RILEY

What a crazy morning. With the storm over and cleared, new guests were coming in droves. John had left already to see Nat and the babies. Jack had yet to return to their apartment at the Inn so I knew there were a few things Natalie would need. After all, eventually she’d be coming home with those two little bundles of joy and she’d want clothes for herself and the babies, probably her makeup and brush, things like that. I had to hurry though. Antony, missing Claudia desperately for the past two days, was heading down to the clinic and had kindly offered to take me along.

I gathered the things for Nat, made sure Marla was settled with little T and quickly hopped onto the computer. I had sent an email to Lachlan and was hoping he’d gotten it by now. He’d love to know the twins had arrived, but there was no message from him yet. Ah well, he was a Marine flyer now. It wasn’t like he could be on line twice a day or anything, I’d just drop him another message when she got home so he’d know where to reach Jack and Nat.

The knock on the door told me it was time to leave. I gathered the small suitcase and my five or six … okay, well maybe ten … bags of baby gifts and opened the door to a smiling Roman.

“Good morning, Antony.”

“Are you ready?” he eyed the bags and reached out, taking several from my hands and stepping back for me to exit. “Perhaps I should have purchased something to welcome the infants as well?”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure Claudia has taken care of that for you,” I grinned.

We settled into the car and he was about to put it in gear when there was a thudding at my window. Startled, I jumped then slid it down and smiled. “Ben!”

“Mornin’ ma’am. Mornin’ Antony. Are you off to see the mother and babies?”

“Yes,” I reached back to move the packages and bags. “You want to come along?”

“Uh …” he looked confused.

“Oh, it’s okay. Lots of us will be heading to the clinic to visit today. I’m sure she’d love to see you. Hop in.”

I heard Antony grunt and wondered if maybe I should’ve let him do the inviting but Ben was already in the back seat.

“Shall we leave now?” our driver groaned.
 
ANTONY

A joyous occasion it was; the babies arriving safe and healthy, but my mind was on my woman. The fact that I hadn’t seen Claudia for two solid days was wearing me to shredded rags. I’m not by nature an irritable sort, but I find that without her, I’m simply an angry animal.

Reaching the room my first intention was to deposit my guests and locate Claudia but she was there, in the far corner and my eyes were only on her as a bustle ensued.

Jack was pacing with a wailing infant in his arms then suddenly, without warning or even asking permission, he shuffled the squirming, crying tiny babe into my care. He rushed to his wife’s side and quickly covered her with a blanket. She was nursing the other twin and the good Captain was determined to protect her modesty.

The infant in my arms settled and silenced and I looked down into her face. So very lovely this one, her pretty eyes looking into mine. No doubt the twin buried beneath the blanket was just as lovely, but this one was reaching into my heart. Sweet, tender, soft and round but so very tiny. I had heard that the infants were less than five pounds at birth but gaining well. In my hands I could swear the pretty thing was less than the weight of a sparrow! I slowly lowered to sit in a chair; careful not to jostle her as this was the injured one, her little arm wrapped tightly to her body.

John and Ben stood near me, a respectful distance from the nursing mother and wearing the faces of embarrassed young boys. Riley simply approached the bed and peeked beneath the fabric to coo at the nursing babe. That is when Claudia, Jack and Natalie turned a shocked expression my way.

I blinked, swallowed hard. “Am I holding her incorrectly?” I gasped, fearful of hurting the child further.

“You’re holding her just fine,” Claudia grinned, finally came to me and kissed my lips sweetly. “It’s just that little Chelsea hasn’t stopped crying since the moment she was born. You’ve obviously got the touch, Antony.”

“Lemme try,” Wade bravely reached out and Claudia lifted Chelsea from my arms and into his. The booming howl was astounding and Wade immediately shuffled the infant into John’s arms. “Guess she don’t like me much,” he grunted.

I expected Biebe to manage perfectly. He’s a man who loves children and does very well with his own small son, but Chelsea cried even harder. I looked to Natalie expecting concern but she simply scratched her temple.

“Claudia,” Natalie said. “Let’s try an experiment.”

“I got ya,” my Claudia grinned and took the babe from John only to return her to me. Tiny Chelsea again silenced. Her crocodile tear covered face again gazed up at mine, I swear to the gods she smiled then snuggled and fell into a deep sleep.

All in the room chuckled and I did feel a bit strange, but I raised a gruff expression. “Shh, she’s asleep.”

A pretty nurse’s aid wearing a pink stripped dress entered the room and smiled. Do not imagine that I didn’t see the look that passed between her and Wade.

