"How are you doing?" Greg asked as he came up into the cottage through the cave.

"Well, I think. Several of the babies are getting sleepy though. I was thinking of putting the twins down to sleep in Melody's nursery," Susan said.

"Did Richard bring in their porta cribs?" Greg asked.

"They're in the corner," Matthew told him. "Should I take them down and set them up for you, Mom?"

Susan turned to study her youngest charges. Of the four babies in the room, it was Charlie who was yawning and seemed tired enough to abandon play.

"Yes. I think it's time," Susan said.

"Shall I help you?" Ashley offered.

"Nah, I've got it. You help Mom with the munchkins. I'll be back as soon as I can," Matthew promised and he took one of the cribs down the way Greg had just come up.

"Papapa," Melody warbled as she crawled across the play mat towards Greg.

"Are you having a good time with the other children?" he asked his daughter.

Melody smiled at him and yawned.

"She's getting tired too," Greg recognized.

"They all are, but I thought I'd try putting them to bed one at a time," Susan said.

"Rosemary could probably help you with the other children, Susan," Greg suggested.

"They don't know her ... Melody does, but not the other little ones," Susan said. "Both Charlie and Melissa know me though, so hopefully they'll be okay with me putting them to bed. And they have been in Melody's nursery before."

"Cody hasn't," Greg said. "What are you planning to do with Barbara's baby?"

"I can put him to bed, Mr. Abernathy," Ashley said. "I thought I could put him in the loft once the other children are mostly in the house. It should be quiet enough up there."

"I'm sure it will, but it may be unwise to leave him untended in the cottage if nobody else is here," Greg told her.

"Matt and I will be," Ashley told him just as Matthew reappeared.

"You and I will be what?" he asked.

"Staying here to listen for Cody," Ashley explained.

"Oh yeah, we can," Matt agreed somewhat reluctantly.

"Mmm," Susan said. "Cindy, will you watch out for everyone while I put Charlie to bed?"

"Of course, Susan. I can do that," Cindy said.

"Come on Charlie," Susan said and she picked up the tired little boy, carrying him through the cave.

It didn't take Susan long to change Charlie's diaper and put him into his pajamas. Meanwhile Matthew brought Melissa's porta crib down setting it up a short distance away from Charlie's. Susan laid Charlie down in the one that was his, covered him with a blanket and handed him what she knew was a favorite toy, while motioning for Matt to go out.

"How are you going to put Melody and Melissa to bed if he's already in there?" Matt questioned.

"I'll have Rosemary listen for him while I get them ready out here," Susan said.

"Yeah, okay. Do you need me anymore?" Matt wondered. "Or should I go help Ashley."

"Go give her a hand. I need to have a word with Rosemary."

Alan looked up when Susan came into the family room to talk with Rosemary.

"Sure, Mrs. Abernathy. I'd be happy to listen for him," Rosemary assured her as Susan handed her the baby monitor.

"Thank you," Susan told her and she made her way up through the cave.

"Momma," Melody said as soon as Susan appeared in the cottage again.

"Hello Melody. Are you ready for bed too?" Susan asked her daughter.

"I think they both are, Susan," Greg told her. "Melissa is tired too."

"They are," Susan agreed. "Bring her with us. I'll put them both to bed."

"Cody is ready too," Ashley told her. "I can put him to bed in the loft, if that's okay with you."

"If you're sure he can't climb out of the porta crib, that would be fine, but if you're not sure, why don't you set it up in here. Matt, you can pull one of the sofas back to it's usual place for you and Ashley," Susan suggested. "Then leave the back of the room dark for Cody."

Matt nodded. "He does like to climb. That might be better, Ash. What do you think?"

"Oh ... I didn't think about the climbing thing. I think that's okay," Ashley agreed.

"Mama, do the rest of us have to go to bed too?" Jessie asked. She and the girls were still hanging out in the cottage, though they were getting tired of playing with the babies' things.

"No, but I would like you all to come back to the main house with us. Cindy, could you escort the girls through the cave?" Susan requested as she carried Melody while Greg picked up Melissa.

"Of course I can. Come on girls. Please, come with me," Cindy instructed, lagging somewhat behind Susan, Greg and the babies.

Greg and Susan switched babies when they got to the house. Greg gave Melody her medicine while Susan got Melissa ready for bed. Then they switched again and Susan nursed Melody while Greg read Melissa a story. Finally with both girls falling asleep in their arms, they crept into the nursery and put them to bed. Susan double checked the baby monitor to ensure it was on then closed the door.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Susan," Greg said as he kissed his wife just outside the nursery.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Greg ... even if it is some sort of pagan holiday," Susan said.

