Friday morning not long after he arrived in his office , Walter's mobile phone rang .
" Hello . "
" Good morning Mr O'Brian my name is James Wilkes with the Pool company , just let me apologize for the delay in getting back to you , but we have had a few problems with getting the price for the necessary motor for the pool cover . "
" That's fine it as been a little hectic around here , i assume you now have a price . "
" Yes sir , do you want me to give it you now or should i just go ahead and mail it to you ? "
" Please send me the quote , then i can discuss it with the rest of the family . "
" Certainly , it will be in the mail today . I hope to hear from you if you decide to use our services . "
" Goodbye . "
" Goodbye. "
Walter sat at his desk , checked the paperwork that had been put on his desk since he left the the previus day . He then went down to check on his team , as soon as he walked through the door , Sam called him over .
" Boss , i spent a couple of hours last night working on a plan for both of the rooms in your house , could you take a look to see if it is what you need . " Sam asked as she spread two large sheets of paper out on the metal table .
" Well i would say the computer room looks ideal , however i need Ralph to see it it as that is going to be our room . The other one is Paige's provence , however from what i see it should please her , but why the large open area in the center ? "
Sam smiled at Walter . " Paige did explain that to me , as you are going to that auction Sunday , she is hoping to pick up some genuine movie seats . Until i have an idea what she is able to obtain , i cannot put any form of design into it . I have done a quick calculation on the costs of the electrics and the timber and other bits and pieces to make up the desks . The electrics come to around $600 and the timber around $800 .
I wonder if you could pick up some secondhand desks i am sure they will work out a lot cheaper . "
Walter had an insperation and just said . " The garage . "
Sam looked at Walter a confused look on her face . " What garage ? "
" Sorry that was were Scorpion worked from , it is more a wharehouse than a garage , it is were all the computer equipment is at . There is a least four decent desks there , also Happy kept loads of equipment and all sorts of timber , metal and electrical equipment . I will have a word with Richard to see if it is alright to remove anything from the garage , it will keep the costs down .
" What as Mr Eli got to do with the garage ? " Sam asked still confused .
" He bought the garage from the bank , when i moved out . Ralph and i have been using the computers there to help Homeland .
" Oh, so that is how your house became a crime scene . " A now more understanding Sam said .
Walter just nodded . " I will go and see Richard a little later . But thank you Sam for all the work , let me borrow these plans over the weekend , to show Paige and Ralph and see if they want to make any amendments . "
" Sure boss , hope you have a good time at the auction . " A now smiling Sam told Walter .
Walter left Sam and walked over to see Jayne .
" Morning boss , i have amended the coding to what Ralph suggested and we are running tests and at the moment , everything is going well . "
" Ok keep me informed " Walter said as he walked to talk to James .
" Hi boss that amendment Ralph suggested seems to have cured the problem . We are also running outdoor tests so far with 100% sucess . "
" Good keep me informed . " Walter said as he finally walked over to see Mary .
" Mr O'Brian a pleasure to see you , due to what appears to be good results from the tests . I am programming trials to manufacture both the hoist and water filter . They will each make only 20 of each , we will have them tested to distruction once they have been made , to ensure they are up to standard .
" Thank you Mary , i wish you would call me Walter or boss , Mr o'Brian is so formal , let me know as soon as we have any of the products completed , i want to be part of those tests . " Walter told her .
" Certainly Mr . sorry Walter i will do that . "
Walter returned to his office , were he phoned Susan to check if Richard was free and being told he was . he made his way to Richards office .
Susan told him to go straight in . " Good morning Walter . " Richard said as he pointed at a chair . " Please sit down . "
No thank you , i cannot stop but i just wanted to ask you if i could maybe take a little more than the computers and personel items out of the garage ? "
" What sort of things ? "
" Desks and some of the clutter that Happy left around when she left . "
Richard said nothing for a moment . " As long as it can be removed without causing any damage , that i would need to repair before i sell the garage . "
" Definatly not . " Walter replied a smile on his face as he turned to walk out of the door . Over his shoulder he said . " Thank you . " As he opened the door .
At 12.30pm Walter was walking towards Paige's car , as usual she was stepping out the car as soon as she saw him approaching . After a quick hug and kiss, Walter went and spoke to Megan before getting in the car .
Just after 1.00pm the three of them were entering Ann's office , once they were seated and comfortable , Ann asked .
