Chapter 70
The week seemed to fly by. Emma going to school every day and with Jane after school, the rest of the family was back to work at The Beacon Springfield. It was discussed that Ava would become the general manager, Natalia would start training to take her place beside Olivia, and once Rafe was done with training, he would become Ava's assistant.
Olivia and Natalia had their hands full getting construction underway at The Beacon Chicago, and also trying to evaluate the staff. It was hard when they couldn't be there in person. But they were needed in Springfield. Not only was their family working on cohabitating now that the moms were home, but they also needed to help Ava get resettled at The Beacon and start assessing Rafe.
Although he still needed to cycle through several departments, it was decided that once he finished with Karen in the Food and Beverage department, he would start shadowing Greg. He would be able to work with the other three remaining departments and learn on the job like Natalia did. As long as he had an understanding of the main areas he would be able to start as Ava's assistant sooner rather than later.
Olivia wanted him to truly understand every aspect of the hotel before he took his position as executive assistant, but recent events had changed that. Not only was Ava back and taking the place of general manager, Olivia and Natalia needed their attention to be in Chicago as well as another property Olivia had been looking into. She didn't want to make another purchase until The Beacon Chicago was up to standards and running smoothly, and not until after their wedding, but she couldn't pass up the opportunity for another property. It was in St. Louis and selling for a very good price.
She had called and asked the current owners if they would be willing to hold off until after the new year. Assuring them that she was very interested and that she would make it worth their while to wait. They agreed, which gave Olivia the time she needed to work on everything else she had going on and talk to Natalia about it. She didn't want to overload herself or the family, but franchising The Beacon had always been her dream, and buying two new properties within a few months of each other would be a great start.
Renovations in Chicago would take two months. Being complete about the second week of January. They had initially planned on keeping it open during the construction, but since they didn't have the time to go back and forth right now, they decided to close and have a grand re-opening once it was complete. Olivia paid their staff well for the two months they would be off and assured them that they would have the opportunity to maintain their jobs after the renovations should they wish to. This would also give Olivia and Natalia time to look over the staff files and asses who needed to be replaced if any. They also decided upon re-opening, they would be doing interviews of each staff member to make sure they had the best employees.
That decision had been hard for Olivia to make, it was going to cost them a great deal, but she knew it was for the best. They needed to properly assess their staff and make sure the general manager was a good fit for their company. They couldn't do that from Springfield. This way, they could focus on getting their family situated, bringing Ava's belongings home from California, the barn renovations, and their wedding. Their plates were full, but they were all so happy to be together that none of them let the stress affect them.
It was Friday, and the long week was finally setting in on everyone, but they were also very excited to head to San Francisco and bring Ava home for good. Olivia and Natalia were having lunch in her office together finalizing their plans.
"So, Rafe's parole officer is on board as long as we check in first thing Monday morning. He is headed there now for his weekly meeting and then we should be good to go." Olivia said, taking a bite of her turkey sandwich.
"Yes, and Ava just finished getting her new office set up and is going to help me finish up with mine after lunch."
"When we get home we will have a week and a half before Emma's off for Thanksgiving break. I would like to have Rafe's office ready by then so all of us can take off the three days with Emma."
"That sounds good. Have you told Rafe about his office yet?"
"No, I want to wait until he's done shadowing with Greg first. At that point he will start working with you before officially taking his place as executive assistant. I'd like for you to show him to his office on the first day he starts training with you. I think it will be a nice surprise for him."
"I still can't believe all of this is happening. You have done so much for Rafe, and for me. I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you."
Olivia stood from her place on the couch and straddled Natalia's lap. "You don't need to thank me. You earned this and so did Rafe. This is our family, and our company now…"
"Not yet." Natalia smiled, grabbing firmly to Olivia's ass.
"Yeah, yeah, semantics. Anyways, as I was saying." She started kissing along Natalia's neck. "You don't have to thank me, but should you feel the need." She nibbled on Natalia's ear. "I could think of a few ways you could go about it."
"Oh really?" Natalia asked, not at all surprised by the way this conversation was going. She pulled Olivia tighter against her by her rear and kissed her hard. "And what might you be thinking?"
