Chapter 49
To Meg the days since Casey's interview had taken place seemed to go slowly, even though they were full of work and happiness. She looked eagerly for mail from her sister at the every opportunity but there had been nothing, not even an he got home and everything survived … she'd expected something knowing how her sister could … would be excited on Casey's behalf … unless of course things had gone so wrong that she felt embarrassed on his behalf. But Casey wouldn't have and she'd had enough help for things to be okay. If something was wrong with the twins or Sara and Casey … her mother would have mailed, if it had been her parents' she would have mailed … so everything was alright in that department.
She thought about just mailing … 'How was the interview' and leave it at that … but she felt that was too pushy, too naggy sister … and consoled herself that they most probably wanted to think about and discuss things through and would come to her with a complete answer ... 'Yes we are doing it blah blah' or 'No we are not blah blah'. After all an 'We are just thinking about blah..' wouldn't really meant much would it?
Now, as she waited for the mail to load those thoughts had gone round enough times to make holes in her mind and temper, so she finally decided that if there was nothing in this lot she would write to Robert. Get information that way, perhaps Mat had told him the result, surely he would know as the men were from his organisation.
Not for the first time she wished Paul was back from his honeymoon, then they would have direct line in to what had happened, and then smiled knowing the couple were really enjoying themselves and deserved the time alone. ...
Oh she hated waiting.
Then noticed screaming out from amongst the junk and others the subject heading, 'That's so unfair!' with her sister's mail address.
Giving a whispered 'No' and with sinking heart she opened the mail. But as she read she started to smile and chuckle'
Both reactions got John's attention so he came over to have a peak guessing … hoping it was from family.
Hi Meg
Your Dad and I are up in arms!!!
Yes! … you are to blame !!!
Nope no creeping away from this one! You said it. SHE DID IT!
There are now TWO large framed photos - one on the wall at home and the other at your parent's home … yes … showing myself and your father with the twins asleep in the rocking chairs.
Hey! How could we help it if the twins decided to sleep as we sat there quietly keeping them away from your mother and sister? It's a lovely suntrap with no breeze to talk about and so as we ran out of things to say and we gently dozed off. Sneeky wife (Sara) found the camera and took the snap.
Needless to say we are both on the hunt for Wife, Mum-in-law and kids photos. THEY of course say it will never happen, as THEY never stay still long enough! Hmph.
SO if that's the case I reckon one of twins in tears and said exasperated adults will do.
Okay got that off my chest feel better.
Thought I would grab machine while Sara's looking after twins. … Umm bet there's a photo shot being missed.
I know you've been waiting for news so here it is.
Yep been for the interview, hotel was nice with everything laid on (oh that sounds so bad but you know what I mean … mind out of gutter girl!)
Offices are in a converted building but have a nice feel to them and were as shown in the photo on the other bumf. Walked from hotel to interview, as it was close by, so I got the feel of the place – Yep liked it.
Got scared because the other interviewees were also with me at the hotel, all knew their stuff and chatted about it. (Good ploy to put others off) That's when I found out just how big this firm is … okay rephrase that … just how big the company behind this small company is … and that is mega big as in offices in practically every state and some abroad. … Help!
Just thought, did you come across them when you worked in Boston and went to that big conference? If so why did you not warn me … Umm Of course that was a while ago and they use their company as links to others, think that was what Robert's organisation was doing at the conference here.
Okay on to the interview, two men from the main organisation took it (Yep suited and intimidating, dripped money, trust and experience) they said Paul was away on honeymoon (lucky fellow). They explained I would be working alongside the said Paul but also accountable to these two, hence them taking the interview. My group (number of staff to be decided but would be at least two – with me makes three) when up and running would be an offshoot from theirs and would be researching their ideas, plus the new ones for getting the conservation ideas across to kids, young adults in clubs, schools and colleges etc. Also any ideas from our group would be expected so not a one way street of their thoughts only.
They started talking money for projects and my eyes must have bulged because they admitted as they would be working new ideas there would be failures as well as successes also they would be long term projects. Though failures were catered for they were not wanted. Guess everyone knew that, but it was nice to hear it and they would be only a phone call away for help. Yeah, waiting outside headmaster's study feeling came back with a rush. Made mental note to self if accepted … No Failures!!
