ANTONY

Watching her ecstasy is my highest pleasure, and as I licked and savored the residue of her coming, ran an arm across my mouth, I soothed her trembling flesh under my hands and whispered my adoration.

"Claudia, hush now my love. Let me hold you and love you for all my days. Let me give you this pleasure and more. Shhh." I kissed her lips and smiled down into her eyes. "Better?"

Claudia grinned then laughed a soft, deep throaty sound that thrilled in my belly and brought the animal between my legs to life. It was wild, insane like the days with Atia but somehow, better. This was a woman I wished to wed, a woman without designs on me and without politics in her heart. I grunted and strained and our bodies were covered with sweat as I pulsed my offering into her. I reached for the ever present water glass at the bedside table just to discover that we were upside down on the mattress. With a growl I crawled around, feeling like a spent animal and reached for a mug. Sweet, cloying fizzy soda seared down my throat and I hissed. Pepsi, that disgusting drink Claudia liked so much. "Arrgh!" I mumbled and she laughed, slid around to me, handed me the water and smiled.

After gulping I wrapped her close to my chest and waited for my heart to steady its drumming beat. What is it that is so amazing about her? The answers were simple. Everything. Absolutely everything.

I had fully intended to hold the check from Dino, to refuse the money and return it to him. But that moment, I saw and clearly understood the nature of the gift; the intentions behind it. Our life could begin because of it and who was I to deny Claudia such a promising start?

"My love, tomorrow I am not on duty. We will purchase a house and purchase that small building I saw in Stowe for your business," I announced.

"What?" She freed herself from my embrace and looked down at me. "We can buy the house because I have enough to help with that. But Antony, I don't need a building for the business. It'll start so slowly and if I work hard and manage carefully, I can run it out of the home office."

"Nonsense. You will not work so hard and it will begin like a blazing Roman siege. Many are already seeking your services. Look at how you have helped Andy. And already Thorne's wife is talking of midwife services. This will grow quickly and I wish our home to be … our home and nothing else. Enough of these negotiations. All will be put into play soon and it will begin. Then you will marry me and I -"

"Wait! Marry you?" She pulled further away, turned and struggled to fit her prosthetic to her leg.

But I would not permit her to leave the bed, to run away or pace with agitation. I gripped her arm tight but I am sure my expression was hopeful, perhaps even fearful. "Claudia, you do not wish to be wed?"

"I … I … are you really asking me to marry you?"

"I am."

"But … but … I … ah …"

I tenderly kissed her lips and pushed thick waves of golden red hair from her face. "My sweet love. I understand that perhaps it is too soon for you to consider another husband. But I assure you that this will be good, pleasant, happy for you. Can you not see this?"

A smile mingled with her sudden tears. "I just never expected you to … you know. And the truth of the matter is … I just don't know if I'm ready. Not because of before and my husband's death, not because I may be still mourning him … it's because … what if I can't be a good wife to you, Antony? What if I fail you?"

"Foolishness. Sheer foolishness. You will not fail. I will not fail. May we move ahead?"

Her face brightened and she nodded agreement as woman are wont to do.

"Speak the word, Claudia." I teased.

"Ask again."

"Will you be my wife?" Even with the smile on her face, I admit I feared the answer would not be as I wished. I held my breath.

"Yes, Antony. Yes."

But even as I took her again, my strength anew with joy and my body mad for her, she was the woman she is and stated her case clearly.

"That's a yes … providing you don't force me to have my business in a building."

This would take a while, but I will prevail. I grinned.

NATALIE

Shifting in my chair again, I nearly threw my book aside in frustration. Trying to get comfy with not one but two big bowling balls rolling around in your belly is just not possible. As I squirmed to get one tiny foot out of my ribs, another poked the other side. Forget trying to get up and walk; my feet and ankles were swollen and hurting. My back ached and I needed a crane to hoist my massive body out of the chair. I harummphed and twisted on the cushion again. I was not a happy camper and wanted this pregnancy thing over. Now.

But then, Jack appeared bringing hot tea … my favorite Earl Grey with a just a touch of honey. "Here, my dear. Sip this." His fingers strayed to my hair as he handed me the steaming cup, smoothing a stray lock back into place.

"Thanks, Jack." I smiled in appreciation as he nodded.

"Anything else, my dear?" His clear blue eyes looked at me with concern and happiness.

"No, no. I'm fine. Thank you, sweetheart."

