The next morning Walter was again awake first , Paige still snuggled uptight to his side . His mind went back to how he felt once they had all walked out on him . His sadness and pain began to overcome him yet again , it had been ten months of total loneliness he had felt once he left his office at night . Sleep rarely overcoming him as he lay alone in his bed . These thoughts going through his head were begining to overcome him , there was no smile on his face now .
He suddenly felt a small movement at the side of him , this immediatly bought him away from the melencholy he was feeling as he realized it was Paige moving in her sleep . The smile that had disappeared began to reappear on his face as the happiness of the past few days began to fill his mind , quickly removing all the bad thoughts that had occupied it only a few moments ago .
He continued lying there until he heard Paige's voice .
" Good morning , love of my life . "
Walter leaned down and kissed the top of her head . Five minutes later both heard Megan , giving a small cry .
Paige sat up in bed and turned to Walter . " As Megan had already been changed when you came in last night , do you want to try and change her this morning ? "
Walter gave a half smile . " Of course . "
Paige gave a little smile . " If you are sure i will go and fetch the items you require . Would you like to get Megan out of her cot . "
Walter's face gave a bigger smile as he got out of bed and walked over to Megan's cot . " Good morning precious , mommy has told me i can change you this morning . So you will be good for me , won't you ? "
Megan had a smile on her face , similar to the one Paige uses when she is thinking maybe . Walter gently picked Megan up from out of her cot and cradled her in his arms . Paige returned just as he had begun to talk to Megan , she put the changing mat on the bed .
" There you go Da Da, . I will just keep an eye on you , but i am sure you will do fine . "
Walter gave Paige a smile , looked down at Megan , took a deep breath and began talking to Megan . " Well lttle princess , i hope i do all this correct , but mommy will soon put me right if i begin to mess up . "
Megan smiled and uttered " Da, Da. "
Paige began to giggle and just about managed to say . " I think she just gave you her approval , so you had better make a good job of it . "
Walter gently placed Megan on the changing mat , who immediatly began kicking her legs . For a few moments Walter just watched , this had not happened yesterday when he watched Paige .
Paige placed her hand on his arm . " It is nothing to worry about , she is just enjoying the freedom from the blankets . "
" It did not happen yesterday , when you changed her . " Walter told Paige , a little bit of fear in his voice .
" She often does that , it is nothing to worry about , gently touch her legs and she will normally stop . " Paige told him .
Walter very gently put his hand across both of Megan's legs , then lightly pushed her legs down onto the mat . Megan giggled and again uttered " Da, Da. "
Paige was still smiling as she watched Walter , treating his daughter like a piece of priceless porcelain . His actions with Megan , increasing her feelings that Walter would be the perfect father .
Now that Megan was still , he began to replicate all the movements that Paige had made the previous morning . It took him a little longer than it would take Paige , but he was determined nothing was going to be wrong , by double checking everything he did .
All the time he was doing the job he was gently and quietly talking to Megan about what he was doing . Megan was giggerling and uttering " Da, Da. " , all the time Walter was changing her diaper .
Once he had finished changing Megan's diaper he gently picked her up and passed her to Paige .
" Well done ,Da Da , you can do the job again . Now if you go for your shower , i will feed her , then you can begin breakfast while i shower and of course look after our little girl . " Paige told him a big smile on her face .
" It will be my pleasure . " Walter said as he gave her a quick kiss , then turned and walked towards the bathroom .
...
Walter had bought Megan , in her bassenet , into the kitchen and put it on the kitchen island . He had decided to make pancakes for breakfast and was busy making up the batter . He had already found a bottle of Maple syrup which he put out for people to help themselves . He made one pancake , just to check it would be ok , as he did his thoughts went back to the breakfast , Paige made him before they went to the swamps to help with the mosquito problem and how he had hurt Paige's feelings with his truthful but rather brutal review he had given her Pancakes and apple butter .
That was when she had taught him about a white lie , something that turned out to be one of the causes of the breakup of Scorpion . He tried the pancake he had made and was happy with the result .
Just has he had finished eating it Paige appeared . " Something smells good . " She told him as she walked up to him and gently kissed him on the lips .
She then walked over to check on Megan , who had fallen asleep .
Ralph appeared , this morning a lot more sedate than the previous day .
" Morning ,mom, dad . " He said trying to stiffle a yawn without much success .
" Sit down before you fall down . " Walter told him .
Once breakfast was finished and everything cleared away , Paige took Megan back to the bedroom , Paige wanted to finish her makeup .
