Walter rushed through the fence as he heard Ralph's shout . He came to an abrupt halt just before running into Ralph , who was looking at a large building . It was about 20feet long and from were he was standing , Walter guessed at least 12feet deep . It was clad in cedar shingles that had weathered to a light silver grey colour .

" Can we go inside dad ? " An excited Ralph asked .

" It will most likely be locked , but you can try the door if you want . " Answered a smiling Walter .

Ralph ran up to the door and tried the handle , his face dropped , the door was locked .

" You were correct dad , it is locked . "

" The key could be on the ring , Richard gave me , but that is back in my bedroom , i'll check when we go back and then we can come back tomorrow . " Walter replied

A still downcast Ralph simply said . " I suppose so . "

Walter saw his face . " look Ralph it will still be here tomorrow and hopefully you will get many years of pleasure using it , for what so ever purpose you want . "

" Do you mean i can actually have it as my own ? " A much happier Ralph asked .

" Subject to your mom agreeing . Now while we are on our own , i want to ask you something . " Walter told him .

" You can ask me anything dad . " Ralph replied .

" First i would like to know exactly how you feel about Megan . "

Ralph looked at Walter with a serious expression on his face . " She his my little sister and i love her , besides she was responsible for getting you and mom back together . I could not never not love her and once she his old enough to understand i intend to tell her just how gratefull i am for her being responsible for that . At anytime i would be prepared to put my own life on the line if it meant saving hers . " Ralph told Walter his voice full of determination .

Walter had tears in his eyes as he reached for Ralph and pulled him into a hug . " Thank you Ralph , i needed to ask in case you were unhappy in anyway about Megan . "

" Dad she makes you and mom so happy , why would i be unhappy about that . Besides i am her big brother , so i can show her ways to get round you and mom . " Ralph said a big smile on his face .

" Lets go back to your mom and Megan , but before we do i need to ask you something else . " Walter asked , but was feeling a little nervous about what he was about to ask .

" What's wrong dad ? "

" Would you be happy if i asked your mom to marry me ? "

Before Walter had even finished speaking Ralph moved over to him and hugged him . " It as been my dream almost since the first time i saw you . I am more than happy , i am estatic . " Ralph managed to say before the tears that were running down his cheeks stopped him speaking .

Walter returned the hug , they stood like that for a couple of minutes . Walter broke the hug and began to speak to Ralph again .

" I need you to keep this a secret for the time being . Remember your mom told us last night she had designed a ring , she would love to have as an engagement ring . Do you think you could get a copy of the design . I can then ask someone i know to make it up ."

Ralph was quiet , like Walter he likes to go through certain conversations in his mind , before giving an answer . Walter knew what Ralph was doing so he did not push him for an answer . It was almost five minutes before Ralph began speaking .

" I can certainly keep it secret you want to ask mom to marry you . However getting the design , without mom knowing could be a problem as i have no idea were it may be . "

Walter thought for a moment . " Next time i am at the condo , i will ask your mom to show it to me , then maybe we could distract her and one of us could take a photo on our phone . "

" It might work , it is at least worth a try . " Ralph replied .

" We can try it out and see , but now i think we should get back to your mom and Megan . " Walter suggested .

-" Mom , mom we have found a building in the garden , but it was locked . Dad says we can look for the key, if it is not on his keyring . " Ralph began telling his mom , before he was even half way across the room .

" That sounds very exciting , do you have any idea what is inside ? " Paige asked a big smile on her face .

" No the door is solid and the blinds were pulled down the windows , but that is what makes it so exciting . " A very happy Ralph told her .

Walter was just standing there , the look of a very proud father , looking at his two children and the love of his life . Once Ralph had finished speaking he walked over to Paige and gave her a kiss on the cheek .

" It would appear your little girl knows you are her . Would you like to hold her for a while ? " Paige smiled as she spoke and saw Walter's face light up with a big smile on his face .

" Yes please . " Walter replied .

