A/N: Thanks to my reviewers on the last chapter. I appreciate all reviews
I get.
PART ONE: AN IDEA
The house was almost completely silent. Were it not for the fact that she could hear Hilary's footsteps as he paced in his 'study', Pat would've thought she was alone. When they had gotten home, she could tell he was not ready to talk yet. So, when he went into his study, she went upstairs and changed into a more comfortable dress. Now she stood in the kitchen, cooking a 'liddle bite'. Before long, she knew, Hilary would smell the food and join her. Then they could talk.
Pat knew Hilary backwards and forwards. True to form, he soon appeared in the doorway and looked at her rather sheepishly. She studied him for a moment, trying to figure out the reason for his expression.
"I apologize, Pat," he finally said. "I behaved horribly this evening."
"I have an idea. Why don't you sit down and we'll talk about it? Then I'll decide whether your behavior merits an apology to me."
He brightened visibly at this statement. Soon, they were both munching on some leftover chicken and Hilary began to open up. He told Pat that the firm would not hire Parker and the reason that Mr. Powers had given him. She understood that he could not work for people who were so unjust in their reasoning.
"But, Hilary, whatever will we do about money?"
"I'm not sure, yet, Pat. I am thankful that I've saved money almost all my life, though. We'll be alright, I think, until I find another position. We'll just have to budget."
"Oh, that won't be too hard. I'll cut corners wherever I can. What about Parker, though? What will he do? It just doesn't seem right, Hilary, that he will come all the way across the Atlantic only to find that the job has been taken away from him."
"I know. But Parker's very talented. And not all the firms around here are like mine. I'm sure he'll be able to find a position."
Pat started to say something else, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. She and Hilary exchanged curious looks. Who on earth would be calling at this hour? Pat went to answer while Hilary cleared away the picked bones of the chicken.
"Mr. Ambrose! Mrs. Ambrose!" exclaimed Pat when she opened the door. She was a bit dumbfounded for a minute but soon found her tongue. "Please, won't you come in?"
The Ambroses did just that. Pat found herself thanking the heavens above that she had dusted that very morning. She led them into Hilary's study, which also doubled as a parlor, and took their hats and wraps.
"I apologize for my appearance," she began, but Mr. Ambrose cut her off.
"Nonsense," he said. "You certainly weren't expecting any company at this hour were you? I am sorry for barging in on you so late, but I had to have a word with you and your husband."
"That's quite alright, Mr. Ambrose. Can I get either of you anything to drink? Mrs. Ambrose, you look as if you could use some water."
"I could, actually," was the reply.
"I'll only be a minute," Pat assured her. She went back to the kitchen where Hilary was washing up the dishes. He looked at her expectantly as she got a glass.
"Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose are here. Mr. Ambrose said he needed to speak with you. And Mrs. Ambrose looks as if she's had a rather rough evening."
Hilary nodded and went with Pat. When he entered the room, Mr. Ambrose stood up.
"Gordon, I had to speak with you. I haven't come to ask you back, though there's no telling how many clients we'll lose because of Powers' stubbornness. I just wanted to let you know that I had nothing to do with the decision regarding Bowen. None of that social position nonsense matters to me. I'm telling you this because I respect you and, well, I'd hate to think that you thought less of me."
Pat smiled. She knew there was a reason she liked Mr. Ambrose so much. Hilary was a bit taken aback. Pat didn't know what Hilary did. Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Powers had started the firm together. Ambrose, in fact, never made a move without Powers. It was a joke among workers in the firm that Ambrose was nothing more than a puppet, really. He never stood up to Powers about anything. That fact made Mr. Ambrose's next statement even more surprising.
"I left the firm this evening, Gordon. Been wanting to do it for years but never had the courage until I saw you stand up to Powers tonight. I've come to ask you to start a firm. An architectural firm all your own, housed in an office building I own downtown. Until you get off the ground, you can base yourself there rent-free. All I ask is that you pay me rent once you get going and take that Bowen fellow on as a partner. There's some real talent there. I'm not too blind to see that. This town needs shaking up a bit. And, if you ask me, you're the one that can get it all started. Folks around here are too set in their ways. Parker Bowen's got some innovative ideas from what I saw in the sketches you brought back. And you've certainly got the talent to make it on your own."
