New Year's Eve at the Meridius' House

"You know," Joimus said to Maximus, "now that we've met so many of our neighbors at Toni and Richie's wedding, I was thinking it might be a nice idea to have them over for a New Year's Eve get together."

Maximus looked up from the relief map of the Glen he'd been studying at the kitchen table. "Sounds fine to me, darling. But would not that be a lot of work for you on very
little notice?"

"I don't mind," she smiled. "I'll ask Bridgid to help me put up some decorations. It won't be a sit-down dinner anyway, just mostly finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, punch bowls, dips, that sort of thing. I'd really like to do it."

Maximus grinned at his wife and turned in his chair, his arm draped over its back. "Just tell me what I can do."

"Would you mind if I asked you and Jack to be on balloon duty? You've got to have balloons on New Year's Eve. And maybe you two could be in charge of the drinks?"

"Hot air and liquor? I imagine the Captain and I can manage that."

"I thought so, too," she said, sliding her arms around his neck and  kissing his hair. "I'll give Bridgid a call and then head out for the store."

Bridgid was standing right by the phone when it rang. It scared the heck out of her.

"I'll get it." she called , as if Jack would answer the 'speaking contraption' as he called it.

"Hello. Planters, which nut would you like to talk to."

So, she thought it was funny anyway.

You're quite nutty enough for my purposes, B," Joimus laughed. "Glad you're in a good
mood. I've decided to do New Year's Eve here and I'm inviting everyone at the Glen. You
want to help?"

"Sure. Jack and I have not made any plans yet. Have you notified everyone about this party or would you like me to get Cal to handle that? I can start there...what about food? You need me to cook? Decorations? I can raid Jack's wine cellar. We've got a couple cases of bubbly that will do just fine for a midnight toast. I bet the General has a great supply of wine too. Oh...I can go to the package store in Coffs to pick up anything else you need." she paused to take a breath. "This is such a great idea, Joi. Thank you for letting me help."

"Thank ME for letting you help?" Joimus laughed. "It's the other way around, B. Completely. Yes, I think it would be great for Cal to get the word out. I don't even know most of the phone numbers I'd need. Everything's still so new here."  She thought a moment. "Jack's wine cellar sounds great, too. And, yes, Maximus has quite a good supply, too. Maybe Jack and Maximus can go to the package store and decide what else they'd like to have? I'll be leaving in just a moment for the grocers. I could meet you there after you talk with Cal. Help me come up with some ideas of what to serve, ok? Oh, and balloons! Do you know where in the Glen I can get balloons? And would Jack be willing to help Maximus blow them up...or find some place that has helium?"  She chuckled at the mental image she suddenly got of the General and the Captain with their cheeks puffed out, blowing up balloons.

 

Bridgid giggled. "Maybe we should get one of those air tank thingies that blows up the balloons....I tell you what. I'll get a hold of Cal right now and get him to announce the party, then I'll meet you at your place. It'll take me about twenty minutes as I have to let Jack know what's up. He'll be chuffed.

After saying a quick goodbye to Joi, Bridgid called Cal, talked to Jack and then she tied up a few loose ends. She was at Joi's and ready to go in a half hour, just a little behind schedule.

Meeting her friend at the door, Bridgid hugged her and said "Cal's going to put a special edition of the Glen Times out.  He'll do an online alert too. He may have it done as we speak. You want to check your computer to see or should we just get the show on the road?" 

Hello Residents of the Glen and Happy New Year!

You are all invited to come to the New Years Eve event to be held at Joimus and Maximus' house.

There will be food, drink and song aplenty. No need to RSVP just show up and join in the fun.

If you have not joined the Glentimes yahoo board you can do so at the link below.  Joi and Bridgid are putting things together now but you are welcome to post at any time to show what your characters are up to.

This event will be extended in play so don't worry if you are not around right now. You can add your characters at any time.

Have fun

Cal

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Glentimes/

"Oh, let's just get the show on the road, ok.  There's lots to do." She handed Bridgid a bit pot of sour cream and some Lipton onion soup mix. "The real stuff," she grinning, indicating the sour cream. "Have to have the real stuff or it doesn't taste right. You mix that while I make some guacamole. I got lots of chips at the store. Oh, and we need to slice a lot of cheeses for the crackers." Joimus had all sorts of things spread out on her big kitchen table. It looked like there would be fingers flying for some time.

 

"Dip it is." she popped the top off the sour cream and went for it. "Jack seems to like this stuff. Weird huh?"

It wasn't long before the two women had a heck of a spread put together. Bridgid even managed to get one of her famous (not really) Floating Archipelago in the Shape of the Galapagos.

"Amazing what you can do with blue Jello, huh Jo?" she giggled. "We're about ready to get the show on the road here. Guest should be arriving any time now. What's keeping Jack and Max? she paused and added "ice?"

 i

Jo just cocked an eyebrow at B, noting the addition. "I wonder if they're having trouble getting the balloons into the car?"  She poked another pineapple and cherry-laden toothpick into a large grapefruit that rested atop a squat goblet. "Oh, no!" she blurted. "I forgot to call Ahnna! She doesn't live in the Glen, so she won't have heard about the get-together."  Quickly she remedied that situation.

The aforementioned males were, indeed, busily battling wayward balloons. They each had two large bundles of lighter-than-air colorful orbs and when half of one would be tucked inside the vehicle, the other half would try to escape. Maximus' jaw was set as he attempted a full-body push on the bobbling pile. They were late. It looked like they would be still later.

Sid happened to be driving by and slowed to a mere crawl as he passed the scene of the struggle. He smiled happily. The General could possibly handle an army of ferocious, fur-clad Marcomani, but it seemed a few dozen balloons were about to defeat him and his Napoleonic sidekick. Must be decorations for the New Year's Eve party. He was definitely planning on attending. With a roar of engine, he sped up, heading to his abode.

 

"Blasted devices!" Jack growled as he managed to shove the last of the colorful decorations into the car. "To what end? To be destroyed upon the strike of twelve by overindulgent revelers?"

He looked over at Maximus who was wearing an amusing grin. "What, sir, do you find so amusing? One of us will have to drive this conveyance the other will be wearing the lions share of these bloody bosoms...or whatever you call them." 

Jack's frustration somehow lessened Maximus'. Perhaps it was the sharing of the battle? "We should be on our way," he said, getting into the driver's seat. "I'm sure the ladies expected us some while ago." He looked at Jack, standing red-faced beside the car. "Is there, um, room?"

 

Jack mumbled something before he managed to get into the car. He could hear his friend and partner in crime on occasion laughing and it irritated him some more.

He grumbled all the way back to the house but the site of the two women in the kitchen took his mind off of wayward decorations for the time being.

"I apologize for our late arrival but the General had a problem with bouncing bosoms. They did their best to escape his grasp but I managed to take hold of them." 

Bridgid looked at Joi before she burst out laughing. "Balloons, Jack, balloons not bosoms." 

Joimus nearly dropped the bowl of chips she was carrying. Anachronistic men could be so amusing at times! She opened her mouth to say something, but Ahnna came in with an arrangement of flowers from the Greenery for the centerpiece. "Ahnna, I'm so glad you're here. Let me take that, and maybe you can help the men with the balloons? I think they need some female guidance."

Within quarter of an hour, the balloons were all in place. Maximus left briefly for the stables to make sure East knew he was welcome to come. As he was returning to the main house, Alistair drove up. "Welcome, Reverend," Maximus greeted as Alistair got out of  the car.

Alistair let the title go by unremarked. Somehow he knew the General would prefer it that way. It was all right with him. As Paul said, 'all things to all men.'
"Thank you for the invitation," he responded. "I noticed your home the first time I came to the Greenery for my iris. I understand you and your wife had it brought over from England?"

"In truth we did," Maximus nodded. "Quite a large undertaking, too. The house is several centuries old and was rather comfortable where it had always been."

Alistair reached out to the wall to the right of the door, resting his palm a moment. "England," he murmured under his breath.

Maximus noticed. "You are English, I believe?"

"Very much so," Alistair smiled. "Tunbridge Wells."

"Joimus and I drove through there once," Maximus commented. "A very lovely town." He looked more directly at Alistair. "Are you settling in well at the Glen? If there is any way I may be of assistance..."

"My most pressing problem is the plumbing," Alistair answered. "Do you know of anyone in the area?"

"As a matter of fact, I've just found a most excellent young plumber right here in the Glen. He's going to be working with me on my thermae."

Before Alistair could respond, Sid swirled up into the drive in his Bugatti. Maximus eyes' narrowed and he visibly tensed. Alistair was quite curious about the General's response to the new arrival. The man seemed gracious and entirely well-mannered. What was it about the impeccably-dressed man getting out of the sleek blue vehicle that would trigger such feelings? He remembered seeing the newcomer sitting in the back pew on Christmas Eve. He cocked his eyebrow and Maximus almost hissed, "Sid."

Several other cars were also arriving and so Maximus opened the door for Alistair. "Please, Reverend, go on in." He himself, though, waited as Sid strode confidently toward him.

"General," Sid greeted. "I've been so looking forward to seeing the inside of your rust-colored dwelling."

"It was a blanket invitation, Sid."

Joimus had arrived at the inside of the open door, greeting Alistair, then noticing the nanotech. She hadn't been sure if he would come or not. Not would have been preferable, but there was nothing to be done about it. Everyone was invited. "Sid," she said, straightening her shoulders. His presence always put her on guard.

"Ah, the lovely lady in yellow," Sid smiled. "I'm sure the evening will be most...festive."

 

Steve and Millie arrived just behind Sid. As Millie got out to free Brook from her car seat , Steve sat there glaring at Sid's car.

"There goes the neighborhood." he uttered.

"Knock it off, darling. It's a festive occasion and a community event. Here, take your daughter."

She knew it would cheer Steve up to have the little girl in his arms. She'd probably be asleep long before midnight but there's no way they'd leave her with a sitter on this occasion. She'd probably spend about fifteen minutes being the life of the party before she pooped out.

When they entered the residence, Steve put Brookie down and she ran right up to Alistair. "Hi, guy!" she giggled in her little girl way. "What's that?" she pointed to a big red balloon. Good thing she didn't ask the Captain.

"Why, hello, Little Angel," Alistair grinned, pulling the balloon down so Brook could touch it. "Softly," he added as she poked at it, "or it will break." Squatting in front of her, he asked, "And what might your name be? And what kingdom are you the princess of?"

 

Cindy drove up to the house and looked out the car windows. She wasn't shy around the store but meeting people in a social setting always seemed to make her nervous. Before she could change her mind and just take Jake to the park instead he as out of the car waving for her to hurry. "Come on Mom, maybe there's more kids."
 
That kid had her wrapped tight around his finger. "Okay, okay I'm coming." With a soft smile she got out and took his hand they walked up to the house ready to make some new friends in the Glen.

 

Brook took the balloon from Alistair with a giggle. She had no idea what he'd just asked her so she answered "Ball" She was easily distracted with the new kid who just appeared. Running up to the older boy she offered him the big red orb. "Ball" she said clear as can be.

Cort pulled up in the yard and cut off the car. Looked over at Scarlet and smiled, "You look beautiful darlin'. I like that red dress." winking at her. Scarlet looked down at her dress and frowned. So much of her was showing. It certainly didn't look like that when
she bought it. Must be the baby. "Take me home...I've got to change...I look like a tart." At Cort's giggle, "Well I do....my bre...I'm practically hanging out here." Cort scratched his chin, "Yeah, I'd say its gonna be an interesting evening darlin'. Now come on, let's meet the neighbors." He got out and opened her door, taking her hand and gently pulling her to her feet. "It's gonna be fine Scarlet."

Zack hit the brakes and scowled at Cherokee, Ya wanna tell me why I can take a shower, get dressed watch the news and you still haven't made up your mind what you're wearing tonight? It's not that complicated Cher." "Maybe not for you Zackie but then you don't get
the eyes that I get when I walk into a room." She twirled her finger at him, "The eyes you get are round and saying get aloud of that guy will ya." Cherokee shoved her door open and got out, not waiting for Zack to play the gentleman, not sure that he would. "Behave Zackie, it's a new year and I know the magic words." She whispered in his ear and then sauntered off, leaving him with his mouth hanging open. Looking back over her shoulder, "Close your mouth Zackie, someone might confuse you with one of those Venus Fly Traps."

Bridgid met this couple at the door right at the end of their conversation. They sounded a bit like she and Jack did when they were on their game and playing with each other. It made her giggle a little.

"Happy New Year, you two. Welcome. Your hosts are in the kitchen so I have door duty right now. Sounds to me like you two could use a drink." she chuckled. "I'm Bridgid and the bar is that way. Mingle, get to know some folks. It's great to see you here." 

Bridgid went up to the new arrivals to greet them. She extended her hand to Cindy first as the kids went off to play with the balloons.

Hi, I'm Bridgid Morgan. I live with Jack Aubrey. Welcome to the party. The buffet is that way." she pointed to the left and Steve over there is serving drinks." she pointed right.

"Thanks, I'm Cindy Levits, that was Jake." She laughed at the kids running with the balloons though the crowd. "This is a lovely home."

 

It sure is. Maximus and Joimus moved it all the way from England." she grinned. "They're in the kitchen if you'd like to say hi. I think Joi is trying to figure out what to do with my floating archipelago." Bridgid shrugged. "Hey, its just Jello and white chocolate." 

Cindy laughed, " A floating archipelago? That sound like an edible adventure. I'll go see if I can help." Smiling Cindy walked into the house looking around and found the couple in the kitchen. "Hello, I'm Cindy.  Bridgid said you might need a hand with archipelago or is there something else I can help with?"

Right behind Cindy was a couple she had not met before. "Hello, welcome. You must be new to the Glen. I'm Bridgid. Nice to meet you all." 

Cort nodded his head, "Cort Bonner and this is my wife Scarlet."
Scarlet's head whipped up and her mouth opened as if to speak but then how would she explain the wedding ring on her hand? Eyes flashing at Cort, she turned to Bridgid, "I'm so very pleased to meet you. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You sure can. Eat some of this food before my Jack gets into it." she nudged her head toward the big sailor. "Would you like a drink?" 

Cort looked down at Scarlet and grinned, "No alcohol for Scarlet, we're having a baby, but I wouldn't mind a bourbon and branch."

"Oh my gosh, congratulations! The man who is bartending, his wife is having a baby too but don't let on you know yet. Steve let it slip to me but there's no formal announcement. I'm so jealous. It must be greeeat!" Taking Scarlet by the hand she led her and Cort over to the bar. "Steve will take good care of you. He's got some cranberry juice back there if you like, Scarlet."

If you don't mind, make that two." Zack gave his best imitation of a smile. "The name's Zack Grant and this is my wife, we are still married right Cherokee?" He pulled her to his side.