As you can imagine my eyes lit up when they talked about kids and clubs. Guess they knew as we chatted about that for quite a while. Then they went through everything I knew and a lot I did not … just as well I mugged up on everything I could find as well as sorting out ideas of my own. I think if the interview had been immediately after applying I would have been sunk without trace. So I'm glad we had weeks to mug up it.
As I said before I thought they knew a lot more than I did, but I noticed in the chat at the hotel before the interviews they were more interested in the travel side, and using the job as a step up into the bigger business. Their attitude seemed to be … I don't know … sort of slick and a bit uncaring for the small company they would be working for, so I decided to make the point in the interview I would be happy to stay where I was and live in the town with an eye on a move in several years time if needed.
I felt as though I crawled out of the office on my knees, mind you so did the other five, so in that respect we all felt the same. Somehow we all made it through lunch, which thinking about it was very nice. As we ate we all chatted and dissected the interviews and came up the most likely candidate to win who was Johnson … he had all the qualifications, slick presentation and ideas … uck!!
Well to my surprise (and everyone else's no doubt) I was called back in and offered the job.
Wow!!!
(Just to recap - so I knew where everyone stood before I went we had a family talk covering all possibilities and I had my orders to take it if I liked it and the town looked nice.)
So I said Yes!!
Well, then they put another idea to me, which I had to take home and think about. That is working from Sunset Beach for a year using the Internet as our link and I would travel from home … and use Paul's office as a base after that. It showed me they cared about my young family and I have to admit the idea did appeal. But I know we all want to move (and that is not only because you are not with us so don't feel guilty.) I think we would like a fresh start of our own so said thanks but we were happy to move, but I would take the idea back with me and confirm later.
So with all that in mind I was escorted round the town so saw all nooks and carnies and must say it is beautiful … so different to SB. The airport (on the outskirts) is fairly small. Well small private, commercial small and medium size short flights are catered for, but it has a good plane taxi service to the larger airport for the usual commercial long flights so travelling would not be a problem. Well it worked okay for me. The town itself is growing, the new mixing in with the old rather than a take over bid, ie knock old down and build new. There are some other smaller towns further up and down and across the valley so lots to see and the mountains of course. Yep could not miss those.
Roads are fairly good … some wide and some narrow, though could be closed in winter due to snow, must make sure I'm snowed in not snowed out of home. There is the added bonus of getting into Canada via plane or road; your parents noticed the possibility when they were on holiday so they picked up some information about boarders etc. They would like to go back there in the summer or autumn to see the differences so that was one thumbs up from the start.
We know that it will be quite a bit quieter than here because of the distance between the towns and it's not on a big holiday route as SB is. But there is a small, possibly growing, holiday trade which covers all seasons and as Sara says the family farm was not exactly in the City or town and that was okay. Also we will have the kids to concentrate on as well and anything your parents might decide to do, so definitely will not get bored.
Picked up the odd paper to take home so we could see what was what in the news front and was shown around the flats they offered with the job Contrary to fears they are fantastic. Though converted rather than newly built they are really modern, very large, everything inside ie kitchen is new – can be furnished or unfurnished. Seriously thinking of furnished at least the basics – just take the kids stuff – the cots were presents from friends and our stuff of course. Must make sure any furniture is kid proof but I guess they will take that into consideration.
Large garden, which can be arranged as we want it, at the moment it is lawn with a veg plot at the bottom … will have to find out who owns the veg, of course they might clear it before we move in. Looked at details of other flats and saw one thanks to guide and decided that this offer was the best. Especially as the rent is very low - basic insurance and utilities for the first six months, then if we want to stay on the rent will go up in stages till it gets to the normal rent for the area. Well we can live with that.
Of course, it will depend on whether we like the neighbours who I think will be living upstairs as I hope they don't think we will be carrying the twins and clutter up and down stairs all the time. I think I should emphasis to them the patter of tiny and heavy feet going across their ceiling (our floor) might be disturbing especially as the kids get older and more active. (Hey First fight – nope don't think so somehow as I can see them using downstairs for eating and upstairs for sleeping save on walking up and downstairs. Not going to tell them the upstairs floor is soundproofed so noise will not come through.)
Upstairs flat has a balcony big enough for table and chairs as well as a few large pots with plants in so that should please Hank … think I'll tell him he can have the veg plot if he likes, otherwise I expect that will go to shrubs or grass. The balcony acts as part of our covered decking area so we can eat in the dry.