TRACY PINKERTON

Okay, okay, okay. This has gone way too far. Today when I colored Mrs. Bruno’s hair, it came out green (instead of its usual pale tone of ocean blue). Mayor Franklin seemed to want his sideburns to be the same length and I really did try, they just kept getting shorter and shorter. Now there are none. I started to perm Mrs. Hager’s already naturally curly hair and completely forgot to perm Mrs. Brown’s poker straight locks. Prissy Perfect Salon wasn’t happy with me one bit today but when my boss, Paulie asked what the hell was wrong with me I couldn’t tell him the truth, now could I?

What’s wrong with me? Ben Wade. Ben Wade on the mind, Ben Wade making me tremble and sigh and forget my damn head. Ben Wade, the best looking man I ever didn’t ski with and the best man I ever went to bed with. EVER. Bar none! Ben … Wade … sigh.

Considering the fact that Paulie took me off the schedule until I can think straight again, I figured what the hell? I went home and called the 1876 Manor at Mount Mansfield to see if I could get a room earlier than Friday night. No go, with the big storm, they’re completely booked. But my reservation for Friday and Saturday nights are firm and confirmed. I inspected my checkbook. Three hundred dollars for two nights. Maybe it’s a good thing they don’t have rooms earlier. It’s not like I can afford three or four nights in that place every week … but I know I can’t afford to miss seeing Ben any more than I have too. Something about him has dug deep and hooked me completely. Jesus freaking Christ. If that man asked me to marry him tomorrow, I would. If he asked me to leave town with him, I would. If he asked me to jump off a bridge with him … well, you get the picture.

Oh well, either way I wasn’t driving to Vermont until Friday morning and I had a few days. Enough time to do a facial, a manicure, pedicure, loofah everything, lose a few pounds; you know, the usual before a hot date. Ohhhhh. There’s that shiver again. Forty-eight hours and I’ll be heading to Ben. I can’t wait! I need some new lingerie!

BEN

I certainly got enough around here to keep my mind busy, if not my hands. The Inn’s a nice enough place, gives me the feeling like I’m between jobs, taking it easy and slow and just enjoying what I’ve got. But I ain’t stupid … I know this isn’t the comfort after an exciting take. I know there’s gotta be more to it all than that and I keep wondering what I’m gonna need to pay back for all this.

They all talked to me, at least the ones around here in Vermont. I’m not about to be manipulated into anything and I think maybe these people know that. It’s gonna take some time to figure out exactly how I’m fitting into this time. It don’t even have to be in this place. I’m not a prisoner. I can go anywhere I want. So … why am I still here?

Some of it has to do with Biebe. John’s the kinda man who shoots straight from the hip. He’s about the only one who isn’t either coddling me like a kid or trying to twist me into something they want me to be. We had that talk about money. Damn. Still can’t get a real clear grasp on it. Over three million dollars and it’s all mine. How much is three million dollars? How big a hole would I have to dig to hide it? Would it fit in my small room here at the Inn? It makes my head hurt thinking about it. He explained it’s enough for me to buy a house or a business anywhere I want, live good. Be comfortable. But fuck … it’s all too easy if you ask me.

That morning I felt like I was gonna jump out of my own skin. I saw Antony and Riley in the lot and figured that because they were so happy they must be going to see the Captain’s wife and the new babies. It was not my intention to go with them. I tell ya, nothing was further from my mind; facing Natalie after seeing her suffer like that … well, it wasn’t what I wanted. But I went. Why did I do that? Why was I doing a lot of things I don’t understand?

But once I got there and had the chance to hold a little tiny baby, crying like she was and all, I sorta figured it was the right thing to do. If these people were gonna be part of my life now, I may as well let myself be part of theirs. I just don’t know how much, that’s all.

But looking at all of them, teasing Antony about his calming skills with the baby and being all friendly like, I kinda know I don’t fit. Normal for me. I don’t fit too many places real easily. I was missing it all, having a crew, the feel of a charging horse under me and a saddlebag full of stolen loot. So I did what I always did right before and right after a job. That pretty girl in the pink stripped dress grabbed me right where it counts and I slipped out the door to go find her.

It wasn’t hard. She was at the big desk at the end of the hall. One look … a nod from her … that smile … and I followed her to an empty room. Inside I pressed her against the door. Damn, she tasted good, was making me feel that thrill of stealing something, just taking what I wanted. We kissed and touched, hell, we did everything that we could do without taking off any clothes … except for that skimpy, string under thing she was wearing. It was good, fulfilling and I got her to squeak real quiet too.  But when it came to the important stuff, she had ideas of her own. Exploding down her hot throat felt damn good.

I barely caught my breath before I heard Antony’s voice outside asking if anyone knew where I was. Kissed the pink stripped lady and left her there. Hope she found her tiny under thing. I think it was under the bed.

