Author's Note – Brace yourself for a super long storyline spanning several chapters. I originally wrote 3 chapters and had it ready to go. Then I realized that I was overdoing it; I didn't like it. I ended up rewriting the story twice and almost the entire storyline. I hope you like it.

Chpt 66 – Opportunities and Sacrifices – Part 1

Jim, Cindy, Silver, and Sammy are at Brandon and Kelly's living room. We see some decorations. Jim and Silver are on ladders, each with part of a banner in their hands.

They put up the banner on the wall. The banner reads, "Congratulations! Welcome Baby Winnie!"

"How's that?" asked Jim.

"A little higher on your end, Jim," said Cindy.

Jim moves the banner a little higher.

"How about now?" asked Jim.

"Perfect," replied Cindy.

"I just got at text from Kelly. They should be here any moment," said Silver.

"Great, I hope they like it," said Jim.

"Oh, they'll love it," said Cindy.

Later we see Brandon in a car with Jim and Cindy. They are driving to the airport.

"Guys, thanks for looking after place while Kelly was giving birth," said Brandon.

"Oh, it was no problem. You sure you don't need our help? We don't mind staying longer," asked Cindy.

"No, you've two have done more than enough. I'm taking the semester off…and I'll be around to help Kelly with everything," replied Brandon.

"Honey, I'm glad you have a chance to experience taking care of a newborn baby," said Cindy.

"Me too. I felt so bad about missing out on taking care of Sammy. This is a chance for me to do right with Winnie," said Brandon.

"You just got this job. Are you sure that's a good idea?" asked Jim.

"Jim, taking care of Winnie is more important," said Cindy.

"What I meant was that we can stay to take care of Winnie," said Jim.

"It'll be fine. I'll be back during the summer," replied Brandon.

"Ok. Well, if you need our help, please feel free to call. We're just a plane ride away," said Cindy.

"Will do, mom. Thank you," said Brandon.

Time lapses and Brandon is sitting on the bed with his laptop inside the bedroom. He has clothes scattered all over the bed. A laundry basket with clothes is next to him.

Kelly comes in with laundry basket filled with clothes.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" asked Kelly.

"I'm just checking my emails," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, you don't have to do that, you know. When you're on leave, they don't expect you to work," said Kelly.

"I know. But the guy who's taking over for me isn't very trustworthy," said Brandon.

"Why not?" asked Kelly.

Brandon looks at her with a dumb look.

"I dunno. He could be altering my grade-book and assigning the wrong material," replied Brandon.

"Then that's his problem, isn't it?…after all, he is the teacher," asked Kelly.

"He's the temporary teacher," said Brandon.

"And what does that make you, the permanent teacher?" asked Kelly.

"I'm still on probation….so not for another few more months…since I had to taking time off," replied Brandon.

Kelly glares at him. Brandon notices.

"Which I don't mind at all…" said Brandon giving Kelly a pretend smile.

Kelly walks up to him.

"You ok?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah," replied Brandon still concentrating on his laptop.

"Fine," said Kelly.

"How are you?" asked Brandon who takes a moment off his computer to focus on Kelly.

"I would be better if you would help me," replied Kelly.

"I got it. I'm sorry. I'll help," said Brandon who closes the screen of his laptop.

Kelly puts her laundry basket on top of the laptop.

Brandon gives her an unhappy look.

"Thanks," said Brandon sarcastically.

"This is your focus now. I have to go check on Winnie. Then I have to start on dinner," said Kelly.

Kelly walks out.

With a sad look, Brandon looks around at all the clothes around him.

He then starts to make a disgusted look on his face. He slowly sniffs the clothes in the laundry basket that Kelly gave him. He quickly pulls back and puts the laundry basket down.

"And thank you for not telling me that these are dirty clothes," said Brandon sarcastically.

Time passes and we see Brandon still in his room and on his laptop again. He hears a knock on the door.

Brandon quickly closes his laptop and tosses it aside.

"Come in," said Brandon.

Sammy comes in.

"Hey dad," said Sammy.

"Hey buddy," said Brandon.

"Mom said dinner's ready," said Sammy.

"Ok. Be right there," said Brandon.

Sammy notices something is odd.

"Are you ok, dad?" asked Sammy.

"Yeah. I'm fine," said Brandon getting up and following Sammy out the door.

"Smells good. C'mon. Let's eat," said Brandon.