"Unless one of you went to Acapulco without telling the other, I should think so."  Bridgid teased. "Nice to meet you two. Just make yourselves at home. I'll show Cindy where the kitchen is...should warn her that Joi won't let a guest help out, eh?"  "Once you get to know her, you'll understand."

Thank you...everything looks so nice. We're just gettin' settled in. The food looks wonderful." Cherokee glared at Zack, "Don't forget Grant, I know the magic words." Zack
blushed, "Christ's sake Cher behave!"

Cherokee looked over at Cort and Scarlet, "We're harmless honest and congratulations on the baby." She looked Scarlet up and down, "You look fabulous in that dress."

"Really? Thanks....you don't think it's too revealing? I swear it didn't fit like this when I bought it." Scarlet brought her hand to her chest.

Cherokee laughed, "Honey I don't think there's a man in here that will mind other than your husband."

"I'm sure there will be more people arriving shortly for you to meet. Cindy is new here too and that's her son playing with the little blonde girl." Bridgid called to Cindy. "Have you met Scarlet and Cort?  That couple over there would be Cherokee and Zack." she nodded to them.

Cindy turned back and smiled. "No, I'm afraid I haven't been in town but about a week and haven't had a chance to really meet anyone. Nice to meet you all. Congratulations on the baby. They'll make you pull your hair out but are worth every gray hair they bring." She gave them a playful laugh as she shook hands.

Cort placed one of his hands on Scarlet's small belly, "Yeah we're really looking forward to this. I think most men want a son but I really want a little girl just as pretty as her mama so I can spoil her." Scarlet looked up at Cort, "But a son," Cort placed his finger on her lips, "A boy will be fine the next time." "Cort Bonner...I am not a brood mare! Who says there will be a next time?"

"Ouch, glad to see I'm not the only man that speaks before he thinks. Name's Zack and this is Cherokee. Fine looking boy. He looks like he could be a handful."

Cindy nods with a grin. " Nice to meet you, Zack, Cherokee. Yeah he can be when there's too much sugar at hand. I'm lucky though he's a great kid. I would love to have more one day. Have you lived here long? Cort I think I saw you in Barrett's the other day when I started working there."

"Could've been...I stopped in to pick up a few things." He winked at Scarlet, "We're just getting settled in. New house, new baby. Speaking of which, we're gonna need to get the baby's room ready." Scarlet rolled her eyes at him making him laugh. She loved his laugh,
loved his smile. Her eyes wandered over to the buffet. "Hungry darlin?" Cort lifted her chin with his fingers, she loved his touching her. Losing herself in his eyes, Scarlet could only nod.

Cindy smiled remembering what that was like, being in love. Too bad at the time she was the only one in love. "Well then I have some inside information for you two. Don't let Mr. Barrett know I let on but there is going to be a big sale in the children's department. Furniture, clothing, toy. I'm trying to convince him to put maturity wear on with it. But he's stodgy."  

Thanks...looks like I'm gonna need the maternity clothes sooner than I thought." Scarlet gave a sigh, "Just how big do you get with a baby? I'm 4 and 1/2 months and none of my tops fit me anymore." Cort grinned at Zack, "Darlin' I think they fit just fine."

Zack spit good Bourbon everywhere, and when he finished coughing, "Man,you like living?"

Sid stood, his elbow on the mantel, watching the ever-increasing mass of humanity mill about the large interior of the house. He didn't mingle. He was not a mingling sort of man. His eyes followed Maximus as the evening's host graciously greeted everyone. Joimus buzzed about, refilling bowls as the chips disappeared, replenishing dips. He watched her eye Bridgid's jello and chocolate creation, reach out a finger and taste the thing. Looking at it made him glad he didn't ingest foodstuffs. He hadn't seen Colleen yet. She would probably make an appearance, he figured, being part of the town crier system and all.

"Hello," Alistair said softly, coming up to Ahnna's elbow. "I was hoping you might be here tonight."

She smiled slightly shyly and he continued, "Did you make the centerpiece?"

She had and she'd used a lot of blue iris. "It's beautiful," he added. A balloon, rapidly losing its helium supply, sagged passed between their faces and he took it in one hand. "On its last legs, I fear."

That made her grin. "I wasn't aware balloons had legs."

"They tuck them in when they fly. It's a well-kept secret." Bridgid's dessert caught his eye. "Do you happen to have any idea what that might be?"

"I'm not at all sure." She stared at it, too, shaking her head in puzzlement. "Would you like to try some?"

He pressed his lips together, studying the thing some more. "Is that pudding or liver, do you think, that those triangles are standing up in?"

"I don't think you can really tell unless you are brave enough to taste it," she chuckled.

"Maybe if I prayed first...?"

"Probably a wise idea," she agreed.

Joimus set a fresh bowl of cut-up fruit near it, noticing their fascination with the platter. "Galapagos," she volunteered. "Don't ask. It's a, um, nautical thing. Chocolate and jello." She hurried off to greet some more arrivals.

"Chocolate and...jello?" he repeated. "Really?"

"Well, it does sort of, kind of, look like it could be," she said, leaning closer to it. "It's probably safe."

"Will you try some if I try some?" he asked, leaning beside her in an attempt to smell the item in question.

"Only if you say a prayer for me, too," she said, straightening as he did, meeting his gaze.

He had prayed for her, quite a bit. But not for Galapagos ingestion. "My pleasure," he smiled, briefly closing his eyes.

Ben  Wade  eyed the mass of cars already  parked in front of  the rust-colored cottage.   "Looks like most of the Glen is already here, darlin'.  He glanced over at Liana, quietly approving of the navy blue strapless dress which he had picked out for her himself. 

Strapless, but not low cut.  He wanted his wife to look good, but not show too much.   And right now, she looked wonderful.  She wore the diamond and pearl necklace which had been one of his Christmas presents to her, and her long, dark hair was around her shoulders." Well, it's your fault if we're late."  Liana looked at him dressed all in black and looking handsome as usual. 

Helping her out of the car, Ben grinned.  "Couldn't help it, honey.  When you came outta that shower lookin' all soft and dewy-  Just put me in a mind to celebrate New Year's a little early."  He grinned again, seeing her blush. "Let's get in there 'fore all the good whiskey's gone!"  Ben was looking forward to meeting Maximus Decimus Meridius.  The man was breeding horses too, and Ben had been anxious to talk with him.

 

Quite propitiously, then, Maximus himself opened the door to let Ben and Liana enter. He hadn't had a chance to speak with Ben at the wedding, but was well aware that the man in front of him was the other horse breeder in the Glen. "Ben Wade," he acknowledged, "I have been wanting to meet you."

 

"The feelin's mutual, Mr. Meridius."  Ben smiled as he held out his hand.  He wasn't quite sure he wanted to call the man 'General'.  To Ben, that sounded as if he placed Maximus above himself. "This is my wife, Liana."  He spoke proudly, almost as if he thought of her as a trophy.  An extension of himself.

Taking Ben's hand with a firm grip, Maximus dipped his head in that way he had of greeting someone. "Maximus will do fine," he smiled, then turned to Liana. "Please come in." As they entered together, he added, "I would very much like to see your horses soon. Perhaps we might share in some breeding programs if you are interested. And I hope you will return here in daylight. My stables are always open to you."

"Well, that's real nice of you, Maximus.  You're always welcome at my stables too."  He was going to have to speak with this man at length, Ben thought to himself. "That's a wonderful invitation, General."  Liana felt a little ill at ease.  She didn't know any of the women of the Glen yet, with the exception of Toni.  She'd met some of them, but hadn't had any opportunity to talk with them very much. Then, she saw Alistair.  "Ben," she said quietly.  "If the General wouldn't mind excusing us for a moment, I see someone I'd like you to meet."

Jim smiled at Ivy as he helped her from the car. "Oops I almost forgot" Ivy said as she fished for something under the seat and extracted a tin. "But my mother sent those" Jim recognized the tin. Ivy smiled. "Yes, and this tin of them is huge. We have more than enough to share." Knocking on the door she squeezed his hand with her free hand. "Don't worry I saved some for you." The door opened and she offered the tin. "Irish lace cookies" Jim offered the information before the question was asked.

"Irish lace cookies?" Joimus said, opening the door. "How marvelous!"
She looked at Jim. "You're Jim Braddock, aren't you? I've heard a lot about you, Jim,
all very good. And this is your lovely wife?"

Putting his hands on Ivy's shoulders he smiled. "Yes, this is my wife Ivy."

"Thank you for inviting us to your home." Ivy added as she reached up to grasp Jim's hand.

"Glad to meet you, Ivy," Joimus smiled, instantly liking the quiet, dark-haired woman. It was obvious, too, how much she was in love with her husband. She liked that, too. "You were the best man at Toni and Richie's wedding, weren't you, Jim?"

"I was and Ivy was matron of honor. I'm still surprised Richie asked me. But I couldn't disappoint a friend. It got a little dicey time wise there at the end though." he chuckled. "You provided some of the greenery and flowers for the wedding didn't you?" Ivy asked.

 

"I did. Gena, Toni's mother, came out to the Greenery and picked out the lilies." Deftly she guided them inside. "Did I hear you're staying at Steve and Millie's? I hope you're planning on staying in the Glen."

 

Ivy looked up at Jim with concern and even a little hope etched on her face for just a moment before turning back to Joimus. "Were calling the boarding house home for now." Jim replied. He had caught the look on Ivy's face and wasn't sure how he felt about it. "I'll bet you ladies would like to get better acquainted." Jim kissed Ivy's cheek before going over to talk to Steve.

Joimus took Ivy's hand, realizing she felt a little tentative now that Jim had walked away. "Come," she said, "I could use some help cutting brownies and getting them on the platter."  It was not her custom to rope guests into helping, but somehow she knew it would make Ivy feel more comfortable, more a part of things. As they went toward the kitchen, Joimus remarked, "I think I catch a bit of New Jersey from you. I'm from Pennsylvania myself. It's great to have someone from the neighborhood so far from home."


 

Jeffrey Wigand opened the passenger door of his silver Audi to help Meggie get out.  Looking a little nervous, he reached in for her hand and helped her out, smiling.  "Meggie, you look lovely."

Meggie wore her long brown hair down, pulled back by two light blue crystal barrettes.  Her baby-blue chiffon dress, complete with a sweetheart neckline and slightly puffed long sleeves, shimmered as she stepped out.  She looked at Jeffrey, smiling.  He looked handsome in his black dinner tuxedo with satin faced lapels, a crisp white shirt, and a powder blue vest and bowtie.

"You look very dashing yourself, Dr. Wigand," she responded with a soft laugh. Taking her arm, he led the way towards the cottage.  As they entered, a man wearing a blue Armani suit looked up at them.

Leaning closer to Jeffrey as they walked past, Meggie whispered, "Who's that?"

"That, my darling, is Sid."  Jeffrey answered quickly.

Up ahead, they could see both Joimus and Maximus, along with B and Jack welcoming the guests.

"Jeffrey Wigand," Joimus whispered to Maximus as the couple approached. "He stood up for what he believed in and it cost him everything, his family, his career, everything. You two have much in common." Maximus looked at Jeffrey with great interest, anticipating meeting him.

"Joimus, General, thank you for the invitation to the lovely party!  You and B have done a fantastic job," Meggie smiled, reaching to hug Joimus first.  

Jeffrey nodded, looking at Joimus and admiring her strength and beauty.  He then turned towards the General.  "It's an honor to finally meet you, General," Jeffrey replied, offering his hand.  He could quickly tell this was a man full of courage, honor, and strength.   

The young woman seemed so friendly, so open and ready to give affection. Joimus hugged her back, delighted. "I'm going to love getting to know you, Meggie," she smiled.

"My honor as well," Maximus was replying to Jeffrey at the same time. "I am informed you are a man of great principle. I hope at some point we may sit together so that I may learn more of your life."  He gripped Jeffrey's hand, meeting his eyes straight on.

 

"And I look forward to getting to know you and the General more, too," Meggie replied, turning as Maximus offered her a gentle hug.

"Well, I did what I felt was right, that's all.  I'm really no hero.  Just a simple man doing what I felt had to be done in order to correct a grave error.  But I am eager to sit down and talk with you.  I hear you have horses and offer riding lessons.  Meggie," he smiled, nodding his head towards her as she was busy chatting with Joimus, "has always wanted to have a horse and learn how to ride.  She's begged me to give it a go, but I'm afraid," Jeffrey paused, patting his stomach, "I may be a bit out of shape for a horse!" 

Jeffrey already liked the General and knew he would have many interesting conversations with him in the future.

"A simple man correcting a grave error at great personal cost, is a man to be respected, Jeffrey. And as for a horse, I think I might have just the one for you. We could take everything nice and easy until you felt comfortable." He glanced at Joimus. "Riding side by side with your lady is one of life's great pleasures."

 

Jeffrey smiled, acknowledging the General's sense of honor and respect.  And deep love and protection towards his wife.  "If you think there's a horse I can ride, I would be very honored to learn from a man of your equestrian mastery.  I know it would make Meggie very, very happy.  Let's set a date sometime when this could happen, General."

Alistair saw Liana guiding a rather impressive man in black toward him. "Just a moment, Ahnna," he said softly and stepped forward. "Hello again, Liana. Good to see you." He looked at Ben, figuring this must be the man she had spoken with him about in the church. Extending his hand, he said, "Alistair Harris," giving the man a warm smile. His smile was always genuine as he was always glad to meet new people.

 

"Hello, Pastor."  Liana greeted him warmly.  "This is my husband, Ben."

Ben eyed the man with some disdain.  So this was the Pastor Harris Liana had told him about.  Ben Wade had no use for men of the cloth.  Never had.  Too many bad memories associated with them.  But, in the interest of good manners in front of his neighbors, he took the man's offered hand.

"Heard a lot about you, Preacher," he said, in a rather sarcastic drawl.  "You've made quite an impression on my woman."

"Ben," Liana said, surprised that he would speak this way to Alistair Harris.   What could he possibly have against a man he'd never met before? "Savin' any souls around the Glen since you got here?"  Ben ignored Liana's voice.

One corner of Alistair's mouth quirked slightly. He could tell Ben was being Ben. It didn't bother him at all. "I don't do the saving," he smiled, "I simply make the introductions. The rest is between a man and his Maker."

 

Liana was relieved that the Pastor didn't seem to be offended. She thought of him as a friend. Hoped that here was someone who could understand why she loved Ben as he was. She'd begun to wonder if the other women at the Glen wondered why she allowed Ben to be as in control as he was with her. Would they understand that this was simply Ben's way, and that it didn't mean that he didn't respect her.

Ben was intrigued by Alistair Harris. He didn't respect preachers, but here was someone he might be able to respect as a man. "Guess you gotta start somewhere," he grinned.

"You don't get anywhere unless you take a step," Alistair nodded, then smiled and added, "or unless your horse does."

