Jude parked the car behind Jamie's BMW and turned to Maura. She was staring up at Four Winds with a strange look in her eye. "Penny for your thoughts?" Maura shifted in her seat, shaking her head with a little laugh.

"Sorry. I was just thinking...well, I was thinking about the first time I ever came to Four Winds." She offered him a bittersweet smile and sighed. "You know Dad was really good friends with...well, with your father, Mr. Mason. When we were kids, Mr. Mason would come to Connie's for lunch with Dad once a month like clockwork. But there was one time he didn't come. He called Dad and invited him to have lunch here." Her gaze shifted slightly, taking on a wistful appearance. "We all got to come because Mrs. Mason was out of town. Mr. Mason let us do whatever we wanted. He said we had the run of the house because the kids were in school and his wife was shopping in Richmond."

"What did you do?"

"Luke fell in love with this place and Mr. Mason so he stayed with Dad and listened to them talk about business. He wanted to be just like Mr. Mason. Piper was still a baby but Jillie and Jory ran all over the grounds just exploring," she replied. "I think they even tried to get the groom to let them ride a horse but that man was wise to kick them out since neither had ever even been on a horse in their lives."

"I meant you."

"Oh! Me? Well, I found the attic. It was a treasure trove. Do you know how much history is up there? I played for hours until Dad wanted to leave and they had the whole staff looking for me. Mr. Mason found me but I was trying on old clothes and having a ball. He laughed himself silly at the sight of me in a Victorian evening gown but he never told anyone about it."

"That sounds like Uncle James. I miss him," Jude said softly.

"I know. So does Dad. He likes you, you know. You remind him of Mr. Mason," Maura told him.

"I always thought Jamie was the spitting image of him. I used to be intensely jealous of them. And all along, I should have been a part of it." He shook his head and sighed heavily. "I still can't wrap my brain around it sometimes. I mean, I know that Gwen lied for years and that she is my real mother and Uncle James is my father, but I spent so long being jealous of what Jamie had that I can't seem to get it, you know?"

"I know. But that's why tonight is a good idea. I know you're still trying to deal with Gwen's lies but Jamie and Ellen are determined to make you see how much they love you. And if you can't accept Gwen as your mother, maybe you can forgive her and be her friend. I think she would like that."

"If it was Tristen and all she could give was friendship, would that be enough?" Jude asked.

"If that was all I could ever have? Yes. It would be enough," Maura admitted. "Because if that's all, it's something at least."

Jude fell silent for a moment taking in what she had said. If all he could offer Gwen was friendship, he doubted that would be enough for her. No matter what Maura thought, Gwen Mason wouldn't be satisfied with that. She wanted his unconditional forgiveness and love, the same things she expected from Jamie and Ellen even if neither of them had been able to give it to her.

"Well, we might as well go get this over with. I can't tell you what it means to me that you're here with me, Maura," he told her reaching for her hand.

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and smiled. "You don't have to. I know."
 

Scene 2

Jamie breathed a silent sigh of relief at the sight of Jude's car in the drive. This family get together wasn’t Jamie's idea but he had gone along with it in the hopes that Jude might make an appearance. Ellen was here because she had an announcement she wanted to make and she wanted everyone there to hear it. If Jamie were completely honest, he would admit that her dramatics were a little on the childish side. But Ellen was his baby sister and she had always lived in Hallie's shadow. She deserved some kind of moment in the sun.

He glanced over at her sitting on the settee in a dark dress that hung loosely around her shoulders and waist. Her hair was pulled back into a twist that looked like an exact replica of the way their mother had worn her hair when they were kids. The homage to Gwen couldn't be a conscious decision, Jamie thought, given the state of the relationship between mother and daughter. Ian sat next to her managing to look bored and angry all at once. The confrontation between Josh and Ian still made him smile. He hated that Josh didn't like being Jamie's cohort in antagonizing Ian, but it couldn't be helped.