Later that night, Brandon and Kelly are in the bedroom in bed. Brandon is once again on his laptop. Kelly isn't doing anything. She looks at the crib next to the bed every few minutes to check on Winnie, who is sound asleep. Kelly looks at Brandon who is very focused on his laptop.

"Brandon, do you want to talk?" asked Kelly.

"Sure. What about" asked Brandon.

"I don't know….anything….literally anything," replied Kelly who looks really bored.

"Ok," said Brandon.

"How about let's talk about how we can get you to stop working?" asked Kelly getting Brandon's attention.

"I'm not really working. I'm just glancing at my emails," replied Brandon.

"Ok. Well, could you stop glancing?" asked Kelly.

"I'm just glancing at some emails," replied Brandon.

"The substitute can handle them," said Kelly.

"Well, he copied me on them…so that means he wants me to read them too," said Brandon.

"I'm not reading my emails," said Kelly.

"Yeah well…that's because you're not on probation," said Brandon.

"This is the only time that I get to catch up all day," added Brandon.

"You've been working every free moment you got all day…and somehow you think that I'm not noticing that you're doing that and ignoring your duties," said Kelly.

"Ok, I get that. But isn't part of being a good provider also means making sure that I don't somehow get fired during probation?" asked Brandon.

"How can you get fired if you're not even there?" asked Kelly.

"Exactly why you don't understand! More ways than you think. During probation, I can get let go for any reason. The substitute could be so good that he'll replace me," replied Brandon looking frustrated.

Kelly senses Brandon's frustration.

"Honey, I know your work is important to you. I get that. I mean, my job is important to me too. But so is being a good mother…and a good wife," said Kelly putting her hand on top of Brandon's hand.

Brandon stops typing and looks at Kelly.

"You're right. Thanks for being me back to reality," said Brandon.

"From now on, I promise to give you and my family, my full undivided attention – you guys deserve it," added Brandon.

"Thanks," said Kelly.

She leans in for a kiss. Brandon gets into the kiss and pulls her closer.

"I miss this," smiled Brandon.

"I miss you," said Kelly.

With their eyes wide opened, they are really close to one another.

They kiss again. Kelly reaches under Brandon's sheet.

"Skipping the foreplay are we?" asked Brandon smiling.

"Yeah. You don't to seem to mind….neither does your little buddy," replied Kelly laughing.

They share a deep kiss again.

While still kissing him, with one hand, Kelly sneaky grabs Brandon's laptop. Brandon notices and breaks the kiss.

"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Brandon.

"Ha. Finally, got your laptop," replied Kelly.

She quickly holds on to the laptop tightly and distances herself away from Brandon.

Brandon gives her devious look.

"C'mon Kel. Stop playing around. I've already promised that I won't work anymore," said Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly.

"Now, may I please have my laptop back?" asked Brandon.

"No. I'm keeping this because I don't believe you," replied Kelly.

"I already said I'll behave," joked Brandon.

"Then it shouldn't be a problem," said Kelly.

Brandon stays quiet for a moment.

"Ok, you know what I got to do now, right?" asked Brandon.

"What are you gonna do?" asked Kelly smiling.

"I'm kind of mad now. First you interrupted me while I was working. Yes, I'll admit it. I was working. Second, you come over here and get me all hot and hard," replied Brandon who pulls away his sheets revealing his erection in his pants.

Kelly giggles. Brandon gives Kelly a mean look.

"Sorry. Please continue," smiled Kelly.

"And now I'm going to be all over you," said Brandon.

Kelly looks scared.

With a devious smile on his face, Brandon slowly makes his way to Kelly's side.

"Ok, I give up. Here's your laptop back," said Kelly shoving the laptop back to Brandon's side.

Brandon takes the laptop and tosses it aside.

"It's too late," said Brandon.

"I know I've been a bad girl. But please don't hurt me," said Kelly.

"But you must be punished," said Brandon.

"Ok. If you must…please be gentle on me," said Kelly.

"Why should I?" asked Brandon.

"Because I just gave birth to your daughter," replied Kelly.

"Lucky girl," said Brandon.

"Why don't I make you feel really comfortable?" asked Kelly.

"How would you do that?" asked Brandon.

"Well, I'm seeing that you're losing your hardness and I really want something in my mouth. So I was thinking that we can help each other out," replied Kelly.

"You're brilliant," smiled Brandon.

Kelly giggles.

"I thought you might agree," said Kelly going towards Brandon's pants.