" How are things going ? "
It was Paige that answered . " Very good , we are making more preperations to move out of my condo into Walter's house and looking forward to shopping both tomorrow and Sunday . "
Ann looked a little confused . " I know you are shopping , but what is so special about Sunday ? "
Paige a big smile on her face . " We are all going to an auction of Movie memorabilia and fixtures from an old movie theatre . "
Ann was now both confused and curious . " Why would you want to go to an auction for items from a movie theatre ? "
Paige by now had an even bigger smile on her face . " The thing that caused all the trouble with the house was we found two rooms had been built in the loft . Now they have been , cleared out of all incriminating evidence , Walter and Ralph are having the bigger room as a computer room , for all the computers that are still in the garage that Scorpion worked out off . The smaller one is for me to turn into a movie theatre , i want some original seating and posters and maybe a few other things . "
Ann spoke again . " Well that sounds exciting , you are quiet Walter . "
Walter smiled . " Paige is a big fan of old horror movies , so she can have anything she wants . To a certain extent . " He quickly added as he turned to Paige and kissed her on the cheek .
Ann gave a small smile at this sign of there love . " I know you have booked for ten sessions , but i don't think i can really do anymore for you . So i would suggest we cancel what are left , if you feel you need help do not hesitate to ring me . Maybe we could arrange a date for about six months time so we can talk about how things are going . "
Paige looked at Walter . " Well i think we have made good progress so i think that would be fine , How about you Walter ? "
At that question he looked like a deer caught in a cars headlights .
" Do you want to hold Megan ? "
He just about managed to nod his head . Paige reached for Megan and gently took her from her bassenet and placed her into Walter's arms , Megan began to smile and utter Da, Da.
Walter's smile got bigger and he began to speak to Megan . " You know since you came into my life your mom and i have grown more in love than before you . I would never have thought i could possibly love her more than i did before you came along , but i do with you and Ralph both in my life as well , nothing in the world could make me happier . I am still likely to make silly mistakes , but your mommy or big brother Ralph are quick to point them out and we spend time talking about how to sort the problem out . So all in all i am sure we have never been in a better position . "
All the time he had been talking the smile never left Megan's face .
Ann a big smile on her face . " I think you are both ready , i have enjoyed all of it though it was different to carry on a consultation though a third party , even someone as cute as Megan . "
At the mention of her name Megan gave a little giggle .
Ann carried on speaking . " As i have already said any problems you think i can help you with , please feel free to call . I will get my secretary to work out an appointment for six months time just so i can get an update you and the little lady , Walter is so gently holding in his arms . But if possible i would like Ralph to attend as well . "
Paige smiled at Ann . " Thank you for all the advice you have given and shared with us , i am sure we have both benifited from these sessions . "
Walter gave a somewhat reserved . " Thank you . "
Paige and Walter , still carrying Megan in his arms a very contented smile on her face , left Ann's office and made their way to the car .
Paige pulled up outside of the reception door , Walter had told her about what Sam had done and what Richard had told him in regard to the garage . He promised to bring the plans back with him tonight , before giving Paige a kiss and after a quick look at Megan who again had fallen asleep , he made his way back to his office .
Paige decided before picking Ralph up from school she would collect some paint and wallpaper samples from one of the big stores that deal in those kind of things .
Walter arrived home at 5.45pm. and again was met at the door by Paige , but this time she had Megan in her arms , she leaned into kiss Walter , which she just about managed before Megan reached out with both of her little arms and uttered Da, Da.
Walter a smile on his face gently removed Megan from Paige's arms and placed her in position in his right arm . " Hello my little princess . " Walter said as he placed a kiss on her , causing Megan to giggle .
After the evening meal , Paige had put Megan to bed the three of them stayed in the kitchen so Walter could roll out the plans that Sam had prepared the previous evening .
Ralph was taking a lot of interest in the plan for the computer room , Walter told him what Sam had suggested with regards to using secondhand desks , rather than purpose built units to save both time and money . He went on to tell him what Richard had agreed to about taking anything out of the garage , that was not fixed to the property .
" I really like that idea , it will be a pleasent reminder of were i spent a lot of happy times with you and mom . " Ralph told Walter and Paige . They all spent about a hour looking at the plan , making various comments about the computer design .
After making the neccesary notes on the plan . Walter rolled it up and replaced it with the one for the movie theatre . Immediatly Paige looked at it she asked . " Why is there such a large empty space in the center of the plan ? "
Walter gave a smile " She knows you are going to the auction on Sunday , so until she knows what you are are going to buy , she cannot put anything in its place . "
" Ok, i accept that , i like the idea's she has put on . Pleaae tell her thank you . " Paige said as she moved closer to Walter and planted a kiss on his cheek .
They carried on talking about the plans . Paige had thought long and hard during the day and told Walter and Ralph what she had been thinking . She wanted to try and get at least eight original movie seats and a few posters , preferably of old horror movies and some other original signs . The most importent one would be an illuminated exit sign to go above the only door in the room .
