ANDY

I won't lie to ya, things have been rough going for me. Getting sick was the last bloody thing I had in my plans, but there ya have it. So I'm doing what they tell me, taking all the advice I can from Antony's new woman, the nurse, and getting through. But I get really fucked up sometimes, depressed I guess. I've got a great job, a beautiful wife and basically everything a man could want, even though I got something called chronic exhaustion too, it should all work out, right? But that Sunday as I got home from the Inn at fucking two in the afternoon, knowing all the fun and rocking and rolling was going on without me, I gotta admit, I was down.

I dropped onto the sofa and slept a few hours then made myself something to eat. Didn't wanna watch TV so I just sat at the dining table and watched the snow fall. It was going to be one hell of a year in Stowe, Vermont. Ski season should break economic records for the town and I was glad for it; just wishing I could be more a part of the Inn's success, that's all.

Five-thirty I figured I'd maybe get a few more hours of shut eye before Monica got home and as I snuggled under the blankets, my cell rang. I got pretty excited, thinking maybe the Inn kitchen had a question only I could answer, ya know? But there was more of a surprise at other end of the phone.

"Andy? This is Kim. Kim Barrett."

I had to sit up, blink and think for a minute. I hadn't heard from him in years. Kim was working in the big Apple last I heard but other than that, he'd kinda fallen off the face of the planet as far as the family was concerned. "Jesus … Kim? How the bloody hell are ya, mate?"

By the time Monica got in, I was brimming with news and happy as a bloody clam. Kim and I were great friends back in the days when we lived at the Temple. He was coming for a visit and staying with us. Monica seemed pleased, but then again, she didn't know Kim.

"He's a bit of a pompous prick, love. But a really nice bloke when you get to know him," I said as we crawled into bed.

"Why haven't you heard from him for so long?"

"Well, he's a busy man, ya know. A real mover and shaker. Works for Donald Trump."

"No shit?" She sighed then yawned. I cuddled her close and nuzzled my face into the back of her neck. Monna giggled. "You have enough energy for this?"

"Yes I do, love."

She turned in my arms and smiled. "Then I guess I need to thank Kim Barrett when he gets here. It's been a long time since you've been this excited and this … ah-hem … energetic."

NATALIE

They say history repeats itself, but here in Vermont, things always kind of have a strange twist. Jack had just finished reading the paper when there was a knock at the door. I waddled over and there, looking frazzled and worried stood Carrie.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Oh Nat, oh dear! I need your help. Colin is down at the courthouse and they won't let him out. Can you and Jack please come with me?"

I swear there was a tear in her eye but as Jack grunted a chuckle and stated that he'd get his wallet for bail money I eyed Carrie carefully. She was wearing a plain black coat, a long one, but beneath that were a striking pair of Jimmy Choo's. Didn't she know there was snow outside? Her make-up was flawless and her nails were done. Ahhhh-haaaa. I'd bet the bail money there was a really pretty dress under that coat and I reached for my own coat. This wasn't the first time I'd been invited to witness an impromptu wedding.

Of course Jack was in the dark and as we entered the judge's chambers and Carrie stood beside a dapper Colin, he actually sighed relief. "I truly feared he was incarcerated," he whispered and I grinned.

The last time I stood beside a surprised man watching two people be married, it was so long ago. The day John and Riley tied the knot and changed everything. I felt so honored to watch Colin say 'I do' to the perfect woman for him and wondered if he felt the same way when he watched Jack and my wedding. Colin and I had come a long way, survived heartbreak and near death, recovery and blessings neither of us ever expected. All that had brought us to sheer happiness. But as he kissed his bride Colin's eyes met mine. A few moments later as I gave the groom a hug (hard to do with twins between us) I heard him whisper.

"Nat, love. How the bloody hell am I gonna explain why John and Riles aren't here?"

He had a point. John was always a good friend to Colin and Riles, well there was a time Colin and Riles looked like two puppies in love. I shrugged. "No clue, Col. But this one's all yours to figure out."

"And now," Jack bellowed, his face glowing with a brilliant smile. "It is time to celebrate this blessed union!"

Jack took us all to the Canyon Chalet at the top of Mount Mansfield for a lovely dinner and as much fun as it all was, I really did wonder how Colin was going to deal with our absent friends.

MAXIMUS

As I walked through the Inn, seeking my distraught wife and concerned that she was no longer crying in our suite, I discovered her in the quiet breakfast room with Riley. Riley was holding Sophia's hands and sadly shaking her head when she noticed me then kissed my cheek and excused herself.

"Walk with me, Sophia."

I had brought her coat with hopes of talking in the silent snowy evening, an opportunity for us to share our loss and find solace together, to talk of things we had not spoken and uncover the path to recovery.