Olivia's hands threaded into thick brown tresses. She kissed Natalia again and then moved to place kisses along her jawbone. "I was thinking…" Kiss. "That maybe…" Another kiss. "We could…" Before she could place another kiss, the door shot open and Ava stood before them.
"Hey mom…oh, I'm sorry, I can come back later."
Olivia made no move to get off Natalia's lap, instead just turned her head to face her daughter. "No Ava, it's fine. We were just finishing up lunch."
"I can see that." Ava stated sarcastically. "Looks like you were working on pie for desert." She added with a laugh.
"Ava!" Olivia chastised. Climbing off of Natalia's lap in hopes of silencing her daughter. "Was there something you needed?"
"Oh yeah, I uh finished with my office. Some of the guys helped me get a desk and cabinets from storage. I'm here to offer my assistance with Natalia's office so we can get out of here by four and catch our flight."
"Good. We'll come down and check it out in a minute. Then I have some paperwork to finish up while the two of you work on Natalia's office. I'm actually hoping we are all able to leave by three. I've already spoken to Karen about Rafe. I want to get Emma from school and spend a little time with her before we take her to Phillips. She really wants to go with us but knows it's more of a grown-up trip."
"Yeah. I'd like her to come but I think packing will be faster with just the adults going. I just want to get it all done and come home."
"Okay. Let's go check out your office and then I'll come to Natalia's office with you guys for a few. We'd like to talk to you about something."
"Please tell me it's nothing major. We have had so many big talks the last couple weeks."
"No, nothing major. Come on let's go check out your office."
The three walked down the hall to a decent sized office. Not as big as her mom's but a good size. There was a nice desk, a filing cabinet, and two chairs for guest. It was two doors down from Olivia's office. The smaller office in the middle would be for Rafe.
After looking at Ava's office, the three walked back to Natalia's new office. It was directly across the hall from Olivia's and the same size. She had set it up to mirror Olivia's and was now working on filing and adding her own touch. Olivia and Natalia sat on the couch along the wall and Ava twisted one of the chairs to face them.
"So, what now?" Ava asked.
Olivia took Natalia's hand. "Well, we've been talking, and we'd like to make you an offer. You don't have to accept it, but we thought it would be an option for you." Olivia started.
"Okay. What's the offer?"
"We'd like to offer you an apartment, like Rafe's." Natalia stated.
"What? Where?" Ava questioned.
"We were thinking we would renovate the barn. Turn the bottom into a one- or two-bedroom apartment for you and turn the loft area into storage. We will have a door and stairs built on the outside so we can access the loft without having to go through your house." Olivia answered.
"Are you serious mom? Like for real? You would do that for me?"
"If you would like that, then yes. We don't want you to feel pressured. If you'd rather find a place here in town that's fine, you can stay with us as long as you need, but we thought this was an option. We could give you your own space but you would still be close to the family. Like Rafe."
"Are you kidding? That would be so awesome mom. I would love that."
"Really? You're sure?"
"Yeah. I'm sure." Ave jumped up and pulled both moms into a hug. "Thank you guys so much."
"You are so welcome Ava. We are just so glad to have you home and we would be thrilled to have our whole family stay close." Natalia told her.
"So, like when? I know with the weather getting bad it might take a while."
"Well, since Josh returned, I had him come check it out and he thinks they could do most of the inside work even with the cold weather. He's more concerned about the exterior walls. He said if the snow holds out they can do it the week after Thanksgiving. Once the exterior is done to completely close up the barn then they can do the inside in any weather. So, unless it snows, he thinks they could have it done by the beginning of February." Olivia replied.
"Wow. That's fast. Are you sure it's not too much? With the Chicago hotel and all."
"It's fine." Natalia assured her.
"Yes. It is. I don't need to check on Lewis construction the way I do in Chicago. I've used Josh a lot and am always happy with the results. The company in Chicago I have never used, but Lewis construction recommended them, so I can assume they are good. Natalia and I are going to take a day trip up there to check on the progress when we return from California." Olivia added.
