The Picnic

by Jo and Layne

When Ben came down the stairs on Saturday morning, Liana was busily packing two large baskets full of food. He stood in the kitchen doorway and watched for a moment, as she added napkins, salt and pepper and a few other items. Looked like she'd been up for quite a while.

"Mornin', darlin'," he drawled, as he finally stepped fully into the kitchen. "You look busy. Can a man get any breakfast around here, or do I gotta wait on that lunch?" he asked teasingly, as he poured coffee.

"Good morning to you, too." Liana teased him back, saying, "You can have some breakfast. But it might cost you."

"What?" He looked at her appraisingly, his eyes narrowed.

"A good morning kiss."

"I don' know," Ben pretended to think about it. "That sounds like a mighty steep ransom for some bacon an' eggs."

"Then, maybe I'll just do what you'd do," Liana walked toward him slowly. "Maybe I'll just take my kiss, whether you want to give it to me or not." Taking his face between her hands, she raised herself on tiptoe and kissed him long and hard.

Dan Evans witnessed their last few exchanges from the doorway. He shook his head. He'd never in his life thought he'd see Ben Wade acting like this. Just then, the doorbell rang.

"I'll go," Ben said, putting Liana away from him slowly.

Maximus and Joimus had stopped by the mill to pick up Alistair and Ahnna, who'd arrived at the mill shortly before that. The four of them got out of the Meridius' larger car and walked together toward the impressive log home.

"I like the look of this place," Maximus commented, stopping to let his eyes roam over the structure.

When they rang the bell, Ben opened the door. Alistair was glad they'd come. This should prove to be an interesting day. He and Ahnna were slightly in front of the Meridius' as, once again, Maximus had paused, letting his hand run over one of the logs.

"Good morning," Alistair greeted Ben. "Looks like we'll have good weather for both the picnic and a ride."

"Mornin', folks." Ben greeted all of them at once. "Don' think we could ask for better weather, Preacher. You folks come on in."

Seeing Maximus running his hand over the log walls, he grinned. "Fine wood, ain't it Meridius?" Ben immediately found something else to like about Maximus. The man appreciated good materials and craftsmanship.

"Fine, indeed," Maximus replied. "I look forward to seeing the interior of your structure." The Roman army had constructed many temporary forts and small buildings from felled logs on campaign, but this was the first real home he'd been in. As he stepped through the door he was quite taken with the atmosphere of warmth and home all around. "Fine, indeed," he repeated.

For Alistair, too, it was the first time in a spacious log home. "This is wonderful," he smiled. "Isn't it, Ahnna?"

"Very beautiful," she murmured, staying near Alistair's side, still somewhat uncomfortable around Ben. She was glad when Liana approached, a welcoming smile on her face.

"Welcome everyone. Come in. Sit down." Liana was happy to see them, glad they were at last getting to know more people in the Glen." And thank you, Ahnna, and all the rest of you for your kind words about the house. It was my first attempt at putting together anything except a small apartment. I was scared to death it would be a mess!"

"Anything but," said Dan Evans, who had followed Liana in from the kitchen. "Maximus, Alistair, ladies." He nodded at Ahnna and Joimus. "It's good to see all of you again."

"Can I get anyone something to drink?" Liana offered.

"Maybe just a little water," Ahnna replied. The other three indicated they were fine.

"So," Joimus asked, "are we riding first or having the picnic first?"

"Well," Liana replied. "The picnic I've made is a lunch picnic, but if anyone would like any breakfast, you're welcome to it before we go."

"Lunch sounds good to me," Joimus said. "We had breakfast before we left."

"I'm eager to see your horses," Maximus added.

"And the western saddles," Alistair chimed in.

"Well, why don't we get goin' then?" Ben asked with a grin, the breakfast he had been asking about for himself already forgotten in his hurry to show off his horses.

"We'll go through the kitchen," Liana said. "I can get Ahnna's glass of water and we can pick up the lunch baskets."