"Oh, do you really think so, Mr. Ambrose?" exclaimed Pat, forgetting herself in the excitement and putting her hand on his arm. Mr. Ambrose looked at her appreciatively. He smiled at her and felt a bit envious of Hilary. He remembered what it was like to be young and in love, just starting out in life. And he was determined that these two would have the chance he himself had never taken. To carve out their own niche in the world.
"Think so, Mrs. Gordon? I know it to be a fact. Your husband's one of the most talented architects I've seen in a long time. We'll be losing some clients when they find out he's not with us any more. Or, I guess I should say Powers and Henderson Architecture will be losing some clients."
Hilary had listened to all this with disbelief. The prospect of starting his own firm with Parker was indeed tempting. And a bit frightening as well. Suppose they failed. What would they do then? Parker had a wife and children to take care of. And then there was Pat. How would he and Pat get along if he did this and failed?
But a pair of golden-brown eyes caught his and his fears of failure vanished. Of course he would succeed. Hadn't he succeeded in becoming an architect? Hadn't he succeeded in marrying the woman of his dreams? Pat's eyes telegraphed that he and Parker were destined to be a success. And Hilary soon found himself shaking hands with Mr. Ambrose and making plans to visit the building first thing Monday morning.
TWO WEEKS LATER
"I can't believe I'm letting you talk me into this, Hilary."
"Oh, come on. We can do it. Just think of it, Parker. Gordon and Bowen Architecture. You and I starting our own firm? How could it be any better?"
"Wait a minute, wait a minute. What's wrong with Bowen and Gordon Architecture?"
"Not a thing. Whatever you want. It'll be an adventure, almost, Parker. Granted, it won't be easy at first, but we can do it. I've already got three clients and I'm not even an official firm."
"I don't know," Parker hesitated. He was, by nature, a rather cautious man. And he did have his wife and four children to consider. It was at that moment that Pat came in and delivered the final blow to his resistance.
"Katie would want you to do it."
She spoke the truth, Parker knew. His wife was always the one to embrace a new chapter in their lives. He was the one having trouble. They would manage. Hilary had already promised his help to build a house. They had even offered to let Parker and Katie and the children live with them until their house was finished. An offer he had no intention of taking them up on, but it was reassuring to know they had friends that cared about them that much.
"Alright," he heard himself say. "Let's do it, then."
PART TWO: PREPARATION
Pat was ecstatic. In anticipation of Parker's arrival, she and Hilary had been fixing up the old office building to look like a place of business. It wasn't falling apart by any means, but it hadn't been used for over five years. Cleaning had been the order of the day. Laura came by in the evenings with her brood to either visit or help with the cleaning and decorating of the new office. She, too, had quit the firm and taken a temporary position in a department store. Hilary had promised she would have her old position as soon as he was able to pay rent to Mr. Ambrose.
Ambrose himself grew more and more excited with every passing day. Pat and Hilary spent their days at the new office fixing it up and Mr. Ambrose popped in at least once a day, if not twice. Mrs. Ambrose only came once. It was plain to see that she was rather upset by this turn of events. It meant her social circle had been depleted. But it was obvious that she was rather fond of Pat. Most people couldn't help but be fond of Pat.
Pat, unknowingly, had already made friends in the upper social circle of Vancouver. Hilary's clients, old and new, were greeted with her smile when they walked through the door of Gordon and Bowen Architecture, for Pat had stepped into Laura's shoes until they could afford to rehire her. The clients looked forward to seeing her and talking with her almost as much as they looked forward to seeing the plans Hilary and Parker were preparing for them.
When she wasn't helping Hilary and Parker at their office, she was helping them with the plans for Parker and Katie's home. By a sheer stroke of fortune, Parker had been able to snap up some land just down the road from Hilary and Pat. Building a house, of course, meant a longer wait to bring Katie and the children over, but Parker could not be dissuaded. Slowly, the house took shape. Pat counted the days until Katie and Rae would be near her. She was sure they'd get along together famously.
One day, not long before Katie and the children were due to start their journey to Canada, Pat received a letter from her. The contents of said letter made her even more excited.
'My Dearest Friend,
All is well here in Ireland. I suppose Parker told you that we had sold the house and moved in with my parents a few weeks ago. I sent him a telegram about it.
