Walter and Paige walked into CP the next Thursday after dropping Ralph at school, all smiles. It was impossible to miss and so of course they were pressed for an explanation.
"All of you will just have to wait." Walter told them. "How is everyone doing on time with their projects?"
"Well I just started mine the other day." Happy said. "But based on how long the job was bid to be completed I'm about four days ahead already." Happy grinned.
Walter smiled as he looked at Sylvester.
"I'm two days ahead right now." Sylvester explained.
Walter nodded.
"Great, we'll be taking a half day today." Walter started.
"Don't you want to know about mine?" Toby complained.
"You don't have one currently." Walter reminded him. "However, if my overture goes through, that will be remedied in a few days, maybe a week at most."
"Wait, what?" Toby asked quickly.
"Anyway as I was saying. We're taking half a day.
Lunch will be provided as we have some news to share with everyone. Once it is over you are free to go spend the day on whatever you want to do." Walter told them.
"Sounds good to me." Happy laughed before walking to her area.
"Uh, it will be from a place with an A+ rating, right?" Sylvester asked cautiously.
Walter rolled his eyes at Paige who quickly nodded.
"Of course it will be Sly, we know your phobia." Paige told him.
"Oh good, thank you." Sylvester told her and then walked back to his desk.
"So, what are you trying to set me up for?" Toby asked.
"What an interesting way of putting it." Walter eyed him. "Toby, one of the biggest drawbacks my brother has failed to correct for CP is the lack of jobs he can bill for your services. Granted being the company's primary care is something. And specifically helping Ralph means the world to us as his parents. But we can't let our personal feelings interfere in what is best for the company. But being such a small company it is a waste of time and resources. So while you were gone to Paris, Paige and I met with the board of directors of the Los Angeles Children's Hospital. We're going to be donating sixteen to twenty four hours of your time each week to them. To help with care either physically or mentally when children or their families need help." Walter explained.
"And this will give us a great tax write off. And before you get upset at Walter, this was my idea." Paige told him.
Walter saw Toby was about to whine and he made a subtle gesture. Toby's eyes opened wide and he paused.
"Toby, while it was Paige's idea I approved it. But there is another benefit to this both for you and for you to consider." Walter told him quietly.
Toby frowned as he fought to get his anger under control.
"Such as?" Toby questioned.
"Such as the self-improvement project you've been working on with Cabe. You do this right, really commit to it. This will help you mature emotionally and it will help elevate you in Happy's eyes." Paige told him quickly.
"You still love her don't you?" Walter asked.
"Of course I do." Toby told them, blushing.
"Then do not whine about this and do not slack off when it comes to it." Walter told him before extending his hand.
Toby swallowed but reached out and shook his hand.
Before they left for lunch Walter quietly had an individual meeting with each member of CP.
"As stated earlier, Paige and I have an announcement to make at lunch, all you need to know is that what we reveal is the truth. If you try to question anything further, I will be swift in my retribution. This one time, let it go and just be happy for us. Understand?" Walter told them. Each one quickly nodded in agreement.
Walter and Paige walked into Joanie's downtown, arm in arm, with the entire gang including Ralph and Anthony following behind them for lunch.
Cabe, Toby and Sylvester all swallowed hard looking at the interior and how fancy everything was. Walter had already told everyone that they could order whatever they wanted off the menu. Not to ask or worry about the price.
Megan and Happy quickly ordered first, setting an example. Paige and Mark ordered next, followed by Sylvester and Toby. Megan ordered for Anthony while Paige helped Ralph pick something. Cabe kept hemming about it but after Walter cleared his throat Cabe finally placed his steak order. Walter then placed his order and the waitress smiled and left them.
"Well as most of you know, today is Megan's birthday and that is one reason for lunch and the rest of the day off. So first, Paige, would you care to do the honor?" Walter asked.
Paige smiled even as Megan blushed. She began singing "Happy Birthday Megan" and everyone joined in. As the singing came to an end and a polite round of applause from other patrons Walter looked at everyone.
"We've already discussed this with Ralph, and my sister and brother already knew about our suspicion, but so you all know. Paige and I learned not long ago that we actually had met some years ago, in 2005. The circumstances are not important, only that we didn't realize it until the other day. As a result we sent in a DNA test and we got proof back yesterday that shows that Ralph is really my son." Walter told them proudly.
Toby's mouth automatically opened and Walter's eyes glared at him and it closed before he swallowed and joined in congratulating them. Megan had pulled Ralph in and hugged him tightly while kissing him over and over.
"The other thing we wanted to announce." Walter started after everything quieted down. "Paige and I are taking two weeks of vacation when school lets out for the Christmas break. That's why there are no jobs scheduled during it. So long as you are meeting your deadlines, we'll all be off for the rest of the year at that point and yes, with pay."
"Are you doing anything special?" Happy asked.
"Against my better judgment, I've allowed Paige and Megan to convince me to take the six of us over to Ireland. Our Father most likely will not live to see the return of Summer." Walter told them. "While they have met my favorite nephew, he deserves to see his Grandfather again and Ralph deserves to meet them both while his Grandfather is still able."