As Antony drove me and Claudia back to the Inn, I sat in the back seat and watched the town of Stowe slide by. Getting some sugar with the pink stripped lady didn’t stop that itch I got. But … the look of that little corner bank? Now that could scratch me real good, but I need to think this through real careful.

HANDO

I was just gonna do a favor for a mate, that’s all. I been tinkering with that old rusted out ute for months and it was working fine. Kim needed safe transportation in the Vermont weather for a few weeks and I actually thought it’d be funny to see him driving that ugly thing. But Mere had other ideas all together. Blew into a big blue, fuck.

“You are not giving that car to Kim! You promised I could use that SUV! Poor Ruthie and I can’t get out of this damn house without a four wheel drive! That’s my car, dammit!”

“Fine, fine!” I shouted. “I’ll just tell Kim I got nothing for him. That’s all; I’ll just let the bloke down. Fine!”

“You will not! You just give him one of those pickups you have over at the garage. The ones you use to get the parts from the airport. That will do just fine for him until he buys something. Hell, H, you have two damn trucks, let him use one of those!”

Huh, it wasn’t a bad idea. Defo took away the humor in it all, but maybe it’s still kinda funny thinking about him driving one of the polished white pickups covered with shiny Burlington Race Team logos on the doors and tailgate. Yeah, that has some laughs to it. Not as many as seeing Kim in the rusty ute.

Hey. I bet that’s what’s in Mere’s head too. Damn, I think she might be losing her sense of humor.

LACHLAN

I’m three days short of shipping out to Iraq. While memories of the war I fought another lifetime ago resurfaced in my heart and mind, I still felt that I was choosing the right path. I’m a pilot, plain and simple. I’ve lived an extraordinary existence by anyone’s standards, and there have been moments where it has been full of embarrassing overindulgences. Being forced into this point in time, not by choice but by some twisted trick of fate, I’ve made peace with who I am and how I came to be in this world.  My road in this lifetime may be just as uncertain, but if I’m bound to fail, I’m at least going to do it on my own terms.
    
Transferring from one duty station to another, regardless of the assignment or location, is full of preparation aside from the obvious mental and emotional concerns. Finances have to be squared away, life insurance beneficiaries brought up to date, any accounts where money is owed must be addressed, satisfied and signed off before presenting your check list to the squadron Executive Officer. Utility bills, signature loans, you name it. After a day spent running around doing all this and more I finally had a few moments to myself and headed back towards the Officer’s Quarters, where I shared the room with another bloke who was shipping out along with me. It was taking him a little longer to tie up his loose ends, as he had a wife and two children back home. Relieved to find that he wasn’t about, I fired up my laptop to check for any news from home and just enjoy a few moments of blessed silence.

Thirty-five messages in the past week, all of it spam save for one lone message from Riley. I smiled at the news of Natalie and Jack welcoming their daughters into the world, laughing at the notion of Jack pulling diaper duty. This definitely required a call of congratulations.

Natalie answered, sounding rested and happy. “Oh my God, is this really Lachlan?”

“None other.” I could hear Jack’s voice in the background and then Natalie shushing him.

“I was afraid you’d fallen off the face of the earth or shipped off somewhere without first telling us. I take it Riley got a hold of you?”

“Just read her e-mail. Sounds like your girls gave you a little bit of excitement with their arrival. How are all of you doing?”

“Oh believe me, it was an experience that I’ll never forget. Poor Jack either, for that matter. But Chelsea and Catherine are doing fine and Jack’s already changed a few diapers. He’ll be an old pro in no time.”

“Madame, I have handled a diaper or two in my day …” Jack’s voice carried over the phone and I could only imagine the priceless look of indignity on his face.

I was near to tears with laughter.  “Captain Jack and the Battle of the Nappies. Makes taking the Acheron look like a picnic in comparison.” 

Natalie’s giggle reached into my heart. It was so wonderful to hear her sounding so happy. “Don’t let Jack hear you say that or he may hoist you from the nearest petard.”

“What is that young roustabout telling you?” Another shush from Natalie followed by the sound of Jack’s barrel-chested chuckle.

We chatted and laughed for a few more minutes, mainly about the nippers. But when I mentioned that I was shipping out to Iraq Natalie’s tone became very serious.

“Three days? We’re not going to get to see you before you go?”

The hurt and disappointment in her voice caused a wave of guilt to shoot through me. “I’m sorry Nat; it just seemed a little easier for me to do it this way. I would have been there if I could, but I don’t know … I’m trying to work some things out and it’s hard to explain.”