Ian caught Jamie's eye, his own eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Grinning, Jamie approached them, holding a glass of wine out to Ellen. "Looks like Jude came after all," he said, ignoring the burning stare from Ian.  "Wonder who talked him into it?"

"He's here? Did he come alone or is Maura with him?" Ellen asked waving away the glass.

"Maura's with him. Probably using her as an excuse if it gets ugly," Jamie noted. "So, what do you think of Maura Conlan, Ellie? Think Jude's made a good decision?"

Ian rolled his eyes and snorted. "As if Jude cares what you think about the woman he's dating," he muttered under his breath.

"What was that Ian?" Jamie asked, trying his best to sound polite for Ellen's sake. God knew why she cared about Ian McCormick.

"Nothing," Ian returned after a quick elbow from Ellen. "Nevermind."

"I like Maura. She and Jory are the only two out of that family who are worth anything. Jillie Conlan has always been a terrible flirt and I'm so relieved none of you ended up with her. And after what Luke did to Hallie..."

"Hallie's no innocent, Ellen. She gave just as good as she got," Jamie reminded her. "But nevermind about all that. Let's have a good time, okay?"

"You don't have to tell me," Ellen sniffed. "I intend to have a good time. Come on Ian, let's go say hello to Jude and Maura."



Scene 3

"All right Gwen," Dane announced flinging the door to the library open. "I've had enough. Call off your dog!"

All eyes in the room turned toward Dane as he stood framed by the doorway. Jude and Maura exchanged nervous glances. Jamie stifled a grin. Hallie turned a bored expression towards him and both Ian and Ellen scowled darkly at the intrusion. Gwen merely shrugged and set her glass down on the nearest surface.

"My dog?" She repeated. "What dog would that be, Dane?"

"Max Jency. I'm not going out with his niece. I'm not going out with anyone. Are we clear on this?"

"Max and I are only thinking about the two of you, Dane. I've met Rachel, she's lovely," Gwen explained. Jamie let out an unfortunate snort of laughter. "And just what is so funny?" Gwen asked turning a poisonous gaze on him.

"Rachel Jency? Rachel 'I'm sorry I almost ran you over but I was having the most amazing daydream' Jency? Come on Mother. Even you have to admit she is a little spacey.

Gwen’s mouth thinned into a severe line. "Rachel is a very nice girl. Compared to some of the tramps he’s brought home, she’s a goddess! I’ll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself, Jamie."

Jamie rolled his eyes and shrugged. "Fine. But Dane, word of warning. Don’t get in a car with her. She’s a menace."

"I don’t intend to!" Dane snapped irritably. "It’s my life and my choice as to who I see and when. I can’t believe you would play matchmaker for me. And just so you know, the women I date are not tramps. They just like to have fun."

"Oh, Dane. Relax," Hallie piped in from her corner. "Gwen’s just playing dolls with you and this Jency girl. She’s done it with all of us. Actually, I think you should be flattered that she’s taking such an avid interest in you."

"Oh Hallie, grow up," Gwen snapped. "Why are you even here? Shouldn’t you be with your boyfriend?" Hallie paled and shot Gwen a deadly glare. "Oh wait," Gwen added coldly. "I forgot...he dumped you. Now remind us all why you’re alone. Yes, that’s right. You slept with your ex-husband. Well, once a cheater always a cheater. Or at least, I think that’s how the saying goes."

"For the last time, I didn’t sleep with him! Ask Maura! She probably knows."

"How would I know something like that?" Maura exclaimed.

"Oh, you Conlans tell each other everything," Hallie shot back at her dismissively. "It’s down right disgusting how charming you all are. Well, except Jillie. She’s just a tramp. Wait, there’s an idea. Dane you should go out with Jillie Conlan. Gwen would wet herself in ecstasy over another Conlan in the family and you could have your tramp. No offense Maura."

"That’s enough of that, Hallie," Jamie warned. "Leave the Conlans out of it."