Nodding again, he picked up his violin and began to tune the strings. Soon, he was lost in the music, a piece he played often. It began slow and almost mournful but as it progressed, you could hear the joyful undercurrent begin. In Jack's hands, the music took on a life of its own, filling the room with sweetness.

I'd closed my eyes to listen and remembered this time last year. How different life is now. I was amazed at the blessings that this year had brought, especially the blessing that came in the form of a large, happy, blond, blue-eyed sea captain. Jack … the man whose love of life is so large, it permeates everyone surrounding him. The lionhearted warrior who can be tender, gentle and kind. The gentleman with 19th-century sensibilities who struggles to understand the 21st century.

And here he is in our living room, playing to himself, by himself. And it occurred to me that the best Christmas present I could give him was companionship. No … not mine. He's got that already. The one person he's shared most of his life with. So I picked up the phone and called Stephen in Maryland.

KIM

I had been running on coffee, Devil Dogs and various flavors of Slim Jims for the last four hours or so of my drive into Stowe. As I made my way through Montpelier I buzzed Andy to let him know that I was on schedule and joked that I was looking forward to a sample of his cooking. I was tired of road stop fare and was hoping that I wouldn't have to swing by some fast food joint for dinner. Hey, he's a chef; bloody hell, he could whip up something in no time. He was always one for fixing up a feast out of practically nothing back in the day …

When I saw the spires of the old church shining in the late afternoon sun I felt the last wave of adrenalin shoot through my gut as I stepped down a little harder on the gas. Reaching over for the crinkled directions, I once again glanced at the address that was already embedded in my memory as if it were some sort of talisman that would guide me safely to my destination. I'd come this far; a complete 360 degrees from my life of ... was it really less than a week ago?

The town reminded me of the picturesque boroughs in upstate New York; a quaint country goldmine of prime real estate just begging for someone to manage and market. Mom and pop shops mixed in with upscale establishments, a good sprinkling of commerce in a quaint atmosphere luring tourists and their dollars into a vacationland of sport and relaxation. I could practically hear the ka-ching of the cash registers as I drove through Main Street, taking note of the restaurants and gift shops that catered to the mighty tourist dollar. There was real money to be made in this town and already my mind was buzzing with ideas on how to take the advantage.

I was so busy imagining the possibilities that I almost passed the turn for Andy's street. Cutting over quickly I narrowly missed some bloke in a battered old ute. Giving a salute of apology, I ignored the honk of his horn and shifted gears. Glancing once again at the directions, I spotted his address off to the left and pulled into the driveway next to a hulking SUV. Hopping out of the Porsche and setting the alarm, I got halfway up the walk when the front door opened and Andy came out to greet me.

I tried to keep my jaw from dropping at the sight of him. He still looked the same, with his trademarked lopsided smile, but what had once been youthful lankiness had replaced with an alarming thinness. He had mentioned that he had been ill but Jesus, what the hell? He gave me a warm embrace and I was afraid to hug him too tightly. Would he break in two?

"Bloody hell, it's good to see you." His voice sounded the same as he pulled away and jokingly clouted me on the shoulder. "Do you have any bags or luggage?"

I wasn't about to let him help me. He looked like a good gust of wind would blow him away. "It can wait; don't trouble yourself on my account."

Just then I heard a voice and looked over his shoulder to see what must have been his wife, Monica. She gave me a quick smile of greeting as she slipped her arm around Andy's waist.

"You must be Kim. It's so nice to finally meet you." Her eyes sparkled as she held out her hand, her smile warm and genuine. "Andy's been telling me about you all day. Sounds like you two used to get into a mess of trouble."

I glanced over at Andy, wondering how much he actually did tell her, but he only chuckled. "Don't worry, mate. I left out the really bad parts."

"Yeah, I bet," Monna turned to Andy. "I'll help Kim with his bags. You go inside and check on dinner. I hope you're hungry, Kim. We have steak and potatoes a'la Andy and boysenberry cobbler for dessert. I hope you don't mind sleeping on a twin bed. We've been meaning to get a bigger mattress for the guest room, but we've just been so occupied with other things …"

I picked up on her unspoken meaning, a knot of worry gripping my stomach as I watched Andy head back inside. He seemed cheerful enough and I got the impression that Monna was a strong sort of woman. But I just wasn't prepared for Andy's appearance. Monna picked up on my concern and reached for my hand in assurance.