As for the view … umm basically one way is across town and should look good at night, the other looks at the mountains, which of course change with the seasons. Yes we do have neighbours but we are not overlooked too much. Needless to say upstairs has the better view another thing I would point out to them. The road seems to fairly quiet and joins with a main one into town with a bus stop at the top, also there are a couple of schools and shops within easy distance, area is mixed residential – dream coming true.
So I arrived home at the dead of night … plane was on time but it felt like it to me … and we had our big talk and looked at the pics I took of apartments and view. Before we slept we confirmed by email that we would move and would like the apartments fully furnished.
Yep, your parents upstairs, us downstairs, your father pointed out that their place was furnished so they would have to buy new anyway so this was the easier way and the rent was also set in stages. We are debating about cars, your dad's is coming to the end of its life … just to prove it, it broke down as they were leaving so they stayed the rest of the night. It's in the garage awaiting repair … Hank will sell it and buy a new one when we all get there. Think the garage owner suggested price for spares rather than straight sell to go on second hand market. Yes the garage owner lived to tell the tale but only just!
As for mine it's fairly new so I'm going to see if it comes under moving arrangements in which case I'm hoping they will fly it out to the larger airport and I can drive it the rest of the way or fly it on the two trips. I certainly would not want to drive it over the mountains. … I suppose it could go by lorry as our other stuff might have too if flights are not provided.
Oh the thought of sorting it all out!
If you are wondering about me being out of water … well there is a swimming pool so I can get wet occasionally. Buy a sandpit if I miss the beach, say I'm thinking of the kids! and playing with the kids in it. I know Sara told you about riding which I have not done recently… okay okay, not since I was knee high but who's counting and I'm sure it's easy to relearn, perhaps a small … soft … one to start off with. Well, we will have a choice as there are stables in town and further up the valley which do holiday rides into the mountains as well as into the valley. Hey even your parents might like to take it up again!!!
Attaching more details of town and a map of the area, marked where apartments are. Looking at the map again and thinking about things if we feel we need to have space or your parents want somewhere more out in the country but have the amenities of a small town there is a place up the valley that looks interesting. It's about an hour away and just off the road to Canada so I guess it would not be clear during the winter, but being snug cut off by snow could be an advantage… providing you've got all the amenities and food of course.
Never managed to get a look at that one or get details as I had a plane to catch, but we can do that when we arrive and sorted ourselves out ... something for the future. There were some job ideas in the papers but I think we would want to wait a couple of months before looking anyway. Hank reckons their savings will last and still have something left to put into a business if needs be and we hopefully will have some money from the shop. The fact we will be paying very little for the accommodation will help all round.
We thought we would move sometime in June give us time to settle knowing you might need Joan when you have your son.
Wow that feels strange and nice.
But as Sara said there is NO pressure in visual contact between us if it is difficult … I understand your reservations about family closeness and add we will respect your conditions with love.
I ask only one thing. Trust in your love for John and us. Just as I trust in the love I have for Sara and our family.
Know that this job is right for me and I'm really looking forward to the challenge and change.
I know we will be leaving close friends behind but Sara and I are happy about this. Your parents are also happy in what they and we are doing.
On to business of the apartment here, can we do anything for you … I assume you will not be travelling here just to sort it out. Is there any furniture you want packed up and stored or for us to take with us. I will go through all cupboards etc and collect any bits that you might have unknowingly missed and pack them up safe for you or let you know what they are so we can get rid of them if necessary.
So, on to Sunset Sisters what do you want us to do, we think we might be able to get a buyer … Bette has heard whispers but will not say anything till we hear from you. As you know the money from a complete sale will be useful rather than being sleeping partners to someone in Sunset Beach. Though the way profits are ticking over it could be a good short-term idea, we always could sell our partnership and leave yours in if you wish. I'm pretty sure whatever happens Sara will want to buy into something after we have moved or do some part time business because she needs that kind of outside contact.
Your parents have already said they are not ready to retire just yet and like the idea of splitting babysitting and business in a threesome. It's been working well here so that is a thought. While looking at the papers and area Hank hinted about something to do with farming and animals. Sara and Mum said 'no too old to start again' needless to say he was a bit hurt but understood as your Mum reminded him of cold long nights and it would be cold days in the winter. So there is still a lot of sorting out and of course we would wait till we suss out the area anyway.