"Sophia," I sighed as we strolled beneath the bare bones of the ancient oak trees. "I wish that I could comfort you, my love. But there are a few things I can tell you that may prove helpful." We passed the gazebo and walked around the soon to freeze pond. "You and I do not truly know each other, Sophia. But … we have found common pleasure and satisfaction with the astounding love we have."

"Ah," she attempted to smile. "Even when I am crazy angry?"

I chuckled. "Yes, my love. Even when you are crazy angry. After all, I am a strong man and able withstand the storm, am I not? At times, I admit, it is even entertaining." She playfully slapped my arm and we neared the place I had chosen for our discussion.

"Sit, Sophia," I said and she lowered to the simple bench, respectfully cleaned of snow already as someone else had come to the Bear for advice that very day it seemed. "My love, I am most saddened by the fact that we are not to have children. But I have never told you … I once had a son."

Her sad eyes rose and she blinked.

"Yes. A wonderful boy. He loved horses. Wanted to be one," I grinned at the long ago memory. "He was a wonderful boy."

"Where is he, Max?"

I turned on the bench, straddled it to face her. "My wife … and my son … are gone, Sophia. Murdered. A long time ago."

"Mio Dio, mio amore!"

"A long time ago, Sophia. And I must confess that I am still healing from that loss. But my love, I … I am alive. And I am blessed to have a life with you, no matter what befalls us, I am blessed. We will manage through this. There are options and when the time is right, we will discuss them."

"Thank you. Thank you for not expecting me to talk about those options yet."

I nodded and she looked down at the grave.

"Who is buried here, Max?"

I took her under my arm and held her close. "I wish to tell you about this grave, about this place and about the magic of it. You see, if we were to receive such sad news, I am grateful that it was while we are here. Sophia, this place is powerful. You see that mountain?"

She turned and nodded.

"That mountain calls to me. It always has. There are gods who live and play there. Gods who watch over this land. And one of them is in that grave."

"A god cannot die, Max."

"No, but a god can sacrifice itself for a favored man. In that grave is a bear; a very large bear that I once faced in battle. But Riley was able to see it for what it was, Sophia. To protect it from my warrior's instinct to slay it and shield her from danger. This bear was a man and this bear was a spirit. How this is so, I cannot say. But this bear gave his life in protection of John several years ago."

Sophia blinked, glanced over her shoulder at the Inn and the mountain then turned to the grave and nodded her head.

"I truly believe that the spirit of this bear continues to protect this place and all within … including you and I. We are taken care of, my dear one. There is a reason for our sad news and soon it will be revealed." I smiled, kissed her lips and sighed. "Or … as this very dead bear has said to me … all will be well. Can you trust in that?"

"He speaks to you?" Her eyes were wide and I nodded.

"Once, he spoke through me; called to me for assistance when this family was in terrible need from loss and heartbreak. And now, he tells me that all will be well with you and I … and I trust that it will be."

"And I too will trust."

We sat a few moments in silence then walked toward the Inn and the warmth of the fireplace in our pleasant suite. "Max?"

"Yes, my dear one."

"Perhaps … perhaps we can talk of these options this evening."

I smiled.

TUA

I was bloody exhausted, felt like a snowplow just ran over my sorry arse. The perfect ski weather had brought literally thousands to the mountain and Morgan Outfitters was hopping with business. We handled it just fine last year, but things were different this time around. There was a nipper coming and it was proving a major adjustment to just about everyone associated with the business … especially me.

Thorne had taken me aside and threatened not only my jewels but the future lives of any children or grandchildren I might have if I let Bridgid anywhere near equipment, snow, ice or stress. Now how the hell am I gonna do that? The boss lady is everywhere, got her nose in everything but at least she seems to be taking these limitations well enough. She hasn't bitten my head off yet.

Reservations are insane; we'll be busy as hell until the spring thaw. The problem is I seriously think we're way too understaffed to handle it. Maybe I gotta start turning people away? That's not gonna sit well with B. Not well at all.

So I did my best to arrange a tight schedule for tomorrow. Today I handled eight lessons alone! Three expert, three kiddy classes and two private lessons. I'm completely burned out. So there I was, sound asleep at the counter, my arse hanging off the edges of the stool and I was drooling all over the glass top when I felt someone shake my shoulder.

"What're you doing, mate?" It was Terry.

I blinked, shook my head with a rousing BLBLBLBLBLBLBLB then yawned. "Sorry. Guess I fell asleep."

He pulled over another stool and sat across from me. "Listen mate, I know I put a lot on you and I'm sorry about that. I just want B to be happy; I want this place to be successful. I'm gonna take two of these lessons for you tomorrow and in the meantime, I told B to hire as many instructors as she needs. How's that sound?"