"He's going to be okay, although I know it's a shock because you haven't seen him in so long. But he is getting better. Really."

She guided me back toward my car, her voice soft and so obviously full of love and respect that I found myself liking her instantly. Andy was fortunate to have found such a woman.

"What happened to him?" I didn't stop to think how my question sounded, but Monna didn't seem to take offense.

"Epstein Barr … chronic exhaustion. When I think of all the things it could have been, I think we're very blessed. He's back at work, part time of course. But we're slowly getting back to normal. He's been so excited since you called. I was afraid he was going to fall into a depression because he can't do all the things he used to do … not yet … but he's been so happy right now. I wanted to thank you for that."

I didn't know what to say. I'm not exactly the kind of bloke who blows sunshine up another's arse, but it made me feel good to know that I was helping Andy cope with his illness, even though I had to get fired in order to do it.

We spent the rest of the evening sitting at the table eating the best bloody steak I've had in dog's age and catching up on all the gossip. Monna kept her eye on Andy throughout, but the laughter and smiles shared were real as he and I told amusing stories of the times we and the others had shared (highly edited, of course). That part of my life seemed so far away from who I am today, but yet had led me back along the path to where I found myself right now. It's funny how things always seem to come full circle.

Andy grew tired and I felt much the same way after being on the road for so long. It was only eight o'clock but I was knackered and wanted nothing more than a hot shower and an uninterrupted kip of several hours. Andy headed to bed first while I stayed to help Monna with the dishes. Luckily they had a fully equipped kitchen complete with a dishwasher, and after the best shower of my life I collapsed into bed and fell instantly into a deep dreamless sleep.

The next thing I knew I awoke to the scent of freshly brewed coffee and as I glanced over at the clock on the dresser next to the bed; already seven AM. As I made my way downstairs, I found Andy sitting at the kitchen table, reading the newspaper and eating a croissant. I went and poured myself a cup of coffee and noticed him grinning.

"What's the matter? My hair all fucked up or something?" I brought my hand up and rubbed it across my chin. Sure as shit I needed a shave.

Andy just laughed. "I take it you slept well? I was just thinking and had an idea; how would you like to tag along with me to the Inn this morning? You can visit with John and Riley and maybe run into some of the others and get reacquainted."

I felt my stomach tighten at the idea of facing the others. I could only imagine what they'd think or say. "I don't know … I don't want to get in the way."

"Trust me, mate. I don't need you in the kitchen but you're going to have to face everyone sooner or later. I think you're going to be surprised. You are family and they'll all be happy to see you. Besides, you might want to take a good look around the place - you never know what you might find."

I wasn't sure what he was referring to with that last comment, but the more I thought about it, the more I was taking to the idea. It would be good to see everyone again and certainly they'd all moved on with the business of living their lives, much as I had. Until recently.

"Okay, I'm in. Just let me shave and all …" I gulped the coffee, left in my cup and caught him grinning again.

"What the bloody hell's up with you?" I felt all the old camaraderie coming back and I hoped Andy was up for it. I needn't have worried.

"Welcome to Vermont, mate."

JOHN

My days are always full of a thousand things and even though I'm probably the only person at the Inn without a job description, I certainly have my nose in everything. I was going over a few things with Betsy, our magnificent head of housekeeping when I saw Terry walk in. Last time he popped in alone and unannounced, it was because he was running away from early pregnancy hormones. This time, he actually looked kinda happy.

"What's up?" I called and he came to the front desk.

"Hey mate, how ya goin'? Thought I stop over and see the nipper. Never had a godson before and thought maybe I should check in every now and again."

Fuck, he looked good, pleased with himself. But just before I told him Riles was upstairs with the baby, we heard Kim's voice coming from the dining room.

"Who's that? Barrett?" Terry grinned. "Bloody hell, look at him," he chuckled. "What's he doin' here?"

"Got my suspicions," I signed off on the linen's invoice and winked at Betsy before she left. "He's been nosing around all morning."

We watched him eye every corner of the lobby from the dining room entrance then jot something in a notebook. "Look at that," Terry grunted, his smile wide and one brow high. "You're lookin' at Skinner ten years ago. Any clue what he wants? And I guarantee you John, he wants something."

I shrugged. "No clue. But it's nice having him here." Another shrug and Terry slapped my shoulder like a brother.

"I know, mate. This is what it's all about for you. Having us around."