Walter walked across and sat down on the edge of the bed . Paige walked over to him and placed Megan in his arms . Megan's face broke out into a smile matching the one on Walter's face .

" Hello my little princess , i have not spoken to you since yesterday lunchtime . Would you like to know were your older brother and i have been , while your mommy fed and changed you . "
The smile on Megan's face seemed to get bigger .

" Ok then , we have been looking around the garden . I think we need to get some people in who knows what they are doing , because it is so overgrown , as it has not been tended for over five years . Your brother also discovered a big building , which he his keen to explore , but it is locked so he will have to wait . "

" Is the garden really that bad ? " Paige asked .

Walter looked up from Megan . " Well the building is behind and hidden by a high hedge , the opening to get to the building is overgrown , Ralph ran through , i had to be careful to get through . Everything else is also overgrown . Gardening is not one thing i am a genius of , so i think lets get the professionals in . "

" That sounds like a good plan , but i think we should concentrate on the interior of the house first . " Paige suggested .

Now that Walter and Ralph were back , Paige got out some of the food and shared it amongst them . That was once she had persuaded Walter to put Megan back in the bassenet, which he did with some reluctance , but insisted sitting on the bed while he ate so he could keep an eye on Megan .

Once all the food had been eaten and Paige had tided everything away . They all returned to their original places , Paige on the tub chair , Walter sitting on the bed , just so he could keep looking at a now sleeping Megan , Ralph was again sitting on the floor . After a couple of minutes of silence Paige turned to Walter .

" Have you spoke to Cabe since you left the garage ? "

Walter looked at her a little shame faced . " After we returned from the Gettleman bid , i told Florence her services were no longer required . I also told Cabe i was cancelling the Homeland contract , so he may as well go back to Homeland to be reassigned .
That was the last time i spoke to him . My only concern at the time was to cut all ties with everyone who was close to me . At the time it was my way of coping with what had happened . Doing that to Cabe was almost as painful as you walking out of my life . "

As he finished speaking , tears began to roll down Paige's cheeks . Walter saw the tears and immediatly got off the bed and went to her , gently wiped the tears from her cheeks and whispered .
" We said no more lies . "

Ralph had also seen his mom's tears and he almost jumped up of the floor . " Are you alright mom ? " He asked as he hugged her from the side .

" Yes sweetie Walter and i agreed no more lies , if some of the things he says make me cry , especially about the breakup , it is my fault and not your dad's . " Paige managed to say .

For almost five minutes the three of them just stayed in the hug .

Paige was the first to speak . " What you have just told me , explains the way Cabe reacted when i tried to phone him . "

Walter pulled back from the hug . " Why what happened ? "

Paige managed a weak smile . " Once we started C.P. i tried at least twice a week for almost a month , to contact Cabe by phone . However everytime i rang he would just reject the call , so i could not even leave a message . In the end i got the message and stopped trying to contact him . It hurt almost as much as losing you . I know i was responsible for being so angry that night over such a stupid thing as a ticket stub . But i think i have told you that enough times .

Cabe was like my adopted father for the last four years , i know he treated me like a daughter . He was also the closest thing i had to you and i just wanted to talk to him to explain that i had made such a big mistake and i knew i need both him and you back in my life . Do you think he might be in a position now to listen to both of us ? "

Walter remained silent for almost five minutes , Paige knew he was going over the conversation they had just finished , trying to analize everything before answering .

" I felt i had lost a set of Parents , when i told Cabe to go , and then my own father told me i was no longer a son of theirs . It meant i had lost two sets of parents over a stupid but in my mind innocent decision . Maybe it is now time to try and reconnect with at least one set , Cabe and Allie . How would you feel about us trying to phone him now . "

Ralph had been listening intently . " I was missing my grandparents , but if your Irish parent's do not want you to be their son , i don't want them to be my grandparents ." Ralph told Walter in a defiant voice .

" Thank you for your support Ralph , i appreciate that but i am sure they would still want to be your grandparents . " Walter told him as he pulled him into a hug .