"Sounds like I'm having a real good dream," I grinned.

"Good. So listen, why don't you go out? Pullo's been looking for you. Have some fun."

Pullo? Damn. The last time I went out with Titus Pullo, I lost three, or was it four days? No way. I was too tired for the likes of Pullo. "Think I'll just get some sleep. Thanks, mate."

JEFF

After weeks of preparation it was satisfying to watch as Kelly immersed herself into the successful grand opening of her store. Her pre-opening jitters and concerns were replaced with an excited enthusiasm as her sales continued to grow with advertising and word of mouth. LizBeth's influence initially paved the way with her connections through the local Chamber of Commerce and contacts at the newspaper; the steady stream of interest lead Kelly into hiring two part time employees to help with sales throughout the end of the year. Needless to say, her preoccupation with the demands of her shop meant that there was less time for us.

Don't get me wrong, I was proud of her accomplishments and it was a delight to see her so happy and yet tired at the end of the day. While I missed all the time we had previously had together, I knew that it was presenting me with the opportunity to concentrate on some of my own pressing matters.

I had one weekend to move into the cottage that Kevin had offered. Luckily it was already furnished and I could wait until after the holidays to arrange the shipment of my own things that were still in storage. I also had to set up the preparation for classes for my position as Science Instructor at St. Ursula's Academy. I hadn't really considered the ramifications of teaching before a bunch of teenage girls, not until Kelly and the others (Riley in particular) pointed out that I was about to face a whole new experience where teaching was concerned. While I whole heartedly believed that a teacher had the power to set the tone and the responsibility to make learning fun and interesting, I realized there were some things that needed attending to that had nothing to do with academics.

"I like the black slacks with the red sweater."

I stood before the pile of clothing laid out before me on my bed as Kelly helped put together my wardrobe for the week. It wasn't that I needed help getting dressed, but I wanted a woman's opinion to point out anything that could even remotely be construed as unintentionally provocative.

"It's not too casual?" I brushed a speck of lint off the leg of the slacks in question.

"Not at all. Wool flannel, box pleated … they're dressy enough but with the sweater and one of your oxford shirts and a tie you'd look sophisticated and yet not too severe. And the pants are loose enough to not draw attention to your many fine attributes."

"Oh sure, Dr. Wigand, the hottest thing to hit St. Ursula's in a decade." Why was I feeling nervous?

"Babe, don't underestimate the female teenage libido. They're going to find things to focus on as they size you up and as Riley pointed out, anything male is a hot topic to the students in an all girls' Catholic school." She picked out a pair of gray flannel slacks and paired them with a white shirt and black sweater vest. "Oooh, this is from Ralph Lauren." She eyed the tag on the latter and ran her hand down across the front. "Cashmere … you know, after seeing you in faded jeans for so long I'm finding this a real turn on …"

"Don't stand so close to me …" I was joking but that song by the Police suddenly took on some very pointed significance.

"Save it for when I unpack that little plaid pleated skirt I was telling you about." She gave me a teasing wink and reached across the bed for the pleated olive chinos. "Dockers … these would look nice with that brown chenille cardigan and also with the black Tommy Hilfiger turtle neck. You know, you do have good taste in clothing. Maybe I should take you with me next time I go clothes shopping."

"I'm only an expert on women's clothing when it comes to lingerie." I reached over and took a nice healthy grab of her wonderfully firm ass.

"Hey! Pay attention to the curriculum, Dr Wigand. First Wardrobe 101 then Sex Education. You'll need to take notes because there will be an oral exam immediately following."

"Baby, I'm booking for detention with this sexy red headed instructor." I snaked my arm around her waist and took a nibble of her ear.

"Okay mister, that's it. Meet me in the Principle's office ... oh wait, we're going to wrinkle all your clothes …"

Quickly grabbing the slacks and shirts by their hangers I laid them across the back of the lounge chair in the corner.

When I turned around, Kelly was starring at my crotch and smiling wickedly. "Oh yeah, definitely stick with the pleated trousers … maybe you should think about wearing briefs instead of boxers …"

"For your information, I'm not wearing any at the moment …" I made a grab for her and she snuggled close in my arms.

"My point, entirely."

Women. I absolutely love them.

Teenage girls, however … I had the feeling that I was about to be in for a rude awakening.

RILEY

It was a big night in our apartment! Little T cut his second tooth and John and I were about to break a few teeth attempting to make the Inn bigger. Kevin sat with us at the dining table. It was just phase one of the process and we'd already been through this once with him. But this time there'd be no expensive engineer behind the new construction; just me and John and Kevin Boyer's internationally renowned expertise. Kev flipped opened his notebook and groaned.