I must confess, as the day for our departure draws nearer, I am becoming more and more nervous. I miss Parker terribly and I can't help but wonder if I'll feel this horrible once I'm away from my family. You understand, Pat, don't you? I would follow Parker to the ends of the earth, but the prospect of being so far away from my parents, brother, and sisters is a bit frightening.
Here is some interesting news for you. To tell you the truth, I'm still trying to recover from the shock. I think my whole family is. Taryn announced two nights ago that she wants to come to Vancouver as well! I'm not sure what prompted this, but I think it may have something to do with a gentleman by the name of Will Danaher (A/N: Any Quiet Man fans out there?). He's been coming around for the past few weeks, spouting off about how a woman with two young boys shouldn't be alone and all that sort of thing. Really, Pat, he's even starting to get on my nerves. I think he might be wearing Taryn down and she wants to leave Ireland before he finally gets to her.
Personally, I don't blame her a bit. Will isn't who I'd pick for a brother- in-law and he's not half the man Liam was. But, dearest Pat, here is my problem. I cannot imagine where Taryn will go once we get there. She has no real professional skills. None that would do her any good in Vancouver, anyway. She's confident she'll find a place to live and a place to work, but I'm worried. I don't want my sister living in some rundown city house or apartment. There won't be room for three more people at our house and, from what Parker said in his last letter, the last thing you need at the moment is two young boys tearing around your own house.
In regards to that, Patricia Margaret, you really should've written me yourself. I can't believe I found out my best friend was expecting her first child by reading about it in my husband's letter. Now that I'm done scolding you, I'll get back to my point.
If you have any ideas for Taryn, please send me a telegram. I need some advice from you.
Yours Truly,
Katie'
Pat sighed as she folded the letter up. She really should've written Katie the moment she found out about the baby, but things had been so hectic. Placing her hand on the tiny bulge that was her child, she began to pace the room, trying to think of something for Taryn. Where would she find a job? Laura had finally been able to take her old position back, but they weren't so busy that she couldn't handle it all herself. The only jobs Pat could think of were in a department store or watching children. Taryn hadn't the skills for a job in an office.
She showed Hilary the letter that night and his face brightened.
"That's perfect! She can work for us!"
"Pardon me?" was a confused Pat's reply. Business had been good from day one, but she knew the firm didn't have the extra money for another payroll check. Not yet, anyway.
"No, not the firm. For you and I. She can help you with the cleaning and cooking. Things like that."
Pat was indignant.
"Are you telling me, Hilary Gordon, that I am not taking care of this household properly?"
Seeing he had some fast talking to do, Hilary wasted no time.
"Of course not. Don't misunderstand me. I mean for later. Taryn's coming with Katie in just a little over a month, right?"
"That's what Katie says."
"Well, then, we'll use that time to find her a place not far from our house. Normally, I'd say she could stay here, but I think Katie's right. You don't need Brendan and Aidan running around, making all kinds of noise. I know they're good boys, but boys will be boys. Now, you're going to need to start taking it easier, Pat. If you ask me, I think you're doing entirely too much as it is. Taryn can help you out. Don't you see, Pat? We'll pay her to help you. She'll have a job."
"First of all, do we have the extra money for this? And second of all, will we be able to pay her enough to support herself and two growing boys?"
Hilary seemed stumped for a moment. The answer to the first question was yes. Ever protective of Pat, he had been considering hiring some help for her since the moment she had told him about the baby. He had made room in their budget for help. But the second question was a problem. How could they pay her enough to cover her home, food, and other necessities? Without a word, Hilary turned and walked out of the room. Pat smiled slightly. This had become normal. Whenever he needed time to think on something, Hilary would lock himself away in the parlor/study and pace back and forth. He rarely took very long doing this and Pat did not resent his withdrawal in the slightest. Everyone needed time to themselves now and then.
He reappeared just a few minutes later, face aglow with a new idea. Pat wondered what he was up to.
"I'll build her a house," he said triumphantly. His wife fixed him with an unbelieving gaze.
"Where, Hilary? How? We've only got a few weeks before she gets here. You can't possibly build her a sturdy house in that amount of time."
But Hilary was in no mood for reason. He had a challenge now and intended to face it.