As I said earlier we sent the acceptance before we slept and we got official acceptance of job and flats today news about furnishings is to follow … … hence the silence till now as we didn't want to give you half a story.
Just thought how does a farmer's café sound LOL
As for the Shock Wave there are two options being thought of Tim buying Hank out, which would be hard for Tim (Not too sure how he is financed) or Hank could sell with Tim being part of the deal as a manager. I hope this will work as he has done very well in the job and Hank says he has no worries about leaving the place in Tim's hands if a suitable sale has not occurred by the time we move. You have to admit your father would not have said that a couple of years ago.
Time certainly changes things and so do people.
After all who would have thought that Tim who hated Ben would have accepted his daughter? Yes there is a bond between the father and uncle in fact between the two families. When you see them together the likeness is striking it must be the eyes and smile, and of course that sleeping temper, though not in girls I hence to add … well not yet.
Yep Benjy has it as some school bullies found out, but like Ben it takes a lot to get it roused and is short and sharp … glad to say everything was fine no one really got hurt and Benjy is back to his gentle fun loving self. As for wondering if Abby will be hurt by the fact she is not Tim's I believe the bond there will be strong enough and they always refer to Ben as uncle and Benjy as a cousin so it should be quiet natural.
Otherwise all gossip is as in the emails friends send and the papers on the web, which I know you read, so everything is peaceful.
Thinking about the paper … of course as I've told AJ, Bette knew hence the tip off about a possible buyer … she wanted to do an article I've asked her not to or make it small and near the time we actually move and only mention the State if needs be. I must admit she looked puzzled so I explained we are just an ordinary family now and she smiled said she understood, so the grapevine will be verbal not via the paper and they only know the State not the town we are going to. She is of course sad we are going but we promised to keep in touch she sends her love and thanks for mail and will get reply off fairly soon.
Of course everyone here send you and John love. … Glad to know things are going on all right.
Casey.
While reading the mail Meg felt John's arm around her shoulders now as she finished she silently tucked into his embrace, suddenly feeling happy and yet scared … it was all happening … her family would be with them soon.
A thought crossed her mind so she pushed away a little so she could talk to him and asked. "What about the apartment?"
John nodded and said thoughtfully as Meg moved so she could send a reply to Casey. "Friend of ours would be best. Guess things will really start moving now."
Meg put her hand on John's as he gave her a slow smile; she knew he had reservations about the families' reactions once they knew the truth and said softly to reassure him. "Casey said he wanted to come … looking forward to the challenge … his decision, their decision John."
John nodded and added softly "He knows you are somewhere nearby and wants to reassure you that he wanted it and your privacy will be safe no matter how close you are."
She looked at him and realised just how well he knew Casey and nodded thinking back over the mail and knew she could not write a long answer yet. So wrote.
Congratulations Casey!!
John sends congratulations as well.
What an upheaval to come.
Town and apartments sounds great will look at information later.
Will think about apartment, in the meantime you might keep ear to ground and see if a friend of the family wants it that would make it easy to transfer rather than sell on the open market, be back later on that.
As for Sunset Sisters I will leave that in Sara's capable hands regarding selling as a whole business … I know we started 50 – 50 but as she and mum been doing all the work don't mind different ratio. … Well I know you will keep an eye on her and so will Dad so have a think about it.
Be in touch soon.
Love to everyone.
Meg
She turned to John as she pressed the send key and asked "What if Casey can't find a friend and we have to sell, surely your friend would want your brother's first refusal possibly would want to explain it to me because the Casita was not worth the price of the apartment."
John gave a gentle chuckle, "My brother could just claim he had forgotten about it after all a million is not much compared to what he or my friend has now. He need not explain anything to you just give you a reasonable amount. You can write to him care of Robert say Sara and Casey are moving and you want to put a new tenant in then we wait and see what happens. You could use Robert's lawyers regarding Sunset Sisters and the apartment. It would be one way of keeping a barrier between you and everyone else after all they are good going concerns and it would be quite reasonable for Derek to have a look. Robert will also know what's going on."
"Hadn't thought of that" Meg said quietly as her mind raced on. "I cannot believe it's really happening June and they will be here. Val knew they would fall in love with the apartments, she always said she wanted the house to be looked after." She gave a gentle giggle thinking about their friend as she carried on, "She might look like a bubbly blonde but her head is certainly not in the clouds. You can tell Casey's already smitten and that was on a quick look round. When she hits them with the choice of furniture etc they are not going to be able to believe it.