Winnie starts to cry.

Kelly and Brandon stop and have a disappointed look on their faces. They look at Winnie and then each other.

It's after dinner. Brandon and Silver are cleaning up and washing the dishes.

"So, how's school?" asked Brandon.

"The same. I wish I could be on maternity leave too," replied Silver.

"It's not as fun as it sounds," said Brandon.

"Why? Is Kelly driving you crazy?" asked Silver smiling.

Brandon glares at Silver.

"No, she's not. She makes a good point. I need to help her. I want to help her," said Brandon turning on the faucet.

"She just doesn't want me to checking up on my work," added Brandon.

"Well, if you're not getting paid, why are you checking your work?" asked Silver.

"I'm still on probation. I can't afford any screw-up," replied Brandon.

"You worry too much, Brandon," said Silver.

"You wait till you have to juggle a career and a new baby," said Brandon.

"No thanks," said Silver.

"No wait; I take that back. You worry about the wrong stuff," added Silver.

"What?" asked Brandon turning and looking at Silver.

"You know you should be 100% focus on Winnie. And let me make things clear for you….you're not helping Kelly. Winnie is your baby too. You're sharing the responsibilities. I'm the one helping out because Winnie's not mine," replied Silver.

Brandon looks speechless.

"Sorry," said Silver.

"No, don't be. You are absolutely right," said Brandon.

"Really?" asked Silver.

"Yeah," replied Brandon.

Silver smiles.

"Good. Have a good night, Brandon," said Silver.

"You too, Silver," said Brandon.

Silver walks off proud of herself. She turns the corner and sees Kelly, who overheard the conversation.

Silver looks surprised. Kelly smiles at her.

Kelly walks into the kitchen to see Brandon still cleaning up.

"She told you, huh?" asked Kelly laughing.

Brandon turns and smiles at Kelly.

"Yeah, she did. There's nothing like getting told off by a teenager," replied Brandon.

"Just remember that we used to do that all the time to our parents," smiled Kelly.

"Good. That means Silver will turn out to be like us some day," joked Brandon.

Kelly laughs.

"Well, I know she's going to be her own person but hopefully as lucky as I am. Because I have two great kids and a loving husband who is always there for me," said Kelly.

"Always," said Brandon.

They lean in for a kiss.

The next morning, Brandon walks to the kitchen to find Kelly making breakfast.

"Hey, morning," said Kelly who turns briefly to greet Brandon.

"Morning. I'm surprised you're up already," said Brandon.

"Yeah, I was up anyway," said Kelly.

"Why? What for?" asked Brandon confused.

Kelly stops cooking and turns and looks at Brandon with a mean look.

"Oh right. Sorry…you must be tired," said Brandon.

"Yeah, but I have too much to do," said Kelly.

"You know, you can wake me up one of these nights," said Brandon.

"I was really close to doing that last night," said Kelly.

"Then why didn't you?" asked Brandon.

"I didn't want to wake you. You look so cute sleeping," replied Kelly.

"Really? I think the last person who told me that was my mom," said Brandon smiling.

Kelly turns and smiles at him.

"Sit down. Breakfast is ready," said Kelly.

"She used to say that to me too," said Brandon laughing.

"And once you're done with your breakfast, I want you to change Winnie and run out and get some diapers," said Kelly.

"My mom never was that mean to me," joked Brandon.

Kelly glares at him but gives in and laughs.

"Oh you are just on a roll, aren't you?" asked Kelly.

"No no no; I was just messing with you," replied Brandon.

"No, go ahead; you have your little fun…and leave me to suffer. I just hope that Winnie learns to love me more than you," joked Kelly.

Brandon gets up and starts to walk away.

"Hey, where are you going?" asked Kelly.

"I'll be right back," replied Brandon.

Brandon walks to the bedroom and comes back out shortly with his cellphone and laptop in his hand.

He goes to Kelly and gives them to Kelly. Kelly looks confused.

Brandon sits down and resumes eating his breakfast.

"Ok….care to explain?" asked Kelly.

"I'm giving you my laptop and my phone; just like you wanted," replied Brandon.

"Brandon, I was just joking. I just wanted you be more serious with helping me with Winnie," said Kelly.

"And this is how I can prove it," said Brandon.

Kelly doesn't answer right away.

"Ok. And how long should I keep this for?" asked Kelly.

"I'll take it on a day by day basis," replied Brandon.

