Chapter 79

It was December 21st and Olivia was still trying to figure out what to get the love of her life for Christmas. She wanted to get her a new car. In fact, she wanted to get them all new cars. Ava was using one of The Beacon SUV's and driving Rafe with her every day, Natalia's car was just as much trouble as it always was so she and Olivia were sharing Olivia's car. With four drivers and only one reliable car at the house and a hotel SUV, it was getting harder to get everyone where they needed to be on a daily basis. Not to mention there were a few times when Ava was carless because The Beacon needed all of the vehicles for guest.

Olivia's idea was to trade in her car and get Ava something gently used that would be reliable for her and more her style, buy Rafe a reliable used truck, and get herself and Natalia both brand new 2010 cars. She was thinking of getting a Chevrolet Equinox for Natalia and a Mercedes-Benz C-Class for herself. The Equinox was the top midsize SUV safety pick of the year and the Mercedes was also on the list for safety pick of the year. She thought that might help to sway Natalia, however she feared just going and buying one but didn't want to ruin a Christmas surprise either.

She was sitting in her office pinching the bridge of her nose when her eldest child knocked on the door. "Hey mom, are you busy. Utt-uh, what's wrong?"

Olivia's snapped her head up. "Nothing's wrong. What would make you think that there was?"

"Mom, come on, just tell me, I'm gonna pry it out of you anyways."

"Fine. Shut the door please."

Ava shut the door and sat in one of the chairs across from her mother. "So, what's up?"

"I'm trying to figure out what to get Natalia for Christmas. I mean, I've gotten her some things, but what I really want to get her, I'm afraid she'll be mad about."

"Well, what do you want to get her?"

"A new car."

"Oh." Ava said with understanding.

"Yeah. You know how she is about me spending money on her, but her car barely runs and it would be better for her to have something bigger, like a SUV or something. I want her to have a nice vehicle that will be good for us living so far out. I just don't know what to do. If I ask her about it then it ruins the surprise and if I don't ask her, I risk getting into a huge fight on Christmas. Ugg. Why can't I be marrying a woman that will gladly spend all my money?"

"Mom, calm down. I really think you are getting way too worked up over this. Why don't you find a compromise between the two?"

"Like what?"

"Well, maybe you could wrap up some of the top picks for a SUV or truck, or whatever you're thinking of for her, and give her that for Christmas. That way, she has the choice of what she wants, and if she's upset, at least you didn't buy it yet and you can explain to her why it's important to you."

"That might work. I just want her in something that is safe and reliable. I hate when she drives hers around. We never know when it's going to break down."

"I get that. Maybe you should talk to her. See if she's open to it. You don't have to tell her you're going to buy her one, just find out if she would be willing to get a new car."

"I think I'll do that Ava. In fact, it's just about time for me to meet her downstairs for lunch." Just as she stood she remembered that Ava had come to her office and probably needed something. "Oh, what did you need honey?"

"Oh, I was just going to ask you about Rafe. He's been training with Natalia for a week now and he's pretty much taken on as my assistant. He is doing so good and he loves having his own office. I was just wondering when you were going to officially give him the position."

"I know. I'm glad we decided not to wait to show him his office." Olivia said with a smile. "We want to wait until after the wedding. I would like to announce SRHR, Natalia becoming co-owner, you becoming General Manager, and Rafe's new position all at the same time. I think it will be the easiest way. We'll have a couple of staff meetings and announce it all at once. That way we only have to speak with employees once about the changes taking place."

"I think that's a good idea. I just think it's amazing how fast Rafe has picked this all up."

"Well, he may have a little Spencer in him somewhere. I remember how quickly you picked it up when you first started working for me, and Natalia too. She is such a natural. I swear when she started as my assistant, it was like she had been doing it for years. Rafe is just like her."

"Did he tell you he found a couple of online business classes he wants to start in January with the new semester."

"No, he hasn't, but that's so great. I really think it will help him be even better. I was hoping he would decide on college, but I didn't go and neither did Natalia and now we're both owners of a hotel company, so maybe it's just the Spencer-Rivera way."