She grew silent for a moment but her answer told me that she somehow understood and wouldn’t press for details. “You’re always in our hearts, Lach. That’s one true given that I want you to carry in your own heart at all times.”
 
My turn for a moment of silence as I again faced my decision. It was then that I heard the sharp knock at my door and a crisp voice calling out my name. “Captain Curry. Sir, it’s Lance Corporal Bailey.”

“I’ll remember. And I’ll do my best to keep in touch. Listen love, I’m being summoned and I gotta go. I’ll call you right before I leave and we can chat more, I promise.”

A quick goodbye and when I went to answer the door the young Marine shot a salute and handed me a note from our squadron commander. “All due respect sir, but he said that you were due in his office five minutes ago and that I wasn’t to return without you.” He nodded over towards the Commander’s vehicle, jangling the keys for emphasis.
 
I grabbed my cap and locked the door behind me. “Then let’s not keep the man waiting another minute longer.”

To the best of my knowledge I wasn’t due back at the office until 16:00, but I wasn’t about to ask LCpl Bailey for information. The kid looked a bit nervous but I was determined not to read too much into it. I’d find out what was up soon enough. If I was lucky, I’d come out of it with most of my arse still intact.

JEFF

First day back at school after the storm and by the time first recess rolled around I was ready for a cup of coffee. My kids are overall a great group of young ladies, but it’s always a trial to get their focus back on schoolwork after any time away from class. It’s hard to compete with the gossip over what happened on last night’s episode of America’s Next Top Model or Project Runway, and I’ll be dammed if I haven’t found myself tuning into these shows just to keep in touch with my students’ interests. 

I made my way over to the teacher’s lounge, trying to avoid the wave of student migration that was heading off towards the direction of the cafeteria. 

“Hey Dr. Wigand, try this way.”

I felt someone slip an arm through mine and I was surprised to find Christy Grayson walking next to me. She was one of the student teachers who assisted in the math department and on occasion we’d exchange hellos, but this was the first time she’d approached me in this manner. “There’s a shortcut around all this chaos over by the music department. It’ll cut five minutes off your route and give you more time for schmoozing.”

I had to laugh at her choice of words. “My dear, I haven’t schmoozed anyone in years. You make it almost sound exciting.”

She threw her head back and laughed, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders in an attractive manner. “Well, I’ve noticed that you seem to take breaks and eat your lunch all by yourself most of the time and I’ve begun to wonder if you’re maybe just a little bit shy. This will never do, you know. Sister Agatha has a secret penchant for headlines culled from the National Enquirer and Sister Ruth is full of all kinds of wonderful information on the sex lives of various predecessors. I know it’s shocking, but it seems that St. Ursula’s has a secret underworld of all kinds of deviant little iniquities. If tabloid fodder isn’t your thing, there’s always Father Jackson and his tales of his former glory days as a pro wrestler with the former WWF.”

“And why are you sharing all this delightful information with me?”

Another shake of her head and a playful, knowing nudge. “Because you’re an enigma. You keep to yourself and I have the feeling that you’re a very interesting guy. Your students seem to think you’re pretty cool and to be honest, I hate gossip. I prefer to go straight to the source and ask my own questions and come up with my own conclusions.”

The shortcut she suggested didn’t seem to direct us towards our destination any quicker than my normal route and I began to suspect that Christy had simply wanted to chat me up away from the noise and bustle of the central hallway. I was a little flattered, however. Perhaps she was right; I needed to schmooze a little more.

“Are you inferring that there is some mystery surrounding my presence here at St. Ursula’s? I assure you, I’m just an ordinary guy and I’ll probably bore you to tears.”

“Oh, I doubt that. I’m a good judge of character and I’ve been watching you on the sly. Oh, here’s the lounge. I’ll share a Danish with you.”

Just then her cell phone rang and she groaned as she looked at the caller ID. “Oh darn, I’ll have to accept your rain check. I gotta take this. Would you be interested in meeting me back here for lunch? I’ll save a spot for you at one of the tables.”

I hate to admit it, but I was a little disappointed at having to part her company so soon. Christy certainly had the gift of gab but I found it all rather entertaining. “If you’re certain that you won’t mind the presence of a stodgy old professor …”

“I adore stodgy.”

Was I actually blushing? “Very well, I’ll meet you back here at noon.”

“I’ll be watching for you.” She turned and moved a short distance away to take her call, giving me a cheeky parting wink as I smiled back and proceeded down the narrow corridor towards the teachers’ lounge. The smell of coffee brought my attention back to the reason I came here in the first place. However, I was quickly waylaid from my mission.