"We'll build it, my darling wife, on that strip of land between our property and Parker's property. It won't have to be as large as Katie and Parker's house. Not even as large as ours. But it will be nice. Oh, it will be very nice. I'll base it on her own home in Ireland, so she won't have to feel quite so homesick. Katie will help Parker and I with the details. She'll be in five minutes walking distance from both houses. Pat, this is the best idea I've ever had! This way, she won't have to pay rent to anybody. We can afford to pay her enough for the other things, I think. And, if not, I'll find some things for her to do in the office, maybe. Laura is getting a bit weighed down. She needs some help, really, and I'm sure Parker and I can find extra money in the budget for Taryn."
Hilary's enthusiasm was contagious. Pat was soon convinced and Parker thought it a fine idea. The very next week, construction began on a little house for Taryn, Brendan, and Aidan. Hilary and Parker built it themselves, often working well into the night until Pat feared they would both collapse from exhaustion. They pooh-poohed her concerns and every night, after a quick supper, they would both set off for their building site. Sometimes, Pat knew for she checked the clock, Hilary wasn't home until 3 am. Both men had dark circles under their eyes, but they really did seem to thrive on all the work. Finally, exactly two days before Katie and Taryn's arrival, the house was finished. Just as Pat had expected they would, Hilary and Parker fell fast asleep not long after the last stroke of paint had been put on Taryn's home. Luckily, it was the weekend. While Hilary and Parker slept the day away, Laura and Pat went to get a few extra things for both Taryn and Katie. Things only women would think of.
Everything was going so well. Katie and Taryn were going to be here in a matter of days. Rae would be coming soon, too. Gordon and Bowen Architecture was off to a flying start. And a tiny little life grew inside Pat every day. Pat sighed as she fell asleep the night before Katie and Taryn's arrival. What more could a woman want? Sleeping that night in Hilary's arms, she never dreamed of the twists and turns her life was about to take.
A/N: All for now! I would write more, but I only had two reviewers on Chapter 9. (Pout, pout). Please, if you're reading this story, I beg you to review. I'm quite desperate and have absolutely no shame whatsoever. A little begging never hurt anybody.
PART ONE: AN IDEA
The house was almost completely silent. Were it not for the fact that she could hear Hilary's footsteps as he paced in his 'study', Pat would've thought she was alone. When they had gotten home, she could tell he was not ready to talk yet. So, when he went into his study, she went upstairs and changed into a more comfortable dress. Now she stood in the kitchen, cooking a 'liddle bite'. Before long, she knew, Hilary would smell the food and join her. Then they could talk.
Pat knew Hilary backwards and forwards. True to form, he soon appeared in the doorway and looked at her rather sheepishly. She studied him for a moment, trying to figure out the reason for his expression.
"I apologize, Pat," he finally said. "I behaved horribly this evening."
"I have an idea. Why don't you sit down and we'll talk about it? Then I'll decide whether your behavior merits an apology to me."
He brightened visibly at this statement. Soon, they were both munching on some leftover chicken and Hilary began to open up. He told Pat that the firm would not hire Parker and the reason that Mr. Powers had given him. She understood that he could not work for people who were so unjust in their reasoning.
"But, Hilary, whatever will we do about money?"
"I'm not sure, yet, Pat. I am thankful that I've saved money almost all my life, though. We'll be alright, I think, until I find another position. We'll just have to budget."
"Oh, that won't be too hard. I'll cut corners wherever I can. What about Parker, though? What will he do? It just doesn't seem right, Hilary, that he will come all the way across the Atlantic only to find that the job has been taken away from him."
"I know. But Parker's very talented. And not all the firms around here are like mine. I'm sure he'll be able to find a position."
Pat started to say something else, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. She and Hilary exchanged curious looks. Who on earth would be calling at this hour? Pat went to answer while Hilary cleared away the picked bones of the chicken.
"Mr. Ambrose! Mrs. Ambrose!" exclaimed Pat when she opened the door. She was a bit dumbfounded for a minute but soon found her tongue. "Please, won't you come in?"
The Ambroses did just that. Pat found herself thanking the heavens above that she had dusted that very morning. She led them into Hilary's study, which also doubled as a parlor, and took their hats and wraps.
