*Happy New Year. "Real Life" continues to make writing time at a premium for me, but every chance to escape into the world of UB is well worth it. I hope 2012 starts off well for all of you. Feedback always appreciated.*
The next several weeks pass by very quickly. There is very little down time as Betty and Matt continue to edit and refine their respective portions of the debut issue of Compassion's Compass along with making sure they have plenty of quality time with Rosalina.
They, along with family as well as Meade and Hartley Corporation employees, pay tribute to military families on Memorial Day both at local observances and at a special event at Ground Zero. Rosalina seems to enjoy all of the flags and happily grasps onto hers. A picture of Rosalina in her McKinney Munchkin original while being held in an elderly veteran's arms ends up in several newspapers. Both sets of grandparents as well as Betty and Matt proudly display Rosalina's picture, which was somehow missed by the paparazzi.
During the first week of June, the Suarez-Hartley's engage in an animated discussion about one of the Compassion's Compass' articles and its accompanying pictures.
Matt comments, "If we have to debate this much related to every issue of our magazine, perhaps we need to anticipate only 3 issues per year rather than a quarterly publication."
"That isn't funny!" exclaims Betty. "If we can only manage 3 issues per year we should just stop now because that isn't frequent enough to get a strong fan base, quarterly will be pushing it as it is."
"Time out!" calls Matt as he gets up and embraces Betty. "I was joking about going to 3 times per year, just trying to lighten the mood a bit. We've got great stuff here and we both want it to be the best it can be."
Sighing and sinking into Matt's arms as she gives him a kiss, Betty replies, "Alright, I'll admit it, I was getting a bit tense in here which made me jumpy. We've both worked so hard and I want our final product to show that for us, our families, those who have supported and believed in us, and, of course, for the village itself."
"Me too," responds Matt, "And, I'll admit that I want to show those who have doubted us, most especially me since I am not known for finishing things, what a great team we make and that we truly have something here that can and will make a difference."
"I think we both need to put less pressure on ourselves and let Compassion's Compass speak for itself," remarks Betty.
"Agreed," replies Matt.
"Let's start with finalizing the date for the debut issue to hit the stands-our choices are 6-17 or 6-24, which do you prefer?" asks Matt.
Betty says, "Let's go with 6-24, that gives us a bit more time to worry about it but also more time to plan too. It will also overlap less with your first Father's Day, which is an important day in its own right."
A smiling Matt announces, "Now that's my gorgeous and brilliant wife, joking a bit herself about the extra worrying time since we seem to have no trouble doing that."
He continues, "I am emailing all parties right now, especially those at Meade and Dunne, about the 6-24 date so that they can make sure all press releases are correct."
"Excellent," comments Betty.
Betty states, "Now onto that other topic that I mentioned, Father's Day. While not touted as much as Mother's Day by the media, florists, and jewelers, we are definitely making a big deal about it."
"Do I get to put in any special requests for my Father's Day celebration?" asks Matt with a sheepish grin.
"If you are wanting to make sure the Father's Day includes some couple time I'm more than happy to arrange that," responds a slightly red Betty.
She continues, "I was actually thinking more about the part of the festivities that will involve people other than the two of us."
"While I believe our couple time will be the highlight of the day for me, as well as our time with Rosalina since she made the day possible, you are right that our families will likely want to help us celebrate too," replies Matt.
Betty suggests, "How about you call your parents and I'll call my Dad and we can go from there."
"Good idea," says Matt as he reluctantly lets Betty go so that he can phone his parents.
Matt says, "Hi Dad, its Matt. Betty and I were just talking about Father's Day. I know that our tradition is to meet for a nice meal, just the two of us, but I am thinking we might need to mix that up a bit since I am now a father myself."
Cal replies, "I'm glad you called, your Mother and I were just discussing it being your first Father's Day this morning and she would like to share it with you. Tyler is actually going to be in New York for Father's Day, having done both the Father's and Mother's Day things together when he went to South Dakota for Memorial Day. So, my suggestion, and your Mother has agreed, is that I will host a brunch at my penthouse with the three of you, your Mother and Nathaniel, and Claire and Tyler attending. Ignacio and Elena are welcome to join us if they would like."
"That is an interesting group of people, with both you and I celebrating a first Father's Day in a sense since it is your first one with Tyler. Let me have Betty check with her Dad to see if it works for them. I'll call you within a few days and let you know if they are coming, but you can count us in already," answers Matt, with Betty nodding in agreement as she has overheard the conversation due to Cal's loud voice.
Matt adds, "I just went through the townhouse and installed safety locks, as the Princess is getting more mobile and curious by the day."
"Of course Rosalina is curious, she has two very intelligent parents," remarks Cal.
"Thanks Dad. Mom put some easily reversible locks on cabinets and such at her apartment, as well as placed breakables up and out of reach. Will you be willing to do the same thing?" Matt asks.
"Your Mother is ahead of you on that one, as that was one of her conditions for the gathering being at my home. She gave me the extras and instructions on where I need to put them. The staff is taking care of it. I've got to go. I'm sure I'll talk to you before the big day, but just in case, plan on getting here about 11," Cal tells them, followed by hanging up his phone.
"Hi, Papi," states Betty. "Matt was just speaking with Cal who invited the three of us, along with some other people, to his home for brunch on Father's Day. He says you and Elena can come too."
"Since it is Matt's first Father's Day, spending it with his family is the right thing to do. Elena and I should be able to make it, with Bobby and Hilda letting me know yesterday that they are spending Father's Day with his extended family, who are over the top, even for me," responds Ignacio.
Giving Matt the thumbs up sign, Betty says, "Great, this way I get to share Father's Day with the two most important men in my life."
"I'll always be your Dad and you'll always be my Baby Girl, grandchildren or not. See you on the 17th and likely several times before then too, for that matter," says Ignacio who then ends the call.