I sighed, trying not to think about Colin and his quicky wedding. What the fuck was wrong with me. The guy could get goddamn married if he wanted. Didn't need my approval or even to invite me. I had to let this go, dammit. Leave it to Terry to catch what was going through my head. He always does that. Gotta be that legendary Thorne instinct, huh?

"Heard O'Brien tied the knot with Carrie. Heard you weren't there either. Knowing him, he's feeling like shit not having you and Riles involved, but you know how it goes, mate. We got wives now and they call the shots."

I just grunted. "Baby's upstairs with Riles. Think she's nursing so maybe you wanna wait a few minutes."

Terry's eyes sparkled. Not like he hadn't seen my wife's tits. I chuckled realizing just how much all our lives had changed. He was right. We have wives now, we live a different way … and personally … I'm glad.

"No worries, mate. Gonna have a chat with Barrett before I head up to see the baby," he chuckled. "And 'bout O'Brien. You two blokes have always been close; you kinda looked on him like a kid brother or something. Maybe you gotta look at this all a little different. Like it's time to let go, ya know. Practice for when your own nipper flies the coop, then."

RILEY

John had warned me that Kim was downstairs taking copious notes and it made me chuckle. It made me wonder too. I never really got to know Kim, had never talked to him or spent time with him. He's one of those royal pompous pricks, you know. But that stuff doesn't bother me. I've always been able to get to the core of a person, that soft underbelly just below the sharp thorns. I left the baby with John and headed downstairs to find our wayward friend. He was leaning over Marla's shoulder and eying the reservations. She gave me one of those help me looks and I just reached out and took his elbow.

"Kim Barrett. What do you say you and me have a little talk, buddy?"

"Oh … uh … Riley. Bloody hell, good to see you. Ya look good, love. And yes, yes. I'd love to have a talk. Will you join me in town? I can book a suite for our meeting and -"

"Meeting, smeeting. Let's go up to my apartment. John's not going to be able to watch the baby too long and we can be comfortable." I saw the uneasiness sweep across his eyes. "Unless you don't like talking business in the midst of baby mayhem? I promise, little Terry isn't about to give away any professional secrets. He's perfectly safe."

Red blushed across his cheeks. "Of course … of course he's safe … ah … no worries, love … we can talk upstairs."

He mumbled like that all the way to the door. As we reached it my cell rang and I glanced at it but didn't answer. Inside the door John was hanging up.

"There you are. Got a slight problem with the back lot monitors, gotta get down and see if Antony and I can get them back on line." He went to the fridge and tossed Kim a Heineken. "Don't let her drive ya nuts, buddy," he grinned and handed me the baby before trotting out.

I shrugged. "Welcome to my life," I grinned and handed little T to Kim who looked awkward as hell but sat at the kitchen table, attempting to juggle the happy, gurgling baby on his lap. I poured a cup of coffee and sat. "You look like a pro," I teased. He didn't, but he smiled.

"Easy to see this is your and John's nipper, love. Pretty little bloke. Ow!"

The baby had tossed his teething ring and was munching on Kim' knuckle, left a substantial tooth mark there too. Yeah, yeah. It was fun seeing the guy out of his element, but enough was enough. I put little T into the highchair with a handful of Cheerios and settled in for our talk. "So, it's good to see you Kim."

He nodded, cleared his throat. "I wanted to talk with you about this place, Riley."

"Listen," I interrupted, growing very concerned about the strange desperation in his eyes. "Can we not talk business just now? Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad to see you … but … why are you here?"

"Ah … well … just a visit, love. Just a visit," he lied and I could tell he was lying. None of them were good liars ... at least none of them that I know.

"You picked a good time; the holidays and all. Several of us are living here in Vermont. Jack and Nat are here until their place is built in the spring. Terry and Bridgid have a business less than a mile away. Colin and Carrie just bought a house in Burlington. Hando and Mere are there too with their little daughter."

"I know," his eyes had lowered.

"Maximus is visiting. Staying with Sophia until after Christmas. He's out with … ah … a friend right now, looking at a vineyard for sale. You just missed Zack and Dino."

Kim nodded, cleared his throat again. "Before we get any further, I know … I know … I know what a bloody selfish prick I been. I hear everything. I just," he shrugged. "I was so busy I never really bothered to get in touch." His eyes rose to mine. "I heard about you and John losing the baby last year. Heard about this little nipper too. Looking at this little bloke, I'm really sorry that I wasn't around to at least send a silver rattle or a few shares of Google stock. I know we never had the chance to really ever talk or get to know each other, but I've often wondered how you and John were doing."

