will you adopt?"

"I have yet to reach that conversation. She is mourning this loss; I must wait for a more … opportune moment for such a suggestion. And how do you and your woman fare?"

"We are very well. Not anticipating children at this time, but well. What troubles me is Dino and his gift. Do you know what he wants from me?"

I could not help but smile. "He wants nothing from you, my brother. Dino has always been a generous man, but if you are concerned, speak with him."

"He is unreachable. Even Thorne can not find him."

I shifted on the bench. "Perhaps something has broken on a case," I said casually but seldom have I ever heard of Terry not knowing where Dino had gone. I would investigate further at another time. For now, my hands were freezing and I wished to check in with Sophia. Perhaps it was time for us to console each other. But as I stood from the bench, I clearly heard the voice of the long dead old man, Luke. His words were clear and comforting and I grinned. Was I so unhappy that I would create such an experience?

"All is as it should be, nephew. Don't worry," the voice rumbled inside my saddened mind. "Don't worry."

JEFF

Okay, don't think for one minute that I didn't feel like a total cad about not being there for Kelly when the shop opened, but I hoped that Riley and the troops' presence would make up for my absence.

Truth was, I had received a call from the Dean at St. Ursula's Academy and they were looking for a suitable replacement for one of their instructors who was about to take off for maternity leave. It would be per diem position and I'd be teaching high school chemistry. Problem was, the Dean, the honorable Sister Victoria Davidson needed to meet with me right away as classes were set to resume the following Monday. I hated leaving Kelly on her big day, but this was something I needed to jump on while the opportunity was still there for me.

LizBeth was the one who had planted the suggestion that I fax over my resume. She's so involved with the local Chamber of Commerce that she's a walking authority on just about everything happening in town, and I knew that this was something tailor made for me. To be honest, I liked the idea of retirement but soon realized that I needed to do something to keep busy. Kelly has her shop, and while I'm more than wiling to help out, it's all hers. I wanted something that I could feel just as excited about and next to golf, my love had always been teaching. I was hopeful that this job, albeit temporary, would lead into a regular position. The campus was close by and the curriculum was top notch - one of the best in the state. Being a Catholic school alumnus myself, I was rather drawn to the feeling of nostalgia and in a sense, coming full circle. After facing down a grand jury, standing before a Vermont classroom full of privileged teenagers and teaching them the principles of chemistry would be simple in comparison.

The job interview went well. I wondered how much of it was due to LizBeth's influence, but Sister Victoria said she was highly impressed with my resume and was particularly interested to learn that I spoke and wrote fluent Japanese. She hinted that there may be an opening for further employment once my predecessor returned from maternity leave, stating that the school was in the process of revamping their foreign language program and that Japanese was one of the subjects that they hoped to implement.

Pulling into the driveway as I arrived back home, my mind was brimming with excitement. Sister Victoria had hired me on the spot and I couldn't wait to tell Kelly. I was surprised and happy to see people inside the shop as I walked up the porch, and when I stepped inside I heard Christmas carols on the stereo and saw that the place was packed with customers.

A voice called out to me from across the sea of bodies. "Hey Doc!" It was Riley, waving happily as she worked the register with Monna. Kelly was off to the side talking to LizBeth and a gentleman who looked to be a reporter, judging by the way he was taking down notes and the camera around his neck. "Come on in - the place is hopping!"

Hearing Riley's exclamation, Kelly glanced over and the guilt I was feeling was replaced with relief as she excused herself and came over to give me a hug. "I'm glad you're back! Can you believe the turnout?"

"I told you everything would be fine. I've always had faith in you, honey." Her eyes sparkled from the compliment and I fought the urge to take her in my arms and kiss her. We could do that in private later. "I have some good news of my own."

We made our way over to where Riley and Monna were working and all eyes turned towards me. I got the feeling that I had been the topic of conversation while I was out, judging by Monna's smile and Riley's knowing look.

Kelly handed me a donut. "Well, how did it go?"

I caught LizBeth watching, and she gave me a wink.

"Well, ladies, you are now looking at the new, temporary instructor of high school chemistry at St Ursula's Academy." I stood a little bit taller as I spoke, being quite pleased with my morning's accomplishment.

