The Barbeque at Glenridge Station RR

One thing about Travis McGee he did know how to throw a party. He had an area down below the house lined with shade trees, a long covered area with tables and seating, a brick paved area next to that and then far away enough that guests would not be bothered by the smoke, the massive fire pit and grills. There were commercial style coolers filled with ice and a bar complete with bartender.

He had been working with Jimmy Kelp getting the wood fires going all morning. Jimmy brought in a couple of guys from Nana Glen to help with the actual cooking. Josh and Ian had been stringing lights in the trees around the picnic area so it was going to be quite festive.

His cook had prepared huge pans of baked beans, potato salad and rolls. The beef was packed in coolers to be brought down to the fire pits later on. There would be steaks, ribs and a few tenderloins. Money was not a problem and Travis knew how to do things right.

Kyle brought in a couple of guys to work the gate, checking that the people attending were in fact actual residents of The Glen. Kyle and his buddy Reese would be taking care of security on the property. They didn’t expect any problems, but you never know…crowd of people and alcohol.

Tee was excited running all over the place helping drag wood to the fire pits one minute and untangling lights for Josh the next. He’d never been to anything like this before. His little puppy Bear was on his heels from one side of the yard to the next.

Bill and Sara were making sure all the plates, napkins and cutlery were set out on a buffet table under the cover. Everybody seemed to have a job to do except Jan who had yet to emerge from the bedroom. Travis was putting his personal problems to the side today.

Travis came in about noon to shower and change clothes and get ready for the party. He found Jan standing in front of her closet and said nothing going in for his shower. She was still there when he came out.

“Jan, today I want you at my side as my wife, this barbeque is not about us. If it wasn’t for the fact that you printed the invitation in the newspaper I would have cancelled it, the timing’s out. So just pretend you’re my wife today.”

“Travis I am your wife.”

Travis finished buttoning up his washed blue shirt, “Are you?” He flashed her a look and left the bedroom.

Jan leaned her head on the closet door, “He knows.”

TONI:

She wished she didn’t have to go, not that she had to but for appearance’s sake she felt she needed to be there. She planned to be low key and do what was necessary to get through the day. Low key did not stretch to her outfit for the day. She wore a long Indian skirt and a bright orange tank top with some chunky jewelry around her neck at the last minute she picked up a cute little straw hat and set it low on her forehead.

Richie would be there of course, she heard him come in a little while ago. She decided she would ignore him…unless…but then there was probably not a chance of that. He didn’t care anymore. She put on her lipstick and tried out a smile in the mirror. It didn’t reach her eyes but maybe it would fool everybody else. It was none of their business what was going on. She reached for her sunglasses and went downstairs to her car.

Richie:

He showered and dressed wishing he could crawl back in that bed, it had not been accommodating the night before. He had no idea how he was going to get through the day with Toni there but knowing Travis he would have the coolers stocked with enough VB. Travis…he thought about Jan of course she would be there, he couldn’t ignore her. He wished…but it was too late for that, he’d gone over the edge.

He heard Toni’s car start and looked out of the window of the guest room. He wanted to cry but he didn’t he buckled the belt around his jeans, picked up his wallet and watch and left the bedroom. He went into the kitchen now that he had the house to himself and opened the fridge. Way in the back he found a bottle of beer and opened it. He stood at the sink and drained it.

Miss Peeg & Mr. Jessup:

Miss Peeg waited at the bottom of the steps at Millie’s for Mr. Jessup. She’d dressed in a cotton skirt and bright blue knit top, appropriate she thought for a day outside.

“There you are Miss Peeg,” he came from the direction of the dining room, “I was just finishing up a coffee. Oh don’t you look festive today,” he said in his soft, mild mannered voice.

“Mr. Jessup, thank you. Are we ready to be off?”

“Lead the way,” he said, feeling quite jolly.

Johnny Ryan & Amanda:

“It’s almost like going to work,” Johnny remarked.

“It’s a party Johnny, it will be fun. You won’t be working today.”

“I saw all the stuff coming in yesterday; it’s going to be big.”

“Good, let’s go see just how big,” she took his arm as they walked to his car.

Andy & Lucy:

“First time we’ve been to an event here in The Glen when we weren’t catering,” Andy zipped up his pants and reached for a shirt.

“We won’t know what to do with ourselves.”

“I will, there will be drinks and food. Nice to have somebody cook for me once in awhile.”

“Is that a hint?”

“Could be,” he kissed the top of her head, “Are you ready?”

“Yes, let’s go.”

Kim, Cara & Kimberly:

Cara pulled her car up in front of Barrett’s, surely he wasn’t going to make her go in and get him.

Kim looked out of the window of his flat and saw Cara’s car out front, he ran a brush through his hair and bounded down the stairs. This would be the first time he would be with her without the exchange of money or some other transaction. He hoped it would all go well.

As soon as he opened the car door he heard Kimberly crying, “what’s up with her?” he asked sliding into the seat.

“She’s lost her binky and I can’t reach it from here…would you mind.”

“What’s a binky…oh yeah.” He found it in the folds of her car seat, “just stick it in?”

“Yes, that’s about it Kim.” Cara pulled out into the street, “Which way to Glenridge?”

********* ********* ********* ********* ********* *

Ben & Liana:

Ben had wandered to the door of his study and was watching as Liana finished dressing for the McGee’s' barbecue.  She was wearing a sundress in white and varying shades of blue.  He grinned as he saw her run the palm of her hand down the front of the dress and flatten it against her body.

'You ain't showin' yet, darlin'."  Ben walked up behind her and slid his arms around her, flattening his palms against her belly.  "Trust me.  I been keepin' a real close eye.  He kissed the top of her head and went back to his office.

Liana followed him.  "So, are you ready for this?"

"Me?" he questioned, with a grin.  "All I gotta do today is play the town council candidate's husband.  You get to do all the handshakin' and baby kissin'.  All I gotta kiss is the candidate."

"I'm lookin' forward to seein' McGee's spread and talkin' with him some more, though," he went on.  "Been lookin' forward to that since I met him at our weddin'.  So, what do you say we get goin'?"


Dan Evans:

Dan was sure that Libby was going to be at the McGee barbecue, and he couldn't decide how he felt about that.  On one hand, he was looking forward to the first time he would see her after they'd made love.  On the other hand, he wasn't really sure what to say to her.

He still had a hard time with the idea that he'd lost his control with her.  Dan always kept careful control over himself.  Losing it was something foreign to him and Libby was the first woman since Alice who had made him lose it.

He'd played with the idea of not going today but, as Ben's manager, he needed to be involved in the community and acquainted with the residents for Ben's sake.  And besides, all the candidates would be there today and he wanted to be there for Liana.  He liked Ben's wife, and she'd been nothing but sweet and friendly with him since he'd come to stay with them.

Dan gave a sigh, picked up his keys and headed for the door.  Maybe the crowd would be so big that he and Libby wouldn't have any chance to be alone together.  Right now, he wasn't sure if that would be a bad thing or a good thing.


Libby Tyler:

Libby put on shorts and a tank top to wear to the barbecue.  In a sense, she was working, because she was supposed to take some notes and pictures, particularly of the candidates, for a write-up in the Times.  But she knew Cal and Colleen wouldn't mind about the way she was dressed.  Besides, she thought it would be better if she blended in with all the other guests.

She spent about ten minutes searching for her car keys and her camera, before locking her apartment door and going downstairs.  Her car was parked in front of Richie Roberts' office.  Officially, she was supposed to be March's date for this barbecue, but they were driving separately.  Libby wasn't sure if she'd need to stay later than him to get everything she needed for the paper, so she'd arranged just to meet him there.

She was looking forward to seeing March for the first time since she'd spent the night with him, night before last.  They'd talked on the phone since then.  March was attentive and sweet and already he'd told her he loved her twice more since that night.

As Libby got into her car, she thought once again about the other man she was looking forward to seeing today--Dan Evans.  It had been two days since she'd made love with him as well.  What would they say to each other?


Kelly Scott:

Kelly was looking forward to her first outing since she'd come to the Glen to be with Nick.  She wished he had agreed to join her today, but she understood his reluctance to come to a public function like this.  Being out of the hospital and trying to settle into a whole different life was still new to him.  He would more than likely be recognized as THAT Nick Russell--the rock star.  He wasn't ready to handle that yet.

At first, she'd decided not to go, had wanted to go to Nick's house and spend that time with him, but he'd told her to go ahead.  He knew she was anxious to get to know some of the other people in the Glen, and that she wasn't ready to be the recluse he'd become.  Besides, he'd told her.  Pete Valentine was coming up for a visit and they had business to discuss.

Kelly got into her little VW Beetle outside the inn and took off in the direction that Steve had told her she could find the McGee place.

Toni pulled her car down in the car park area and looked around, she didn’t see Richie’s Rover…good. She stowed her car keys under the mat and got out walking toward the picnic area, she paused seeing Travis coming down from the house, he’d spotted her too.

“Travis, hello.”

“Hey Toni, I’m glad you’re here, wow you look like you’re about to catch fire today,”

“Maybe I am, you have a lovely place here Travis, really beautiful I had no idea.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” he noticed her scanning the crowd. “He’s not here yet.”

Toni looked up at him, “Thank you.” She moved off toward the drinks area, Travis watched for a minute and followed her over to the picnic area, there were people he hadn’t greeted.

“Miss Peeg, good to see you here I understand you’re up for Secretary?”

“Yes Mr. McGee have you met Mr. Jessup?”

Travis regarded the man a moment, “Mr. Jessup welcome to Glenridge”

“Thank you Mr. McGee you have a very nice place here.”

“Yeah well enjoy the day, help yourself to the drinks.” He smiled and moved off determined not to give Jessup anything to gossip about today.

Ben parked the black Range Rover and opened Liana's door for her.  "Looks like we're some of the first ones here," he told her, then added with a grin, "That's a good thing for a politician.  Means you can catch people and shake hands as they come in."

"If you don't quit calling me a politician-"  Liana threw him a dark look that only she could get away with doing.

Ben laughed as they joined the people already there.  "McGee!"  He shook Travis' hand.  This looks like a real nice place you got here.  Good pastureland, from what I saw on the way over."

"I think you know my wife."  He nodded toward Liana. 

Travis smiling, “Liana good to see you and Ben,” he shook his hand, “Yeah we got a little pastureland here, you ought to come over one day we can ride out, I’d like to show you around.”

Lachlan hurried around to help Ashley from the car. White was even faster as they both stood to help her out. Lachlan felt like telling him to stand down, but he couldn't say anything as White had been looking after his little sheila while he was away. Marie got out the car with no one in sight to hold her door. Lachlan nudged Bud.

"White."

"Fuck, I'm so used to helping the little one first, that I forgot I didn't need to this time. I'm in the dog house now."

Ashley called to them. "If one of you could finish up your male bonding and give me a hand out of the back seat, I'd be truly grateful. Perhaps you, Marie?" Both girls started to giggle as Marie moved forward to help Ashley.

Both men came rushing over again. Bud leaned in to kiss Marie's cheek.

"Sorry, Hon."

"That's quite alright, Bud. I know you've had double duty a lot lately. Just remember that Lachlan is here to attend to Ashley today." She patted his cheek. And then they heard him say it. Even Bud knew what Lachlan said was truly forbidden by the look on his face.

"Ash, let me just heave you out of the back seat there, love." Lach had a jaunty grin on his face.

Marie said 'shit' under her breath.

It took but a moment for Ashley to burst into tears and start to sob. Lachlan stood by horrified and clueless to what he'd done or what was wrong.

"Ashley, what's wrong? Are you okay?" More tears and sobbing followed.

"Marieeeeeeeeee, " she cried.

"Um, Lachlan. Let me talk to Ashley a moment. She actually moved Lachlan out of the way.

"It's okay, Ashley. He didn't mean anything by it."

"But, but, but he said he had to heave me out of the back seat." She sniffed. "I'm getting as big as the cows in the field we passed. Even Lachlan thinks I'm huge. I want to go home. I can't stop crying. Look at my makeup, Marie." She sniffed some more.

It took Marie all her control not to laugh. What stopped her was she remembered how Ashley felt. You did feel huge. There were times you couldn't stop crying and did it on moment's notice. And if your husband said something that you regarded as negative to your appearance, he was an insensitive slob and close to the devil incarnate.

Marie got out a Kleenex and handed it to Ashley. "Mirror, Ashley."

The girl fished the mirror out of her purse and blotted her face and blew her nose. "Now look at me. Fat and a blotchy face."

"Powder and lipstick."

Ashley listened to her cousin and fixed her face. At least it wasn't blotchy any longer. She freshened her lipstick. A bit better.

"Ok, you give me a hand, Marie? I don't want him heaving me out of the car." She sniffed.

Marie helped Ashley out. At nearly 7 months pregnant now. Ashley did need some help from the back seat. But, she wasn't huge. She looked adorable and glowed with good health. God, the hormones could be ghastly at times.

Lachlan looked at Bud. "What'd I do, mate?" He had no idea.

"It was the word heave, Curry. I'd suggest you avoid that one in any reference to your beautiful pregnant wife and apologize if you want to sleep in your house and bed tonight. Trust me. I've been there on this one." Bud finished. It was practically a lecture for him. It was obvious the kid needed some help.

Lach rushed over to Ashley and offered his arm to her. She looked a moment and then curled hers around his. He leaned down to whisper to her.

"I'm sorry, Ash. You know I love you and you look beautiful today. Think of last night. You know I love how you look." He smiled at her. Sincere and apologetic.

Ashley's cheeks reddened prettily. She grasped his arm tighter and looked up at him. Love shown on her face.

Marie held Bud's hand as they walked toward the barbecue area.

"You were very good, Bud. You ought to charge for those coaching fees."

"Yeah, I should. I just wish I'd have had somebody to help me navigate the minefield."

Marie slapped his arm lightly with her free hand. "You know that means I was the minefield."

"Yeah, and I'm not saying nothing' more. Let me introduce you three to our host. I don't know him well, but I've met him while working." Bud had met most of the Glen residents on his stint as chief when he covered for Biebe and now filling in pretty regularly.

“Hey Bud,” Travis extended his hand, “good to see you out here today” he remembered Bud from the horrible murder investigation.

Bud was about to call him Mr. McGee, but realized in the social setting they were in that kind of formality wasn't necessary.

"Thank you, Travis." He shook his hand. "It looks like a helluva party. Let me introduce you to my wife. Marie." Bud slipped his arm fondly around her waist.

"Travis, this is my wife, Marie. Marie, this Travis McGee. He's the host of the party today."

"It's very nice to meet you Travis. Thank you for inviting us to your barbecue. It looks like so much fun. This is very generous of you to your neighbors." She put her hand out to shake his. Marie knew there was a Mrs. McGee. She hoped she got to meet her also. Bud was motioning to Lachlan and Ashley to come forward. Their small disagreement seemed forgotten and they were heads together like two newlyweds.

"And this is my wife's little cousin, Ashley and her husband Lachlan Curry. They live down the lane from us."

Marie smiled. Bud had no idea since that was his nickname for Ashley, but he'd just scored points by calling her little cousin. She saw her petite cousin beam as she stepped up to meet Travis McGee.

She enjoyed watching Lachlan and Ashley for a moment. The two were so young and in love. And both were very social. They complimented each other well.

Bud wasn't sure when this had all seemed to come together, but he was standing here with his family. And they were all happy. A few months ago he and Marie were both in despair before moving to the Glen. Now they were surrounded by family and life was pretty fucking good. His hand tightened around Marie's waist. She glanced up at him with that smile on her lips that Bud always knew was only for him.

Again Ashley was painfully aware of how fewer people she knew here than the Whites due to her having been home so much during the first 3 months of her pregnancy and Lachlan being away so much. She wondered if there was still a chance for her help keep the town's books or computer files at least. She had the skills but not the connections. It was so unlike her life had been before which had been so full socially. Lachlan squeezed her hand.

"A penny, Love."

She gave him a brilliant grin. Ashley was enjoying their day together. The time was so precious.

"This land is beautiful, isn't it, Lachlan?"

"It sure is, Ash, though I've been distracted by you today."

"As well you should be, you flatterer." She giggled.

Inside a fear struck her suddenly. What if Lachlan was gone even more when the baby was born and she'd be left alone for long periods of time with she and the baby? She squelched the thought quickly. Even if Lachlan was away, Marie and Bud wouldn't leave her isolated. Now that she was well, she had to strike out more on her own and get to know more people in town. She promised herself to go shopping on Monday. She hadn't been to Barrett's yet.


Travis had greeted the two couples and then moved on to greet his other guests, leaving them to explore the area a bit. Ashley loved the land and had hoped to ask him if he minded if she and Marie came and had a picnic lunch some day by the creek, but she'd had a case of shyness with this being their first meeting. Perhaps if they got a chance to talk to Travis' wife they could ask her and of course invite her to join them.

She leaned over and brushed her lips lightly to Lachlan's cheek. He smiled at her.

"Lachlan, let's get some food," she whispered. "I know I had a snack before we left, but I'm hungry again."

"Sure, Ash. I could have some tucker too." He called to the Whites that they were going for food and they walked toward them to join them. Lachlan was worried more about Ashley than he'd hinted to anyone except maybe Bud White.

Lachlan picked up a huge plate and started to load it with food to Ashley's specifications.

"Oh, and some ribs, Lach."

Lachlan put a rack of ribs on the plate and then looked at her. His wife was giggling.

"You don't eat ribs, Ash."

"No, but you do. That huge plate of food isn't all for me. Make sure you put on what you want too. It's very sweet of you, but you don't have to wait on me." She leaned over and kissed his cheek. Ashley sensed that Lachlan was trying to make up to her for his absences. It had been very hard, but it wasn't as if Lachlan had abandoned her. He'd been working to provide for his family the way he felt he had to. Their views differed on using her money, but she respected him working to provide for their family.

Plates of food loaded between them, Bud and Marie along with Lachlan and Ashley set all their food on a picnic table. They nodded to some of the people around them and smiled.

Marie spotted Jeffrey and Meggie.

"Oh, look, Bud. There are Jeffrey and Meggie." Marie waved to them.

"I'll introduce you to them, Ashley and Lachlan. They are such a nice couple."

Meggie waved backed to Marie. She wondered who Bud and Marie were sitting with and decided to go say hi in a little bit.

"Oh, that will be wonderful to meet them, Marie." Ashley gave a friendly wave to Meggie.

The two couples enjoyed the terrific food that was available and decided a stroll around some of the grounds was in order after eating.

Marie was on the lookout to introduce Lach and Ashley to those people she knew from the Glen. The couple just hadn't had the opportunity to meet many people yet. Ashley was really only close to two women, she and Bridgid who had been absent with Jack recently.

Lachlan had talked to her today for a moment about his concern over Ashley being lonely too often. When Marie wasn't working it was fine, but she'd been putting in some extra hours at the clinic to cover for another nurse who was out on medical leave after having surgery. And while Ashley was a capable and independent young woman, she was certainly much more vulnerable right now with living in a new area, being pregnant and missing her husband who had to travel so much with his job. Suddenly a thought came to her mind. Why hadn't she thought of this sooner?

"I'll run for refills before we walk. Lachlan will you help me carry the drinks?"

Lachlan looked up with a surprised expression on his face as he stopped mid sentence with something he was telling Ashley.

"Sure, Marie. Be right back, love." He kissed the top of Ashley's head as he ran after Marie who was already several strides away.

"Well, kid. It looks like it's just you and me for now." Bud grinned at his wife's little cousin. He liked her a lot. She was as sweet as they came. And Bud was as protective of her as he was Marie.

"If they're going to run off and leave us on our own, there's no one I'd rather be with, Bud." Her small hand reached over and patted Bud's big one.

"Your wife is hatching something, Bud. I know my cousin well enough to see she just pulled my husband into a plot she's concocting and it obviously has to do with one of us. We're in for a surprise coming up of some kind." She grinned at Bud.

"I'd say Marie wouldn't do something like that except we both know she would. You're right, little one. She's up to something." He held up his full drink to illustrate a flaw in his wife's thin plan. He chuckled.

Ashley held up her nearly full glass and giggled. "At least we can brace ourselves for a surprise, Bud. I rather like surprises."

"Hopefully this one is for you then. I'm not too crazy about them."

Across the field...

"So what do you think, Lachlan?" Marie was excited and enthusiastic.

"I think it's a bonzer idea, Marie. As soon as you know, call me and we can get prepare Ash." Lachlan couldn't think of a better short term solution to his worries. They grabbed some drinks and made their way back to the picnic tables with two big grins on their faces.

"Look at them. I told you, Bud."

"Yep." One look at his wife told him she had cooked something up and enlisted Lachlan.

Jimmy Kelp walked down to the barbeque from his house, he’d been and cleaned up and was ready to enjoy a beer. He quickly scanned the crowd looking for Nell Walker, he’d asked her to come and she hadn’t said yes exactly. He knew she wasn’t working today as the restaurant was running on a shoestring staff, most of the locals would be at the barbeque.

He spotted her flaming hair and casually walked over, “Hey Nell, glad you made it can I get you a drink?”

“Jimmy, hi yes um a beer would be good.”

“Any particular brand or just a beer?”

“Whatever you’re drinking would be fine,” she smiled.

March parked his sports car and began looking for Libby, he hadn’t seen her car but was hoping she was already there. He’d given her name at the gate since he wasn’t a resident and they had let him through.

He saw Nell and walked over to her, “Hi Nell, do you know any of these people?”

“Not really, faces you know from the restaurant, most of them have been in. I um am the guest of Jimmy Kelp.”

March raised his brows, “Ah well good for you.” He smiled. March had no idea who Jimmy Kelp was. Some of the faces he recognized but since he spent most of his time in the kitchen he rarely socialized with the residents of The Glen. Except of course for Libby and he looked around again hoping to see her.

As Libby got out of her car and wandered toward the crowd, she immediately spied March, talking to someone else from the restaurant.  She smiled to herself.  He was so handsome he stood out from the crowd.  Or maybe she was just a lot more aware of him now?