"Sounds fair. But you can have your phone back. I know you'll need that," replied Kelly giving him back his phone.

"No," said Brandon who gets up and faces Kelly.

"You can keep it," said Brandon.

"Awww…gosh; I would never be that cruel to deprive you of your phone," said Kelly.

"I want to do this for me too. I want to prove it to myself that I don't need to check on my work every day," said Brandon.

"Ok then," said Kelly who leans in and kisses Brandon.

"Thanks," said Brandon.

"Hold onto it and don't give it back to me until you think I deserve it," added Brandon.

"What am I supposed to do with it when it rings?" asked Kelly.

"Answer it," replied Brandon.

"Well, that's a smart answer," said Kelly.

"Just let me know if it's important…it'll be up to you to make that decision. I trust you," said Brandon.

"Thanks honey. It really means a lot to me that you're being so committed to doing this," said Kelly.

"You're right. I wasn't here for Sammy. I want to be here for Winnie," smiled Brandon.

"Ok but I don't want to answer your phone calls," said Kelly.

"Ok then," said Brandon who takes the phone.

Brandon completely powers off his phone.

"Problem solved. How's that?" asked Brandon.

"I think this will work," replied Kelly.

"Good," said Brandon.

They hug.

Silver walks in. She has a weird look as she sees Brandon and Kelly.

"Good morning?" asked Silver.

"Morning Silver," replied Kelly as they break the hug.

"What's going on?" asked Silver.

"In order for me to prove how serious I can be about doing my part in taking care of Winnie, I'm handing over my phone and laptop to Kelly," replied Brandon.

"Cool. You're still driving us to school, right?" asked Silver.

"Yes he is…as soon as you eat your breakfast," replied Kelly.

Silver walks over and sits by Brandon.

"So Brandon, how long will this last?" asked Kelly.

"Until Kelly say so," replied Brandon.

"Oh…this is going to be interesting," said Silver.

"What? You don't think I can do this?" asked Brandon.

"C'mon Brandon. You're a workaholic. You'll find a way to work," replied Silver.

"Silver, I'm really trying to be serious about this," said Brandon with a serious look.

"Ok. I'm sorry. Good for you, Brandon," said Silver.

"Thanks," said Brandon who resumes eating his breakfast.

"Can you take a bet?" asked Silver smiling.

Brandon glares at Silver.

Brandon walks into the Peach Pit. Brandon and Nat lock eyes right away.

"Hey Nat," said Brandon.

"Hey Brandon. How's Baby Winnie?" asked Nat.

"She has a lot of energy," replied Brandon looking very tired.

"Oh man. You don't look so good," said Nat.

"I'm very tired," said Brandon.

"Let me guess…Winnie's been crying nonstop?" asked Nat.

"Amongst other things," replied Brandon.

"Just the same way Joanie and I looked when Frankie was born," said Nat.

"Thanks Nat. It's very reassuring," said Brandon sarcastically.

"Ok, I can sense the tone. Let's get down to business. What can I get you?" asked Nat.

"4 Megaburger meals and some soup for Kelly," replied Nat.

"Coming right up," said Nat who walks away.

Brandon takes a seat at the counter. He rests his head down on the counter. He is tired.

We see an empty Walsh home. Then we hear the door open and Kelly comes back into the house shortly. She is holding Winnie.

"I can't wait till you are old enough to be potty trained. I just can't keep going back and forth to the garbage bin," said Kelly.

"Are you gonna help me? Are you?" asked Kelly smiling at Winnie.

"Someday, I guess," said Kelly.

"I hope you at least remember that your mom was the one who help did all this for you…..because daddy's nowhere to be found. I'm just kidding….your daddy is trying. He really is," said Brandon.

Brandon opens the door and walk in.

"Oooo...there's daddy now," smiled Kelly at Winnie.

"Lunch is here," said Brandon.

"Good...I was beginning to worry," said Kelly.

"Well, you could've called me...oh wait; you can't," said Brandon joking.

Kelly gives Brandon a pretend smile.

"I thought you ate the food at the Peach Pit and forgot all about me," said Kelly.

"Yeah...I could've done that, could I?" asked Brandon joking.

"But I know you better than that," replied Kelly.

Brandon leans in and kisses Kelly.

Brandon goes and gets some plates in the kitchen. He comes back to the living room to see Kelly already eating the food.

"I guess we're not waiting for Silver and Sammy?" asked Brandon.

"Sorry, I'm really hungry," replied Kelly.