"That's kind of you, and we're fine. Actually, John's been concerned about you, about never hearing from you. Maybe you work too hard, Kim?"

He groaned and I knew he was ready to spill the beans. "Not anymore, Riles. Got my sorry arse fired last week. Needed some … time … to figure out what's next."

I side stepped the obvious and went straight for his heart. It was what I wanted to see, what he needed to show. "Why do you work so hard?"

Kim sighed, finally took a sip of his beer. "All I've ever wanted was to just be somebody. All my life I watched my old man and how he could never get ahead. He got mean and bitter and then he started drinking. I don't know why mum stayed with him, but I swore that I'd never be like him. I wasn't about to spend my life scratching along and never getting anywhere. I went to school and worked my arse off, Riley. And I was really for the first time making it; an important job, good money, a beautiful girlfriend … funny how it can all end in a moment, isn't it?"

I reached out and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad you came here. It's a good place to figure things out, maybe even to find your way. We do have some odd characters here that you should know about though. Marc Antony and Titus Pullo are here with us."

"Huh? What're ya talking about?"

"They came through Maximus' portal, just dropped right in. I don't want to even think about why Max was there, but those two were a big surprise."

"Are you talking those blokes from that show? Rome?"

"Yup," I chuckled. "They've added some fun dimension to our lives, I'll tell you. But Maximus has put out a kinda Roman law … no one's allowed near their damn portals. You never know who's going to drop through! And it looks like none of you guys can use them to get back either."

"Sounds like sound advice," he chuckled, ran a soft palm over little T's wild dark curls. "Riley, I'm sorry I've been so … apart. Looks like I missed a lot. You and John, you did good work here. It's a beautiful place, no doubt making profit too. I hear you're planning an expansion."

Now it was time to move on. I gave a dramatic sigh. "Yes, a big expansion. It'll double our capacity and I'll tell you, John and me … there's no way we'll be able to manage it anymore. Construction starts next summer and I have no clue what to do."

His eyes brightened. "Let me do it. Let me manage. I can make you wildly successful, wealthy. I can …" and as though he'd caught himself looking like a kid in a candy store, he straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat. "I'll put together a presentation; I'll show cost and feasibility, implementation, marketing. Everything we'll need. Let me do this for you and John. Give me one week and I'll set it all up in Burlington where I can make a professional presentation. We'll talk and you'll see what I can do for the 1876 Manor at Mount Mansfield."

Well, John was gonna hate it. The last thing he wanted to do was dress in a business suit and go all the way to Burlington for a meeting. But what the hell, it'll make Kim happy. Needless to say, none of it was necessary, but I could tell that he needed to go about it all this way. "Perfect. One week."

The baby squealed and slapped his hands on the highchair tray joyously.

"And," I added. "I'll have Jack and Nat baby sit."

KELLY

After surviving a wholly disastrous marriage that seemed to always teeter on the brink of some great dramatic incident, I've enjoyed the calm, steady emotional roads that I've been traveling since Jeff has become such a part of my life. It's nice to have his broad shoulders to lean on when I'm feeling unsure about things and I love how he's always ready to listen patiently when I need a sounding board for any manner of subjects, be it the color I'm deciding to paint my kitchen cabinets or whether or not I should consider LizBeth and Riley's suggestion that I think about putting together a mail order catalog and website for the shop. His business sense is impeccable, his reasoning sound, and yeah, he's very easy on the eyes, is very good with his hands and always smells great. What more could a gal ask for?

I hate to admit, however, that lately I've been feeling a sense of disconnectedness between us. Oh, don't get me wrong - it's nothing major, just little things. And I know that I'm probably being silly, but okay, I'll admit it; I'm having a problem handling the fact that ever since he's moved into Kevin's cottage and accepted the position at St Ursula's, I'm not the center of attention in his world. I guess that makes me come across as rather shallow and selfish, doesn't it? I hate the idea of turning into a clinging, whining girlfriend, but I think that's what I'm in danger of evolving into if I'm not careful.