Paige leaned over and pulled Ralph's head towards her and gently kissed the top of his head .

" I have every intention of phoning Walter's parents and give them the true story of what happened . If they are not prepared to listen then they do not deserve Walter as their son , or you and Megan their grandchildren . Now however i think it might be a good time for Walter to phone Cabe and Allie . "

Walter looked at Paige with a look of do i have to . Paige just smiled sweetly at him .

" I know if i call him , he will only reject the call . He will not know it is you calling as you have changed your number . "

Walter slowly pulled his phone out of his pocket before sitting down on the floor next to Paige's chair . Ralph had already taken up his position on the other side of Paige's chair . Walter hit the contact for Cabe then put the phone on speaker . He could hear the ringing , once he heard the fourth ring he went to switch his phone off , Paige saw what he was doing and put her hand on his and shook her head , the smile still on her face . After a couple of more rings , they heard the gruff voice of Cabe .

" Cabe Gallow , who is calling ? "

Walter was taken aback at hearing Cabe's voice again and for a few seconds , he could not answer , before he had a chance to speak , he heard .

" This had better not be a prank call or a heavy breather , because if it is i will find you and make your balls a pair of earrings for my wife . "

This pulled Walter out of his trance and he just about managed to say . " Cabe it is Walter . "

This time it was Cabe who could not speak .

" Cabe just to let you know my phone is on speaker and i am with Paige and Ralph , so please watch your language . "

" Walter , where have you been ? When did you get back with Paige ? Why didn't you stay in contact ? Allie it is Walter on the phone . "

They could hear what sounded like someone rushing across the room .

" Put the phone on speaker . " They heard Allie tell Cabe .

" Walter are you alright , we have missed you these past months . " Allie asked .

" I am sorry for my language earlier , but it is really good hearing your voice again . I did hear correctly you are with Paige and Ralph . "

" Yes , Paige found me a few days ago , because she had some very importent news for me and had been looking for me , almost as long as we has been seperated . "

Paige cut in . " " Hello Cabe , i needed you in my life as well , which is why i tried to contact you , but you kept rejecting my calls . "

" I am sorry Paige , but i was so mad at you and the other three , i blamed you for taking my son away from me again . " Cabe replied .

I am so sorry , it only took me a short time to realize what a mistake i had made but i could not find Walter anywhere , which is why i was calling you . " Paige explained .

Ralph was keen to speak , as soon as Paige finished speaking , he began to speak . " Hello , grandpa , grandma i have missed seeing you . "

" We missed you as well . " Explained Cabe .

Walter looked at Paige and moved closer and whispered . " Could we invite them for a meal at your condo on Monday night , so we can talk face to face and they can see Megan .

" Good idea , Cabe , Allie there is so much to talk about and explain would you both like to come to dinner on Monday at the condo ? "

" That would be very nice , it would seem there is a lot to talk about on both sides . I know i would love to see you again and i am sure Cabe feels the same . What time Monday ? " Allie replied .

" Around 7.00pm . " Paige said as she looked at Walter who nodded in agreement .

" That will be fine , it was good to hear all your voices again . We cannot wait for Monday . " Allie said .

" We will see you Monday . " Cabe confirmed .

" Good we will all see you Monday . " Paige replied , then all three shouted goodbye down the phone .

Allie and Cabe's House .

" Well that was a nice surprise , i wonder what Walter has been up to for the last ten months . I imagine Paige is not working with the other three anymore . " Allie said to Cabe who had a contented look on his face , a look she had not seen for over ten months .

" I hope they have sorted themselves out and we have no more stupidty from them . I had heard that their company went bust about three months after they started it . The rumour going round was that it seemed like the company had no leadership , at bids there was more argueing amongest themselves than presenting their bids . I am certainly looking forward to Monday night so we can meet up with them again . "

Walter's Malibu house .

