Betty and Matt have left themselves enough time to walk at a leisurely pace, with them reviewing potential questions they may get from Daniel, Claire, and Wilhelmina as well as ways they might want to respond. They agree to delay a more detailed discussion of Matt and Dana's relationship until after the magazine investment meeting even though Betty is admittedly curious.
As they approach the front door of the Meade Publishing building Betty lets out a sigh and remarks, "I expected to be back here some day, but not 4 months after I left, pregnant, and with you to pitch a magazine idea to my ex-boss who followed me half-way around the world to try to date me."
Matt, giving Betty a hug of support, replies, "Betty, I've always believed that you would end up on top of the publishing world, working on things that matter to you. This might not have been the way you thought you'd get here, but you deserve it. If anyone can convince Daniel to take a risk on a new magazine it is you. You being pregnant is a surprise and won't make this easier, but doesn't make it impossible."
He then kisses her sweetly adding, "I may not have expected I'd be with you trying to get a magazine going, but I can't imagine anything better than that-you seem to turn anything into a success even if the odds of such are low."
"Matt!" exclaims Betty, "I appreciate your confidence in me and agree that we can make a great team in getting this worthy publication going, but please don't put expectations up so high that we'll have trouble reaching them."
"OK," replies Matt, "I'll try not to act like you are a Goddess, but is it acceptable if I think it?"
"I guess thinking it but not relying on my regal powers is a reasonable compromise," Betty responds, laughing slightly in spite of herself.
She then says, "Your confidence in me does decrease my nervousness regarding the upcoming meeting, but you need to take credit for your skills too."
"Agreed," says Matt as they are getting off of the elevator he then whispers, "We are both skilled in our respective areas and that is what will help make our magazine a success."
Betty and Matt get off the elevator on the MODE floor, since that is the location of the conference room that they were told has been reserved for this business meeting. MODE looks similar, yet different, with no Amanda at the reception area to great them.
"May I help you?" asks the receptionist, a pretty brunette whose young age makes Betty and Matt glance at each other.
Marc, who is walking down the hall, calls out, "No need Sasha, they are former employees. This is Betty Suarez, who left our world of fashion to pursue more noble things in London and this is Matthew Hartley, who worked here briefly before moving onto the next thing, but his leaving did help me get my initial Junior Editor position, so his indecisiveness was to my benefit, you could say."
Matt replies, "True, I was fickle in the past regarding my career goals, but not anymore," as he glances lovingly at Betty.
"I'm glad my departure helped you, just the same," Matt adds, with some tone and sarcasm in his voice.
Marc responds, "Alright, I'll try to watch my tongue. I guess I am still slightly irritated by the fact that Betty got the Junior Features Editor position instead of me and it took your leaving, after doing a decent job despite limited experience with fashion, for me to eventually get promoted to Editor."
"Also, even though I don't like to admit it out loud, Betty is one of my friends and I don't want to see you hurt her again by finding something else of interest," Marc adds in a soft tone, seemingly ashamed to acknowledge that he is protective of Betty.
Betty, looking at both men, quickly says to the receptionist, "Yes, we both worked here before, me much longer than Matt. We actually have a 1pm meeting with Mr. Meade, Mrs. Meade, and Ms. Slater, will you let them know we are here?"
"Of course," replies the receptionist, who then buzzes them. "Please take a seat they will be a few minutes. I've actually heard of both of you, mainly about you Ms. Suarez, especially related to the fact that you can move up in Meade."
"Glad to know I am somewhat inspirational, but that is a little weird just the same," answers Betty, slightly embarrassed, as she sits down next to Matt.
Matt, looking at Marc, says, "You got your job based on your own merits. I may have been undecided about my career goals in the past, but not anymore. Knowing Betty has made me a better person and I have no intention of being away from her that long ever again. Your concern for her well being is nice, even if it is hard for you to admit, but is misplaced at this point in time."
Matt then adds, extending his hand, "How about a truce and we start over too?"
"Acceptable," responds Marc, shaking Matt's hand, "I can tell by how Betty looks at you that she is in love and, as long as you aren't going to leave her at moment's notice, especially now that you are going to be a family, I wish you the best of luck."
"Good for both of you," states Betty, smirking at them, "You are both great guys who will each be successful in your own right, of that I am sure. And I can take care of myself, by the way, but your concern is duly noted, Marc."
