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Chapter Two Hundred and Forty-Six
Getting Settled with Rafael and Gabby

Office of the Chairman and CEO – Taking off his jacket as he walked into his office this morning, Matt smiled as he made his way past before hearing his personal assistant speak to him. "Mr. Casey?" Turning his head as he put his jacket over his arm, Matt smiled as he turned his head and looked at his PA. "Good morning Jacob." Jacob Moore smiled as he heard his boss say that, before continuing with what he was going to say. "I hope you had a good weekend Mr. Casey." Matt agreed with Jacob as he asked him whether he had a good weekend. "Me and my wife both had a great weekend, where we celebrated our anniversary." Jacob agreed with the CEO as he said that, smiling at her. "I'm well aware, and I have made sure to keep the messages low for that reason. Now, I was hoping that we could go over all the messages that we got this weekend; and I'm wondering if we should do it later this week, as you are far too busy." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that because that was the case. "Well, I have time at four; but I was going to try and head home early." Jacob agreed with Matt as he said that. "Well, I was thinking; maybe I can send you the messages in an e-mail?" Matt agreed.

"Oh, I would most definitely enjoy that; it'll make things easier, and I can make notes. Please put them in order of importance." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that. "Would you like me to sort them by division?" Matt smiled. "I swear, you make things better each and every day. Now, I think I need to go into my office as Mr. Solano is waiting for me?" Jacob agreed. "Yes, he is sir. As is your wife." Matt smiled. "World you like me to hold your calls? I know that you're going to be busy." Matt agreed. "Please set up my extension to automatically go to your extension, and you can screen the calls. If there are any major vendors, then I will speak to them; and I will also speak to my lawyers, of course." Jacob agreed with Matt as he said that, as those are some people that he can never miss. "Of course, Mr. Casey." Matt agreed with Jacob as he said that, before smiling. "Listen, I need to go talk to Gabby and Mr. Solano." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that, before watching him walk away so that he can get settled this morning, while also getting to work.

"Well, I'm glad that your pup there is comfortable as he sits in Matt's office." Gabby agreed with Rafael as he said that, sitting down at her desk that she has in Matt's office. Yes, Gabby works in his office too; and there's a reason for that, which is due to the fact that she's pregnant with their daughters. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she also likes to look at her husband at times. He is quite handsome, and Gabby is really happy when they are together in the same office, which is exactly the case now, as Matt just walked into his office. "Hi baby. How was your meeting with Will and Ethan?" Matt snickered. "I gave them a project to do." Turning his head as he heard his boss say that, Rafael decided to open his iPad to take a note. "Do you mind sharing what task you gave them? I can make sure that they work on it if you'd like Matt." Matt smiled. "Actually, I am going to be overseeing that project; because I am interested in the outcome." Walking up to his chair, Matt proceeded to set his jacket down on the back of his chair; after which, he smiled at Gabby.

Seeing Matt smile at her, Gabby shook her head. "Don't even think about it. We're working today, and I may even stay all day." Matt bit his lip when Gabby said that, as he didn't want her to work too much. "We'll see. If I think you need to go home and take it easy, then I think we'll have to do that." Looking at Matt, Gabby agreed with her husband; after all, she knew that he was worried about her…both for her sake, and for the sake of their daughters. And she's more than okay with that because she loves the fact that her husband is protective of her; she finds it attractive actually, because she's happy right now. Then again, she's always happy when she's with her husband; simply because she loves him more than anything in the entire world, and that makes her happy. It will always make her happy that she and Matt are together. "Okay, I am just going to say this in between the both of you…because I can see that you guys are making eyes at each other. So, I am not going to be part of that." Matt agreed with Rafael as he said that, well aware that was the case. "Oh, I am well aware that's the case; and I promise, we're going to take it easy. We're going to relax and get to work."

Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, as they both want to make sure that they have a good meeting with Rafael. But before that can happen, Matt has to get his things set up. "Thanks for turning on my laptop babe." Gabby agreed with Matt, smiling at him. "And for bringing it in too, of course." Gabby laughed. "I might as well have done that because you needed it to be set up. Now, quick family things. I just got an e-mail from Dr. James, the kids' pediatrician; and we have an appointment for them at 1. So, we're going to be at the hospital from 1 until 2. And I was thinking we could do lunch first, and just go out with the boys. After all, we are going out Friday night." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Of course, I promise that we'll do that…ahead of us going to the hotel. I want to be there around 4, so that you can relax and just take it easy ahead of the charity event." Gabby laughed. "Baby, that's Saturday." Matt then realized that. "Right, sorry." Gabby shook her head. "it's okay baby, just take a breath and let's get to work right now."