"Okay. You guys are the greatest parents ever."
Natalia's heart melted at being referred to as a parent by Ava. She had to hold off her tears. Olivia noticed and brought her into a hug, kissing the side of her head. She pulled back and turned to her daughter. "Yes we are." She said with a smirk. "Alright, enough of this sentimental stuff. I've got some paperwork to finish and you two have plenty to do in here." She kissed Natalia before standing and kissing Ava's cheek then headed to her own office.
After her mom left, Ava turned to Natalia. "I think a shopping trip is in order when we get back. I need a few things for my office to help me stay organized and we could both use some things to help personalize. Plus, I think it would be cool to make Rafe's office personal to him."
"I think you're right Ava. I need a few odd and ends in here and I think Rafe would like having an office that is both professional and unique to him. Maybe we can get him some of those little games people put on their desk. I saw one that was like a little bowling thing."
"I think that's perfect." The two continued to chat as they worked to finish Natalia's office. Completing it just before three. They met Olivia in her office just a few minutes before Rafe. The four left to get Emma and their bags before dropping the youngest Spencer at the Spaulding Mansion and heading to the airport.
Taking the time difference into account, they arrived in San Francisco a little after nine but to them it was eleven and they were all dead tired. Olivia booked them two rooms at a Marriott close to the Airport. The four took a taxi to the hotel and crashed for the night.
Ava and Rafe met the moms in their room at eight the following morning. As tired as they all still were, there was excitement in the air at getting Ava home. They ate breakfast in their room and then took the thirty-minute taxi ride to Ava's apartment.
Once they arrived, they all looked around. Olivia immediately forming a plan of action. The kitchen was small and there wasn't a lot to pack in there. The living room had pictures and some artwork and other small items, as wells as a bookshelf full of books. The bedroom was the biggest part. Ava had an abundance of clothes and shoes. Not unlike her mother.
Olivia had called a moving company for the furniture which consisted of a couch and love seat, end tables and a coffee table, a small dining table, and Ava's bedroom furniture. They arrived within minutes of the Spencer-Rivera clan and brought up boxes.
"Okay, if you guys can start on the big stuff, we'll work on getting boxes packed up." Olivia instructed the movers. "Rafe why don't you take some boxes and start in the living room, make sure to wrap any glass in paper before packing it. Natalia and I will start in the kitchen. Ava, why don't you work on getting what you want to take back with us in your suitcase and then we can box up everything else to go in the truck."
"Okay mom. Sounds good."
The four set to work packing up everything. Ava was right, she and Rafe probably could have done this on their own in two days, but she was glad she and Natalia had come to help. Rafe packed up the entire living room in just under two hours. Olivia and Natalia had finished the kitchen in around the same amount of time and now all three we're helping Ava finish up in her room. In just over five hours the entire apartment was done including stopping to eat lunch.
"Well, that went fast." Ava commented.
"Yes it was. I'm surprised." Natalia added.
"We make a good team. I feel kind of bad for not bringing Emma now. All we have to do is finish getting these last few boxes in the truck and give the movers their instructions. Then we can go have a nice dinner. Our flight isn't until four tomorrow afternoon so we can go see some sights tomorrow morning if you want." Olivia said.
"Olivia, can we go see the Golden Gate Bridge?" Rafe asked quietly.
Olivia smiled at him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Yeah we can do that Rafe. Anything else you wanna see?"
"Um, I don't know. I've just never really seen a bridge like that. I've seen it in movies and stuff, but never anything like that in person."
"Okay. Let's go get some dinner, then we can go back to the hotel and make a game plan for tomorrow."
"Mom, we should totally go to The Sandwich Shop for lunch tomorrow. They have the best sandwiches you've ever had."
"Okay, we'll plan out tomorrow when we get to the hotel, right now I'm hungry, we're should we go for dinner?"
"What are you wanting?"
Olivia wrapped her arms around Natalia. "What are you feeling tonight my love?"
"Um, I could go for some good spaghetti."
"Sodini's Bertolucci's is close to the hotel and has really good Italian. If we're lucky they might have an opening." Ava said. "We should probably go shower and change though."