Take this weekend, for instance. I was tied up with the shop - it's been a real thrill ride with the holidays and steady stream of business; sales are going great and I'm expecting to show a profit by the end of the year. Of course, all this great business kept me from being able to help Jeff set up housekeeping in his new place. Not that he couldn't do it on his own - it wasn't like he had to move a whole house full of furniture and possessions or anything like that; all his belongings are still in storage and the cottage is already furnished. It's rather Spartan, being only two rooms with a small bathroom, but I wanted to be there for him. With the extended holiday hours, though, I couldn't get away until after the shop closed at 6pm on Sunday.

I hurried over afterwards with a care package of various household items (extra coffeemaker, a set of fluffy bath towels, a couple of warm blankets and Jeff's absolute favorite dessert, chocolate cheesecake) and after helping him put together his work wardrobe (the man has excellent taste in clothing … I was almost jealous over the fashion show his students were about to receive) we made love (nearly falling out of his much smaller double bed not once, but twice!). I was all warm and satisfied as we snuggled together in the afterglow and was just about to doze off to sleep (his chest is the perfect pillow) when he got up suddenly and after putting on a pair of sweats and a tee shirt went into the other room without a word, leaving me alone in the bed.

I waited a few moments, thinking he was using the restroom, but when I heard the unmistakable opening bars of Microsoft Windows chiming out from his laptop the other room, I jumped out of bed and wrapping up in one of the towels I brought over, went out to investigate.

Jeff sat at the small kitchen table with his laptop in front of him, a cup of earlier brewed steaming coffee in his hand and his briefcase opened atop the seat of the chair next to him. He didn't even look up at me as I padded over to stand beside him.

"Whatcha doing?"

He didn't answer, but continued to scroll through several documents popping up on the computer screen.

"Babe, what's up?" I edged in closer and smoothed my fingertips over the nape of his neck.

"Watch it … you almost bumped my coffee." He sounded irritated as he held the cup up and away from his laptop. (I wasn't even close to the darn coffee cup.)

I waited, but he said nothing more. In fact, I was picking up vibes that he was actually somewhat upset over something. Me, perhaps?

"Jeff, is everything okay?" Insecurities borne of a bad marriage began to rear their ugly little heads and I suddenly felt very vulnerable wrapped in only a towel as I faced what must have only some unknown faux pas on my part. "Babe, talk to me."

"Honey, I'm trying to get my notes and assignments ready for tomorrow and you're not helping me concentrate." Okay, big time irritation coming directly at me, no mistaking it at all.

I backed away and ended up bumping into the chair that his briefcase was sitting on, nearly knocking it over. As I leaned in to steady it, my towel came undone and I fought to hold it up over me.

"Honey, just leave it alone - I've got it." As Jeff reached over to push the chair out of the way I righted the towel and apologized.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to …"

He let out an exasperated sigh, not allowing me to finish. "I'm going to be up going over this stuff for a while, so you may as well go home. I want to get an early start in the morning and you have the shop to look after …"

I felt like I'd been slapped in the face. The logical side of my brain was telling me that he was nervous about tomorrow and wasn't really thinking about how his words were sounding, but the emotional side was telling me all kinds of things that no woman wants to hear.

"Okay, you're right." I didn't wait for his response, figuring it was just best to agree and leave quickly. I went back to the bedroom and got dressed, an empty feeling in my stomach growing bigger with every second as I fought back the tears. No, I WAS NOT going to cry. Not yet.

I grabbed my purse off the small dresser and went back into the other room to say good night.

"Call me after class tomorrow?" I was doing my best to sound cheerful and upbeat, but Jeff just nodded, not even looking at me. "Okay … I love you, babe." I hesitated a moment, but when he didn't respond right away, I headed for the door, the pit in my stomach almost as large as the Grand Canyon right then.

"Love you, too."

I almost didn't hear him as I was nearly out the door, but I didn't turn back to respond. I was biting my lip so hard that I think I was drawing blood, but I felt strangely numb and hypersensitive all at the same time. Closing the door behind me I ran down the steps and sprinted towards my car, wanting to be locked safe inside before I allowed myself to cry. Once inside, I let out a loud sob and gripped the steering wheel so hard that I think I sprained a finger. I know he didn't mean to come across as insensitive, but I felt like I had been used to defray his sense of anxiety; a recreational fuck to bolster his ego before facing an unknown opponent. I knew that Jeff wasn't like that, but also knew that I felt rather … used and cast aside. I didn't like it.

But instead of going back inside and telling him how I felt and trying to clear the air, I convinced myself to let it go and consider it an anomaly. As I started up the car and headed back up the street towards home I told myself that everything would be better tomorrow. I'd make something special for dinner so Jeff and I could celebrate his successful first day back at teaching.