"Is it a pagan holiday?" Greg questioned in surprise. "Isn't the day named after a saint?"

"It is, but I think it's based on a Roman holiday of some kind. We could look it up," she offered, pulling away slightly. But Greg was reluctant to release her.

"Maybe later," he told his wife. "Do you know this is the second time something having to do with Roman culture has come up tonight?"

"Really? Why were you talking about Roman culture?"

"Roman roads, specifically," Greg said.

Susan stared at her husband. "Roman roads? Specifically? Why were you talking about that?"

"It came up in the context of our recurring dream. Reuben and I were discussing the road you and I both remember traveling on this evening when Rosemary joined us briefly. She overheard part of our discussion, and asked if the road we were talking about could have been a Roman road," Greg explained.

Susan cocked her head. "The road came from London, so that is a logical suggestion for those days. But aren't Roman roads known for being paved?"

"Are they? Always?" Greg questioned. "The road we were on was a good road ..."

"It was at first. I'm not sure it stayed that way though," Susan commented. "It wasn't by the time we got to the crossroads."

Greg nodded. "Perhaps it changed somewhere before that point."

Susan sighed. "Maybe. Happy Valentine's Day Greg. On the one day of the year known for romance, when we go out of our way to give the gift of romance to other parents we know, but what do we do when we find a moment alone for ourselves? We find ourselves talking about the mystery of the road again."

"We typically do when Reuben and I get together," Greg reminded her.

"Did we learn anything new? Aside from the Roman road bit?" Susan asked as she slid her arm around her husband and they walked in the direction of the family room together.

"Perhaps a little bit. I should like to discuss it with him a bit more before he and Ruth go home," Greg said.

"Of course. Shall we check on the older children?" Susan suggested.

"Probably a good idea."

Greg and Susan found the older children all watching TV and playing hand held video games together in the family room. The boys were all there and the girls were too as together they all watched a show. Jessie and Amber were sent to get ready for bed next as soon as it was over, while Susan went to check on Matt and Ashley in the cottage.

"I'll look after them," Greg promised.

"I can help," Cindy insisted.

"Thank you," Susan said and she made her way once again through the cave.

c

The cottage was dark inside when Susan emerged from the stairs, with the exception of a single light on in the kitchen. While that provided ambient light for the rest of the structure, the main part of the great room was dark, except for the fire burning low in the massive rock fireplace. The tables they'd used for the party had been folded up and set to the side. Instead beside it, back in their usual place, were two out of three of their large, comfy leather sofas. Seated on one of them were Matt and Ashley. Matt had his arm around his girlfriend as they sat snuggled together. Susan thought at first they might be kissing, but discovered they were only talking together in very low tones. There was no sign of the baby they were caring for anywhere.

"Hi," Susan said in a whisper.

"Hi Mom," Matt said with a grin.

"Where's Cody?" Susan asked.

"Asleep, on the other side of the fireplace, between the kitchen and the great room," Ashley said in hushed tones. "He has a nightlight in his room at home, so he cries if it's completely dark but he won't go to bed if the lights are on in the room either ... so we came up with this. I hope it's okay."

"Is he asleep?" Susan wondered.

"Barely," Matt said. "He sure doesn't go to sleep as easily as Melody does."

"Every child is different," Susan told him. "You were particular about bedtime too when you were small."

Matt nodded. "So did you need something, Mom?"

"No. I just thought I should check on you. Melody and Melissa are in bed. Charlie is asleep. Rosemary is listening for them, so I thought I should make sure you're doing okay before starting with Jessie and Amber. It's just about their bedtime too," Susan said.

"Yeah, okay," Matt agreed. "Ah ... is it okay if we stay here?"

"Sure. I'll probably check on you again before the other parents get back," Susan advised. She checked on the baby who as they said was lightly asleep, and she left the young couple on their own, snuggled in a cozy fashion, in the semi-darkened room.

It seemed to Susan that the hours between 8 and 10 that evening were spent putting children to bed. She'd just tucked Jessie and Amber in and was trying to convince Lisa to go to bed too when Richard and Marion returned. They left with their twins just as Julie and Elliott pulled up. They collected their boys and they left for home too.

"That only leaves the McGuiness children and my brother's kids," Susan remarked, as Rosemary and Neil got ready to leave.

"Are you sure you're okay with the rest of them?" Rosemary checked.

"I'm sure we'll be fine. They should be back soon," Susan assured her.

Rosemary nodded as she collected her things.

"Thank you so much for giving up your Valentine's evening to help us tonight," Susan said to Rosemary and Neil. "Both of you."

