Betty, Matt, Rosalina, and their staff, which is limited to Kristin and Kelly at the moment, arrive back in NYC very early on 3-19-11, with all of them getting a long morning nap before officially starting their day.
"What do we have on our "to do" list for today?" ask Kristin and Kelly.
"I defer to Betty on that," responds Matt.
"Wise move, as I suspect she has the ultimate decision anyway," jokes Kelly.
Trying to act insulted but unable to hide a smile, Betty retorts, "My skills for directing things and planning will hopefully be useful to all of us."
"I'm sure they will be by helping us all stay on track for our magazine and everything else for that matter," comments Matt.
"While Kristin will stay here at our home during the week, and Kelly is welcome to do so too if you want to, I would think that finding a place of your own would be near the top of the agenda," states Betty.
"We agree," reply Kristin and Kelly, virtually in unison, leading all of the adults to laugh, with Rosalina joining in too.
"My old place is actually one of my father's properties, I'm sure he would be willing to rent it to you at a reduced cost," suggests Matt.
"Sounds promising, how manly is it?" asks Kelly.
Betty responds, "Even though a single man lived there most of the time, it has potential and you could even redecorate."
Matt says, "Kelly and Kristin, excuse us for just a moment, I need to speak with Betty alone."
"Sure, I was just joking about the "manly thing," replies Kelly.
Matt responds reassuringly, "I didn't find that comment insulting, I just need to talk with Betty about something before I mention it to the both of you."
As Matt bounces Rosalina on his knee, he tells Betty, "I was thinking that we could add the apartment as a benefit to each of their contracts. We've taken them away from their homes, family, and country. With all of the traveling related to the magazine they won't be at their NYC apartment a lot. Even so, they'll need a place when we are in the US and everything here is so expensive."
"That is so sweet, I love the idea!" exclaims Betty, who then gives Matt an intense kiss.
"Glad you approve and I will take a kiss from you any time," replies a blushing Matt as he embraces Betty.
"Help rescue me please," says a grimacing Betty, "Rosalina decided to make this a family hug and now has a really good grip on my hair."
"Kelly, Kristin, come here please," calls Matt as he manages to free Betty's hair from Rosalina followed by putting her in her exersaucer.
As Betty rubs her head, she tells Kelly and Kristin, "Matt suggests that housing here in NYC be included in your employment package, I hope you don't mind."
Glancing at Kelly, Kristin replies on the sisters' behalf with, "If we had a problem with that, you'd need to fire us because that would mean we have very poor business sense."
"Great," says Matt, "Let me call my Dad and see when it can be ready."
After speaking to his father for about 15 minutes, Matt informs them, "I have what I consider promising news. My cousin, who had been staying in the apartment while doing an internship at Hartley Enterprises, was moved to the LA office about a week ago so it is recently cleaned and available now."
Kelly says, "Well, then, lets go check it out."
"Give me a moment to call Daniel. He said that as part of our magazine contract, he's arranged for a suite at Meade Towers and I'm hoping we can get over there today and see if it will meet our needs," comments Betty as she dials her phone.
"All set," Betty tells them as she ends the call. "Daniel and Jennifer will meet us there at 2pm, so we can go to the apartment first."
"Wait, Betty, its your Dad, you should take it," Matt tells her as he looks at her phone and hands it to her.
"Hello, Papi," says Betty, "We are getting ready to go look at what we think will be Kelly and Kristin's apartment followed by checking out the offices arranged for us at Meade."
Glancing at Matt, Betty continues, "We'd love to have a home-cooked meal. Tonight would be fine, but tomorrow would likely be even better. We'll see everybody tomorrow around noon for lunch then. We are especially eager to see Rosemarie as she has likely changed even more than Rosalina in the past few weeks."
They load the suitcases along with Rosalina's baby stuff into the trunk of the towncar. The drive to apartment is peaceful, with the motion lulling Rosalina to sleep.
While Kelly and Kristin look around the apartment, Matt whispers to Betty, "My Dad again offered us space at the main Hartley building for our magazine, but said that he understands why we want our office to be located elsewhere."
"Nice to know we have a back up plan, if the space at Meade is not to our liking," replies Betty.
Kelly and Kristin, who have both given the thumbs up sign and are deciding on who will have which bedroom, ask, "Do you mind if we stay here and begin to settle in while you check out the NYC Good Works office?"
"Not at all, here is the number for the car service if you need to go out. We'll see you bright and early on Monday at Meade Plaza. Tomorrow is one of your days off the clock," Matt tells them as the Suarez-Hartley's leave.
Betty, Matt, and Rosalina arrive at Meade Plaza and go to the MODE floor as Daniel requested.
"Right on time," comments Jennifer as the three of them enter Daniel's office.
After giving Betty a quick hug, Daniel peeks into the stroller and softly says, "She looks older and bigger even though it has been not quite a month since the wedding."
Betty responds, "Yes, the Princess continues to lose the young baby look. She is also trying to sit up by herself and has become very vocal."
Matt tells them, "Rosalina should be awake any time and will want to nurse, so we probably want to go see the Good Works offices soon or we'll hold you two up."
"Of course, right this way. Perhaps she'll give Betty the chance to try out the nursery in the office suite," states Daniel.
"Very considerate to have a nursery as part of the office set up. I'm now really curious as to what else you've arranged," announces Betty as they all get into the elevator.
"You won't have to wait very long. I helped pick out some of the décor so hopefully you will like it," states Jennifer.
"Wow, this is impressive!" exclaims Matt as Daniel and Jennifer provide them with a tour of the 5 rooms set aside for Good Works.