Meg paused for a moment then said a bit more seriously. "I know they are only kidding about neighbours being good I'm sure they will be, but being just upstairs is going to be different from being across the town as they are now."
She could not help laughing seeing John's expression and remembered his interaction with her father, then saw a flash of apprehension cross his face and knew he was thinking about the face-to-face meeting they would have to have and that nothing was going to stop it now. It was actually going to happen.
They both knew there would be anger and hurt from her family and Casey but she knew there would be love and understanding as well so she said gently to try and reassure him. "It will be fine and they will understand John. You've given them a chance to walk away, Casey did not have to take the job, he wanted too. Once here if he decides it's not for him there are other jobs, there's something for Mum and Dad even Sara and they have the two towns to choose from or more on the other side of the valley. Hurt feelings at first perhaps but nothing else, especially when they see how happy we are, you faced my anger and my love … it will be all right."
She saw a slow smile cross his face and the light in his eyes come back and kissed him, then said gently. "Come on Shep needs a walk and so do I. We really will have to decide what to call our son otherwise we will be calling him Scamp or even Fidget after his father. To be honest I don't know who is worse at the moment." She smiled at his scowl at her gentle true tease and ran her hand over her bump, feeling the baby settle. She then stretched feeling her back muscles ease and got up and got her jacket and called. "Come on Shep!"
John laughed and got his coat and followed them out.
They walked along the path watching Shep running on ahead then Meg asked. "How's the stable I noticed another horse in there when I went into town, was that someone in for the day?"
John picked up the stick Shep had dropped at his feet and handed it to Meg to throw while they stood still for him to answer. It was a natural habit they had got into over the months, so much so she found she did it with other people, which had interesting results.
She threw the stick and felt John gently rub the small of her back and heard his gentle chuckle as he answered. "Yes, Mr Jones of Platers rang Jim to see if he could use the stables apparently his car had broken down, we had room so gave him a price, which he liked. Then this afternoon he asked if he could take it for a few more days as the repair is going to take longer than they thought. Apparently the garage offered him a car but he rather liked the fact he could use the bridle path said it was quieter and quicker than the road. Mind you it has not rained on him yet."
Knowing Mr Jones Meg laughed as John carried on. "Could be starting a trend as we've had a few other enquires including some who want to come in with their traps and carts for the market. Had a chat with Tony and he's going to give us access to the spare land behind his office so we might keep them there. Horse and cart park type thing, of course the horses will have to be watched and tied up with their carts, unless the owners unhitch them, so we will have to think everything through before we say yes. Possibly do it on the understanding we are all learning.
Trying not to sound too concerned he added. "Bill's stated sniffing around wanting to run a big article in the paper about the stable complex and possibilities, I told him we were not big enough for that so we wanted word and mouth only, piled it on that we have the holiday rides at the hotel to cater for. He backed down a bit and it's going to focus on Jim and his shop with just a slight mention about the renovation of the stables leaving me out of it. Guess I will have to ask Jack to have a gentle word with him, mind you that could be counter productive in his case so perhaps it's best left alone. Hey, you never know we might have to put hitching post outside every office and shop next."
Shep came back with the stick and dropped it at John's feet asking for more so he picked it up and threw it as Meg replied. "Oh yes I can see it now horse queues instead of traffic queues. … I was watching Jackie on Snow White she's a good rider I'm glad they get on so well."
John put his arm round her shoulders hearing the slight tone of sadness in her voice as she finished talking and said gently. "You miss Snow White."
"Yes" then with a sigh of acceptance she added. "There's always the autumn or early winter to ride and share her. Come on … littlen needs to sit down."
"That's right blame the poor lad." John gently teased then called. "Come on Shep, home!" keeping his arm protectively around her shoulders they walked home in the fading light as the sun set behind the mountains.
oxoxo
As John and Meg did not have a rushed morning they sat and read Sara's early mail, the subject title made them smile even before they open the attachment of pictures. "Weeeeeeee! See Pics!"
Hi Sis
Help!!! We are moving!! Oh what a thought!
Not sure whether the butterflies are fear or excitement …….. Oh the last one I think Wow!!!"
Oh by the way just in case you have not looked at the pics THEY are moving too!!!