As everyone went through the dining room toward the kitchen, Liana hung back slightly with Ahnna. "You don't have to be nervous around Ben," she whispered to the other girl with a smile. "He's harmless."

"Well, most of the time anyway," Liana amended silently to herself.

Ahnna smiled gratefully at the other woman's attempt to put her at ease. Maximus was a formidable presence, but there was something entirely reliable about him. With Ben she had this sense of underlying danger, of unknown capabilities. She slipped her hand into Alistair's, needing the awareness of his calmness. "I...I'm probably just nervous about the horses," she murmured.

"You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, Ahnna," Alistair reassured her. And if you decide to ride, Liana and I will stick close by, all right?"

Ahnna took a long drink of the water Liana had handed her. "I'll be fine," she said, more to herself than to the others.

"Of course you will," Liana told her. "We'll all be there with you."

Ben picked up one basket and Dan the other. On the walk down to the stables, the men walked together, Ben and Maximus talking horses, Alistair and Dan discussing the Glen and the other residents.

Liana walked with Joimus and Ahnna, asking about flowers. What kind would grow best in the Glen and what should she put where? The next thing she knew, Ben was speaking her name.

"Liana. Look, darlin'. Major an' your Ginger seem to be gettin' along just fine again." The two of them watched as the black stallion and the palomino mare stood near each other, nudging one another occasionally.

"Ginger. Oh, she's just lovely!" Joimus exclaimed. "I've always been partial to palominos." She took Ahnna's free hand. "Look, Ahnna," she urged. "Isn't she beautiful?"

"She's really pretty, yes," Ahnna replied. "Do you have a really gentle one for me?" She was a bit disgusted with herself. The closer they got to the horses, the more nervous she found herself feeling. She was afraid she'd make a fool of herself in front of the others, but couldn't seem to help herself. If it hadn't been for Alistair's presence here, she'd never have come just to ride. It was the being with him that mattered. Now she devoutly hoped it mattered enough so that she'd find the courage to mount one of these huge beasts. It had been years since she'd ridden and the last time she had, she'd fallen off and sprained both wrists.

Ben saw real fear in Ahnna's eyes. He knew how to read people and fear was a weakness he could recognize anywhere. Something had happened to her around horses.

"Look here, darlin'." He motioned to Charlie Prince, who led over a grey horse with soft eyes. Ben took the reins and motioned to Ahnna. "This fellow here's name is Peanut. Gentlest horse you'd ever wanna meet. He balks if you say the word "run" and the word "rear" ain't in his vocabulary." Ben smiled.

Liana looked at him with pride. She knew Ben was capable of gentleness. Not everyone else believed it, but she had always known.

Alistair, Maximus, and Joimus were all pleased with Ben's discernment and manner concerning Ahnna. There was nothing he could have done to make a better impression on them. They were, truth be told, somewhat surprised at it.

"He...hello, Peanut," Ahnna said, tentatively approaching the grey. He certainly did have a nice face. His eyes reminded her of a cocker spaniel she'd had as a girl, large and soft and dark with a kind and mild expression.

Alistair stepped close to Ben. "Thank you," he whispered.

Without acknowledging Alistair's thanks, Ben spoke quietly. "Don' like seein' anyone afraid of horses," he said.

Then, meeting Alistair's eyes, he continued, "Everybody's got somethin' they're afraid of, wouldn't you say, Preacher?"

"People are complicated beings, Ben. There's a lot going on inside most of us at any given time and not all of it is something we particularly wish to share. Though," he added, "sharing is easier for some than others. I guess that all depends on what we've been through, what our experience of life has been."

Ahnna had been distracted from the horse by listening to Alistair. He simply said things that most other people didn't and she was fascinated by the way he said them and the expression on his face as he did.

Ben continued to meet Alistair's eyes. "Sharin' ain't somethin' every mama teaches her child, Preacher. No matter how much people wanna think it is." He searched the pastor's gaze a moment longer, then turned back toward Ahnna.