I have every faith in his abilities and know that everything would very soon be back to normal.

PULLO

It had been a long day, longer than I expected and I could see that Maximus wished to get back to the Inn and Sophia. With his sterling review of the snow covered vineyard and all the back documentation we could find on it, I found no reason for me to stay at the motel any longer either. But I simply couldn't bring myself to return to the Inn. I would not place the payment for the land for another few days, but in my belly, it was already mine and required my attention. I walked Max to his rental and shook his hand.

"Thank you, General. I appreciate your time. So, you think I can make a go of it here with this land?"

He grinned, shook his head. "Brother, I think you will succeed wherever you go. You are a true vintner and will go far." His eye trailed the horizon, the rise of the hillside marked with the spindly bones of sleeping winter vines and he nodded. "You will do well, my friend. Will you not return to the Inn tonight?"

"Ah, no. I think I'll stay around here a bit longer." I shrugged and he chuckled.

"She is a beauty, Pullo."

"Who?" I pretended confusion. Lesley Brookmeyer was indeed a beauty, a rough sort with a gruff attitude, but oh her eyes … her face … her hips, how they moved when she walked. I noticed Max still chuckling and raised a brow. "Ms. Brookmeyer is a lovely one, but most surely not interested in the likes of me. I'll be staying on to see if there's anything else I can discover about the vineyard before I make the purchase on Friday."

"You will be remaining to see if there is a way to convince that woman of your worth, Pullo, and so you should. She is a sad soul, my friend. Perhaps you can make her smile. I will see you Saturday at the Inn. It appears Sophia has no interest in returning to Sonoma until after the holidays."

"And you have agreed?"

"I have little choice," Maximus, the general who lead a hundred legions and faced his worst enemy in the arena smiled. No, he had little choice; the conqueror had been conquered by one pretty Italian woman. Sophia Victa!

BRIAN THE GHOST

Damn, I love the holidays. The inn was looking beautiful, twinkling lights and decorations everywhere. So much ahead and so much about to happen right that minute. Couldn't help it, I just burst out singing … "Chestnuts roasting on an opened fire … Jack Frost nipping at your -"

"Will you shut the fuck up already?"

That was Bud White, Mr. Bah Humbug this year. No clue why. I mean sheesh, we were all in the same boat, right? Dead. May as well make the best of it, I always say.

That evening it was crowded up in the left tower. Kind of odd for us all to be there at the same time, usually we move around, watching, observing, enjoying … maybe playing a few little mischievous tricks on the living ones. It's a fun time, when the weather goes white and the rooms are booked solid; always something to see or someone to fuck around with.

I stood and strolled to the window, rubbing my hands together in anticipation. "Oh man, something's coming to this place, I can just feel it."

"Grrrrruuuuuuuuu." That wasn't White, that was the old holy man. He was in bear form tonight and ambling across the big room.

"You think so too, Granpa Luke?" I asked and watched Darcy scurry away from him.

"Ew! What've you got, fleas?" she squealed and the old bear's head rose. "I hate when he comes in here like that. Ew!" Bud chuckled and lounged across one of the window seats.

Natalie's grandmother, the old woman Parker grinned. "Something surely is coming, Brian. My two beautiful grandchildren. Twins! My granddaughter is having twins!"

"Yes she is, dearie. But that's not what I'm feeling, not what I'm feeling at all." I turned back to the window and watched the soft snow fall, glanced down to the gate and laughed. "Holy fuck, something sure is coming and I think he just arrived."

Darcy joined me, her hand clapped over her mouth but not before she sighed loud and long. "Hoh, Jesus! Lookie here!"

BEN WADE

It's a man's nature to take what he wants. I knew I'd get sprung from hell when I died, but how could I know where I'd end up? I woke on a nice bed, had some odd looking money and for a while wondered if I was even in America. Learned a lot since then. Found a place called the public library and put all the pieces together. Then I received a strange message from a man named Dino O'Leary.

In the envelope, a plane ticket to Vermont and a note.

Here's where you'll be safest. Good luck, Ben.
Dino

I didn't like flying in an airplane. Didn't like the looks of that city; Burlington, Vermont. Didn't much like the long bus ride to a town called Stowe. But as I stood at the front gate of that mansion … oh hell yeah, I liked the look of that Inn.