"The layout is wonderful and very welcoming, it may be hard to get work done with all these amenities," adds Betty.
"Your magazine is part of Meade so we want you to feel comfortable coming to the office," responds Daniel.
Matt replies, "Thank you, from both of us, this set up will increase the chances of our magazine being a success, which will enable all of us to help the less fortunate at the same time."
"You are more than welcome," responds Daniel, "Betty is like family to me and I want to help her, and you, succeed."
As Rosalina wakes up and loudly announces it is time for her to eat, Betty states, "Apparently the nursery will be the first room used, if you'll excuse us for about 20 minutes."
"Here are the keys, please stop by before you leave," says Daniel as he and Jennifer depart to give Betty some privacy.
Speaking softly so as not to disturb Rosalina, Matt remarks, "This office suite is really more than we need but I'm not going to complain. I truly think it will contribute to our magazine's success."
Betty replies, "Yes, Daniel, with Jennifer's help, seems to have overdone it a bit, but that will hopefully prove to benefit all of us."
Once Rosalina finishes her meal, the Suarez-Hartley's walk through the Good Works office suite one more time. They go to say goodbye to Daniel and Jennifer, who insist on spending several minutes interacting with a babbling Rosalina. They then go back to their townhome and enjoy several hours of family time and general relaxation.
"I'm glad I convinced my Dad to wait until tomorrow to visit, as traveling and all the different time zones have caught up with me and we've had so little time with just the three of us lately," remarks a yawning Betty.
Matt replies, "I definitely like it being just "us" and one of us likely would have fallen asleep during the meal or while we updated them as our sleep schedules are off."
As they enter the nursery together, Betty says, "I know that 10:30 is earlier than my typical last feeding of Rosalina, but I really want to get to bed."
Rosalina takes a few minutes to wake up, but then happily nurses. Betty puts her in her crib and goes back to the master bedroom.
"You've got to listen to this," announces Betty as she turns on the monitor, "She is babbling away making what almost sounds like actual words."
"Those do sound like words, smart, just like her mother," comments Matt as he embraces Betty.
Betty and Matt get to sleep early, with all three of the Suarez-Hartley's having a restful night. Betty and Matt complete a few magazine related tasks in the morning as they alternate between that and playing with Rosalina.
Just after noon, Matt opens the door to welcome Ignacio, Elena, Bobby, Hilda, Justin, and Rosemarie into their home. There are hugs all around.
"Papi," comments Betty as she looks at all of the packages each of the adults is carrying, "That looks like a bit much for one lunch."
"Mija, there are about 5 meals here, give or take depending on the number of people eating. You know I must stock your freezer to make sure you are eating right," responds a smiling Ignacio.
"Well, the chef will then select what we will eat today. I, for one, am looking forward to one of your homemade meals," states Matt as he helps Ignacio bring the food into the kitchen.
While they are eating, Rosalina is in her exersaucer while Rosemarie is in the playpen. Both girls seem to be looking at each other, which makes most present chuckle.
"Rosemarie is starting to push herself up," announces Bobby proudly.
Not to be outdone, Matt comments, "Yes, I can see that. Rosalina is starting to sit up on her own for more than a few seconds."
Hilda jokes, "Alright guys, this is not a competition. They are both doing exactly what they should be for their ages."
Nodding in agreement, Betty asks, "Have you done any professional portraits yet?"
"No we haven't had the chance," answers Hilda.
Matt suggests, "I was going to call Robert and arrange for Rosalina's 6 month pictures, maybe he can do Rosemarie's 3 month pictures too and even get some shots of the girls together."
"That would be great, as long as we get some with their beautiful mommies too," says Bobby, which makes both Betty and Hilda blush.
After speaking with Robert for about 10 minutes, Matt asks, "Does next Saturday, the 26th at 11 work for everyone?"
"Sounds good," reply Betty and Hilda, virtually in unison.
The rest of the meal, as well as the general visiting afterwards, are enjoyed by all. The babies thrive on all of the adult attention, showing off their various skills.
On Tuesday, Betty and Matt take Rosalina to her 6 month checkup at the pediatrician. She weighs 16lbs, 12oz and is doing everything as expected of a baby her age. Rosalina makes it clear that she does not like her immunizations.
The remainder of the week flies by with Betty and Matt, as well as Kelly, quickly establishing a work schedule and becoming accustomed to the office setting at Meade. Kristin makes use of the office nursery on some days and on others keeps Rosalina away from Meade so that all of them can get more work done rather than taking frequent "baby breaks".
At Perfect Portraits Jessica manages to get wonderful individual and group shots of both babies and their families. As a surprise, Betty and Hilda insist that Ignacio take an individual picture with his grandchildren, including Justin.
A beaming Ignacio announces, "You know I will treasure these pictures forever. I might not have been ready to be a grandfather when Justin was born, but I am more than ready for it now."
He adds, in a somewhat sad tone, "I do wish your mother was here to share this with me."
Giving her father a hug, Betty tells him, "Papi, I wish that too. Luckily you have so much love to give and they will know Mom from all of our stories about her."
Matt says, "Betty is right. I was not lucky enough to meet Rosa, but you've all told me such great things about her. Her two beautiful granddaughters will definitely be taught about what a wonderful woman she was."
Betty gives Matt a passionate kiss as she whispers, "Thank you" in his ear.
A bit teary-eyed, Ignacio responds, "I thank God for each day I had with my Rosa and I am so glad and honored that her legacy lives on in our amazing daughters and now our three grandchildren."