"Don’t bother Jamie," Maura cut in. "If it helps Hallie, I don’t think you slept with Luke. Because if you did, I doubt Liza would have forgiven him and agreed to marry him. They’re moving to New York next week." Hallie deflated slightly. "I am sorry to hear about you and Stephen though," Maura added quietly. "I know you cared about him."

Hallie softened and got to her feet. "Thank you Maura. I appreciate that. It’s refreshing to hear consideration around this mausoleum."

"Hello? This is about me," Dane interrupted from the doorway, waving furiously. "Now, I’m telling you right now, I don’t care who she is, I’m not going out on a blind date. I’ve done everything you’ve ever asked or told me to do Gwen, but I won’t do this. You can’t make me."

"All right then. Don’t go out with her, but when Max Jency asks me why you won’t even consider it, I’ll just have to tell him that you’re a spoiled brat who won’t think of anyone but himself," Gwen returned calmly. "No matter how it helps the family."

"And how is dating Max Jency’s niece going to help this family?" Dane snapped.

"Well, it’ll help Ellen because Max is on the membership committee at the Country Club. He’s also on the Hospital Board and will help make the decision on John Stafford’s replacement. That’s helping Jamie and Ian too I suppose. As for me, it’ll get Max off my back and make me a lot happier."

Dane fell silent, glancing at Ellen. He wanted to help her. But a blind date? He’d rather date Jillie Conlan in that case. Ellen returned his gaze and smiled helpfully. She shook her head slightly sending him a definite message. He glanced at Jamie who only shrugged as if to say he didn’t care one way or the other. Well, that answered that.

"Forget it," he said firmly. "I can find a date without your help," he added disappearing down the hallway.


 

 Scene 4

Jude watched Dane leave, feeling sorry for him. Gwen had no one left to mess with so she had turned her meddling manners toward Dane. Poor guy. At least he was taking a stand now before it got out of hand. Jude had watched Gwen meddle in Jamie and Ellen’s lives for a long time, grateful that her interference in his had been minimal. Until now.

"Dane seems really upset," Maura murmured.

"He’ll be all right," Jude returned. "I don’t think I’ve ever seen him angry for more than five minutes. Come on; let’s have a drink so we can get out of here."

He led Maura to the bar and poured a glass of wine for her. For himself, he mixed a martini. He needed something a lot stronger than wine to make it until Ellen’s announcement. Compared to dinner at the Conlans’ home, this cocktail party seemed forced and unnatural. He took a look around the room, making a swift assessment of everyone who had shown. Gwen was acting as imperious as ever. Jamie was in good spirits. Ellen was relaxed almost smug. Her husband bordered on angry with a hint of boredom. And Hallie looked miserable, something she probably had never been before in her life.

"Hallie looks like hell," he whispered in Maura’s ear. "Maybe I should go talk to her." He started to move toward Hallie, but Maura laid a restraining hand on his arm.

"Brace yourself for Hurricane Gwen," she murmured calmly nodding at Gwen’s approaching figure.

"Maura, how nice to see you!  I'm so sorry about that unpleasantness just now.  Hallie's behaving abominably as usual."

Maura's lips thinned into a pained smile.  "Hallie is behaving just fine.  I know she's having a hard time right now with her divorce from Luke and whatever else is going on.  She's just fine."

"I see you’re as gracious as ever.  You’ve lucked out with this one, Jude Darling," Gwen cooed innocently.

"I’m so glad you approve," Jude answered with a roll of his eyes barely able to conceal his contempt.  "I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t.  I’ll be right back, Maura.  I think I will talk to Hallie."

Maura and Gwen watched him stride away with his shoulders squared tensely.  "That was uncalled for," Gwen remarked coldly.  "I don't know where he learned that sarcasm."

Maura gave her an incredulous look.  "What did you expect?  He doesn't want to be here."

"Then I suppose I should thank you for bringing him tonight.  But really, Maura, I expected a little more pleasantness from the both of you.  After all, you are my guests tonight."