"Alright, let's get cracking. Let's do this nice and fair. Riley first, then John. Tell me exactly what you have in mind and if it doesn't come to blows, we might get something accomplished tonight. Riley, shoot."

"First off, what makes you think we're going to fight?"

He turned to John and they both cleared their throats. Truth is, Kevin and I did have our arguments, but it all worked out just fine, right? Maybe I should just back out of this round? Leave the addition up to John and Kevin and just sit back and be Mommy? But then again, maybe not.

"Alright, first thing, let's all promise to play nice, okay?"

The men grunted.

"Would you rather I just step away?" I had to ask and damn if Kevin didn't actually shrug, then he laughed.

"Like you could. Queen Biebe never leaves her throne," Kev chuckled. "Enough silly shit. Tell me what you want so maybe I can get home before midnight," he grinned.

And so it went. We discussed the addition that would double our occupancy. We talked budget and schedule and we talked aesthetics … Kevin's specialty. The fact of the matter was; no one could do what we wanted but Kevin. When he was finished with the addition, no one would be able to tell it wasn't part of the original mansion. I had complete faith in him and so did John.

"Only one possible problem that I can see," Kev said as he shrugged into his coat and readied to leave. "Jack and Nat's place. If I can't start construction in Maine by March thirtieth, we're going to miss our tight window of opportunity."

John looked at me and I looked at him and we just shrugged. "If that happens, we reschedule for the next year. Simple," I stated and bounced the baby on my shoulder.

"You okay with that?" he asked John.

"Why not? We're doing fine. Making enough profit. If we've gotta pass for winter 2008 we'll just shoot for 2009. No big deal."

Kevin leaned against the doorjamb, his brows all crunched up. "So, you saying you guys aren't all that committed to this expansion?"

"Fuck no!" we said in unison and the baby giggled.

John ran a hand through his hair. "We want to expand. We're ready to expand. But God sakes, Kev. You're just one man and these projects need your eye, we understand that. Jack needs his house. Mother Nature will do what she wants no matter what we got planned. We'll wait if we gotta."

COLIN

I got myself married. Me. Pretty good for a man with no luck in that department, I'd say. The fast and tiny wedding Carrie wanted went perfectly. She wanted Natalie and Jack and that made her happy. We raised a few glasses with the good Captain and that made him happy. Now … I had a little dilemma to deal with. Best to get right to it. Rather face it now before we get to the wedding bed and I forget all about it.

Carrie went to the house and I went to the Inn. I knew Riles and John had a meeting with Kevin and was kinda hoping I wouldn't interrupt. It was nearly nine already (Jack likes to raise several glasses, mates). I was feeling little pain and wondering what all the fuss was about anyway. Then John opened the door. Looked like Kevin had already gone. Showtime.

"Ah, John. Wonder if I can talk to you and Riles? It'll just take a few minutes."

"Sure, sure. Riley's putting the baby down. Want a beer?"

"Hell no."

John chuckled, sat in his favorite chair and eyed me up and down. "What're you all dressed up for?"

Thankfully Riles waked in. I didn't want to have to bloody say this twice. She hugged me and plopped on the sofa. "Where's Carrie? And why are you all dressed … oh … oh …" she squealed and jumped up. "You didn't, did you?"

Bloody hell, what was she asking? "Ah. I … ah … we … me and Carrie … we got married this afternoon. At the courthouse. Sorry. But Carrie wanted Jack and Nat to stand for us. Sorry. Really sorry." There, I said it. Now if I could escape I could get to the wedding bed part of getting married.

Another Riley happy squeal brought crying from the nursery and John left to get the nipper.

"You're not mad?"

"Me? Why? I'm so happy you married her. Carrie is absolutely perfect for you. I mean it would've been cool to see it but whatever. Tomorrow you two get your butts over here for brunch, okay? We'll celebrate. Are you going away? Taking a honeymoon?"

"Ah … maybe … where's John?"

"Taking care of the baby. I'll get him." She left and didn't come back for a few minutes. Should I have run? Maybe. When John came out he was alone. He stretched out his hand.

"Congratulations."

"Thanks."

He returned to his chair and switched on the tellie. Hockey. John Biebe wasn't going to do anymore talking that night. And as I left, I wondered if he was ever going to talk to me again.

He'd been a good friend. The best. We'd been through some hard stuff together and shared some of the best times of our lives with each other. Where was my head? I should've made sure he and Riles were there to share this with us. I looked back at the Inn as I climbed into my car. Facts were facts, mate. I had a wife now and what she wanted had to come first. Hopefully John will understand … eventually.