Chapter 44

Music was playing in the background of their apartment as Meg started to read her latest email.

A couple of moments later she gave a chuckle cutting across John's statement. "Tea's on the side." He liked that soft chuckle which held a lot of sympathy in it, but as he knew she was reading emails from home and not wanting to intrude too much, but needing his curiosity answered, asked softly. "What?"

She gave another chuckle as she got up to get her cup of tea, and as she reached the counter her glance was met by a slow smile with dark questioning eyes, which made her shake her head, - heart flipping and wanting to withhold the answer for just a little longer.

But, as John's hand gently grabbed hers before she could reach her cup of tea, she knew she would not win this battle, not that there had been any today … it had gone so well. So she gave in, sort of, and said with a smile. "Mail from Casey."

"Where's Sara?" John asked concerned knowing Sara was the one who wrote, and released Meg's hand so she could get her cup of tea.

She loved his quickness and gentle concern her family, and added. "She has flu/cold and is being restricted to bed." And knowing him so well, snagged her cup of tea and put it near her computer on the dining table.

"And that deserves a chuckle?" He asked looking perplexed, which made her smile as she answered. "No … just that today of all days I will be writing to Casey not Sara."

She felt a shiver of love run up and down her spine as she saw his slow smile and heard his gently chuckle before he added "Point taken." understanding her completely.

As she saw it hidden in his smile, she said gently, "I think you need to rest a while?" She knew he hated being 'babied' as he put it and waited for the slightly sharp comment, as he took in the hidden order, of lie down and rest, on board.

But instead of the sharp comeback and closed down, she saw him stop, and then still smiling with his eyes sparkling say. "Okay … ask if you want help … I'm on the sofa."

She could not stop the flash thought to his statement or stop her soft chuckle, and got a very soft comment from him "Later … but for now I'd like my cup of tea please." and then he started to walk slowly over the sofas.

Keeping her thought "Oh yeah" safely in her head, she smiled at the implied promises as she got his tea and put it on the table for him. Unobtrusively though she watched him, and saw he really had to concentrate while walking, which told her just how tired he was, but there in his body language was that 'I'm not going to give in till bed time' statement, which was some time away yet. She didn't want a fight, knew he would stay quiet if left a lone so waited for him to sit; made sure the crutches were safe and within reach, then gave him a kiss ... which held a gentle promise for later, and went over to her computer to start her reply to Casey.

The fact that it was to Casey not Sara felt strange, could she talk about the same things as she did with Sara. Should she talk about them and ask him to pass it on, and then there was that coincidence that Robert had come and they'd been mapping out Casey's future, which in itself was weird, and of course, she could not say anything about it. Oh joy. … And suddenly thought so asked. "Is it okay to send a photo of the waterfall with Robert and his wife as a get well card?"

John pondered knowing she'd want to do something special for her sister being so far a way, and they had known Robert had or was calling so said. "Yes … but make sure it's kept private. Oh, and don't forget that information Hank wanted. It's in Shock Wave Notes file 3, just attach it and give Casey the shorthand answer of yes, no and no, so he can phone Hank."

Meg gave a snort of disbelief, not only at the shorthand form of the answer, but also the fact that Hank would never have looked at his advice let alone ask for it when he was Ben in Sunset Beach. Now, he not only asked but acting on it…

Her straying thoughts were interrupted by John's gentle instance. "He asked for quick answers Meg, the rest is for clarification when Charles, or whoever hears the ideas and the forms need to be filled in."

"Okay, I believe you." She answered cheekily as she found the notes and attached it to the blank reply. As she looked for the photo she wanted, her mind flashed back to the previous morning.

There was no denying they had been anxious … he was meeting Sue, Robert's wife for the first time, and it was another person to be added to the circle of knowledge, and because they were going to start to meddle in Casey's and her families' lives. With a flash of hind sight, she knew they had nothing to worry about, and hoped that it meant 'the fates' were with them, - as part of her mind concentrated on the photos, and the other went back so she could see their arrival again.