Still grinning, Ben remarked, "Horses have horse sense.  They know a lot better'n men do about where they're headed.  And whether that step they're about to take is gonna put 'em someplace that they don't wanna be."

"I have always admired that about horses," Alistair replied. "It is usually the rider who gets his horse in trouble and not the other way around. Speaking of horse, I understand you have several. I'm used to an English saddle but have always thought it would be a good idea to get some experience with a western one. Do you suppose you could help me with that?"  He'd thought of asking Maximus, but right here and now, it seemed the right thing to ask Ben.

"Oh, we can take care of that all right, Preacher.  Come on over any time you're ready."  Privately, Ben thought to himself that it was about time.  In his opinion, English saddles weren't true saddles anyway.

"Yes, please do come, Pastor," Liana added her invitation.  "And feel free to bring someone with you, if you'd like."  She had noticed Ahnna waiting for the pastor.

"We'd better let the Pastor get back to his guest," she told Ben, taking his arm and looking up at him with love in her eyes. 

Then, she looked again at Alistair.  "And, as for horses taking smarter steps than humans--"  She looked up at Ben.  "--maybe they don't know where they're going any better than we do.  Maybe they just have more faith and are willing to take to take that one step into the darkness." Smiling at Alistair, she remembered the talk they'd had on that very subject.

 

Alistair, of course, immediately understood her reference and let it show in his eyes that he did. "Very nice talking with you both," he said. "I'll call soon about the horse."  He moved back toward Ahnna.

 

The brownies handled and distributed. Ivy began looking around for Jim. Walking into one room she saw someone familiar by the mantle. "Sid? Is that you?"

Sid was pleased. She was the first guest to seek him out and so he smiled warmly. "Ivy," he greeted, "did everything work out all right with your husband? I think I saw him at the wedding."

"It is good to see you." Ivy approached Sid with a smile. I don't remember seeing you at the wedding. Actually Jim is here somewhere. Thank you for asking.

"I was there. With Colleen." He was still displeased that the scruffy Cal had taken her home. "Jim is here? I should like to meet James J. Braddock some time." He rested his gaze on Ivy. "And was there a fight back in the States? Is he all right?" A little conspicuous concern went a long way.

Ivy nodded "yes, he's fine...a little sore but fine. You were right he wasn't favored to win, but he came through. I'd be happy to introduce you as soon as I find him again." Ivy quickly looked around for any sign of Jim. Looking back at Sid she paused for a second thinking to herself. "I don't think I've met Colleen. Have you been seeing her long?"

"Seeing her? I'm not sure that applies. I escorted her to the wedding, but it turns out the woman is living with the newspaperman. I had not been...aware." That she had permitted the man to take her home was somewhat of a sore point with him. But you had to admire her, too, if she had merely used him to make her cohabitant jealous. He understood that. He had simply never before been the one used. Right now he was not sure how he felt about that. Did that make her more or less attractive? Time would tell.

Newspaperman? Oh you mean Cal. I know him. Sorry I didn't see you I would have introduced you to Jimmy at the wedding." Looking towards one of the doors she saw Jim coming towards them. "Speaking of which here he is." Ivy's face lit up as Jim came into the room. "Jim this is my friend Sid. Sid this is my husband James J. Braddock." Ivy placed her hand in one of Jim's as she made the introductions.

 

"James J. Braddock," Sid repeated. "I have been aware of your career for some time. My first experience as a sports spectator was at a wrestling match in LA, but I've followed a few boxers since, you among them." He looked back at Ivy, noting how she'd placed her hand in Jim's. "You have a special little woman there, James J."

 

"Thanks, I do at that." Jim put his arm around Ivy and gave her a squeeze. "Please call me Jim, since your a friend of Ivy's." Jim wasn't to sure about this guy so far he was hard to read. But since Ivy called him a friend he was going to honor the title.

Sid wasn't really interested in Jim. The other males were of no particular use to him. But Ivy had always been kind and he liked that. Of course she was kind because that was her nature and she had no idea of who Sid actually was. In the Glen there seemed to be a mixture of those who did, like Maximus and Steve, and those who didn't, like Cal and James J. He felt it was to his advantage to play nice right now with the ones who didn't know. So he paused a moment, smiled, and repeated, "Jim."  Cocking his head, he commented, "I hope you find means to stay here, in the Glen, I mean."

 

"Well, this must be the place," Colin said, as he pulled his car up alongside the row of vehicles that had already gathered in front of the quaint cottage. "You sure you really wanna do this?" he asked Kate, hoping that she might just decide at the last minute to agree to his original request to spend their first New Year's Ever together back at their place....just the two of them...with a bottle of wine, a bit of music...naked in bed. Yeah, that's how he really wanted to spend the evening - not mingling amongst a room full of people he had either briefly met or had never met at all.

The look on Kate's face, however, let him know that there was no turning back. With a kiss full on his lips, she looked him in the eye and simply replied, "Let's go."

Colin let out a sigh, slid out from behind the wheel, and walked around to the passenger's side to open the door for Kate to step out of the car. As they made their way up the path to the front door of the cottage, Colin stopped Kate for one more brief moment. "Kate," he said, taking her hands in his, and looking into her big blue eyes. "You know how much I love you, don't you?"

She smiled, leaned into him and whispered in his ear, "Enough to take me to this party and pretend like your enjoying yourself tonight?"

He grinned. "Yeah, I guess I must," he giggled, then placed his arms around her and kissed her gently on the lips. He looked in her eyes for a moment, smiled. "Okay," he said, taking in a big breath of air then releasing it. "Let's do this."

They walked up to stand on the front porch and knocked on the door.

Joimus opened the door. "Well, hello there. You must be...."

 

Kate smiled warmly at the woman standing in front of her. "Kate Morrison," she replied, then  nudged Colin, who in turn, smiled friendly, saying, "Colin O'Brian. Nice to meet you."

 

"Ah, the man with the garage! I've seen your sign. Come on inside. I'd like you both to meet my husband." 

Just then Maximus walked up and she took his arm. "Maximus, this is Colin and Kate. He's the one who opened the garage in town."

"Welcome," the General said. "I have a vehicle that's in dire need of a tune-up.
I will be coming by in a day or two. It is really good to have somewhere close to drop it off."

 

"Thank-you. Yeah, stop on in anytime. I'd really appreciate the business...um...Maximus, was it?" Colin asked, extending his hand to the General.

 

"Yes, Maximus," the General smiled. "It's...Latin." He heard Joimus' soft giggle at his side. Some things were just too difficult to explain. "You would be a native Australian, if I am correct?"

"Yes, I am. We both are, actually," replied Colin, as he motioned towards Kate standing next to him. "Just recently moved here from Sydney."

 

"Mr. and Mrs. Merridius," said Kate, smiling warmly at her host and hostess, "I'd like to thank you for inviting us to spend New Year's Eve with you. Your home is quite lovely."

"Oh, Kate, please! It's Joimus. We're neighbors now and I've never been one to stand on formality. Neither has the General."

When Colin's eyes widened at her use of that word, she bit her lip, wishing she hadn't said it. "Um, General?" Colin asked, hesitantly. "Did you say he is a...General? As in the military?"

"Well, yes, Colin, he was. But that was a while ago. Now he raises horses and grows wheat."

 

Colin raised an eyebrow...a bit surprised. "Interesting...um...transition," he replied, then rubbing his chin, added, "Yeah, I can see where raising horses and wheat would be quite a bit more relaxing than military life might be. Never been around horses, myself. Prefer the steel horse, you might say."

"Much more relaxing," Maximus added with a small smile. Then he turned and looked down into his wife's upturned face, his eyes sparkling. "And I do not have to go off on campaign and leave my wife."

Kate smiled and gave Colin's hand a gentle squeeze. She could see the love the couple in front of her obviously had for one another and hoped that she and Colin might someday share that same bond. She smiled dreamily as she watched them, given Colin little looks every couple of seconds.

Colin, on the other hand, knowing exactly what Kate was thinking, suddenly began to feel as if his throat was closing up and began to sweat nervously. He pulled at the collar of his shirt, trying to loosen the tightness he was feeling around his throat.  "I..um...don't mean to interrupt, General, but I sure could use a beer about now. Point me to the bar?"

 

"Right this way," Maximus said. "In fact, I shall walk with you myself. I could use a glass of good red wine."

"Thanks,"  replied Colin, then turned to Kate, "Want anything from the bar,  luv?"

"Maybe in a while," she smiled, "You two go on. I'll  be  fine."He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the  cheek, "Thanks, luv.  Back in a while."

Liana saw Meggie and Jeffrey and was immediately interested in meeting this woman.  She didn't even know her name, but she could tell that there was an age difference between the two.  Like her and Ben.  Perhaps they would have something in common.

 

She was delighted when the General performed introductions between them. 

Meggie smiled back at Liana, thinking how beautiful she looked.  And how her husband gently held on to her.  "It's so good to finally meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Wade."

"It's good to meet you, Mr. Wade," Jeffrey replied, offering his hand to the man in black.  His eyes were a deep blue, while he stood protectively close to Liana.  "Mrs. Wade, a pleasure as well."

Meggie noticed there was an age difference between Liana and Ben.  Not as much as between herself and Jeffrey, but still.  As with Jo, Meggie immediately felt drawn in by Liana's warmth, generosity, and openness.  She hoped, no she needed, to have some close female friends to be able to talk to...to share things.  Especially something that has been on her mind for quite some time now.

Smiling, Meggie returned to the moment.  "I believe I've seen you riding, Mr. Wade.  A beautiful black horse.  Very majestic and a fine stallion.  If you ever have a black filly or mare you'd be interesting in selling, please give me a call." 

Out of the corner of his eye, Jeffrey caught sight of Ivy and Jim.  He was eager to meet up with them both and see how things were going.  And thank her for making him see things more clearly. "Meggie, Maximus, Ben, and Liana, please excuse me one moment.  I need to say hello to someone," Jeffrey said quickly and turned heading towards Ivy.

"Okay, darling.  I want to talk a bit longer about horses. But I'll be over soon to chat with Ivy and to meet her husband."

Max pulled up alongside the other parked cars and turned off the engine. He jumped out and rushed round to open the passenger door for Ceri, then they both went to the rear door to help Ed and Bron. Truth be told, it was only Ed who needed help. They'd only returned from their trip to Sydney earlier in the day, not wanting to spend their first New Year's Eve in Australia away from their home at the Glen, and Ed was feeling the strain. He smiled as Max helped him out of the back of the car and took the cane that Bron handed to him.

"You sure you're up for this, darling?" she asked, a worried look on her face.

"Just try stop me, honey. Joimus and Bridgid are your cousins. What better way to spend the last day of the year than with family, no matter how distant." He limped up to the door and kissed Bridgid on the cheek.

"Well hello, you!" Bridgid turned the other cheek for him to kiss too. "I finally get to see all of you. We've been here for how long and none of you have stopped by to see me and Jack."

A booming voice from behind made her giggle.

"So there is the remainder of the family. It is about time the four of you have arrived. Who besides my lovely Siren would I rather kiss at the stroke of midnight besides the beautiful matching cousins?" He managed to gather both Ceri and Bron up in his arms to kiss. "Welcome." 

Ceri and Bron blushed and giggled in unison as they both got the patent Jack welcome bear hug. When he released them and they got their breath back, they kissed his cheeks in tandem.

Max and Ed stood and watched, delighted smiles on both their faces. Then they turned to Bridgid and swept her up in their arms, planting noisy kisses on her cheeks to rival those of Jack...

"Ahhhh, I got the best end of that deal!" Bridgid announced as the guys let her free.  "Let's go have a drink together. Jack and I have a good head start on you.....'hic'...damn excuse me."

She was one sheet to the wind and working on the second. Jack was right there with her and the two of them were as jolly as sailors on leave. How befitting.

Taking the girls hands , one in each of hers, she led them to the bar. "What'll it be, maties. Rum and Coke maybe?" 

"That sounds like a plan, B," Bron laughed. "I'll take Ed's ration too as he's still on his meds. I'll have a VB if you have them on ice."

"Hey, it's New year's Eve, I'm going to go all sophisticated," Ceri cut in. "I'll have a Moscow Mule."

"Guess that means I'm on the OJ again," Ed mused.

"I'll join you, Ed. I need to stay sober enough to drive our ladies safely home," Max replied putting his arm round Ed's shoulder and steering him to the bar.

Jack and Bridgid were shoulder to shoulder at the bar as they asked Steve for the drinks. They made sure their glasses were full too. He playfully shoved against her and she returned the favor.

"You are still my, Siren." he said with a bit of a question in his voice.

"Always," she replied then she gave him a great big kiss on the mouth."

"Bridgid, we are in the view of many."

"Yeah and a few more glasses of Port and you won't care too much now will you. I know you Jack Aubrey."

Bridgid wrinkled her nose up at him and added ..."And I love you to bits." she giggled , hiccupped again and turned to hand a couple drinks to Bron and Ceri. "Here you go, mates. Doubles. You got a late start." 

Bud  holds the door open for Marie and gives her a hand out. He groans  when  he surveys the festivities.

"Look at all these fuc....,"  Marie slipped  her fingers teasingly over his lips to drown  out the expletive.

"Bud,  isn't it wonderful how many people  are here? We'll get to meet all our neighbors."

"I  prefer meeting them one on one, Hon."

"I know, Bud,  but  it isn't as if you're going to have everyone approach you all  at once.  This will be fun." She grinned at him and slipped  her fingers into his  larger hand. Bud had preferred not to come.  He wanted to ring in the New Year  alone with her. Marie understood  how he felt, but also felt they needed to  get out more. They'd  been busy working on moving into their house at the  Glen and Bud  could use the contacts for work.

"Just turn on that  famous  White charm, Bud."

"What fucking charm?" Bud  grumped.

"That'd  be what I was talking about." She started to laugh out  loud and  Bud gave her a small grin. "I know you have plenty of charm when you want it, Honey." She squeezed his arm.

Bud's grin  widened. Marie  was looking very pretty tonight. She reminded  him of when they first started  dating and he was gobsmacked.  Hell, he still was. "Just save me a dance and  a kiss for midnight."

"Hmm,  a dance for sure. And these lips are  yours all night, Bud." She  tiptoed up and kissed his cheek with a wink and a  flirtatious grin.

Bud let out a low whistle only Marie could here  as  he linked her arm around his and escorted her toward the  party.

Jeffrey quickly walked up behind Jim and Ivy, before announcing his presence.

"Ivy!  It's good to see you.  And this must be the very lucky Mr. Braddock.  It's a pleasure to meet you finally," he said offering his hand to him.  "You have a very loving and compassionate wife.  One who cares deeply for others."  Jeffrey concluded, slowing casting a sideways glance at Sid. 