"Sure. Maybe this way she'll actually go spelunking with me one of these days," Neil said. "Good night, Susan. You too, Greg."

"Good night," Greg and Susan said and they watched their two helpers drive away.

"Are you going to check on Matt and Ashley in the cottage?" Greg asked after they left.

"I'm on my way," Susan said, as she made ready to head back through the cave. "I expect Barbara and her husband will be here soon."

"Probably. What about your parents, Susan. Shouldn't they be back by now too?" Greg wondered.

Susan hesitated in taking her next step, pausing to turn back around. "I haven't stopped long enough to think about it, but you're right. They should be. They are usually in bed by now."

"That's what I thought," Greg agreed.

"They did go to Edwardo's. Maybe they're just enjoying their meal?" Susan suggested.

"That could be," Greg said. "We know dining there is not a quick experience."

"No, it isn't, but it shouldn't take four hours either," Susan said with a frown as she looked at their clock. She hesitated a moment more.

"Should I call them do you think?" Susan wondered just as a pair of headlights appeared in the parking area at the bottom of their service road.

"That may be them now," Greg suggested reasonably. "Shall I go check, while you check on things in the cottage?"

"Please," Susan requested. "And make sure Dad's alright?" she said on a hunch.

"I will," Greg promised.

Susan nodded and they once again went in separate directions.

Ashley, it turned out, was already anticipating her mother and step-dad's arrival and was moving quietly around the cottage, gathering her family's things.

"Where is Tyler?" she asked thinking of her 12-year-old younger brother.

"Playing video games with Zack and Chris," Susan related. "He should be ready to go when they get here."

"Who was it that just left?" Matt asked curiously.

"Richard and Marion picked up the twins, and Julie and Elliot picked up Aaron and Jake," Susan answered.

"They didn't decide to stay?" Matt asked.

"No. They should be home in an hour. That's not all that late," Susan reminded him.

"Oh, I suppose. It's just that they usually do," Matt remarked.

"A lot of times they do, but I think they may have something going on tomorrow. Julie mentioned her sister-in-law's bridal shower is tomorrow," Susan said.

"You mean Judy?" Matt asked.

"Yes. She and Jeffery are getting married sometime this spring," Susan reminded him.

"Yeah, I remember," Matt said. "I think they said it's in April sometime."

"Judy did say something about that at Jake's bar mitzvah," Susan agreed.

"Didn't you and Mr. Abernathy sort of get them together?" Ashley asked.

"Not really. Judy and Jeffery were already a couple when we met them. We just went out with them a time or two and shared with them what we do that makes our marriage work," Susan said.

"What is that?" Ashley asked curiously.

"In addition to loving and caring for each other, we encourage each other's faith," Susan explained. "For us, faith is at the heart of things. We pray, I do what I can to encourage my husband to keep his relationship strong with the Lord and he does the same for me."

"Even though you believe different things?" Ashley asked in surprise.

Susan smiled. This was the same argument they'd heard from so many other people before.

"The details of what any individual believes are often different from any other person they are likely to meet. Most keep the details of those differences to themselves, but if you dig deeper, individuals generally find they are there. It's just that those differences are more obvious between Greg and myself," Susan said.

"They certainly are," Ashley said.

"Mom says religion is an expression of faith combined with a person's beliefs," Matt told his girlfriend. "They practice different religions because their central beliefs are more different from one another than are most people's, but that works for them because of faith."

"Really?" Ashley asked doubtfully.

"Really. Faith is central to what we do and believe. It is because that is something we both agree on, for us, our marriage works," Susan said.

"Faith ... rather than religion?" Ashley said doubtfully, looking at Matt.

"Faith doesn't negate religion, Ash," Matt told her.

Ashley cocked her head. "Is that an idea from the philosophy class you're taking this semester?"

"No. Maybe you should come with me to talk to Pastor Wilbury sometime. He might be able to explain it to you better than we do," Matt offered as he tenderly brushed a lock of hair away from her face.

"Okay," Ashley agreed after a moment or two.

"So Mom, aren't you going to Judy's shower too?" Matt asked.

"No. I haven't been invited, Matt."

"Would you if you were?" Matt asked curiously.

"I'm not sure. I don't actually know Judy all that well. But we will go to the wedding, if we're invited," Susan said.

Just then another set of headlights reached them through the trees at the front of the cottage.

"That's probably Mom and Howard," Ashley said, and she went out onto the walk to check.

"Does she have everything? Do you know?" Susan asked.

Matt shrugged. "We can't really see with the lights off. We figure if she misses anything, they can always come back after church tomorrow."

"Probably," Susan agreed. "If that's them, I should probably go get Tyler."