Walter had disconnected his phone and looked at Paige a certain amount of sadness in his face . " I have missed Cabe so much the last few months , yet as soon as i heard his voice , i could not really think of anything to say . "

Paige pulled him into a hug . " He was happy to hear from you that was apparent and we can have a good conversation on Monday night . You can then introduce them both to their new granddaughter . .

Walter looked at her , a smile begining to appear on his face . " Yes i think they will both fall in love with her , the same as i did . "

Paige just smiled back at him .

For the rest of the afternoon they all just sat around . Ralph had found one of Walter's technical manuals as was happy sitting on the floor reading it . Walter and Paige sat on the edge of the bed , arms around each other , totally content to be in one anothers company .

At 5.00pm. there was another knock on the door . Walter released Paige and walked over to the door . " We have done all we can today , all the rooms have been cleaned , with the exception of the conservatory , that will be cleaned once the furniture is moved back to the living room . All curtains and bedding , upstairs and down have been removed and taken for cleaning . Will you require a price before they are cleaned or will you trust us . We can offer another service if you are interested , we can rehang all the curtains and remake all thebeds once they are laundered "

Walter immediatly looked at Paige who nodded .

" Ok, Please arrange that , do you know when that would be ? " Walter asked .

" At the moment no , but i will find out and let you know . " Jackie replied .

Walter again looked at Paige . " Will you be able to sort that out as i will be at work . "

" Not a problem as long as it is not Wednesday of Friday . " As she replied , Walter looked a little confused , so she just said . " Ann. "

Walter immediatly knew what she meant . " You can work round that can't you Jackie ? "

" We work to please you Mr O'Brian . "

" Walter please , would you like to walk us through what you have been doing ?"

" Of course follow me . "

Paige put her hand on his shoulder . " Megan . "

Walter realized what she meant , so he turned to Ralph . " Buddy will you do us a favour and stay with your sister , we won't be long , then we can go to Kovelsky's for something to eat . "

" Ok, dad i will be sure to keep her safe . "

Paige walked over to him .ruffled his hair and kissed him on his cheek . The two of them followed Jackie for a tour of the house .

Paige checked out the cleaning , running her finger across a few of the pieces of furniture , but her main interest was the art on the wall . She appeared to just glimpse at all the art work , but Walter noticed how her eyes lingered on some of the work compared to others . It took them about fourty five minutes to do a tour of the whole house .

Paige shook Jackie's hand . " Thank you , the work that as been carried out looks really good . Will you be back tomorrow ? "

" Thank you , our aim is to leave our clients feeling happy about our work . I will not be in tomorrow , it is my day off . But i will be back to ensure the curtains are correctly hung and the beds made up to hospital standard . " Jackie explained .

" Well i look forward to seeing you then . " Paige told her as she escorted her to the door .

They quickly made their way back to the bedroom , to check on Ralph and Megan .

Megan had woken up , but Ralph had kept her occupied by talking to her the way Walter does . As Walter and Paige walked through the door , he was talking to Megan telling her all about the rocket he had helped his dad build .

" Every thing alright Ralph ? " Paige asked .

" Hello , yes , Megan woke up about ten minutes ago , i have been talking to her like dad does and it seems to have kept her calm . "

" Thank you Ralph , i need to feed and change her , could you guys give me another thirty minutes . Maybe your dad could show you the other bedrooms , you might prefer one over this one . Then we can go visit Kovelsky's . " Paige told him .

Fourty minutes later they were on their way to Kovelsky's . Paige driving them all in her car .

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

LouBe 96 Well now you know , but what is inside ? Walter is lucky Paige was so desperate to see the house , she would even given up a spar break to see that house , the tour may be delayed . cannot type any more LOL .

Grykon Thank you . It is fun writing the Walter /Megan talks , even if they are one sided .

Guest Thank you pleased you are enjoying the story .

Pearliegirl Hope this chapter was enjoyable .

SkunkeeFunk . Thank you , still limited to one posting a week . Grykon is still posting every other day his story Callen .

JerBR Good to hear you are still trying to write another story . What the outdoor surprise is well you will have to wait for a few more chapters before it is revealed .