When Ben arrived at the bar, he saw that Riley was there, studying immigration law for a test at her law school. Ben hurried over to her with Emma.
"Riley!" He exclaimed "Hi. Perfect. Can you watch Emma for two seconds?" Riley nodded, taking Emma from his outstretched hands.
"Yeah."
"Thanks." Then he hurried over to Henderson, who was having a drink. "H. Hey, what's happening? It's me. Wheeler Walker W, your slightly flirtatious barkeep." Henderson sighed and turned to Ben.
"Don't you ever go home, Walker? I have wives I see less than you." Ben nodded, eager to move on.
"I was just thinking about our conversation from earlier. And I think you're wrong and I'm right." He realised what he said, and mentally smacked himself. "I mean I'm right for the job, and you're wrong not to consider me." He sighed at himself. "Hmm. Wow. When I said this to my myself in the bathroom mirror, it was really smooth." Henderson attempted a sorry look.
"Look, I appreciate the whole "eager kid" thing, but I'm looking for someone a little more... responsible." Ben's eyebrows rose.
"And that's exactly what I'm trying to be. I've got a kid now and I-"
"You've got a kid?" Henderson asked, and Ben's eyes lit up. Maybe he could back on track with him!
"Yeah... Her name's Emma." He gestured over to Emma and Riley, who were playing together.
"And a hot young wife." Henderson remarked. "Almost hotter than Rucker." Ben's eyebrows went up, though his fists clenched, choosing to ignore his comment about Brooke.
"Yes. Yes, I do... Family man. And there's nothing more responsible than that." Henderson gave him a look.
"You obviously don't know a lot of family men." That was when Riley came over to hand Emma back to Ben.
"Hi, I am so sorry to interrupt. But I've got to hand her off. I have an exam in an hour, and right now, she knows more about immigration law than I do." Ben smiled proudly as he took Emma.
"Little lady goes to law school and she's running late. Well, not running, but she should be. Go go go." He urged Riley, but Henderson kept her talking.
"Law school, huh? Must be tough with the baby." Riley shrugged, and Ben smiled at her.
"I was just saying how great you are with Emma. Okay, give her kiss. Wave bye-bye." He waved Emma's arm, and Riley laughed.
"Aww, that is so sweet." Ben gestured to the door.
"See ya!" But Riley was speaking to Henderson.
"But Ben truly does all the heavy lifting. I mean, I'm barely even helping out." Then she finally left, and Henderson sighed.
"That is one impressive wife you've got there." Ben shrugged casually.
"Well, I don't call her my better half for nothing."
"Got a daughter about her age. Sadly, they have nothing in common." Henderson sighed again, then looked down at Ben. "I might have underestimated you, Wheeler." Ben gave a small gasp.
"Oh my God. That's the first time you've said my name." Henderson was silent for a moment, before he spoke again.
"Let's have lunch tomorrow and discuss that job. Oh, and bring your lovely little barrister with you. If you can get a woman like that, there really must be something about you I'm missing." Ben furrowed his eyebrows.
"Again, thank you?" Then Henderson left, and Ben hurried outside to Riley, who was confused.
"What was that about?" She asked, and Ben set Emma on his hip.
"Two questions for you: What are doing tomorrow at lunch, and will you marry me?" He asked her as casually as he could. Riley tilted her head, completely confused.
"Huh?" Ben smiled, turning on his charm.
"Let me explain a bit."
