Chapter 30

In the morning Meg went off to work feeling better … content she knew where she stood and how strong their love really was in spite of any bumps that might come along. It also helped that John had had a quiet night and his cold looked as though it was going to clear up easily, which meant he was quietly huffing at the rules that Jackie was enforcing.

Having told Sara about John they decided she could drop into conversations over the next few days that she was seeing John with the hopes of it growing into a serious relationship sometime in the future. Which she did, and got smiles and hugs from office mates and she couldn't help smiling at her boss's reaction - his soft chuckle and big smile which lit up his big eyes and after a hug she knew it would start it's journey round the town. Her own reaction to everything surprised her she felt more secure and relaxed as though she truly was accepted now, not someone who was here today gone tomorrow … well she would be soon.

When she went to her other office Paul reacted suitably surprised and low keyed, then there was a smile and hug from her workmate and a smile from their new part-timer who'd just started as work was going so well. As for her housemates well they both gave her huge smiles with knowing looks and comments … well they'd met him, knew her and could not resist … then of course there were the gentle smiling hope and pleas for rides to come in the future. Yes well she could not refuse them really could she and of course they'd like the sleepover as well.

oxoxo

With time to herself and being back at home Meg decided to settle in front of her computer to check mail. John was resting; they'd had a tea time session in the pool as the guests had booked it for the evening. She was feeling happy he'd had tremors in his legs and knew that was a good sign that something was happening. Opening an email she chuckled quietly.

Hi Sis

As the twins will not let me settle I thought I would plague you whatever time you get this.

Everyone is fine and send love of course.

Chaos at the shop has all been sorted now AND we are making a profit! (Rub hands with glee.)The advertising must still be working or word and mouth has caught on. It seems that Maria and Tess with or without Annie's help are also doing well. So is Bluebell know that because Casey came home with a lovely flower arrangement. Bless him. (Still wondering why - not my birthday, no anniversary, no arguments, nothing broken and I know he loves me.)

Umm … talking about partners … see crept up to it so you would not notice. lol

Okay I'll get on with it now … You know you said John had been poorly … well I was I wondered if he might like some light reading matter as he gets better… Smiles sweetly (hoping you have not deleted it) … I've attached an idea Dad had for the Shock Wave, he wanted Casey to have a look at it and he has. Hence the mail.

Hey … No … didn't mean it like that! Honest!

Actually Casey thinks it's a good way of getting more table space outside but not too sure about the financial side of it though.

Thought it might be nice to keep it in the family so as to speak. I also know your thoughts will be valued and you might know a few financial ideas. (So there!) … Did I get out of that hole? Yeah well I know you understand what I mean… Just read it!

Onto something else. Managed to get Dad in a quiet corner and talked to him about your partner. He thinks it's unfair to leave Mum out so he's going to tell her everything … and we promised to make sure everything will be okay. (Grab the shed key and run before Mum gets it … offer Dad room in the apartment … or just give them both a hug.)

Local news

Ricardo is going to get a commendation for bravery he got newspaper space as he arrested a bloke and saved Annie's life AGAIN! We are just pleased it was nothing worse than a cut on the arm; Ricardo sort of grows on you or mellows because of marriage and baby. The reason for the upset - Jude is out of town on another case so Annie was out causing trouble… she had no reason to be there now she has a partner and job. I just wish they would lock her up and throw away the key. You know that's the second time he's saved her life and I really hate to think about the third time if it happens. To be honest I didn't think Ricardo and Jude partnership would work but it does and I suppose it's a case of looking out for your partner's family if they are not around … Jude would do it for Gabi.

Been seeing a bit of Gabi and baby, she (Gabi that is) hopes to use the same crèche, as my two will so I guess our friendship will blossom. That depends on work and costs Ricardo has also put forward an idea that she could work part time doing computer work from home they are looking into the security side of things. She likes the idea providing she can do it when she wants to i.e. when the baby is asleep and chores done. Having said that I understand Ricardo helps out a lot when work allows and Antonio is doing a doting Uncle act again when work allows. She's also thought about joining an agency if all else fails. I was going to say shame about Carmen not offering help but to be honest I never could stand the woman and Maria keeps her distance in a nice sort of way according to Gabi sounds as though she doesn't want to be caught between the two.