"Sounds good. Rafe are you okay to wait another hour before dinner or do you need something now?" Olivia asked. Knowing he was using diet control for his diabetes. It's important he eat right and on time.
"Can we just stop and get a juice and a small snack on the way to the hotel?"
"Of course, we can. Let's get outta here."
After speaking with the movers, and calling the restaurant, the four loaded into a taxi to head back to the hotel, stopping at a gas station for Rafe. After quickly showering and changing, they met in the lobby to head out for dinner. After a delicious meal, the three went to the moms room to plan out the following day. They decided to visit Golden Gate Bridge and then Natalia wanted to go to Ghirardelli Square. They figured after shopping and eating it would be time to catch their flight home. With a plan in place, the kids went back to their suite while Natalia and Olivia called Emma before heading to bed themselves.
Olivia had planned on going to sleep so they weren't tired in the morning. She finished her nightly routine and joined Natalia in bed. Wrapping her arms around her from behind and holding her tight. "Thank you for this. For coming and helping Ava. I know we have a lot going on back home, but I'm glad we all came to help her."
Natalia turned so she was on her back looking up at her beautiful fiancé "I would do anything for Ava. And for you." Natalia's plans were very different from Olivia's. In one quick movement she had Olivia on her back and she was on top of her. She kissed her sweetly and then moved her lips down her jaw to her neck and kissed to her ear. "You know, we have this hotel room to ourselves, and no kids." She whispered before licking the shell of Olivia's ear.
Olivia moaned softly. "Baby, we have a busy day planned tomorrow and then a late flight before starting a very busy week." Olivia countered. But the way she rolled her hips into Natalia belied her words.
Natalia kissed down Olivia's neck to her chest nipping softy. Ignoring Olivia's halfhearted protest. The busyness at home left little time for them to be intimate. They were both so exhausted that they usually just fell into bed at night, barely able to utter an 'I love you' before sleep claimed them. With the holidays approaching and now another renovation about to get underway as well, Natalia knew they would continue to have little time together. She needed this tonight. She needed to feel Olivia come apart in her arms.
She continued to kiss and nip her way down Olivia's body. Her hands found the hem of Olivia's sleep shirt and slowly inched it up. She dropped her mouth to Olivia's taught abs and licked her way up, following the garment being lifted. She stopped at her breast for a moment. Circling first one nipple and then the other. Paying them both equal attention before continuing to lift Olivia's shirt. Her lips traveled up until reaching Olivia's as the night shirt was finally discarded.
As they kissed slow and deep, Natalia snaked her hand down Olivia's body. Cupping her sex through her sleep shorts. Rather than pulling them off, she ran her hand up Olivia's thigh through the bottom of her shorts. As she reached her center she could feel the wetness through Olivia's silk panties. She moaned at the feeling as her mouth continued to kiss and lick at Olivia's stomach.
Olivia's hips jerked as she felt Natalia's hand where she needed it most. She moved her hips upwards, trying in vain to gain further contact. Natalia raised her head to meet Olivia's eyes as she removed her hand from her shorts. She moved up her body to kiss just below her ear. "You still want to sleep Liv?"
Olivia half moaned; half laughed. She turned her head to capture Natalia's lips. "Not a chance." She answered. Ripping Natalia's shirt from her body. She tried to turn them over but Natalia was having none of it. She pressed harder into Olivia's body, effectively stopping her from rolling them over. Her fingers danced on the edge of Olivia's shorts, dipping into the waist band but not making a move to remove them just yet. She kissed and sucked on Olivia's neck. Reveling in the sweet noises Olivia was releasing.
As she licked down Olivia's body to pull a nipple into her mouth, she finally began to slide Olivia's shorts down her toned legs. Once removed, Natalia racked her nails gently up Olivia's right leg until meeting the apex of her thighs. Wetness coated her fingers the moment they reached Olivia's core.
She moved her mouth to the other breast as she traced her fingers through silky wetness from entrance to clit and back again. Releasing the breast in her mouth with a pop, she kissed lower down Olivia's body reaching her hooded sex and swirling her tongue around it as two fingers slipped inside.