Sid watched Jeffrey, aware of who he was, what he'd done. He reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small package, holding it out to the grey-haired man. "Cigarette?" he asked, his eyes unblinking.

Looking Sid straight in the eyes, Jeffrey shook his head.  "No. But you might want to check with Joimus and B first, seeing this is a lovely home.  I'd so hate for you to get thrown out for smoking a cause a scene."  Jeffrey's blue eyes starred back at Sid's, carefully analyzing the man.  He knew his kind...hell, he'd worked beside them.  Caring for nothing but their own personal agenda.  And this one definitely had something he was hiding.

"Oh, I don't smoke myself," Sid replied smoothly. "Fouls up the ol'...mechanism." He touched his chest. "Just wanted to offer one to be all friendly-like." He smiled. "No harm intended."

Good, good for you then," Jeffrey remarked.  "I should introduce myself.  My name is Jeffrey.  Jeffrey Wigand." 

He suddenly felt a hand on his back and turned to see Meggie standing there.  She noticed the tense look on his face and body behavior directed toward the tall man in the fine silk suit.  "Oh, excuse my interruption," she replied quietly.

Sid looked at the slender young woman with great interest. She was a tiny thing, very feminine, and despite that, he knew she had come to rescue Jeffrey from him. "Cavalry?" he asked, meaning her protective arrival.

 

Jeffrey noticed the way Sid stared at Meggie, sizing her up.  Wrapping his left arm tightly around her waist, Jeffrey pulled her closer to his side.  "Meggie, it's fine.  I'm just having a nice little chat here with Sid."

Meggie looked at Jeffrey's face, then at Sid's, realizing some degree of animosity being exchanged between the two men.   "It's nice to meet you, Sid," she said, offering her hand. 

Ivy was quiet throughout the exchange between Sid and Jeffrey, she wondered why Sid did such things. Then she remembered something he said when she first met him about not blending in with the others. She surmised it had to be his artistic nature. "Meggie. Jeffrey have you seen Sid's house? It is quite an architectural wonder. "

"Why thank you, Ivy," Sid beamed, pleased yet again with Ivy. "It's my own design."

 

“I've never seen anything quite like it. I am sure the light must be amazing....sunrises and sunsets...the stars at night. Sid you must be very proud." Ivy reached out and squeezed Sid's hand.

"No, we haven't," Meggie responded.  Jeffrey coughed, trying to camouflage the words he muttered under his breath.  "What does it look like?" 

"Have you ever seen the illuminated pyramid at the Louvre? In many ways it reminds me of that but it's spherical....you have to see it to appreciate it." she smiled warmly at Sid.

Sid was enjoying the discussion about his house. "Yes," he added, "the lighting is unbelievable. And at night part of the dome slides open. I have a platform with reclining furniture so I can easily see the constellations. I'm still getting used to the southern ones. You might like to come over some time and try it yourself."

 

Ivy turned to look at Jim "could we?" Jim could see the genuine interest in her face and he hated the idea of disappointing her. He had seen the house during his walks and didn't see what had obviously captured Ivy's imagination but he could see no harm in her request. "If that is what you want and Sid agrees." Jim looked at Sid. He wasn't at all sure he liked him but it was obvious Ivy did. She was always fiercely loyal to her friends and he knew this would be no exception. Ivy turned back to Sid expectantly. "Sid we would very much like to see the constellations at your home sometime."

"Good," Sid smiled. "Let me check the forecasts for the coming week and I'll let you know what sounds like the clearest night for viewing. You'll be my first guests."

 

Ivy was happy. She had her husband back by her side and she had a friend in Sid. "Sid, I'm looking forward to it ever so much."

Meggie smiled, enjoying the happiness on Ivy's face compared to the last time she saw her.  Jim was indeed very special and the love he and Ivy shared was strong.  She wanted that with Jeffrey, too.

"Sid, I would like very much to see this  home of yours as well, and the constellations.  Please, when convenient." Jeffrey frowned at Meggie's request and began to turn to Jim and Ivy.

"That would be my pleasure, Meggie," Sid said. "Perhaps the four of you could come together? The viewing platform has plenty of room."

 

"Yes, that sounds great.  Please let us know when it's convenient for you.  Oh wait," Meggie paused, reaching into her small handbag.  Taking out a piece of paper and pen, she scribbled her name and phone number, adding her address below.  "Here you go."

Jeffrey began to grow more irritated.  What did these charming women see in Sid?  "Yes, lets make it a date then, Sid.  Just the four of us and you," he responded, holding back the growing aggravation he felt.  He wasn't going to let Meggie go anywhere near Sid without him being there.  While Meggie was shy and nervous, Jeffrey knew she was eager to help others and make them feel better first.

 "Ivy perhaps we should visit with some of  the others and not monopolize anymore of Sid's time." Jim whispered. "Meggie, you should try the Irish Lace cookies. They are here courteously of Mrs. Braddock,” suggested Ivy.  Seeing the confusion on Meggie and Jeffrey's faces Jim laughed. "She is talking about my mother. She sent the cookies and Ivy doesn't want the temptation hanging around so she brought them here."

Kate  watched as Colin and Maximus walked off to the bar then let out  a big sigh.  She looked around the room, hoping to see someone  she might recognize - which  was quite doubtful, since she hadn't  really met many of the other residents yet.  Finally, she spotted  a friendly face in the crowd that she knew and a smile  spread  across her face as she made her way up to Meggie and Jeffrey who  were  chatting away with that strange man she and Colin had seen  in the tavern a few  days earlier. "Mr. Armani" she giggled to  herself, as she thought about what  Colin had called the man. She  quietly approached the group, then tapped Meggie  on the shoulder.

Meggie could tell Jeffrey was definitely not enjoying  Sid's presence.  Not wanting to cause a scene, she turned to  Ivy and Jim.  "Those cookies sound delicious, thank you.  And  your mother for making them,  too, Jim.  Look, here's Kate!" Meggie extended  her arms out to Kate while Sid and  Jeffrey continued to stare  at each other and discuss the  constellations.

 "How  about we all see what kind of goodies are left?" Jim said as he  tapped  Jeffery on the shoulder.

"Hmm...that sounds good," Jeffrey said, turning away  from Sid.  "Sid, I look forward to seeing you around."

As the group turned to go Ivy turned towards Sid.  "Happy New Year Sid" she said before kissing his cheek. Stepping back she reached up and rubbed away the lipstick her kiss had left behind, then turned to follow her  husband.

"Hi  Meggie, Jeffrey," Kate said, smiling at them both. "I'm so glad  to see you  both. I was worried I wouldn't know anyone here." She  glanced around at the  others, smiling shyly at them.

"Kate, it's good to see you!  This is Jim and Ivy  Braddock," Meggie said, gesturing to her friends standing next  to  her.

"So  nice to meet you. I'm Kate Morrison. My boyfriend, Colin, owns the  new  garage in town."

"Excellent service, too!" Meggie added. "My old Jeep  broke down the other day and Colin and Kate here came to the  rescue."

"We've  got a rental...just here to finish out our honeymoon. Then were  heading back to Jersey." Jim stated as he scanned the buffet table....then  pointing towards the far side." I see them. be right back Ivy."

Ivy  looked at Meggie and Kate. "I keep hoping he will change his mind  and  decide to stay, but I have no idea how to bring up the subject."

"Oh Ivy, sweetie.  Tell him how you feel.  You showed  Jeffrey and me how important communication is in a relationship.   Jim loves you,  Ivy, and will do whatever makes you both happy."   Meggie replied, touching Ivy's  shoulder gently.

"Oh,  I do hope you get to stay, Ivy," Kate told her. "Colin and I have  only been  here a short time ourselves, but already we have grown  to love The Glen. I can't  imagine ever having to leave it."

Jeffrey had followed  Jim around to other side of the  buffet table, taking some cookies  and bit of other snacks.  He then headed  towards the bar.  "Jeffrey...no,"  Meggie softly whispered under her breath. 

"Kate, Colin  will have some company with Jeffrey.  And  look!  I think that's  Bud White up there, too, with them."

Returning her full attention back to Ivy, Meggie wished  she could help her friend in front of her.  "Ivy, Jeffrey is  staying here until,  well...we've talked a bit more.   But I  could see if he'd talk with Jim about  the idea."

Jim returned  to the  group from his cookie expedition. "There aren't many left  but I got one for  everyone" he proceeded to hand out cookies  to each member of the group, before  munching on his own. Ivy smiled  at him "Jimmy your such a little boy sometimes."  Then turning  back to Kate and Meggie "give the man a cookie and you find the  child inside."

 Kate  giggled. "So true. Sometimes I wonder if they ever truly do grow  up."

"Thank you, Jim."  Meggie took a bite of the cookie,  enjoying the sweet taste.  "These are delicious.  Ivy, you've  got yourself a real  keeper here."

Ivy  looked up at Jim " I wouldn't want him any other way." Jim smiled.  "Looks like Jeffrey is tying on one there Meggie. Are you the  designated driver  tonight?"

Meggie shook her head, her frown continuing to darken  her face.  "I guess I am now.  Jeffrey..." she said, crossing  her arms over her  chest. 

Kate grinned.  "Welcome to the club, Meggie. By the looks of it, seems I might  very well be in the same situation with Colin."

She sighed.  "He promised not to, not anymore.   Not  like before."  Meggie excused herself and headed towards  the patio door to get  some fresh air.

Marie  ran into a cousin of hers on the way in. Bud headed toward the bar  to  get them something to drink. There was no hurry. Marie'd be in conversation  for some time. Bud could use with a cold brew.

He  walked up to the bar  and saw a guy sitting there. He promised Marie he'd be social. He stuck out  his hand.

"White,  Bud White. Hi."

Jeffrey  looked up from his glass.  Smiling, he extended  his hand.  "Jeffrey,  Jeffrey Wigand.  This is Colin O'Brien.  Good to meet you  Bud."

Colin had seen the big man approaching from across the room. "Damn," he

thought to himself.

"Another cop. Is this town full of 'em or what?" He sighed, remembered his promise to Kate that he would try his best to have a good time. He glanced over to where

she was standing and chatting it up with a group of people, then back to the man standing that was now standing in front of him with his hand extended. Colin firmly gripped it, shook, then replied," Nice to meet you, Bud. I'm Colin. Colin O'Brien."

Nice  to meet you, Jeffrey" Bud shook his hand.

Just  then, Jeffrey caught sight of Meggie out of the  corner of his  eye quickly heading to the patio door.  "Excuse me, Colin, Bud."  Setting his glass down, Jeffrey quickly  followed Meggie.

"And nice to meet  you,  Colin." Bud firmly shook his hand as he eyed the two  men to figure out their  mettle.

"I'm looking to drink a  good beer. Could you recommend one,  Colin?"

Colin  nodded, held up his bottle of beer, indicating the VB emblem on  the side  of it. "Buy you one, Mate?"

Bud  was getting used to the lingo. These Aussies called everybody  'Mate.' He  nodded.

"Sounds good, Colin. Thanks." Bud opened  the bottle and took a swig. "Not too bad. Good even."

Ivy looked at  Jim with a silent question in her eyes. "I had one  beer with Steve when we first got here. I haven't had anything  except punch since and the General assured me it wasn't spiked." Leaning  close to her so only she could hear he whispered, "besides seeing  you in that dress is intoxicating enough. Always did like you  in green." Ivy blushed a deep red.

Kate  smiled at the couple, a bit embarrassed that she might be a third  wheel at  the moment, then glanced over at the strange man dressed  in Armani that had  remained quietly observing them all since her  arrival. She smiled shyly at him,  thinking how strange it was  that he should remove himself from the group without  an introduction.

Sid  noticed the attractive woman. She seemed unaccompanied at the moment  and was  obviously sizing him up. He took a couple of steps in  her direction, smiling  appealingly. He knew how to do that  when it suited his purposes. "It is getting  close to midnight,"  he said. "Lips like yours need accompaniment at such an  hour."

Kate  grinned nervously, startled by the strange man's sudden comment.  "Umm," she  hesitated, completely thrown off guard, then giggled  and extended her hand to  him. "Hi, I don't believe we've met.  I'm Kate Morrison. My boyfriend, Colin,  owns the garage in town."  She motioned towards Colin, who was currently seated  at the bar, chatting with Bud.

"I've  heard of him. The garageman, yes." His eyes roamed freely over her  person,  taking in every detail of her attire and everything under  it that made it  curve where it curved. "Kate are you? For Katherine,  is that?"

"Um...yes.  Yes it is," she replied, flattered, yet at the same time a bit  nervous  at the way he was eying her. "And you are?"

"Sid,"  he smiled, "from Los Angeles. Would it be all right if I called  you  Katherine, then? I like the flow over my tongue of its full  syllables."

Kate  smiled. "Actually, my mom is the only one that ever called me Katherine.  And even then, it was usually only when I was in trouble. But  yes, you may call  me by that name if you like." She paused a moment,  then continued, "Sid. That  wouldn't be short for Sidney, would  it? We just moved from there."

"Sadistic,  Intelligent, Deadly," he smiled, then laughed. "I jest. Actually,  no,  it's not short for anything, especially not Sydney."

"Are  you new here like a lot of the  others or have you lived her a while?" Colin nodded, took another sip of beer, then replied, "Just moved here with my girlfriend, Kate, from Sydney." He motioned over to where Kate was chatting across

the room. "Just opened up a  garage here in town. How 'bout you? By your accent, I'm guessing you must be an American." he chuckled.

Bud  nodded. He could tell Colin wasn't a big talker like himself.

They'd  flown into Sydney from LA. "I bought a second hand truck. It's  good to know  a mechanic who has a garage."

Bud tipped  his bottle and took another  swig. He glanced at the girl Colin  indicated. He sometimes had a hard time  believing he and Marie were married. He'd never thought he'd marry again. He  glanced  to make sure Marie was in eye range. He was letting her alone,  but  he wasn't ready to have her out of his eye sight yet.  You never knew what the fuck could happen at a party.

"My  wife, Marie and I just  moved here from LA. We're both from Los Angeles. I was a former detective.  Police." Bud didn't mention that he'd had a security firm before he left. He  still wasn't  sure what he was going to do here full time.

"We're  living  in the Glen now."

Colin grinned, nodded. "Ah,  forgive me, but I kinda reckoned  you for a cop when I first saw you." Colin  noticed a change  in Bud's expression, then quickly added, "No offense."

"None  taken." That happened to Bud all the time. People always thought  he  was a cop. Nothing wrong with that.

He looked down when  he took the last  swig of the beer. It went down easily. He  could go for one more before he  took something back for Marie  and Cindy. They seemed to be getting along  well. He saw a smile  on Marie's face. That's all he needed to  know.

"Want another,  Colin? My buy this time."