Been flooded with tips and horror stories so don't you start! I like to keep this area baby free if you see what I mean though I will let you know any real news … so far all okay.

Bette and AJ are great together, it must be a bit strange writing about yourself in the gossip column as she does, it's all nice gossip if you see what I mean, guess she would not write anything bad about herself its business do's etc anyway. To no one's surprise Emily and Sean are getting engaged from what I've heard they are doing well at Uni as well. Olivia is fine she has got together with a couple of female friends and started a small business, something to do with organising social parties all very posh.

Saw Tim and Abby she is a lovely baby and gaining weight nicely and yes she has those Evans eyes, her hair looks as though it has a tint of light brown in the black, which should make it an interesting colour when the sun gets to it. Tim is making a good dad and doing well at his job, although Tess still creeps me out a bit they get on together well and seem happy. (Did I say something about being baby free area? … umm gossip about others is okay.)

Casey will be moving jobs beginning of November as a Life Guard Manager has asked for a family move to this area as quickly as possible. He comes from further up the coast with good recommendations and is here for a getting to know the job and people week. They get on well together willing to discuss ideas no big macho ego on either side.

Of course that means Casey will be up to speed in his new job by the time the twins are born. Heh heh And AJ has promised some time off either block or odd days, late morning coming in etc. I rather like the 'as you need it and altered hours thingy' rather than a block couple of weeks just after birth …(to get over shock no doubt) but we will see what happens.

Come to think of it sis … you should be doing this and telling me all your news … after all you can get all the news anyway from the Newspaper Web page – Ouch they've just kicked me again no doubt to remind me why I'm doing this. You can't get that from the paper I know!

Must get up and walk around (Hey been doing that between paragraphs taken me an hour to write this.)

Oh look Casey's come in with a drink … he sends his love and I will go!!

Love Sara

Just thought this and all future ones includes love to John even if it's not mentioned every time.

Meg smiled at her sister's thoughts and opened the attachment and copied it onto a disk knowing John would look at it later.

"Interesting?" His gentle call of "Interesting?" across the room caught her attention.

She looked over to him as she answered. "Yes, Sara would like you to look at an idea Dad has for extra seating at the Shock Wave, would that be all right Jack?"

Jack had just come in from the paddock area with some papers for John, he smiled and said. "Yes providing John does not write it by hand or do something that would be special to his way of thinking and make them thinks, "Oh that's the way Ben would have done it. Hear your moving jobs soon."

Meg smiled nothing got past him she'd only mentioned it to John today. "Yes but I will be the first choice back if they need more help after I've finished working with Tony. Think of it I'll only be a couple of minutes up the road and Paul reckons the email system is still okay so I might only go down one day a week.

"I see more time for you two love birds." Jack sighed with twinkle in his eyes.

John laughed knowing that sigh and reminded him. "You can't talk you're counting the months till June or July aren't you."

Jack giving John a look admitted. "Umm I suppose I am."

"More time with Mandy of course" John gently teased then added "Simon's got some ideas for you as well."

Jack raised his eyebrows and exclaimed, "Guess I'll disappear quickly then!" and turned to start walking back the way he came in rather than take the short cut through the apartments.

Grinning John called across. "I'll let you have these back tomorrow lunch time Jack." then added in a pretend whisper to Meg before Jack got out the door. "Anybody would think he was scared of the Simon's ideas."

Jack turned and looked at him, they both knew he was happy with the idea of working with Simon when he retired and muttered with a smile "Just not tonight though." and left them.

John checked the time and looked across to Meg and said. "As tea will be a little while bring the laptop over and we can look at them."

With her help he shifted over so she could sit beside him and together they looked over the document and email.

oxoxo

After being feed and watered Meg was ready to reply to her sister's email, the document had been changed to include their suggestions along with John's better way to finance the deal. The suggestion she wanted to put in the email had to sound as though it came from her as John was meant to be a stranger to Sunset Beach. She also wanted to make sure her sister dissuaded her father from showing the documents to Derek in one of their over the counter chats. Although the idea did not shout 'Ben' at anyone she was still worried that the twin might get a sixth sense about the financial idea but that lead to the worry that a too strong a warning to her sister might set her or even her father thinking weird thoughts and she didn't want that.