Olivia let out a choked groan of pleasure as she felt herself being filled. "Oh God…Natalia…" She choked out as Natalia's fingers worked inside her ever so slowly. Her tongue just barely making contact with Olivia's bundle of nerves. Olivia gripped the sheets in one hand while the other wove into Natalia's thick mane.
Natalia continued her torturously slow pace. Pushing deeper into Olivia but never faster and still gentle. Her lips closed around the hard bud but she didn't suck. Just let her lips savor the feel of the hard bud. Olivia's hips started to buck as she tried to pick up the pace. Natalia placed her free hand flat on Olivia's stomach to calm her. She added a third finger and moved in and out maintaining her pace.
"Natalia." Olivia breathed. "Baby…I need…"
Before she could finish the sentence, Natalia sucked her clit into her mouth as her hand worked faster. She brought Olivia to the brink and then slowed again. Wanting to draw this out as long as possible. Keeping her fingers inside, she moved up Olivia's body until she hovered over her. "Olivia, open your eyes baby, look at me."
Olivia's eyes slowly fluttered open to meet brown orbs starring down at her. Natalia looked deep into green darkened with arousal as she thrust harder and faster into her love. She wanted to watch as Olivia fell into bliss, feel their connection. She moved her thigh to press against the back of her hand, making her fingers go deeper into Olivia's heat.
"Oh fuck…Yes…" Olivia screamed as her eyes slid closed again.
Natalia slowed but didn't stop as she felt walls began to constrict around her fingers. She lightly kissed Olivia's lips. "Open your eyes baby. I want you to look at me when you cum."
Olivia strained to open her eyes. Once Natalia was peering into deep jade, she thrust deep and curled her fingers in a come-hither motion, hitting that perfect spot inside. Olivia's body began to shake as her insides clamped around Natalia's fingers. She fought to keep her eyes open as liquid heat spilled into Natalia's hand and she fell over into oblivion, losing the fight to maintain eye contact.
Natalia kept her finger buried deep, bending her head to kiss swollen lips. As she felt Olivia's body sink into the bed, she gently removed her fingers, electing a whimper from Olivia at the loss. She kissed her again as she moved to the side of her and laid her head on her shoulder.
Olivia brought her arm up and ran her hand up and down Natalia's back while she caught her breath and allowed her body to come down from the high of her climax. Once she had returned to herself and her breathing became steady again, she turned her head and kissed Natalia's hair. Using her free hand, she tilted Natalia's chin up so she could look into mahogany eyes. No words were spoken, their love transferring from one to the other with merely a look.
Natalia allowed herself to be laid on her back then. Olivia covered her, making quick work of her sleep shorts. Olivia laid her body flush on top of Natalia's. Letting her weight press into her. She kissed her forehead, her eyelids, her nose, her cheeks, and finally her lips. It was the beginning of a slow dance between lovers. Olivia made love to Natalia long into the night. No longer caring about how tired she would be come morning.
The two kissed and caressed every inch of the others body. Making love like it would be the last time. Sometimes slow and methodical sometimes fast and hard. They lost count of how many times they sent one another over the edge. They just enjoyed being with each other. Allowing their hearts to sync and their bodies to become one.
The sun was just peaking in through the curtains when they finally allowed sleep to claim them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's arms. They had only been asleep a couple of hours when Rafe and Ava knocked on their door. Natalia opened her eyes at the sound of a loud knock. Trying to make her body move. After a moment she registered what the sound was, tossing on a robe she left Olivia unconscious in the bed and went to let in their children.
"It's about time. We've been knocking for like five minutes." Ava stated in a joking tone.
"Sorry about that. We overslept." Natalia said. Trying to sound nonchalant.
"Late night?" Ava asked with a knowing smirk.
Rafe went to sit on the couch and tried not to think about why his mother was so tired. Knowing your mom had sex the night before and seeing the proof stand in front of you were two very different things.
Natalia blushed and turned to walk back into the bedroom. Ignoring Ava's question. "Why don't you two order up some breakfast. I'll get Olivia up and we'll head out."