"You feelin' more comfortable now miss?" he asked, as she continued to stroke Peanut's nose.

With a grin at Maximus, he said, "Between the two of us, Meridius, we can have this girl ridin' like a pro in no time."

Maximus had been studying Peanut. Horses generally knew what the people around them were feeling, especially if they were nervous or afraid. There were horses who liked to take advantage of that, but he read none of that on Peanut's face. The gelding seemed to be just what Ben described. He would never let her mount him if he sensed otherwise. So he spoke up, saying, "It will be fine, Ahnna. This fellow is not going to give you any trouble." He touched Ahnna's arm lightly. "And we will all be close by."

He turned his gaze back to Ben. "And which mount do you suggest I try?"

Joimus held her breath. She knew well there was no finer horseman in the world than her husband, but sometimes she still remembered the terrible fall he'd taken back in England when the sinkhole had suddenly caved in beneath his mount's hooves. The horse had toppled sideways onto some logs, taking Maximus with it, fracturing his leg in three places. She had been following not far behind. It was not a sight easily gotten out of her mind. So she held her breath, not knowing what this Ben Wade would come up with. Were there horses who breathed fire? If so, Ben probably had one and Maximus would merely laugh as he vaulted into its saddle.

Ben motioned to one of the other stable hands, who came over to the group leading a large brown horse with white markings, which looked to be about sixteen hands. "This is Apache," he told Maximus. "He's an American Paint. They're agile and athletic, and they have a nice, steady temperament. Thought you might not have had a chance to ride a good American breed before, Meridius."

Ben was right. Maximus had never ridden a paint before and he was immediately enthralled by the prospect, his delight showing clearly on his face. "I relish the opportunity," he said softly, walking up to the horse, letting it get his scent, and then moving his hands expertly over it. The paint responded to his touch and, watching,

Joimus blew out a sigh of relief, feeling silly for her momentary concern. Her husband knew horses. The fall had not been his fault. There had been no way to foresee the cave-in.

Alistair was interested in what was being explained about the differences between the English saddle and a western one. He was a good horseman and wasn't really worried about it. All he wanted was for Ahnna to be comfortable.

Liana was helping Ahnna get better acquainted with Peanut, and explaining to her that he had once belonged to a riding academy for children so he had always been a gentle horse.

Leaving Maximus to look over Apache, Ben walked over to Alistair. Charlie Prince was explaining some of the differences between the Western and English saddles to him. The lack of padding necessitating a blanket between horse and saddle for a better fit. The horn on a western saddle and it's original use. The differences in the stirrups.

" You learnin' anythin', Preacher?" Ben asked with a grin.

"I am, indeed," Alistair nodded, "and I'm most appreciative of the instruction." He smiled, never too proud to admit when he was unfamiliar with something. "This is good for me to know, as I imagine, from what I've seen both here and at the Meridius', the Western saddle is the one of choice."

"For anyone who spends any amount of time on a horse, yeah, it is." Ben had the other horses brought out, a brown Morgan stallion for Alistair, a beautiful bay mare for Joimus and another bay for Dan Evans, who was also an experienced rider.

"So, we all ready to go then, folks?" he asked, with a smile for Liana. He knew she'd been looking forward to this almost as much as he had.

Both Alistair and Maximus hovered around Ahnna as she mounted. When they were satisfied she was well seated, they turned to their own mounts. The rest of the riding party waited quietly. Alistair turned his Morgan so that he was immediately beside Peanut. "Just nice and slow and easy," he smiled. He was still getting used to the unfamiliar feel of the western saddle, and that, coupled with his first time on this particular horse, was requiring a great deal of his attention. He was pleased when Liana came up on the other side of Ahnna.

"We'll just ride slowly, Ahnna," Liana told her. "It'll give all of you a chance to get acquainted with your horses." She knew the others didn't need as much time, but she also knew they'd all want to give Ahnna as much time as she needed to get comfortable.