"Is there nothing that can be done to save him?" Happy asked quietly.
"Most likely not." Megan spoke up. "Walter did get some of the top doctors in the US to go over his case but…what he was exposed to was so deadly. Walter had a better chance after the car crash."
Walter reached over and squeezed her hand in support.
Friday morning everyone was working on their various jobs. The Garage door opened and a man a few years older than Walter and a younger woman walked into the Garage.
"Walter." The man said as he looked around and then saw him at a desk.
"Robert, what brings you by?" Walter asked as he stood up.
Robert began walking over and the woman followed along behind him.
"I've got papers you need to sign, it would be a lot easier if you came to my office." Robert said.
Walter's eyes narrowed.
"Easier for who?" Walter asked with an edge. "I pay you to examine, write and evaluate contracts for me. I pay you a hefty hourly fee which you charge me from the time you leave your office to the time you get back. Would you care to put how much I earn per minute versus how much you make? See which one of us stands to lose more by traveling to the other? Would you like to pay me for my time to come to your office and back?"
Robert shook his head quickly.
"So don't talk to me about me coming to you being easier." Walter told him.
"That's not what I meant Walter, it came out wrong, I'm sorry." Robert said quickly. "I apologize. I've got papers for you to sign on those stocks you want to sell as well as the final papers for that purchase. Ms Babcock will notarize as well as she needs to go over a few papers concerning the house and stuff with Ms Dineen if she is available."
"Ms Dineen is right here." Walter gestured to Paige.
Robert sat down with Walter and Ms Babcock sat down with Paige and began going over all the paperwork.
Paige frowned looking at the title of the first page and looked over at Walter and then back down at the paper.
"What the hell Walter?" Paige demanded as she stood up.
"Love?" Walter looked up at her puzzled.
"First, we haven't even discussed getting married. And while I have no problem signing a prenup, I do expect you to respect me enough to talk to me about it before giving me one to sign." Paige told him hotly. "But here, here's my signature on it. I can't believe you think I am here with you because of your money." Paige said as she slammed her fist on the desk and quickly signed the paper.
"What? Stop! I did no such thing." Walter told her as he looked at Robert. "What are you trying to pull?" Walter demanded as he stood up.
"I'm not trying to pull anything. Agnes told us that you were getting very serious with Paige so we drafted a standard prenup to protect your assets." Robert told him.
"First, you…do not try to get ahead of yourself. I and I alone tell you what and when, not a second before on anything. Is that understood?" Walter demanded.
Robert nodded.
"Second, Paige does not have to sign a prenup. What is mine is hers, period. End of the discussion, do I make myself clear?" Walter told him in a very loud voice.
Robert nodded.
"We just thought." Robert started.
"Stop, right there. Your job is to think about what I bring to you and nothing else in regards to me. I don't care what anyone else does. You owe Ms Dineen a heartfelt apology for this." Walter told him as he walked over and took the contract Paige signed and tore it in half. "And there better not be one charge related to this contract, do I make myself clear?"
"Ms Dineen, I apologize for having overstepped my authority. I didn't mean to insult you or to misrepresent my client's position. I assure you that Walter did not ask us to draft the prenup. We do that on our own to protect our clients.
Paige huffed.
"I'm sorry Walter. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt first instead of getting upset. Have them send another copy and I will sign it." Paige told him as she stepped away from her desk and into his arms.
"No, you won't. I told you, what's mine is yours, when we get married that will just fulfill the legal aspect." Walter told her.
Paige smiled.
"Right, so I could walk out of here and drive down to the marina and buy a fifty million dollar yacht with your money." Paige laughed as she looked at Happy and then back to Walter. Paige frowned at the expression on his face.
"Walter? Tell me I can't do that." Paige said seriously as her stomach rolled.
Walter pulled out his wallet and pulled his American Express black credit card out. He held it out to her.
"I have never considered buying a yacht before. But, if that is what you want to do, yes." Walter smiled.
Paige's eyes bulged as she stared at him and then grabbed her mouth. Her stomach tossed and turned on her.
"I got to sit down." Paige muttered through her hand. Walter grabbed her arm and helped her to sit.
"You okay Paige?" Walter asked, watching her breathing rapidly increasing.
"I think so." Paige said as she looked at him. "You can't be serious." Paige said as she looked at the card still in his hand.
"I'm sorry if I shocked you, I didn't mean to. But yes, if you wanted to go buy a yacht I'd gladly give you the card to go buy one. Your copy of the card should arrive by Tuesday anyway. It's only money Paige." Walter smiled.
"My copy? You can't be serious Walter." Paige gasped.
"Why? Have I not demonstrated it enough that I'd give you anything I could? I know there will be times we won't be together and something might catch your eye. The card just ensures you can get it without having to wait to talk to me." Walter told her softly.
Paige shook her head in disbelief.
"Please put that away." Paige said, still looking at the card.
Walter smiled as he nodded and put it away.
"Surely they would question me trying to use it." Paige smiled.