Sticking her keys in the pocket of her khaki shorts, Libby walked up to him.  "Hey, you!"  Blushing slightly, she gave him a kiss on the cheek, not sure how he'd react to her acting that way in public.

March caught her around the waist and pulled her to him, “I’ve been waiting for you,” He gave her a soft kiss on the lips and turned to introduce her to Nell and Jimmy.
 

It seemed he didn't mind being kissed in public, Libby thought to herself.  She shook hands with Nell and Jimmy as he introduced them.  "It's nice to meet you," she told them.

"Well, you know me," she turned back to March.   "It took me forever to find my keys!  Maybe one day I'll be all neat and organized like you," she teased him playfully.

Nell snorted, “Neat…March? He’s only neat in the kitchen because somebody else cleans up after him.”

“You don’t tell things like that Nell, she thinks I’m wonderful don’t burst the bubble.” March laughed and gave Libby a squeeze.

 "Thanks for the info," Libby told Nell.  "I knew he had to have a chink in his armor somewhere.  No one could be this perfect!"  She was holding onto March's arm and laughing with him when, suddenly, a strange feeling came over her.

doing.  Dan was walking up from the parking area and his eyes were on her.  She realized then that March's arm was still around her, and that Dan must  have seen him kiss her a moment ago.

Libby was the first person Dan's eyes were drawn to, even though he was looking around for Ben and Liana as he walked toward the crowd.  And the first thing he saw was her kissing that fancy Italian guy who cooked in the restaurant.  Then, the guy kept his arm around her, as though he owned her or something..  Dan felt a flash of anger the likes of which he'd never felt before..

Trying hard to ignore it, he walked over to where Travis McGee and Ed Hoffman were talking.  "How're you two doin'?" he asked, forcibly tearing his eyes away from Libby.

Cara popped the trunk, "If you’ll get her stroller out Kim.”

Kim walked around to the trunk and took the thing out, it was folded up and he was trying to figure out what to do with it. Cara was busy changing a diaper.

“Need some help,” Amanda walked by.

“I assume it unfolds into something a baby can ride in,” Kim said.

Johnny took the stroller and unfolded it making sure it was locked and tight. “Johnny Ryan,” he extended his hand, “This is Amanda”.

“Thanks Johnny, I’m Kim Barrett, Amanda," he smiled his winning smile.

Cara brought Kimberly around the car, “Hi.”

Kim made the introductions, “This is Cara and um Kimberly, Johnny and Amanda.”

“Nice to meet you,” Cara said, settling Kimberly into the stroller. “Kim, you can push the stroller, I’m going back for the baby’s bag.”

“Oh, yes of course,” he set out with Johnny and Amanda, who was taken by the sweet baby girl.

“How old is she?”

“Uh, six months I think, maybe seven.”

Amanda laughed, “You don’t know how old your daughter is?”

Kim stopped the stroller, “What makes you think she’s my daughter?”

“She looks just like you.” Amanda smiled, “You must be so proud.”

Kim’s smile faded.

Bron pulled up and sprinted round to the passenger door to help Ed out.

"You know, honey, I should be doing that for you."

"Don't worry, darling; I'm going to sit back and let you as soon as you can throw that cane away."

"Really?" Ed asked, winking and chucking his cane back into the car. "I guess that means I get to drive home."

"We'll see how the afternoon goes. Now, let's go mingle, it's about time I got to show you off to everyone."

Taking Ed's hand, Bron pulled him towards the small group of people that had arrived before them.

Richie parked in the designated parking area a got out of his vehicle. He noticed Toni was already there, she was getting a drink so he hung back a moment and walked over to the other side of the picnic area. Travis was there talking to some people. He wasn’t sure he wanted to see Travis; Jan was down with Travis’s mother talking to Miss Peeg. It was a strange situation for him on his own.

Travis turned seeing Richie and excused himself and walked over, “Hello Rich, let’s move over here where we can talk a minute.” Travis led him over to a line of trees that surrounded the area. “I see you‘re up for solicitor, I imagine you’ve got that in the bag.”

“Yeah, well, you never know.”

“So Rich, how’re you doin?’”

“Not worth a damn.”

“I can understand that,” Travis took a sip of his beer, “So ah, how long have you been shagging Jan?”

Richie froze.

“I know all about it Rich, no need to deny it.”

“It’s not what you think.”

“It never is, is it? I got proof yesterday and it kinda knocked me sideways. I had her followed of course. How dumb do you think I am?”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Nothing, I just want you to know what I’m sitting on. I’m sure that surprises you cause I’d really like to beat you to pieces, there’s a reason, something that stops me, and that’s your wife, Toni. “

“What about Toni?”

“I gotta  lot of respect for her Rich, and because she hasn’t made up her mind about you yet.”

“Listen ah, about Jan…it’s not going to happen again, it was a mistake, I know that now.”

“That’s good Rich, because she’s going to Sydney to get herself straightened out. She doesn’t know it yet but it’s coming soon. She’s back on the damn pills and I can’t talk to her.”

“I’m sorry Travis…I never intended to…for anything like this to happen. I’m not trying to break up your marriage or anything. What I want is Toni.”

“Well you’re going about it backwards aren’t you? A man wants his wife back so he goes and screws somebody else’s wife? Yeah, that makes sense.”

“I can’t make sense of anything, it’ like I can’t get off this damn ride."

“Look Richie, you got to make a move if you want her back, sitting around waiting is stupid, and I thought you had a little more sense than that.”

“I love her Travis, regardless of what you think of me, of what I’ve done…bottom line is I love her and I can’t get past her. Somehow I’m going to get to her.”

“I wish you luck, you’ve got a long way to go.” Travis looked at him and walked off. He had to.

"You sure you feel up to it, Darling?" Ahnna asked. It would be Alistair's first big community outing since the fire.

"I'll be fine," he smiled. "Haven't been to something this big since Ben and Liana's wedding. I'm really looking forward to seeing everybody again. I've really let what's been going on in the Glen slip out of my ken since...well, you know."

"You know I'll be watching you like a hawk, mister."

"I do know," he grinned.

"I hear Travis has got big fire pits. There'll be smoke."

"I'll keep my distance. Are you ready?"

She sighed, then returned his smile. How could she not? It was just that she'd never ever be able to take that smile of his for granted again. Now that he was so nearly well again, she realized more than ever that she was the one who'd been left with inner scarring from the mill fire. As he drove them to the Meridius' house, she was glad they'd decided to go together with Maximus and Joimus. Robin and Julie were coming, too. In fact, Robin was just opening Julie's car door as they arrived.

Maximus and Joimus, hearing the cars, had come out their door and were now at the gate. Joimus watched how Ahnna kept her eyes
continuously on Alistair. "She's not gotten past almost losing him," she murmured to Maximus.

"I have not gotten past almost losing you during the flood," he whispered back.

"Yes, but you don't look at me like you think I'm going to expire any second. Not anymore."

"You won't do that, will you?"

"Expire? I shall certainly try my utmost not to do so. Just for you," she added, sliding her arm through his.

"I'm not so sure about this," Robin was saying quietly to Julie. "You know almost all the local residents are expected to be there."

"We've been outed, Robin," Julie replied, "you and your heroic rescue managed to accomplish that quite nicely."

"It wasn't heroic, Julie. It was something that needed doing and I was the only one there to do it."

Her lips twitched. She wasn't about to argue heroism with him. Let him toss it off lightly if he wanted. She knew better. "Ah," she whispered, as he handed her out of the car, "and what needed doing seems to have arrived now, too." She turned to face Alistair and Ahnna as they approached. "Good to see you again." She actually meant it. She liked the newly-wed couple. If her Robin had to go and risk his life to save someone, she was glad it had been Alistair.

After the greetings, they all piled into Joimus' station wagon with its three rows of seats. "It is not far," Maximus explained as he drove.
"Travis' station adjoins ours. By horseback, it is even shorter between our houses, but the road takes us a bit more round about."

Checked through the security at the gate, Maximus found a spot where the station wagon would be under the shade of a large tree. He knew how Joimus disliked getting into a hot car when it was time to leave. He saw Travis speaking with Richie and waited for them to finish. There was a certain tenseness between the two men. He didn't know what it was about, but going by Travis' expression, he could tell it was serious. Hopefully it was just some legal matter.

Travis saw the General and his party arrive and grateful for the distraction he walked over to welcome them to Glenridge.

“Hey General Meridius welcome to Glenridge, you’ll have to introduce me around,” Travis smiled at his party.

"My wife, Joimus," Maximus said, his arm around her. "You'll have seen each other at public functions, I am sure. And I think you know Alistair and his wife, Ahnna." He paused, smiling slightly at Robin, aware of his discomfiture. "And this is Robin Loxley and his lady, Julianna St. John."

“I’m pleased to meet you all, Alistair glad to see you out again. Travis looked at Robin trying to recall, “I believe you’re a local hero, you did save this man’s life?”

Robin rubbed his palms up and down his thighs a couple of times, casting a sideways glance under his lashes at Julie to his right. This was why he hadn't really wanted to come. The whole 'hero' bit was not his cup of tea.

Alistair, very aware of Robin's hesitation, spoke up to spare him having to. "He did, indeed. He has my gratitude," he grinned at Robin, "thankfully my undying gratitude. And it's good to see you again, Travis."

Julie smiled to herself. Probably everyone Robin met today would make some similar comment to what Travis had said. "Gird your loins," she whispered, leaning close to his ear.

He lowered his lids more, put his mouth to her ear and murmured, "I can think of things I'd rather my loins were doing than being girded."

"Later," she chuckled. "Right now there's a half a cow with your name on it."
 

“Please make yourself at home here today, there’s a well stocked bar and also lemonade and soft drinks so drink your pleasure, and indeed there is a half a cow with your name on it,” Travis winked at Robin. “I hope you will all enjoy yourselves and if you need anything let me know.”

Robin took Julie's elbow, steering her in a roundabout way past the edges of clumps of conversing people toward the main barbeque pit. "I don't suppose he's serving deer testicles in sweet and sour sauce," he commented softly.

Pressing her lips together, she turned her head to look up at him. "You...didn’t' t."

"Of course. Quite delicious."

"One hesitates to ask what else."

"Pig stomachs stuffed with ginger and stuck with nuts," he smiled pleasantly, "or baked salmon belly in sugar."

"I think I'll stick with half a cow."

"Such a barbarian," he grinned. "Totally uncivilized. "

Ian standing by the fire pit looked up, “You pick it out sir and we’ll grill it to your liking, all cuts are over here ready to go on the fire,” he indicated a large cooler where various cuts of meat were laid out.

Julie looked over the cuts then back at Ian. "Do you have anything...small? "

"Small?" Robin interjected.  "When  a cow's been halved, there isn't all that much that's small,  my la...Julie."

She grinned now herself, batting her lashes at him. "I understand, my dear sir, that you know little of the ways of, um, small things, but still my appetite for devouring hoofed beasts is not all that...large. "

"Ribs," Robin said to Ian. "Cook the lady a nice slab of ribs."  He turned back to her. "I'll help if you're not up to the task of it."

Her lips were twitching. "I'd best not reply to that, my liege, in less than privacy."

“Ribs it is mate,” Ian hefted a slab of ribs out of the cooler and laid them on the grill, “I’ll send one of the boys to find you when they’re ready.”

"Shall we go find the General again?" Julie asked.

Robin extended his arm for her to take. It was habit for him and her presence did nothing that encouraged him to want to break it. He liked the feel of her arm through his. "Certes, I see him yon," he said.

"Yon? Are you regressing, Robin?"

"It must be the smell of cooking animal flesh," he grinned. "Brings out the primal male of olde in me."

"I thought I did that."

"Oh, you do...and you shall. Let me sate myself with beef and then I shall be ready to..."

"You are ready now, Robin, are you not?"

"Always," he murmured close to her ear, "but for the nonce we find ourselves here amongst the populace and so but one kind of satedness may be attended to."

"Then back to the greensward?"

"Yes...back."

"How long does it take to cook ribs?" she asked.

"Too long."

Andy held Lucy’s hand as they walked to the picnic area, Lucy saw Toni and pulled Andy along with her, “Hi Toni, don’t you look bright today.”

“It’s all an illusion. How are you Lucy and Andy? Haven’t seen you guys for awhile.”

“We’re doing great, busy as usual,” Lucy replied.

“Where’s Richie?” Andy asked.

“Oh around somewhere, I suppose. Must be nice not having to work this gig?”

“You can say that again. I told Lucy this is the first affair we’ve been to that we weren’t working.”

“Well then kick back and relax, bartender is doing a good business over there... don’t let him get bored.” Toni smiled and moved off.

"It's a beautiful day for a celebration," Jeffrey remarked, smiling at some of the guests who walked by.  "Jan and Travis have a beautiful spread here."

"Plus, those steaks smell great," Meggie exclaimed, holding Jeffrey's hand tightly.  "Let's go grab a bite and mingle with everyone... especially the candidates."

"Sounds fine...but later, I want to just be with you."  Jeffrey had let go of her hand and had slid his arms around her waist, pulling her against him.   

Blushing, a smile spread across her face when she felt his hand move up her back and towards her shoulder.  "Sure you don't want to get involved in politics?  You have such a way with words, darling."  Meggie giggled as Jeffrey leaned down to kiss her softly on the lips.

"Nope.  Already have what I want...right here." 

"Except some of them steaks!" she responded.  "I'm starving."

Chuckling, Jeffrey took hold of Meggie's hand and lead the way towards the grill and other guests.

Sarah McGee was doing her best to play hostess, Jan seemed to have attached herself to her but wasn’t participating as she should be. Sarah knew that look and although Travis hadn’t said anything she knew something was terribly wrong between the two of them. She believed Jan was on something, she had a vacant look about her.

“Hello Winnie,” giving Miss Peeg a hug, “You know Jan?”

“I don’t believe we’ve met, I’m Winnie Peeg.”

“Jan McGee, nice to have you here.”

“This is Mr. Jessup,” Winnie turned to introduce Henry Jessup.

Sarah gave him a hard look, old busy body, she thought.

Bill McGee and Tee had the horseshoe pit ready. Tee was anxious to learn how to play so Bill showed him how to throw and how to score.

“Will you play a game with me, Grandpa?”

“Ah, sure Tee, we’ll have a short game. I imagine you’ll have some competition in a little while...some of these fellas look like they know which end of a horseshoe to toss.”

Ben Wade had been watching the two of them set things up.  Now, he walked over.  "You boys need a few more players?   I haven't thrown a horseshoe in a long time.  Be interestin' to see if I remember how."

Ben pulled off his coat and rolled up his sleeves.  Held his hand out to Bill.  "Ben Wade," he said, grinning over at Tee.

Bill shook his hand, “Bill McGee, I’m Travis’s daddy and this young man is Tee McGee he’s my grandson.”

Tee smiled shyly and stuck out his hand for a shake.

Ben shook the boy's hand.  "Good, firm grip," he said, approvingly.  "You oughta be good at horseshoes."

"Good to meet you, McGee," he said to Bill.  "I remember you from our weddin', but I'm not sure we ever got introduced.  'Course, I think I met the whole town!"

“And a fine wedding it was, too. Nah, I think there was so much going on, introductions kinda went by the wayside. If I remember, you got real busy there at the end.” He gave him a crooked grin.

Ben laughed, remembering all too well delivering Steve and Millie's baby, along with Maximus.  He was looking forward to seeing his little namesake today.  "Oh, yeah.  But the kid turned out well in spite of it!"

He hefted a horseshoe, turning it over in his hands.  "Well, I shoe horses now and then but, like I said, I haven't thrown one in awhile.  You'll have to take it easy on me, kid.."  Ben grinned at Tee.

Travis was trying to make his rounds he looked for Jan and saw she was still with his mother maybe that was the best place for her. He winked at Tee as he passed by the horseshoe pit, Wade was playing with him. Catching the DJ’s eye he went over to see what music he was playing, he’d seen Tee over there earlier and wanted to make sure no head banging music was in the lineup.

"You guys wanna make a foursome out of it?"  They all turned to see a young woman who had wandered up behind them.

Kelly had made it through security only because Steve from the inn had told them to expect her.  Thank goodness she'd talked to him about coming!  She was a little shy, knowing only a couple of other people from the inn so far.

As she walked up from her car, everyone seemed to be standing around in little knots, talking with each other.  She wished for Nick again, but she was here alone.  Then, her eyes were caught by two men and a boy off to one side, looking as though they were about to play horseshoes.

Kelly had grown up playing horseshoes.  Her dad had taught both Kelly and her brother as soon as they were big enough to actually hold a horseshoe.  She wandered over to the group.

After she'd asked them about making it a foursome, she addressed the boy, "I'm actually pretty good.  Maybe you and I could take on these two?"  Kelly nodded toward the two older men.

Tee blushed, “Well, if you’re good, cause I’m just learning to play.”

"My dad taught me to play when I was younger than you," Kelly told him with a smile.  "I'll bet we can take 'em."  She nodded at the two older men.  "Or at least give 'em a run for their money."

"My name's Kelly."  She held out her hand to one of the men.  "Kelly-"  She hesitated an instant before saying, "Scott."  She supposed she shouldn't introduce herself as Kelly Russell.  Nick probably wouldn't want his name spread around town and, besides, she didn't have any idea how much longer she'd actually be Kelly Russell.

"Ben Wade."  The younger of the two men shook her hand, a rather hard, suspicious look on his face, Kelly thought. Then, she held out her hand to the older man.

“I’m Bill McGee this young man’s Grandpa his name is Tee. Well, grab a horseshoe and let’s get this pitch underway.

 
Kelly pulled off her denim jacket and picked up a horseshoe. "Come on, Tee. We'll put these two away fast and get a cold drink!" She grinned at the boy.

"Kinda overconfident there, ain't you?" Ben questioned, quirking one eyebrow at her. He liked this young woman. She reminded him a little of Liana.

"We'll see," Kelly told him.

It took her a few minutes to get warmed up, but she was happy to know she could still throw well. And Tee seemed to be catching on quickly.

After Kelly's first few throws, Ben looked over at Bill McGee. "You get a feelin' we might be in trouble?" he asked the older man.
 

Bill screwed his mouth around, “I reckon Tee’s got himself a ringer.”

Kelly smiled at Tee and saw him grin happily back at her.  "Told you we could do it!"

As she went to collect her horseshoes, she stopped short and stared toward the parking area.  A black Jeep Wrangler minus it's top was pulling into a parking space and, unless she was seeing things, Pete Valentine and Nick were getting out of it.

Stunned, Kelly almost didn't think to wave at them, but then she raised her hand and shouted toward them.  Nick had a nervous, cautious look on his face, but he made his way over to her and her companions.

"Mr.. Wade, Mr. McGee, Tee-  I like you to meet Nick, my-"  Kelly hesitated, not sure how to introduce Nick.

"Her husband," Nick said, with a wry grin, as he held his hand out toward Bill McGee.

“Pleased to meet ya” Bill shook his hand “Welcome to Glenridge, this is my son’s place...he’s around here somewhere, I’m Bill McGee.”

 Mr. McGee," Nick said, somewhat awkwardly.  This was the first stranger he'd met since leaving the hospital.  He felt almost shy.

Watching him, Kelly marveled at the awkwardness.  This was Nick Russell - a man who'd played packed arenas in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.  He'd played and sang with the biggest names in music (aside from himself) - people like Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, and hundreds of others.  He'd met presidents, prime ministers, sheiks and kings.  Yet he was wary and awkward about meeting everyday people like Mr. McGee!  Suddenly, Kelly realized that she was the one who fit in better here.  She was the one who had to take charge and help Nick with this transition in his life.  It was a strange feeling.

"This is Ben Wade."  She introduced the other man to Nick.  "And this-"  She grinned over at Tee.  "-is my partner in crime.  He and I are just about to beat these two at horseshoes!"

Nick gave Tee an awkward smile.  "Trying to steal my wife, are you?"

Tee blushed to his hairline, “No sir, but she’s a good horseshoe pitcher,” he tossed his hair out of his eyes. He thought the man looked familiar but he had better manners than to say anything, he gave him a crooked smile.

"That's exactly why I married her," Nick told him with a perfectly straight face.  "I was lousy at horseshoes and I needed someone who could carry me when I played."

Ben Wade snorted with laughter.  "I reckon there's worse reasons for marryin' a woman," he told Nick.  Ben had recognized the man immediately, having spent a lot of time listening to his music, but he said nothing.  He could understand not wanting to be recognized.

"Why'd you marry yours?" he asked Bill McGee, with a grin.  Ben wondered if the older man recognized Nick Russell.

 Bill with a crooked grin, “It didn’t have nothin’ to do with horseshoes.” He turned to Nick, “I didn’t know you were livin’ out here. Of course, I ain’t met half my neighbors, I tend to stick at home and tend to me own business.”

"I'm the same," Nick told him, still feeling awkward.  "I've only been here a coupla weeks, but this is the first time I've been off my own property."

Suddenly realizing he was being rude, Nick turned toward Pete.  "Oh-  This Pete Valentine, my mana-  My friend."  He hoped no one had noticed that he'd nearly called Pete his manager.  Over the years, he had grown so used to introducing him that way it had become a habit.

Bill caught the slip and thought, what the hell, the man didn’t want to be recognized? He hoped to put him at ease, “Bill McGee, nice to meet you Pete. I’m glad you came... we’re all just regular folks around here Nick. Like you to meet my son,” he caught Travis’s eye as he came near the group.

Travis recognized him immediately, “Travis McGee, welcome to our place.”

"Thank you, Mr. McGee."  Nick was being formal, mostly because being surrounded by so many people unnerved him.  Pete had asked if he were sure he wanted to come, knowing how tough this first time out in public would be for him.  Thinking of Kelly, Nick had told him he was sure.  Now, though, he was beginning to wonder if he'd been right.

Beside him, Pete cleared his throat.  "Oh, yeah."  Nick had been caught up in his own thoughts and he'd forgotten again.  "This is my friend, Pete.  And my wife, Kelly."

Belatedly, he realized that etiquette said he should have introduced Kelly first, but too late for that now.  He looked at her apologetically, but she smiled at him.  Damn!  Was normal life going to be so tough to get used to again that little things like this would be so difficult?  Then, he realized Travis McGee was speaking to him again.