"Go ahead. They won't mind," said Brandon.

Someone rings the doorbell.

Brandon and Kelly look at each other.

"You expecting anyone?" asked Brandon.

"No," replied Kelly.

"I'll get it," said Brandon.

Brandon pulls the curtain aside to see who it is. He gets a surprised look on his face and quickly opens the door.

"Dr. Phillips!" said Brandon.

"Hello Brandon. I'm sorry to drop by like this. I hope it's ok," said Dr. Phillips holding a small bag.

"Of course, it's ok. It's good to see you," said Brandon who shakes Dr. Phillip's hand.

"Come on in," said Brandon.

Dr. Phillips walks in.

"Hello...you must be Kelly," said Dr. Phillips seeing Kelly.

"Yes, I am. Hi Dr. Phillips. Sorry; let me clean myself up here," said Kelly who looks embarrassed with food all over her mouth.

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm not too crazy over appearances," said Dr. Phillips.

"Still, let me wash my hands. I'll be right back," said Kelly who rushes away.

"Ok," said Dr. Phillips.

"Dr. Phillips, can I take your coat?" asked Brandon.

"Sure...but I'm not staying long," replied Dr. Phillips.

Brandon takes Dr. Phillips's coat and hangs it up on the coat rack. Kelly comes back.

"Hi Dr. Phillips. Sorry about that," said Kelly offering to shake Dr. Phillips's hand.

"Not a problem, Kelly. I'm sorry for intruding on your lunch," said Dr. Phillips.

"It's ok," said Kelly.

"Dr. Phillips, this is Winnie," said Kelly.

Dr. Phillips looks at Winnie and smiles.

"Oh, she's precious! I'm sure she's keeping you both very busy," said Dr. Phillips.

"Oh yes...it hasn't been easy," said Brandon.

They all sit down on the couch.

"Well, congratulations to you, both," said Dr. Phillips.

"Thanks Dr. Phillips," said Brandon and Kelly.

"I got you both something," said Dr. Phillips handing Brandon and Kelly the bag.

"Oh, you didn't have to do that. Thank you. It's so kind of you," said Kelly.

"Oh, I wanted to do something nice for you both. We all chipped in and got you both a $100 gift card to Babies R Us," said Dr. Phillips.

"Sorry if it's a little impersonal. It was my wife's idea," laughed Dr. Phillips.

"Oh no, not at all. This is will definitely come in handy," said Brandon.

"Thank you. We'll put this to good use," said Kelly.

"We love Brandon at CU and this is just a token of our affection to make sure that he comes back...when he's ready of course," said Dr. Phillips.

Brandon laughs.

"Oh, that's so kind of you, Dr. Phillips. I love CU. Of course, I'll be back," said Brandon.

"And I heard you're also a CU graduate as well?" asked Dr. Phillips.

"Yes, Brandon and I were friends in high school and we started dating while in CU," replied Brandon.

"And it took you two that long to tie the knot?" asked Dr. Phillips.

"Oh, it's a long story. We broke up and gotten back together a few times...but who's counting?" asked Brandon laughing.

"I'm glad you two have each other. Brandon talks about you all the time," said Dr. Phillips to Kelly.

"Ok Kelly...tell me the truth...how's Brandon doing taking care of Baby Winnie?" asked Dr. Phillips.

"He's very dedicated. I couldn't ask for a better partner," replied Kelly.

"You know, when my wife and I first became parents, we had no idea that it was going to be so difficult...but we got through it. All Winnie needs is plenty of love," smiled Dr. Phillips.

"Well, we do give her plenty of that," said Brandon.

"And a lot of diapers," joked Dr. Phillips.

"We got plenty of that too," said Kelly laughing.

"Good...well, I must be going now," said Dr. Phillips.

"Oh so soon?" asked Brandon.

"Yeah, I just wanted to stop by to see that you three are doing ok," replied Dr. Phillips.

"Oh, that's very kind of you. I hope you didn't go out of your way," replied Kelly.

"Not at all. I was just a little worried. I left 2 messages for Brandon and didn't hear from him...so I wanted to make sure everything was ok," said Dr. Phillips.

Both Brandon and Kelly have a bad look on their faces.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, Dr. Phillips. You see, to show my full commitment to taking care of Winnie, I turned off my phone and my computer," said Brandon.

"No need to be sorry, Brandon. You're a good husband and father for doing that," said Dr. Phillips.