John had been walking in from the garden area, while she had been doing 'the finishing touches' to an already tidy apartment, and she was just asking him about their proposed ride to the waterfall, when the door to the apartment from driveway opened, and Robert walked in followed by Sue and Jack, who was carrying a couple of very large bags. Turning round to greet them Meg smiled, not only at them but also at Jack, 'the Chief of Police' who was acting as luggage boy, and who also had a very innocent smile, which always meant trouble … but not 'bad' trouble … 'good' trouble.

"Postman's arrived Meg." Robert said opening his arms for a hug, while watching her as she came over towards him, then with a beaming smile he exclaimed. "Yes! Jack radiant is certainly one word for it … don't you agree Sue?"

Now Meg knew the reason for that innocent smile of Jack's, and she could feel the love and warmth from Robert's hug and then gentle release so Sue could give her a hug.

Sue's laugh and smile were warm as she answered. "Yes definitely a word for it." Then after their hug she gently pushed Meg away and gave her the once over, Before nodding her approval and glancing back to her husband.

Who was smiling and looking over at John, who had made it to the end of the kitchen area.

John had stopped, partly because he knew the limitations that had been put on him, and to let the greetings take place. Also so accepting if Robert and Sue had come this far, Sue must be in favour of what was happening, and with Robert's smile, he felt better and commented truthfully. "It's a case of you come to me if you want to save time especially as we are going this way anyway."

Robert gave a gentle laugh with the comment. "Not up to talking and walking then."

There was a flicker of amusement in John's face, as he answered. "No, and the crutches are so you don't have to pick me up off the floor, though I'm down to a stick if I'm really relaxed… which I'm not yet."

Robert could not resist asking with a tease as he looked from John to Meg. "How do you cope with arguments?"

"Oh, that's simple I sit down and Meg walks out." John came back immediately without a hint of a tease.

Meg gave a snort, and Sue laughed then walked over to John asking. "Is it dangerous to give you a hug?"

"Only if Robert complains or does likewise." John said with a tease looking at Robert, who was grinning.

Sue and John hugged though it was a bit difficult because of the crutches, but neither minded. Once released Sue stepped back, and with gentle respect and understanding reassured him. "I know you are both very happy and I'm pleased to finally meet you. Robert's explained everything and as I don't go to Sunset anyway, your secret is safe."

"Thank you, and it's nice to meet someone who can keep him in line." John replied with a smile.

Robert came over to John while carrying on the banter. "Hey, that's enough … it's bad enough getting it from Meg in her mail." As he got level with John, Robert put his hand on his shoulder and added with pleasure and admiration. "You are looking and doing so well John."

"Thank you." John said with genuine pride.

Meg was amazed at the respect these two seemed to have for each other … she knew and loved them in different way … but they only knew each other from a short visit and through her mail.

Jack chimed in. "Meg, your parcels from family are on the table … I stopped Robert from hiding away your tin of goodies from your mother … he's already started his."

Meg looked across at Robert, who gave her a very innocent look, and suppressed the giggle knowing these two had had the car journey to trade secrets, and turned to Jack, emphasising his name so he knew that she knew exactly what he was up to "Thanks Jack" then back to the group in general added. "I was just asking John about the trip to the waterfall."

Jack looked over at John, who answered his questioning look. "If we go now we should beat any snow storm, and yes I'm fine, just slow."

"Oh great snow … that means getting snowed in!" Robert exclaimed with a smile.

"Anything for a good hotel and pool I know." Sue sighed then with a knowing look she carried on. "You know, he's dropped so many hints about this waterfall and pool over the weeks and then on this flight, I'm not too sure which one he will end up in."

As the others chuckled at Robert's expression to her threat John whispered to Sue "Jack will help you." Then louder "We'll go through the garden room." and started to walk with Sue in that direction.

"The upstairs Meg?" Robert asked noticing in the stairway as they went past.

"Just an open space though the workmen will be coming next week to put in the glass walls."

Sue looked at John "Sounds interesting."