Susan met Ashley and her mother coming up the front walk, on her way to collect Tyler from the main house. By the time she and Tyler returned, they were loading the baby and his belongings into their car while Matt was helping to look for things in the cottage.

"Thank you so much for watching the children," Barbara said as she and her family got ready to leave. "This was such a nice treat."

"It's been our pleasure," Susan assured her from where she stood beside Matt on the curb. They said their goodbyes and waited while the McGuiness family drove away.

"Should we close up the cottage?" Matt asked.

"I think it's time," Susan agreed.

Matt dampened the fire to ensure it would go out. They closed up everything and one last time, went back to the house through the cave.

Greg was looking for Susan as soon as they emerged.

"Is there a problem?" Susan asked as soon as she saw his face.

"Yes and no. That was your parents' car we saw in the service parking area beside the pool deck. I helped your father to their rooms and your mother is helping him to bed," Greg said.

Susan stared at her husband, taking in his expression.

"Has something happened to Dad?"

"We're not sure. He's even less steady on his feet than he was earlier this evening. He insists he's fine and not in any pain. Mildred says he may just be tired, and that may be true, but his condition is worrying just the same," Greg said.

"Oh dear ... I wonder if I should go check on him?" Susan asked.

"It might be prudent," Greg told her.

"Are Jenny and Stephen back yet?" Susan asked.

"Not yet, but Amber and Lisa are both in bed. Jessie is too, which leaves only the three boys who are still up," Greg said.

Susan nodded and sighed. "I'm going to check on Melody first, before I go down."

Greg nodded. Following his wife to the nursery, he stood just inside the door and watched as she stood beside their daughter's crib in the room which would ordinarily be considered a sun room. The stars shone in brightly in on them from all around, and he could easily make out the silhouette of his wife, standing with her head bowed, whispering in the dark by her daughter's side. Greg heard Susan sniff slightly and saw her wipe her eyes. He came to stand beside her and knew that she was praying.

"It will be okay," Greg soothed.

"I know it will be. That is what faith tells us each and every day ... that one way or another, things will be okay. But it is so hard ... with Melody being the way she is, and now Dad's health failing him too. I just needed a moment with the Lord before I am ready to face that," Susan said quietly.

"I understand," Greg assured her.

Susan nodded once. She took Greg's hand, squeezed it, and together they left the nursery.

c

Mrs. Abernathy was awake, watching TV and reading in the living room of the little apartment she and her husband usually used while visiting Susan and her family at their home. She looked up when there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," she invited when she saw Susan standing just outside.

"Thanks Mom. How is Dad?"

"Greg told you?"

Hesitantly, Susan nodded. "Has he had another stroke?"

"I'm not sure, Susan. To me, it looked like he might have, but if he did it was extremely mild. What I saw was exceptionally momentary, and from what I could see, he seemed not to be aware of it at all. He refused to go for treatment when I told him about it ... even though he knows immediate treatment for a stroke is of major importance," Mrs. Abernathy said.

"What exactly did you see, Mom?" Susan asked.

"The entire right side of his face went slack for a full minute. He stopped talking and as far as I could tell, he couldn't hear me; but a then moment later, whatever it was, seemed to pass. His face looked normal and he started talking again. If I wasn't looking at him at the time it happened, I would have never seen the difference. I told him what I saw, but he thinks I'm imagining it ... or if I'm not but I'm wrong, and he goes to the emergency room anyway, he'll feel like a fool and they won't take him seriously if he ever really does have one and needs treatment," Mrs. Abernathy explained.

"I think the medical community in general encourages caution when it comes to strokes," Susan told her. "It might be better to be safe than sorry when it comes to even a suspected stroke."

"I know it would be, and that's what I told him. But he took one of those pills he carries right away when he began to feel off afterwards while we were at the restaurant, and he said he felt better afterwards. We were enjoying ourselves so much, we decided to linger and have coffee with our dessert. And that's what happened," Mrs. Abernathy related. "He seemed weaker to me at first, so we decided to stay at the restaurant to see if his symptoms would disappear. They mostly did and we came back right away, after he felt better. But then after we got here, he was feeling weak again."

"Oh dear ... is he asleep?" Susan asked.

"I think so," Mrs. Abernathy said.

Susan frowned. "He'll hate me for waking him up, but I wonder if I should."

"Is there anything you can do for him?" Mrs. Abernathy asked anxiously.

"I can check his blood pressure and his neurologic reflexes. Then we can call the doctor to see what he says," Susan said.

Mrs. Abernathy nodded. "Yes. That might be best. I can't tell you how worried I am."

Susan nodded. "Me too, Mom. Me too. Okay, let's get him up."

c