Why oh why can't they be like other babies and CRAWL!!! Oh perhaps they will it was just a one off!
As you can see we have the largest playpen ever! at least they can not climb over the sofa … yet … I mean to say you can hardly see Mark's face when he's up against the sofa, and of course Susan in one step behind. … Oh I really didn't say that did I … talk about tempting fate!
Oh but you should have seen them it was beautiful as well as shocking! Mind you we still have to work out exactly how the little Herberts did it … Okay I admit it they only did one step or one and a half before falling back on their bums (do you think if we took off their diapers they will stop. … Umm cancel that way too messy) To cap it all there were no tears just silence and then a giggle … yep THAT giggle of course as Sir managed to snap the pictures I think he must have been in on the whole thing!
Anyway we have decided to play safe and put the gate so they can not climb the stairs but left the bottom one free so they use it … suckers aren't we … well it's the only way we think they managed to get up right and the sofa was next to the stairs as Casey had moved it earlier. Never again will that sofa be moved near the stairs!!!
Seriously love the idea of moving in June … Oh My … it will be May soon!!! Okay a slight exaggeration I know but guess it will be thinking cap time. So expect silence for a while ... Oh Ben has asked Dad if he can use the Shock Wave for Sam's first birthday party he's making sure Benjy has a celebration at the same time so we will most probably move after that.
You know the more I think of it the more I KNOW Casey set me up regarding the twins I mean to say their legs can not really support them yet … can they? … and all they have done since is roll around and suck their toes. Oh yes and giggle.
But hey they are really cute pics of them though … Oh yes … I will get my own back on my husband never fear.
Love you both
Sara.
After looking through the pictures Meg sorted out a reply while John still laughing at them made a cup of tea.
Hi Sis
Well what can you expect they have such wonderful parents. LOL
Don't be too hard on Casey (remember pics on the wall) and I agree the pictures true or false are wonderful … thanks.
Let me know what you are thinking and planning so I can help if needs be, I know Casey would have shown you my mail so take care and don't panic.
The three of us are fine. Okay I will admit to back ache some of the time.
Love Meg.
John pushed the cup of tea towards her saying. "You need to tell Robert, you can do it from here if you wish just use the right mail address."
Meg nodded got up and got the disk from upstairs; when she came back down she was not surprised that John had made himself comfortable at the table near the computer so he could see what she wrote. Her glance also took in the plate of biscuits by his cup of tea ... Yeah he could be wicked sometimes.
He looked at her then pushed them towards her cup of tea saying, "It's not polite to eat alone and you need to keep your strength up."as he took his hand away from the plate he snagged a biscuit and took a bite.
'Yeah well, who could resist his words along with that innocent look that went his very innocent sort of pleading voice?' She laughed and took a biscuit as ordered and was rewarded with a teasing loving smile from him which left her feeling weak at the knees. Still with a little of her mouthful left she could not resist the comment. "You know if our baby has any part of you we are sunk!"
She nearly keeled over as his eyes were bright and his voice full of mischief as he replied "In that case we are definitely sunk as it will have part of you as well and I never could resist you especially with that look."
She giggled knowing they were both 'sunk in love' and shaking her head slightly to try and get back to what they were meant to be doing put the disk in and started up her mail to Robert.
Hi Robert
Just to let you know we are still alive and well … may be not after Paul comes home … though … but hey that will teach him to chose Mat (and John) as best man, if you see what I mean.
Glad to know Mat gave you a copy of video of the reception, of course Paul does not know he had it taken yet!!! But you must admit his face was a picture of shock and giggles … come to that Val was having a hard time keeping a straight face so I guess she must have known the story. … John will explain in depth if you ask nicely.
The bride and groom were such a lovely couple, even on tape you could see he was knocked out by her dress and her of course, and what's more important nothing went wrong!!!! Not even that little pageboy … Wow … the video of it was good. Didn't Sandy look smart and the carriage of course, yeah, okay Simon as well, can't leave him out after all. … okay, okay that glimpse of Jackie … satisfied now! But all those relations!!!!!
I suppose I should have guessed Mat would have arranged to have the whole thing to be taped… bless him.
Simon has had a few of requests for firm dates over the next couple of months and even one for next year!!! We will have to keep them to a minimum because of travelling down the valley and our bookings up here … At least he remembered to say it would be a different horse and driver … I suppose we could set up a branch down there … umm might think about it would certainly be easier.