"Lead on," Liana told Ben, grinning at him. Returning her look, he headed for the riding trail on his black stallion, Major, sharing the lead with Maximus riding the paint. They were followed by Joimus and Dan Evans. Alistair, Ahnna, and Liana brought up the rear.

Maximus turned in the saddle so he could get a good look at the rest of the riding party. Ahnna was lagging behind a bit, but both Alistair and Liana were carefully watching over her and the tightness around her mouth was slowly relaxing as Peanut proved to be entirely easy to handle and not at all in a hurry to get anywhere.

Joimus and Dan were engaged in a conversation about cattle and seemed comfortable with one another. Apache was coiled beneath him, eager to stretch his muscles, so he caught Joimus' eye and said, "Just a brief gallop, darling. I shall circle around and rejoin you in a moment."

Joimus nodded, understanding, and then Maximus exchanged a few words with Ben and he two of them took off side by side as though shot from cannons. She slowed her bay to a walk just so she could watch.

Ben was exhilarated as he felt Major stretch out beneath him. Like Ben, the horse didn't get challenged a lot these days. Major and Apache were neck-and-neck as they raced across the open field. Ben knew they'd stay that way. As far as speed went the two horses were well matched.

He and Maximus were also well matched as riders. Being the experienced horsemen they both were, it was fitting, Ben thought to himself. If he had any slight edge, it was only that he and Major were already well-acquainted with one another. But Apache was responding perfectly to Maximus' knowledge of horses. Ben couldn't remember when he'd enjoyed himself so much. It had been a long time since he'd ridden with someone who was his equal with horses.

The whole group had halted to watch as Maximus and Ben raced off. Dan, an experienced horseman himself, was enjoying the sight. Liana's look was one of pride in her husband, and happiness that he was finding so much pleasure in this outing. She'd had the feeling that he and Maximus would get along.

This was what Maximus loved...riding full out with the wind in his face. Without armor, without weapons, just the gallop for the sake of the gallop. He could have gone as far as Apache was capable, but he did a wide turn, not wanting to be away from the others too long. Responsibility always came before self-indulgence and he had said he would watch over Ahnna. He also wanted to offer Alistair some pointers.

Regretfully, Ben turned when Maximus did. He would have loved a full-on race between the two of them. Maybe one day, when they got a chance to ride alone...

As they pulled even with the rest of the group, Ben rubbed Major's neck, praising him at the same time. He had the broadest smile on his face that Liana had ever seen. Looking over at Maximus he grinned, "Now, that was a good time, Meridius! Mebbe' we'll get a chance at a real race sometime!"

"Perhaps," was all Maximus said as he reined up beside Joimus' bay.

"You enjoyed yourself," she said. It was a statement, not a question.

"I did," he grinned, patting Apache. "He is a fine horse. How is Ahnna faring?"

"Better than I thought," Joimus replied. "Peanut was a perfect choice and Alistair and Liana seem to be giving her confidence. I think she may actually end up enjoying herself!"

Maximus sized up the riders behind them. "I am not sure we have a horse at our place quite in the same league of docility as this Peanut is. He seems exceptionally mild of disposition."

"She's welcome to ride him here any time," Ben said, having overheard Maximus. "I'd let you have him, but if all goes accordin' to plan, we'll be needin' him here pretty soon. But I can put you in touch with the place where I got him. It's a ridin' academy for kids back in the states. Could be they have another like him they'd be willin' to sell."

"Thank you, Ben," Maximus said. "I think, though, I shall check more in New South Wales and Queensland. It takes fairly long to get stock here from the States. If you locate any such places over here, I would appreciate your letting me know, however. You were very fortunate to have found Peanut. I would like at least one like him." He looked back again at Ahnna. "Ahnna, however, seems to be coming right along." He smiled at the look of confidence that was steadily building on her countenance. "Today has been good for her."