Maura's eyes narrowed angrily.  "What did you expect?  He hasn't changed his mind about anything concerning you, Mrs. Mason!  But he's here.  That's the first step.  The next is up to you.  I know I've told you this before, but you've got to stop treating him like a son for a while."

"I simply cannot do that Maura.  You see, he has always been my son regardless of what the rest of the world knew."

Maura sighed heavily.  "Then you're just going to have to be patient with him.  Because he isn't going to forgive you just because you want him to.  You of all people should know that," she added before moving away toward the hallway.

Scene 5

"Hallie?"  Jude asked sitting next to her on the settee in the hall.  Hallie barely turned her head to acknowledge his presence.  "How are you?"

"Humiliated.  How are you Jude?  Wait, don't answer that," she said holding up a hand.  "It's obvious; you're in love with Miss Perfect in there.  And before you go off the deep end, relax.  I like Maura.  But she is a little too perfect."

"She isn't.  She's got her faults," Jude admitted.  "Look, I'm sorry you and Stephen didn't work out.  His loss."

Hallie turned an icy blue gaze on Jude, studying him.  She softened her expression after a moment and dropped her eyes.  "Thanks...I think."

"I'm being sincere, Hallie.  Stephen's my partner and my friend...but you're family.  I owe you a lot more loyalty."  Hallie laughed suddenly, clapping her hand over her mouth to suppress her giggles.  Jude scowled, "What's so funny?"

"You!  This.  I mean us sitting here talking as if we've never been antagonistic towards each other.  You telling me I'm family when I've done nothing but make you feel like an outsider your whole life."  She laughed again briefly but regained her composure quickly.  "Sorry.  But you do see the idiocy of this whole little scene right?"

"Yeah, I see it," Jude admitted with a smile.  "No hard feelings though."

"Right," Hallie agreed.  "No hard feelings.  And, you know, I am kind of sorry about the way you found out about Gwen.  I didn't mean to hurt you.  Just her."

"It didn't occur to you that I might not be too happy about it?" 

"If I remember correctly, it wasn't me that blabbed it to the entire town.  That was Stephen.  Besides, I thought it was all about Jamie."  She glanced up at him thoughtfully.  "Do you think you can handle the truth?  Well, I suppose you can.  After all, you had about the worst bomb dropped on you I can think of.  The truth is Jude you never entered my thoughts during that time.  I was so angry at Gwen for taking ME away from me time and again.  She gave it to Dane when it should have gone to me.  And then when Dane couldn't do it, she begged Jamie to come home and that prick came home.  I just wanted what was mine."

"Hallie, ME is Jamie's by rights," Jude remarked. 

Hallie got to her feet and went to the window staring at the rain as it fell.  "Actually, by rights, it's yours.  I'm just so tired of being overlooked.  Even now, everyone is in there fawning over Jamie and his sullen brat while I am out here miserable."  She sighed heavily and leaned against the window.  "I'm tired of being ignored.  Just when I get someone's attention, I blow it by doing something stupid.  What possessed me to go after Luke like that?"

Jude merely shrugged and watched her from the settee.  He had no idea what made Hallie tick.  For whatever reason, she had gone after Luke and it had cost her Stephen.  She wasn't accustomed to regretting her actions and it was eating her alive.  No matter the state of their relationship, he hated seeing her this way.  He should help her somehow, he thought making a firm decision.  He was going to regret this himself.

"Hallie, I'll talk to Stephen for you."

Surprise flickered in Hallie's eyes for a moment before they darkened with suspicion.  "Why would you do that for me?"  She asked.

"Maybe because even after everything, I still think you deserve to be happy.  If Stephen makes you happy, I'll talk to him.  I won't promise anything-"

Scene 6

From the terrace of Four Winds, Chris could just make out the lights of the football stadium at the high school through the rain.  There was no game tonight only practice in preparation for their first game against Coopersville next week.  He, of course, had been excused for the family gathering with the gentle warning to show up the next day an hour early for extra drills with the QB coach.  If it had been anyone else, they would have been kicked off the team.  But because he was a Mason and more likely because Coach Foster was being pressured by Jamie, Chris got off scot free.  Dylan was probably right about everything. 