"Oh my God, St Ursula's?" Riley was practically choking back her laughter. "The all girls academy? Just wait 'til all those hormone influenced teenagers get a load of their new instructor. I can hear it now: Good morning, Dr McDreamy!"

I couldn't quite understand her amusement. "Riley, you've been reading too many tawdry romance novels."

"Novel, shmovel. I know what I'm talking about. I went to an all girl's Catholic high school, remember? Oh Doc, are you ever in for an experience."

"Riley, students are students, regardless of their ah…sex." Damn if her laughter wasn't infectious. Monna and Kelly were both chuckling in the way that women do when they seem to know something that others can't seem to quite grasp. Even LizBeth was giggling. I wasn't sure why I was laughing along with them, but damned if I couldn't help it.

Kelly nuzzled in close and whispered loud enough for the others to hear. "You know, I have a little plaid skirt somewhere … I'm sure I can find some bobby socks and saddle shoes …"

"I'll lend you my white turtleneck," Riley quipped with another cackle.

"You ladies are too much." Don't get me wrong; I was rather enjoying the attention but was I actually blushing?

"Dr. McDr …Wigand, you look cute when you're embarrassed. Here, have a cup of coffee - it's the new Christmas blend." Monna waggled her eyebrows and shared a wicked smile with Kelly.

Why did I feel like a deer in the headlights? "I can see that you're all going to torture me unmercifully over this."

"Of course we are, and you wouldn't have it any other way." LizBeth came over and patted me on the shoulder. "Seriously though, congratulations."

I mumbled my thanks and the reporter snapped a picture of all of us as we stood there laughing. "Hey, this would make a nice shot for the Community section: Stowe Welcomes New Business and St Ursula's Sacrifi…Newest Instructor…"

Seems like everyone wanted to get into the act. Welcome to Vermont, indeed.

PULLO

In two days, I have experienced the vast differences only life in this time and place can offer! From feeling most unloved and out of sorts, to suddenly being a man of wealth and promise and all due to one kind gesture from Dino. The gods have smiled on me and now, I seek to fulfill my dream.

Dino had provided me with a list of several vineyards for sell, but one was very nearby and I decided to make the most of my time in Vermont. I borrowed the car Max had rented and drove over the mountain. This was a pleasant thought; the vineyard was less than six miles from the Inn and Antony. But the place was not in good shape.

It had gone dormant for four years, sold after several failed seasons but the soil was well rested and that held promise in my mind. I spoke with the realtor handling the property, but he was not knowledgeable about the operation. The original owners, having lost the property to taxes, were unavailable to answer my questions. I toured the facility, finding it outdated and not near the quality or efficiency of Maxi and Sophia's winery. But all this can be changed thanks to Dino.

I was most curious about what and how the previous owners had done. The realtor contacted several of the former employees and they met me at the shabby motel where I had chosen to stay for the few days of research. They were somewhat helpful, but primarily looking for employment should I purchase the vineyard. Most had little information … except for one. Mr. Daniel Frease suggested that I contact Lesley Brookmeyer, the local winery inspector and discuss the old Stowe Winery with her. This could prove to be a promising avenue and I phoned her immediately.

Lesley Brookmeyer wasn't a friendly person over the telephone. She was brusque and irritating and I imagined an old crone of a bitty. She insisted on being called Ms. Brookmeyer and I insisted on calling her Lesley or love. We were off to a rocky start but at least she agreed to meet with me at the gates of the vineyard. That way, if I found myself screaming with the agony of attempting civil conversation, no one would hear.

But Lesley Brookmeyer was not a wrinkled old crow; she was in fact a striking, beautiful young woman. Fair hair and eyes. A bit frail for my tastes but she was most pleasant to look at, that was sure … until she opened her mouth.

"Mr. Pullo. It's Thanksgiving weekend, it's fourteen degrees out here and we all have better things to do. Ask your questions and let's be finished with this."

I grinned, looked her straight in the pretty eyes. "Alright, love. What say we start with what you know about the condition of this vineyard and winery before it closed?"

"Bad. Bad, bad, bad. Stowe Winery was never profitable, never produced a grape the vintner could turn into anything but vinegar and never sold a grape to even Welch's, who will buy anything. Are we finished yet?"