 “Good to meet you, and I’m Travis, by the way. Even my own people here don’t call me Mr. McGee.” Travis caught his nervousness and understood a little about that, he’d been through the big celebrity thing when he’d won his millions. Quietly he said to him ,”just so you know the DJ has your music in the lineup today and if that’s a problem for you I can fix it. I want you to feel comfortable here.”

"Oh...well...  No, that's okay.  Leave it.  Don't wanna cause any fuss."  Nick still looked a little uncomfortable, though.

Kelly took his arm in both of her hands and squeezed it.  "You should leave it because it's good stuff," she told him.  "All of it."

Nick gave a brief grin down at her.  "She always said she was my biggest fan," he said to Travis.

“I imagine you have a lot of fans here today Nick,” he looked over at Tee who was grinning, “who’s winning at horseshoes Tee?”

“Ah, Tee brought in a ringer...Kelly here is whipping our butts,” Bill McGee said pushing his hat back.

 "Kelly's pretty good at anything she puts her mind to,"  Pete Valentine spoke up for her.

Suddenly, it occurred to Nick that Pete actually knew his wife better than Nick himself did.  There'd been such a brief interval between when he'd met and married her and when he'd gone into the hospital.  He'd spent so long inside that place and, during that time, Pete had had regular meetings with Kelly, keeping her up to date on how her husband was doing.

Ben Wade read the look on Nick's face and couldn't help wondering what was up with the musician and his pretty wife.  The man looked as though he didn't really know her.  Ben knew that feeling.  He'd felt that way about Liana quite a bit in the brief time they'd been together.  He made a mental note to invite Nick Russell and his wife out to the ranch for a visit soon.

"You any good at horseshoes, Travis?" Ben asked their host.

“I’ve been known to hit a few,” he grinned, “it’s all his fault,” he looked over at his Dad.

“He’s pretty good,” Tee spoke up.

"What about you?" Ben asked Nick.  "You as good as your missus there?"

Nick gave a short chuckle.  "From the way you're talkin' about her, no," he told Ben.  "I had no idea she was that good.  But then, there's a lot I don't know about her," he continued, with a meaningful look at Kelly.

Liana saw Toni and rushed up to give her a hug.  Seemed as though she hadn't seen her in ages.  "Hey, you!  How are you doing?" Then she saw the look on Toni's face.  Holding her by the arm, Liana pulled the other woman off from the crowd.  "What's wrong?"

“It’s good to see you Liana, I really don’t want to go into it today...let’s just say Richie and I aren’t talking okay? It’s been a rough week. I hear you’re pregnant.” Toni was trying to steer her away from her problems, evidently her fake smile wasn’t going to work with Liana.

"Yes, I'm three months along now."  Liana had seen the look on Toni's face when she mentioned her pregnancy.  "You don't want to go into it, but obviously you are into it.  So, why aren't you and Richie talking?"  Liana had lived with Ben long enough now to be very persistent when it came to people who didn't want to talk.

“Well…Richie had a vasectomy about five or six years ago, seems he never bothered to tell me. You know I’ve been on birth control pills all this time. It all came to a head last weekend when I asked if we could have a baby. It’s been spiraling out of control since then. He’s seeing someone Liana.” Toni bit her lip.

Liana had a hard time believing what she was hearing.  "He had a vasectomy?  Wait a minute-  What did he say about all this?  You have talked to him about it, haven't you?"  She was ignoring the seeing someone else bit for the moment.

“We did talk for a little while Liana, but you can imagine I was pretty upset with him. He told me it was reversible, so why hasn’t he done something about it he knew a month ago? I wanted to get pregnant. I’m at the point right now I don’t care if we have a child... I’m not sure we have anything left. We haven’t spoken to each other since last Sunday night when Travis and Jan were there.”

 Liana took Toni's hand and squeezed it tightly.  "Now, Toni.  I know you're upset, but I also know you don't mean that about not caring if you have a child.  I know how much you've wanted one."
 

Not sure if she was saying the right things or not, she went ahead, "And I know how much you love Richie, and how much he loves you."  Seeing Toni about to protest, she raised her voice slightly.  "He does love you, Toni.  You're the first people Ben and I met here in the Glen.  I've seen the way you look at him and I've also seen the way he looks at you, so I know there's love there. Maybe he was afraid to tell you?  He knew how much you wanted a child and he was afraid of disappointing you?  Of losing you?"

“We’ve been together for two and a half years, not once has he ever mentioned it. I don’t know what I’m feeling right now, I just don’t know.” Toni reset her little hat on her head, “I need another drink, aren’t you thirsty they have soft drinks and tea?”
 

"Okay, I'll get something without caffeine."  Liana walked beside Toni.  "To tell the truth, I feel a little lost here."  She forced a little laugh.  "Ben's never been much of a talker with me.  Not even about big things.  I mean, you know that even our wedding was a surprise to me! The only thing that works with getting Ben to talk is just having patience-waiting for him to be ready to tell me something.  I've sort of gotten used to that.  I guess you and I are different that way.  I'm surprised he didn't tell me I was pregnant before I knew!"  She laughed again.

Toni laughed, “At least you had ONE surprise for him Liana. You know I do have patience well that is until somebody steps on the last one in the barrel. Talking has never been a problem in our house until now. You’d be amazed at how loud the silence is. Hey Marco,” she said to the bartender, “I’m back again.”

Toni turned and hugged Liana, “I’m so happy for you and Ben…and the baby.”

"Come on, Max, we're going to be late. And they say women take a long time to get ready."

"Okay, I'm ready. You got the keys? Let's go."

They were soon parking the car and joining the crowd already gathered. They looked around to see if they could spot Ed and Bron.

Travis saw the couple making their way to the covered area, he seemed to be having some difficulty walking.

“Hey Kelp, run up to the house and bring down of those rocking chairs,” he called out to Jimmy and walked over to introduce himself.

“Hi, don’t think we’ve met, I’m Travis McGee, welcome to Glenridge.” He extended his hand to Ed.

"Hey, how ya doing? Ed Hoffman, and this is the love of my life, Bronwyn Rees."

"Hello, Mr. McGee. You have a wonderful place here. Would you think us rude if I took Ed somewhere to sit?"

Travis turned to see Kelp walking down to the picnic area, “Actually, I’ve ordered you a throne Mr. Hoffman and it’s about to arrive. It’s nice to meet you both. I hope you will enjoy yourselves today and if there’s anything you need,” he looked at Bron, ”let me know. There are facilities right behind that stage area.” Travis took the rocking chair complete with padded cushions and set it down. “This okay or have you another spot in mind?”

"Why that's mighty fine of you, Travis. I think maybe I thought I could run before I could walk," Ed said, sinking down into the chair and sighing.

"Ed left his cane in the car, Mr. McGee. I think he wants to be 'normal' again. It's been a long time since he was mobile, it's getting him down," Bron confided. "I think being here amongst so many of our neighbours will do him the world of good as he hasn't really been able to meet too any of them despite the length of time we've been here."

Travis looked concerned, “If you don’t mind my asking, how did he get into this shape?”

"I don't mind telling you. Ed wouldn't because he's embarrassed about it. He took three bullets trying to get one of his operatives out of trouble. He used to be a section leader for the CIA, Travis...may I call you Travis by the way?"

“Please call me Travis, I’m honored to have him here today and you too, he’s a very brave man.”

"Thank you, Travis. I think so too," Bron smiled up into his face and squeezed his hand. She saw him look over her shoulder and do a double take. Turning round she giggled and turned back to Travis, who was still staring at the couple walking towards them.

"Oh, you haven't met my sister yet have you. You may have noticed we're twins. Hey you guys."

Max and Ceri walked up to Bron and Travis, smiling. "Travis, I'd like you to meet my sister, Ceridwen, and her partner, Max. You've most likely met Max before, he owns the bank. Ceri, Max, this is our host, Travis McGee."

Travis smiled, “I thought I was seeing double and I know I haven’t had that much to drink yet, nice to meet you, Ceri is it? And Max -  good to see you again.” He shook hands with Max. He had dropped a rather large deposit in Max’s bank after the flood so he could pay the locals to help clean up.

"Hello, Travis. It's good to meet you," Ceri said, holding out her hand. "I was going to come and see you, and your barbie has made it a bit easier. I'd love to take a picture of your property. I'm thinking of photographing properties all around the Glen for our very own calendar. I thought it would be something that the paper could sell in their office."

"Forgive her, Travis. She always says I'm the one that's always working," Max laughed.

Before Travis could answer, the peace was broken by the scream of a siren, and the ambulance came roaring up the drive. It skidded to a halt and the doors flew open.

"Not too late are we?" Stevo called as he jumped out of the driver’s door.

"Sorry about that, Mr. McGee," Tom said, walking up to shake his hand. "Stevo likes to make an entrance, And as we're on call, he thought it would be a laugh to arrive in style, as he put it."

They all turned to watch as Stevo opened the side door of the ambo and helped Tori, Jeff and Merinda climb down the step.

“I hope we won’t be needing your services today,” Travis laughed, “welcome to Glenridge.”

"I hope so too, but seeing as it's gonna be a belter of a day, at least we'll be here for anyone who might get too much sun, and having the ambo here makes it easy to find us if they need us.

Tori walked up and put her arm around Tom's waist. "Hello, Mr. McGee, I'm Tori, Tom's fiancée. Thank you so much for inviting us."

“I’m glad you’re here,” Travis smiled, “make you self at home here today, there’s a full bar set up and a load of soft drinks and lemonade, I think the beef is gonna be ready shortly should be a fun day.

"Sounds great. Your own beef, I'm assuming. Would I be too forward if I asked you if you could spare a couple of bones? We left Boomer at home and a nice fresh beef bone might put us back in his good books," Tori told Travis. He looked like a good man to her, and she liked his smile, even if his eyes looked sad.

Travis laughed, “you think I’d serve up anybody else’s beef, we’ve got the best in NSW and you will find out for yourselves very soon. Bones, oh man I’ll let Ian know to put some aside for you Tori. Sounds like you’ve got a pup?”

"Yes, Boomer, he's growing like a weed. Right now he weighs 25kg and it's all muscle. He was a gift from Stevo and Merinda, but he's turning out to be much more than a pet. He taught himself to be my ears, so we took him to a training centre and he's now my official hearing dog," Tori explained. "He'll love the bones, thank you so much."

Travis turned around, “Hello Dan, haven’t seen you since Wade’s wedding,” he remembered him now he’d been having him on with that little honey that worked for the newspaper, Libby was her name he thought.

“This is Ed Hoffman, Dan Evans, I don’t know if you two have met before?” Travis made the intro.

Dan shook hands with Ed.  "No, we haven't.  Good to meet you, Ed."  He couldn't keep his eyes from wandering back to Libby.  Still with that guy's arm around her, he noted.

Ed greeted Dan and introduced Bron to him. Ever alert, he noticed that Dan's mind was on something else and he followed Dan's gaze to Libby. Putting two and two together, he decided that Dan needed to be somewhere other than speaking to him, so kept it short.

"Nice to meet you, Dan. I'm just gonna take a seat in this 'throne' Travis has supplied for my old bones. Come over and have a chat later if you want, we don't want to stop you from mingling, and I sure as hell ain't going far," Ed smiled at the younger man.
 

Travis followed his line of sight and grinned, “Still haven’t wrapped that up I see,” he said quietly enough only Dan heard him.

"Still not sure if I should," Dan told him, equally quietly.  "You wrapped yours up, though, I understand.  Heard you got married."

Travis moistened his lips, “Yeah, I did.” He sighed, “Looks to me like yours is wrapped up already Dan. Is that how you go about it?” he couldn’t help himself.

Dan's eyes darkened with anger, and his lips tightened slightly.  "Not usually, no," he replied to Travis.  "But then, it's been a long time since I've done any wrapping up."

Dan had gotten himself a whiskey, and he tossed it back with the same ease Ben Wade would have displayed, even though Dan didn't normally drink much.  "And besides, she's from a slightly younger generation."  He nodded toward Libby.  "For all I know, they do it differently. "

Looking back at Travis, he asked, "What about you?  Where's the new missus?"

Travis’s eyes darkened, “She’s with my Mama.” He looked down at his empty glass, “How about I buy you the other half of that drink, I think I could use one myself.”

Sounds good to me."  Dan hadn't missed the look in Travis' eyes.  So something wasn't quite right in McGee's little paradise either.  Well, Dan knew something about that.  He thought back to his split from Alice.

"I think maybe my other half might oughta be a double," he told Travis.

Travis and Dan walked down to the bar, Travis set his glass on the bar and winked at the bartender, “Do it right this time,” he said. In other words he wanted a full drink, not the half shot he’d been having to pace himself. “and one for my mate Dan here.”

"A double," Dan said to the bartender.  He knew he shouldn't be drinking like this.  Knew that he had to be careful, because he couldn't tell Travis any more than he could Libby about the activities he and Ben had been up to in the past.  It didn't matter that everything was legit now.  Say too much about the past and Sheriff Biebe would be on the doorstep arresting them.

"Tell me what it is about women that makes us so damned attracted to them," he said to Travis, as he tossed back half of his whiskey. 

"'Cause I think I forgot."

Travis took a good drink out of his glass, “I think it’s cause we love misery Dan, a man ain’t happy until he’s miserable…that make any sense?” He looked over his glass at Dan.

"Well, hell," Dan replied, taking another drink from his glass.  "Then, I musta been happy for the past six years.  Ever since my divorce."

“It starts way before marriage, when we first get involved with ‘em. They’re a sweet misery but a misery all the same. Divorced, eh? I don’t have to tell you a thing then.” He was watching Toni talking to Liana…misery.

Dan saw where Travis was looking.  "You know - Ben and Liana seem to be happy.  And Ben Wade's the last man in the world I ever thought would even get married."

“Yeah, I’m glad somebody is.” He checked himself, “Why would you say that? Wade always seems like a happy enough bloke... at least the couple of times I’ve talked to him.”

"That's what I mean," Dan answered.  "He's happy since he married Liana and came here.   But I've known Ben a long time.  Didn't used to be that way."

He drained his glass and motioned to the bartender again.  "Ben's bossy."  Dan grinned at Travis.  "Master of his house.  King of his castle.  Didn't think he'd ever find a woman who'd put up with all that.  But Liana takes it all in stride and goes right on.  Lets him make all the decisions.  How many women you know like that these days?"

“Not many mate, however, Jan does let me make all the decisions - some I suspect are engineered to that effect. I just wish…ah well,” he sighed, “So, what’s with you and the pretty little reporter anyway?”

"At this point, I dunno if there's anything going on," Dan told him.
 

For her part, Libby was trying hard not to look Dan's way.   She moved a little away from March, taking a few pictures of the crowd in general, and of the people that she knew were candidates for the town offices in particular.  She'd gotten one of Jack Aubrey, and she'd just seen Mr. Meridius heading toward the crowd.
 

March, however, had followed her and was offering her a drink. “I thought you might be thirsty Libby, they have the wine you like.” He brought her a glass having threaded through the crowd to find her.

"Thank you," Libby smiled at him, dropping the camera to dangle from her neck, and taking the glass from him.   But her eyes were drawn back to Dan.  Damn the man!
 

Determined to give her attention to March, she turned back to him.  "I'm a little surprised that you'd enjoy barbecue food.  But then, I guess I still have a lot to learn about you, don't I?"

“I love a good steak, Libby, and I think we’re going to have one today. I’m not about fancy food all the time,” he smiled at her, “I like a good cheeseburger too.”

"You?  A cheeseburger? "  Libby pretended to choke on her wine. "Then why'd you have a fit over my doughnuts that first day I met you?"
 

March grinned, “I had to get your attention somehow, did I not?”
 

"So, you don't really have anything against doughnuts?" Libby looked at him darkly. "That does it. I'm buying a dozen and bringing them to your place next time I come! And I'm gonna make you eat at least half of them!"

She looked toward Dan and Travis McGee again. Should she speak to Dan? Did she really have any choice? The usual pull was there and could she really spend the entire afternoon without speaking to him? Probably not. Maybe she should just get it over with.

Making the excuse to March that she really needed to speak with a few of the candidates, she left him and walked slowly and reluctantly toward where Dan and Travis were standing.

“Hey Dan,” Travis leaned into him, “looks like you got a chance here, don’t fuck it up mate.”

She saw Travis look her way and then lean toward Dan to say something to him. She would have given her right arm to know just what he'd said.

Dan's eyes locked with Libby's as she made her way toward he and Travis.  He couldn't have looked away if he'd wanted to, and he didn't want to.  He drank her in - the pretty blonde hair that had felt so soft in his hands and brushing against his neck, the blue eyes that had looked so deeply into his, as both of them had reached the heights at the same time.

The shorts she was wearing showed off the long, shapely legs that had wrapped around him as they lay in that grass near the stream.  The blouse she wore was low enough to show just a hint of the soft, rounded breasts that he'd cupped in his hands.  Dan found himself wanting to take her somewhere right now and repeat the other day.

"You got anyplace nice and private around here, McGee? he asked softly.

Amusement dancing in his eyes Travis turned watching Libby approach, “There’s the grain shed across the road there, it’s unlocked and I don’t expect anybody in there today.” He turned back to the bar, “Nice big sacks of grain laid out in rows.” He grinned.

Dan was still watching Libby.  Had barely noticed the amusement in Travis' voice.  "Grain shed huh?" he asked, smiling himself.  "What?  No hay?"
 

“Well there’s the barn if you want to get down and dirty.” Travis took a sip of his drink still grinning.

"Down and dirty," Dan repeated quietly, downing the rest of his whiskey.  "That's sounding really good right now."

Libby reached the spot where they were standing, her eyes still meeting Dan's, unable to look away.  That look he had on his face made her feel weak.  God, what was wrong with her?  She'd just left March's side!

"Mr. McGee.  It's nice to see you again."  She managed to tear her eyes away from Dan long enough to speak to Travis.

“It’s good to see you again too honey,” he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek just to get Dan moving.
 

"Libby," Dan spoke quietly, his eyes still on hers.
 

"Dan," she spoke just as quietly, wondering if there was anything else she should say--anything else she could say. From the corner of her eye, Libby could see Travis grinning.  What on earth were these two up to? 

“I’ll uh see you two later…maybe, here comes my Mama.” Travis straightened up and gave Dan a slap on the shoulder.

"So, uh-  How have you been?"  Libby felt out of her depth here. How were you supposed to speak to a man when you'd had incredible sex with him two days before and hadn't spoken to him since?

Dan ignored the words, as though she hadn't spoken them.  Starting on a fresh whiskey, he asked harshly, "Been keeping company with that fancy Italian long?"

There was more anger in his voice than Libby had ever heard.  Could he possibly be jealous?  Why?  He'd told her numerous times that there wouldn't be anything between them, that she was better off not seeing him.

Before she could answer, March was coming up to them.  Libby had no idea how to handle this situation.  No idea what to say to either of them.  She did her best to smile at March.

“Libby, I wondered where you got to. They’ve just brought some steaks up, are you ready to eat?” He glanced at Dan and smiled slightly. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
 

"Dan Evans."  Dan neither smiled or held out his hand to March.  He didn't bother keeping the venom out of his voice either.  He was normally a polite and courteous man, but his feelings for Libby-not to mention the whiskey he'd consumed so far-had him feeling reckless and angry.

March was a little taken aback at the hostility toward him and looked at Libby wondering exactly what was going on between them were they arguing? “Libby are you all right?” he asked softly.
 

"I'm fine," Libby smiled at him.  "I, uh-  I talked with Mr. Evans out at the Wade ranch the other day when I went out to do a story.  We were just saying hello."  She knew that didn't explain Dan's attitude toward March, but Dan would just have to explain that himself.

"Dan!"  Ben Wade's hearty voice interrupted all the tension, and Libby was very grateful to hear it..  "How're you enjoyin' yourself so far?  Havin' a drink I see!" 
 

Ben's voice held an implicit warning and Dan recognized it immediately.  Over the years, he and Ben had developed a shorthand in speaking to one another.  They could communicate without others having any idea what was being said.  Right now, Ben was telling Dan that he was on the edge and he needed to pull back fast.  For the first time, Dan wasn't sure he could do it.

"Libby."  Ben was addressing the other two.  "How've you been?  I guess you'll be comin' back to the ranch soon to talk to Liana 'n me?"

"And I'm not sure I've met you before."  Ben held his hand out to March.

“I am March Nova, pleased to meet you,” March shook his hand and dipped his head slightly, “I am the chef at Andy’s. I believe you have enjoyed a few meals there?” he said by way of introducing himself.
 

"Oh, indeed I have," Ben told him with a smile.  "Dan here has enjoyed a few too."  Ben clapped Dan on the shoulder.  "He's told me he really likes some of your soups."
 

The scowl on Dan's face deepened.  He'd told Ben no such thing.  Ben, however, was going on without giving him a chance to say anything.
 

"This is a mighty fine-lookin' young lady you've got her."  Ben nodded at Libby.
 

March placed his hand on the middle of her back, “Yes, she is most beautiful,” he smiled, “ She did me the honor of allowing me to be her date for the BBQ.”
 

His hand still on Dan's shoulder, Ben could feel the tightening in his muscles, the anger coursing through him.  Ben hadn't known Dan to allow anything to get to him since his divorce from Alice, his separation from his boys, with only brief visitations allowed.  He knew, though, that so far today Dan had had been drinking his lunch and that the whiskey was making a hard situation worse for him.

"You're a lucky man," Ben told March.  Then he nudged Dan's shoulder, giving him a hard, warning stare the likes of which only Ben could give.

"Let's go get us a plate of this good food, Dan!  I think we both could use it.  You two have a good time," he told Libby and March.  "And Libby, you're welcome to come out to the ranch any time.  You might just wanna give us a call first to make sure we're home." 

March turned to Libby, “I think that was a very angry man, would you like to eat now, cara?”
 

Libby took a deep breath as she turned toward  him, grateful for Ben Wade's help with the situation, but still unsatisfied with her inability to speak with Dan.  She wasn't sure what she wanted from him, but she still couldn't get him off her mind.