His cell phone rang interrupting his thoughts.  He dug it out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID.  At least it was Jason.  He doubted he could handle anyone else right now.

"What's up?"  He said answering the call.

"Chris, you're not going to believe this.  Rebecca told me I have to get a job," Jason replied sounding frustrated. 

"Why?"

"I brought up the car again.  She said if I want a car so badly, I can just get a job and pay for it myself.  You know, she lets Olivia do whatever she pleases but when it comes to me, suddenly I'm a juvenile delinquent who can't do anything right."

"What are you gonna do?"

"What can I do?  I want a car so I have to get a job-"

"Chris?  Are you out here?" 

Chris glanced over his shoulder at Jamie in the doorway.  "Gotta go, Jason.  Talk to you later."  He shoved the phone back in his pocket before getting to his feet.  "Yeah I'm out here," he called back.

Jamie reached behind him and turned the terrace lights on, illuminating the stone patio.  "What are you doing out here?  Your aunt has an announcement she wants everyone to hear."

"I was just talking to Jason," Chris muttered leaning against the low brick wall that enclosed the terrace. 

"Well come inside before you get soaking wet."

"Nah, I'll stay out here." 

"All right.  What's bugging you?"  Jamie asked.  He planted himself firmly in front of Chris, crossing his arms over his chest.  "You've been in a bad mood for a month now.  So out with it."

"I'm fine," Chris returned sullenly.  "Just leave me alone Dad."

"Sorry, no can do.  That’s the trouble with being a dad.  Come on, out with it."

"Fine.  I'm in a bad mood.  Why shouldn't I be?  The question is why you aren't in a bad mood."  Chris snapped.

Jamie flinched at Chris' tone but stood his ground.  "You're still upset about your Mom leaving," he said matter of fact. 

"Aren't you?"

"Sure I am.  But I don't want anyone to have to deal with my anger."

Chris kicked the wall angrily.  "God Dad, do you have any emotion at all?  I thought you still loved Mom.  Why are you letting this happen?"

"Chris, I didn't let anything happen.  Your mother is the one who left, not me.  I didn't want any of this any more than you did, but Michaela made her decision," Jamie pointed out calmly.  "There is nothing I can do to change her mind."

"Yes there is.  Get on a plane and bring her home!"  Jamie looked away from Chris.  "Unless...you don't want to?"

"I'll be honest with you Chris," Jamie replied.  "I don't think I do."  Jamie stared off in the distance at the horizon.  "When Michaela and I first met, my life was completely different.  Hers was too.  We were both alone and in need of someone.  I guess for a time, we fit.  But since we moved here..."  He trailed off with a frown.  He didn’t want to blame anyone for the destruction of his marriage, let alone himself.  "Look, let’s just say that after we moved here, neither of us was the same person.  We grew apart.  It happens.  I know it must be hard on you-"

"You have no idea how I feel," Chris muttered. 

"No, I don’t.  But I know it can’t be good.  I hope you know that I never meant for the divorce to affect you or Jess or Lily.  And I know your mother didn’t either.  If there’s anything I can do to help you through this..."

Jamie was cut off by someone clearing their throat.  Both turned to see Gwen silhouetted in the doorway watching them with a curious gaze.  She looked from Jamie to Chris momentarily before pasting a false smile on her lips.

"Ellen would like us all in the library.  She has an announcement," Gwen said cheerfully skillfully ignoring the tension between father and son.   Jamie nodded and placed a hand on Chris’ shoulder.  Trying to be my buddy, Chris thought angrily.  Jamie’s last words echoed in his head.  If Jamie would do anything to help Chris get over the divorce, it stood to reason that he had bought off Coach Foster for Chris’ place on the football team.  He took a step back out of Jamie’s reach.  Jamie’s eyebrows raised slightly but he didn’t acknowledge the slight verbally.

