Saturday morning the video call lasted until 10.00am. as all the family needed to be at Walter's house by 11.00am. They were still using Paige's car , so that Walter's hand could heal , she pulled on the drive of the house at 10.55am. Walter went to release Megan from her car seat , made her comfortable in his left arm and the released the seat from it's bracket using his right hand he carried both towards the door . Ralph pulled the blue bag off the back seat as he slid out the rear door .
Paige walked up to the front door and opened it , seeing everyone was out of the car she clicked her button on her key to activate the door locks . Just as they were entering the house two cars pulled up on the drive . Sam's Fiat out of which James got , followed by Sam . The other a small Honda driven by Jayne with Mary as passenger .
Walter holding Megan safely in his arms , stayed at the door to welcome them . Sam was first to the door and when Megan saw her she put her hand out towards her , remembering what she been told by Walter she slowly moved her hand towards Megan who took her little finger and giggled . .
James seeing what Sam had done , when Megan released Sam's finger , he slowly put his hand out towards Megan , who this time immediately pulled back into Walter and uttered Da , Da .
Walter smiled at James . " Don't worry until she gets to know you , she always does that . "
James smiled at Megan " Never mind little lady I am sure we will make friends . " James then followed Sam into the house .
Mary was next to approach Walter this time Megan seemed more relaxed and put her hand out towards Mary who then put her hand out slowly towards Megan , who gripped her little finger and giggled .
Walter was a little shocked by this . " Now that is unusual , as I told James until she gets used to you she normally pulls back .
Mary smiled " It could be my grey hair and the fact I am older than the others . "
Walter stood still so as not to break the hold Megan had on Mary's finger '" You may be right my mom as grey hair , but older than you . Megan is always happy to see her on our video chats . I don't consider you old . "
" Thank you Walter , that is a nice compliment . " Mary told him as Megan released her finger .
Jayne was last to come to the door . " Hello little princess . " She said to Megan , who pulled back a little , but this time put her hand out , Jayne slowly put her hand out , Megan took hold of her little finger and giggled .
Again Walter was a little surprised by Megan's reaction. " Well that is a surprise , until she gets to know you , she is usually very nervous . "
Jayne smiled . " It could be the tone of my voice . I noticed when I was speaking to Ralph with regard to the hoist , his voice tone is similar to mine . "
Megan was still holding onto Jayne's finger , when she heard Ralph's name she uttered Ra, Ra, and then released Jayne's finger . Jayne followed by Walter , still holding Megan , went to find the others .Everyone was in the kitchen were Paige was making coffee . Mary and James were looking around the kitchen , looking amazed at size of it and all the equipment that was in it . Jayne went to sit by Sam , who having already seen the kitchen , was content to sit on one of the stools .
Jayne looked over at Paige . " This is a beautiful kitchen , do you use it much ? "
Paige a smile on her face . " Not at the moment , as we are still living at my condo . In fact I am still finding things out about it every time I come here. I found out the other day , you can actually barbeque indoors . " Paige moved over to the cooker and pressed a button and a panel at the side of the rings slid open , to reveal it had been hiding a small gas powered barbeque pit .
" I have never seen one of them before . " Said Jayne .
" It is only one of the surprises we keep finding in the house , every time I start looking around I find something new . " Paige said with a big smile on her face .
Once they had finished their coffee , Sam and James made their way up to the loft , Paige and Mary went to the garage , to start cleaning the fridge , before they get Sam to check the electrics on it .
Walter carrying Megan in her car seat , Ralph and Jayne went out into the garden to check on the building . It was the first time since Homeland emptied what they needed from the house that they had been out the back of the house .
The first thing Jayne was shocked at was the size of the garden and also the fact it had a swimming pool . Before they went to see the building she asked if she could look around the pool . Walter and Ralph with big smiles on their faces were more than willing to go with her . Joyce turned right , a way neither Walter or Ralph had been before , after a few steps she saw a door set in the house wall .
" Were would this go ? "Jayne asked .
Walter looked at Ralph , Ralph looked at Walter . Both said together . " We have never seen it before . " Ralph then spoke to his dad . " Have you got your keys on you ? "
" Of course so I can open the building up . However I don't think they will much use on that door , it as got a push button lock . " Walter replied .