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before feeling Andy walk under his desk and curl up in a ball right next to him. Looking down at him, Matt went to warn him. "If you slobber all over my shoes, then you aren't getting treats for the rest of the day." Turning his attention back to his laptop, Matt then started to log in so that he can open his e-mail and get it set up; and luckily for him, he already had it connected to the second screen. "I swear, I am such a lucky man to have a wife life you. You already got my laptop set up exactly how I like it." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "Just calm down, and take it easy Matt. I am going to concentrate on checking my e-mails and working on the ELLA updates that I want to talk about with the boards; also, I have been meaning to say that I need to make a meeting with Jason Adams (the Vice-President and COO of Casey Fire Training) so that we can talk about uniforms that you told me that you want ELLA to create for the fire training facilities." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, smiling at her.

"Send Kelly an e-mail and tell him that you want Jason to join us in our two o'clock meeting." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to open her e-mail so that she can do just that; meanwhile, Matt turned his attention to Rafael so that they can start their meeting. "Okay, finally. Now, I can start my meeting with you Rafael." Matt said, while opening his e-mail; after which, he moved it to his second screen and just got everything all set up (while also bringing his keyboard close to him). Yes, he uses a keyboard; and that's due to the fact that it's much easier to have a separate keyboard when you're working at your desk, at least in Matt's opinion. "Okay, so I think we need to start first with something that we recently spoke about. And that would be the fact that you want me to take over as Acting CEO when it comes to you taking a paternity leave when your daughters are born?" Turning his attention back to Rafael, Matt agreed with him as that is exactly what he was planning on happening. "Yes, that's exactly what I want to happen."

Rafael agreed with his boss when he said that, just making sure that they are on the same page. "Okay, well I can definitely do that. However, I would like to know if there are any big meetings that we have coming up; and I would also like to be given an approximate range of time that I'm going to be needed." Matt bit his lip, before turning his head and looking at Gabby. "I know when you're going on leave pre-birth, but when do you want me on leave?" Turning her head to look at her husband, Gabby smiled. "I think we can both go on leave on February 28th." Matt just looked at Gabby as she said that, as that most certainly was not happening. His wife was not working until the end of February. "Oh hell no, that's not happening. No way am I letting you work up until 3 days before you give birth, you are at least going to stop at the end of the year; the end of January at the latest, and that's so that you can get in the mental space that you need to be in." Gabby was confused as she heard her husband say that, not understanding that he meant. "What?"

Matt then sighed as he went to grab his phone, so that he can explain (without saying it to Rafael). 'RIP BB Casey.' Hitting send on the message, Matt then turned his head to see whether Gabby would understand the message; the message that she just got and picked up her phone to reader. And the moment she read it, she already knew what Matt was talking about. "Oh." Matt agreed with his wife as she said that, because that's what she's going to be dealing with. "We will talk about this later. But you are not working until 3 days before you're scheduled to give birth. Either you agree to that, or I will force you by revoking your access to…" Gabby just looked at her husband as he said that. "To the company that I'm creating? To ELLA, which is named after me?" Matt sighed as he looked at his wife. "Can we talk about this another time? You already know what I'm talking about, and we know it's a good idea." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "I promise, we can talk about this later." Matt agreed with Gabby.

However, there was somebody who was a bit confused right now; and he wanted to know some information, as he thought that he should get it as Senior Deputy CEO. "Okay, I am hoping this is not about your marriage; but I can see that there's a bit of tension." Matt sighed. "It's okay. I'm just talking to Gabby about something related to when she gives birth, and the time she has to take off ahead of us giving birth." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, before turning his head and looking at Gabby. "To tell you the truth, I'm surprised you haven't been put on bedrest yet. I mean, you did just give birth to your sons seven months ago." Matt thought about it, and agreed with Gabby. "We'll have to talk about that with Natalie at some point." Gabby agreed with Matt as that's something that they need to consider. "Later. Right now, we need to talk about business. How's Jane doing with the designs for the summer line?" Rafael smiled. "Oh, I forgot to mention. She shared a file with you over the servers." Gabby agreed with Rafael.