Ralph pulled Walter to one side . " I am glad mom went back to the bedroom , the reason i was so tired this morning was because i was up until late , trying to track down more on the Squires . "
Walter gave Ralph a serious look . " You know your mom would be mad at you for staying up that late . So we won't tell her this time , but if she asks i will not lie to her . "
Ralph gave a half smile . " I know no more lies . However one thing i did find , was despite no income tax returns have been made , all taxes , due to be paid to the goverment or local goverment , have been paid on time for the past five years . "
Walter stayed silent for a couple of minutes . " I guess if we check through those bank statements we found in the safe . They will probably show direct debits payments , which obviously have not been stopped . "
Paige came back , to the kitchen , carrying Megan in her bassenet . " What are you two conspiring ? " She asked with a smile .
Walter looked at her . " I was just telling Ralph , we will call at the house tomorrow , before we go to the garage , to pick up the paperwork from the safe . "
" Well , i could pick it up this morning , i will be going over for a couple of hours before i come to pick you up for our meeting with Ann . I could pick you up a change of clothes for tomorrow as well . Just tell me what you want . " Paige replied , at the back of her mind she was thinking . / It will mean you get home quicker tonight /
Walter smiled at her . " Thank you , just pick me up a set of casual clothes . "
At 8.00am Walter left to take Ralph to school and then on to his office .
...
Paige pulled up outside Richard's building at 12.30pm. Megan was chattering away in her bassenet , on the back seat .
" Daddy will be here soon , i am sure he wants to see you as well . "
Megan uttered Da, Da.
A few minutes later Paige saw Walter come out of the building and got out of the car . Walter saw her and picked up his walking pace . They both embraced and kissed .
" Your daughter is keen to see you again , she as been asking for Da, Da again . "
" How about i travel to Ann's office in the back and i can talk to Megan . "
" Ok , but do not make a habit of it , because i like your attention as well . " Paige said with a smile in her voice .
Ann welcomed the three of them in her office , they all sat down .
" How have things been since Wednesday ? " Ann asked .
Both Paige and Walter looked at each other , Walter nodded his head , Paige turned to Ann then in a quiet nervous voice , she began talking .
" Well after we left on Wednesday , i took Walter back to work , i went back to Walter's house until it was time to pick up Ralph . Walter is usually at my condo by 5.45pm. , but Wednesday he had still not arrived by 6.15pm . I began to panic , i now know it was stupid , but my fear of rejection had come back . By 6.30pm. i was a mess , it was then i heard the knock on the door , i ran to the door and threw it open , Walter was there . He managed to calm me down , in his own special way . Walter thought it best to tell you . "
By now Paige had tears running down her cheeks . Walter saw this , put his arm around her shoulders , then gently wiped the tears from her face with his figure .
Ann had watched the interaction between the two of them with great interest . She did not say anything for a few minutes , letting Paige regain her composure as Walter whispered in her ear.
Once Paige had stopped crying she quietly asked .
" Why were you late Walter ? "
Walter gave a small smile before answering . " My boss , wanted me to go to a meeting with him yesterday , which would have meant i would not be able to make lunch with her and Megan . So i went home , before going to Paige's , to get a change of clothes for the next day , so i could make breakfast for the family to make up for not being able to have lunch . "
Ann's face broke into a smile . " That was a lovely gesture to do Walter . " She then turned to Paige .
" Can you not see that Walter would never leave you , maybe he could have phoned to tell you he would be a little late . But Walter maybe a genius , but first he is a man and thinking of little things like that do not come to them that easy , even men who's E.Q is a lot better than Walter's . We need to try and talk to get you to understand that Walter is a true stayer . "
Walter interrupted . " I have already told you i will only state facts in future . "
" Do you want to talk about it now ? " Ann asked Paige .
" It was the main thing that split us up the first time , i am determined it will not happen again . The ten months we were apart , if it had not been for Megan , i do not think i would be here today . " Paige explained .
Ann looked a little concerned at the last statement made , Walter's face also showed a lot of concern .
Ann again asked Paige in a quite voice . " Paige would you like to enlighten us on what you meant by that last statement . "
Paige grabbed hold of Walter's hand , turned to him and just said . " Sorry . "
Walter looked Paige straight in the eyes . " There is no need to be sorry , just tell us what you meant by what you just said . "
Paige gripped Walter's hand even harder , even though Walter could feel the pressure getting more on his hand , his facial expression never altered .
Paige refused to face Ann and slowly lowered her head and stared at her hand grasping Walter's .
She began to speak in a quiet voice , so quiet Ann needed to move her chair closer to the two people in front of her .
" The first few weeks after we all walked out on Walter , was busy getting Centipede Partners ready . I was still angry at Walter , although i knew in my own mind , Walter would never cheat on me , Toby had this ability to keep reminding me of what had happened that night .
It was not until i told Ralph i was pregnant and he locked himself away in his bedroom . Once he came out he annouced he was going to stay with Drew , that is Ralph's birth dad . Once he left , i realized what i had actually done , so the next day i resigned from Centipede Partners . This meant i was on my own 24/7 , that was when the darkness started to descend on me .