"Mom, he's doing so good I don't even think he needs these classes, but when he talked to me, he sounded like maybe he was afraid that he might not do well in school, so he wants to just take some classes. Maybe if he does well in them he will want to go to college later."

"Maybe, I just want all of my babies to have their best chance, and I know it would make Natalia incredibly happy if he furthered his education, but she's also very proud of him for how well he's doing here and for turning his life around. I tell ya, a year ago if you had told me that boy would be taking an assistance position here, I would have laughed in your face, but now, it's like he was meant to do this, just like you."

"I'm glad our entire family is working here. It's nice to have us all together all the time."

"I agree."

"Alright mom, I'm gonna take Rafe to lunch at Towers, we have some things to discuss so I'll see ya in a bit."

"Okay baby, I'm gonna go meet up with my lady and talk cars." Olivia walked around to kiss Ava's cheek before the two went their separate ways.

Olivia walked into the water shed and straight to the table her lady love was already seated at with an iced tea waiting for her. She bent her head and kissed he fiancé's lips before taking the seat across from her. "Afternoon, my love. You've been awfully busy this morning."

"Uh yeah. I forgot how crazy it was around here this time last year."

"Yeah, with full bookings and parties plus the staff all wanting to take vacation for the holidays, it gets a little hectic, but you are doing an amazing job, as always. And so is Rafe. It's a rough time of year for him to be learning all of this, but he is doing exceptional."

"He is doing very well. I don't even know that he needs me anymore. He's already moved in like he's always had the position. I swear he is better than me."

Olivia reached for her hand and laced their fingers together. "Oh no, our son is great, but no one is as good as you. Plus, you did and do way more than the average assistant. You pretty much ran this place when I was sick. And you still pretty much do. You are a superhero."

Natalia blushed. Even after all this time, she still didn't believe she was as good as Olivia says she is, but at the same time, she knows she is. "Did you talk with Josh about construction in Chicago?"

"I did. He said everything seems to be moving along now. The entire lower level is complete and they have moved on to the flooring and kitchenettes in the rooms. He thinks they should be done on schedule or maybe even ahead of schedule. I agreed that the team should get some time off for the holidays since they have worked so hard to stay on budget and on the timeline. They will work today, tomorrow, and Wednesday, then be off until the second of the year. It gives them eight days off to be with their families and hopefully help keep moral up so they can complete the job with as much gusto as they have now.

"I think that's a good idea."

"Me too. So, should we order?" As the words left her lips, their server appeared with two salads and some warm bread for them. "I guess not. Thank you Tony."

"You're welcome Ms. Spencer. Is there anything else I can get you?" The young man asked.

"No, I think we're good for now."

"If you need anything else just let me know." He nodded at them and then turn on his heel and strode away.

"Thanks for ordering for me honey." Olivia said half serious and half sarcastically.

"Of course, mi cariña" Natalia responded with a grin. "Someone has to make sure you eat healthy at least part of the time."

At that Olivia gave a genuine smile. "I know. I need to eat more rabbit food and less carnivore stuff. I really do appreciate how good you take care of me."

"We take good care of each other. I love you Olivia and I want you to be around for a very long time."

"With you taking such good care of me, I'm sure I'll be around for a long while." She smiled at her love and squeezed her fingers before releasing so she could eat. "So, I wanted to discuss something with you."

"Okay, what's on your mind?"

"Well, I'm sure you've noticed it's been a little difficult getting everyone where they need to be with only one vehicle at the house, well and The Beacon car that has been needed here a lot more lately."

"Yes, it has. I need to get my car in to be looked at again so we at least have two."

"Well, I was thinking we might do something a little more than that."

"Olivia. What are you thinking in that beautiful head of yours?"

"Okay. I want to get Ava and Rafe both a used vehicle for Christmas. I know Rafe is really wanting a truck and I've seen a few at the used car lot, nothing major or too expensive. No more than ten thousand."