"I apologize for my appearance," she began, but Mr. Ambrose cut her off.
"Nonsense," he said. "You certainly weren't expecting any company at this hour were you? I am sorry for barging in on you so late, but I had to have a word with you and your husband."
"That's quite alright, Mr. Ambrose. Can I get either of you anything to drink? Mrs. Ambrose, you look as if you could use some water."
"I could, actually," was the reply.
"I'll only be a minute," Pat assured her. She went back to the kitchen where Hilary was washing up the dishes. He looked at her expectantly as she got a glass.
"Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose are here. Mr. Ambrose said he needed to speak with you. And Mrs. Ambrose looks as if she's had a rather rough evening."
Hilary nodded and went with Pat. When he entered the room, Mr. Ambrose stood up.
"Gordon, I had to speak with you. I haven't come to ask you back, though there's no telling how many clients we'll lose because of Powers' stubbornness. I just wanted to let you know that I had nothing to do with the decision regarding Bowen. None of that social position nonsense matters to me. I'm telling you this because I respect you and, well, I'd hate to think that you thought less of me."
Pat smiled. She knew there was a reason she liked Mr. Ambrose so much. Hilary was a bit taken aback. Pat didn't know what Hilary did. Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Powers had started the firm together. Ambrose, in fact, never made a move without Powers. It was a joke among workers in the firm that Ambrose was nothing more than a puppet, really. He never stood up to Powers about anything. That fact made Mr. Ambrose's next statement even more surprising.
"I left the firm this evening, Gordon. Been wanting to do it for years but never had the courage until I saw you stand up to Powers tonight. I've come to ask you to start a firm. An architectural firm all your own, housed in an office building I own downtown. Until you get off the ground, you can base yourself there rent-free. All I ask is that you pay me rent once you get going and take that Bowen fellow on as a partner. There's some real talent there. I'm not too blind to see that. This town needs shaking up a bit. And, if you ask me, you're the one that can get it all started. Folks around here are too set in their ways. Parker Bowen's got some innovative ideas from what I saw in the sketches you brought back. And you've certainly got the talent to make it on your own."
"Oh, do you really think so, Mr. Ambrose?" exclaimed Pat, forgetting herself in the excitement and putting her hand on his arm. Mr. Ambrose looked at her appreciatively. He smiled at her and felt a bit envious of Hilary. He remembered what it was like to be young and in love, just starting out in life. And he was determined that these two would have the chance he himself had never taken. To carve out their own niche in the world.
"Think so, Mrs. Gordon? I know it to be a fact. Your husband's one of the most talented architects I've seen in a long time. We'll be losing some clients when they find out he's not with us any more. Or, I guess I should say Powers and Henderson Architecture will be losing some clients."
Hilary had listened to all this with disbelief. The prospect of starting his own firm with Parker was indeed tempting. And a bit frightening as well. Suppose they failed. What would they do then? Parker had a wife and children to take care of. And then there was Pat. How would he and Pat get along if he did this and failed?
But a pair of golden-brown eyes caught his and his fears of failure vanished. Of course he would succeed. Hadn't he succeeded in becoming an architect? Hadn't he succeeded in marrying the woman of his dreams? Pat's eyes telegraphed that he and Parker were destined to be a success. And Hilary soon found himself shaking hands with Mr. Ambrose and making plans to visit the building first thing Monday morning.
TWO WEEKS LATER
"I can't believe I'm letting you talk me into this, Hilary."
"Oh, come on. We can do it. Just think of it, Parker. Gordon and Bowen Architecture. You and I starting our own firm? How could it be any better?"
"Wait a minute, wait a minute. What's wrong with Bowen and Gordon Architecture?"
"Not a thing. Whatever you want. It'll be an adventure, almost, Parker. Granted, it won't be easy at first, but we can do it. I've already got three clients and I'm not even an official firm."
"I don't know," Parker hesitated. He was, by nature, a rather cautious man. And he did have his wife and four children to consider. It was at that moment that Pat came in and delivered the final blow to his resistance.
"Katie would want you to do it."
She spoke the truth, Parker knew. His wife was always the one to embrace a new chapter in their lives. He was the one having trouble. They would manage. Hilary had already promised his help to build a house. They had even offered to let Parker and Katie and the children live with them until their house was finished. An offer he had no intention of taking them up on, but it was reassuring to know they had friends that cared about them that much.