Hi Cheeky

Hope the twins have let you settle and you've had a good night sleep.

Sending back the attachment with ideas from both of us, like you said keep it in the family, nice and quiet.

That was a warm cuddly thought at the end of your mail … thank you from both of us. Of course love and thoughts are from both of us to all of you in my mail whether mentioned or not.

The firm Dad was thinking of using to do the work sounded familiar and I've just realised where I'd heard them before … and it's not in a good way. If I remember rightly they were used at Liberty Corp. before AJ joined. They kept promising to start but kept delaying, then added on for extras … also work and men were a bit shoddy not enough to go to court over though… I think it was cheaper to get it put right and them on the black list. So beware even if they do insist they have new workmen etc. Dad will not have the clout Liberty Corp has if things go wrong big time now or in the future. I wonder therefore if Bartlett and Son would be a better firm ask AJ what he thinks, I think he has connection within the firm. They may be a bit more expensive but they have a good reputation … that means he might have to wait for the work.

I'm assuming of course that you can read this and Mum has not sent you all to the shed. Dad is right … tell her I love her and I'm sure this relationship is not just a whim and will work out. Sorry I cannot be clearer than that … I love and respect you all just need your understanding, trust and time.

So you want news well nothing much really John is getting better but it will be a very slow job. He has a lovely dog that is his constant companion. He's managing to work a few hours in the mornings and rests in the afternoon after therapy sessions. In the evening we enjoy our time together reading or listening to music, if warm sitting out in the garden.

I'm going to work for new clients in November lasts three to four months so new things to learn. This present job has been very interesting and I've been put on their list for first call back when they get busy again. Can't have made too many mistakes then. Love this idea of moving jobs certainly never a dull moment, as for the work I was doing originally it is going well and forms a stable background. In case you are worried I am able to save money, which is in my own account and I do have a car.

In spite of all this I still have time to stop and look - trees are dropping their leaves and weather is getting colder as November knocks on the door … that is one thing I have to get used to the Seasons again. Trust me to choose winter to start off with roll on spring.

Remember those teas round the roaring fire when the weather stopped Dad from working … guess I'll be doing that again. Can't afford to get snowed in though at least we have 'horse' power round here and I go riding when I can, also have the odd girls night out. I'm very happy here although I do miss the family.

So love you and leave you Sis - glad Casey starts his new job hope he likes it.

Meg.

oxoxo

When Meg got in from work the next day she found her sister's reply waiting for her.

Hi Sis

We are all here safe and sound.

We planned a morning 'telling all' round here (not near the dreaded shed and Mum had work to think about afterwards). Yep, she was a bit cross but more afraid you were perhaps jumping into something you could not get out of, but then she read your mail (good ploy on my part) and she now needs time and space … like you. Perhaps a one to one when you come would be a good idea.

Dad was pleased with the suggestions especially about the firm and will see AJ sometime today - that helped Mum too, proved to her that John was willing to help. (Of course we don't know what arm-twisting you did – only kidding honest!!)

Your partner though with or without your help is a financial wizard perhaps he could help us with our savings. Giggles as she rattles the piggy bank, which only has two coins in it.

Hey, I suppose I call John partner rather than boyfriend even in these early days. Boyfriend makes me think of teenage love… Hell! that makes me sound old.

We will keep this gold mine of yours to ourselves as you hinted.

Don't miss us too much though we miss you likewise.

You sound happy and glad you find time to ride and look at the leaves falling. Yeah remember those evenings … Hey remember the canters round the fields just after harvest had been gathered in and in the wood to the pond, talk about memories.

I suppose as John is still poorly he is unable to ride with you perhaps that will come glad he's getting better.

Girls nights sound good … I'm planning one in a couple of days time. Don't laugh but Casey is having a 'boys with baby night in' with Ricardo, Antonio and Michael when we have our do. Isn't Gabi brave? Mind you I can't do much so I think we will go to a new Italian restaurant which has just opened near the middle of town.

Love to you both

Sara