"They might, but if they called the company they would find you on my list of authorized users." Walter smiled.
"When did you do that?" Paige demanded.
"The day before we went to Papa Carpini's." Walter explained.
"Walter, can we get back to the paperwork?" Robert asked.
"No. You can keep sitting there charging me twenty nine dollars and seventeen cents a minute. When Paige is okay then we can talk about the paperwork." Walter growled.
Paige smiled.
"It's okay Walter, go ahead and finish with them. I'll be fine." Paige smiled.
"If I finish with him right now he might walk out of here one client short." Walter smiled. "Would you like some water?"
Paige smiled and nodded.
Walter kissed her tenderly and then walked into the kitchen and brought her a bottle of water.
Paige took the bottle after Walter broke the seal. She smiled before taking several sips. Her eyes closed for a minute.
"This is going to take so much to get used too. Walter, you just keep blowing me away." Paige smiled. "I'm not used to such transactions. Let alone as in how nonchalantly that you conduct them. Watching you write that check to Patrick for one hundred thousand the other night freaked me out. And here you just greenlighted me to spend fifty million dollars without a second thought or even a discussion."
Walter smiled as he kissed her cheek.
"I am sorry Paige. It was never my intention to overwhelm you like that. If you'd like, I'll do my best to at least discuss money matters with you, rather than just saying do it. And if I have to write checks I'll do it in a different room." Walter smiled.
"You are too sweet. I know it wasn't your intention and you don't have to discuss every money matter. After all, you didn't discuss my art room you spent all that money on." Paige laughed as Walter nodded his head. "Go ahead and finish the paperwork, love." Paige told him as she stroked his cheek.
"Do you have anything else for Paige now?" Walter demanded.
They both shook their heads.
Walter walked over and sat down at his desk and began going over the paperwork with Robert. Two hours later Robert and Ms Babcock left.
Paige got up and walked over and sat down on Walter's lap.
"Speaking about our vacation, how will it affect Agnes and the rest of the staff?" Paige asked.
"The full-time will split, half will go on vacation the week before and of Christmas. The other half will go on vacation the week of and after Christmas. Agnes will bring in our normal temporary people to fill the holes. Of course without us there, the most they will have to do is dust and vacuum. And then Agnes will probably take the first two full weeks of January." Walter smiled.
Greetings! I hope this finds you all well! It was so weird...when I got to this chapter it dawned on me I hadn't written that they revealed Ralph was Walter's son. lol I went back over all the chapters before it but couldn't find one that I wanted to interrupt the flow to insert it, so...here is where it went.
Railman - lol That he does and here he just put it in her face like a banana crème pie! lol Toby was absolutely thrilled with both adventures! lol Sadly no the car isn't idea, at least in trying to use its exceptional speed and handling. But to drive it as a car, yes she can. She'd probably need help in and out. But it really is more of a show piece so I'd expect she'd want to leave it in pristine condition...After a test drive...or two. lol Well I wouldn't say a lot less time from her doing art. But as LouBe suggested...perhaps Walter might be modeling for Paige...hehe
JerBr23 - Oh you know he would for sure! If I remember right, he was the first one to be upset over the shares of Scorpion Walter was being generous about giving them in the show. Nothing hurts a relationship like money. Either they think you aren't generous enough or you feel they aren't grateful for what you share. Yep, Walter wouldn't want Paige to feel slighted in the least.
Marie Mac - Beer is particularly nasty smelling to me. Wine is hit or miss, just as soon not...give me a Pepsi. lol I've only had 1 hang over...but it wasn't the blinding light or blaring noise kind. I was just sick as a dog the next day. I've always had the habit of drinking a ton of water after drinking. Really helps on the hangover. Root beer is "comparable" to sarsaparilla but really, not even close I don't think. And it is very difficult to find a good root beer anymore. When our A&W drive-ins went out of business it became a lost beverage, at least around me. What is sold now just...eh. Ahh...you wanted a Mercedes huh? Nice car! lol
SkunkeeFunk - Good hearing from you! Definitely...want all the goodness for our Waige! It really is hard watching the show now for me. And the only S4 episode I watch is Nerd, Wind and Fire. Would be nice if I had editing software I could go into each S4 episode and just pull out the few Waige gooey parts and made a compilation of them. I really disappointed in part of the new Night Court...The should have made her Harry and Christine's daughter...That would have been amazing!
Lucy - Me too! lol He did pull out all the stops and then really blows her mind in this chapter. lol
LouBe - It really is an amazing color! I love it. While writing it I was trying to think what would be the best color? And I thought a gun metal blue. So I typed that in with Lambo and a picture of that car came up and I was like...OOOoooOOooOOooOOoOoo...that's nice! lol I was sold. lol That is a legit concern but no, even if Megan was still active with the business, I don't think she'd have put that together. But with any evidence it still be hard to prove where that money came from. lol Oh I am quite sure Walter and Paige will model for each other...and he might model with her for some photographs using a remote to snap the pics. *wicked grin* lol
To the Adventure! -Tim