The month of April brings warmer weather, with both the adults and Rosalina glad to have less layers of clothing to deal with, especially when it comes time for diaper changes. Keeping to a 9 to 5 schedule as much as possible, there is considerable progress on the debut issue of Good Works.
On Monday, April 11th, Betty and Matt are in the conference room reviewing the preliminary layout of the magazine inclusive of pictures and articles. Their opinions differ on which article should be first.
"I think the article which describes all that the volunteers have helped the village accomplish in the past 5 years should be first," remarks Betty as she positions it on the table.
"I disagree, I think your interview with either Mothusi or Kagiso should be in the front," comments Matt, who rearranges the materials on the table.
Raising the volume of her voice and letting out an exasperated sigh, Betty retorts, "How are we going to get an entire issue of a magazine together if we can't agree on what should be first!"
Rubbing Betty's shoulders, Matt replies, "Sweetheart, calm down, we'll figure it out. We have so much great information here, especially your interviews, it may take a while to get it all organized in a way that we both like."
"You are trying to distract me from our disagreement. You know I don't take kindly to people telling me to calm down, but that feels so good," responds Betty, with a low moan escaping her lips.
"Sorry, I just don't like to see you tense. You tend to put very high expectations on yourself. So, I'll admit to trying to get your mind off of it for a moment," answers Matt with a sheepish grin.
"I have an idea on how to solve this!" exclaims Betty.
Betty calls out, "Kelly, please come here for a moment, we need your opinion on something."
"How can I help?" asks Kelly as she enters the conference room.
Matt answers, "Betty and I can't agree on which article should be first, I think one of her interviews with Kagiso or Mothusi and she thinks the article about the volunteers."
As she glances over the materials, Kelly tells them, "I actually suggest something else, some basic information about Botswana, including some quotes from Mothusi, Kagiso, and various volunteers regarding the current state of things. That could then be a lead in for the other articles."
"Mmm…a very interesting concept and one that allows both of our ideas to "win." I knew we made the right decision in hiring you," responds Betty with smile.
Blushing, Kelly replies, "Thanks. While I am very invested in the success of the magazine, I am probably a bit more objective than either of you."
"True," says Matt, "but your suggestion is a good one and we'll likely follow it."
"You're welcome and now I should get back to answering the calls from those who believe their cause should be the topic of the second issue of Good Works," states Kelly as she leaves the room.
"I'm glad that people seem to be interested in our magazine. We'll see if that continues after the debut issue," remarks Betty.
As he gently embraces Betty, Matt says, "Try not to worry. I have no doubt that interest will remain high with your writing skills and the stories that need to be told."
Turning and giving Matt an intense kiss, Betty replies, "I hope you are right. There is so much good we can do with our magazine and I want the opportunity to do so."
"Do you think that Good Works is a descriptive enough name for our magazine?" asks Matt.
"I'm not sure, maybe not. By your question, I suspect you've been doing some thinking about it and might have another idea," answers Betty.
Smirking, Matt responds, "Yes, I've been thinking about it as I have more time than you since my pictures just need a bit of touching up while you have to write the articles."
"Well, don't keep me waiting, tell me what your new and improved title for our magazine is," states Betty.
"How about Compassion's Compass? Our magazine is not just about charitable work, but also about getting to know the people who we are trying to help," responds Matt.
"I love it!" exclaims Betty, "Apparently, your free time is an advantage for you and our magazine."
Hugging Betty, Matt replies, "I'm glad, as we've both said numerous times, we make a great team."
"Since we've both been working hard these past few weeks, what about date night this weekend?" suggests Betty.
"Now that is one of the best ideas I've heard in quite a while. I suspect my parents would be willing to baby-sit, as they've been asking about when they can get quality time with Rosalina," says Matt.
Betty replies, "It will be somewhat short notice, but hopefully at least one of them is available for grandparent duty."
"What about going to the Red Lotus, sort of a slightly belated 6 month anniversary dinner where we had our engagement meal?" suggests Matt.
"That sounds romantic, especially if Rosalina cooperates and we can have a private celebration later in the evening," replies Betty.
"A quiet, intimate dinner followed by time to enjoy each other would be the perfect evening," answers Matt.
At home that night, Matt calls his parents to ask about their availability on Saturday evening to watch Rosalina.
"Mother," says Matt when she answers her phone, "Betty and I would like go out alone this weekend and are hoping you can baby-sit."
"You know I can never get enough time with my granddaughter, but I can't do so either this Friday or Saturday night because I've already agreed to go to charity functions," responds Victoria, with the disappointment evident in her voice.
"Perhaps you can come over for lunch on Saturday or Sunday and spend time with her then," suggests Matt.
"Saturday at noon, I'll see you all then," answers a much happier sounding Victoria.