Sure.  Thanks, Mate," replied Colin. He found that he liked Bud, even if  he was  another fucking cop. Colin glanced over to where Kate was  now chatting with  that strange man in Armani. He frowned. "Tell  me, Bud...you know anything  about that bloke?" he asked, motioning  towards the man chatting with  Kate.

Kate  giggled. She liked his sense of humor. "Ah, well Sid it is, then."  she  glanced over at Colin, still chatting it up at the bar with  Bud, then turned her  attention back to Sid. "So, Sid, forgive  me, but I happened to notice you and a  young lady in the tavern  the other night. Is she your girlfriend?"

"Colleen?  No, that was actually an interview. She...stays...with someone  else. I am quite...unattached. 

"Ah...well,  I'm sure it won't take long for a nice looking bloke like yourself  to find a girlfriend." She smiled at him, a list of all of her  single friends  back home running through her mind - thinking of  which one she might set up on a  date with Sid. "So, if it's not  love then, what does bring you to the Glen,  Sid?"

"Curiosity,"  he said enigmatically.

Really?  So, how do you like it here so far?"

They'd  cracked open the second bottles and Bud took a swig as he followed  Colin's gaze. His eyes narrowed as he watched the man for a minute.

"I  don't know anything about him, Colin. He sure looks slick. Arrogant."  He observed the way the guy looked at Colin's girlfriend.  "And  he looks at your girl like she's his prey." Bud's shrewd cop  trained  eye kept up his surveillance.

"He looks like a  real shitbird to me. He  bears watching, Colin. I wouldn't  let him out of sight with your girl." He  took another swig of  beer. And he wouldn't let him anywhere near his Marie  or he'd squash him like a bug.

Colin  narrowed his eyes as he studied the way "Mr. Armani" chatted with  Kate. He  took a quick swig of his VB, then stood up. "Excuse me,  Mate. I think I need to  go introduce myself." Not taking his eyes  off of the man standing next to Kate,  he walked off in their direction.

Bud  tipped his bottle toward, Colin. "You got it, Col.., Mate." The slick  shitbird was bad news. It hadn't taken Bud more than  a few minutes to  discern that. He wouldn't forget him. Colin  had done the right  thing.

About that time, Colin  walked up, glaring at Sid, and possessively slid his arm around  Kate's waist.  "Who's your new friend, here, luv?" he asked, still  glaring at Sid - sizing the  man up.

"Oh, Colin," she replied,  giddily. "I'm so glad you're here. I'd  like you to meet Sid. He  just moved here from Los Angeles. Sid, this is my  boyfriend...Colin...that  I was just telling you owns the garage in  town."

Sid  glanced at the traces of grease around Colin's  fingernails. "I  can tell."

"Maybe you could bring your car into his  garage  sometime for a tune-up, Sid," Kate said, cheerfully.

Colin, ignoring what Kate had said, narrowed his  eyes a bit, tilted  his head to the side. "So...Sid, was it?....what  business are you in?" Colin  asked, then thought to himself, "Besides chatting up other blokes'  girlfriends. 

What  Colin was thinking was more clearly evident than what he was saying.  The  corners of Sid's mouth twitched in amusement. "Survival of  the fittest," he  purred.

Colin's jaw clenched and his grip tightened on Kate's  mid-section.  "What's that," he sneered, "some kinda fuckin' game  show?"

"Life is  a game, my good garageman. Don't you know that? It is...all of  it."

Colin was just about to make a comment when Kate  broke in, "So  true, Sid. So very true." she paused a moment, oblivious  to the fact that  Colin's entire body had tensed up and his eyes  were locked on Sid's. "So, Sid,  since Col and I have just recently  moved here, we haven't really gotten to know  many people yet.  I'd love it if you could come around our place for dinner  sometime."

Colin  cleared his throat. "Um....Kate..." he began, but  was quickly  cut off by Kate. No way that man was going to step one foot in his  house, if he could help it.

"Oh Colin," she told him, shushing  him.  "Please, it will be fun. What do you say, Sid?"

Colin  was  almost blowing smoke out his ears. Sid loved it. "Of course,  dear Katherine. I'd  be delighted. Soon, I hope."

"Oh yea!" Kate giggled. "This is going to be  so much fun, isn't  it, Colin?! Our first dinner party!"

Colin  grimaced. To say he was not  pleased was putting it mildly. He  was furious. But, seeing how happy Kate was,  he figured he shouldn't  make a scene. Not now, anyway, with all those fuckin'  cops around.  Later, he'd have a talk with Kate about what he really thought  about  it all, but for now, he'd play along and humor her.

"Yeah,  fun," he  said, finally, rather flatly.

Kate smiled at  Sid. "If you don't have any  plans, how is a week from Friday,  Sid?"

"Friday will be fine,"  he smiled, looked  briefly sideways at Colin, and added, "Katherine." 

"I can hardly wait, Sid," replied Kate, grinning  ear-to-ear at her  new "friend".

Colin clenched his fists,  and managed to spit out, "yeah,  neither can I."

Kate glanced  at her watch. "Oh, it's nearly midnight! We  should get some champagne  for a toast."

Sid would not toast,  since he  didn't ingest liquids. With a last long look at Katherine, he decided  to fall back behind his lines, waiting for another day...perhaps  Friday...to  mount a further assault. He headed for the parking  area, passing by Ivy with her beloved Jim, Colleen mooning her  eyes at the shabby inkblot, and let the door  close soundlessly  behind him. The stars were out in a cloudless sky. Briefly he  searched  out constellations new to him, then got inside his Bugatti.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Ben was someone I needed to meet." He looked at the plate in her hand. "You have not tried the Galapagos?"
"You were busy," she smiled. "And if I'd required immediate prayer, well...."
"Let us venture forth, then, into the unknown together." He scooped up a large piece and set it on her plate then did likewise for himself.

His words, though, struck her in a different way than he meant them, and she felt her throat choke up. This man was making her feel things that she knew
she had no right to feel. When he, with smiling eyes, said, "Ready?" and took a mouthful of the dessert, she simply stood there.

The combination of jello and chocolate surprised his palate but it was not anywhere nearly so hard to manage as the liver and plastic he'd thought he
might be dealing with. It took him a moment to get it down, though, before he could speak. "It's safe, Ahnna. I believe I shall survive it."

It wasn't safe, though. The world had not been a safe place, a comfortable place in which to reside for some time now. Still, with him gazing at her, waiting, she forced a bite between her lips. Her throat was too tight. Instantly she knew she would not be able to swallow it and with a napkin to her mouth, turned and ran for the bathroom.

East Driscoll entered the back door of the Meridius residence hoping to go unnoticed. He was not comfortable around large groups of people for the most part. Not unless it was in a pub setting.

Here were people from the community, the ones he heard singing in that little church on Christmas. What would they think of him? He didn't own anything , wasn't worth much more than the clothes on his back for sure.

Easing past a few people with his head down as not to make eye contact, he found the bar and asked the man there for whisky and a stubbie. He sure was dry. It had been weeks since he had a taste of the amber and he was going to take advantage of it while he could.

He turned his back on the man behind the bar so he wouldn't try to talk to him. East just watched the people mingle. That's all he wanted to do aside from drink.

Joimus spotted East at the bar. He looked like he wanted to be alone, but, still, she thought she should acknowledge his presence so he would know he was
welcome.

"East," she smiled, stopping beside him and lightly, briefly, touching his arm. "I'm so pleased you decided to come up." She had a bowl of pretzels in one hand
and held it out. "Would you like some?"

 

Dipping his hand into the bowl he took a pretzel and smiled shyly at her. "Thanks, Missus. Thanks for having me. There's a lot of people about. Goes to show what a success you and the Boss are. Tucker smells delish too."

He took a bit of the pretzel, catching a piece that broke off in his hand. "Dunno where I'd be if you didn't give me a place. Sleeping in someone else's barn maybe....thanks, luv..I mean Missus." 

Maybe it was because she'd not had children yet and longed for them. She wasn't sure. She certainly wasn't old enough to be East's mother, but she found a definite maternal streak rising in her concerning him. She wanted to be sure he was, well, all right. He didn't look like he'd ever really had anybody watch over his well-being. She also knew she had to be careful about it because he was such an independent fellow. Still. She could tell he was probably just going to remain there at the bar and not go to the table and get anything to eat. "I was going to get Maximus some food. Could I fill a plate for you, too?
Little bit of everything?"

"Id like that." he replied shyly. Maybe he could settle down here. It would do him some good to leave his randy ways behind him. After all he was getting to the age where a bloke should consider settling down.

Though, he may have had some more wild oats to sow yet. There were some pretty sheila's milling around and he sure did notice them.

He stopped Joi as she started to leave to get him some food. "Missus, can I ask you...are there any single sheila's around town? I mean, it would be nice to meet someone , you reckon?"

"We're pretty new ourselves here," she replied, "and new people seem to be moving in all the time. I'm still in the process of meeting most of them myself. But, yes, there are some
single women in town and I'm sure there'll be more."

Bridgid came up behind Joi and goosed her. "Hah, antlers in the trees by who gooshed the moosh." she giggled. Hey, Who's your friend, Joi?" She stuck her hand out to the young man. "Bridgid Morgan and you are?"

"East Driscoll, Miss." He shook her hand and looked kind of sideways at Joi.

"What a strange name. East is it? Happy New Year, East." Bridgid smiled at him before she moved on to mingle some more.

East giggled a little bit before asking Joimus "Is she single?" 

"Well, my cousin's not married, if that's what you mean," Joimus replied, watching her beautiful blonde relative stagger slightly. "But her heart's definitely not single. Just watch."  She smiled as Jack hove into view, looking for Bridgid.

"That bloke looks like he'd break a horse just by sitting on it. Don't reckon I'd want to tangle with him. I'll stay clear of your cousin, Missus." East giggled again surprising himself at the sound of his own voice. It was good to laugh again. He wanted to do it some more.

"Don't let me keep you from your guest, Mum. I'll get me own plate and you take care of the Boss. Reckon I'll find someone to talk too. Maybe." 

Good luck," she whispered fondly, "and get lots to eat, ok. There's a literal ton of food."  She wandered off to pick out some of Maximus' favorite things and put them on a plate for him. He'd been so busy greeting their guests he'd not had a bite of anything yet.

"Come  on, Tori. We're going to be late." Tom walked backwards up the path  to the front door to enable Tori to read his lips.

"Look  out, Tom..." she  warned, a moment too late. Tom barreled into  a body that had already arrived at  the door and was in the process  of knocking. As the door swung open, both bodies  fell forward  and the two men looked up into the bemused gaze of  Maximus.

"Good  evening," Tori giggled from just beyond the doorstep. "I'm  Tori,  and the top half of the tangle at your feet is my fiance, Tom Young.  I'm  afraid I don't know who the other half is."

"G'Day,"  came a squeak from  under Tom. "I'm Jeff, the new resident plumber.  Pleased to meet you Tori, Tom."  Raising his hand up towards Maximus,  Jeff grinned. "Give us a hand up can ya,  General?"

"Hello,  Jeff," Maximus smiled, amused at the manner of the young people's  arrival. He knew who Jeff was as they'd been having private discussions  about  an upcoming project. Extending his hand, he pulled Jeff  to his feet then  together they helped Tom up. "Are you quite all  right, both of you?"

"I'm  good, General, ta. How  'bout you, Tom?" Jeff asked, extending  his hand to help Tom to his  feet.

"Sweet, thanks. Just  knocked the wind out of my sails a  bit."

"Don't worry about  Tom," Tori cut in. "He's a paramedic with the  ambo's over at Coff's  so he can sort out any bumps and grazes." Taking Tom's  hand in  hers, she turned to him and smiled, completely ignoring Maximus,  unaware  that he was speaking to her...

Maximus  waited patiently. When finally Tori turned back toward the house,  he  smiled. He liked her open feelings for the young paramedic.  "Come in. I believe  there may be a few unoccupied feet of floor  space left." As he stepped to the  side to let them enter, it was  evident he was correct. Though the house had  large rooms and was,  in fact, more of a manor house than a cottage, quite a  large mass  of humanity was filling it up.

"What  a beautiful home you  have, General. I don't think I've ever seen  anything quite like it in this part  of the world before," Tom  said, looking around the large room Maximus had  stepped back to  reveal.

Tori felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see  the smiling face of Ceri. "Tori, I'm so glad you could make it.  I was worried  that you would rather spend tonight in Coff's watching  the organised  display."

"I thought this would be a good  time to bring Tom along to meet  you. I want him to see what a  friendly place this is," she turned to find Tom,  who was walking  back from the bar with a drink for her. Taking it, she turned  back  to Ceri. "Tom, this is the friend I told you about. Ceri, meet Tom,  my  fiancé."

"Pleased to meet you, Tom. Thanks for bringing  Tori along. Can I  introduce you to some of the people here?"

"Grabbing  Bridgid as she  passed on her way to yet another drink, she raised  her voice against the growing  noise in the room. "B, this is Tori  and her fella, Tom. I told you about them,  remember?"

Bridgid  grinned and said "Hello, its great to meet you!" Now she was two  sheets to the wind thanks to the good Captain Aubrey who made  sure her glass was  always full. Dang him! He didn't need to do  that to get her into the sack but it  had been a long time since  either of them had tied one on so what the heck.

"Happy  New Year...hic...hic.."  She giggled and slapped her hand  over  her mouth. "Showwy. I haven't had a dwink in so long its  gone right to my head.  Have you met Jack?" Reaching with one arm  she pulled the Captain toward her and  they both lost their balance.  "Sheesh, Heesh not got hish sea legs yet." 

"B, could you take your hand away from  your  mouth?" Ceri asked. "Tori can't 'hear' you...she needs to  see your lips...she's  deaf."

"Deaf?  Oh my gosh. I'm sorry, Tori." Bridgid did her best to enunciate  but she really was on her way to being three sheets to the  wind. "Itsh would be rude of me to hiccup without covering  my mouth so I can assshure you that  I'm not trying to be rude.  I'm just cheerful ..and full of cheer at the  moment."

Claming  her hands behind her back she announced. "Happy New  Year to you

Tori, Tom....hic."

"Don't worry, Bridgid. One advantage is that I can 'hear' what you say  even at a noisy party. Happy New Year to you and Jack as well.  Everyone seems so  kind here," Tori replied, tentatively kissing Bridgid on the  cheek.

Ashley  looked gorgeous. Decked out in a party dress and her usual high  heels  that he couldn't figure how she could walk in. Her hair was down long and  wavy. He couldn't keep his fingers out of  her red locks. Only problem was  the pale skin she was trying  to hide.

He hadn't wanted to come. Lachlan  enjoyed a party  as much as the next bloke, but Ashley had been really sick  today.  He didn't know such a little sheila could chunder so  much.

But,  Ashley had insisted on coming to the party...if he saw one unsteady  step or run to the bathroom, he was taking her home even if he  had to carry her out of here.