After which, she went to look on her laptop so that she can find the designs on her folder; at the same time, Rafael turned his attention back to Matt. "Okay, so where were we?" Matt agreed as he proceeded to grab his notes. "Okay, so one thing that I want to just talk to you about; and it's about what projects I want you to oversee." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that. "Yes, I believe that we have been needing to talk about that." Matt smiled. "Okay. So, I think I need to remind you about this; I think that you need to remember that the people I have as the other heads of the division, they are my good friends whom I know from Chicago." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, already seeing where this is going. "And you want me to defer to them when it comes to their divisions, the ones that you've given them the responsibility to oversee?" Matt agreed with Rafael as he said that, as that was the case. "Yes, I trust them explicitly. And that's why they are in leadership, which is something I most definitely appreciate."

Looking at her husband, Gabby smiled as she knew that was the case. At the same time, she continued to get to work; meanwhile, Matt went ahead and opened his e-mail to keep checking it. "At the same time, I also want you to make sure that all of our deals are going through. I already know that some deals are going to need to be revisited, as we are due to start some deliveries. That reminds me, Gabby…did you get the e-mail that I sent you from the Fashion Institute of Technology?" Looking up at her husband, Gabby shook her head. "No, what about it." Matt sighed. "Prototypes are going to be delayed over Christmas. They can get more out for you at the end of January." Gabby agreed. "Yeah, I figured that was going to be the case; because of winter break." Matt smiled as he heard his wife say that, glad that she understands. But that wasn't the only reason that he was smiling, as he was also smiling about something else. "Sixteen days." Turning her head once more, Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that. "Sixteen days to what?"

Matt snickered as he heard Gabby say that. "Sixteen days until the boys celebrate their first Christmas." Gabby was a bit taken aback when she heard Matt say that, before realizing that was the truth. "Damn." Rafael laughed as he heard Gabby say that. "Trust me, I said the exact same thing when my grandmother-in-law said that." Matt smiled as he heard Rafael say that. "Someday, you really need to bring your family over to our place." Rafael agreed. "Which one? Because I am not bringing my son here unless I need to work." Matt smiled as he heard Rafael say that. "Our big home, don't worry." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that. "We really need to stay there more." Matt smiled. "Don't worry, we're staying there over Christmas. Oh, that reminds me Raf. I have been meaning to talk to you. Christmas time off is from the 20th until the new year." Rafael agreed with Matt, before opening his iPad so that he can write that down. "I think that's a reasonable time. By the way, how are you doing for Christmas shopping? Already got all your things."

Biting his lip, Matt turned his head to look at Gabby. "Baby! You really think I need anything? Unless it's for the girls, then I don't want anything." Matt agreed. "Actually, I just can't say." Gabby was confused as she heard Matt say that, until she realized something. "Babymoon?" Matt smiled. "December 30th-January 2nd or 3rd on the Yacht. No work, just fun." Gabby laughed as she heard Matt say that. "Yeah, because you're going to be able to resist working; and I already have plans for New Year's Eve with Stella, they're coming to our place remember?" Matt then realized that. "Okay, I'll have to figure it out. Maybe in January?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, liking that idea. "I like that idea." Matt smirked as he heard Gabby say that, before turning his attention back to what he needs to talk to Rafael about; after all, they are in the midst of a business meeting. "Sorry, this is how we work at times." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, before watching as Matt turned his head after seeing that he just got an e-mail.

He then proceeded to grab his mouse and went to read it.

From: Moore, Jacob
To: Casey, Matthew
Subject: Agenda
Attachment: Board Agenda-Dec

Hi Mr. Casey:
Before I distribute this document to the entire group for you, I would like for you to please look it over.
Attached is the agenda for the board meeting that you're scheduled to have. Let me know if there are changes.