"They can be darkened for privacy." John said as he moved slowly.

"I thought it was one thing at a time so no talking." Robert said pointedly getting his own back on John's earlier staged whisper.

"He can say one or two simple things." Jack put in with a tease.

John stopped and turned as the door opened into the garden room and gave him a dirty look, which went on to Robert, who was smiling and obliviously resisting a comment. Meg could not stop her chuckle so got the end of the look, which turned into a sigh as Sue exclaimed with an innocent smile "The garden's beautiful John."

Meg came out the flash back as she found the photo, and reflected on the new friendship which grew during the trip to the waterfall, over the meal, and during the discussions about the future. It all ended in hugs and promises for future trips, before Robert got his promised dip in the pool and night of luxury, before their early start back to the airport they had used, and the transfer back to the other plane and then on to Denver for business meetings and finally back to Seattle.

She set the photo up, then attached it and finally started her mail trying to remember it was Casey she was writing and not Sara.

Hi Casey

This feels strange writing to you not Sara so excuse any sisterly comments I make, well you know I like having mail from you as well.

Sorry about Sara getting flu/cold. Trust you are healthy. I will resist any comments about it being quiet … no doubt the twins will make up for it … I expect you have lots of help knowing Mum and Aunt Bette are around.

Wish I could be there for you. Instead here's a get well card for Sis.

Yep, one of 'that' waterfall … as requested, I'm in it … As before I would like it kept between the four of you … as you can see Robert arrived safely with his beautiful wife.

We had a wonderful day and trip, tried an interesting horse and cart rather than two separate horse and traps … it's like a high sided hay cart … though the sides are not too high, and has seats with very warm blankets along with canvas round the sides to keep the wind out, but not over the top as John does not like enclosed spaces, and you would miss the view anyway, which you want to see as that is the reason for the trip.

Might have to re think seating (a bit hard) and how to get on and off (a bit steep) but the idea is good. Sun was out while we were there, and we just made it back before a small snowstorm … it did not interfere with their travel plans … much to Robert's disappointment. Glad to say everyone got on, though its worn John out so he is resting for the next few days.

Tell Mum her treats got here safely, and we will enjoy them over the next few days, and warn her that Robert will be delivering some parcels … they are all marked with respective dates and who to - so no peaking! (No doubt he will ask for more cookies, as he loves them so much, though Sue warned him he would have to go on a diet, mind you she was smiling at the time so no doubt it has been tried and failed before. (Not saying he's over weight or anything. Okay I'll stop digging this hole.)

And before Sara asks - yes I took advantage of the sales and Robert being cheaper than the post, hope you all like them. Yes I do know it's sneaky dealing with all the year's birthdays and anniversaries at once, and leaving Mum or you to deal with it, but I will try and email everyone on the right days just to prove I still remember you all.

Glad to know enquires re goods are working out, thought it was best to give you main suppliers rather than our local one.

Attached are the notes for Dad from John … he said for quick answers you can give to Dad over the phone they are yes, no and no, in that order … I'm told he will understand … All the factual stuff is in the attachment, which Dad will need later when he meets with whoever he's dealing with. … Hope that makes sense.

Also there is an idea we've come up with to put something by for the twins, let me know if you like the idea. No rush and yes we would like to do something while they are babies.

On to us … good news about John, he is progressing well and has been given the go ahead regarding riding if all goes well, and he has to have 3 clear months of no blackouts, then he will be able to ride and walk alone … He is hoping eventually to drive our horse and trap but we will have to see about that. I've decided once baby is born I would like to try as well … we have bridleways so there wouldn't be any lorries or cars to worry about, though horse traffic may slowly be increasing. As he still has blackouts and needs a lot of rest …things are not clear-cut and the stress might be too much anyway.

As for me I'm fine, still keeping well (will give you scan photos when I get them so tell Sara not to worry) got lots of work on … but not too much … I know Dad was worried about finances don't be, John has put money by for the birth and baby in my name. I keep any money I earn, and I'm getting lift into work on days I have to travel, and can stay home if the roads look bad. (A lot of 'mother hens' around so Mum can stop worrying, Mandy calls in occasionally.)