That was when i knew i needed to find some sort of work to get me out of the prison i called my condo . My friend Amy got me a job with the agency she worked for . Once i started working , i began to feel better , made even better when Ralph turned up . Drew having signed a new contract for a baseball team out in Kansas and there was no place for Ralph in his life again .
Ralph still had not forgiven me , but his presence in the house helped . When i was six months into the pregnancy the doctor told me i needed to give up work as my blood pressure had reached a dangerous level . This meant i was on own again for long periods of the time . Again the blackness came down , each day it would get darker . I became almost a robot just doing what was necessary to feed Ralph and myself .
One day my mind was so dark , once Ralph had gone to school , i locked the door collected two bottles of wine from the kitchen plus an assortment of pills , put them on the coffee table then sat down .As i reached over to pick up one of the bottles of wine , our little miracle decided to play ball by kicking me hard and often . This bought me out of the blackness and made me realize i was not only going to take my own life , but also that of a total innocence , one who was yet to meet the most wonderful man in the world , her daddy . I immediatly pulled my arm back and began sobbing .
All the time i was sobbing , all sorts of thoughts were going through my head . What would Ralph have done , he really only had me , Drew was always so unpredictable and Walter , who would always be Ralph's first choice had disappeard from the face of the earth .
After about a hour i managed to pull myself together , by the time for Ralph to come home , i could just about put a smile on my face .
Around six months later , by sheer chance , i managed to trace Walter . You will never know just how pleased i felt , that Megan decided to play ball inside me . Another reason she is so special. "
By the time she had finished speaking , tears were rolling down her cheeks .Walter's eyes were just about containing his tears , but tears began to escape and roll down his cheeks . He released Paige's hand and pulled her into a tight hug .
Ann's eyes had never left the couple all the time Paige had been speaking , she did not speak for a few minutes allowing Walter the time to comfort Paige . She eventually spoke again in a quiet voice .
" Thank you for sharing that with us Paige . I trust that nothing like that will ever happen again . "
Paige turned her head away from Walter's chest so she could look at Ann . " Never , i have to much to loose , Ralph , Megan and of course Walter , the true love of my life . I was really being selfish to even contemplate such an action . "
Ann was thoughtful for a moment . " I am pleased you are feeling that way . Today i think we have spoken enough , but we should talk a little more about this at our next meeting . Also i would like to talk more about Ralph . "
Five minutes later they all said their goodbyes . As Walter and Paige were walking across to the car , Walter still holding Paige tight with one arm , while carring Megan , in her bassenet , in the other , spoke to Paige .
" Are you ok to drive , or would you like me to drive back to the office ? "
Paige a thankfull smile on her face . " I would appreciate if you would drive back to your office , i should be alright to drive by then . "
Walter pulled up outside the office block a little after 2.00pm. " Will you be alright to drive back ? " Walter asked .
Paige's smile this time was full of love . " I feel better now , i am sure i will be fine . "
Walter looked at her still a little worried . " Are you positive , do not forget , two of the most importent people in my life will be in the car . "
" There is no way i would ever put our little princess in any sort of danger . I am going to be fine . " Paige told him before she reached over and pulled Walter's face towards her and gave him a kiss .
Walter returned the kiss , before getting out of the car , he again went to the back door , opened it and peered into the bassenet , Megan was asleep , he gently stroked her cheek . " Sleep well little princess ."
Paige had taken the drivers seat as Walter walked past , he opened the door , leaned in and kissed Paige on the lips .
" I will see you tonight , make sure you drive safely . " He told her a large smile on his face .
Walter returned to his office , as soon as he walked in he saw a large bunch of keys on his desk , walking over he noticed an envelpe propped up against it . He reached over and picked up the envelope and opened it , he pulled a piece of paper out and began to read .
Keep these until you have finished what you need . If you want , remove any of the computer equipment once you have completed your task . Richard .
A smile came across his face as he finished reading the note . He picked up the phone and dialed Richard's extension .
Richard " Hello . "
Walter " Hello Richard thank you for the keys . Are you sure about the computers ? "
Richard " Walter if you have made up all the computers , who else would be able to use them as no one would be able to even switch them on . What i did not mention , if you did leave any personal items in the garage and the loft when you left , please feel free to remove those as well . "
Walter He remainded silent for a moment . " That is most kind of you Richard , i am sure there are some items that belong to Paige and Ralph . They may like some of their items back . "
Richard " That is fine , keep the keys until you have finished , however if you need them longer than next Monday could you let me know , so i can keep my property manager up to date . "
Walter " Of course , i think the biggest problem i will have is getting Ralph to leave once he is back in the garage . Once again thank you , i will give you an update on Monday . Have a good weekend . "
As he put the phone down after talking to Richard , his mobile rang . He pulled it out of his pocket and his face broke out into a smile as he saw the I.D .