Ashley looked up at her husband.  She  admired how handsome he looked. Their first New Year's  Eve together in  Australia. Lachlan was so happy. She didn't  want to ruin their night out.  She'd felt awful today. Morning  sickness that had run all day today. It had left her feeling  a bit shaky and weak.

So they came a bit late and  wouldn't  stay much past midnight. What Ashley hadn't told Lach was she  felt  a bit cut off from everyone. Between moving into their  new house and the  sickness she'd been feeling with her new  pregnancy, she hadn't gotten out  much or talked to many people.  She was an extremely social person. She was  feeling a bit  lonely for some girl conversation and wanted to meet their new neighbors.  They walked to join the crowd of revelers.

Bud got drinks for the ladies.  The little fellow was off playing.  He balanced two drinks  and his partial bottle of beer and made his way back toward  the ladies. He'd spent enough time away from Marie for one  night.  Especially when there was a predator in their midst.

Cindy had met a few  of the residents and had  gone off to wrangle the boy. As she was  coming back to the body of the party she  saw the new arrivals  and recognized the gentleman. He had come into the store  the  other day for a screwdriver. 

Walking over she smiled and put  out her hand to  the couple as Jake stuffed a peanut butter cookie in his mouth.  "Hi, I'm Cindy. It's nice to actually meet you folks. I've seen  you in  Barrett's. This cookie monster is my son Jake."

Marie  smiled and put her hand out to shake Cindy's.

"Hi, Cindy. Hi,  Jake.  I'm Marie White and this is my husband, Bud White. We  remember seeing you in  Barrett's. It's nice to see you again."

Bud  greeted the woman, Cindy  and her son. For a moment he had a twinge  of regret. Their daughter could  have grown to play with this boy.  It was not a good way to think. He  wondered if he and Marie would  ever have kids. The doctor had told her she  would be able to have  a baby. He wasn't sure he ever wanted her to try. They  hadn't talked about it yet. Neither of them were ready to talk about  it.

Bud excused himself to go get drinks so the woman could  chat.

Marie addressed Cindy and Jake. "This seems like  a fun party. Are you both having a good time so far?" She  grinned at Jake who was happily  munching on a cookie.

Jake  smiled trying not to open his mouth. "Mmmm hmmm" After a swallow  and a  sip of punch he gave the pretty lady a big smile. "Yeah lots of fun and I  made a new friend!" Cindy laughed softly  Jake loved everyone. "Yes, it is a  fun party. Everyone has  been so nice and welcoming. I've been working at  Barrett's  since I got into town a week ago. Have you lived in The Glen  long?

"Marie smiled at the adorable boy. "You made a new friend?  That's  wonderful, Jake. I hope to make lots of new friends  here. Maybe we can be  friends too." "Everybody has been so  nice to us too, Cindy. We just moved here also. We're settling  into a new house in the Glen and there is so  much to do that  I've barely surfaced since we got here. That was the first  time  we'd been in Barrett's. Bud is putting up some shelves. I haven't  started working yet. I'm a nurse and will be working at the  clinic. Are you  living near here?"

 Jake nodded  and gave her a big hug. "Now I  have two new friends!" He spotted  Brooke and waved before taking off to play  with the balloons  again.

 Cindy laughed. "Sorry about that  he's  had way way too much sugar. You're a nurse, that's wonderful.  I had  thought about going into nursing before... well before  Jake arrived. We just  moved into a small apartment above Barrett's.  I know what you mean about  trying to get settled in. The place  was a mess, I think I scrubbed my  fingers to the bone. But  it's finally livable. If you need any help with anything  I would be happy to lend a hand."

Marie watched Jake run  off  to play. She felt a tightening in her chest. Would she  and Bud ever have  that joy of a child of their own? Could  she try again? Could Bud? She didn't  know for sure.

"He  seems like a wonderful boy, Cindy. You're raising him  all on your  own? I'm sure that's very hard work." She explained where she and  Bud's new house was.

"Thank you for your offer. We're getting  it  almost livable. Bud has been an incredible help. Luckily  he's capable of  doing things. I'm not the most mechanical  unless there are instructions  attached." She smiled. "Where  I have the most to do is planting. Do  you know anything about the best local hearty plants? There is a woman we  met at the  grocery store who said she will give us some advice on plants  of  the area."

 Cindy smiled softly it had been hard and  lonely. "Thank you,  I've been blessed with Jake. He's got a sweet  loving heart. I has been hard just  the two of us. But being on  my own for so long I've leaned how to be pretty  resourceful when  there's no handy man like your husband around."  She  glanced  over where Bud stood at the bar and grinned a bit sadly. "It's obvious  how much he cares for you. You're lucky to have someone like that."  Shaking her  head a bit she changed the subject. "I don't know much  but how to put something  in the dirt. But I think Joimus, the  woman who owns the house and greenery could  probably tell you  anything you needed to know. I would love to learn more about  gardening.  Maybe one day I'll have a house with one. In the mean time I'll  just  have to help you with yours and be happy with a couple of  window boxes." Cindy  laughed softly.

Marie  hadn't missed Cindy's underlying sadness. It never ceased to amaze  her  how hard life could be sometimes for so many people. Or was  it that way for  almost all people at times in their life? The hard with the easy. The good  with the bad.

"I had a  very good friend in Los Angeles who swore by her  gardening. She  said it was the most relaxing thing she could do and after a couple  of hours digging and planting in the dirt she would get such a sense  of accomplishment when she saw what she had done." She grinned at  Cindy.

"My  New Year's resolution is to take up gardening and to make the ground  around our new house look beautiful and teaming with life. This  from the  woman who had a gardener in Los Angeles." She laughed.

"We'll  have to talk  to Joimus then. I would love if you would join me  on this journey to turn  brown to green and bright colors and flowers  too. Flower boxes are a good  idea too." She felt that she and  Cindy were on their way to  friendship.

"I would love  to, Marie. I know there's a green thumb under  here somewhere."   Unable to keep the smile from her face Cindy nodded. She had  made a friend, for a few she had doubted coming was a good idea.  Now she was  glad Jake had jumped out of the car before she could  change her mind.

A  thought crossed her mind. "I wonder  how Mr. Barrett will react to all the color popping up around  the store. There are some planters along the front windows  that  are empty right now. I'm glad I came today, I almost didn't'. But  I wonder  when I fill those boxes if he will be" She laughed, feeling  relaxed and as if  she were fitting in somewhere at last.

"This  will be so much fun. We'll learn something new while we're making  something beautiful. I'm so glad you came today too, Cindy." Marie  smiled.

"How could Mr. Barrett not like that you are turning  something  dreary and drab into beautiful and colorful. It  will be good for business. He couldn't mind that. We'll have  to find out how much sun the planters  get so we'll get the  right type of plants. What are your favorite colors? We  should  get something you'll really enjoy."

Marie was happy to have  a  project to look forward to. Despite the busy times with  moving, she needed  her mind to be more engaged or occupied.  It wasn't as though she was going  to forget, but keeping busy  with both mind and body was a good thing for her  right now.

Bud  wandered up and gave them each something to drink. Marie  took a sip. It was a champagne fizz. Light with fruit.  Refreshing.

"Thank  you, Bud. That's very good." She could just imagine he  asked for  a girly drink. She kissed his cheek and was rewarded with a smile.  He seemed a bit distracted and sat a bit away from she and Cindy  to give them some privacy. She followed his gaze. It was

boring  into an  impeccably dressed and very handsome man talking to a couple. The man in the  couple had been talking to Bud at the  bar.

She turned back to Cindy and  continued in their conversation.  She thought about the blood on Bud's sleeve  from the wedding  and pushed it out of her mind.

Cindy  thanked Bud before he walked away. They were such a sweet couple,  that's  what love was supposed to look like. "I don't think Mr.  Barrett will mind as  long as it doesn't cut into his budget. I'll  bring up that it might attract  customers. Who knows maybe he'll  toss in a few dollars for the project. I love  blues. But I'm not  choosy with flowers. I Love them all. I wonder if they have  something  like the butterfly plants we do in the States."

She notices  the look of concern that passes over Marie's face for a moment  as she glances at  her husband. "Marie, is there something wrong?"

"No,  it's okay, Cindy. Nothing is wrong. Not that I know about anyway.  Bud  seems distracted since he came back from the bar. He is a  cop through and  through. Something caught his attention. I just hope there is nothing wrong.  He'll tell me later if there  is." She smiled at Cindy. "If it was something  to really worry  about, he'd have told us now. I'm sure it's  fine."

"Blue  is my favorite color too. We will have to cover the areas we inhabit  at home and at work with blue flowers." She grinned and took one  last glance at Bud's retreating figure. He seemed to be going off in the  direction of the Sheriff. If there was a problem,  Bud would talk to him.

"Joimus may have suggestions  for hearty blue flowers for us."

Nodding  with a smile Cindy relaxed even more seeing the sheriff and knowing  Bud  was a cop. "Bud is a police officer then, both of you in fields  of public  service. I admire that a great deal."

"Blue flowers  would be beautiful  along the front of Barrett's with the red exterior.  This is going to be a lot of  fun to experiment with. Besides gives  me a chance to play in the mud and get  dirty too." Cindy smiled  and laughed.

"Did  I hear someone mention my name florifically? " Joimus grinned,  stopping  briefly by on her way to join Maximus before midnight.  She squatted in front  of Marie, taking both her hands in her own.  "Marie! I haven't had a chance  to come up and speak with you  yet!"  The cousins had only seen each other  once before, when  Joimus was 14 and Marie

still a pre-teen. "It is SO good to  see  you again!!!"

Marie  gave Joimus a hug. "It's been so long. We were both just babies.  Thank  you for having this party. My husband, Bud, is making his  way around here  somewhere. You have to meet him."

You  did hear your name mentioned,  Joimus. We have heard that you are the expert in all things floral and we  both have a mission  to cover our world with hearty blue flowers. And we have  limited  knowledge of  the world of flowers and plants. We have businesses  and  homes to decorate with organic wonders in blue." Marie  grinned.

"Have  you met Cindy yet? She is working at Barrett's  and living in the apartment  above the store. We have become  new friends tonight."

Joimus  gave Cindy a welcoming hug. "Friends with Marie? You couldn't do  better,  Cindy. I'm so glad to meet you. And since you're interested  in flowers, I bet  we'll see a lot of each other. Blue is one of  my favorite colors for  a flower,  too. I'm especially partial  to blue delphiniums. There seems to be a little  micro-climate  in this big valley that keeps the temperatures fairly mild and  with a perfect amount of rainfall. I've been surprised to find how  many of my  favorite English cottage garden flowers grow quite  well. When it's daylight,  you'll have to come back and see  my own garden here then you'll know what I  mean."

Cindy  smiles and hugs her back. "It's wonderful to meet you Joimus. Delphiniums  are beautiful flowers. You'll have to start me off like a kid  in school. I know  nothing." She gives her a small laugh. "I would  love to come see your gardens.  You don't mind active children  do you? That little rat is mine, Jake. He's a  good kid really,  just on a sugar high right now."

It  was still half an hour till the New Year. Joimus slipped quietly  upstairs and  turned down the covers in the guest room. She'd bide  her time, but it was  looking more and more to her as though  a couple of sailors might have to  berth under the Meridius roof   and she wanted to make that as smooth as  possible. Coming back  down, she stood on the bottom step, looking for her  blonde cousin  and the Captain. Where had they got themselves to? She'd only been  gone a few moments. Then she caught sight of a half-loosened  blond pony tail  disappearing out the patio door. Let them enjoy  themselves. Midnight would  come soon enough. 

From  her perch on the step, she also checked for  Ahnna. It had been  a while since she'd seen her dark head anywhere about. And  Alistair,  too. Hmmm? Well, if they were together, she knew Ahnna would  be  fine. Cort walked past, carrying a full plate to his lady,  and she greeted him,  then noticed East standing with his back  against the kitchen island,  surveying the passing females. She  smiled, hoping he'd find someone who appealed  to him. There was  something glowingly handsome about the young man and she  was  sure it wouldn't go unnoticed for long.

Then her eyes lit  up.  Maximus had stopped in the midst of the crowd about ten feet  away and was simply  looking at her. She drew in a deep breath.  To be looked at by him was  unceasingly special. Her lips curved  in a smile and she lowered her lids  slightly. 'Later', she sent  wordlessly to him. He smiled back and nodded  almost imperceptibly.  After midnight, when everyone had returned home...well,  almost  everyone...she would begin the new year lying in his arms.

Meanwhile  out on the patio:  Sure  they were a little tipsy. So what. It was a holiday, no one had  to  drive and they did that on occasion.

Jack  had shuttled B out onto the patio where he could have her alone  for a  few moments.

"Siren. Here we  are together. We have spent yet another year together and I  am  pleased to see us into the next year as we have been in the past"

"Jack." she cooed as she snuggled into  his embrace. "I wouldn't have it any  other way. I'm more happy  with you now than ever. I love you so much, Sailor."

"I  love you, Siren." he admitted, holding her close. "I reckon though,  we  should go back to the soiree. We will be missed."

"Stay  here with me just a few more moments. I know you and you'll be  kissing  all the pretty girls at midnight...I know you'll be coming home  to me  though."

"Haha." he laughed  "Trust me. I would want to be with no other."

"I  do trust you. With my life, and I'm not just saying that because  I've  been drinking."

"I should hope  not, Siren, as we have both drunk our share this eve."

"Shit  happens. At least we're both happy drunks." she giggled. "Now kiss  me, then we can go back and be fools."

"I feel  funny showing up in my uniform, John."

"So  it's John now is it. What happened to Sheriff or Boss or ..."

"We're  off duty." Siobhan replied "..and in uniform."

"It's  2330hrs ....Siobhan. If we went home to change we'd miss the turn  of  the new year. You don't want that to happen, do you?"

"No,  I guess not but if this is a sign that I'm gong to be spending the  rest of the new year with you, in uniform, God help me."

"I'm  hurt." he gave her a withering look but he knew she was teasing.  So  far they'd been getting along better than he expected.

When  he knocked on the door at the Meridius house, it just opened. Someone  had forgotten to close it.

"i guess  we should just walk in." He said with a shrug. "Take your badge  off before you have a drink, Siobhan. "John added as he unpinned  his and slipped  it into his pocket. 

Among one of several skills that Ben Wade prided himself  on  was his ability to spot a cop anywhere.  And the two who'd  walked in the door  didn't even make it difficult.  They'd worn  their uniforms to the New Year's Eve  party.

Sipping his  whiskey at the bar, as Liana talked to one of the  other women,  he watched casually as the sheriff and his pretty female deputy  checked out the crowd.  Ben had heard around town that the sheriff  had been  asking questions about who had made the $20,000 donation  to the Glen Park Fund. 