Betty comments, "I'm going to be optimistic and believe that your father is available either this Friday or Saturday night, even though he might want help with Rosalina since diapers are not his thing."
"Here's to hoping you are correct," replies Matt as he dials his father's number.
"Dad, Betty and I are wanting to do a date night this weekend and are hoping you can baby-sit Rosalina," Matt tells Cal after pleasantries are exchanged.
"Happy to help out. I have nothing specific on Saturday evening so that will work," states Cal.
"Do you mind if Claire assists me in watching her?" asks Cal.
"That would be fine with us. As you know, Claire is a great friend of mine," replies Betty on their behalf, as Matt had put the call on speakerphone.
"While you don't have to answer, I was wondering if you two are seeing each other again?" asks Matt.
Cal replies, "In fact, yes we are. We are taking things slowly as I try to earn her trust back, especially as it relates to how poorly I handled learning about Tyler."
"We'll see you Saturday, at 6pm, thanks for helping out," state Betty and Matt as they hang up the phone.
"Are you OK with your Dad dating Claire?" asks Betty.
Matt responds, "I want both of my parents to be happy, so if Claire and my Dad make each other happy I'm more than fine with it. You also have a great relationship with Claire so I can't think of anyone better to have as a potential stepmother and stepmother-in-law."
"Very true, Claire is in many ways the closest I've had to a mother in the past few years, so I certainly won't mind having her around," says Betty.
Saturday is quickly upon them. Victoria spends nearly four hours at the Suarez-Hartley residence, playing with Rosalina, allowing Matt and Betty to get some household chores done, along with general catching up. Before Betty or Matt can mention that Claire and Cal are dating again, Victoria brings up the topic herself, indicating that she is aware of it and fine with it, as she has put the past behind her.
Just after 6, Betty and Matt greet Claire and Cal, with Rosalina more than happy to go into Cal's arms, where he makes funny faces at her leading Rosalina to giggle loudly.
As Matt helps Betty on with her coat, Betty says, "Thank you so much for watching Rosalina, we need a bit of time to ourselves."
Claire, who is playing peek-a-boo with Rosalina resulting in loud squeals from the baby, tells them, "There can never be enough opportunities to show each other how important you each continue to be as people, not just as parents to this beautiful baby, so go enjoy yourselves."
"Yes, get out of here and have some romance, between Claire and I we can handle her Royal Highness for a few hours," adds Cal as he opens the door.
"Thanks, we will and we couldn't be leaving Rosalina in better hands," comments Matt as they leave the townhome.
Matt manages to arrange for a secluded table at Red Lotus, where they have a wonderful, quiet meal with no interruptions unlike their stay at The Plaza after the wedding.
Raising his glass, Matt announces, "Here's to us, a happily married couple for more than 6 months, who are remaining true to each other and ourselves."
Betty kisses Matt with such intensity that he trembles and whispers to her, "I can't think of anything but you and can't wait to get home and show you how much I love you."
Blushing, Betty replies, "Me too, we are definitely going to need to convince Cal and Claire to leave so we can have plenty of couple time."
Arriving back at the townhome at just after 11pm, Betty asks, "How was the Princess?"
"She was wonderful," responds a beaming Cal.
"Rosalina was babbling a lot and enjoyed her toys. It took a while to get her to take her bottle, with Grandpa having the magic touch," adds Claire.
"Thanks again for watching her. She'll likely have us up early so we should probably let you go," remarks Matt after he returns from putting leftovers in the fridge.
"Our pleasure, a much more rewarding and entertaining evening than being stuck at some fancy event," answers Cal as they leave.
Betty announces, "I am going to wake Rosalina and give her a final feeding, see you in a few minutes."
"I'll be waiting," answers Matt with a smile as he goes into the master bedroom.
When Betty enters the bedroom, she finds it lit with candles and their personalized Adele CD playing.
"How sweet, if I wasn't already in the mood for us, this would have definitely gotten me there," comments Betty softly followed by her giving Matt a gentle, yet passionate and persuasive kiss.
Matt slowly deepens the kiss, with both of their pulses rapidly increasing as he says, "You taste like heaven. I want us to forget about everything else for a while."
"Agreed," responds a breathless Betty as they go over to their bed.
With mere glances at each other leading to immediate sparks and sizzle, they help each other undress, touching each other with reverence that quickly heats up. Their bodies mold together as their hands run feverishly across each other. With their bodies straining against the other, they move with abandon as they shudder with delight when they climax.
As she rests her cheek against Matt's chest, where she can feel his pounding heart, Betty murmurs, "You make me feel beautiful, cherished, and desirable all at the same time."
"You are all of those things to me and more, always remember that," responds Matt quietly, as he strokes Betty's back.
They fall asleep in each other's arms, sated and content, with date night exceeding their expectations.