"That would be nice," she told March, trying to tactfully ignore what he'd said about Dan being angry.  She hoped he wouldn't connect Dan's anger with her in any way.

 
March took her hand and led her over to the food table, “What is Ben Wade to Dan?” he was curious that Ben could move him off like that. A hard look and a hand on his shoulder.

 
"His boss," Libby told him.  "Dan is Mr. Wade's business manager."

“Ah, I see... well perhaps he can calm him down, it is a beautiful day and a nice place here, not a place for anger today.” March handed her a plate and took one himself. “And many good things to eat.”

"Yes, it is beautiful."  Libby's mind was still on Dan.  She loved barbecue and filled her plate, but she was not eating very much.  Even as she talked with March, her mind was on talking to Dan.
 

 March chatted away and noticed Libby was not all there with him, “Libby, are you sure that man did not upset you? You are I think not all here with me.”
 

"Oh, no-  I'm just-  Distracted trying to find all the candidates for office.  That's all."  Libby was appalled at herself.  She was lying to March.  One of the sweetest, kindest people she'd ever met.  He'd told her he loved her, and she'd told him the same, and now here she was lying to him!  God, she thought she was beginning to hate Dan Evans!

"Maybe I should talk to Abby," she said.  "I saw her arrive just a little while ago.  Maybe she could help me keep an eye out for them."

March lay his hand on top of hers, “If you need to mingle, Libby, go ahead,” he smiled, “I’ll be around when you need me. I don’t want to interfere with your job, I know you are working today. Do not worry about me.” He picked her hand up and kissed her wrist.

She gave him a smile and a kiss, feeling guiltier than ever as she walked away.  March was so good to her.  He deserved better than someone who constantly had her mind on another man.  Maybe Abby could help her make some sense out of all this.
 

Jim and Ivy Braddock had gotten a late start leaving for the BBQ. Ivy wanted Ian to close the grocery and come along but he insisted Melanie was going to need the time to get acquainted with the store and he had paperwork to do. The ride to Glenridge Station was quiet Ivy watching the scenery as Jim drove. They had cleared the gate and parked the car when Ivy turned to Jim. " I got a call from Doc Knight this morning. My blood work came back positive."

Panic ran through him. She said positive.... did that mean positive as in good or positive as in something is wrong...positively.

Ivy smiled at him as she caressed his face. "Jimmy, I'm pregnant." Confusion set in for just a second as it registered. "Pregnant? As in a baby?" Nodding yes she squeezed his hand. "I'm not that far along yet... are you Ok with it?"

A smile spread across his face as he leaned over and kissed her. "Absolutely, Mrs. Braddock."

Relief washed over her. "Well we are hungry, Mr. Braddock. Do you think we could get out of the car and get something to eat?" Jim laughed, as he got out and helped her out of the car. The smile on his face was unmistakable, as he walked with her to the picnic area. He had the look of a happy man.

Richie had been chatting with Jack Aubrey and Bridgid. He turned and saw Toni with Liana - they seemed to be in deep conversation. He assumed she was telling her about their problems. Why couldn’t women keep things to themselves?
 

Over Toni's shoulder as they hugged, Liana could tell Richie was watching them.  "Thanks," she replied to Toni.  "I'm happy too.  And Ben's over the moon.  He's going to have this child spoiled before it's even born!"
 

"Listen," she went on.  "Richie's watching us.  Why don't we go over and chat with him?"  She looked at Toni anxiously.  "I'd be a lot happier right now if you were happy too.  And you obviously won't be until you two have straightened things out."
 

She'd seen Ben off to one side playing horseshoes with Bill McGee and Tee.  "Maybe I could get Ben to speak to him.  They seem to get along well."
 

Toni’s eyes widened, “No, I’m sorry Liana I know you’re trying to help but…I can’t…this is something he has to do on his own. I…I shouldn’t have told you,” she took a drink out of her glass. “I hate to ask you this, but please don’t tell Ben…this is not something I’m proud of, not something I want to be general knowledge. He’s lied and he’s been unfaithful, the ball is in his court.” She looked Liana in the eye.
 

Meeting her friend's eyes, Liana saw the slightly pleading look in them.  "All right," she sighed.  "I won't say anything."  She sipped her lemonade, a little worried that Toni seemed to be drinking more than usual.
 

"Just remember that I'm here if you need to talk, or if you need anything else.  And Ben, well - He's bound to find out from Richie.  They talk a lot whenever Ben goes to his office.  I'm pretty sure Richie was one of the first people Ben told about my pregnancy."
 

"In the meantime," Liana went on.  "You need things to keep you occupied.  How'd you like to keep me company one day while I'm gardening?  It's not exactly exciting, I know, but at least we can talk.  And Ben doesn't like me out in the yard gardening without someone out there with me, now that I'm pregnant.  I have no idea what he thinks might happen to me and the baby right out in our own front yard, but that's Ben.  He's overprotective and what he says goes!"

“Thank you Liana, I’d like that.” Toni looked down into her drink... ‘pregnant’…everybody was pregnant she’d seen Ivy and Jim arrive. She looked up blinked and smiled, she could do this.
 

Again, Liana caught Toni's wistful look.  "I'm sorry.  I keep talking about babies, with you feeling like this!  Not much of a friend, am I?"  She grabbed Toni's hand.
 

"I think I just saw the Meridius' pulling in with Alistair and Ahnna.  Why don't we go see them?"
 

 Toni really wanted to stand in a corner and get drunk but Liana had her by the hand and so she went with the flow. Not that she particularly wanted to see Alistair - he would ask after Richie and what was she to say? She was beginning to wish she hadn’t come, but there was Travis talking to Maximus.
 

Liana could sense that Toni just wanted to be alone, but she wasn't sure that was a good thing right now.  Maybe Alistair could draw her out, talk sense into her.  Liana wasn't sure why, but she had a lot of faith in Alistair.  Had from the moment she'd first met him.  She led Toni toward the group who'd just arrived.
 

 The closer they got the more uncomfortable Toni became, she took a good drink from her glass, what the hell, she’d lie. No she wouldn’t, “I can’t do this Liana,” she said and turned and walked off.
 

Jan McGee was in a fog. She smiled, she spoke to the people Sarah introduced her to, but she really wasn’t there - she was somewhere pleasant there was no pain there. She looked over the crowd and her eyes rested on Travis - her handsome charismatic husband.  Part of her wanted to go to him, feel his arm around her and rest her head on his shoulder. Would he let her? She turned and saw Richie talking to a tall blond man. Richie understood, he knew like Travis never would. She was trying... did someone speak to her? She checked her watch and thought about the cosmetic bag in the vanity of her bathroom. That’s where the pills lived, she smiled to herself.

“Well look at you mate,” Andy smiled shaking Johnny’s hand.
 

“Hiya Andy. Yeah, walking and everything. Still gets a little sore but at least I’m walking.”

“Glad to see it. I heard you’re working out here now?”
 

“Yeah, I’ve progressed from cleaning out the foreman’s office to cleaning out the stables, not sure that was progress.”

Andy laughed, “I bet it feels good though just to be working at anything.”

“Right, it does. I thought I’d go crazy sitting around doing nothing. I’ve been to your restaurant, good eats there, Andy.”

“Thanks Johnny, it’s doing okay. I’m finally able to spend a little time at home with my lovely Lucy.”
 

Johnny smiled, Lucy and Amanda were deep in conversation about something.

Kim helped Cara find a chair and settled them under a shade tree next to Steve and Millie, he thought that might give Cara someone to talk babies with since they both had one. What he needed was a drink.

“Can I bring you something to drink Cara?” he asked, standing up.

“Lemonade if they have it, please, and thank you Kim.” She smiled up at him while adjusting the baby on her lap.

“How about um her…Kimberly?”
 

“I have her bottles here, she’s not on VB yet.”
 

Kim smirked and walked off to find drinks.
 

Miss Peeg had been standing with Mr. Jessup, observing the village people go about their socializing. She smiled as Ben joined in the horseshoe pitch, he was turning out to be all right despite her initial misgivings about him. She was determined not to let Mr. Jessup’s observations color anything, he was she admitted a bit of a gossip, much like an old woman with nothing better to do, it irritated her. Especially when he mentioned Mr. and Mrs. Roberts. True enough they hadn’t been close to each other nor had they spoken that she could tell since she arrived. She knew something was wrong there, had known for days Mr. Roberts had not been himself.

She also noted that Travis had not spoken to his wife, but that she seemed to follow Sarah around as she greeted the guests. It was none of her business of course, she’d just only noticed. She turned as the General and his people arrived, putting her glasses up on her nose, now who was that with the pretty young woman? Could that be the young man that saved the Reverend Harris’s life oh she must speak to him.
 

Lucy’s head turned at the sound of the siren alarmed at first and then she saw Jeff and smiled. Leave it to him to make an entrance. She grabbed Andy’s hand “Jeff’s here, lets go say hi.”

Jeff saw Lucy pulling Andy towards his little group and smiled. He jogged up to meet them, wrapping his arms round his cousin and swinging her round before planting a kiss on her face. "G'Day, cuz. Lovely to see ya," he grinned, then turned to Andy and hugged him too. "Hey, soon-to-be cuz-in-law...if you ever get your bloody act together," he whispered in Andy's ear. "You want to seal the deal soon, mate, or you could lose the best thing that's ever happened to you."

Speaking in a louder voice, for everyone to hear, he continued. "Seeing as we're all together in a nice group for a change, let me do the proper intro's."

Andy moved over to his friends, "This is Tom and his fiancé, Tori. This is Stevo, my new partner. And leaving the best to last, this is Merinda Bindi, Stevo's mum. Folks, I'd like you to meet Lucy, my beautiful cousin, and her fiancé, Andy."

Hugs and kisses followed and Jeff winked at Lucy. This was going to be a fun day.

Ivy noticed Richie and Toni were on opposite sides of the crowd. Taking in what Toni was wearing, she knew she was putting up a front. "Jimmy, hold on a second. Look at Toni and Richie." She pointed out where they were in the crowd.
 
"Well I wouldn't have missed Toni in that outfit. What's going on?" Jim saw the look of concern on Ivy's face. "Something going on with them? Ivy?"

Looking at him, she had a pleading look on her face. "Jimmy, please don't mention the baby around Toni, OK? Maybe we can keep it quiet for right now. "
 
"If it means that much to you. Sure. If you get your food, I'll get the drinks for us. Ginger ale right?" OK well meet at the tables over there.
 
Jim headed towards the beverage area where a number of the men seem to have congregated. Looking around he noticed several of them didn't look too happy. "Hey Richie it's been a while. How've you been?"

Richie turned, “Hey Jim, long time no see, I’ve been better how’re you doin’?

Jim smiled, "Actually, it turns out I'm a pretty lucky guy. I'm supposed to keep it on the down-low, but Ivy told me she's pregnant. Oh wait, Toni isn't supposed to be told. So keep that bit of info to yourself. What's going on, anyway? Why wouldn't Ivy want Toni to know?"

Richie raised his glass, “Congratulations Jim, I’m happy for you.” Richie didn’t look to happy about anything. “Ah, Toni, I... ah... have no idea - women and their secrets,” did he just say that? He took a drink. “Maybe Ivy wants to tell her herself.”

Jim could tell something just wasn't right with his friend but decided now wasn't the time to press. "Thanks, Richie. I should be getting back to Ivy, I came for drinks but we should get together have dinner or something, a couples thing you know. We haven't all four of us gotten together since we decided to stay in the Glen."

“Yeah sounds good Jim, get the girls to set it up,” Richie was hyper - the alcohol wasn’t working.

Jim paused a moment before turning to go back to Ivy. Ivy was sitting at a table eating carrot sticks. Jim sat down across from her. "This picnic has a strange undertone to it. There are a bunch of guys over at and around the bar who are anything but happy....Richie included."

"I'd like to say hello to a few people. But I know what you mean. Toni isn't happy. I knew that as soon as I saw how she is dressed. Jimmy, I am afraid things have gone very wrong between them. "

"They'll get everything straightened out. They always do. Just need a little time."

Glancing over her shoulder at Toni who had yet another drink she frowned. "I hope your right Jimmy. I really do."

"Hey, there's Jim and Ivy.  Let's go see how they're doing and catch up on everything in the Glen.  We've, um, sorta been out of the loop."  Meggie nodded in agreement as Jeffrey headed towards the other couple's table.

"Jim, Ivy, it's so good to see you again," Meggie said.  She noticed how happy they both looked; Jim with a huge smile and Ivy's face glowing. 

Ivy and Jim Braddock looked up upon hearing their names. "Meggie, Jeffrey where have you both been keeping yourselves?" Ivy asked. "Why don't you both have a seat, there's plenty of room." Jim offered.

 "Why, thank you Jim."  Jeffrey pulled the chair out for Meggie and then settled down on the one next to her. 

A slight smile spread across Meggie's face at Ivy's question.  Reaching for Jeffrey's hand, Meggie first looked into his blue eyes and then returned her attention to Ivy and Jim.  "Jeffrey has decided to stay here in the Glen.  He's been busy getting his various belongings and stuff shipped down here to Australia."  She paused, feeling her face turning red.  "Jeffrey...we. ..are..." she stammered.

"I'm going to be living with Meggie now," Jeffrey finished for her, squeezing her hand.  "Getting a little lonely at the boarding house." 

"Good on ya, Jeffrey" Jim exclaimed. Ivy smiled as she looked at Meggie. "It take some getting used to having them around. But they can be nice to have around. I'm happy the two of you found a way to work things out."

Jeffrey nodded at Jim and Ivy's congratulations.  He checked Meggie to see her reaction and smiled.  Her reliable blushing caused her to smile even more.  "They do take some time getting used to," she joked.  "Of course, it's wonderful with Jeffrey as he loves to put everything back where it belongs.  Me," she stopped to glance over her shoulder and look at Jeffrey, "I'm used to sort of leaving things out all over." 

Reaching out with her right hand, Meggie squeezed Ivy's and whispered "Thank you."

"Meggie, I'm going to grab some steaks and drinks.  Be right back."  Jeffrey leaned in to kiss her before standing up to leave.

As soon as he left, Meggie returned her attention to Jim and Ivy.  "You both look very, very happy."

Jim's grin widened as he put his arm around Ivy and gave her a little squeeze. "Ok Jimmy go ahead I know your bursting at the seams to tell her" Ivy said as she turned to look at him over her shoulder. Jim gave her a kiss on her cheek, "Thanks," he whispered to her.
"Well Meggie, Ivy told me earlier today we are going to have a baby. Well she is anyway."

"Congratulations, both of you!  Oh this is fantastic news.  We'll be needing to have some baby showers for the women here in the Glen soon."  Meggie stood up and walked around the table to give Ivy and Jim a big hug.  "Ivy, if there is anything I can do to help you out, please let me know."

At that point, Jeffrey came back with the steaks and set them down on the table.  "Hey, did I miss something?"  he asked, noticing the smiles and hugs.

"Ivy and Jim are going to have a baby, Jeffrey," Meggie answered, returning to his side, sliding her arm around his waist. 

"Jim...Ivy, congratulations.  I'm happy for you both," Jeffrey exclaimed, reaching out to shake Jim's hand and then gently hug Ivy.

"Well it is a little early for a baby shower, at least for me. But your right there are going to be a lot of little ones arriving in the Glen in the months to come."

"Well now that I see what Jeffrey managed to find I think I am going to look into getting a steak myself. Want anything Ivy?" Ivy looked at her plate and the few remaining carrot sticks and shook her head no. "But I'll take some more ginger ale." Jim smiled and kissed her head before he wandered off to find ginger ale and a steak.

"There sure will be," Meggie answered.  "So many little ones...."

"Jim, wait up.  I forgot to grab some drinks," Jeffrey yelled.  "Meggie, anything specific you want?"

"A cola is fine."  Meggie smiled as she watched the two men head off towards the food.  Quickly scanning the crowd, she frowned.  "Ivy, I wanted to thank Jan and Travis for the invitation...but I don't see either of them right now.  They certainly have such a beautiful home here and all this land." 

I'm sure there will be plenty of time to talk to them at some point during the day. They do have a lot of land. All I can think of  though is how long would it take to mow. Although I guess a lot of it if for grazing cattle. Still wouldn't want to have to take care of all this... the house and the grocery are quite enough for me."

"Ivy, how is the grocery business coming along?  I need to stop in and stock up on some things.  I can't tell you how nice it is to finally have a local grocery store to get things."  Meggie said.  "Awh, Jim and Jeffrey are back bearing gifts of food and beverages."

Ivy sipped her ginger ale as she watched Jim cut into his steak. She then quickly looked away. "Want a bite baby?" Jim asked. "You know better to ask that Jimmy Braddock, I can't eat steak when it is that pink. You go ahead and enjoy it."

"The grocery is doing really well so far. In fact we recently hired a girl to help out. If you wanted you could send a list of what you need over and we can deliver it if you'd like."

Meggie couldn't prevent the giggle that slipped from her lips.  "Don't worry, Ivy.  I'm the same way.  Like my meat done-done."  Gazing at Jeffrey, she found him busy cutting into his own steak.  Shaking her head, Meggie smiled at Ivy.  "That would be great, Ivy.  I'd really appreciate it.  Between getting my stuff finally moved in, and now Jeffrey's stuff...."

"Meggie darling, I need all those things."

"I know...plus all those darn golf balls and golf gear."  Jeffrey reached out to touch Meggie's face, his thumb tracing her lips.  

She enjoyed his gentle touch for the moment before looking back.  "What's her name, the new girl, I mean?"   

"Melanie Brooks. She seems nice and has retail experience according to her resume. She is staying at the house with us right now. But I guess that is going to have to change...it is the only room we have to put a baby in." Ivy looked at Jim a second as she thought about having to tell Melanie she would have to find other accommodations in a few months. "There is plenty of time to find her a room some place, I'm sure."

"That's very kind of you and Ivy," Jeffrey said.  "Too bad she couldn't make it today.  I need to meet more of my Glen neighbors.  Do you have any names picked out?  I remember when Liane and I..." he stopped suddenly, a veil of sadness covering his face.

Meggie reached out and touched Jeffrey's hand.  "Ivy, if you'd like to go shopping for baby things, just let me know.  I'd be more than happy to.  Plus make sure this little one has a lots of soft and adorable teddy bears, ducks, and other animals to fill that nursery."

Richie spotted Jan standing alone, Travis was over at the bar and he walked over to her.

“Hi Jan.”

“Oh Richie, I was wondering if I was going to see you,” she moved toward him.

“Um, you’re not really seeing me, Jan. What I’m trying to say is, we can’t do this anymore. I understand you, but you’ve got to work things out with Travis and I got to do the same with Toni.”

“Richie I don’t…I can’t.”

“Yes you can and you will. I’d like us to remain friends - if that’s possible, but I can’t see you anymore, I can’t... I’ve got a wife I’m about to lose and I can’t do that.”

Jan’s expression froze, “I understand…I do…”

Richie was concerned about her; Travis said she was on pills, “Where’s your mother-in-law?”

“Um, bathroom, I think.” She seemed to come and go.

“Well, ah, is there somebody,” he looked around, not wanting to stay with her and not wanting to leave her. He saw Miss Peeg and motioned her over.

“Miss Peeg, would you mind staying with Jan until her mother in law comes back? I don’t think she’s feeling well.”

“Of course Mr. Roberts,” she took Jan’s hand, “Now then, not feeling well, are we?”

Richie breathed a sigh of relief and wandered off. He saw John Biebe and decided to go talk to him for awhile.

Sarah McGee found Miss Peeg with Jan. “Sarah,” Winnie said, “I don’t think Jan is feeling well.”

Sarah took a look at her, “Would you mind Winnie just for a minute,” she turned and looked for Travis who was at the bar with Dan. She walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“Travis, Jan is not well you need to go to her.”

Travis spotted her, “What’s wrong with her?”

“You should know that better than I.”

Travis set his drink down on the bar and went to Jan, thanking Miss Peeg for her help he took Jan’s hand.

“Can you do this Jan?”

“Yes, of course…do what?”

He bit his lip, “Do you want to go to the house?”

“Could I please, yes I think I would…yes,” her pills were wearing off.

“I tell you what, how would you like to go to Sydney?”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

“But…how…I’m not sure.”

“I am.” Travis turned looking for Kyle, he knew he’d be close, he always was.

“Yeah Travis what do you need?”

“I need you to make arrangements to get Jan to Sydney, call Gracie tell her she’s coming, tell her to call Dr. Manus.” He turned back to Jan, “it’s going to be all right honey, you’ll see, everything is going to be all right.” He pulled her unresponsive body to his and hugged her and turned her over to Kyle. “I’ll be there in the morning, Kyle.”

Travis turned and watched Jan walk with Kyle back to the house, he trusted her with Kyle, he’d do the right thing by her. He wanted a drink and remembered he’d left his glass on the bar.

Toni headed for the bar again after walking away from Liana. She couldn’t talk to Alistair today, she couldn’t. She set her glass up again.

Travis walked up beside her, “You tryin’ to drink me dry today?”

“Travis…no…I.”

“Have you eaten anything? Why don’t you go fix yourself a plate, Toni?”

“And ruin this buzz I’ve got going? What I need is a barstool right here.”

“If I fix your plate will you eat?” he asked, meeting her eyes.

Toni looked into him for a minute, “Yes.”

She watched him go over to the long buffet table and fill a plate for her, he turned catching her eye and motioned for her to follow him.

When she caught up with him, “Travis, why do you care whether I eat or not?”

He stopped and turned to her, “I don’t have to tell you, you know.” He looked around to find her a place to sit and spotted two couples at a table, “Hope you don’t mind if this little lady joins you for a bit,” He smiled and set her plate down.

Toni turned, “Hi Ivy.”

Just then, Meggie and Jeffrey turned at the sound of the voice.  Standing up, Jeffrey briefly touched Toni's shoulder.  "Toni, it's good to see you.  And Travis, Meggie and I have been meaning to thank you for the invite.  This place is terrific, along with the steaks."  He extended his hand to Travis. 