Another thing Ben prided himself  on was his ability to remain cool and  calm around the law.  A  conversation with the sheriff could prove  interesting.

Biebe made eye contact with  Ben Wade and he held his ground. What he'd  planned to do right  then and there may take the outlaw off guard but so be it.

He  walked toward him, never breaking his gaze. When he was standing  right  in front of him he frowned slightly. Then, without cue he  softened his  expression and stuck his hand out to Ben Wade.

"It's  a holiday and I don't wish to cause any strife at the home of our  host. Wade, you're a worthy opponent and if I have to say anything  good to you  its ..thanks for making my job interesting. Don't  figure the good tidings will  go beyond this night, my friend.  Tomorrow I'll be on your tail again like white  on rice. For tonight,  Happy New Year, Ben Wade." he winked. "Can I kiss your  wife at  midnight?" John winked. 

This sheriff was good.  Knew the ropes about trying  to catch  a man off his guard, Ben thought to himself.  He'd found  that most small-town  lawmen tended to be better at that than the  big-city cops.  But his changes in  expression didn't fool Ben  for a moment.

"Glad to be of service."  Ben  nodded at  John Biebe.  "If there's anythin' a man's job should be, it's  interestin'. 

His  own eyes held the sheriff's without once moving,  as he took the  hand the man had proffered.  "Guess I should enjoy the good  tidin's  while I can then."

"Happy New Year to you too.  As for kissin'  my  wife, I believe I'll reserve that pleasure for myself."

Ben  eyed Siobhan,  standing slightly to the side, and listening to  the conversation between the two  men.  "Looks like you've got  midnight covered there anyway."  He smirked.  "  'Less you don't  believe in kissin' the help."

He didn't break eye contact  with the sheriff, even when he felt Liana's hand on his arm.   She had seen him  having words with the sheriff.  Had moved to  his side with a protective  air.

"Darlin'," he said to her.   "Let's buy the sheriff and the deputy  here a drink to celebrate  the New Year."

John  chuckled a bit. "I don't figure our hosts are charging us for the  drinks but hey, its the thought that counts"

Siobhan  raised her glass and added "Indeed but thank, Mister Wade. Happy  New Year to you and your lovely wife. I hear there's a wives tale  that says  whoever you spend the New Year's eve holiday with, you'll  spend the entire  following year with. I'm looking forward to seeing  you often. Twenty to life.  We'll have a whole lot of bonding time." 

Ben was about to reply, when he was surprised to hear  Liana's voice answering the pretty cop.  It had a hard edge to  it that he was  amazed to know she possessed.  "My husband is  spending the New Year's eve  holiday with me, Deputy." 

Liana  raised her own glass in a toast to  them, her eyes with a look  in them that Ben had never seen before.  "I guess  you'll have  to stick to bonding with the Sheriff."

Delighted to know  that  his wife had this kind of fight in her, Ben smiled and leaned  down to kiss her.   "Couldn't have said it better myself, darlin',"  he whispered into her  ear.

"Some  of us have taste, others have a death wish." Siobhan replied with  a  grin. John gave her a look and shook his head at her. He didn't  approve of her  starting anything at the Meridius home. It would  be rude by his reckoning.

"Alright,  John. I got you." Siobhan stated. "But...

"No  buts about it.." John raised his hand. "We all have to sleep in  the bed  we make. It's her choice to love someone who is less than  honorable. It's some  kind of psychological thing. Just let it  be."

"For now." she replied. "Anyway,  its almost midnight." 

"This  how your department treats it's citizens, Sheriff?" Ben asked, with  a  dangerous glint in his eye.  "You and your deputy goin' around  throwing out  insults?"

"We fire when  fired upon, Mister Wade. I do believe it was your side that  took  the first shot and we are not without pride. I suggested a truce  for the  night but that did not seem to suit you...and on that  note I think its best that  my deputy and I move on to mingle with  the ...reputable citizens of the Glen.  Happy New Year to you and  your ..lovely wife."

With that John  nudged his head to Siobhan. She smiled and winked at Ben and  Liana  before following the sheriff off to do as he suggested.

Bridgid  had just come in from the patio all flushed from her little  encounter  with Jack. Another drink was in order, as if she needed it. On her  way  to the bar she noticed a woman she'd seen before. Walking  up to her and the  handsome young man on her arm, Bridgid introduced  herself.

"Hello. I think we've met before  and not here. I'm Bridgid Morgan.  Philadelphia. You're from back  east aren't you?" She did her best to keep both  eyes focused as  she asked.

Ashley  smiled warmly at the woman greeting them.

"Yes, we used  to live  back east though I'm originally from Los Angeles and  Lachlan is from  Australia. I went to school back east too.  My name is Ashley and this is my  husband, Lachlan. Our last name  is Curry." She beamed at Lach. The last name  was still new and she loved saying it.

"G'day, Bridgid Morgan."  Lachlan  stuck his hand out to shake hers, but pulled it back when she  seemed  to have a bit of a problem finding his. This sheila  had been in her cups. He  grinned. He could do with a beer  himself.

"Newlyweds  I should thing." Bridgid grinned as she reached for and took  Lachlan's  hand. "Thought you'd get away huh? she chuckled "Your name makes  me  hungry. I have thoughts of a nish..uh nice  lamb curry, and  that's something I  wouldn't say if I was not overly courageous."  she grinned.  "The Captain, who is  the big blonde man standing  right over there... "she pointed to the bar. ".... and  I decided  that we would be uninhibited for a change tonight and I've shertaily  had my fair share. Can I get something for you two? Drink?" she  offered. "And  you'll have to give me your number, Ashleeee, so  we can talk when my east coast  intellect returns." she slurred.

Ashley  paled for just a moment at the mention of food. She swore she wouldn't  get sick again. It was New Year's Eve. She wanted to enjoy some  time out at a party with her husband and neighbors.

Lach  saw the look on  Ashley's face at the mention of lamb curry. She couldn't possibly chunder  again, could she? There couldn't  be anything left. She hadn't eaten. He shouldn't have let  her come. He inwardly rolled his eyes. Stopping Ashley  from  doing something

she wanted to do was not so easy as he'd found  out in  the time they'd been married.

Lachlan grinned  at the tipsy Bridgid.  "We could both use a drink? I'll have  a beer, VB if you've got them. Ashley,  what do you want, love?  Water?"

Ashley looked at him. Water? Was he  serious? She  almost giggled at the earnest look on his face. He was trying  to take care of her. What a sweetheart.

"I'd like a  Coke if you've  got one. I've had a bit of an upset stomach  today and a Coke sounds like  just the thing to settle it." She  laced her fingers in Lach's and gave them  a bit of a squeeze to reassure him she was all right.

“I  think there's plenty of VB and we sure do have lots of bottled water."  She could see the look on Ashley's face and wasn't sure how to  read it. "Are you  feeling okay? Would you like to sit down, Ashley?"  Actually the thought of lamb  curry wasn't sitting too well with  Bridgid right now and the last thing she  wanted was to have indulged  so much that her fun turned to driving the porcelain  bus. It's  been a long long time since that happened in her life, for the most  part.

"Why  don't both of you ladies sit down and I'll get the drinks. VB for  me,  Coke for you, Ash. What would you like, Bridgid?"

He  indicated two  chairs and was already guiding Ashley there. She insisted on coming to the  party instead of having a lie down.  Maybe he could at least get her to sit  down.

Ashley  was trying to tell, Bridgid that she was fine, but Lachlan  was already guiding her to the chair. Maybe when her flyboy got  them drinks she could tell Bridgid she'd just found out she  was going to have  a baby and that was why she hadn't been  feeling very well. She didn't  suppose there was any reason  not to tell people.

"Sit down and chat,  Bridgid. Lachlan  has found us two comfy chairs." She grinned at Lach.

"I  think I should have a Coke too if you please. I'm well beyond my  limit of  booze....as for the chair, I think that's the second  best suggestion I heard all  night. The first was from the Captain  and well...I won't tell you what was on  his mind." Bridgid blushed.  She eased herself into the chair  "You really do  make a nice  couple, Ashley. How long have you been together?" 

Ashley  was ecstatic. She was going to get a few minutes, if Lachlan moved  slowly for the drinks, of real girl talk. She hadn't had any since  they'd  gotten here to Australia. And as much as she loved Lachlan,  he was a boy.  Enough said when it came to conversation.

"Thank  you, Bridgid. We've only  known each other for six months. I guess  we both moved kind of fast. We fell  in love so quickly and then  we eloped." She lowered her voice  conspiratorially. It was so fun to tell someone.

"And now I'm  pregnant. We just  found out. I'm so excited. I also haven't been feeling  very  well today. Ugh, morning sickness. It's as bad as I heard and  read.  Unfortunately it sometimes lasts more than just the  morning." She lightly  clapped her hands together as

she grinned  at the girl next to her.

"I  am so happy. And in love. And  oh, my God! I'm going to be a mother." She  giggled. "Enough  of my gushing. Tell me about you and Jack. We have to fit  all  this girl talk in before Lach comes back with the Cokes. We  should have  made it something more detailed. Though I don't  think I could keep anything  else down."

Bridgid  sobered a bit. She wasn't sure if she should say anything to Ashley  about her want of children. Perhaps not. "I'm so happy for you. You  don't look  pregnant at all. Man I'd kill to have a figure like  yours."

Glancing back at Jack brought  a warm smile to her face. "I think I'm more  in love with him with  each day that passes. I feel like I've known him my entire  life.  He's not the most conventional man in the world but he is my soul  mate. We  fit together. I can see you've found your soul mate too.  What's it like knowing  you are going to have a little one and  when are you due?" 

"I'm  only five weeks pregnant, so I have almost 8 months to go. So my  figure  will be gone soon enough. I don't think I'll enjoy that part very much, but  it will be worth it to have our baby.  All I care about is a healthy baby  girl or boy. And there's  always a personal trainer after my pregnancy to get  back in  shape?" She giggled. Only partly joking.

"That's wonderful  about you and Jack. And I feel like I've found my soul mate  too. No more  having to kiss any toads while looking for our  prince. Our princes may not  be conventional or perfect, but we know they're really wonderful and we that  they're for us.  And they love us."

Ashley wanted to ask Bridgid if  she  and Jack were married, but she hadn't heard the word husband  used so she  didn't know if they were yet. Surely they would  marry if they were both in  love. But, Ashley was an old fashioned  girl in that sense as had Lachlan  been an old fashioned boy.  Their first night together had been their wedding night.

"So  what do you like to do, Bridgid? What sort of  activities?"

"Oh  gee, I love sailing and riding the most I guess. I mean we do a  lot of  things together but those are my favorites. Jack just bought  a horse for me and  he's a wonderful warmblood gelding that I named  Skipper. For some odd reason  Jack get's upset with me when I go  out to ride alone and I have no idea why.  I've been riding most  of my life. He's the klutz when it comes to equestrian  skills."  Bridgid thought for a moment. Yes yes that's where she's seen Ashley  before. "Hey, you rode in the Devon horse show before didn't you?  I knew you  looked familiar to me. Now that's a big money event  but it sure is fun. What's  your maiden name if I could ask?"

Ashley  barely had a moment to answer 'Weston' to Bridgid and that she had  ridden in the Devon horse show when the announcement came to begin  the  countdown to New Year's as Lachlan arrived back with their drinks. Jack came  and swept his Bridgid off with him.

Meggie  finally reached the patio door and stepped outside into the cool  night air.  Behind her she could hear the laughter and sounds  of the other  guests.  

"Damn it,  Jeffrey,"  she muttered.  She shut her eyes to keep the tears  from coming.  A few more minutes until the new year started  and yet it felt as  if nothing had changed between her and Jeffrey.

"Meggie."

"Leave  me alone.  You're drunk."

"I couldn't  help it.  Listening to that...that...Sid, or whatever his  name is, and the way...."

Turning to  face him, Meggie shook her head.  "I don't want to hear it  anymore.   The excuses for drinking."  She quickly walked past him and returned  to the crowded room. 

"Meggie, wait!"  Jeffrey yelled, turning around and reaching for her  arm.

"I'm  going back inside to enjoy the rest of the party and evening.   Then  I'm going to thank the hosts for their hospitality, say goodbye  to everyone  I met tonight, and then leave."

"You  can't.  You came with me...."

"I'll walk then."   Meggie looked up and saw Kate and Sid still talking.   Ivy and  Jim were holding each other tightly, swaying gently back and forth  to  music. 

Glancing up Ivy saw something  out of the corner of her eye. Tensing she  gripped Jim's arms.  "James" she whispered as she pointed towards the patio.  Jim's  gazed followed to where Ivy was pointing and saw Meggie and Jeffrey  in an  argument. Looking at Ivy she nodded in agreement to the  question in his eyes.  Motioning for her to stay put Jim walked  across to the patio. "Hey anyone need a  ref?"

Jeffrey  looked up, frustration, anger, and sadness all  etched in his facial  expression. 

 "Jim, where's Ivy?  You should be with her right  now.   It's almost midnight," Meggie answered flatly, continuing  to walk towards Jim  and away from Jeffrey.  "I want to say goodbye  to you both before  leaving."

Jim looked at Jeffrey as Meggie passed him and shrugged  his shoulders," these things are won and lost by inches. I'd ask  for a rematch if  I were you." Looking  towards the house he saw that Meggie had found  Ivy. "She's right  it is almost midnight." He nodded towards the house but seeing  that  Jeffrey wanted to sort things out himself he went back in alone.  Joining  the women he hugged Ivy. "Meggie don't count him out just  yet OK?" he stated  simply.

"Why can't he simply just stop drowning his sorrow  and  anger in alcohol?"  Meggie asked, staring at both Ivy and  Jim, hoping for  something that could make sense to her at the  moment.  "He promised he wouldn't  drink like that anymore.   And tonight, just moments after talking with Sid, he  hits the  bottle."

Ivy gave Meggie a hug. "I think maybe there are parts  of Jeffrey that don't understand..." Ivy looked up at Jim  who nodded  encouragement. "Meggie, I think he is trying. It is  just not something overcome  all at once."

"If you want to patch it up with Wigand tonight that  is  fine by me, if you need a ride we can do that too. But seems  to me he needs to  know if he is still in the game. What do you  say Meggie? How bout a punch toast  at midnight and we invite Jeffrey?"  Jim's face was earnest. He knew that Jeffrey  was hurting and despite  the love that women give they didn't always understand  the pressures  and trials that went with being a man. It was worth a shot after  all.

"I don't know.  I guess.  Can you talk to him,  Jim?   Make he understand?"  Meggie asked, pleading with her  eyes and  voice.

Giving Ivy and Meggie a cautious look Jim nodded and  headed back out to the patio. He could see Jeffrey sitting on  the furniture  before he even got outside. "Hey Jeffrey...I got  a lonely girl in there who  would like her date for midnight. Why  don't you come on in and do the toast with  us?"