"We’re coming, Mother," Jamie said in a cool tone.  "Come inside now Chris.  You can talk to your friends later."  He jerked his head towards the open terrace door, motioning Chris inside.  Shoving his fists into his pockets, Chris marched towards the library heavily feeling as if he would never quite understand his own father ever again.

Scene 7

Ellen stood by her father’s chair touching it lightly with her fingertips.  She wished he were here tonight for this.  He would have liked Ian, she thought glancing fondly at her new husband, even if Gwen didn’t.  Her eyes shifted back to her mother as she entered the room followed by Jamie and Chris.  A small pang of envy filled her at the sight of them.

Gwen adored Jamie and would do anything for him but when it came to Ellen, Gwen was cold and distant even harsh at times.  Ellen would have given just about anything to have that relationship with either parent.  Instead, she was relegated to whatever attention was left over after they had lavished it on Jamie.  Even Jude received more attention than she and he had only been a cousin until recently.  Of course, it now made sense why Jude was always around.  But as a teen who only wanted her mother’s approval, she had been angry with Gwen for choosing Jude and Jamie over her.

Realizing that Gwen was staring at her expectantly, she offered a stiff smile and shifted her gaze to the others gathered in the room.  Maura and Jude sat on the sofa together, hands entwined, the picture of happiness.  Dane was at the bar mixing a drink, Hallie at his side holding out her glass.  Chris leaned against the wall, his arms folded over his chest while Jamie made himself comfortable in one of the leather chairs. 

"Thank you all so much for coming on such short notice," Ellen began after clearing her throat to catch their attention.  "Ian and I are so thrilled that you all made it," she added reaching for Ian’s hand.  He let her take it grudgingly, unwilling to play along with her yet.  She would have to talk to him about that later. 

"What’s the big secret Ellie?"  Dane asked from the back of the room.  "You’ve got Gwen practically frothing at the mouth with anticipation."

"I won’t keep you all in suspense for too long," she added with a wide smile.  "You all know that Ian and I eloped recently.  It was a spur of the moment decision and one I am completely satisfied with.  I’m happier now than I have been in years."  She glanced at Ian who only looked away in embarrassment.  "That being said," she continued ignoring him for the moment.  "I wanted you all to know-"  She paused for effect.  "Ian and I are expecting!"

Ellen looked around the room waiting for the congratulations to come.  Maura and Jude exchanged wary glances before getting to their feet.

"Ellen, that’s wonderful," Jude said breaking the shocked silence.  "Congratulations," he added kissing her cheek lightly.  Maura gave her a quick hug and stepped back, keeping her expression neutral.  Jamie’s eyes narrowed momentarily but he smoothed his expression and joined Jude in offering congratulations.  Hallie and Dane showed genuine enthusiasm.  Gwen on the other hand only stared at her with an icy gaze before getting to her feet.  All eyes turned to her and the air was thick with tension.

"Congratulations Ellen.  I hope," she said with a narrow gaze.  "That you and Ian are both happy about this."  She paused for the slightest of seconds before adding, "Because it would be just dreadful if this child wasn’t wanted by both of you." 

The tone of her voice was chilling to Ellen, almost as if Gwen knew what Ellen was up to.  A shiver raced down her spine at the thought.  She wouldn’t put it part her mother to ruin everything she had worked for in the last three months.  Gwen had always taken Ellen’s achievements and belittled them somehow.  Destroying Ellen’s marriage to the one man she had always wanted would be in step for Gwen.  Ellen lifted her chin and stared back at her mother defiantly.  Nothing was going to ruin this for her.  She had a plan and an ally who wasn’t a Mason.  It was all going to work out to her benefit.

"It would be," Ellen replied at last.  "If that were the case.  But Ian and I are both very happy.  Aren’t we Ian?"  She turned to Ian and waited for an answer, her breath catching in her throat as she waited for his reply.

"Yes," Ian announced in an overly confident voice.  "Bringing another Mason heir into the world is exactly what Ellen and I both want." 

On the next Episode of Secret Horizons...

Episode 166