Travis smiled getting Toni seated, “I’m glad you came out today,” he shook Jeffrey’s hand. "I want you to make yourself at home Meggie. I hope you’re gonna eat more than that.”

"Toni." Ivy smiled at her friend. "Nice day for a barbeque, Mr. McGee" stated Jim as he placed a few more carrot sticks on Ivy's plate.

"Hello Travis," Meggie smiled, shaking his warm hand.  "Oh, I plan on it.  The steaks are great.  Plus I may try a rib or two."

"If there's chocolate in the vicinity, she'll find it, Travis," Jeffrey joked, as he wrapped his arm around Meggie's waist.  "This one is a chocoholic."

Gazing down at her sandals, Meggie chuckled.  "Guilty as charged."

“I’m sure Tomalee has something chocolate made up. I share your passion Meggie, I love chocolate too.” Travis grinned.

“"See Jeffrey?  I'm not the only one," Meggie joked.  "It's nice to meet you Travis...and Jan must be somewhere."

“Um Jan wasn’t feeling well, she’s gone up to the house, thanks for asking about her.” He tried disguising the sadness by smiling. Hopefully Kyle had her on the way to the airport by now.

"I'm sorry to hear that.  I hope it's nothing serious and she feels better soon."  Meggie could hear the sadness in his voice.  She wished she could say something more, but not knowing them that well, and not wanting to be nosey, simply smiled at Travis and touched his arm.

“Thank you, Meggie, so do I,” he patted her hand on his arm.

“Yeah, the weather couldn’t be better. Jim, nice to finally meet you, looks like we’ve got a good turn out today.”

Toni looked down at her plate, “I’ll never eat all this.”

"It's all so good.  Have you tried the ribs yet, Toni?  I'm thinking of getting some.  Meggie, you're rambling...she thought nervously.  "We haven't met yet.  I'm Meggie, Meggie Ward.  And this is Jeffrey Wigand.  I live in the yellow house with a barn and pasture that need attending to," she jokingly added. 

Toni looked up and smiled, “Hi Meggie and Jeffrey, nice to meet you, I’ve seen you at other functions, sometimes it’s hard to get around to everybody. I haven’t tried any of the food yet, Travis was kind enough to make sure I did and fixed my plate.” He was standing behind her talking to Jim and felt his fingers lightly touch her shoulder.

"Well, I'm glad we finally got to meet."  Meggie noticed Toni seemed a little upset, but not knowing what to say, pulled another chair out for her to sit on.

Toni looked up and smiled, “thank you Meggie, I keep thinking we all need to have some kind of hen party but I haven’t done anything about it yet. Maybe sometime…soon when things settle down.”

Jim looked at Toni, the fact that Travis McGee was carrying her plate and Richie was nowhere to be found wasn't lost on him. "Do you think she has a hollow leg?" Ivy asked looking at Toni's plate.  
 
 Travis glanced down at her plate, “Sorry about that Toni, just eat what you want of it, guess I got carried away, I haven’t eaten anything myself today.”

"Well that explains it. You should really eat something. There is plenty of room for one more and then we can all get better acquainted." Ivy had no idea why she said it. But for some reason she had the feeling Toni needed Travis around.

Travis smiled at Ivy, “Thanks Ivy I’ll grab something in a minute, I’m trying to at least say hello to everyone that came out today,” He took Toni’s fork and ate a bite of potato salad, handed her back the fork winked and walked away.

Toni looked at the fork and at Ivy who was watching her closely and forked herself a bite of potato salad. “This is good potato salad, are you not able to eat anything today Ivy?”

Realizing Toni needed to talk with Ivy privately, Meggie set her napkin down on the table.  "Ivy, Toni, would you excuse me for a bit?  I see Marie and Bud and would like to say hi to them for a moment."  Meggie smiled, hoping to ease the situation.  She stood up and touched Jeffrey's shoulder, pausing to point out Marie.  Nodding his head, he turned back to Ivy and Toni.  They were deep in conversation.

 "I don't eat anything with a mayonnaise base and Jim already exposed me to his medium rare steak which put me off that. By the way, you are looking very festive today." Ivy continued to look at Toni, she couldn't help but think she looked miserable.

“It’s all an act Ivy, it’s all packaging,” she cut into the steak, barely pink in the middle just like she liked it, “how did he know this is the way I like my steak,” she said quietly and looked up, “I am assuming you’ve told Jim?”

Yes. I told him and I know it's packaging we've been friends a long time. What is going on Toni, it has to be more than what you've told me already. I can honestly say I have never seen you like this."

“I’ve never been like this that’s why. I really would like to run down the road screaming but I can’t do that…well I probably could and they would have me in that ambo over there carrying me off to some loony bin. I’ve been waiting Ivy for a week now waiting on him to come to me and he has to do it on his own, if he doesn’t then…I know what I have to do. Did you see him talking to her a while ago, right out here in front of me…let’s don’t…I’m pretending not to care okay?”

Ivy let Toni's words sink in a moment. She remembered the first impression Richie made back in New Jersey. Glancing at Jim, as he talked to Jeffrey, all she could think was how thankful she felt because he wasn't like Richie. "Toni... do you care about Travis? Or are you pretending there too?"

Toni blinked, “He’s there for me Ivy, he knows what I’m going through because he’s going through some of the same things, obviously. We can talk about it, I care about him he’s my friend right now it hasn’t gone beyond that,” she thought about the kiss by the stream, “he’s a good friend.”

Ivy knew there was more to it, but she also knew that Toni wasn't lying. "I can't even pretend to know what you’re going through. I'm glad you have him to lean on. Just decide what you are going to do concerning Richie before... Toni I will support you in whatever you choose Ok?" Ivy was attempting to blink back tears, she wasn't going to cry in front of Toni, not now. Toni and Richie had only been married 6 months and they had been together more than 2 years before that. It made every relationship suddenly look both fragile and precious. She reached over and covered Jim's hand with her own.

“Thank you Ivy,” Toni gave her friend a hug, “Now, I’d better eat some of this food he brought me.”

Jim leaned over and kissed Ivy, "You did good." He then tapped Toni on the shoulder, "We are both here for you Toni. I want you to know that." 

Toni teared up, “Now you two are going to make me cry and we don’t want to open that faucet today,” she picked up her napkin and dabbed at her eyes. “I’ve done enough crying, thank you both for being such good friends.” She took a deep breath and a drink from her glass.

Richie watched Travis fix a plate for Toni and seat her, that was his job, he closed his eyes for a moment, why had he let things get to this point, he opened his eyes and blinked, he was afraid, afraid of what she was going to say if he spoke to her, afraid she was going to tell him she didn’t love him anymore. He knocked back his drink and headed for the bar again.

“Mr. Roberts I wonder if you might buy me the other half?” Miss Peeg came up behind him at the bar.

“Ah sure Miss Peeg what are you drinking?”

“Gin and orange please.” Having fawned Mr. Jessup off on Sarah she decided to mingle, he was really an old woman she had decided.

“Thank you Mr. Roberts, have you tried the food yet?”

“Ah no, I’m drinking my dinner today.”

“Now Mr. Roberts you must eat something, that’s not good for your stomach, and besides you’ll never last the night on alcohol alone.”

Richie looked at her and blinked, “have you eaten?”

“No and I would like your company at the table…unless you have other plans?”

“I don’t have a plan Miss Peeg, sure I’ll join you.”

“Thank you Mr. Roberts.” She smiled up at him, he was a most unhappy man and so was his wife; she’d been watching them both. She’d also noticed Travis watching Toni and wondered exactly what was going on…oh well she would know by the end of the day.

Sid handed Katherine out of the silver convertible, which he'd parked off by itself, not wanting any of these clods to open the doors of their vehicular transportations and scratch his paint. His eyes searched out Travis since he was the official host of this quaint food fest and he headed in that direction. His concession to the lowbrow nature of the event was that instead of an Armani suit coat, he wore simply his Armani slacks and a silk shirt in a pale heather color, which he'd left unbuttoned at the neck so the well-molded curve of his upper chest showed clearly.

Noting Bridgid and her well-barnacled seadog not far from Travis, he raised his voice in his greeting to their host. "I figured you needed the future mayor of the village in attendance today, Turvid," he smiled benignly, still holding Katherine's arm through his.

Travis lifted his chin slightly, “Travis McGee, I don’t believe we’ve met,” he smiled and extended his hand.

"Sidney Harbor," Sid replied, taking Travis' hand in what was probably an over-firm grip, "and this perfection of the female form you see at my side is Katherine Harbor, my wife."

“How nice to meet you,” directed at Kate, “I understand you’re running for Mayor also.” He never understood the need for crushing handshakes what was this guy trying to prove?

"Nice to meet you, Travis," Kate replied, smiling warmly. As Sid had instructed, she was being as polite to everyone here at the party as she could. No need to piss off potential voters, after all. Even if they were all beneath them.

Sid withdrew his hand. How easy it was to forget how weak these mere humans were, how frail their flesh. "Yes," he smiled, glancing over at the portly Captain, "can't have an octopus salesman as mayor of our fair burg, now can we?"

 “I hope you will enjoy yourselves here today, there’s a full bar and good beef on the grill. Please make your selves at home.” Travis maintained the friendly smile as he turned and walked away.

"Thank you," Kate replied, "I'm sure we will." Though, the thought of eating grilled beef was causing Kate to turn three shades of green, due to her current condition. She attempted to smile, but instead ended up covering her mouth and trying to breath in the smell of charred animal flesh wafting through the air all around her.

"You do not seem to be functioning correctly," Sid commented, looking down at his wife.

Just then Alistair and Ahnna walked by on their way to the fire pit to join Robin and Julie. Alistair paused, gently resting his hand on Kate's shoulder. "Are you not feeling well, Katherine?"  He was aware of this most different couple in the Glen, though Maximus had told him nothing really about Sid other than that there was some past history of bad feelings between them. Katherine looked like she were in distress, though, and that was all that mattered to him.  "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Don't think the baby likes the smell of BBQ, I'm afraid," Kate replied, attempting to smile, as she clutched Sid's hand. "Maybe a glass of water?"

"Ah!" Alistair smiled broadly. "Well, then, I think what you need most of all is to stop standing downwind from the fire pit."  They were right beside the coolers and Alistair opened a lid, closed it because it was beer, opened another and found bottled water, loosening the cap and handing it to Katherine.  "Why don't we move over there into the shade of that eucalypt?"  He looked at Sid. "If that's all right with you, of course."
 

Sid was also very aware of who Alistair was, the town goody-goody who'd almost been barbecued himself not long ago. "It is fine with me. I imagine you're not all that fond of the smoke yourself."
 

Alistair let that pass, maintaining his smile. "I don't believe you've met my wife." He turned, smiling down with great fondness. "Ahnna, this is Sid, who is running for mayor, and his wife, Katherine."
 

"Hello," Ahnna said shyly, not comfortable with Sid's manner. She turned her attention to Katherine. "A baby? How exciting."  Her eyes then wandered back to Alistair's profile as she imagined what his child would be like.

"Yes, it is very exciting," Kate replied, barely able to contain her joy, as she sipped the cool water Alistair had given her. "I can hardly believe I'm actually going to be a mother. Sid and I are so happy over this blessed surprise," she turned to Sid, "aren't we, darling?"

Sid blinked as though turning some switch deep inside himself. He'd just recognized Colin and his little entourage getting out of their car. "Happy? Why, yes, of course we're happy. What news could possibly be better?"  The purchase of Queensland, perhaps. Yes, that would be better. 

Alistair's eyes followed where Sid was gazing intently. He wondered just what made the man's eyes suddenly gleam so brightly in anticipation. It didn't seem to be to him the anticipation of someone intending to greet a good friend. No, it reminded him more of a cat that's just cornered a mouse in the pantry. A cat not hungry for food but for...pleasure. No, he'd wait and see. It wasn't his place to judge Sid's motives on such short acquaintance. 

Abby sat quietly on the ride over to Travis' place. As much as she loved a good BBQ, she would much rather have stayed home today. She was still worried about the whole situation with Dwayne. He hadn't taken too kindly to Alistair's suggestion of waiting a while to renew their vows. Actually, that was putting it mildly - Dwayne was out and out furious about the whole thing, though, thankfully, after his initial blow-up on the car-ride home that day, he'd been pretty quiet about it.

She attempted to put all her troubles aside for the day, however, determined to get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. As Dwayne parked the pick-up, she noticed that most of the residents had already arrived and were busily enjoying the festivities.

"C'mon, darlin',' Dwayne told her, as he helped her out of the passenger's side of the truck, "there's food to be eaten' and beer to be drunk."

Abby let out a little sigh, then smiled, "Can't wait."

"Aren't you going to that big shin-dig today, Arthur?" Alex asked, as he sat smoking a cigarette on the front porch of the boarding house.

Arthur looked up from the book he had been reading, unaware that anyone had been sitting out there with him. "Um... well... I hadn't planned on it, actually," he admitted, " I don't really know this Travis fellow."

Alex grinned, stumped out his cigarette, and stood up. "Seems to me that a person running for town secretary should actually attend any event that enables them to get out there and meet the people that will be voting." He extended his hand to Arthur, "C'mon, we'll stop by and pick up your boss on the way. I'm sure he's dying for something to do about now."

Arthur looked at Alex for a moment, then took his hand and followed him to his car. Alex was right, he should be out there meeting all the town's people he could if he had an hope of winning the election.

Colin, never being one to turn down the offer of free beer and food, grabbed his crutches and was out the door in a flash (well, as much of a flash that someone with a broken ankle can be, anyway). He'd been sitting alone in his big house, feeling sorry for himself for the past few days and now he was ready to have some fun - broken or not.

They pulled into a parking space and walked up to the crowd that had already gathered, looking around for anyone they knew.

Sid saw the mechanic leaning on his cripplesticks, surveying the crowd. The eucalypt Alistair was steering them toward was conveniently nearby. Deliberately he paused and lay his palm in a curve over Katherine's belly in a way that a man has of saying without words, "This is MINE! I did this! Behold the fertility of my seed!"  He knew even someone with the limited mental capacity of the retard Aussie would understand that.

Colin's smile suddenly faded as he saw Sid with his hand placed over Kate's belly. The bastard was actually gloating, taunting him!

"Motherfucker, " Colin cursed under his breath, as he stood locking eyes with Sid.

"Wha..?" Alex began, then saw what Colin was staring at. "Oh. Oh...shit. Colin, he's not worth it. We're here to have fun, let it go."

"Besides, you've already got one broken leg, Colin," Arthur reminded him, handing him a VB.

Colin, however, wasn't listening. He popped open his VB, took a swig, then made his way over to the group before Alex and Arthur could stop him.

"Kate," he said, interrupting their conversation with Ahnna and Alistair. "I see congratulations are in order?"

"Why, yes, they are," Sid said smoothly. "My beauteous bride has proven most fruitful. Haven't you, darling?" He moved his hand, now caressing her face. "Of course, constant sex tends to lead to fruitfulness," he purred, batting his eyelids innocently.

Kate smiled and blushed, wrapping her arms around Sid's waist. "Thanks, Colin," she replied, then looked down at his cast, wondering if she should mention to him what she'd heard about his 'fall'.

Colin didn't take his eyes off Sid, however, only barely hearing what Kate had said. He nodded, his teeth and fists clenched, momentarily forgetting about his current condition.

All right, that was enough. Electricity almost crackled visibly in the air between Sid and Colin. Alistair stepped forward, putting himself between the two men.

"I'm so sorry I didn't make it into the hospital to visit you, Colin.  I truly wanted to but I've been a bit slow on the uptake for a while now and haven't been upto par on my visiting. It's so good to see you out and about, though. I know how that feels."  He lay his hand on Colin's forearm, a gesture he frequently seemed to use though he didn't really stop and think of it as a method of letting the peace flow out of him into someone else. It tended to have that result more often than not, however.  "I know it's hard to balance a plate and use crutches at the same time. Why don't I walk with you and together we can see what you might like to eat?"

Colin blinked, unclenched his fists. Was someone talking to him? He turned, saw Alistair's friendly smile. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed, looking around the group, nodded to Alistair, casting one last look at Sid and Kate as he turned to walk away.

Alex and Arthur, who had been watching at a distance, let out a sigh of relief as they saw their friend being led away from the group.

Maximus joined them, having witnessed the encounter. Joimus had gone on to be with Ahnna despite Sid's presence. "You are managing well with the crutches, Colin," Maximus commented. "I used them for quite a while myself back in England not long before we moved here."  His eyes flickered back to Sid and he frowned slightly at the smile curving the nanotech's lips.

"I'm managing, not too sure how well, though," Colin replied quietly, still steaming a bit from his encounter with Sid. He couldn't help but note the look Maximus had cast Sid and realized there must not be any love lost between the two of them, either.

Johnny, having been prompted by Amanda, noticed Colin on crutches. He winced, knowing what the man was going through and walked over, still with a bit of a limp himself.

"Couldn't help but notice, Colin... I just got the boot off a week ago. I know what you're going through mate."

Colin managed a slight smile at him, nodded. He knew what Johnny had gone through, but couldn't help thinking to himself how it would be a hell of a lot easier if he still had a girlfriend around to help him out the way Amanda had with Johnny. He looked back at Kate, sighed, then turned back to his friends, "So, I hear you got yourself a job, Johnny? Is that right?" he asked, hoping to change the subject off of his own problems for a moment.

“Yeah, I did. I’m working here now. They’ve been real good to me ,you know, letting me work as I can with this damn foot. I got on horseback this week without a problem. Maybe that will get me out of the cow pens. I ain’t real big on shoveling cow shit.” Johnny smiled a crooked smile.

"Can't say I blame ya, Mate," Colin told him, managing a chuckle. "Good to hear everything is going well for you. I hear Travis is an okay bloke to work for." He paused, thinking again about his own troubles, then tried to push past it. "Let me know when you’re up for another night out with the mates, could definitely use the distraction - busted leg or not."

“Things are going pretty good for me right now, I wouldn’t mind a night out as long as there are no stairs to deal with, I haven’t been anywhere since that night we all went out. But let me give you a tip, if you’re gonna get plastered, make sure you can lay where you fall. Ask Andy about dragging me up the stairs at Millie’s after a night in the Tavern.”

"I hear ya, Mate," Colin told him, "had my share of falls lately... think I'll steer clear of the boarding house from now on - seems to be a death trap for blokes lately," he chuckled, though inside he wasn't really laughing. "For that matter, think I may just stay clear of the sheilas for a while, too. Nothin' but trouble, if you ask me... oh, no offense to Amanda - she seems to be the exception."

“You’re right about Amanda I couldn’t ask for better, probably don’t deserve her at all. Yeah, you haven’t had the best of luck with the sheila’s around here. Who’s the guy with the hat, don’t think I’ve met him?”

Colin turned, saw who he was talking about, "Ah... that would be my new mate, Alex Ross. Good bloke, from what I can tell."

“Don’t believe anything this wanker says,” Andy laughed coming up and shaking Colin’s hand, “Good to see you out mate, how ya doin’?”

"G'day, Andy," Colin grinned, awkwardly passing his beer off to Johnny and shaking Andy's hand. "Been better, mate. How 'bout you? How's the restaurant business going?"

“Ah mate, it’s whipping my ass but making me a little money. When are we gonna have another man night? I missed out on the last one and this might be my last chance. Lucy and Jeff are conspiring to get me married I figure I’m due at least one good shout.”

Abby had seen Colin when he arrived at the BBQ, and had managed to keep clear of him so far. As much as she wanted to talk to him, to explain things, she knew it was best if he and Dwayne weren't anywhere near one another. She sipped her bottled water as Dwayne chatted away about this and that (she had only barely been pretending to listen to what he was saying, nodding her head here and there). In the distance, she could see Colin talking with his old flame, Kate, and her new husband, Sid. Her eyes followed him as he seemed to be led away by a few of the others in the group.

So, she didn't notice when Dwayne finally stopped talking - his eyes following hers to see what held her attention.

"Well, lookie there," he chuckled, shaking his head, "seems that grease-monkey, O'Brien, managed to hobble out of his crib and have himself a bit of barbeque."

"Dwayne, don't," Abby told him, hoping he'd just let it drop.

"Don't what, darlin'?" he grinned, "All's I'm gonna do is go say hello to the feller. No need to get your panties in a bunch."

He kissed her on the forehead, then headed straight for where Colin stood talking with Johnny and Andy, Abby following quickly behind him.
 

"Hey, you name the time and place and I'll be there," Colin grinned. He took another swig of his beer, nearly spit it out as he saw Dwayne and Abby approaching. "Shit," he muttered, then turned to his friends, "Just when I thought things were looking up."
 

"Fancy seeing you here," Dwayne grinned as he approached the group. "Heard about your little... um... accident. Ouch!" Dwayne chuckled, looking down at Colin's cast.
 

Colin just glared at him, tight-lipped, taking a step back towards his friends.
 

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?" Dwayne asked, cocking his head, then went on to introduce himself, "Howdy there, I'm Dwayne Campbell - the husband of the woman your friend here has been trying to... shag... as you Aussies say."
 

 Andy and Johnny looked at Colin and both took a step closer to him neither one of them spoke, their silence put them in Colin’s court, whoever this prick was had better watch it.

Colin cleared his throat. He was seriously struggling with the fact that there was no way he could win in a fight right now, no matter how much he wanted to beat this bloke's face in. Finally, he took a swig of beer and grinned, "Nasty rumor, that, Mate."

Abby came up behind the group at that moment, saw the tension hanging in the air between them all. "Dwayne, I just saw Libby over there... c'mon, I'll introduce you." She tried her best to avoid Colin's eyes, not wanting to make matters between them worse than they already were.

"You go on, darlin'," Dwayne replied, "I'll catch up in a minute. Just gettin' to know the local boys here. Seein' how we're all gonna be neighbors now, thought it might be a good idea."

Abby bit her lip, reluctantly walked off.

"Yep, that's right, boys, me and the little lady have kissed and made up and then kissed some more, and now we're gonna be movin' into our own little love nest in a couple weeks."