Ralph moved over to the door and began to examine the lock . " Well it is a mechanical , not an electric lock , so it should not be a problem . " Ralph told them a big smile on his face .
He went back to look , got up close and his fingers flew over the buttons within a minute the lock clicked open .
Jayne looked baffled . " How did you do that ? There must be thousands of combinations . "
Ralph looked at her and simply said . " 6561. "
Then Walter answered . " He looked at the numbers , to see were the most wear was , once he found the four numbers with the most wear , then he just kept trying different combinations until he hit the correct one . "
Even Megan called out Ral, Ral , to him .
Walter smiled at Ralph . " Well done son , do you want the honour of opening the door , to find out what is behind it . "
Jayne just shook her head in disbelieve . " What a boy . " She said .
Walter just smiled .
Ralph a big smile on his face turned the latch on the lock he had just opened and pushed the door . The door opened onto a shower room with toilet and washbasin , it did not have a very pleasant smell as it had been shut up for almost six years . Walter followed Ralph in , Megan's nose wrinkled as she smelt the stale air and uttered what sounded like urrr.
Walter looked at her . " I think you are correct little one , lets get out of here and we will get it cleaned up . You come out as well Ralph . "
Walter turned and left the room followed by Ralph who quickly shut the door . " Sorry about that Jayne , we have been that busy on the inside of the house we have not really been outside . It must be a shower room and toilet for when you are using the pool .Paige is going to love this , once we get it cleaned up . "
" Lets leave it for now dad , and go and show Jayne the building . " Ralph suggested .
" Good idea son . " Walter said as he began to walk away quickly followed by Ralph and Jayne .
Walter opened the door to the building , then allowed Jayne and Ralph to go in before him . Ralph got very excited yet again as he saw the inside , the first time since they had shown Katherine Cooper around all those weeks ago .
Ralph turned to Jayne . " Dad says I can have all of this for myself , but I have been thinking that would be selfish " He turned to Walter who was still holding Megan in her car seat , who was looking all around .
" I was wondering if we could put a partition up just after you walk in the building with two doors . Then pull the workbench in the middle maybe two feet towards the other side , then run a partition down the middle of the room with a large window in it . Then block the one end , so I could have the complete access to all the work surface at the end of the room . We could then turn the small area into a playhouse for Megan , especially if she wants to come with me if I am using the shed . I am sure we could carpet it and get a small table and chairs , together with a black board and other , items she would like . "
Walter had listened in silence , even Megan seemed intent on not interrupting Ralph . A small tear escaped the corner of Walter's eye , even Jayne's eyes were moist . " That is very considerate of you Ralph , providing your mom is ok with it . Which I am sure she will be , I am sure Mark could do that work for us .
Jayne walked over to Ralph and put her arms around him , he managed not to flinch or pull way from her . " I wish I had a brother like you . " She told him as she wiped a tear away with her finger .
" Lets get back to your mom and the others , we can tell your mom about the other room we have found and about your idea for the building . " Walter told them both .
" Ok dad . " Ralph replied as he left the building .
Jayne turned to Walter . " You have certainly got a diamond of a son in Ralph . "
" He constantly amazes both of us , all the time . " Walter told her the smile on his face bigger than ever .
They found Paige and Mary still in the garage , the fridge now clean . They had begun to go though the posters which was pleasing Mary as it turned out she was a big fan of old horror movies . She had seen some of those on the posters that Paige had never seen or heard of , so Mary was filling her in on them .
As soon as Paige saw Walter she walked across to him and kissed him on the cheek , Megan was in the way for her to reach his lips . Ralph was keen to tell her about the shower room they had found .,
" Mom we have found another room , it is a shower room for when you are out by the pool , but it smells terrible at the moment , it needs a good clean . "
Paige was surprised at what they had found , but said . " How about after lunch you show me and I maybe can start to clean it . "
Mary was quick to jump in . " I can help . "
Jayne turned to Paige , " Well all I have done is keep Walter and Ralph company , so let me help , so I feel I have done something useful .
" Ok by me we can do the job quicker , but first I am going to take Megan upstairs to feed and change her . When I come down we can start lunch , I have put , bread , cooked meats and a selection of cheeses and some spread in the fridge . I hope you are all going to be alright with that .