“Oh, Dr. Wigand, I wanted to speak to you about one of your student’s proposed subjects for the science fair.” St. Ursula’s Dean, Sister Victoria looked as if she was definitely unhappy as she swept in for the kill. “Contraception: Abstinence vs. The Pill and the Impractical Expectations of Parents and Educators? Please tell me that you haven’t lost all leave of your senses and have approved this type of idiocy.”

Christy’s comments echoed through my mind as I met Sister Veronica’s gaze. Okay, Wigand, time to turn on the schmoozometer.

“I hope that smile is one of embarrassment rather than amusement, Dr. Wigand. I hope you understand that such a topic is wholly unacceptable.”

“Let’s go and sit where it’s a little quieter and I’ll assure you that the matter has already been addressed and a new topic has been chosen.” Sister Veronica’s expression switched to one of relief as I lead her over to a table in the back. My first crisis of the day averted.

With any luck, there would be no more coming my way until after lunch.   

EMILY

After three wardrobe changes, I finally settled on the navy blue Ann Klein pantsuit, paired with the citron-hued Dolce & Gabana silk blouse. I brushed my hair into a conservative style befitting the nature of my position, hoping that Mr. Barrett would find no fault with my ensemble. Just enough makeup to look professional and easy on the lipstick, I smiled at my reflection as I stood before my closet door. Okay world, here goes nothing. The first day of the new job and I was fully prepared for battle.

The snowplows had done their work and the roads were back to their normal morning flow as I headed up Mt. Mansfield Road. My faithful old Wrangler took the journey in stride, but as usual there was some yahoo coming up behind me; a massive white pick up, flashing his lights for me to let him pass. The big road hog pulled up right on my tail and I fought the urge to tap my brakes and flip the one fingered salute. Realizing that the last thing I needed was to get into an on the road altercation right before work, I moved into the side. As the big truck roared past me I caught sight of the Burlington Race Team logo emblazoned on its tailgate.

Those guys knew better than to take those kinds of chances when driving around civilians and I had half a mind to call their office and file a complaint as I memorized the license plate number. I watched the driver of the truck repeat this maneuver on the next car in front of him and when I saw him pull into the Inn parking lot, I decided that this was my chance to give him a piece of my mind.

I pulled into the parking space directly alongside him and was all ready to get out and go at it. But as the front door of the vehicle opened and the driver stepped out, I couldn’t help but let out a groan of recognition.

Mr. Barrett got out of the driver’s side, pulling the collar of his Burberry up around his neck as glanced over at me. He actually gave me a smile as I got out of my car, now debating as to whether or not I should deliver my lecture about general road courtesy. I chickened out.

“Good morning, Emily, you look lovely and rested.”

Holy shit. He must have gotten laid last night. Either that or his body had been invaded by space aliens. I put on my best smile and decided to just play along. After all, I was going to need the practice. 

“Good morning, Kim. Have you taken up a hobby on the side?” I was referring to the racing insignia emblazoned across the door of his truck and he gave a soft laugh in answer.

“Just a temporary loaner. Handles much better in the snow than the Porsche. Hey, how’s about rustling up a couple cups of coffee before we start out this morning?”

His suggestion gave me a glimmer of hope that just maybe he was going to treat me as an equal, but his next words brought me back down to earth.

“I take mine with one packet of sugar and two quick shots of cream, not that powdered junk.” He reached into his pocket and handed me a twenty. “Get yourself a cup as well, and grab a couple of bagels. I like onion, lightly toasted with cream cheese on the side.”

Another smile and as he started to walk off and I realized that I had been dismissed. I felt my blood boil. Damn it, I’m his executive assistant, not some ditsy secretary straight out of high school who doesn’t know any better. Fine. He wanted coffee; I’d bring him his freaking coffee. Sticking my tongue out at his retreating back I stomped over towards the café, muttering curses in Tagalog underneath my breath.

I seasoned Kim’s cup with a several tablespoons of Coffee Mate and six packets of Sweet and Low, accompanied by two burnt slices of toasted rye smothered in margarine and low cal marmalade. I got my usual cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry flavored cream cheese and a small Latte on the side. Kim wasn’t yet in the office when I arrived, but I set his order down on his desk and went back to my cubicle to await his reaction. I didn’t have to wait long.

I heard him come in and as his footsteps approached his desk I heard him muttering beneath his breath. “What the bloody hell …”

I swear to God that I wasn’t laughing. Out loud.

“Emily, I specifically asked for an onion bagel …”

I got up and peeked over the top of my cubicle. “I know. Can you believe that they were out of them? I think we’re gonna have to send a memo instructing them to keep the menu properly stocked. I wasn’t sure what you’d like instead, so I improvised.” I bit into my own bagel for emphasis. “The coffee’s hot, however.”   

