New Year's Eve at the Meridius' House: Round Robin parts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, she thought it was funny anyway.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Hello Residents of the Glen and Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

Have fun

Cal

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It was a blanket invitation, Sid."

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Maybe if I prayed first...?"

"Probably a wise idea," she agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Curiosity,"  he said enigmatically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every voice  began the countdown.

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

"What's that for?" he asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Like  the past ones haven't been?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His  arm around Joimus' waist,  Maximus walked to the master bedroom.  Steve and Millie had recently gathered  little Brook up and taken  her home. The guests were gone, well, but for the  two sailors,  the cold items stuffed quickly in the refrigerator, the rest left  for morning, and the king-sized bed awaited its proper occupants.

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

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

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

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

"I love you," she whispered.

"I  know."

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