Seeing Daniel and Claire heading down the hall towards them, Matt gets up and extends his hand to Betty, who arises as well, with Marc smiling at them as he heads back to his office. Everyone exchanges handshakes, with Daniel then leading them towards the small conference room, where Wilhelmina joins them.
Wilhelmina, who is known for taking charge, starts off the meeting with, "Tell us more specifically about why you are here, we received a memo from Lindsay about the possibility of a joint American-English publication and we need to know more to see if it is a good fit for Meade."
"Of course you need more details," Matt states as he looks around at the three Meade owners, who turn their heads towards Betty, waiting for her to talk about the magazine idea.
Glancing at Matt and giving him a sweet smile, Betty clears her throat slightly and says, "Matt will actually do most of the talking, since it is his baby, but I'm certainly behind the whole concept."
"Interesting choice of words, Betty. His baby, no doubt on that one I take it?" replies Wilhelmina, which makes all in the room laugh given Betty's pregnancy.
Matt, blushing slightly, responds, "Yes, our daughter and this magazine concept are both mine. My idea is to start a publication that promotes Good Works, which could have a different topic or two for each issue. Inspired by Betty to find myself, I did so in Africa. The plight of the villagers, as well as their fortitude, has made me believe that a magazine, likely on a quarterly basis to start, could help better such individuals' lives and I suspect there are other similar causes out there that could use such publicity. "
"Well, that is certainly something we don't have here at Meade, Go on," says Claire.
"A piece on the African village where I volunteered may be a good one to start with. I have several interviews and pictures saved in case the magazine idea went forward. Of course, I see myself as doing more of the research, such as finding ideas and such, while Betty would be the primary writer and editor, since she is very skilled in that area," continues Matt.
Betty adds, "Both my and Matt's talents would complement each other on such a venture. And, since it will likely come up, while Cal could certainly provide financial backing for such a publication, we are trying to keep him out of it. Plus, being associated with an established publisher versus doing so as a separate enterprise will increase our chances of success."
Daniel replies, "I suspect Betty will be successful in anything she does. Where does your current job and Dunne come in?"
"Thanks for your confidence on my writing and editorial skills," remarks a slightly red Betty.
Betty then continues, "As for my present job, Mr. Dunne is interested in the concept as well, since they do not have such a publication either. He knows that such topics are a passion of mine and also acknowledges that with our pending arrival," as she glances down at her belly smiling with pride, "I will likely want to be spending more time here in the US, so this way I can continue working on things that matter even as my personal life becomes more hectic."
"Well," replies Wilhelmina, "Sounds like you have given this some thought. We will have the people in finance contact you to discuss the details, and get a contract written, with a launch of the magazine early next year, if everything goes as planned."
"So, it sounds like Meade is going to take us up on this expansion opportunity?" asks Matt, wanting to confirm that he heard Wilhelmina correctly.
Daniel, glancing at Claire and Wilhelmina who are nodding their heads affirmatively, responds with, "Yes, assuming all the details get worked out to everyone's satisfaction, we will have a new magazine here at Meade, something we haven't done in a while."
"Excellent," says Betty. "We'll let you all get back to your jobs."
"See you all on Sunday for the baby shower?" she asks.
"Wouldn't miss it," says Wilhelmina, "I've always wanted to see the Hartley estate."
Laughing, Matt responds, "Well, there will certainly be a diverse crowd. Maybe you'll be one of the referees, even though I hope we won't need them."
"Matt!" exclaims Betty, "Everyone has promised to be on their best behavior and there are enough rooms that separate parties can go on if necessary, true?"
"Very true," Matt replies, giving her a kiss and then blushing remembering their audience, "I'm sure it will be fine, just not the typical baby shower given the people invited, but you are right, everyone, including my mother, has said they'll try to keep their claws, and cat like comments, at home."
They all shake hands again as Betty and Matt leave, with both of them letting out a sigh of relief that the meeting went well. They head off, hand in hand, to enjoy the rest of the afternoon before heading to Hilda and Bobby's new home for dinner that night.
As Daniel watches Matt and Betty leave, Claire remarks, "Son, you are handling her and Matt being together so well, I am proud of you."
"Thanks Mom," responds Daniel, "I've always wanted Betty to be happy and I am glad she has seemed to find that. I will believe both her and Matt that I'll find that someday too, just as I did with Molly."
"Well, I've found that with Connor, so I suspect you'll find that person too. For some of us it just takes a little longer," says Wilhelmina, as she leaves the room.
Claire and Daniel stay in the conference room for a few moments before heading off to their respective offices.