Thank you Silvermissstt for helping me with this chapter!


Morning… finally. Grace hadn't slept a wink. For one thing, she was so ecstatically happy about Oliver she couldn't keep her eyes closed. She couldn't wait to see him. She couldn't wait until the moment he said her name again. Calling him Oliver would take some getting used to, but worth the effort. It occurred to her after the fact that maybe she should have made sure what he meant by this. She assumed there would be no announcement, in a matter of speaking, and she was hesitant of addressing him this way with other people present. She didn't care if it was to be a secret or not, just as long as Annie didn't catch wind yet. She wanted to talk things over with her. What if she got the wrong idea? Although, she wasn't one hundred percent sure of things herself. Fortunately, Annie had school this morning, and she might sleep in a little bit given her late night. This led to the second reason for her lack of sleep – being pushed to the edge of her mattress. Annie wasn't the one to take up the room, it was Sandy. While he wasn't a small dog, he surely shouldn't be capable of taking up almost an entire double sized bed. No wonder Annie needed windows open year round. Even on a chilly autumn night, with Sandy half on top of her it felt like summertime.

Breakfast went on as any other day, albeit, with a few more glances and smiles between Oliver and Grace. To Grace's relief, Annie was too sleepy to notice. She wondered how long it took her to get back asleep last night. The bat must have wound her up. Having been so preoccupied with Oliver she didn't think to check back on her until she went to bed herself. As far as she knew then she was asleep. Well, it was too late now. Knowing Annie she'd wake up the second she stepped outside.

She felt bad for it, but Grace couldn't wait to drop her at school and get back home. Sending her with the Asp had been tempting, but she didn't want to raise suspicions by doing something out of the ordinary. Only a few times had she not gone along for the car ride. Silly seeing as the school was close, but it was time with Annie. It also gave Grace the chance to build up energy for the day. Annie was fairly easy to care for, but she still could be exhausting. No wonder women stayed at home with their kids all day. Balancing work was no easy feat. She applauded the women who weren't given a choice these days. Anyways, she was sure Annie would be catching on soon. The more she thought about it, the more she realized she didn't want to keep her and Oliver a secret… not that there was a specific name to what they were at the moment. But, that was precisely why she thought it best to keep quiet. The relief she felt when Oliver suggested they wait for any major conversations until after the birthday chaos was too good to give up just yet. Taking some time to simply be would do her a world of good.

. . .

Upon arriving home, Grace was set on having the one conversation she and Oliver couldn't wait to have, which of course was everything she surrounding Annie's knowledge of the topic. Walking down the halls, she realized she was nearly skipping as she rushed to the office. She stopped herself, refusing to act so childish around Oliver. It was difficult as she'd waited a long time for that kiss. No, it wasn't everything she'd dreamed it to be, but it did the trick. She was regaining some confidence in herself – not just about a familial future, but also in the decisions she'd made.

Before addressing him when she entered the room, she made sure none of the typists had arrived yet. The idea of being the first of them to use a first name terrified her, but at the same time, it seemed like the safest, or at least quickest way to see if what he said last time still stood. Oliver may admit to change, but she also couldn't set herself up for that 'switch'.

As usual, Oliver's focus was on something else and hadn't heard her come through the door. Taking a deep breath as she stood over his desk, Grace said, "Good morning… Oliver."

In an instant he looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Grace." He was relieved. He'd been afraid last night would be forgotten. Now she stood here looking as beautiful as ever. "Has Annie recovered from last night's adventure?"

As she sat down, she answered. "Oh yes, she seems to be fine. Although, she was a bit hesitant in going into her room to get ready for the day."

"I can imagine," he chuckled. "It's curious how it got in there in the first place. I know her window was open, but don't those creatures prefer caves or trees?"

"I don't think there are many caves in New York City. It must have thought the window was a similar kind of opening."

"I guess that would make sense."

Without realizing, she then said, "Talk about timing though..."

Oliver smiled. "Yes, I thought the same thing."

Grace blushed, smiling back and half met his eye. This wasn't how she imagined leading into the next part of conversation, but it worked. "Speaking of which," she started. "I think it would be best if we keep some of this from Annie – just for now. You know, until we sort things out."

"I agree," he said with relief in his voice. "I'd actually wanted to talk to you about that as well."

"Good," she nodded. "So no first names in front of her?"

"Why not keep it just between us all together? I won't fret if some of the staff members overhear, though. It's too much worry trying to avoid them."

"Sounds like a good plan for now."

"Then that settles that. Now, I have a couple errands I need you to run. I have a meeting downtown in half an hour. It won't last past 11, so if you could be back here by then I'll be grateful."

Reaching for a pad and pencil, Grace nodded again and prepared to write. "Sure thing."

"I'll need to pick up my suit from the tailors and run a parcel and some letters by the post office. Be sure to expedite the package and double check the address. It's for the factory upstate. Then bring those papers we went over last week to my lawyer, and if there's time, I was hoping maybe you could pick out something for me to give Annie for her birthday."

Grace looked up on the last note. "You want me to pick it out?"

"I've thought and I've thought, and I have no idea what the child wants or likes. You know her better than anyone. I'm sure you'll find something marvelous."

While the woman appreciated the gesture, she couldn't help but feel a bit sad at the notion. "She'll love anything you pick out."

"Grace..."

"Fine, fine. But can you at least tell me a vague idea of what you might have been thinking?"

"I'd thought about a new locket, but you reminded me the other day why she loves her old one."

"That was a wonderful idea."

"Wonderful enough to have you stop at Tiffany's?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure she would know how to accept it."

"She wouldn't have to wear it. She'll appreciate the gold or silver when she's older."

"I'm not sure..."

"This is why I asked you to take care of it," the man grumbled.