Indeed it had. She had never felt so comfortable on any horse before and had begun to relax into the fact that she was not going to fall off. With Alistair so close beside her, too, the day was proving to be filled with happiness. They rode for a while, enjoying the scenery, enjoying each other. Alistair had had his usual burnt toast and tea just before Ahnna had arrived at the mill and his stomach suddenly growled rather loudly. He looked across Ahnna to Liana. "Any chance of that picnic coming up soon?"

"I wondered when someone would ask that," Liana replied to him with a smile. "Ben!" she called out to her husband, who had been talking with Maximus for the entire ride. She herself had kept her place close to Ahnna, not only to make the other girl feel comfortable, but because she was enjoying the company. "Some of our guests are getting hungry, and it's nearly lunchtime!"

"I could eat myself," smiled Dan, who had been chatting with Joimus.

"Well, Meridius. Guess some people prefer eatin' to ridin', unlike us. We prob'ly should get back and feed 'em," Ben said, with real regret.

The ride back to the stables was covered with a little more speed, several members of the party anxious to get to their picnic. When they had left their horses with the stable hands, Liana led them all to a small picnic area near a little creek, which was a short distance from the stables. She began spreading cloths and taking out food, plates, and utensils.

Alistair's mouth began to water at the sight of all the good food. It was all too seldom he got to eat well-prepared, tasty meals. He sat on a cloth beside Ahnna, commenting, "You did well today. Did you enjoy it at all, the ride?"

She had. The horse couldn't have been more perfect. She'd fallen quite in love with Peanut. And then, well, Alistair had been at her side the entire time. She'd liked talking with Liana, too. Making friends made her feel ever more connected to the Glen. "It was lovely," she smiled. "The whole thing."

Maximus still had a little trouble bending his leg in the manner necessary to sit all the way down to the ground. Joimus watched as he pressed his lips together during the process. Once he was seated, though, he turned a smiling face toward her. She leaned close and whispered, "I love you."

His eyes lit up a bit more and he murmured, "I know."

Sitting beside Liana as he ate and drank, Ben noticed Maximus' problem, wondered what had happened to cause it. Ever observant, he also noticed the smiles, whispering, and loving glances between Maximus and Joimus. Liana gave him those same looks, he thought to himself. But how did she interpret the looks he gave her? Somehow, he couldn't imagine himself ever looking as tender and romantic toward her as Maximus was toward Joimus.

Dan Evans also noticed Maximus' trouble with his leg. Having had his own injured several years before and problems with it ever since, he found himself speaking out of curiosity, "If you don't mind my askin', Mr. Meridius, how'd you hurt your leg?"

"Back in England, my horse fell through a sinkhole and I landed on some logs off to the side." He shrugged slightly. "It is almost completely well now. Some actions, like sitting on this cloth, are harder than others, but I am fine."

"Broke my own in a couple of places in an-accident-a few years ago," Dan replied. "I know how you feel."

Liana, Joimus, and Ahnna had put their heads together and were discussing plants and flowers again. Ben had noticed Alistair sitting on his own, smiling at Ahnna. Leaning toward the pastor, Ben murmured, "Preacher, I wonder if we might take a short walk together. There's somethin' I'd like to speak with you about."

"Of course, Ben," Alistair said, getting to his feet, wondering what Ben might be wanting to talk about. He found Ben to be a most complex and interesting man and hoped to learn more about what had gone into the making of him.

When he was sure they had gone far enough down the bank of the creek to be out of earshot of the others, Ben turned to Alistair. "I don't know how much Liana's told you, Preacher. About her and me. How we met."

"She didn't talk about that, Ben, so I know nothing about that, nothing of your background. Is there anything you'd like to tell me? I assure you, I keep private everything anyone shares with me."

"Oh, it ain't about me, Preacher. It's about her. Well, I guess it's about both of us." Ben was having a little trouble getting the words out, but he'd come this far.

"See," he went on. "When we met, it was just a little while 'til time for her to leave to come here. Well, the two of us got together," he went on with a little knowing grin at Alistair. "One thing led to another and we found ourselves down here and married. Real sudden-like."