He gave a grunt of disgust as he took off his coat, slinging it carelessly over the back of his chair. As he sat down and reached for his coffee, I waited …

He took a sip and the look that came over his face was priceless. I almost expected him to spit it out, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t notice the tiniest flicker of what looked like a smile.

“Perfect. Just the way I like it.” He seemed to be considering something as he sat the cup down and stared at his plate of blackened toast. “Um, Emily? I think we’d be better off if we just get a coffee maker and toaster oven for our own use here in the office. Why don’t you pick them up sometime this week, and I’ll order one of those little refrigerators and a microwave.”

I didn’t bother inquiring where he planned to keep said items, but I imagined we had enough room for the arrangement of another cubicle.

“In the meantime, bring your laptop over here and we’ll go over the new accounting software program. One of the representatives will be by a little later this morning and I’d like you to handle it. I’m also expecting a call from Quebec within the hour, and I’ll need you to hold all calls.” 

My line in the sand defined, I smiled sweetly as I reached for my laptop. Finally we were getting down to business and I felt the electricity of excitement crackling in the air above me. Watch out Mr. Barrett, you are about to meet your match.

ZACK

Motherfucker, I hate doing this, hate when it’s me who’s gotta do the hard shit. And right now, at the height of this family’s happiness over Wade’s arrival and the birth of Jack and Nat’s twins, it’s gonna be even harder … I just know it.

Vermont; fucking cold as hell and snow everywhere. I kinda felt bad for the hopeful people in front of me and behind me in line trying to get a room at the Inn. I’m lucky. John and Riles always hold back a few rooms for family just in case. This just in case is real important and I was glad I wasn’t going to end up at a Motel 6 somewhere down the interstate … if there even were any rooms available. Ski season was in full swing.

I settled in my room and sat on the bed thinking about how and when to tell them. There wasn’t much time; I had to be back in New York and on a plane by tomorrow night. Checked my watch. Before noon. Maybe I’d wait ‘til after lunch, maybe after I go see the babies and have a chat with Wade. Maybe after breakfast tomorrow but not much later or I wouldn’t do it. This wasn’t going to go down easy.

See, Dino somehow fucked up somewhere and got himself captured during a rescue. Terry’s already in Bangkok and poised to make a miracle and if I don’t get to his side quickly, he’s likely to try it without help. Shit, this is ugly all around.

Chances are Dino’s not in good shape. Can’t even think about the fact that he might already be dead. Fuck. I know it’s going through Terry’s mind.

Decision made. I called John’s cell. He was on his way back from the hospital. I told him I had to talk to him as soon as he got in. He’s meeting me in the pub in about twenty minutes.

JOHN

Yeah, I admit it. Seeing those babies got to me. I like kids. So sue me. When we got in the car the first thing in my head was … when could we do it again? When would Riles be ready for another baby? Granted, we got time and all. Little T’s only five months old and now probably wouldn’t be the best time to bring it up. But it was there, right in my head.

Just got our seatbelts clipped and driven a few blocks when my cell rang. I looked at the caller ID. Grant? Whatever he wants can’t be good. I lifted the phone, flipped it opened and pulled into a parking lot. “Hold a sec,” I said into the receiver and turned to my wife. “Hey baby, why don’t you run in and get the diapers we need. I gotta take this call, okay?”

She kissed me and left. I took a deep gulp. “What the fuck’s up? Is it Dino, man?”

“Yeah, we gotta talk. I’m here at the Inn. Pub?”

“Yeah,” I hung up. Shit, if he came all the way to Vermont this was not too good, ay. I’ve had a funny feeling for a few days. We haven’t seen Terry in a while. Not a call or visit to see his godson. Haven’t seen or heard from Dino in fucking months. Nada. Something happened and I’d bet my bottom dollar it was something bad.

PULLO

We’d sent Valerie off to school and settled in for the talk we needed to have. I lit the fireplace and turned off my cell phone. Brought in a pot of coffee, something to eat, everything we might need. Lesley was weak and I had no desire to see her need to move from the sofa for anything. I wanted to start so I cleared my throat. Lesley grinned and I blinked.

“What?”

“Titus, you are so damn sweet … transparent too. Honey you don’t have to apologize but if you really need to, go right ahead. I’ll listen, even look all pissed off if you want.”

I shrugged. “Maybe it seems unimportant, but it means a lot to me for you to understand what happened. Lesley … I … I just suddenly realized how hard it was all going to be and I ran. It’s that simple. I was a coward and a fool and … well … I got it out of my system. I’ll never do it again. I just needed some time to get my bollocks strong and … face this … do you understand?”