"Olivia, ten thousand is a lot for a first car. And I think he should earn it himself. Save his money and buy it himself."

"I understand that honey. I really do. But in this day and age five thousand is average for a decent used car that is going to run properly. I want him in something that is safe and reliable not just decent. And I know you want him to buy it himself, and he is saving towards it, but he wants to buy a newer truck. I was thinking if we get him a less expensive but still good one now, he will have something to get him around and can continue to save towards the truck he really wants and the one we get him he can use as a trade in to help with the cost of his new one."

"I guess you're right. It would help to have another vehicle for the four of us, and I have noticed that most used vehicles are in that price range. I guess as long as we don't go overboard with it, and we split the cost, then yes, we can get Rafe a car or a truck."

"Honey, it's kind of hard to split the cost when we have a joint bank account."

"Not yet we don't. And we aren't filing that paperwork or closing my accounts until after we're married."

"I know baby. I concede. You can pay for half of Rafe's car out of your savings account."

"Thank you. I know you want to just do all of this yourself, but I really want to help with this."

"You are baby. No matter where the money comes from, it's ours. You work just as hard as I do to keep this hotel running. I really should be paying you more." She said with a smirk.

"No, you pay me plenty."

"You are aware that you are about to get a huge pay raise aren't you?"

"Yes, and I'm trying not to think about it. I know once we're married we will have all joint accounts and everything will be ours, and I'm excited about being true partners in every sense of the word, but I'm still struggling with knowing exactly how much money I will have access to."

"Not just access to, you will have that much money. It will be as much yours at it is mine, and you have no idea what it means to me to be with someone and have everything be ours instead of yours and mine. I've never had that before."

"Me either. Well, briefly with Gus, but it wasn't like this. We were more evenly matched financially so it wasn't as big of a deal. I mean, he made way more than me, but it wasn't near this."

"I know, but the things you have done and continue to do for me and my girls are worth so much more than money. You made our house a home and you made us a family, and you stay on top of everything. You take such good care of us. You have the emotional thing covered and I have the finical aspect. It makes us the perfect team."

"Well, I can't argue with that. We are a good team."

"So, while we're on the subject, how would you feel about a new car?'

"I don't need a new car Liv. I just need to get mine fixed."

"Sweetheart, that car is older than Rafe, and it has been broke down as much as it has run since I've known you."

"It just needs some good TLC."

"Honey."

"Olivia. I just agreed to buying two of our children cars, can't that be enough."

"Well, what about me? I think I want a new car, something a little more upscale. Would you take my car if I bought a new one?"

"If I say I'll think about it will you drop this?'

"Yes." She stated instantly. Already thinking in her brain that if Natalia would at least accept her car, then she might have a plan to get her a new one and maybe not have a huge fight about it.

"Then I'll think about it."

"Okay. Let's finish up here and get back to work. We still have a lot to do the next couple of days so we don't need to come in Christmas eve or Christmas day. Doris and Blake also want to come over tomorrow night and finalize a few things for the wedding."

"Sounds good baby. I can't believe that in just ten days I will be Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, wife of business mogul Olivia Spencer."

"Spencer-Rivera."

"Huh?"

"I will also be Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, no more Olivia Spencer. I will be business mogul Olivia Spencer-Rivera."

"Yes you will be and I couldn't be more happy about that." She leaned across the table and placed a chaste kiss to her almost wife's lips. "I love you Olivia Spencer."

"I love you Natalia Rivera."

The women finished their lunch and headed back to their offices to get some work done. Olivia was working more on car research then actual work, but she did get some emails answered and a few other small things taken care of.

She already knew which truck she wanted to get Rafe and was hoping Natalia would agree to go and buy it tomorrow. Ava was loving the SUV she'd been borrowing from The Beacon and Olivia had seen a white 2005 Kia Sorento LX 4WD for $8,800 on the used car website she was looking at for Rafe's Blue 2005 Dodge Dakota 4 door SLT 4WD quad cab truck. It was only $7,500 so she didn't figure there would be a problem with Natalia since it was under their agreed upon price. She also liked that both kids would have four-wheel drive vehicles for the rough winter weather and being so far out in the country.