"Alright," he heard himself say. "Let's do it, then."
PART TWO: PREPARATION
Pat was ecstatic. In anticipation of Parker's arrival, she and Hilary had been fixing up the old office building to look like a place of business. It wasn't falling apart by any means, but it hadn't been used for over five years. Cleaning had been the order of the day. Laura came by in the evenings with her brood to either visit or help with the cleaning and decorating of the new office. She, too, had quit the firm and taken a temporary position in a department store. Hilary had promised she would have her old position as soon as he was able to pay rent to Mr. Ambrose.
Ambrose himself grew more and more excited with every passing day. Pat and Hilary spent their days at the new office fixing it up and Mr. Ambrose popped in at least once a day, if not twice. Mrs. Ambrose only came once. It was plain to see that she was rather upset by this turn of events. It meant her social circle had been depleted. But it was obvious that she was rather fond of Pat. Most people couldn't help but be fond of Pat.
Pat, unknowingly, had already made friends in the upper social circle of Vancouver. Hilary's clients, old and new, were greeted with her smile when they walked through the door of Gordon and Bowen Architecture, for Pat had stepped into Laura's shoes until they could afford to rehire her. The clients looked forward to seeing her and talking with her almost as much as they looked forward to seeing the plans Hilary and Parker were preparing for them.
When she wasn't helping Hilary and Parker at their office, she was helping them with the plans for Parker and Katie's home. By a sheer stroke of fortune, Parker had been able to snap up some land just down the road from Hilary and Pat. Building a house, of course, meant a longer wait to bring Katie and the children over, but Parker could not be dissuaded. Slowly, the house took shape. Pat counted the days until Katie and Rae would be near her. She was sure they'd get along together famously.
One day, not long before Katie and the children were due to start their journey to Canada, Pat received a letter from her. The contents of said letter made her even more excited.
'My Dearest Friend,
All is well here in Ireland. I suppose Parker told you that we had sold the house and moved in with my parents a few weeks ago. I sent him a telegram about it.
I must confess, as the day for our departure draws nearer, I am becoming more and more nervous. I miss Parker terribly and I can't help but wonder if I'll feel this horrible once I'm away from my family. You understand, Pat, don't you? I would follow Parker to the ends of the earth, but the prospect of being so far away from my parents, brother, and sisters is a bit frightening.
Here is some interesting news for you. To tell you the truth, I'm still trying to recover from the shock. I think my whole family is. Taryn announced two nights ago that she wants to come to Vancouver as well! I'm not sure what prompted this, but I think it may have something to do with a gentleman by the name of Will Danaher (A/N: Any Quiet Man fans out there?). He's been coming around for the past few weeks, spouting off about how a woman with two young boys shouldn't be alone and all that sort of thing. Really, Pat, he's even starting to get on my nerves. I think he might be wearing Taryn down and she wants to leave Ireland before he finally gets to her.
Personally, I don't blame her a bit. Will isn't who I'd pick for a brother- in-law and he's not half the man Liam was. But, dearest Pat, here is my problem. I cannot imagine where Taryn will go once we get there. She has no real professional skills. None that would do her any good in Vancouver, anyway. She's confident she'll find a place to live and a place to work, but I'm worried. I don't want my sister living in some rundown city house or apartment. There won't be room for three more people at our house and, from what Parker said in his last letter, the last thing you need at the moment is two young boys tearing around your own house.
In regards to that, Patricia Margaret, you really should've written me yourself. I can't believe I found out my best friend was expecting her first child by reading about it in my husband's letter. Now that I'm done scolding you, I'll get back to my point.
If you have any ideas for Taryn, please send me a telegram. I need some advice from you.
Yours Truly,
Katie'
Pat sighed as she folded the letter up. She really should've written Katie the moment she found out about the baby, but things had been so hectic. Placing her hand on the tiny bulge that was her child, she began to pace the room, trying to think of something for Taryn. Where would she find a job? Laura had finally been able to take her old position back, but they weren't so busy that she couldn't handle it all herself. The only jobs Pat could think of were in a department store or watching children. Taryn hadn't the skills for a job in an office.