The next two plus weeks elapse in no time, with Betty and Matt finding themselves getting ready for the family brunch while Rosalina busies herself stacking blocks and throwing toys out of her pack-n-play.
"The first of a few Father's Day presents," comments Betty as she gives Matt a box.
Smiling, Matt opens the box and announces, "My favorite cologne, I was running a bit low on it."
Pulling Betty towards him and intending on giving her a kiss, Matt inhales deeply and nuzzles her neck as he murmurs, "And you are wearing the perfume that gets my entire body going."
"I know, they are both my favorites too, so you could say they are gifts for both us," responds Betty teasingly.
"As long as we can unwrap each other later, I'm good with both of us getting gifts today, since together we made Father's Day possible," states a grinning Matt, who proceeds to sensually kiss Betty followed by dipping her, much to the amusement of a giggling Rosalina.
Betty replies, "I think that most of the credit for our celebrating of Mother's and Father's Day goes to our mischievous Rosalina, but I'm happy to share the benefits."
Arriving at Cal's penthouse just before 11, Matt, Betty, and Rosalina are greeted by Cal, Claire and Tyler. Tyler and Claire willingly play with Rosalina while Cal makes a point of showing them that all of the safety locks are in place as well as all of the baby related materials he has set up in one of his extra rooms. Ignacio, Elena, Victoria, and Nathaniel arrive within five minutes of each other, with all in attendance agreeing on how adorable and smart Rosalina is.
"Please come into the dining area, where a highchair awaits Rosalina, as the meal is ready to be served," announces the head wait person.
As the meal draws to a close, Victoria stands up and says, "A toast to all of the fathers in the room, most especially my son. You can never have a more important role than that of being a parent. Matthew, you make me so proud when I see what a natural and exceptional father you are to Rosalina."
"To Fathers," states Betty as she looks lovingly at Ignacio, with everyone raising their glasses.
Tyler announces, "Every father-child relationship is different, especially when it isn't formed until much later in life. Cal, I'm glad we are having the chance to develop one."
"Me too," answers Cal as he gives Tyler a brief hug.
"To great friends and family and the opportunity to make those bonds stronger by sharing good and difficult times with each other," comments a slightly teary eyed Claire.
"To all of us," states Matt, with the loud clinking of glasses making Rosalina screech in delight.
"Most especially her Royal Highness," joke several of them virtually in unison, resulting in laughter throughout the room.
Relocating to the newly appointed child play area, Rosalina revels in the attention from the various adults as she explores all of the toys at her disposal. As 2 o'clock approaches, the guests begin to say goodbye since most have other things they need to accomplish. Betty allows Rosalina to keep her new, current favorite toy until the last possible moment. Even so, the room becomes quiet when Rosalina protests very loudly about the teddy bear being returned to the shelf. Betty's handing her one of her soft dolls from home calms Rosalina somewhat even though she continues to reach for the bear.
Betty says, "As you have all now witnessed first hand, Rosalina is developing right on schedule as one of her newest activities is to oppose anyone taking things from her, most especially toys, if she feels that she is not done with them."
Tyler, caught off guard by Rosalina's display of temper, states, "If you say such a reaction is typical, I believe you but I will not be taking anything from her anytime soon."
Betty, Matt, and Rosalina arrive back at their townhome by 3, with all three of them taking a good 2-hour nap. Betty has one of Matt's favorite meals delivered for dinner.
"Here is your next gift," announces Betty as she places several boxes on the table.
"Wow!" exclaims Matt as he pulls out the contents, "A complete, updated set of camera equipment. This will be great for us here but even more so for our magazine."
Smiling, Betty replies, "I take it I chose well and Rosalina seems to like your presents too."
"You couldn't have done any better and Rosalina's fascination with the boxes will allow me to thank you more properly," responds Matt as he embraces Betty and gives her a long, luxurious kiss.
Betty and Matt enjoy playtime with Rosalina, who seems to like Matt testing his new cameras on her. After a brief evening nap, Rosalina has one final feeding and then is put to bed for the night.
Upon entering their bedroom, Betty announces, "And now our couple time has arrived."
"Our alone time is precious and I, for one, cherish every opportunity to be with you," replies Matt.
Looking at him adoringly, Betty initially touches Matt's lips with sweet, lingering kisses that quickly make his blood thunder with longing. As Betty continues to kiss Matt, deepening the kisses degree by degree, she slowly unbuttons his shirt.
Matt emits a groan, gently grabs her hands, looks into her eyes, and breathlessly says, "I've never wanted another woman the way that I want you."
Betty huskily responds, "I want you too, I'm not whole without you."
"Touch me!" she whispers urgently, with both of them virtually ripping each other's remaining clothes off so they can feel the other beneath their eager hands and mouths.
Arching against each other as flashes of heat race through their bodies, their hands reverently stroke over each other, leading to incredible jolts of pleasure. Their breathing is uneven and fast, coming in ragged gasps, as their kisses and caresses batter their senses. They cling to each other as they both reach shuddering peaks of ecstasy.
"Happy Father's Day, my wonderful husband and beautiful Rosalina's Daddy," murmurs Betty as she snuggles against Matt.
Kissing Betty as he runs his hands through her hair, Matt says, "A perfect first Father's Day, ending with a spectacular celebration of our love for each other that felt anything but fatherly."
Blushing and giggling, Betty replies, "Just because we are parents doesn't mean that we have to forget our adult needs."
"Very true," states Matt, "I'm glad neither of us seems to have difficulty reminding the other of our incredible attraction and compatibility-both at work and at play."
"Well said," responds a beaming Betty.
Tired from their work, family, and personal obligations over the past several weeks, Betty and Matt drift off to sleep in each other's arms.