Mary and Jayne agreed it was all fine by them . With that Paige took Megan off Walter , planted a quick kiss on Walter's lips then left the garage .
" We may as well go back to the kitchen and wait for Paige . " Walter told them as he left the garage , followed by the other three .
Once back in the kitchen , Mary and Jayne , after washing their hands , decided to help Paige by getting lunch ready . Jayne put a fresh pot of coffee on . Mary sort out the meat and cheese out of the fridge , once Walter told her were to find some plates , began putting it out , while she was doing this Jayne began to slice the bread rolls and buns . She placed them on a large plate and put out some small plates .
Walter told Ralph to go up and tell Sam and James lunch would be ready in about twenty minutes .
Ralph came back down and sat next to Walter . .
Twenty five minutes later Paige carrying Megan in her car seat , followed by Sam and James . came into the kitchen .
Mary immediately spoke . " I hope you don't mind but we have prepared lunch . "
Paige gave a smile . " Not at all , I hope you could find everything . "
"With a little help from Walter . " Mary answered .
Megan uttered Da, Da, and put her arms out . Paige passed Megan , still in her car seat , over to Walter . " I should have her in her chair until you have eaten some lunch . Paige told Walter .
" Mommy said you should stay in your seat until I have eaten my lunch . "
Megan put a scowl on her face and crossed her arms across her chest .
As soon as Walter picked up a bun , Megan made a fist and put it towards her mouth .
Paige smiled at her . " You have only just been fed young lady . "
Megan looked at Walter and made a fist .
Paige again smiled at her . " Ok, you win , but let me get a bib for you . " Paige dug into her blue bag and pulled out a pink bib , with Daddy's Girl printed on it . She walked over to Megan and put the bib around her neck and tied it .
Megan's face lit up as she knew Da, Da, would give her some food .
Walter carefully cut the crust of part of a bun , applied some spread to what was left and passed it to Megan who took it in both hands , before blowing on it then taking a small bite , she almost , immediately began to smacking her lips , which amused the four visitors .
Walter cut a very small piece of edam cheese , which he also passed to Megan , her eyes went wide as this was something she had not seen before , she managed to hold the bread in one hand as she reached out and took the small piece of cheese in the other hand . She blew on it and put it to her mouth , she realized it was harder than the bread , so she put her tongue out and licked it , immediately she scrunched her face up and put her hand out towards Walter , shaking her head .
Walter quietly took it off her . " Not like that little one ? "
Megan again shook her head and went back to eating the bread and smacking her lips . Everyone was smiling at her . Mary leaned over to Paige . " Why does she blow on everything before eating it ? "
Paige gave her a smile . " The first time she made a fist and put it to her mouth , we were down by the beach and stopped for hot dogs and French fries . Walter blew on a French fry to cool it down before giving it to her . Now every time she is given food she blows on it , even ice cream , which is actually quite cute . "
As everyone was eating lunch Ralph told his mom , the plans for the building in the garden , subject to his mom's approval . By the time he had finished telling her , there was a small tear in her eyes.
" I think that is a wonderful idea , I am sure Megan will love it . But I think we need to get moved in first . "
Ralph smiled as he answered . " Of course mom . "
Sam and James went back to the loft to continue working , the three ladies left in the kitchen began to clear up the remains of lunch and wash up the plates and cups . Walter had taken Megan out of her car seat and cradled her in his arms .
Paige , Jayne and Mary once they had finished washing up gathered up some cleaning materials and with Ralph leading them out to the pool room . Walter stayed in the kitchen sitting on one of the stools . Soon after they had all left , Walter heard the soft purring coming from Megan as she fell into a contented sleep . Walter was happy , just sitting and watching Megan sleep .
It was over a hour before they came back from cleaning the pool room .
Paige walked over to Walter and planted a kiss on his lips . " I am not surprised it smelt , we found four large towels that must have been used the same day they died , plus the waste pipe In the shower was blocked . Jayne removed it and it was full of all sorts of rubbish . However after a lot of hard work by these two it smells like a summers day . "
While she had been working she had removed her engagement ring and put it in her pocket , she removed it and put it back on her finger .