"Good for you and the missus," Colin said, coolly. "Now, if you will excuse us..."

"Now don't be rude, O'Brien, I was hopin' we could all be friends... now, who needs another drink?" he asked, taking Colin's empty bottle from his hand and looking at the others, who appeared completely dumbstruck by the whole thing.

After Dwayne walked off to the cooler to get more beer, Colin turned to his friends, "So, lads, how's next Friday night work for you then?" picking up the conversation back to where it had left off and trying to avoid Abby's stares from across the yard.

“Ah Friday sounds good Colin," Johnny replied watching Dwayne walk off.

“Colin, if you need anything, you know what I’m sayin? I got ya back, mate. Yeah, Friday for me, too.” He watched the emotions slide across Colin’s face, the man looked like he was about to explode and he wondered if he’d ever have any peace. First Kate and now this. He’d taken an instant dislike to the slimy bastard Dwayne.

"Ta, Mate," Colin told him, as Dwayne smiled and waved at him from the cooler where he was busy retrieving more beer. "Seriously, don't know what she sees in that bloke," he mumbled under his breath to no one in particular. "If I can make it through the day without ending back in the hospital that will be a plus."

“It ain’t worth it mate, keep your head on,” Johnny said, draining his VB can.

Meggie picked up a bottled water, glancing up when she heard Colin's voice.  She looked at the man next to her with the beer, and wondered if he had caused Colin to need crutches.  Frowning, she moved away and from the cooler and waved to Colin and his friends.  "Colin!  Good to see you.  How are you doing?"

"Hi Meggie," Colin called back, returning her wave, "I'm... managing."

Dwayne scooted back over, handing Colin his beer with a Cheshire cat grin on his face as he spied Meggie. "Well, well, well... you certainly don't waste time, do ya O'Brien?"

Colin ignored Dwayne's comment, "How's Jeffrey doing these days, Meggie? Haven't seen you two around much lately."

"I'm sorry I didn't make it to the hospital to see you."  Meggie moved closer to Colin, and reached out to touch his shoulder.  "Hey, if you need anything...let me or Jeffrey know.  He's doing fine, thank you for asking.  He's moving in with me...so we've been busy with that."  She blushed slightly, sensing Dwayne nearby.   

"That's great news, luv," Colin told her, with a smile. "I'm happy for the two of you, really. Now, just be sure to tell Jeffrey that I said he better treat you right or he'll have me to answer to." 

"I'll be sure to tell him that, Colin," Meggie laughed, though becoming more of Dwayne's presence and behavior towards Colin.  She noticed the deliberate way he kept touching Colin, talking about him as if he weren't there.  Meggie wanted to ask him how he was really feeling, knowing he saw Sid and Kate at the party.  But Dwayne continued to annoy her. 

"Who are you?"  she finally blurted out, glaring at Dwayne. 

 "Howdy there, little lady," Dwayne drawled, in his usual southern charm. "Dwayne Campbell, nice to meet you, Miss...?"

"Abby's... husband," Colin told her, under his breath, glaring at the man.

"Meggie Ward.  I'm sure Abby is looking for you."  She answered him curtly, noting the seductive charm in his voice.  The animosity between the two men was obvious and she hoped her briefness would cause Dwayne to give up and leave.  Turning back to Colin, she brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.  Meggie wanted to talk with Colin without this Dwayne character hanging around.  "I want you to know you're welcomed anytime at my home, Colin."  She reached out and touched his arm gently

"Thanks, Meggie," Colin told her, trying to ignore Dwayne's continued smirks at him. "Same goes for you and Jeffrey, you're both welcome at my place any time."

Standing on her toes, Meggie leaned forward and kissed Colin sweetly on the cheek.  "Take care of yourself, Colin. It was good seeing you again."  Then she whispered in his ear, "Don't let this jerk bother you.  You're definitely more man than he is."  Meggie then took a step back, smoothing her wind blown hair.  "Well, I need to get back to Jeffrey."  She paused, looking at Dwayne for half a second, and then returned to Marie and Bud who were laughing about something with Ashley and Lachlan.

Dwayne was drinking his beer, listening in to their conversation, bored by the whole thing. He turned to Johnny and Andy, who were busy chatting away, "So, what do you fellows do for fun around these parts, anyway? Besides tryin' to bed other fellow's wives, that is?" He grinned and patted Collin on the back when he said that last bit. Colin just shifted a bit on his good leg and kept up the conversation with Meggie, trying hard to ignore Dwayne's comment.

“Well for starters mate, we don’t bed other blokes wives.” Andy said through his teeth.

“What are ya tryin’ to do, start something with Colin?” Johnny asked. “What are you doin’ around here anyway, Texas not big enough for ya?”

Dwayne chuckled, "Well now, Texas is fine and all... would happily be back there now if it weren't for my darlin' wife over there," he pointed towards Abby, who was busy chatting with Cal and Colleen, "... hadn't of gotten some wild hair in her and decided to take a bit of a vacation down here in this lovely little town of yours. Seein' how she's gone and fallen in love with it here, I decided we'd make it our home."

“You sure that’s why she stayed here?” Andy asked, he was well aware of Colin and Abby.

"You implying I don't know my wife, friend?" Dwayne asked, cocking his head. "True, she may have had a momentary loss of sanity by lettin' your buddy O'Brien here think he had a chance with her, but she's since seen the errors of her ways, I assure you. In fact, you'll all be invited to our house warmin' party just as soon as we move into the new spread. Makes this place look like a dump."

“Save a stamp mate,” Andy said and nudged Johnny, Amanda was on her way.

Amanda had been watching Johnny and knew that look, he didn’t need any trouble today.

“Hi Johnny, you okay?”

“Oh yeah, I’m apples,” he slid his arm around her waist.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“He ain’t my mate. This is Dwayne from Texas and this is Amanda.”

"Nice ta meet ya, Amanda," Dwayne smiled. "Now, now, don't let your buddy O'Brien's past transgressions keep us from becoming fast friends, guys."

Andy looked around at Johnny, “You need a beer, I’m buyin’” he’d heard enough.

“Yeah, I ‘m empty here.” He looked at Dwayne, “Somehow, I don’t see us becoming fast friends Dwayne. Colin here is my mate.” He felt Amanda’s elbow in his ribs.

"Ah, well, suit yourself, friend," Dwayne grinned, "I'm sure I'll be seeing ya'll around town."

Drink in hand, Charlie Prince sauntered into the mix, sensing that this Dwayne fella might need some backup. He seemed the sort Charlie might like, despite his views on trying to bed other men's wives.


"That housewarmin' invitation open to everyone, friend?" Charlie asked him.

Dwayne turned and regarded the man standing in front of him. "Sure is, friend, especially for a fellow Southerner." He extended his hand toward Charlie, "Dwayne Campbell, and you are?"

"Charlie Prince."  Charlie pumped the hand that Dwayne held out to him.  "I'm the foreman at the Wade ranch.  So, you're married to that pretty little thing over there."  Charlie nodded his head toward Abby. "You're a lucky man, Dwayne."  His gaze went toward Liana Wade.  "Haven't found one for m'self yet."

"Thanks, friend," Dwayne replied, sizing the man up. "I'm sure you'll meet a nice gal soon enough. Just don't go and try what O'Brien there tried." He pointed towards Colin, who glared back at him.

"Go after your wife, you mean?" Charlie asked, looking disdainfully over at Colin.  "No worries there, Dwayne.  She's a good-lookin' woman, but I've kinda got my eye on somethin' else."

"Then you and I will get along just fine, Charlie, just fine," Dwayne told him with a grin.

"You'll hafta come over to the ranch and see me sometime," Charlie told him.  "I'm guessin' you ride.  Fix you up with a nice black stallion we've got, an' give you a tour of the place."  Charlie drained his beer and reached for another. "Not a lotta people around here I've been interested in bein' friends with."  He glanced at Colin again, with a smirk.

"Thanks, Charlie, I'll have to take you up on that," Dwayne told him, "Plan on getting a couple horses of my own just as soon as the wife and I get moved into our new place."


"If you're lookin' to buy, we can fix you up there too," Charlie told him.  "Come by and see me any time."  He smiled at Dwayne.  "Right now, I'm gonna go try myself some of this barbecue.  Wanna get your missus an' join me?"

Don't mind if I do," Dwayne replied, looking around to where Abby had wandered off to. When he saw her talking with that girl she worked with, Lenny, or Letty or whatever her name was - like he'd listened to half the ramblings of Abby's, anyway - he motioned for her to stop her chatting and get over to him pronto.

"Ahnna," Joimus said, ignoring Sid, "would you like to come on with me where Alistair and Maximus are headed?"

"This is Katherine, Joimus," Ahnna smiled, gesturing toward the young woman she'd just met. "She's having a baby. Isn't that wonderful?"

Joimus stared at Sid, knowing full well he had nothing like natural male seed. Still, she didn't speak to him, but managed a small smile for Kate.

"Congratulations, " she said, wondering how the woman could possibly believe Sid was the father. "I hope it's everything you've always dreamed."

It was, indeed awkward to find something to say with Sid looking at her, knowing she knew.  He would also count on her being civilized. Someday, though....

"Thanks, Joimus," Kate replied, smiling ear-to-ear. "It's even more wonderful than I could have ever imagined, being married to such a loving and generous man, and now carrying his child." She smiled up at Sid. "You live just over the hill from us, I believe, don't you Maybe you and your husband would like to stop by some time for a visit?"

Joimus licked her lip, trying to think how best to answer Kate's innocent invitation without offering offense. A quick glance at Sid told her he was waiting to see what she'd say. Hmmmm? Maximus would never enter Sid's doorway and Sid knew that. "Why don't you and Ahnna come by the greenhouse some time and pick out flowers? I know there are none in your yard, of course, but perhaps some, um, tiger lilies," her glance tracked to Maximus, "inside might be nice. Or," she looked up at Sid, "maybe babies' breath? That might work out nicely."  She blew out a breath of relief, hoping Kate had been sidetracked from her invitation.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Kate replied, brightly. "I'm not much of a gardener, killed more plants than I can count, actually. Maybe you could give me some tips?" She looked up at Sid, thought a moment, then added, "if it's okay with you, Sid, that is."

"If you wish to play amongst the vegetation? It's fine with me. I have nothing against greenery."

"Good," Joimus smiled, with no good will behind it. "My greenhouse happens to be called The Greenery." She paused, locked eyes with him. "Katherine is always welcome there." 

"Am I not?"

"Why, Sid, you know exactly how I feel about that."

"Is that why the good General keeps a pike so close to the doorway?"

"For heads?" She chuckled mirthlessly. "Come now, Mr. Harbor, why ever would you think such a thing?" She couldn't help but notice that both Kate and Ahnna were listening to them with widened eyes.  "Why General Meridius hasn't had call for piking a head since we've been in the Glen. Not yet."

"Such restraint," Sid grinned.

"And should be appreciated, " she added.

"Joimus!" It was Maximus, come part way back toward his wife and signaling her to join him.

Joimus took Ahnna's arm, leading her with her away from Sid. "You know that man?" Ahnna asked in almost a whisper.

"I'm afraid so," Joimus replied, pausing and letting go of Ahnna's hand as she closed her eyes and ran both hands through her own hair.

Maximus was there beside her instantly. "He did not...?"

"No, darling, it's all right. He was just being himself. It's been a while, you know, and he rather washed over me like some evil black tide."

Maximus took a step toward Sid but Joimus grasped his arm. "No. Not here. He would enjoy it. Don't give him that."

He stopped, nostrils flaring, and glared at Sid several yards away. "You are right," he agreed. "I shall not permit him even so small a victory."

After they walked away out of earshot, Kate turned to her husband and asked, "Sid, what do the Meridiuses have against you? Why would you not be welcome at their home?" She was concerned that maybe she shouldn't keep company with someone, no matter how nice she had seemed, if they did in fact loathe her husband for some strange reason.

"Oh," he shrugged, "nothing much. Nothing important anyway. I've known them for some years. We just have different opinions about a lot of things. Don't worry your pretty head about it.  It's all right for you to go to the Greenery."  He knew Joimus, knew she wouldn't blab unless absolutely forced into a corner.

Kate relaxed a bit upon hearing this, laid her head on Sid's broad shoulder. "Oh good, I was worried for a minute there, seeing how they are neighbors of ours and all. Still, I can't understand why anyone would find you anything but completely charming, the way I do, darling."

Sid smiled, watching Maximus' back as he walked away. "You're a good wife, Katherine." 

Kate smiled, kissed him on the cheek, then, with an eyebrow raised, teased, "And later I'll show you just how good a wife I am, too."

The tall, long legged blond finally got through the gate and parked her car. She was late, very late but then he hadn’t been very good with his directions. Jean Robinson pushed her sunglasses up on her head, she hated things like this, especially when you didn’t know anybody. She had no idea who was hosting this bash as she made her way through the crowd. Where was he anyway?

Cara was giving Kimberly a bottle while Kim bounced around from one side of his chair to the other. She could tell he was tired of sitting in the shade with her and the baby. That was just too bad, that’s what father’s did - sit with their family. Even Steve stayed pretty close when he wasn’t running after Brooke.

“There you are, I’ve been lost for the last thirty minutes trying to follow your directions,” Jean walked up hands on hips.

“Jean, sorry about that,” Kim smiled up at her and then stood up a clearing of a throat brought his head around, “Oh, Cara this is Jean Robinson, my new secretary,” he smiled from one to the other.

“How nice to meet you, I didn’t know he had a secretary.” Cara remarked.

“She actually starts on Monday. I thought it might be good for her to meet some of the customers we have in the store.”

“How nice,” Cara stood up deposited Kimberly in his arms with bottle, “You can finish feeding your daughter, I’m hungry,” Cara walked off toward the food table.

“Cara,” he called after her.

“I didn’t know you were married with a child.” Jean smirked and followed Cara toward the table.

“What am I supposed to do with this,” he called out.

Millie told him to sit down and feed it and so he did.

Zack Grant walked across the grass towards the crowds that were milling around. He had reservations about showing up at the barbeque today, but not as many as his date, Destiny, had. He'd explained to her, though, that the people in town wouldn't think she had something to hide unless she kept on acting like she did. This, strangely, had made a sort of sense to her, so she reluctantly agreed to attend the event with him.

He couldn't help but smile as he led her through the crowd, thinking to himself how this was actually their first "official" date. He hoped the day turned out well.

Reese was working security by himself now that Kyle had taken off with Mrs. McGee to Sydney. He’d been watching the bloke on crutches, looked like everybody wanted to start something with him, but it appeared to calm down now. He moved off to another area his eye on another bloke that looked like he wanted to start something with the Italian that cooled down when the big guy virtually hauled him away. He hadn’t seen anything else heating up yet. His radio went buzzing on his belt, “Yeah Reese…who? Alright, I’ll see if I can locate her. What’s she look like?”

He walked over to a table where the likely woman sat with a man deep in conversation, “Are you Miss Peeg?”

“Why yes,” she sat up straight.

“There’s a bloke at the gate says you know him and can him and his mate get through, says his name is Hando.”

“Oh dear, yes I do know him, yes.”

“So it’s orright then?”

Miss Peeg looked across the table at Richie and raised her brows.

“Let him through,” Richie said.

Reese spoke into his radio and walked away.

“I hope I don’t regret this,” Richie picked up his drink.

Hando manhandled his vehicle up the drive, “See, I told ya. This bloke is crawling in it, got more money than he knows what to do with.”

“I dunno Hando, I don’t usually track around places like this.”

“Welcome to the other side, Boz. Hey, even if they throw us out we’ll get a free beer and maybe a steak dinner if we’re lucky. But I don’t think Travis McGee is gonna throw me out.”

“Why, you got something on him?”

“Yeah and he’s eat up with it... guilt man, guilt’s a heavy load.”

They got out and walked over to the crowd, Hando looking for Miss Peeg - he figured she was his ticket.

“Fuck man, they got a whole bar set up.” Boz head was spinning around.

“Yeah but it’s Saturday Boz, you’re sober today.”

“I’m off work now, I reckon it’s happy hour.”

Hando grabbed his arm, “Let’s find Miss Peeg first then you can go to the bar.”

Richie had been glad for the interruption - Miss Peeg was getting a bit too close to the truth. She’d been peppering him with questions for half an hour. Having eaten a steak and potato and beans, he felt a little better, something to help soak up the alcohol in his stomach.

“Miss Peeg, we’re having problems, Toni and I. I’m not going into detail for you.”

“Oh I wouldn’t expect you to, Mr. Roberts, it’s none of my business I’m sure. It’s just that I did notice that the two of you were not together and that she seemed to be with Mr. McGee.”

Richie had noticed that too, that was something he hadn’t counted on. “She’s by herself today.” He sighed.

“You are going to fix what’s wrong aren’t you, Mr. Roberts? I’ve never known you to give up. I’ve seen you take hits and come right back.”

“Yeah, well this one is my fault. Oh shit, look what’s coming.”

Miss Peeg turned around, “Hando, how nice to see you.” She smiled, she hadn’t seen him since her sister was here in Coffs.

“Miss Peeg,” he glanced at Richie, "Mr. Roberts. Ah, this is my mate Boz, thanks for getting us in.”

“Oh, it was Mr. Roberts that gave the okay, you’ll have to behave today,” she twittered.

“Of course, I always do. Is, ah, all this free?”

“Yeah and don’t take advantage of that Hando.” Richie advised.

“Nah, we’re cool. Well, we’ll get a drink...see ya.” He grabbed Boz’s arm and headed for the bar.

“Who was that with that woman?”

“That was Richie Roberts, he’s my solicitor.”

“YOUR solicitor? Shit man, you been holdin’ out on me?”

“Fuck no, he’s okay. Hey, see that black SOB over there? That’s a cop or something... probably got this place crawlin’ with security, so keep your head down.”

“I ain’t done nuthin’ to keep my head down about. You in trouble around here?”

“Nah, I just seem to attract it.”

“Hell, maybe it’s your hairdo, Hando.”

“Shut the fuck up, Boz.”

Michael Stanley parked his BMW under a tree, he was late; it looked like things were well under way. Toni had invited him to the BBQ, otherwise he would have given it a miss, but he hadn’t seen his daughter for awhile. She wasn’t hard to spot in her bright outfit, however, she seemed in conversation at the moment and so he looked for Richie.

“Hello Richie,” he greeted, “ah, Winnie, how good to see you,” he smiled, he’d forgotten how attractive she was.

“Michael, have a seat. What are you drinking?” Richie stood up, offering his seat.

“Oh, a Scotch and water for me if they have it,” He settled his tall frame into the seat and smiled across the table at Winnie.

“Michael, it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen you.”

“Yes, too long how’ve you been.”

“Well enough,” she smiled brightly “I didn’t expect you today.”

“Toni called a couple of days ago and asked me to come, I’ve been out of the loop in The Glen and have lost contact with my good friends.”

“Yes, well, how is the book coming?”

“I had to put it aside for awhile, I’ve been back in the states; my divorce was finalized last week.”

“I am sorry about your troubles Michael.”

“It’s over now, ah, and here’s a nice drink to celebrate with, thanks Richie.”

“May I Winnie,” he touched her glass, “to good friends,” he met her eyes.

Winnie was appalled to find herself actually blushing, “To good friends.” She repeated.

Michael looked up at Richie, “Find a chair son and sit down.”

“I’m better on my feet,” he said scanning the crowd for Toni.

“I saw Toni seated down there with her friends,” Michael offered.

“Yeah, she was,” He noticed Toni wasn’t with Ivy anymore, she was headed back to the bar.

Toni had told Michael what was going on between Richie and herself it pained him to no end that there was trouble between them. However it didn’t seem like something that couldn’t be worked out between them, obviously it had not come to that yet.


Walking up to their table, Meggie spoke with excitement. "Marie and Bud, I'm glad to see you again!" Jeffrey nodded and turned to the other couple.
 

"Hello. This is Meggie Ward," Jeffrey gestured with his hand, "and I'm Jeffrey Wigand. You must be Ashley and Lachlan, correct?"

Bud jumped up to shake Jeffrey's hand. "Good to see you two again."

Marie gave Meggie a hug hello. "Yes, this my cousin Ashley and her husband Lachlan, Jeffrey and Meggie. It's so good to finally introduce you to one another."

Lachlan jumped up to shake Jeffrey's hand. "G'day, you two. Marie and Bud told us about meeting such a nice couple at the last get together." Lachlan heard Ashley clear her voice quietly behind him and he turned.

"Lach could you come here a second." Her face was bright red.

"Is something the matter, love?"

Ashley crooked her finger for Lach to come closer so she could whisper in his ear. "Lach, this chair is too low. I can't get up. Will you help me?" She was embarrassed, but the situation was too funny. She thought about what she'd have done before if something like this happened. She started to giggle which set Lachlan off and he almost had to sit down. They finally got her up and over to great Jeffrey and Meggie.

"Hello, Jeffrey. Hello, Meggie. It's wonderful to make your acquaintance. He is being a naughty boy and slowing me down today." She giggled and so did Lach again as she lovingly patted her belly.

The baby was a boy today. Ashley beamed at the couple.

Jeffrey grinned and Meggie smiled at Ashley.  "Hi Ashley. It's very nice to meet you too.  Awh, congratulations!  You and Lachlan must be so excited."  Ashley was glowing with love and pride, and Meggie instantly felt at ease with her and Lachlan.  "Do you have any names picked out?"

 Ashley grinned at Lach. "I like Lachlan Michael Curry for our little boy. Now mind you tomorrow he may be a little girl. Lachlan likes Ashley Marie Curry. I'm not sure that one Ashley in the household isn't plenty. I do like the idea of naming her after Marie."

Ashley thought Meggie and Jeffrey were a bit confused.

"Oh, we should tell you. We aren't sure whether the baby is a girl or a boy. We want to be surprised. I have a hunch, but have no idea if I'm correct. Lachlan does too. Our hunches are opposite. Between the two of us we've got either possibility covered." She smiled at the couple.