Sincerely,
Jacob Moore
Personal Assistant to the Chairman and CEO
1 (800) 837-2938 x. 1011

Moving to open the document so that he can read the attachment, Matt went to see just what was included on the agenda today; after all, Jacob did need to send it out to the rest of the executives ahead of the meeting. Just looking at everything, Matt nodded as it was the traditional agenda; and it also included things that he requested, including the updates that they are going to get. And the truth was, it was all good. "Jacob?" Getting up after hearing his boss call his name, Jacob walked into his office. "Yes, Mr. Casey?" Looking up at him, Matt smiled. "Please forward the agenda to the entire board and remind everybody that we are a paper-free company." Jacob agreed with his boss as he said that. "Of course, Mr. Casey." Walking out of his boss' office, Jacob closed the door behind him so that he could go send the agenda to the meeting. However, Gabby couldn't help but wonder whether he should've shown it to her first. "Matt, shouldn't I have…" Matt sighed. "Gabby, you already saw it. You know what it is."

Gabby then realized that. "Right, we were the one that wrote it; we just asked Jacob to type it up for us." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before turning his attention back to Rafael. "Sorry." Rafael shook his head as he heard Matt say that. "It's okay boss. We can do it at your pace, so what else do we need to cover?" Matt took a breath as he went to look at things he wrote down in his e-mail. "I think we need to talk about this, and I think you should be involved in this conversation Gabby." Hearing her name again, Gabby turned her attention to Matt. "What is it?" Matt smiled. "The reason I asked to meet with Rafael in the first place, was to discuss my paternity leave. Now, I did say that I am going to leave you in charge; but we both know that's not entirely the case, as I am still the Chairman and CEO. And I am also the one who's money is at stake." Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, well aware that was the case. "So, during my leave; I am going to want to be kept in the loop, especially when it comes to financial decisions."

Rafael agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to write that down. "Is there anybody who has the ability to operate without having to get your approval for funding?" Matt took a breath. "We'll have to make the budget for the year before we go on leave, and I am going to want you to follow that; maybe limit it to even amounts each and every month, but you need my approval to go over." Rafael agreed. "And what about the income that each division brings in?" Matt thought about it. "Well, then I think that will go back into the budget. So, whatever money the divisions already have can be supplemented by any income that they bring in. I still want reports, and I also want to be kept in the loop regarding the budget. Maybe we can create a spreadsheet that we can all share." Rafael agreed with his boss as he said that. "Would you like me to speak to Trevor Stephens, your Financial Advisor and Cashflow Manager? Maybe he can get that set up for you?" Gabby then thought about it. "I'm surprised we don't already have that set up."

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Can you please tell Trevor to set that up for us? Make sure that each division also gets it, to make sure that we know what the income and spending levels are. We can just see how it goes. We are in our first year, and that's all that matters. However, that doesn't mean that I plan on giving cart blanche when it comes to spending; as we do still need to be reasonable, and we need to make sure that we thrive in the business world." Rafael agreed with his boss as he said that, as he felt the same way. "Of course, Mr. Casey; I completely agree with that sentiment, and we also need to make sure that this company maintains your legacy." Matt agreed with Rafael as he said that, before smiling as he turned his head. "That's already happening, thanks to the woman I love more than anything in the entire world; and the children that she's provided me." Gabby smiled as she heard Matt say that, before smirking as she grabbed her phone so that she can send him another text message. 'You, me, lunch in bed?'

Going to grab his phone after seeing he got another text, Matt went to read it before turning his head to look at his wife; after which, he smirked as he most certainly was interested in that idea. So much so, that he texted her back. 'We'll see. I have meetings after lunch, and our moms are there with the boys.' Getting Matt's text, Gabby went ahead and read it before nodding. "Okay, we need to get back to work." That, of course, being code for 'we need to stop flirting over text and start working once more'. And that was a sentiment that Matt shared as well. "Right." Gabby agreed with Matt as he said that, before going to look at her husband, who soon winked at her as he was happy, because that's always how he feels when it comes to Gabby. And boy did that make Gabby blush, simply because she loves her husband; but now, they need to relax and take it easy. "Calm down before I cancel our plans."

Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware of what plans she was talking about; she was talking about the plans that they made for the weekend, where they were going to spend it at a hotel. "Not that you would really ever do that." Gabby shook her head. "Shut up and concentrate on your meeting Matthew." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before turning his attention back to Rafael as they get ready for their meeting today.