"No ma'am. What were they growing?" And so it went, her answers clipped but at least helpful. It was a most unpleasant meeting, what with the cold and her attitude and all. But after we shook hands and turned to our cars, she called to me.

"Mr. Titus Pullo?"

"Yes, love … uh … Ms. Brookmeyer?" No point in getting her all fired up again.

Her lovely eyes twinkled. "You're going to buy this land, aren't you?"

"I am."

"What will you call it?"

I grinned, straightened my shoulders. "Elysium Wines. I'll need your help, you know. Always best to ask the inspector's advice before starting anything, right?"

Her smile dropped and something about her fragility startled me. "You will help me, right?"

"Maybe, Mr. Pullo. Maybe."

JOHN

God sakes I love her when she's like this. All soft and pleased with herself, still pink from a hot shower and as pliable as play dough. Our bed was getting some serious activity lately and I ain't complaining. Getting older, ya know. I gotta take my opportunities when the energy's high and all the pieces fall into place. Both had been on the upswing for a while, now that the baby was on a sleep schedule that matched ours.

Riles and me, we aren't formula lovers, we never approach things the same way twice and we're on the same page when it comes to finding new ways to please each other. I'd gotten about all I could get outta her, gotten her to hit the ceiling more than once and was damn ready for the connection I was starving for … hell, I'm always starving for. Together. One. I know I'm a pussy about it, but I'm the kinda guy who needs this. Not so much the sex … the connection. I don't do well alone, never have and never will.

"Hey baby, wanna go for another kid?" I teased as I pressed deep and stilled, my cock throbbing and wanting more.

"Maybe next year," her eyes glittered and her hips shifted.

"Uh-uh. Stay still, still as you can. Let's see how long we can do this."

"You're nuts, John."

"No, it's like the 'see who's gonna blink first' game."

"There, I blinked, now oh, God, please …." she gasped and I gripped her hips.

"Still, as still as possible." I was doing some gasping too.

"Jesus, John. I feel like this Inn … like I'm going to explode."

I grinned; we'd talk about the Inn later. I fucking love when she's at the edge. "You can hold on, just a little longer, baby."

"You are torturing me!"

Like I wasn't feeling ready to blow too, but I gripped her hips tight and held mine still as stone, just a subtle press to get even a little deeper. "Mine," I hissed through the pleasure and pain.

"And … mine," Riley whispered, wrapping her arms tenderly around my neck and pulling me down for a luscious kiss. That was all I needed, we were off to the races, both blinked and it was time to reach for the fucking stars. Damn, it's always good.

"We're going to need help," she said after our breath had calmed and we were just lying there, holding each other. She was talking about the expansion. I was thinking about the expansion. Odd, sometimes it works that way, we don't even have to start a conversation and we already know where we are with it.

"We haven't signed the contracts with Kevin yet, we can still stop all this, ya know."

"Do you want to?"

"Nope, and neither do you. It's time to build the addition. God sakes, baby. This'll double our occupancy capacity."

"And more than triple our profit. Especially now that the time-share suites are all sold." Riles snuggled against my chest and I buried a kiss in her hair.

"Guess we should start the search for a manager, someone who can handle a place with sixty rooms. We probably should look at the big chains, Holliday Inn, Hilton, Sheraton. They've got 'employee revolving doors' and always have well trained managers looking for something challenging."

Riley giggled. "And we're certainly a challenge. Hey, maybe Chef Chris knows someone. He was at the Four Seasons in New York for years. I'll ask him tomorrow."

"Good." And as we calmed to sleep I started to wonder just what the hell we were doing. But then again, every time we grow or make a change I wonder the same thing. Maybe it's time to trust that we're doing the right thing. Maybe it's time to just go where this place takes us. The construction wouldn't begin until next summer, after Kevin finishes Jack and Nat's house in Maine. I was pretty convinced we were going ahead with it, but at least with so many months between now and July; I had that nice little buffer … that feeling that if we want to change our mind … we still can.

But as my eyes closed I already knew. We won't. Next winter was going to be insane, and before Spring we had to have a new manager in place who could handle this kind of growth. Nah, we weren't changing our mind. Riles and me … we like a challenge.