"I don't care if it's a little mate or a little sheila. Either is fine for our first ankle biter." Healthy is all that mattered, Lach thought to himself, but didn't verbalize. He was all too aware what had happened to Bud and Marie. He'd never want to cause either of them pain with all they'd done for he and Ash. He was thinking they needed to ask the Whites to be their godparents when the time came.

"So do you two live nearby?" Lach was thinking about that barbecue he was wanting to have. Just a small get together to not over tax his Ash.

Jeffrey smiled.  "Ankle biter...I like that one, Lachlan.  When my girls were younger, they would sit on top of my foot, clinging to each leg and giggling while I tried to walk around the room." 

Meggie tensed.  Jeffrey was thinking and talking more about his daughters today than he had in a long time.  Looking at him, she knew that not seeing them much hurt him deeply.  "Well," she began, "Ashley and Lachlan, I do believe your baby will be beautiful... boy OR girl."  

"Yes, we do live nearby..." Jeffrey started to answer Lachlan.

"In the yellow house, just that away," Meggie pointed and chuckled.  "Still getting things moved in.  I would love for the both of you, and Marie and Bud, to visit anytime.  When it's convenient for you, of course," she added, smiling at Ashley.  "Marie has promised free dancing lessons for Jeffrey and me."   

Lach got a faraway look in his eyes for a moment to imagine he and Ashley's kids hanging on to his ankles. He wanted a whole parcel of kids. Hopefully Ashley would too after their first.

"Our house is yellow too," Lach grinned at Jeffrey and Meggie when he pulled himself out of his reverie about their kids. The plan that he and Marie were hatching for Ashley was right there in his mind too. It was a bonzer idea and would solve Ashley's loneliness until the baby was born. He hoped it would work out.

"You let us know once you're settled in and we'll come for a visit." He gave Ashley a cheeky grin. They'd danced on their first date together. He thought he knew already then that she was the one.

"Ash and I love to dance," Lachlan enthused. "I want to have a small barbie some night I'm not flying and have Bud and Marie over. I hope that you two can join us too. We'd like that."

Ashley squeezed his hand and nodded at the two. She'd love to have a small informal dinner party soon. She and Lach had been talking about it. She wanted the sounds of laughter and talking in their house. There was way too much silence. Ashley thanked Meggie for her comment that their child would be beautiful. Mother's must always think their babies are the most beautiful.

Bud piped up. "Count us in for the barbecue. I'll bring the beer. Even some of that Aussie swill you drink, Lachlan." He chuckled. "I'll bring some good American beer for us too, Jeffrey."

"I'm hooked on the Paradise Iced tea right now. For those of us who can't or choose not to drink alcohol, I'll have pitchers of that and lemonade." Menu ideas were already circulating in Ashley's mind.

"That would be wonderful, Ashley and Lachlan.  Thank you very much for the invite.  Jeffrey keeps telling me I need to meet more of my neighbors here," Meggie said, smiling. 

Jeffrey chuckled.  "You're on, Lachlan."  He looked down at Meggie offering a reassuring smile.  When in trouble and depressed, he turned to drinking, especially during the B&W fiasco and during the divorce.  He had continued drinking here, upset over what to do about his relationship with Meggie.  But he was different now, a happier man with everything he needed and wanted just beyond his fingertips. 

Lachlan shot Bud an indignant look regarding the slur on fine Aussie beer.

"Make it VB, Bud. I'll convert you two to drink our fine beer yet." Lachlan knew how hard it was to get used to new tastes and not crave what you loved and were used to. He got his hands on VB and vegemite whenever he got a chance while he was living in the States. He even taught Ashley how to bake meat pies. Lach knew it was hard to be away from what you knew. He smiled down at his gorgeous bride. Her hair was shining with glints of fire from the sunshine. She flashed him a brilliant smile.

"Meggie and Jeffrey, if you need help with moving in, I'd be glad to help. I can't lift boxes, but I can help put things away. Everything is finally arranged at our home. We just have some things that will need to be done for the baby's room. I have some free time." Ashley smiled at the couple. It would be fun to help someone else arrange their kitchen, pantry and linen closet.

Marie watched Ashley. She had to talk to Bridgid. Bridgid had been arranging the baby shower for Ashley. They had to do that soon or her cousin would be giving birth before they'd had a chance to throw a proper shower.

"Oh Ashley, are you sure?  I'd feel terrible making you work," Meggie responded.  But she was really enjoying Ashley and Lachlan company, and found the young couple sweet and wonderful to be around, just like Marie and Bud.  "I'll tell you what.  I'll come pick you up and you could really help me out by telling me where I should put things."  Laughing, Meggie continued.  "I'm terrible at organizing, ask Jeffrey.  But of course, under one condition.  You, Lachlan, Marie and Bud stay for lunch or dinner.  And I'll make whatever your favorite dessert is...or meal.   How's that sound?"

"And allows us to dance in between moving boxes," Jeffrey laughed, reaching for Meggie's hand to hold.  "American Beer sounds good, Bud." 

"Lemonade sounds delicious too.  I'm afraid I don't like the taste of beer," Meggie laughed.  Marie and her cousin were both warm and friendly neighbors as were Bud and Lachlan.  She smiled.  This definitely would help cheer up Jeffrey. 

"Oh, don't you feel terrible at all, Meggie. Put me to work. I love decorating and organizing." She grinned.

"Lunch would be nice...or I'd never say no to something chocolate." She waggled her eyebrows with a giggle.

"Watch it, Ash. Our baby is going to come out asking for Hershey kisses."

Ashley winked at Jeffrey and Meggie and whispered like she was sharing a big secret. "I love Hershey kisses. It didn't take Lach very long to discover that about me. I expect a child of mine will have a great appreciation of all kinds of kisses."

"Like his Mum." Lachlan wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek noisily, just to make her giggle.

"If you place Hershey kisses around your place, Meggie, you won't have to do anything. Ashley will follow the trail around to collect the kisses and organize on her journey."

"Lachlan!" She cried out in mock outrage. "I assure you Jeffrey and Meggie. I am not that bad." She pinched Lachlan's arm which just made him laugh louder.

Jeffrey smiled, watching Meggie interacting with Ashley and Lachlan.  A pang of longing filled his heart, images of his daughters filling his mind.  He missed them, despite the fact that Liane allowed him limited access to them throughout the year.  Looking at Meggie, he found himself wondering if she sensed his pain and loneliness at times though he tried to hide it.  He wanted to be with her, spend his life with her now; yet, he still missed his girls back in the States.  

"Okay Jeffrey?"  Meggie asked, looking at Jeffrey with concern.

He nodded.  "Yeah, just lost in thought.  Lachlan and Ashley, you two are going to make perfect parents.   And you know what, Lachlan?  How about some of that Aussie beer you were talking about?  Bud," Jeffrey turned back to Marie and her husband, "you ready to be 'converted'?"  Jeffrey wrapped his arm around Meggie's waist, pulling her close enough so he could kiss her head.

Jeffrey smiled, watching Meggie interacting with Ashley and Lachlan.  A pang of longing filled his heart, images of his daughters filling his mind.  He missed them, despite the fact that Liane allowed him limited access to them throughout the year.  Looking at Meggie, he found himself wondering if she sensed his pain and loneliness at times though he tried to hide it.  He wanted to be with her, spend his life with her now; yet, he still missed his girls back in the States.  

"Okay Jeffrey?"  Meggie asked, looking at Jeffrey with concern.

He nodded.  "Yeah, just lost in thought.  Lachlan and Ashley, you two are going to make perfect parents.   And you know what, Lachlan? How about some of that Aussie beer you were talking about?  Bud," Jeffrey turned back to Marie and her husband, "you ready to be 'converted'?"  Jeffrey wrapped his arm around Meggie's waist, pulling her close enough so he could kiss her head.

Marie nodded her head. "I'll try a sip of Bud's. I'm not a big beer fan. Plus I'm designated driver for our group today. I'll have a taste of that Aussie beer." Ashley wasn't drinking so she could drive them all home, but she freaked Marie out when she was behind the wheel.

Marie grinned to herself. She supposed she was too much of a control freak. It wasn't as if Ashley really was a bad driver, yet...you just had to be in the passenger seat with her to find yourself clutching the dash with white knuckles.

She wondered something about Jeffrey as she watched him as they'd spoken. Did he have children? He was a bit older than the rest of them and easily could be divorced with children. She sensed it was a subject better brought up if it was just between she and Jeffrey.

"A VB for me. I'm not flying today." Lach joked good naturedly.

"Hmm, that would be not in your plane anyway." Ashley looked up at him with a sly grin. This would be his fourth beer, though they were spread out across the day and not like she was counting. She'd never seen him what she termed sloppy drunk. When you couldn't drink any alcohol she noticed she paid more attention to what others were drinking.

Lach's arms were still wrapped around her. She couldn't think of a place she'd rather be in all the world. She wiggled against him just to make sure she was paying attention. Um, he was. Her grin broadened.

Ashley felt Lach's lips touch her earlobe. It positively made her shiver. He whispered to her.

"You are a very bad sheila, Mrs. Curry."

"I try, Mr. Curry." She planted a quick peck on his chin and beamed at her friends. She liked Meggie and Jeffrey very much. She felt an immediate connection of friendship with them. Ashley really looked forward to helping with their move in. It would be fun and she wouldn't be home alone.

Jeffrey opened his VB bottle, enjoying the cold liquor which quenched his suddenly dry throat and mouth. 

"Do you like it?" Meggie asked, watching him carefully.  She didn't like it when he drank too much, using it as a form of escape from his feelings and from the world.  And from her.

"Yeah."  He took another swig before setting the half empty bottle down on the table.  "Lachlan...you're right about this stuff."

Meggie walked over to Marie.  "I guess I'll be the designated driver for my group, too."  She watched as the three men continued to talk and joke over various topics of discussion.  Turning to Ashley, Meggie smiled.  "I can't wait to show you both the house.  I, um, am rearranging constantly to make room for Jeffrey's stuff.  He's still has things back at the boarding house, plus in the States.  He...wants to go back to pack up some more things."  She bit her lip, not sure suddenly what to say.  "I guess living with a man takes some getting used to, huh?"  she nervously joked.   

Ashley couldn't help but notice that Meggie disapproved of Jeffrey drinking. She wondered if he had a problem. She hoped not for both of their sakes. Jeffrey shouldn't be drinking at all if he had a problem.

"I can't wait to see the house also. The one good thing about moving is it give you the chance to get rid of the things that you can do without."

She took Meggie's hand and Marie took her other hand. "Oh, Meggie, it takes a lot of getting used to," she whispered conspiratorially. "I never lived with anyone until Lachlan and I married. It has taken some major getting used to. I love him so much, but sometimes I could just knock him upside the head and tell him to stop acting that way." Ashley looked over at Lach and grinned. He had no idea what they were talking about.

Marie started to laugh and looked over at Bud. "I think Bud must truly be the most stubborn man alive at times."

"Oh, no." Ashley laughed and winked at Meggie. "That would be Lachlan."

"The thing is all people are different from one another and living together takes lots of patience," Marie confided.

"Lots," Ashley agreed.

"Lots of compromise on both sides and lots of love." Marie finished.

"The love is what always gets you through it all," Ashley nodded. "And luckily we women are so perfect that we never annoy our men or do anything in the least bit irritating."

They all laughed together.

"And remember, Meggie. Girls get 2/3 of the closet and drawer space. There is no compromise on that. We have more clothes and we just have to remind our men that they want us to look nice." Ashley was confident on this point.

"And for Ashley that means she get's 2 walk in closets for her things to one small linen closet for Lachlan." Marie giggled again.

"Well, I do like clothes and Lachlan mostly has just his pilots uniforms and jeans. They don't take up much room," Ashley grinned and gave Meggie a hug.

"It will be okay, Meggie. It takes work, but it's all worth it." She gave a loved filled glance at Lachlan who caught her look and flashed a winning smile at her. She rubbed her lower back.

"I hate to break this up, but I'm getting tired, designated driver. Here is my phone number, Meggie. Call me and we'll make a day for me to come over. My days when Lach is working are pretty free."

Marie called over to Bud and Lachlan. "Gentleman, we have a tired mommy on our hands. It's time to go home." They all said their goodbyes.

Tori ran into the back of Tom as he stopped dead in his tracks. "What's wrong, Tom?" she asked.

Tom looked straight ahead and shouted, "TRISHA!" before smiling at Tori and pointing. They had just rounded a large tree to find the soft drinks bar and were looking at the most wonderful sight...a smoothie bar! Behind the units was the smiling face of Trisha Lewis, who with her sister, ran the best smoothie bar in NSW (in Tom and Stevo's opinion) on Bondi.

"Tom...Tori. ..what ya both doing up here?" Don't tell me this is where you laid out yer swags."

There were a few moments of hugging and kissing before Tom told Trisha that they were now living at The Glen.

"So, where is he then?" Trisha giggled. Just then, Stevo, Jeff and Meri came into view around the tree.

"Strewth! It's a bloody mirage!" Stevo exclaimed, rubbing his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "Hello, beautiful." he said, hugging Trisha.

She explained how Travis had frequented her bar when he was surfing at Bondi and remembered how good the smoothies were, thinking it would be a nice change to have them at the BBQ. Assuring Trisha that he could arrange portable units, he persuaded her to fly up, at his expense, for the day.

"Trisha, Luv, if you ever think of expanding the business, you'd do well at Coffs, then we could come over for our fix," Stevo suggested.

"Well, I'll keep that in mind, lover. Tell me how you're doing up here."

"Good...more than good. Can I introduce you to someone? This is Meri, me mum, and this is Jeff."

"Don't tell me...you've finally found Mr. Right at last?"

Stevo blushed, not needing to answer. When the introductions were complete, she asked what they would like. Tom and Tori had forest fruits, Stevo and Jeff had Mango, passion fruit and kiwi, while Meri had peach and papaya.

They were about halfway through their drinks, catching up on the Bondi news, when Tom's pager began to buzz. Looking at it, he frowned. "Sorry, folks, gotta go, we have a shout. Look after the ladies, Jeff, we'll be back as soon as we can."

Hurrying back to the ambo, they spotted Travis on the way and apologized for having to run, assuring him they'd be back as soon as they could.

"Are you enjoying it, Ed?"

"Why I think I actually am, honey."

"Travis picked a nice spot for your chair didn't he. In the shade, but with a good view of everything that's going on. Did you enjoy your steak?"

"I have to admit that it was the best hunk of beef I've ever tasted. He's got every right to be proud of what he's producing here."

Bron sat on the grass leaning against Ed's legs. She moved to rest her head in his lap. "You okay, sugar? I don't want you to get bored."

"I'm good, Ed. I was just wondering where Max and Ceri had gone."

"Why don't you go look for them, I'll be fine here. I've got my juice to keep me cool, and I can talk to people as they go by."

"If you're sure, darling. I won't be long, I promise."

"You go off and have some fun," Ed told her, kissing the top of her head. He smiled as she got to her feet and  almost skipped off through the grass on the lookout for her sister. He laid his head back against the chair and rocked slowly, waiting to see if anyone would come by to say hello.

Richie was beginning to feel like a third wheel between Michael Stanley and Miss Peeg and he excused himself and wandered off always keeping an eye on where Toni was. With a fresh drink in his hand he turned and saw Ed sitting up under a tree by himself and walked over to say hello.

“Hiya Ed, you doin’ okay?”, he sat down in the grass by Ed’s chair.

"Well hey, Little Buddy. I'm doing fine. Travis made a special effort and got me this fine throne to lord it in. I left my cane in the car, wanted to try and be 'normal' again. Tell you the truth though, I think I'm trying to run before I'm ready. It's good of you to pass the time with me. How are you doing?"

“I’ve been better. Hey Ed if it’s any comfort none of us are normal. It’s a good turnout here today, looks like everybody showed up.”

"Keep your chin up, Richie. There's always a light at the end of our dark tunnels. Mine is Bron. I swear I would have just faded away if she hadn't found me in the hospital." Ed smiled, remembering how he met Bron. "You're right, it seems like the entire Glen is here. Wonder who's minding the store?"

“I dunno I closed mine up, oh here comes a store owner now, Ivy’s got a grocery store.”

Wanna walk around maybe mingle a little?" Jim asked as he stood up and offered his hand to Ivy. Smiling she accepted. Heading away from the picnic area they soon came to an area shaded by trees.
"Ed? Right?" Jim said as they neared a man sitting in a rocker.

"Yes, that's right," Ed replied looking up at the young couple in front of him. "And if I'm not mistaken, you would be Jim and Ivy. Bron has told me all about your new store, and she pointed you out to me when she was driving me to the clinic. It's good to finally meet you both. Thanks for coming over to say hello."

Andy wasn’t interested in listening to anymore of that sickening Texas drawl Dwayne was putting out, he brought Johnny his beer and with an new can in his hand went to find Lucy and Jeff and Stevo.

“What kind of plonk are you drinking?” he asked Jeff and pulled his head back after he gave him a sniff.

"Don't laugh, mate. It's an exotic fruit smoothie. Stevo and Tom are off on a shout, and I'm looking after the womenfolk... who have wandered off to get another smoothie. Give us a swig of your brew before they get back will ya?"

Andy handed him his can of VB, “Just don’t get any of that stuff in my beer. Why don’t you take it to the bar and get a shot of vodka or something in it?” Andy shook his head and grinned.

"Don't take the piss, mate. Remember we're almost rellies. I have to be good, it's serious work looking after 'mum' and Tori ya know," he chuckled, taking another swig of VB before handing it back.

“Hey speaking of almost rellies, I saw the reverend around here a minute ago, maybe Luce and I can corner him for a minute get something set up now that he’s out and about again. Oh something else, I was talking to Colin and he’s up for a man’s night out next Friday... maybe you and Stevo could join us, this will be my last chance I figure. I missed the last one and I reckon I’ll be married before the next one comes around.”

"Bloody Oath! A night out with the boys will be great. It will be our first time out with our mates as a couple. Ta for the invite. I saw Alistair over by the trees earlier. I think he was trying to stay out of the heat."

Abby had been making her rounds, chatting with various friends and trying her best to keep an eye on Dwayne and Colin - praying there wouldn't be any trouble between the two men. As she made her way towards the coolers to get another drink, keeping her focus on where Dwayne stood chatting with Colin and several others, she didn't notice Libby bounding up to her until she had literally run right into her friend.

"Oh, Libby! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there," she apologized, "Are you okay?"

"Okay?  Uh-no.  Okay's about the last thing I am.  Oh, Abby!"  Without even realizing she was going to do it, Libby burst into tears.

"Oh my goodness, sweetie, what's wrong?" Abby told her friend, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and trying to comfort her.

"Everything' s such a mess, Abby!" Libby sobbed, trying to get control of herself again.  "Dan and-and-March- and-   I just don't know what to do!"

"I should have known it had to with men," Abby told her, still trying to comfort her, "I can SO relate with you here, girlfriend. My head is swimming from everything that's going on with Dwayne and Colin." She let out a deep sigh.

Libby wiped her eyes and tried to smile at Abby.  "What's wrong with them, anyway?  And what's going on with Dwayne and Colin?"  She thought it might put her own problems in perspective if she heard about Abby's.

"Colin won't talk to me, blames me for him breaking his ankle," Abby blurted out. "Which, I guess, I am responsible for, in a way, so I can't say I blame him for being angry with me. Oh, and Dwayne has decided we're back together now, wants to renew our wedding vows. Even got down on his hands and knees and proposed to me in Andy's place the other day." She held out her hand to show Libby the huge diamond ring on her finger. "But... I have no idea why Dwayne is over there talking with Colin now, and I'm worried there might be trouble. Oh Libby, I shouldn't be burdening you with the drama that is my life... you have your own man troubles and don't need to add mine to the mix."

"Seems like we both have plenty of it," Libby said, almost glumly.  "March said he loved me.  And I told him I loved him."  She was talking fast now, getting it all out in a rush.  "And I do.  But, then there's Dan!  I'm not really sure how I feel about him, but I just know I can't stop thinking about him.  Can't seem to stay away from him!"

"And then-"  She looked at Abby, needing to get her guilty secret out, but still afraid to, even with a friend.  "Abby, I-  I slept with both of them.  On the same day even!  Oh, God, am I a tramp or something?!"

"Oh, Libby, of course not, sweetie," Abby replied, "It's just what these men do to us, is all. You know, they get in our head, and then in our pants, and get us all confused about the whole thing. I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but girlfriend, I'm just as confused about the men in my life as you seem to be about yours."

"So, are you really back with Dwayne?"  Libby asked, glad to have someone else's problems to think about.

Abby bit her lip, cast a look over where Dwayne was talking with some of the other men, "Umm... well, I think I am, actually. He's been trying really, really hard to win me back and he's been so sweet, and he is quite handsome and rich and an amazing lover... I just can't help myself. He IS my husband, you know. Guess I owe it to him to at least try and make our marriage work instead of running off again. Besides, Colin won't give me the time of day."

"I keep making up my mind to be with March," Libby told her.  "He's sweet and handsome, and I have a good time when I'm with him.  He's a good man.  But then, I get around Dan, and it's like something happens to me.  I don't know what.  Dan keeps telling me we can't have anything together, but he won't tell me why.  He says I'd be better off without him, but then he acts as though he can't stay away either!  March really is better for me."  Libby was trying to convince even herself. "You think we'll ever get all this sorted out?"

"Sure hope so," Abby replied, stealing a quick look to where Colin was chatting with Meggie. "I for one am determined to rip the band-aid right off in one full motion, to hell with the consequences. I can't trust myself otherwise unless I just make a clean break and stay completely away from Colin. Maybe you might try the same?"

"Stay away from Dan, you mean?"  Libby looked doubtful.  "I've been trying, but so far it hasn't worked.  But maybe...  I guess you're right.  Maybe it's the best thing."

"Only way either of us is gonna have any kind of a normal, happy relationship is if we stop messin' around with the wrong kinda fellas, girlfriend, and that means we gotta just rip 'em from our lives. Speakin' of fellas... looks like Dwayne is wanting my company." She nodded towards where Dwayne was beckoning for her to join him and some guy he'd been talking to. "You wanna join us?"