"Who said you have to give her an item? Take her somewhere and get her a souvenir of the day. She'd love something like that."

"I did manage to take all of Wednesday off."

"Perfect!"

"But it seems so simple."

Reaching across the desk to touch his hand, she smiled. "Not everything needs to be so complicated."

He smiled, too, picking up on the hint of something more in her voice. "Okay. The three of us will go off on whatever escapade she desires."

"She'll be so excited. Do you want to tell her when she gets home?"

"No, I want it to be a surprise."

Grace nearly sighed. "Oh."

"Is that a bad idea?"

"No, it's just that I was hoping that would cushion the blow when I told her about Robbie and Irene."

"The Connecticut kids, right?"

"Yes."

"You haven't told her?"

"I haven't had the chance. I didn't want to tell her before school."

"That makes sense."

"I will this afternoon."

He smiled again, and then it occurred to him to ask, "What about school? Are you allowed to keep her home on Wednesday?"

"It's only for a day and she doesn't have any major tests this week. My parents used to let me stay home on my birthday, so I guess I didn't think twice about it."

"Seems reasonable." He took hold of the hand that still rested atop his. Raising it to his lips and leaving a quick peck, he said, "We can talk more tonight. Unfortunately I need to get ready for that meeting."

"Oh yes, I'm sorry. It completely slipped my mind. I'll get going on those errands."

She stood up to leave, but Oliver hung onto her hand. Kissing it again, he grinned, "I'll see you at lunch."

Grace grinned as well and felt warmth in her cheeks. Something told her she was going to enjoy this week immensely.


Aside from Annie's disappointment about Robbie and Irene missing the party, the rest of the day went on happily. Oliver had a few more meetings in the evening, so Grace and Annie spent time putting together party favors. While they did so, Annie couldn't help but notice Grace's constant smiling. She didn't seem to be paying a lot of attention to what she was doing, either.

"Grace, you put five jawbreakers in that bag. I thought we were only putting two?"

Grace snapped out of her daydream and looked down into the bag. "Oh," she said. "I'm sorry, I drifted off again."

"You don't seem upset."

The woman chuckled. "Drifting off doesn't always mean something bad happened."

"Did something good happen?" Annie asked.

"Ah, it was a pretty good day. We have lots to look forward to this week."

"I still wish Irene and Robbie were coming," the little girl sighed.

"I know, dear. I promise before summer is up we'll go visit. We can have cake and ice cream and celebrate all over again."

"I guess that will be fun. At least all my friends from the orphanage and school will still be there. Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt are coming, too, aren't they?"

"As far as I know."

"I can't wait!"

"It will be your job to keep Mr. Warbucks in line."

With a giggle, Annie said, "That will be easy. He didn't stand a chance the first time I met President Roosevelt."

"So I've heard."

"Since it will be my party Mr. Warbucks has to be nice."

"That's right," the woman said as she tousled Annie's hair. "All right, we need to get going on these bags."

"Okay." Then doing her 'Grace impression', she said, "But you stay focused now."

Grace laughed, playfully nudging Annie's arm. "Watch it, you."


Like Grace, Oliver found himself drifting from time to time. He remained focused during his meetings, but in between he didn't tackle as much paperwork as he'd hoped. Thoughts always went back to Grace. He wasn't sure what made him cling to her so much today. It wasn't his intention. When he suggested they take a week, he meant they should maintain a certain physical distance. Yet he was the one most often reaching for her hand or arm, not to mention he'd been the one to kiss her the night before. It was tempting to question these moves, but as long as Grace wasn't scared off, why should he?

He only saw Grace briefly before she went up to her room. To both of their dismay, they weren't alone to say a proper goodnight, whatever that may have been. Even chatting didn't feel right. Drake was there bringing Oliver a drink and Punjab and the Asp were close by engrossed in a game of chess. Grace came in under the pretenses of work despite the fact Oliver gave her the night off for party preparations seeing as the rest of the week was packed. Drake left the room while she was there, but by that point their guards were up.

They said goodnight to each other as if it were any regular night, which indeed it was. Oliver remained in his office pretending to work. What he was really doing was listing all the reasons in his mind why it was a bad idea to go upstairs and knock on Grace's door. All he would suggest was a walk. Where was the harm in that? He had to keep in mind that she would probably be asleep, or at least getting ready to. One kiss and some flirtations didn't give him permission to see her in nightclothes. In any case, he knew he should let her rest. The minute she arrived home from dropping Annie to school tomorrow they would be in meetings until it was time to fetch her again.

"Sahib, will you be staying here a while?"

Oliver looked up at Punjab, wondering how long he'd been standing before him. "No, I don't seem to be getting much done tonight."

"You have a lot on your mind?"

"This and that. Nothing concerning."

"It's Miss Farrell."

"What?"

"Your mind is on Miss Farrell."

Oliver would have denied it, but his long pause and confused expression made it pointless. "How do you know?"

"It has been obvious since this morning. You both are no longer so tense."

"What's so different?" the billionaire asked. "We've barely seen each other outside the office."

"It's the change in atmosphere."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "How obvious is this atmosphere?"

Punjab answered. "Not everyone will know."

"What exactly do you know?"

"Only that there has been a change."

Surrendering, Oliver said, "So there has. Please, let's keep this quiet for now. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing."

"Your heart will know as long as you don't let your head get in the way."

"Yeah, yeah. That sounds well and simple in books or films, but this is real life."

"In time you will learn."

Standing up, Oliver concluded this little chat before it could go any further. "Goodnight, Punjab."

The bodyguard nodded, following Oliver a few paces behind. Neither man said anything until they reached Oliver's room. As Punjab took his station in front of the door, he gave his own final comment. "Take good care of her."