Ben saw that Alistair was listening intently and he continued. "We were married by a justice of the peace. Nobody there but us and him. Thing is, I promised her a real weddin' and I wanna give her one. As a surprise. In March, on the first day of spring."

"I think that's a fine idea, Ben, and that it would mean a great deal to her, sort of a reaffirmation of the foundation of your marriage. I don't know what you might have in mind for a location, but please know that the chapel is completely at your disposal should you want to use it." Alistair smiled to himself, realizing that in Ben's newness to New South Wales he was thinking in American terms about the seasons. Here in Australia they would be going into Autumn at that time. But it was the meaning of the date to Ben and also to Liana that counted, its connection with a new beginning, and he liked that.

"Well, I was comin' to that," Ben drawled. "She does love that church of yours an' I think she'd like havin' it there."

He kept his eyes steadily fixed on Alistair's. "I've never been much for church, Preacher. There's a lotta reasons for that, an' I'd just as soon not go into 'em. 'Sides, I always thought there was more of God in nature than inside any buildin'."

"You'll not get any argument from me on that, Ben. I've always been from what I call the 'rock' school of theology. I'd much rather sit on a rock and talk with people than stand up at the front of some building. It's why I don't use a pulpit. Don't want anything between me and the ones I'm talking to." He smiled. "I think our Lord was of the same mind."

"But the chapel has its charms and a lot of people feel somehow closer to God when they're in a place like that. So if it means something to Liana, that's good of you to let her have it there. That's what married love is all about, you know...thinking more of what's good for our loved one than what's good for ourselves. That's what all true love is about."

Somewhat taken aback by Alistair's use of the phrase "true love", Ben covered it by grinning at him and saying, "Well, Liana's been good for me, Preacher. I've stayed outta trouble longer since I met her than I ever have before in my life."

Then, thoughtfully, "Didn't think I'd ever find a woman that'd love me. Too much in my past."

"You've been blessed, Ben. Being loved, no matter what, that's a treasure. I'm really happy for you." He let Ben see into his eyes again, let him see he meant it when he said he was happy for him.

The preacher obviously meant what he said. But Ben was starting to feel uneasy with all this talk about love and blessings. "I take it that means you'll do the ceremony for us then?" he said with his customary smile, as though he'd never expected anything different.

"It definitely means that," Alistair said softly, aware of a certain more firm closing up in Ben. "I'll just wait for you to let me know what your plans are and won't say anything to Liana." He looked back toward the picnic area. "I expect we should be getting back to the others now."

Everyone else had finally finished eating and had cleaned up the remains of the picnic. Liana gave Ben and Alistair a long look, wondering what they had been talking about. Both of them were wearing a smile-Alistair's a look of almost hope, she thought, and Ben's one of secrecy.

The group walked back toward the house, past the stables. As they drew even with the paddock, one of the hands, a man Liana had met before, was putting a bay mare named Belle through her paces. The horse reared slightly and, with a scowl on his face, the man struck her several times with the ends of the reins. The horse shied and reared again.

Before any of them knew what was happening, Ben was over the fence and striding toward the hand, whose name was Luke. Following Ben on some instinct, Liana saw what happened next, as did everyone else in the group. Grabbing Luke's collar and spinning him around, Ben backhanded the man to the ground with all the force of which he was capable.

Charlie Prince had moved in and was calming Belle. Ben Wade stood over the man on the ground, whose mouth and nose were bleeding profusely. The cold, hard look in his eyes said everything. He was going to kill the man right then and there.

Dan Evans had seen that look in Wade's eyes before and when he had, someone had died. As the rest of the group looked on in shock and astonishment, Dan started toward the two men. Wade had to be stopped.

Then Dan saw Liana. With a look of fear in her eyes, but still determined, she had rushed up to stand in front of Wade.

"Ben," she said, as softly as she could, making sure that he could hear her, but Maximus, Alistair, and the others could not.