Entering the bedroom, Natalia crawled back on the bed, hovering over Olivia. She knew it wasn't going to be easy getting Olivia out of bed this morning, but it was well worth it. She bent her head and kissed Olivia softy. Olivia didn't even stir. She tried again, kissing harder this time. When that didn't work she tried a different approach. She threw the covers off and roughly cupped Olivia's sex, allowing her fingers to glide over her still sensitive clit. Olivia stirred but still didn't open her eyes.
Natalia pressed her hand down harder and kissed Olivia at the same time, forcing her tongue into her mouth. Olivia finally responded, kissing her back with fever and bucking her hips. "Mmm, after last night I didn't think you had any left in you." Olivia said waking up completely now.
"I always have some for you, but not right now." Natalia said as she pulled her hand away and leapt from the bed. "Our children are ordering breakfast in the other room. We need to get dressed and pack up our things so we can get this day started."
Olivia rolled onto her side facing Natalia and grunted. "Not yet. Another hour and then I'll get up."
"Sorry honey. No can do. Come on, get your sexy butt outta that bed."
"But Natallliiiiaaaa. I'm sleepy." Olivia whined.
"I know baby." Natalia said in a sweet voice like she was speaking to Emma. "But we have to get up."
"But, but…" Olivia tried.
Natalia walked back to the bed and kissed her tired lover. "No buts. Let's go." She playfully swatted Olivia's bottom before disappearing into the bathroom.
Olivia stretched and groaned a few more times before finally getting outta bed and following Natalia into the bathroom. The two shared a quick shower and dressed in record time. Tossing their belongings into their suitcases they stepped out of their room to join their two eldest for breakfast.
After breakfast, which contained more than a few jabs from Ava about their tired state, the four headed out to enjoy the sights before their long flight home. They made sure to take plenty of pictures for Emma and bought several souvenirs for her. They enjoyed a light lunch and walked in Ghirardelli Square for a bit longer before heading to the airport for their four o'clock flight.
Once seated in their first-class seats. Olivia turned in her seat to lean into Natalia. She took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I love you." She whispered softly.
"I love you too baby."
"And, as tired as I am right now, it was well worth it. And not just the amazing sex last night, but today with the kids. It was nice. I loved seeing Rafe's face light up at The Golden Gate Bridge. And you and Ava running into every shop at Ghirardelli square. It was a good day."
"Yes it was. I love you Olivia. Thanks for today."
"No sweetheart, thank you. Now, I'm gonna try and sleep a little on the flight, we won't be home until around one our time. I was hoping to be able to take tomorrow off and rest a little, but after the frantic call from Greg I received earlier, I'm afraid I have to go in tomorrow. But I want you and the kids to stay home. Okay?"
"Nope. Rafe has to meet with his parole officer first thing in the morning, and then he is receiving this week in the kitchen for the first time and Ava and I have some shopping to attend to so we can finish up both of our offices and work on Rafe's."
"Baby, you two can do that Tuesday, or at least wait until tomorrow afternoon."
"Nope. If you have to go to work, then so do the rest of us. Besides, I want to finish all of this before Thanksgiving. After that we are going to be even busier. You have your check up with Rick, we have to go back to Chicago and check on everything, we have to meet with Josh and get the barn renovations started, plus prepare for Christmas, and plan our wedding. Sorry my love, no one has time to take a day off. I'm sorry I kept you up so late last night. It was probably not the best idea given how busy we're going to be from the moment we get home until well after the new year."
"I'm not the least bit sorry. I enjoyed every second with you last night, and the kids this afternoon. And besides, I believe we kept each other up. No matter how busy we are the next couple of months, I want us to make sure we take time for us, and not just sex, but time together, even if it's just lunch. Okay?"
Natalia smiled a sweet smile. "That we can do querida."
Olivia leaned in and placed a tender kiss to Natalia's lips, before drifting off to sleep clasping her lovers hand. This kiss was chaste but still held all of their emotions. This kiss was for the wholeness of their family. Ava was coming home to stay and their family would always be together. Things were busy and hectic, but they we all in this together, and that's all that mattered.