"You didn't want to be distracted," added Dr. Phillips.

"Yes...no; I mean, you're not a distraction, sir," said Brandon feeling even more embarrassed.

"Brandon; Brandon; calm down...it's ok. I stopped by because I cared," Dr. Phillips patting Brandon on the shoulder.

"Thank you, Dr. Phillips. I'll keep my phone on from now on," said Brandon.

"No...no need to do that, Brandon. You can just ignore the messages. We'll see you in three months for the summer semester," said Dr. Phillips.

"Ok. Thanks Dr. Phillips. It'll be a good summer," said Brandon.

They both get up and they all shake hands.

"It's a pleasure meeting you, Kelly," said Dr. Phillips.

"Thanks Dr. Phillips! And I'm sorry for the inconvenience," said Kelly.

"No inconvenience at all...thanks again...goodbye," said Dr. Phillips.

"Bye," said Kelly.

"Bye Winnie," said Dr. Phillips giving the baby a quick wave.

"Brandon, can I speak to you outside for a quick moment?" asked Dr. Phillips.

"Sure...Kel, I'll be right back," replied Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly.

Brandon and Dr. Phillips step outside.

"Brandon, I didn't mean to act all secretive. So I also don't want you to be surprised when you get a chance to hear my messages," said Dr. Phillips.

"Oh ok. Was it anything urgent?" asked Brandon.

"No, not at all. I didn't want Kelly to think that I was trying to take you away from your leave," replied Dr. Phillips.

"Oh ok, " said Brandon confused.

"If you don't mind me asking sir, what was the message?" asked Brandon.

"Dr. Roman has been offered an opportunity to go to Europe for an independent paid study in London," replied Dr. Phillips.

"Very nice," said Brandon confused.

"Yes it is. He's leaving next week and will be gone for the rest of the semester," said Dr. Phillips.

"Ok," said Brandon still confused.

"Dr. Roman has 3 English classes. The English Department has been watching you since you've joined CU and we admired the way that you conduct your classes and see that you've also had a great career here as a student. While we don't usually promote within so quickly, we were considering you, Brandon to take over for Dr. Roman," said Dr. Phillips.

"Oh wow. This is great. With the new baby and all, I'll need to talk it over with Kelly first," said Brandon.

"Brandon, I'm very sorry; we didn't hear from you and we had to decide and we chose Mr. Roberts to take over," said Dr. Phillips feeling bad.

"Oh...I'm sorry...it was wrong of me to think that I got the job," said Brandon.

"I'm sorry; I wish there was another way to break that news to you," said Dr. Phillips.

"Oh, it's ok. I'm sorry," said Brandon.

"Besides, you'll probably would've been too busy anyway. You made the right choice, Brandon," said Dr. Phillips.

"Thanks sir," said Brandon.

They both shake hands.

"Sir, if you do hear about anything else, please feel free to let me know. I'll keep my phone on from now on," said Brandon.

"Ok. Will do. We'll see you in three months," said Dr. Phillips.

"Bye sir," said Brandon waving goodbye to Dr. Phillips.

Brandon walks back into the house. He sits down on the couch and looks very troubled.

Kelly walks in from the bedroom. She notices Brandon and sits next to him.

"Are you ok?" asked Kelly.

"Yeah. Can I have my phone? I just want to listen to Dr. Phillips's messages," replied Brandon.

"Ok," said Kelly who looks worried.

She comes back with Brandon's phone and hands it to him. Brandon turns on the phone and starts to listen to his voicemail until he finds one from Dr. Phillips.

He puts it on speaker so Kelly can hear.

"Hi Brandon. It's Dr. Phillips. Congratulations to you and Kelly! I hope you and the baby are doing fine. I know you're busy so I'll make this quick. Dr. Roman has been offered an opportunity to go to Europe for an independent paid study in London. He's leaving in a week and will be gone for the rest of the semester for his 3 English classes. The English Department has been watching you since you've joined CU and we admired the way that you conduct your classes and see that you've also had a great career here as a student. While we don't usually promote within so quickly, we can't think of a more deserving individual than you, Brandon to take over for Dr. Roman. You'll get a substantial increase in your salary plus benefits. If you want the job, please call me back in 24 hours. Sorry for the last minute notice. If you don't want the job, there's really no hard feelings. But we didn't want to deprive you of this offer. Thank you."

Brandon looks at Kelly, who has a guilty look on her face.

To be continued...