Libby saw that the other guy was Charlie Prince.  "Uh, I don't think so.  I'd better go find March.  We haven't eaten yet.  Guess I'll see you at work on Monday."  She gave Abby a quick hug and headed off.

Charlie liked the way Abby saw Dwayne's signal and obeyed him right away.  Someday, he told himself as he headed toward the food-laden tables.  Someday, Liana would do that with him and not with Ben Wade.

Thinking she should meet all the other candidates, Liana had so far spoken to Maximus Meridius, Jack Aubrey, and Arthur. She was unsure about speaking to Richie Roberts right now, after what Toni had told her. Looking to put off talking to him, she walked up to Sid Harbor and his wife, Kate.

"How nice to see you two here." She was being pleasant, despite her reservations about Sid. Ben did not like him and that was reason enough for Liana not to like him as well, but she felt she should give Kate the benefit of the doubt

"G'day, Liana," Kate replied, brightly. "Good to see you, too. How was the honeymoon?"

"Oh, it was wonderful!" Liana was enthusiastic, but she blushed a little. "And I'm pregnant," she burst out. "Three months!"

"Congratulations! " Kate exclaimed, enthusiastically. "Guess that's something we have in common then; I'm nearly 3 months along, myself. Sid and I couldn't be happier." She beamed up at Sid, who managed a slight smile and nod of his head.

"Glad to hear you're happy there, Mr. Harbor," drawled Ben, coming up to Liana and putting a protective arm around her as he eyed Sid.  Ben didn't like that man being anywhere around Liana. "Hopin' for a son, are you?  A chip off the old block?" 

Sid's lips twitched at Ben's use of the word 'chip'. "Mr. Weed," he acknowledged, then turned and placed his hand on Katherine's middle again. "I don't waste my time with, how would you put it, 'druthers'. Whatever Katherine produces in her womb will be sufficient." He smiled at Katherine, somehow not in the mood to converse with the man. "Come," he said, "let's go feed the bairn."  With that he turned his back on the Wades and guided his wife toward the long tables groaning with food. It all looked disgusting to him, but he knew women needed fuel for gestational purposes.

Ben gave a knowing grin at Sid's dismissal, as he watched the two head toward the buffet.  "Guess he's not after my vote for mayor," he drawled to Liana.  Sid might be off to feed his wife and the unborn child, but he wouldn't eat anything himself.  Ben had already noted that fact from seeing the man several times at the restaurant and at his and Liana's wedding reception. It  was one of the things that made him positive that Sid Harbor had something about himself to hide, and determined that he'd find out what it was.

Liana, though, had hoped to ask Katherine to go baby shopping with her sometime.  She made a mental note to herself to call the other woman soon after the barbecue.

After helping themselves to a plate of food and a couple of drinks, Zack led Destiny over to sit in the shade. Though he'd been in town for a few weeks now, he'd only really met a couple people so far. He smiled and waved as he saw Reverend Harris and his lovely wife, Ahnna, along with Joimus and Maximus, who'd he'd had the pleasure of meeting at the Wade Wedding the night he'd first arrived in the Glen. They were busy chatting with another couple, whom he didn’t' recognize.

"Zack," Destiny said, startling him from his thoughts, "I didn't realize there were so many cops in this town. I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have agreed to come here with you today. It's not safe for me... what if someone recognizes me?"

Zack was just about to reply to her when he looked up and noticed a man staring at them from across the way. He was a big man with a buzz cut and there was no mistaking this man was definitely a cop. Zack nodded and waved at the big man, who smiled back and suddenly stood up and headed over to them.

"Keep cool, sweetheart, I'm sure he's just trying to be friendly," Zack whispered to Destiny, as the man lumbered towards them.

Bud excused himself from Marie, Lachlan, Ashley, Jeffrey and Meggie. He swore he saw someone he knew from the States. He approached a couple. The man was the one who looked familiar, but he was sure he'd seen a picture somewhere of the woman before.

"Hi, my name's Bud White." He stuck his hand out to shake the man's hand. They were looking sort of nervous like. "Have we met before. In LA?"

Zack managed a smile, shook Bud's hand. "Zack Grant, and this is my...uh... girlfriend, Destiny."

Destiny flinched when Zack told the man her name, but recovered smoothly, "Nice to meet you," she said, friendly, yet quietly.

"Don't think we've actually met before. I spent some time in L.A., on a case back when I was still with the Bureau. Were you part of the LA branch?"

"Ah, you were a Fed." Bud nodded. He sure as shit noticed the girl's reaction when Grant introduced her. Something was hinky here.

"I wasn't Bureau. LAPD. A lot of years until I started my own Security firm with another Detective. Nice to meet you, Grant. You too, Destiny." He smiled at the woman.

"Welcome to the Glen. I was filling in for the Sheriff for a while. Working as a Deputy now. My wife and I moved to The Glen a few months ago." Bud watched the girl's face...friendly like. Grant knew how to control his better.

"LAPD, huh? Seems to be a hotspot here for law enforcement, don't it?" Zack chuckled. "Destiny and I have only been here a few weeks. Been staying over at Millie's till I can find a place." He gave Destiny a little squeeze, then turned back to Bud, "Hey, if you guys got any work for a retired Fed, let me know. Getting kinda antsy just sitting around here on my ass."

"Yeah, there are more than a few of us law types here," Bud smiled. He fished his cell phone out of his pocket and fiddled with it a moment while cursing under his breath. The thing was too fucking small for his big fingers.

"Go ahead and give me your cell number. The Sheriff's John Biebe. I'll tell him I met you and see if he has any work. Most of the time it's pretty quiet around here, though we've had two murders since I've been here. Town is growing and big spreads are coming in around here. I've been thinking this might be a good place to start a security business. I might be looking for a partner." Bud looked at Grant speculatively and let the idea dangle. He'd give the guy a chance to think about it. Bud pulled an old business card out of his pocket and wrote his cell phone number on the back of it.

"Here's my number." He waited for Grant to tell him his to enter it into his cell.

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that," Zack said, as he took Bud's card, then his cell and quickly entered his own cell number into it. "I'll give it some thought and call you in a couple days. Hadn't thought about going into the security business, but seems like a pretty good idea now that I think about it."

Destiny held her breath, wondering why Zack was taking such a chance like this. She felt the big cop's scrutinizing gaze on her more than once and tried her best not to give him reason to be suspicious of her. As Zack handed Bud his cell back, she realized she was still holding her breath and silently let it out.

 Bud wasn't sure why he immediately mentioned the security business to Grant. He didn't know this guy from shit. But, he sure was a cop and Bud got a good feeling about him. There was something up with these two and Bud would find out what it was. He'd check Zack's background before Monday morning rolled around and try to find out about the girlfriend too.

He caught Marie's attention and waved her over. If anything was to come of a business between he and Grant, Marie was going to meet Grant and his girlfriend.

"Hon, I want you to meet someone. This is Zack Grant and his girlfriend, Destiny. This is my wife, Marie."

Marie gave a quick kiss to Bud's cheek as she walked up to him.

"Hi, it's nice to meet you, Zack and Destiny." She put her hand out to shake each of theirs. "Your name is so pretty, Destiny." She gave a friendly smile to the woman. She felt Bud's hand on the small of her back. He was trying to tell or ask her something of which she had no idea. She was sure he'd explain it later.

"Thanks, Marie, that's a very sweet thing to say," Destiny replied, shyly. "It's so good to meet you, too."

"Marie," Zack nodded, smiling at her. He could tell Bud was sizing him up still, and figured by the time they talked again he would have done a thorough background check on him. Hell, he couldn't blame the man, Zack had intended on doing the same on him, too, as soon as he got back to the boarding house. Zack wasn't too worried, knew Bud wouldn't find anything in his search. And as for Destiny, well, that wasn't even her real name - just one Zack had come up with for her when they'd first hooked up. Changed her hair, too, as well as her eye-color (colored contacts do come in handy). Nope, despite all Destiny's reservations, Zack was as cool as a cucumber and quite happy to be surrounded by fellow lawmen. At least he knew what he was dealing with.

"So, how long have you two live here?" Zack asked, wondering why an LA cop - especially a married one - would end up half way across the world.

Bud glanced at Marie. It was hard to believe the time already, but when he realized how their life had changed and for the better, that much time had to pass.

"It's been nearly six months since we moved here. Marie inherited some family land and we decided to make this change in our lives. And here we are. It feels like home already. This is a good place to live. You two might find you really like it here and want to settle down." Bud's hand slipped around Marie's waist.

"I'm pretty sold on the place," he was about to add that it might take Destiny some more time to be convinced, but bit his tongue. Instead, he quickly downed the rest of his beer and changed the subject, "Can I get you two another drink?"

_
"I could use a beer." Bud nodded and looked at Marie. She'd left what she was drinking over with Lachlan and Ashley.

"Thank you, Zack. A bottle of water would be nice." Bud gave her a sideways glance and she could have stomped on his foot. She knew what that look of his was.

"Just thirsty, Wendell. No worries." Touchy subject, still unresolved between them.

Fuck, fuck, fuck! Sometimes Bud couldn't believe the shit that poured from his mouth to get him in trouble. If Marie called him Wendell, it was not a good thing. The only worse thing was calling him Wendell White.

No, a much worse thing was if Marie was pregnant which she just told him she wasn't. Something she wanted and he still couldn't stomach. He smiled at her and knew it was a pathetic display of moving his lips in more of a grimace. He looked at Grant and Destiny. Everybody had their secrets didn't they?

Marie chatted to Destiny while Bud beat himself up. She was irritated enough by his comment to let him do it for a short time. She would never get pregnant without it being something they both wanted and were ready for. She knew Bud was nowhere near that place yet.

"Destiny, what kind of work do you do? I'm a nurse practitioner. I work part time at the clinic. Are you going to be looking for a job around the Glen?"

"Up until a couple days ago, I was working as a waitress over in Coffs," Destiny told her, wondering if she should have given even that much information about herself. "Not sure yet what I'll be doing, actually. Depends on what kind of work is available here, I guess.",

"There is a restaurant here in The Glen. The food is excellent." Marie looked around for Andy and didn't see him at the moment. She'd met him once.

"It's not hard to find. Town isn't that big." She smiled at Destiny. "The Glen Times is a good place to look. They have the job openings. I'm sure you'd much rather work in the Glen if you could rather than having to drive to Coffs all the time. I'm only going over there two to three times a week so it's not so bad."

Though Bud still didn't like that. She was surprised he didn't give her a police escort. She had to swallow her grin. He really couldn't help himself. He was built as an over protective male. Currently his main focus was she and Ashley when he wasn't busy working.

Destiny smiled, nodded at her. She wasn't sure if she was going to be around here long enough to get a job. Wasn't too sure of anything right now, actually.

Just then, Zack walked back up to them and handed Bud and Marie their drinks. Destiny smiled up at him, took him by the hand, "Didn't you promise me a dance or two before we go, Grant?" she gave him a nudge, hoping he'd take the hint.

"Oh, yeah, um... now?" he looked over at the dance floor, saw a few other couples swaying to the music. "Alright, well then, Bud, Marie, it was a pleasure meeting you both. If you will excuse us, I've got a promise to keep, lest I end up sleeping on the couch tonight," he chuckled, wrapping an arm around Destiny.

Kimberly had finished her bottle and was being bounced around on Kim’s knee, Millie told him he’d better watch that, she’d just had a bottle, no need making a milkshake out of it. He didn’t know what to do with the baby and so he stood up with her walking around as he’d seen Steve do a little earlier. He kept looking at her and she’d smile at him and try and talk to him. He found himself talking back until he caught himself and looked around to see if anyone had seen him.

Cara had taken her time getting a drink and a plate of food. She sat where she could watch him with their daughter. He would be really nice if he was nice, she thought.

Jean Robinson had parted with Cara at the bar, there was a very good looking guy ordering a drink, no ring on his finger and she finally caught his eye.

“Hi, I’m new around her and don’t know anybody. I’m Jean Robinson - I work at Barrett’s.”

“Very nice to meet you, I’m March Nova, chef at Andy’s”

“Are you, ah, with someone here today?”

“Yes I am, she’s off talking to some friends right now.”

“Serious? Involvement I mean.”

March smiled, a little taken aback by her forwardness, “It could be, I’m not sure yet.”

She gave him a lovely smile, “If you don’t ask you don’t know, where are you from?”

“I’m from Rome.”

“Rome, Italy? How did you end up in a tiny place like this?”

“It’s a long and complicated road.”

“I’d like to hear it sometime.” She smiled again and moved away from the bar. March stared after her taking in her backside view and blinked his eyes.

Jimmy Kelp took his and Nell’s plates over to the dirty dish bin and came back to the table. The music was getting to him and he wanted a chance to hold her a little.

“Wanna dance? I ain’t much good at it but I can keep a beat.”

Nell smiled at him, ”That’s about all there is to it. Sure, I’d like to dance with you.”

He slipped his arm around her waist and took her hand moving her around. “You sure smell good.”

“Oh, thanks,” she thought he smelled pretty good too, like soap and clean shampoo. ”You’re doing pretty good, dancing I mean.”

“Aw it’s easy when I got somethin’ as pretty as you in my arms.” He looked around and saw Johnny and Amanda on the dance floor. “How’s that ankle Johnny?”

“It ain’t feelin’ no pain right now Jimmy.” Johnny pulled Amanda in close. They’d been sleeping in the same bed for a week now and their shyness with each other was a thing of the past. He ran his hands up her back and hers went around his neck.

“Why didn’t you get a filet, Boz?”

“Cause I wanted ribs.”

“Man, you don’t get filet everyday. Ribs you can find anywhere.”

“Well, I ain’t found none lately, Hando.”

“Look at ‘em on the dance floor…GET A ROOM MATE!”

“Hando, pipe down. You gonna get us thrown outta here and I ain’t even got a buzz on yet. Eat your damn filet and shut up.”

He’d been intensely aware of her all day, seemed to know where she was, who she was talking to. He’d kept his distance but right now…he walked over to the disc jockey and said something to him. When TOFOG’s “I’ll Never Be Alone Again” began to play, he approached her, took the glass from her hand and set it on the table and led her out to the bricked dance floor.

At first she stared at his chest not sure exactly what was happening or if she wanted it to happen, as the words to the song seeped into her she looked up at him. His eyes locked onto to hers and she was mesmerized. She felt herself moving closer to him, felt his body against hers. His lips parted slightly she felt the breath go out of him and he closed his eyes holding her tighter.

Richie set his drink on the bar and turned and walked to his vehicle.

She couldn’t help herself; she felt intoxicated and molded herself to him. When the last poignant line of the song “For once I held her,” ended, “Travis.” She whispered breathlessly.

“Come with me,” he lead her away from the area aware he’d probably set tongues wagging, He took her face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly and then backed away, “I want you to go home Toni.” He placed his hands on her shoulders massaging them gently his breath ragged.

Toni shook her head to clear it, what just happened on the dance floor and he was sending her home? “I don’t understand?”

“For both our sakes, go home, see what you can salvage. I don’t want to compromise you honey but I‘m very close to doing that. He loves you Toni I talked to him today and as much as I wanted to knock his head off, I listened to him. Go home honey, I’ll always be here for you.”

He was the most complicated man she’d ever met, “You…Travis how can you…make me want you and send me home.”

“I didn’t make you honey. Go home to Richie give the bloke a chance before I haul you off to one of these outbuildings and make us both sorry because we would be.”

Toni turned and ran to her car completely clueless. He turned her on and turned her off told her to go home to Richie, why? Richie didn’t want her he hadn’t so much as looked her way all day even when’s she’d wanted to catch his eye. She leaned her head on the steering wheel, hell with all of them…men. She backed her car out and headed out of the gates. She would go home and finish what she’d started at the party…she had every intention of getting blind drunk.

Bud and Marie thanked Zack for the drinks and said their good-byes to Zack and Destiny. Marie had liked both of them. The girl was a bit shy, but seemed very nice.

"Now what was that about, Officer White?" She looked up at him once they were out of earshot of the couple.

"What did you think of them?" Bud thought Marie was a good judge of character even if she wasn't as suspicious of people as he was. Hell, she wasn't a cop, but a healer.

Marie told him what she'd been thinking. "Zack reminded me a bit of you. Obvious he's a cop, or was one."

"Yep, Fed. You know I've been thinking about starting up a security business on the side again. To supplement the deputy income." The pay wasn't great and Marie was only working part time, but with the sale of their house in Pasadena and the land coming for free, they were still sitting pretty right now. Bud wanted to keep it that way. Plus he liked being busy.

"I was thinking Grant would make a good partner. I mentioned it to him. Sort of stuck it out there."

"After you check him out. I know you, Bud. What else?"

"Shit, yes. I'm not going into business with just nobody. Even with security you have to make sure the person's got your back. I liked them, but they were hiding something."

"Perhaps they just value their privacy, Bud. Destiny seemed shy."

"Yeah, Hon. I'm sure that's it." He cocked an eyebrow and kissed the top of her hair.

"Don't patronize me, Bud. For that, you need to dance me back to our group." She nodded toward Lachlan, Ashley, Jeffrey and Meggie who were still chatting.

"My pleasure, Hon." Bud pulled her expertly into his arms and fox trotted her toward the others.

Dancing with her Bud. Marie wasn't sure it got better than this. She melted into his embrace and followed his sure lead.

“It’s getting late Kim, I think we need to go Kimberly needs to get to bed.”

“It’s early yet Cara. Hey, would you like to dance?”

“The three of us?”

Kim looked over at Millie and Steve and asked if they would mind Kimberly for one dance. They happily agreed and asked if he and Cara would do the same for them.

“What do you say, one dance?”

Cara looked at Millie and nodded her head. He led her out on the floor and took her in his arms. It was a little awkward at first, finding their rhythm and exactly how to touch. Kim didn’t really have a problem, it was Cara. She didn’t want to look at him.

The tempo changed and he drew her a little closer, looking down, waiting for her to meet his eyes.

Cara began moving with him to the music, letting down her defenses, she looked up.

“Cara,” spoken softly.

Her eyes moved to his lips, she wanted him to kiss her, remembering that yacht and the feel of him, he was good, very good. Her hand seemed to move of its on from his shoulder to his neck.

Kim liked the feel of her in his arms, he honestly didn’t remember much about taking her below deck in the yacht over a year ago. Here, now he wanted her. He kissed her softly when the song ended.

The kiss brought Cara out of her memories and she broke away from him and left him on the dance floor.

Boz was beginning to find the buzz he was after, “What happened to all the sheila’s Hando, you said there’s be women all over the place.”

“There are women all over, problem is they all got a bloke.”

“I think we’re in the wrong place, what say we go over to the Crossing?”

“Nah, I like it here, beer is free.”

“A man can’t drink but so many free beers mate, ‘specially if he’s looking for some.”

Hando looked around at Boz, “I ain’t lookin’, Boz.”

“Well I am,” Boz stood up, “I’m heading for the Crossing.”

“Hey Boz, how you gonna get there? I drove my car here.”

“Oh, that’s right, but I put the damn petrol in the tank didn’t I?”

“Hey man, I got you a free meal and all the beer you can drink.” Hando smirked.

“There is no such thing, Hando, on this continent as all the beer I can drink.”

Bill McGee having witnessed his son and Richie Robert’s wife on the dance floor followed him around the back of the area. He got there as Toni was running to her car.

“You wanna tell me what that was all about, son?”

Travis opened his eyes and turned to his Dad, “No I don’t because I don’t know myself.”

“I’m glad your mum took Tee up to the house, I wouldn’t have wanted her to witness that performance.”

“Is that what you think it was, a performance? I ‘m sorry I didn’t mean to embarrass you or anybody else.”

“What’s going on with you Travis, where is Jan?”

“Kyle took her to Sydney, she needs medical help and help I can’t give her.”

“That’s horseshit, she needs everything you can give her, if you’ve got any left.”

Travis sighed, “I’m going to be in Sydney in the morning Dad, Kyle’s made the arrangements. I’m going to do my best, I swear to you I am.”

“You best get that straightened out, and Travis…leave off dancing for awhile.” Bill turned back to the dwindling crowd.

Travis leaned against the back of the building that housed the facilities and watched the tail lights of Toni’s car disappearing around the bend.

Mr. Jessup quietly opened the door to the men’s restroom and looked out, smiling to himself he walked around the other side of the building looking for Miss Peeg, who he found on the dance floor with a tall distinguished looking gentleman.

Winnie Peeg had been embarrassed for Toni Roberts dancing with Travis McGee and sitting with Toni’s father further embarrassed her, she didn’t want to comment though she knew Michael had witnessed it too.

“Would you care to dance Winnie?” Michael asked still with the image of his daughter plastered against Travis. He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, he’d seen Richie leave.

“Yes thank you Michael, it’s been a long time since I’ve danced.”

Michael smiled, “shall we show them how it’s done?”

He moved her out on the dance floor and soon they were moving in time, “you’d think we’ve been dancing together for years wouldn’t you?” he asked.

Winnie looked up at him, a nice thing on its own since she was so tall, “yes you’re easy to follow.”

Travis waited until everyone had left walked over to the bar and took a bottle and sat down at one of the tables. He could hear Jimmy Kelp and Josh laughing at something down at the fire pits they were letting burn down.

Bill McGee came around the bar from the restrooms and saw his son drinking from the bottle.

“You gonna finish that all by yourself?”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“It was a good day Travis I think everybody enjoyed themselves, a good turn out.”

“Yeah it was…a good day.” He took a drink letting the fire burn down his throat.

“Travis are you seein’ Toni Roberts is that what all this with Jan is about?”

“No, Jan is seeing her husband or was. That’s ended now I just got to put the pieces back together Dad, try and make them fit.”

“If I can do anything Travis.”

“I have to do it but if you’ll look after Tee for me. I don’t know how long I’m going to be gone.”

“Oh yeah, no worries there.”

“As far as Toni goes, mark that under might have been. I sent her home to her husband to try and make things right.”

“You did the right thing.”

Travis turned the bottle up again, “Yeah, the right thing ain’t always easy.”

“Let’s go up to the house, you need a ride to the airport tonight?”

“Yeah Dad, if you don’t mind.”