Chapter 10: Ready for Work

Mick had to go to the loft to help clear out some things he hadn't gotten too. He would help direct things into where they needed to go. For the time being he would work from home, and meet clients at a public location. Until the renovation on the loft was complete he would have his office line forwarded to a dedicated line at the house. He didn't want to leave Beth and Kayla this morning but he had things to take care of, having been out of touch for a month with his fledgling.

Beth had been nervous about it too, but Mick was 100% positive Beth was under control. They had spent lots of time going out into the heart of the city, parks, and everything to get Beth ready. No slip ups, they both were concerned for Kayla. In the end Beth had another glass of blood before Mick left.

She spent her day with Kayla teaching her how to spell St. John and playing in her room. They had a tea party where Kayla retold some of the stories Uncle Josef had told her. Beth couldn't help but smile with how much Kayla liked Josef, a complete contrast to when she first went to stay with them.

"Guess what?"

"What?" Kayla was putting her toys up from playing with Beth.

"Remember Ms. Danielle?" Kayla nodded, "She had the baby last night."

"Oh can we see?"

Beth smiled, "Not right now. She's still in the hospital resting but when she comes home we will go right over and see them."

"What's the baby's name?"

"Lucas Brandon Browning, do you want to see a picture?" Beth took out her phone and showed Kayla the picture Coop had sent to her.

"He's really small." Beth just smiled as Kayla held her phone looking at the picture. "My daddy…the mean one…he wanted a boy. Mommy said boys like to have boys like them. Do you and Mr. Mick wants a boy?"

Beth took Kayla's hands in hers the cell phone set down, "We want you Kayla." Beth touched her cheek softly, "Mr. Mick and I love you very much Kayla and always know we want you to be part of our family."

Kayla nodded and gave Beth a big hug. Beth held the little girl to her as she tried not to cry. She was such a sweet little girl, so bright and strong given everything she had been through. Her mother had done such a good job of making sure she was loved and special and as far away from Carpov as she could.

Beth sniffled once then pulled back with a smile, "What do you say we make some cookies for when they come home with the baby?"

"Can we make snicker doodles?"

"I don't know why don't we go downstairs and find a recipe and see if we have what we need?"

Kayla stood up quickly from her little chair and started to pull Beth with her. Beth loved her enthusiasm, how even being sad one minute she could focus on happier things and not be dragged down for too long; the joys and resilience of youth.

*****

Josef held Jean in his arms as they made their way the parking lot, "So where to now?"

"Home," Jean kissed Josef's cheek.

"That my dear sounds like a wonderful idea," Josef opened the door for Jean before heading to the drivers side.

After being home and having a quick snack Josef was at his desk looking over papers, checking changes in the market when Jean came to stand by him. "Can we talk?"

Josef stopped what he was doing and looked up at Jean, "What's on your mind?"

Jean nodded towards the couch and started walking slowly over there. Josef followed behind her and sat beside her taking her hand in his trying to figure out what was on his beloveds mind. He thought over anything that could be bothering her, missing Kayla, their wedding she still hadn't mentioned any plans for yet, Danielle and the baby, he didn't know.

He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear keeping his hand on her shoulder stroking her neck, "What would you like to talk about Jean?"

Jean leaned into Josef's caress her eyes closing slightly as she sighed. She caught his searching eyes and gave him a smile, "I want to go back to work."

"We can go to the office if you want baby, I thought you wanted to come home."

Jean smiled again squeezing his other hand in hers, "I have enjoyed learning what it is that you do. It has been very…enlightening." She let out a sigh, "But Josef I really miss helping people, like I did before. I'm still doing those classes you had Ryder set me up on and I should be certified to do more before too long but…"

Josef gave her hand a squeeze in return, "You miss counseling." Jean nodded into his hand, "And you want to know if it's okay?"

"I think I have control, I really do. But you're my sire and I trust your judgment. Do you think I'm ready?"

Josef stroked his thumb up the length of her neck, "As much as I'm going to miss having you at the office I do think you are ready. Ready to try anyways."

Jeans eyes brimmed with tears as she leaned into him placing a soft kiss on his lips, "Thank you Josef."

Josef shook his head, "I have some conditions of course. Start of slow, test the waters first to make sure and of course you will be well stocked."

"Of course," she kissed him again. "It means a lot that you think I'm ready."

Josef grinned, "Are you up for taking another stroll?" Jean looked at him unsure but nodded, "I have something I'd like to show you."

Leaning in and kissing her lips once more Josef stood from the couch and pulled Jean with him. He went behind the desk and grabbed his jacket and his shades before heading towards the door. Jean slipped her arm through his stopping to grab her purse and designer sunglasses Candice had gotten her back as a turning gift. Out they went back to Josef's favorite red Ferrari.

*****

To Be Continued…

Evilous