Walter and Ralph laughed at her exciment , but were both more than pleased to listen and watch her as she was telling them all this .
Soon after Walter rolled up the plans up , ready to take them back to Sam on Monday . While Walter was putting the plans away , Paige stepped away to the bedroom . Returning with all the paint and wallpaper samples .
" I thought you might like to look at some colours for our new bedrooms . "
Walter gave Paige a look . " I think i will leave our colour scheme to you , as mine would probably have been black and white . "
Ralph was already going through the paper samples . I can still choose my own colours , can't i ? "
Paige smiled at him . " Of course you can , just as long as the ideas are not to wild . "
By the time Ralph went to bed , he had come up with at least ten different ideas on what colour scheme he wanted .
Paige was more interested in watching Ralph as he tried to match up the colours he wanted .
Paige and Walter stayed up chatting for another hour , before going to bed themselves .
Next morning the whole family were on the sofa just before 9,00am for the video call from Ireland . Due to the fact the family were going shopping the call was ended after about a hour , Paige explained they were going shopping to buy Megan a stroller and get a car seat for each of their cars , which they would tell them about the next day during that video call .
After they had all said their goodbyes and Paige had closed the connection down . Paige took Megan into the bedroom to check if she needed changing . Although Paige would still be taking the famous blue bag .
She was back in about fiften minutes , Megan smiling . Paige had been able to express enough milk , which should satisfy Megan while they were out .
They decided to take Walter's Range Rover as it as much more space than the one Paige drove . Hopefully , for the last time Walter carried Megan out to his car in her bassenet , if all goes well today .
By 11.00am Walter was pulling up close to a well known Baby Store in L.A. . The family walked through the door and immediatly an assistant came up to them .
" Good morning , my name is Penny i will be available to help you with whatever you need . "
" Good morning Penny , my name is Paige , this is my fiance Walter , our son Ralph and the little lady her name is Megan , our daughter . "
" It is a pleasure to meet you all . Can i help you with anything or do you wish to just browse for a while ? " Penny asked .
Paige the smile still on her face . " We are looking for a stroller for our daughter , so she can see more than when she is being carried aroud in the bassenet , plus she his now getting heavier and putting a strain on my arm . "
" We have a good selection of strollers towards the back of the store , if you would care to follow me . "
The three adults followed Penny towards the back of the store . Penny stopped and showed them a display of something like twenty different strollers , all different styles , sizes and colours . Paige put the bassenet on the floor and gently picked up Megan . As soon as Megan was safe in her arms , Megan's head began to move from side to side looking at her surroundings , a smile on her face . As soon as her eyes saw Walter she streached her hands out and uttered Da, Da.
Paige passed her over to Walter who put her into a safe position in his right arm . Now that she was out of her bassenet Penny took a good look at Megan . " She is a beautiful little girl , how old is she ? " Penny askedc .
Walter was quick to answer " Four months . "
" She maybe a little young for some of our strollers , but i am sure we can find something that is suitable . "
Penny went into the collection of strollers and bought one out to show them . " This is one of the cheaper range , we have more expensive models , but this one will show us if the size is suitable . Do you think she would go into it now so we can see ? "
Walter looked at Megan and smiled at her . " Will you be a good girl and sit in the stroller , this nice lady has bought here to show you ?"
This made Megan giggle , so Walter moved her position in his arms so he was now holding her under both arms and gently put her in the stroller , he then knelt down beside her and reached in the stroller and used the straps inside to make sure she could not get out . He stood up and began to push Megan around the store .
As soon as Walter began to push , Megan began to laughing and uttering Da, Da. Both Paige and Ralph had big smiles on their faces .
" I think she likes the stroller . " A very happy Paige said .
Penny watched Walter and Megan . " I have never seen a baby that young take to a stroller like that , they would normally still be in a pram . "
Paige with pride on her face . " She does seem very advanced for her age , but Walter as been tested as the fourth highest intellegence in the world . Ralph , although he as not been officially tested appears to have an IQ higher than Walter . So there is a chance she could be be a genius as well , she his to young to do any tests yet . "
By now Walter was back with Megan who was still smiling , however once Walter stopped pushing the smile disappeared ,
" By the look on her her face now she is not happy with you having stopped pushing . " Paige said to Walter .
Walter knelt down again by Megan . " What is the matter princess ? "
Megan gripped the two side bars on the stroller with her tiny hands then as loud as she could she called Ral. Ral. .
Ralph had begun to wander off , but as soon as he heard Megan call his name ,he ran back to her .
He knelt down on the opposite side of the stroller to Walter . " Da, Da only wants to put you in another stroller to see which is the best . "
This bought a smle back on her face and she released her grip and uttered Da, Da .