By the end of the day, she had arranged to get the kids cars the following afternoon and had picked out her Mercedes in Black with all the bells and whistles and it would be at the dealership by Thursday and she was having a Dark blue Equinox delivered and praying that Natalia would go for it. She had spoken with the dealer and if she traded in her Altima and paid cash, it was only going to cost about $21,000. She knew that would sound like a lot to Natalia but she was hoping when compared to the $62,000 Benz, maybe it wouldn't seem so bad. She was of course, not buying hers out right, but she hoped if she threw such a huge number in the air, maybe Natalia wouldn't think $21,000 was all that bad.

She printed all of the information for both Ava and Rafe's vehicles as well as for her Mercedes to show Natalia. She was all smiles when she strolled out of her office and over to her love's. They met Ava and Rafe in the lobby as well as Jane to get Emma from her. Today was their last night with Emma since she was staying with Phillip until Christmas morning. They had decided on Pizza and a movie since it was Christmas break and Emma didn't have school in the morning.

After picking up the pizza, they arrived at the farmhouse and all piled into the living room to watch the newest Ice Age. As soon as the movie was over, they got Emma in bed and bid their two oldest a good night before snuggling up in their bed.

Olivia was sitting up against the headboard reading emails with Natalia between her legs leaning against her front engrossed in a book. Once she finished her emails, she reached for the papers she had set on her nightstand and handed them to Natalia, resting her chin on Natalia's shoulder so she could see too.

"So, this is the information on the cars I was looking at for the kids. What do you think?"

Natalia red through the documents and looked at all the pictures. Both vehicles seemed to be in very good condition with low miles. They both had clear titles and no reported accidents. "They both look good. You don't think we should shop around a little?"

"I've been looking into this for a while now. I've looked at several trucks for Rafe and this one has the lowest miles and is in the best condition. It was taken really good care of and only had one other owner. I think it's a nice little truck for him until he can buy the one he really wants. Plus, it's four-wheel drive and I think that's the best thing for him to have since we live so far out."

"I agree. Four-wheel drive will be beneficial, especially this time of year. And you think Ava will want a SUV?"

"She loves the one she's currently borrowing. This one is smaller, but it also has four-wheel drive and low miles. It's had two owners but seems to have been well taken care of. I want to have both of them completely checked out by the mechanic we use for The Beacon vehicles, but I think both of these looks good and are in the price rage we discussed."

"Alright. We can go look at them. If the mechanic says they are good, then we can get them."

"Really, you aren't gonna argue with me anymore about this?" Olivia asked, placing a wet kiss to the side of Natalia's neck.

"No, I'm not gonna argue anymore. We agreed at lunch that you could do this for them and it really will make life easier. I know part of why Rafe hasn't been out with his friends is because my car isn't running very well and he doesn't want to ask to borrow yours."

"Thank you baby. I know it's hard for you to spend money like this, but, we have it and we can't take it with us. Might as well spoil our children with it. Oh, and I talked to the furniture store. They can deliver Emma's new furniture tomorrow afternoon so we can get it set up while she's at Phillips."

"Is this why you were so adamant about getting Emma new bedroom furniture, so she wouldn't feel left out when her siblings got new cars?"

"I will admit, it's part of it yes. I wanted her to have a big Christmas present just like Rafe and Ava are getting. She also really wants one of those American dolls. I thought maybe you and I could get online and order one that looks just like her. If we do it by Wednesday it can be here Christmas eve if we overnight it."

"Okay honey. We can do that." She craned her neck so she could place a proper kiss to plump lips. This kiss was for the wonderful gift that was Olivia. Natalia tried to convey just how grateful she was to have this woman in her life with this kiss. Sending a silent thanks to God for all the blessings in her life as she kissed the love of her life that he had sent to her.