I agree cake was nice … see we got a piece each! … so did Mandy and Jack.
We had a lovely film sent by special courier of them in Venice … Oh my … it was lovely, next time you are coming by we will show you.
Now for the real exciting news – at last!
Last night Casey sent mail to say he has accepted the job and they will move in June. Oh boy … not sure who is the most nervous at the moment … them or us. Most likely just after Sam's birthday as Ben has asked Dad for the hire of the Shock Wave. It sounds like a wonderful idea for both Benjy and Sam even though she will not understand any of it, and because Dad and Benjy get on so well it will be a good way to say goodbye to him.
Can't believe it will be June when they come … to think in June last year I walked away from love of everyone I cared for only to eventually find my real destiny and soulmate. So much has happened and changed it still gives me shivers and now this year they will be coming here.
Meg felt John's gentle light kiss on her head, the quiet loving words 'I love you' as she wrote her words. She stopped and looked at him seeing his eyes bright with happiness then turned back to her mail, feeling his light touch on her shoulder. Her mind flashed through the times from the beginning to now when she sat and watched him walk in the gardens with Shep or ride Sandy and wrote ….
Nothing stays still for long does it?
Oh saying that!
The twins are trying to walk …. Oh poor Sara … go and get her to show you the pictures they are great.
Though she is coming round to the idea that Casey set the whole thing up to get back at her. You will understand why when you go to their apartment.
A whispered word from John brought her back to the serious side of her email.
Umm a favour for John and me if you can … once my family move would it be possible for you to still send us news and film of our other family, funny though it may seem we would miss your updates on them, especially as they are so happy. And yes we will still value your friendship and visits.
We have decided when our son is old enough (possibly in his twenties) he will see the videos you have given us and know his other family and history.
I need your help regarding the apartment and the shop obviously I cannot use Charles as legal help so I would like to channel things through you or your legal partner in Sunset or Seattle rather than Boston. There is a history regarding my apartment, which you need to hear as it could complicate things. John has all the details, he's the guilty party … in a nice way though.
I'll let you decided, which way you want to deal with hearing about it but it should be as soon as possible. There is always a spare room in the apartment here for you if you want a quick stop over.
John gently pointed out. "As Casey knows you are close tell Robert we will use plan B when your family come."
"Sure?"
"Yeah get it over with I mean Casey's going to find your name on the files at Paul's office so they might just as well know as soon as possible."
"So Sunday lunch then."
John nodded then started another biscuit giving her one, which she took and ate as carried on with her mail.
By the wording of Casey's mail John thinks he knows I'm nearby of course he will find out I am very close as soon as he looks through the files in the office. So if Mat can arrange for their flight to be on a Saturday morning they will have the rest of the day to settle in and we will invite them up to the hotel for Sunday lunch. Jack could pick them up in the 'traveller' if necessary; we will have him and Mandy as well as our hawks to mediate if necessary. Not that I think it will be necessary perhaps we can discuss details later.
Glad to know family are well and the girls are keeping you on your toes!!
Love
Meg and John
Meg glanced at John who nodded and smiled so she pressed the keys and watched the letters changed then tried to swipe the last chocolate biscuit only to find John was quicker.
She pouted knowing what it would do to him and he smiled then broke it into pieces to feed it to her slowly … making her giggle. Shep who was sitting on the floor at the end of the table gave a couple barks and wagged his tail … hopefully.
John and Meg stopped looked at each other then John sighed then said. "Guess we'll have to let him have the last bit." Meg nodded and watched as John gave Shep the last bit saying. "Okay bossy-boots; let's get on with the day then." He looked back at Meg as he added, "I'll see you lunch time I've got to deal with the riding school stables."
Meg laughed, "Stable lad again I see."
John smiled and nodded, then added softly "Free afternoon for good behaviour though."
"Oh Promises Promises." Meg teased and was delighted with the parting kiss he gave her before he left the apartment.
She stayed seated watching him walk towards the paddock with Shep bouncing along beside him and had a flash of the future as Casey and two children walked beside him, she laughed at the idea and decided she would finish her work upstairs.
oxoxo
The reply from Robert came late afternoon and was short and to the point.
Meg
Your wish is my command … In Boston … see you tomorrow (being Tuesday) … after lunch … apartment will be great … Sue will bring extra hankies.
Robert.