“Of course I understand. I’ve had a while to get a grip on it. You’ve had only a few days. And you have the hard job, Titus. Staying around, raising Valerie. Watching me … die.”

“Lesley,” I gulped but she shook her head.

“It’s what is going to happen, Titus. I’m going to die. I’ll be gone … but you’ll be here to handle all the hard stuff. I totally understand why you ran away for a little while. Hell, if I could, I’d run away too. But wherever I run … I’m still going to die. I think it’s time we use the word, take it in and face it. Titus Pullo, I’m dying. Now you say it.”

“Bloody hell, I wish it was me, love.”

“Say it.”

“Lesley, please …”

“Say it.”

“You are … dying.”

“Good,” she blinked back tears and huffed, shuffled on the sofa and reached for a cookie. “Now we can move ahead with what those living on need to deal with.”

I have known soldiers facing death, watched women face death, but never in my life had I seen what Lesley was showing me. Strength through everything. To have lived my whole life beside this woman would have been amazing. But I had but a short time. Weeks. The unfairness of it all threatened to make me run again but I stilled my aching heart and nodded. “Alright love.”

Drawing in a deep breath and pressing a thumb hard at her temple, she began. “I’ve made all the arrangements, Titus. I’ve even picked out my casket. The burial plot is paid for and everything is arranged. Insurance papers and all the documents you’ll need are in my desk drawer. I have no family and there’s no one for you to notify or anything. I don’t want this to be a burden for you.

“Now, about Valerie. You should know that she is having problems in school. Not just lately, but always. She hasn’t been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or dyslexia or anything like that. She’s apparently just a slow learner. They’ve held her back once already and I think she’s catching up, she seems happier about school this year,” Lesley shrugged, sighed thoughtfully. “You know, when she was born and we were so alone, I told myself that it was okay if she wasn’t brilliant or some Einstein. That it was more important to raise a good person than a doctor or a lawyer and I’ve never been disappointed in her. But now, since I won’t be here for her, I’d really like her to go as far as she can. I don’t have much, but there’s some money. Enough for you to maybe get her some tutoring or something, you know? I’d like to think that someday she’ll go to college and have a good future.”

“I have money, Lesley,” I groaned. “Valerie will want for nothing and I’ll get her all the help she needs, I swear it on Jupiter’s stone.”

She smiled. “As far as this house, it’s rented but if you choose to stay here – ”

“I will do as you ask of me, love.”

“No, no. None of that. I don’t want to know what you intend to do; I’m just trying to be practical here. If you want to stay, Mrs. Hacker, the landlady will do that. But, if you decided to move, all the things in here are mine. I … only ask this for Valerie … it’s your choice … but if you keep some of the things they might comfort her.”

I could not speak and Lesley continued.

“She knows something is up, I can feel it. She’s showing signs of insecurity already, sleeping with a silly blanket she hasn’t held since she was a baby. Yesterday I found it in her backpack. She’s already scared, Titus. Be gentle with her, please.”

“I will. Darling, I have done this before. A dear mate went off to war and I watched over his children for years. A boy and two girls, one very close to Valerie’s age. I understand the compassion it will take, my love.”

Lesley had fallen silent and I sighed. “Listen to me and hear what I am saying. Valerie will never want for anything. She will have a good education and a good home, a beautiful wedding and a good future.”

She groaned. “We need to tell her.”

“Today.”

“Yes, today.”

“Well then,” I straightened my shoulders. “We will do it when she comes home from school. And I will do the talking, Lesley. I will make her know she will be safe when … when … when you are gone.”

I reached for her and together we gasped. It was decided and it was accepted. I tenderly lay my wife on the sofa and loved her gently, loved her with all my heart and soul. And when it was done, we sat and waited for the school bus.

It was not difficult and it was not easy. Valerie listened in silence then kissed her mother and told us she was going upstairs to do her homework.

“I am tired, Titus,” whispered Lesley and I lifted her into my arms and took her to bed. I checked on Valerie then went down to put things away, brush away cookie crumbs, wash dishes.

When I went to bed I knew it was already over. Before touching her, I knew it. And I sat on the chair and watched Lesley, knowing that she had chosen to leave now that she had set everything to right.

JACK

It had been a tiring but joyous day. Miss Riley, John, Mr. Wade and Antony had joined Natalie and I at the clinic to greet our new tiny daughters. The babies were passed around and everyone had a turn. Catherine was a proper young lady; cooing and chirping to anyone who held her, much to their delight. Chelsea, however, was a right hellion, crying loudly with everyone except, surprisingly … Antony. He seemed to have the right touch with her. I must suggest to Natalie that we have him visit us more often.