She showed Hilary the letter that night and his face brightened.
"That's perfect! She can work for us!"
"Pardon me?" was a confused Pat's reply. Business had been good from day one, but she knew the firm didn't have the extra money for another payroll check. Not yet, anyway.
"No, not the firm. For you and I. She can help you with the cleaning and cooking. Things like that."
Pat was indignant.
"Are you telling me, Hilary Gordon, that I am not taking care of this household properly?"
Seeing he had some fast talking to do, Hilary wasted no time.
"Of course not. Don't misunderstand me. I mean for later. Taryn's coming with Katie in just a little over a month, right?"
"That's what Katie says."
"Well, then, we'll use that time to find her a place not far from our house. Normally, I'd say she could stay here, but I think Katie's right. You don't need Brendan and Aidan running around, making all kinds of noise. I know they're good boys, but boys will be boys. Now, you're going to need to start taking it easier, Pat. If you ask me, I think you're doing entirely too much as it is. Taryn can help you out. Don't you see, Pat? We'll pay her to help you. She'll have a job."
"First of all, do we have the extra money for this? And second of all, will we be able to pay her enough to support herself and two growing boys?"
Hilary seemed stumped for a moment. The answer to the first question was yes. Ever protective of Pat, he had been considering hiring some help for her since the moment she had told him about the baby. He had made room in their budget for help. But the second question was a problem. How could they pay her enough to cover her home, food, and other necessities? Without a word, Hilary turned and walked out of the room. Pat smiled slightly. This had become normal. Whenever he needed time to think on something, Hilary would lock himself away in the parlor/study and pace back and forth. He rarely took very long doing this and Pat did not resent his withdrawal in the slightest. Everyone needed time to themselves now and then.
He reappeared just a few minutes later, face aglow with a new idea. Pat wondered what he was up to.
"I'll build her a house," he said triumphantly. His wife fixed him with an unbelieving gaze.
"Where, Hilary? How? We've only got a few weeks before she gets here. You can't possibly build her a sturdy house in that amount of time."
But Hilary was in no mood for reason. He had a challenge now and intended to face it.
"We'll build it, my darling wife, on that strip of land between our property and Parker's property. It won't have to be as large as Katie and Parker's house. Not even as large as ours. But it will be nice. Oh, it will be very nice. I'll base it on her own home in Ireland, so she won't have to feel quite so homesick. Katie will help Parker and I with the details. She'll be in five minutes walking distance from both houses. Pat, this is the best idea I've ever had! This way, she won't have to pay rent to anybody. We can afford to pay her enough for the other things, I think. And, if not, I'll find some things for her to do in the office, maybe. Laura is getting a bit weighed down. She needs some help, really, and I'm sure Parker and I can find extra money in the budget for Taryn."
Hilary's enthusiasm was contagious. Pat was soon convinced and Parker thought it a fine idea. The very next week, construction began on a little house for Taryn, Brendan, and Aidan. Hilary and Parker built it themselves, often working well into the night until Pat feared they would both collapse from exhaustion. They pooh-poohed her concerns and every night, after a quick supper, they would both set off for their building site. Sometimes, Pat knew for she checked the clock, Hilary wasn't home until 3 am. Both men had dark circles under their eyes, but they really did seem to thrive on all the work. Finally, exactly two days before Katie and Taryn's arrival, the house was finished. Just as Pat had expected they would, Hilary and Parker fell fast asleep not long after the last stroke of paint had been put on Taryn's home. Luckily, it was the weekend. While Hilary and Parker slept the day away, Laura and Pat went to get a few extra things for both Taryn and Katie. Things only women would think of.
Everything was going so well. Katie and Taryn were going to be here in a matter of days. Rae would be coming soon, too. Gordon and Bowen Architecture was off to a flying start. And a tiny little life grew inside Pat every day. Pat sighed as she fell asleep the night before Katie and Taryn's arrival. What more could a woman want? Sleeping that night in Hilary's arms, she never dreamed of the twists and turns her life was about to take.
A/N: All for now! I would write more, but I only had two reviewers on Chapter 9. (Pout, pout). Please, if you're reading this story, I beg you to review. I'm quite desperate and have absolutely no shame whatsoever. A little begging never hurt anybody.