Penny's face looked full of surprise . " Why would Megan relate so well to her brother , while she is so young ? "
Paige who was herself a little confused . " I don't really know , but that is the second time in a few days she as seemed to understand Ralph , made more amazing by the fact that Walter is not the father of Ralph , so Ralph is only a half brother to Megan . "
Walter had once again got Megan safe in his arms . " She may not exactly understand him but his tone of voice is calm to her and she obviously feels she can trust him . So i think i had better put Megan back into a different stroller . Ralph would you like to push your sister ? "
" Certainly dad . " Ralph said with a smile on his face .
Penny smiled . " Well there is certainly a bond between them , i can certainly see a lot of Walter in Megan the tint in her skin , her beautiful brown eyes and the black curly hair . But i also see a little of Walter in Ralph , they are not so obvious as in Megan . But i have been working here for over ten years and you notice things , with Ralph the shape of his ears and chin are so similar to Walter , he also as a lot of mannerisms of Walter , the way he holds his head when talkig to Megan , also some of his speech patterns are so similar . "
Paige looked a little shocked . " Walter could not possibly be Ralph's father . i only meet him just over five years ago ."
Penny looked a little shocked . " I am sorrry i did not mean to cause offence . "
Paige immediatly replied . " There is no offence taken , in a way i am sure Ralph would love to have Walter as his biological father than the one he as got . "
" I do to . " Walter added .
Penny smiled . " Ok , lets get back to business , as Megan seems so advanced . Where is she when she is at home ? "
" If not in mine or Walters arms she is in her bassenet or cot . " Paige replied .
" Well could i suggest a high chair , i am sure she would enjoy watching you cook and doing your chores , rather than just lying on her back looking at the ceiling . "
Walter looked at Paige . " Do you think that would be a good idea ? "
A smile came across her face . " Yes , can you show us some please Penny . "
" Certainly follow me please . " Penny led them to another area of the store . Ralph was still pushing Megan around the shop and all they could hear was Megan laughing .
" Those two seem happy enough . " Walter said to Paige .
Penny showed them the high chairs they stocked , the best one was a high chair which as Megan got older , could be turned into a a desk and chair .
Paige checked it all over and turned it into the desk . " I love this can you fetch Ralph and Megan over , so we can try Megan in it , to see how she likes it . " She asked Walter .
He began to walk over towards the sound of the laughing . He was back a couple of minutes later , Ralph still pushing a laughing Megan . Again as Walter went to pick up Megan up she went ridged and the smile disappeared from her face . Ralph bent down again and quietly spoke to her .
" Da, Da just wants to see how you look in that high chair . " As he finished speaking she relaxed and allowed Walter to pick her up and put her in the high chair . She began to look around and realized she was higher than she had been when held in Walter's arms and began to giggle .
" I think she likes it . " Paige said a big smile on her face .
Walter turned to Penny " Ok we will have the second stroller and this high chair . Do you by any chance sell Car seats for toddlers ? "
" Yes but i will have to hand you over to one of my colleges , especially if you want it fitted . " Penny told .
" Well i have my car here so i will watch and then fit the one in Paige's car when we get home . " Walter told her .
" Ok do you want to follow me . " Penny asked .
Before they could go Ralph walked up to Walter . " Dad i want to buy Megan something , but i have not put my cheque in the bank yet , could you pay for it and i will pay you back . "
" Of course buddy what do you want to buy her ? "
" It is a light up crawl mat that changes colour as the weight changes on it , i think i could alter it so it will make music as well with a few alterations . "
" Just tell your mom to but it on our bill . "
" Thanks dad . " Ralph replied with a big smile on his face .
Paige walked across to him and kissed him on the cheek . " Good lad , that is very thoughtfull of you . Wait her with Megan . "
" Of course mom . "
Walter and Paige were back thirty minutes later . Megan was still sitting in the high chair laughing with Ralph , who was building plastic blocks up , which she would then knock down .
Once they had paid for all the items , including a few extra things Ralph had found , including the plastic blocks . Walter carried Megan out in his arms , which was still her favourite place too travel . Penny helped them carry everything out to their car .
Once everything was loaded in the car , Megan was put into the newly fitted car seat , a big smile on her face . Walter pulled out of the parking space and headed to the beach , Ralph talking all the time to a very proud Megan .
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Grykon Glad you are still enjoying it without any real drama
LouBe96 No the placement for FB is with a girlfriend , Glad you got a little laugh out of Megan and her french fries .
Pearliegirl The story will end at the wedding , not sure exactly when that will be . I hope you keep enjoying it .
Da Toad I hope you will be posting that story soon , need to know how you are going to pull that sort of story off .