He nodded, standing up slowly.  "Jim, I screwed up  tonight.  I let her down...again.  But take me to her,  please." 

"You  think this is a screw up....try leaving without  telling your wife  you have a scheduled bout. In fact I am still waiting for the  axe  to fall and I'm not just  talking about Ivy. I'm sure when Toni  gets a  moment she is going to let me have it. We had better get in there before the countdown starts....oh  we are  using punch for the toast by the  way... you can help carry  it to the girls."

 “Lead the way, Jim," Jeffrey  replied, feeling a sudden urge to be near Meggie.  Following  Jim inside, both  men picked up glasses of punch and headed toward  their women.

Maximus,  with two glasses of champagne in his hands, one for himself and one  for Joimus, stood on the bottom step a moment, looking  over the milling heads  of his guests. It had been a good evening.  There had been much  interaction, much reacquaintancing, much  meeting for the first time. He was  pleased. He would be even  more pleased when his wife joined  him.

"My friends!"  he said loudly. Every head turned to look at him. It was...inevitable.  He carried the inevitability of that, however, lightly,  as  one who is so accustomed to being listened to that no further  thought  needed to be given it.

"The New Year is but 60 seconds  away." He smiled as  Joimus joined him

on the step, taking  her glass from his hand. Raising  his champagne high, he smiled  more widely. "I give you the New  Year!"

Every voice  began the countdown.

"Look  who I found at the punch table! Jim exclaimed as  they reached  Ivy and Meggie. He handed Ivy her punch glass and smiled as he  watched  Jeffrey hand Meggie hers. Jim leaned in to whisper to Ivy "He's  a good  guy he's just a little mixed up."

Meggie  accepted the glass from Jeffrey and went to  stand beside him during  the countdown.

When  Bud heard the announcement for 60 seconds he hurried back to Marie.  Her  new friend, Cindy, was with her son.

"3, 2, 1....Happy  New Year!" Bud  pulled Marie into his embrace and they kissed.  As they parted from the kiss  Marie whispered to him.

"Happy  New Year, Bud. I love you,  Honey."

Bud kissed her again.  "I love you, Hon. Happy New  Year."

Marie looked up into  his eyes and the tears began to flow down her cheeks. "Good-bye  to 2008, Bud. It's never been so hard to let go of  a  year.  She's really gone and she won't be coming back to us. We have to  let  her go forever." She began to sob against his chest.

Bud  held her tightly  against him. It was all he knew to do. He felt the same way.

Marie  had her cry and then dried her tears, using Bud's offered sleeve.  She  smiled at that and gave him another hug and kiss.

"Thank  you, Bud. We're  going to be okay. This will always hurt so much,  but we're going to be  fine."

Bud nodded and kissed her  gently. They drew strength from one another. It no longer  was two people going through pain separately. They  were now  two going through this together. He knew she was right. They  would  get past this eventually.

Marie had pulled herself  together enough to say  good-bye to Cindy and give a hug to  little Jake. Sometime she'd have to tell  Cindy why she cried  on New Year's Eve. She felt they would become the kind  of friends  that she would want to tell her. There was still music playing  in the background.

Bud pulled her close and led her in a  slow  dance. She loved dancing with Bud. They'd done that on  their very first date  together.

Kate was a bit surprised when she realized that Sid  had left before  seeing the New Year in. She shrugged it off, though,  as his being alone and not  having a wife or girlfriend to share  the moment with. With one hand holding the  glass of champagne,  she slid the other around Colin's waist and leaned in to  give  him a kiss on the cheek.

"What's that for?" he asked.

"Just  my way of saying thank-you for being here with me and trying to  have a good  time," she replied with a smile.

"Oh, I can  think of a better way for  you to thank me....later..." he  grinned, wrapping both arms around her  waist and pulling her close  to him.

Kate giggled. "We'll see. The night's  not quite  over yet."

Just then, the crowd began counting down the New  Year. Kate and Colin joined in, then shouted out "Happy New Year!"  as they  raised their glasses to toast and drank down their champagne  in one long  gulp.

"Happy New Year, sweetheart," Colin whispered  in Kate's ear, gently  kissing her on the lips, then leading her  out of the house and to their car for  home.

The moment  the countdown began, John felt a bit awkward. He watched as  people  hugged, kissed and celebrated the incoming year, feeling slightly  left  out.

Suddenly there was a tap  on his shoulder. "Hey, Boss. You think you could  pull that stick  out of your ass long enough to give me a New Year kiss?"

"Sure,  Siobhan, " he replied as he bent to kiss her cheek. She turned her  head and caught his mouth while it was open. Needless to say he  was every shade  of red you could mention when her hand became  buried in his soft brown locks to  hold him there long enough to  make it more than a casual kiss.

How  was he going to face Ben Wade now? Maybe if he was lucky, the man  would  be far too busy kissing his wife to notice what had just  happened. In fact, when  the kiss he shared with Siobhan broke,  John went back for seconds. How dare she  be the aggressor? That  was the man's job. 

As  the crowd began counting down Jim put his arm around Ivy. He knew  he had much  to be thankful for in the past year and he was definitely  thankful for Ivy. Ivy  looked at Jim and found him with a far off  look in his eye and a crooked smile  on his face. She clinked glasses  with him as the count down reached the end.  "Happy New Year Jimmy,  my love". Jim blinked for a split second, before focusing  on her.  Taking her glass from her hand he placed them on the table beside  them  and pulled her into an embrace before kissing her. Beginning  slowly, softly even  he kissed her until it became a hungry desirous  kiss that conveyed his need of  her both physically and emotionally.  Just before breaking away the kiss returned  to the gentleness  it had begun with. Ivy closed her eyes and leaned against Jim  for  support as she attempted to catch her breath. "Happy New Year baby...  May  there be many more to come" he whispered to her as he hugged  her to him.

Three...Two...One...

Max  pulled Ceri into a warm embrace, "Happy New  Year, sweetheart,"  he murmured against her lips.

"Happy New Year,  darling,"  she breathed in reply, locking her arms around his neck to pull  his  head down to her level.

Bron pulled Ed up from his  chair and hugged him  tight. "Happy New Year, hero."

Ed  grinned before raising her off her feet  and passionately kissing  her. "To a better year ahead, honey."

Both  couples parted  company and the men winked at each other as they swapped twins.  Pulling away from a second kiss they both laughed and grabbed  their original  partners.

"Well, that answers the burning  question...identical twins  don't kiss alike," max smirked,  raising his glass of punch to the brand new  year.

Steve  was holding Millie in his arms. He kissed her several times before  he  spoke.

"I'm almost sorry Brook  was asleep for this."

"Don't you worry.  She'll be awake for New Year more times then you could  count in  the future. This may have been the last Christmas that we'll get  her to  bed early."

"I guess you're  right. Should we get our little package and head home?"

"Yep,  but not until you kiss me one more time."

So  he did. "I'm going to love you forever, Mil."

"Good  thing, Steve-o. I don't like one sided relationships. I love you  too  you know."

"I do...and I think  I'll be able to say it when we renew our vows. Easily  this time."

"Should I bring a shotgun?"

"Naw.  No worries." he chuckled. "Let get going. I think our hosts would  like their bed back and Brook tends to sprawl. I don't think she'd  leave them  much room."

Jake  was fall down tired and truthfully with all the excitement and meeting  new  people so was Cindy. Gathering him up a big green balloon  tied to his wrist  Cindy bade everyone good night and Happy New  Year. Giggling when the tipsy  Captain kissed her cheek.  As she  settled Jake into his booster seat and the  balloon too Cindy couldn't  wipe the grin off her face. The drive back to  Barrett's was like  going home, finally.

"Three...two...one!"

Meggie  and Jeffrey both took a sip from their cups.  Reaching for hers,  he  set both of them down before turning to face her.  Taking  her hands, he pulled  her close to him and softly placed his lips  on hers.  He could feel her  responding, giving in to is overwhelming  power and emotions. 

"Happy New Year,  Meggie," he said, as the kiss ended but he kept her  wrapped tightly  to his chest. Jeffrey felt born again, anew. A clean slate to  start  the new year with the woman he loved.

Looking  up, her blue eyes flashed a spark of happiness and sadness.  "Happy  New Year, Jeffrey."  She then turned and walked away.

"Three...two...one,"  Maximus said, his voice growing softer with each number, until  at last his lips could seek, could find their home against  hers.  They drank a quick toast then set their glasses down at the  end of a  higher step as he simply, completely enfolded his  wife in his  arms.

She melted into his embrace, that familiar  feeling coming over her  as though he were her canopy and she  dwelled entirely under the cover of  him. His masculinity was  that powerful, that encompassingly  gentle.

"Happy New  Year," he murmured, not removing his lips from  hers.

For  a moment she forgot they stood on a step in a room crowded with people. He was all there was in her world, all that existed.  His kiss  deepened and everything in her wanted him. He pulled  back just enough to  look into her eyes, and whispered, "Soon,  my love. Soon."

Bridgid  had stood to be with Jack at the moment the clock struck twelve.  They counted together...three.  \* MERGEFORMAT <wbr>.two one..."Happy New Year!"  was spoken in  concert. Jack took her in his arms and bent her  backwards, kissing her so  breathless that she nearly passed out...and  she'd started to sober up already.

"Damn,  I love you Jack." she said when she could finally speak.

"I  love you too, Bridgid. Happy New Year my love. This one will be  full of  surprises for us. I am sure of it."

"Like  the past ones haven't been?"

He gave  her one of those sly grins just as he reached an arm out to grab  Joi as she let go of Maximus.

"I believe  it is my turn, Madam." he laughed as he winked at Maximus.

Joimus was swept  from the General's embrace into the Captain's. The passion her  lips  had been feeling transformed into a deep, laughing fondness.

She  adored  Jack. She adored him for who he was in his marvelous self  and because he loved  her cousin so thoroughly. His kiss was hearty  and she liked it, grinning  widely at him as he pulled back.  "Jack, will you marry me?" she chuckled,  pressing in again to  kiss him soundly on his cheek.

"Hahahah, my  dear lady I am sorry to say that I am spoken for. When this  bull  gets a ring in his nose it will belong to my Siren but I am flattered  to  the teeth that a woman as fair as you would ask. I do not believe  that I would  favor a duel with the General either. I am fond of  the man and the Navy has  always been superior to the army. I would  not want to see him damaged in any  way."

Good thing he could blame his  current state of drunkenness to explain that away  in the morning.

Joimus moved to give Bridgid a New Year's hug, using it  as an excuse to whisper in her ear, "The covers are turned down  in the guest  bedroom, B. Might I suggest...?"

Maximus  had already slipped an arm  around Jack's back and was half-supporting  him so he wouldn't fall off the step.  He looked quietly at the  women, waiting, his jaw set a bit with the effort  required  to keep Jack on his feet.

Lachlan  helped Ashley up. She was  tired, but she had made it. Her arms  slipped around Lachlan's chest as he  pulled her to him.

"Hello,  my wonderful husband and Daddy to be. I love  you."

Lachlan  folded his arms around his beautiful wife gently. He could feel  her fatigue and would take her home as soon as 2009 rang in. He kissed her hair and her forehead.

"2008 was a bonzer  year, love. We  found each other, Ashley. You became my wife  and now we're gonna have our  own baby. 2009 sounds even better.  I love you, Ashley."

Everyone  began to shout. Their lips  met in a sweet lingering kiss.

"Happy 2009,  Darling." She  held on tightly to him. And promptly fainted in his  arms.

Lachlan  picked her up in his arms when she sagged against him.  "Ashley,  wake up, love. Are you alright?"

Bridgid  was laughing at Joi as she became Jack's victim when she heard  Lachlan  ask if Ashley was okay. She turned to see the woman limp in her  husbands  arm.

"Oh my gosh." she chirped.  Grabbing a full bottle of water from the bar she  ran over to Lachlan  with it. "Should we call for help? Is she okay? Do you need  an  ambulance?"

Lachlan  looked at Bridgid. He was speechless and didn't know what to do.  He  sat down where Ashley had been sitting and held her in his arms.

"Ash. Ashley. Wake up, love." He saw her eyes  flutter a  bit.

"That's it, Ash. Come on." Someone gave  him a wet cloth and he put it on her forehead. Her eyes opened  and focused on his face.

"Mmm,  what happened, Lach? Where  are we?" She looked around and realized she  fainted in his  arms at the party. "OMG, please tell me I didn't just faint?"  She buried her face against his arm.

"I think I need that  Coke,  Lachlan."

Ashley  sipped at her Coke, still perched on Lachlan's lap. Once she was  feeling better and less shaky, Lachlan picked her up, and despite her  protests, carried her to the car.

"Thanks for  taking me to the party,  Lachlan. Even though I fainted, I'm  still glad we went. It was so nice. I  even dreamed a big blond man came and gave me a kiss." Her eyes sparkled  with amusement.

"You  do know what you're doing now, don't you,  Love?"

She grinned  at him. "Yes, we're going home to bed. You are coming with  me aren't you?"

Lach grinned over at her. "Try and stop me,  Ash."

"Now why would I do that?" She giggled and slipped  her hand on his knee as they drove home through the night.

Ashley was okay  at this point.  She was in good hands with Lachlan and  Bridgid  knew she had to convince Jack it was time for bed.

"Jack,  love. Let's call it a night. Luckily we're staying here tonight  so  you won't have far to go."

"I could  think of nothing I would like to do more than to retire for the  night with you, Siren."

Bridgid always  wondered how he could speak so clearly when he was three  sheets  to the wind. She shook her head and led him toward the spare room.  Of  course he had to stop to check on Ashley, giving her a kiss  as well. He'd do his  best to kiss every woman in the room before  Bridgid and Maximus finally got him  into bed. It wasn't long before  she had his boots off. He was lying on his back  snoring like a  chainsaw before Maximus even left the room.

"Thank  you, Max." she used her familiar name for him just then. "Happy  New  Year to you my friend. I don't know what we'd do without you  and Joi. We love  you both, you know?" 

His  arm around Joimus' waist,  Maximus walked to the master bedroom.  Steve and Millie had recently gathered  little Brook up and taken  her home. The guests were

gone, well, but for the  two sailors,  the cold items stuffed quickly in the refrigerator, the rest left  for morning, and the king-sized bed awaited its proper occupants.

"I'm  tired," Joimus breathed, kicking off her shoes and  laying back on the bed, her  feet still on the floor.

Maximus  came in front of her, leaning over, a  hand on the bed on either  side of her head. "How tired?"

She looked up at  him through  half-lidded eyes. "Not...that...tired," she smiled, sliding  an  arm around his neck.

"Happy New Year, my wife."  He  began to lower  himself.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I  know."

The End (except for the follow ups in the Glen)