"Ben." Putting up her hand, Liana laid it gently against his cheek. "I know what you want to do, but you can't. Not here. Not now. Look at me."

Maximus had scowled deeply at the sight of the ranch hand hitting the horse, but this was Ben's spread and he watched, his lips clamped, as Ben strode over and then knocked the man down. Ben was radiating an intensity that Maximus hadn't seen since Rome. He took a step forward but stopped when Liana came up to her husband.

Ahnna had clutched Alistair's arm, her eyes wide. She had no idea what was going to happen, but she didn't want to watch it. Turning her face to the side, she buried it in Alistair's sleeve. He turned her all the way into him, staring himself over her head at the drama unfolding in the paddock. Ben was not covering up, not hiding himself from his guests. In the moment he had forgotten he even had guests.

Ben heard Liana's hushed voice speaking to him, but just barely. Rage had taken him over at the sight of one of his horses being beaten. His fury made him forget his surroundings--forget the presence of Maximus and Joimus, Alistair and Ahnna. Even of Liana. Until he felt her soft hand against his cheek.

Her voice and her touch brought him back to himself enough to remember where he was, and who else was present. His anger was still there, but it was more controlled now.

Ben took Liana's hand and removed it from his face, holding it in his. "Luke," he said, in a cold, deadly tone. "I want you out of here now. No packin' anythin'. No tryin' to explain anythin'. Not a word. Just leave."

Wiping at the blood on his face with the sleeve of his shirt, Luke got up slowly and seemed about to speak. Before he had the chance, Charlie Prince said, "Don't. You heard the boss. Just go."

As they watched Luke walk away across the paddock toward his truck, Ben continued to hold Liana's hand. She winced once. His grip was like iron. It was as though he were using her as an anchor to keep him from going after the man. She kept silent, sensing that he needed her to hold on to. When Luke's truck was out of sight, she felt that grip relax a fraction.

Quietly, the small group of onlookers waited as Ben and Liana walked slowly back in their direction. Despite her fondness for Peanut, Ahnna was not at all sure she ever wanted to return to the Wade ranch. Maximus had been a careful observer of how Ben had begun to regain his control, of Liana's effect on her husband. He was glad for that, but he'd clearly seen what he'd always suspected lay just beneath the surface of the man. In his mind he transposed Ben's garb into that of a gladiator. He would have been deadly in the arena...or in the army. He wondered if Ben had ever been in the military.

As Liana and Ben turned and headed slowly back toward the group, he kept his grip on her hand. Now, she gripped his as well, trying to reassure him of her presence, her support. She saw the look on Dan Evans' face. Of relief and surprise. Maximus looked as though he were assessing Ben in an entirely new light.

But the one Liana was most interested in was Alistair Harris. He'd counseled her about love. About holding someone's hand and taking one more step into the darkness with them. Would he still feel that way, with some idea of what Ben could really be like? She searched his face, trying to discern his expression, his feelings.

Alistair, too, had watched the proceedings with avid interest. He was actually glad Ben had revealed a bit more of himself. It had been easy to tell that without Liana, Ben would have at least terribly injured Luke, if not more. Liana had done exactly the right thing at the right time in the right way. When he saw that she was looking at him, he smiled at her and nodded his head slightly as if to give her his silent approbation. As he had said to Ben, her love was a blessing to him. He only hoped Ben had, at least, some awareness, some appreciation of that.

Like Ben, Liana had never considered herself to be very religious, but now she breathed a silent prayer of thanks as she saw Alistair's nod. He seemed to understand. At least, she hoped so. It felt good to have at least one other person here in the Glen who could understand her love for Ben.

As they told their guests goodbye, Ben had recovered most of his control and was once more his usual charming self. But Liana could tell that Maximus, Joimus, and Ahnna seemed a little more wary around Ben now. Alistair, however, remained more relaxed. As she watched them drive away, Liana couldn't help but wonder if any repercussions would come out of this day.