Walter " Hello Rachael , it is good to hear from you . "
Rachael " Hi Walter , i have gone over the design for the ring you want made . To make it so it is strong and secure , i would need to make a couple of ammendments to the design . "
Walter " Would it alter it much . ? "
Rachael " No , the biggest change would be to the body of the ring to 14ct gold and not 18ct , because the weight of jewels she has designed 18ct would really be to soft . I can make it out of 18ct if you insist but i am sure within a short time the ring will begin to go out of shape . The second alteration again is to give the mountings of the rubys an upgrade , as it is it will not carry the weight , the changes do not alter the look of the ring it just makes the whole ring more secure . "
Walter " I think you know better than anyone , so i will be guided by you . Any idea of the cost ? "
Rachael " I would estimate $3500 , but it may be a little less , depending on the market price of the jewels when i go and buy them . "
Walter " Well that is fine can you go ahead and begin making the ring . "
Rachael " I will try and source all the stones first, Once i have found the ideal ones and a cutter who i can trust . I would think i could have it completed inside a week . "
Walter " Ok go ahead and keep me updated . Good to speak to you again . Look forward to seeing the complete ring . "
The rest of the afternoon , Walter went over some of the work his team had completed over the week .
Paige texted him around 4.00pm. to say she , Ralph and Megan were home safe and sound .
By 5.45pm he was pulling into the visitors parking space for Paige's condo .
She opened the door before he had a chance to knock .
" Welcome home . " She told him before she placed a kiss on his lips .
Once the meal was over and everything put away , Paige and Walter sat on the sofa and Ralph settled down in one of the armchairs .
Walter spent the next hour ,telling both of them all about his meeting with Richard .
Ralph was excited . " We could turn that upstairs office and storeroom into a computer room . Just think what we would be able to do then . "
Paige spoke up quickly . " Just what sort of things are you thinking of doing , i do not want you getting in trouble with the authorties again . "
Ralph looked a little sheepish . " No more trouble , i promise . "
Around 9.00pm. Ralph decided he was going to bed , he wanted to be fresh for tomorrow , so he could really enjoy the garage . A place he had always found happiness . He hugged both his mom and dad and wished them both goodnight .
Thirty minutes later Paige turned to Walter and gave him a smile , she then reached for his hand and began to rise from the sofa , gently pulling on Walter's hand .
" Up you get NERD, i think it is time for a little adult playtime ." She told him , a wicked look in her eyes , her voice a sultry thick sound , one Walter knew she only used when she wanted adult playtime with him .
He did not resist Paige's pull in fact he helped his rise from the sofa by pushing down on the sofa with his other hand .
Walter used the bathroom first and while Paige was in the bathroom , he changed into his night shorts and moved closer to Megan's cot , so he could watch Megan sleep . So engrossed watching Megan he did not hear Paige come out of the bathroom . She watched him for a minute , overcome with pride at the love Walter was showing their daughter .
She made a low coughing sound .
This bought Walter out of his Megan world and he slowky turned around , his mouth dropped as he saw the beauty personified . Paige was leaning against the frame of the bathroom door , her right hand about twelve inches above her head holding on to the frame , causing her body to be at an angle . Her body covered only by one of Walter's white shirt , only the button at the bottom of the shirt fasened .
" Wow! " Was all Walter could manage .
Paige stood up straight and slowly reached down to the button and slowly opened it . The shirt opened completly , allowing Walter to see the body he had been missing for over ten months .
Paige began to slowly walk across the room to him , her long beautiful legs exaggerated by the pair of black 6 inch high stilletto shoes . As she was walking she shook her shoulders causing the shirt to become loose and slowly it began to slide down her back and arms , the closer she got to Walter the further it moved down her body .
" Mo, Mo , is getting very frustrated and needs Da, Da's to help her to get rid of some of her frustration . So buckle up Nerd . "
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Grykon Thank you . Only 5lb i must be slipping , but i am sure you will not waste away . Richard is a business man first then a friend , so i am sure that thought was at the front of his mind . Certainly agree about Toby .
marie france Thank you very much , hope you continue to enjoy the story .
Sonya funk Thank you
Pearliegirl Thank you ,hope you enjoyed this chapter .
LouBe 96 Thank you . Must admit at first i had reservations about Walter receiving any benefit from the hoist and water purifier , but then thought Paige would be able to give him some sound advice . Scorpion computers , chapter 17 for the full picture . At the moment the Malibu house is really a crime scene , so until all the problems with the arms are sorted they will not be moving in . Thnk you again for your kind words in your P.M 's .
Jerbr With those two who knows what may happen . Thank you .Looking forward to your new and reedited old stories , this time take a little time to publish your stories so that the writing does not actually overtake your life .