" Is that your engagement ring ? " Jayne asked
" Yes . " A very proud Paige said .
Both Jayne and Mary walked over to get a better look .
" Wow , that is beautiful , I don't think i have ever seen one like that before . " Jayne said .
A big smile on her face Paige answered . " Walter had it made for me ."
Before anyone else could speak Walter spoke up . " You seem to have forgotten to tell them that you designed it . "
It was Mary this time who looked shocked . " You deigned it ?"
Paige still smiling . " Yes many years ago .
Walter began talking again . " I am trying to get her started again to design jewellery . I have a contact , an old friend , who actually made the engagement ring , she is very interested working with her . "
Paige gave Walter a cute smile . " Yes , but I did say I would wait until we are moved in and settled . "
" Lets hope that is soon . " Walter said a big smile on his face .
Sam came down from the loft . " We have managed to get the armoured cable up the outside of the house and all the plug sockets and lights are all connected to the new fuse box in the loft . We are going into the garage and make the connection to a separate box then to the mains . So we will be shutting the power off for about thirty minutes . "
"Walter looked at Sam . " Do what you have to do , we will be fine . "
" Ok boss . " Sam said as she left the kitchen .
Forty minutes later , Sam was back in the kitchen . " Ok , we have connected to the new power box and switched the power back on to the main house . We have installed a safety switch from the power box in the garage to the upstairs fuse box . that we fitted in the computer room . This isolates the power to the loft from the house's main supply . Will you be having the rooms decorated ? Also the florescent light in the movie room looks out of place . She said as she looked at Paige .
" What would you suggest ? " Paige asked ..
" Well I do know a place that sells both original and reproduction of 1930's lighting , as you do not need a lot of light in there , what about four wall lights . Leave the fluorescent tube in place , just in case of an emergency , but the light from the sign and wall lights will make the whole place feel more real . I presume you will have a screen that is hung from the ceiling , so you do not want anything else hanging down from the ceiling . "
Paige smiled at her . " That is the plan , Walter already has a computer to download the films that is connected to a projector , that we used for movie nights at the garage . We still need to source a screen , but I do not think that will be a problem . But what about the lighting ?"
" They are open tomorrow , I could come over around noon and take you . While James is here , we can get the wiring in position , then tomorrow I can connect them up . "
" Well if you do not mind , that would be great . " Paige said .
" Not a problem . Will you be decorating the rooms or just leave them as they are bare plasterboard . " Sam replied .
Paige looked at Walter , who simply smiled so Paige answered . " not at the moment , Walter and Ralph are more than happy with just the plain walls as they are . The movie room walls will be covered by posters so I think at the moment we are going to leave that as it is . "
Ok, I will go and tell James what we are doing . "
It was almost two hours before Sam appeared back in the kitchen followed by James .
" Everything is done electric wise and checked out , I have put the safety switch back on until we have fitted the wall lights .
Megan by now was awake and making a fist to Paige .
" Ok , sweetheart . " Paige gently took her from Walter's arms and started to make her way to the stairs , she turned round .
" I am sure everyone is hungry by now . Would you like to be our guests at Kovelsky's Paige asked .
Everyone was more than happy to go . but everyone wanted to pay their way .
Walter spoke up . " You have all been brilliant today so it all on me . No argument . " He turned to Paige . " I will phone Mrs. Kovelsky and make sure she can make a table for all of us . "
" Thank you Walter . " Paige said a big smile on her face .
Once Paige had left Walter pulled his phone out and phoned Kovelsky's . It was Mrs Kovelsky who answered , Walter explained there would be a party of eight , seven adults and one little princess . She was more than happy to make a table up for that many . Also since their last visit they found a child's high chair , which Mr. Kovelsky had cleaned and polished , mainly for Megan use . Walter had thanked her before he said goodbye .
Paige came back down with a contented Megan who she put in her car seat .
They all climbed into their cars and made their way to Kovelsky's .
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Grykon Glad you enjoyed it , only you could think of weaponizing Ralph's idea .
Pearliegirl . Thank you and a happy new year to you .
LouBe96 He certainly does , I am sure Megan will soon be asking and not just pointing . Ralph is going to become another Richard Eli if he keeps up with his ideas
Happy new year to all Fan Fiction readers and writers