Give love to everyone … take care of yourself … hope you and the babies do not get the bug! … Thanks for photos will need a new computer to store them on soon. (Only kidding) I will give Mum and Dad a ring one evening to check on you, that way you will not be disturbed too much.

Don't forget the rule … when babies and Sara sleep, so do you.

Meg.

Meg sent her mail and got up to go over to John and smiled remembering her last comment in the email. She knew she wouldn't sleep and was tempted to plant a gentle kiss on John's forehead as she got close, then resisted the temptation. Instead she would do her other favourite past time, that of sitting quietly on the sofa opposite and watch him as he lay stretched out, with his head resting on the cushion looking so peaceful as he slept.

She sat down quietly and made herself comfortable, feeling the slight changes in her body as the weeks of her pregnancy were progressing, and watched as with equal quietness Shep came from his favour place and rested his head on her lap, his dark eyes watching her as though in sympathy. She gave a whisper of a chuckle and stroked his head letting her mind drift back to the group discussion round the table in the conservatory in the hotel. The rest of the guests used the other lounges and dinning room so they could be private.

For a while she'd joined Sue looking out over the valley, which was stunningly beautiful in the snowstorm though they could hardly call it a storm, the wind had dropped so the snow slowly drifted down out of the sky with the added beauty of the sun shining over the rest of the valley. Eventually they got down to business - her families' future - she gave a sigh and a smile, it sounded cold. But, the conversation and care had certainly not been cold, and Sue gave them the unemotional outsiders view they needed to hear. Now, it was the waiting game, hoping that Casey would pick up the ball and run with it and Fate would not let it be dropped into the wrong hands.

The idea was simple, Robert using other firms had organised a Business and Conservation Conference in Sunset Beach, for the beginning of February knowing AJ would send Casey and possibly another on behalf of Liberty Corp., hopefully not only to get ideas but put some forward. From there they would be able to put the idea around he was head hunted for a job by Paul's firm via Matt's side of the business, which was big enough to hide any connection with Robert's organisation. If he just went to watch and listen then the other ploy would be an advertisement in the paper later on, and hopefully it would tempt him away from Sunset Beach, either route would take months and they would have to accept it. They now had a helping hand in that her family understood her reservations about being in Sunset Beach, even if they didn't know exactly what they were; also her pregnancy would make them more willing to take a chance on a move.

From what Robert knew of Casey's job at the moment, what John knew about Casey, as well as input from herself all meant they could target his likes, but not make it 'the dream job' or a too good to be true job. So, they came up with a conservation research job, which would include visiting firms as well as getting the interest of young people through clubs etc. The added enticements were free travel for family on business trips, as well as accommodation for the first six months. This would be a large house that Val was converting into two flats; one or both could be retained for her family with an added offer to purchase once they arrived if they wished, but that bit would be left out for now.

Feeling Shep move to get up Meg came out of her thoughts and realised that John was watching her, and smiled as he said a little sleepily. "Guess I needed that … Like a walk round the garden before we eat?"

She gave a gentle laugh, especially as Shep was already making his way over to the door; and got up and went over to help John up, who was sitting up now. Accepting her help he said gently. "You know I should be doing that to you, not you to me."

She smiled saying. "I'll let you when the time comes, and let you watch me sleep as well."

"Now that I can live with." John said with a smile, allowing her to steady the crutches as he slipped them on and steadies himself to start walking with her to the garden. Shep stood waiting for the command to step on the mat to open the door.

"Go on Shep!" John gently commanded.

Shep glanced back at the couple as if checking they were really coming, happy they were he stepped onto the mat, then ran a head as soon as the door opened.

Meg said with a laugh "You know our child will be doing that as soon as he or she can crawl or walk."

"Then Shep will bring him or her back." John said with chuckle, which Meg joined in with as she pictured the scene.