After a rather long visit, I caught Claudia’s eye and smoked her meaning … Natalie and the babies were tiring quickly and needed their rest. I took the bull by the horns and gently suggested that we continue our celebration the next day. All of our visitors returned to the Inn leaving a still quiet in their wake … well, quiet except for Chelsea’s howling. God’s teeth! That child howls all the while except when she’s nursing and I believe that only because her mouth is otherwise engaged.

After our guests had left, Stephen examined our girls carefully and proclaimed them healthy enough to go home on the morrow. I expressed some concern over Chelsea as the babe appears to be in pain, but Stephen disagreed. The child’s arm is healing nicely. He had no explanation for her tears except that some children simply cried. While I was not completely satisfied with his explanation, I took it to heart. This was Stephen, after all.

When I broke the news to Natalie, her eyes glowed. “Oh, Jack … I would love to go home.” I myself was anxious too, overjoyed to leave the clinic and begin our life as a family.

KIM

I have to admit that while I originally had my concerns about Emily working for me, I was pleasantly surprised this morning, in spite of her little stunt with the coffee and toast. She has a real aptitude for quickly grasping the fundamentals of the new accounting system, and little did I know that she actually types 90 words a minute. I was further impressed when she greeted my caller from Quebec in perfect French and set up a string of appointments with various vendors who hadn’t even bothered to return my calls from the previous week. Maybe this arrangement is going to work out after all.

The vehicle Hando lent me is a true road monster, but it handles well and I’ll be honest, I get a little kick when people honk and wave when they see the team logo. This cute little sheila chatted me up outside the appliance store where I stopped off after work. Her name is Ashley and she works as a waitress over at The Bunk House Pub … and we have a date this Friday evening. Nice arse and a head of gorgeous long red hair.   

Once I got home and settled, I chatted a bit with Andy before checking the computer for any message from PrimaVera. Sure enough, she was online and waiting for me.

NYSE411: Hey, you been on long?

PrimaVera: Oh, just a bit. Remember BigMac? He tracked me down – get this … he arranged a meeting with BabyDoll … remember her also?

NYSE411: I’m trying to forget – it was a rather traumatic encounter, LOL.

PrimaVera: Brat. Anyway, seems that they hit it off and now they’re quite the item. The magic of the internet!

NYSE411: Why did he feel the need to track you down?

I felt my hackles rise. I didn’t like the idea of some loser edging in on my territory.

PrimaVera: Oh, he and I chat online from time to time. He’s really very sweet. He’s in his late forties, divorced, and loves listening to Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams. BabyDoll works as a waitress at one of the county western bars in town and it was a match made in heaven.

Uh oh. My imagination went into overdrive. Ashley works at a country western bar …

NYSE411:  She doesn’t have red hair, by any chance?

PrimaVera: Who??

NYSE411: BabyDoll

PrimeVera: From what BigMac tells me, she’s 45, looks five years younger, slugs back whiskey like a trouper and can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch. Why? Are YOU interested?

NYSE411: WHAT?No way. You hear about folks meeting their soul mates over the internet all the time and I was just curious.

PrimaVera: I know, scary thought, isn’t it? Thank God you’re normal. BigMac is into B&D and so is BabyDoll.

NYSE411: I won’t even bother asking how you became privy to that information, but please tell me it wasn’t from first hand knowledge.

PrimaVera: Ewwwww! You goof! You know me better than that!

NYSE411: LOL

PrimaVera: EWWWWW! I have to say it again!!

NYSE411: Hey Prima?

PrimaVera: Yes?

NYSE411: While we’re on the subject, um, would you maybe be interested in meeting sometime soon?

PrimaVera: Um, are you serious?

NYSE411: Well, it had crossed my mind. I know we agreed to keep it all in perspective and no personal stuff, blah, blah, blah …but what do you think?

PrimaVera: NYSE, that’s a scary thought. Let me think about it, okay?

NYSE411: No worries. I’ll understand if you say no.

PrimaVera: I didn’t say NO, but I need to think about it. Hey, would you be horribly offended if I cut our chat short tonight? I have to go over some stuff for work tomorrow and I want to make sure that I have everything in order.

NYSE411: Not at all. Things going well with the new boss then?

PrimeVera: Well, let’s just say I think we might have reached a minor understanding. But he really knows what he’s doing and I’m trying real hard to give him a break.

NYSE411: It’ll all be apples. You’ll see. Catch you tomorrow?

PrimaVera: Of course. You have a good evening! And I WILL think about your suggestion that we actually meet up somewhere.

NYSE411: Again, no worries. If you think it’s too soon or not a good idea, again, I’ll understand. Good night!

PrimaVera: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

NYSE411: Sweet dreams!

PrimaVera: You too!