Thank you to everyone who read or left kudos for the last chapter. You're all wonderful.
You're probably wondering why you're getting an update on a Thursday. My personal computer is going into hard drive failure. I'm taking it into the shop tomorrow for repairs. I don't know when I'm getting my computer back (or the insurance kicks in, and I get a replacement.) So I thought it would be best to post today. I'm not allowed to upload chapters on my work computer because the site is blocked. I hope it won't take more than two weeks to fix the issue, but we'll see.
Chapter 59: Family Name
August 9, 2010, 9:32 AM GMT (3:32 AM EDT)
Monique: Just to let you know now that you might be getting a lot of text messages from me when I'm up in the middle of the night feeding the baby.
Daniel: I expect nothing less. Amanda gets most of her text messages from Marc during Jade's 3 AM feeding. Thankfully that's 9 AM our time. We can do work stuff this way.
Monique: It's important to use time differences to your advantage.
Daniel: So, does the baby have a name yet?
Monique: Actually, I figured I would text you to see if you have suggestions. I know you're looking too. You're like the only one I haven't got name suggestions from.
Daniel: The only thing we've decided so far is our daughter will have Molly as her middle name. I don't know if that will help you.
Monique: We've discussed using Jordan as baby pudding pop's first name. Then doing something more feminine for a middle name. That way, when baby putting pop grows up, they'll have options. Although Jordan Molly Osborne Ross feels like a lot for a small child to live up to.
Daniel: It is.
Monique: Names are important. Mercedes still hasn't forgiven our father for naming her after his favorite car.
Daniel: How did Vivian even allow that?
Monique: Mercedes was born via emergency cesarean. It was a tough delivery. The placenta came first. While mom was out of it, dad decided that since he didn't get the boy he wanted, at least his daughter would be named after his favorite car.
Daniel: I am still surprised she hasn't changed it. She hated it in high school because she was constantly teased by our idiot classmates. This might explain why I am the only person from high school that Mercedes is still speaking to.
Monique: I bet it's the same for you.
Daniel: You forgot Becks also went to high school with me for a little bit.
Monique: I didn't know that. For business purposes, Mercedes usually goes by M. Lindsay Wyndham West Black. Only the family uses Mercedes.
Daniel: I can understand. It will probably be easier once she drops the Black last name.
Monique: Her assistant has already printed up new business cards. Freddie wants to drop her father's last name too.
Daniel: Smart child. Hey, what about using Lindsay for the baby?
Monique: Mercedes and I have been getting along a little bit better because crises have a tendency to force us to be on our best behavior. However, we are not to the naming our kids after each other stage of bonding.
Daniel: Alex?
Monique: Nope, although maybe it could be on your list. But talk to Alexis first.
Daniel: I will. I like Alex Suarez-Somers.
Monique:?
Daniel: Amanda and I put all of her last names in a hat along with mine and Betty's since my last name will be Suarez-Meade after the wedding. Then we chose two randomly. So Suarez-Somers is what we ended up with for the twins. I like it, and so does Amanda. It's better than giving the kids five last names. We haven't told Betty yet.
Monique: I think she'll like it. Matt probably will too, because he thinks the Hartley name should die. If he marries Cory, I have 50 bucks on Matt taking his last name.
Daniel: Understandable. If it wasn't for DJ, I think I would just take Suarez after the wedding instead of hyphenating.
Daniel: What about Madison? It was on my list, but Amanda does not want the baby to share a name with a city in Wisconsin on principle.
Monique: I like it. However, it is the first name of my lawyer.
Daniel: It wouldn't be horrible to name your child after the person who made you a family.
Monique: That's true. Madison Jordan Osbourn Ross. I don't know if it flows right
Daniel: Jordan Madison Ross Osborne
Monique: We decided that no first names after dead people unless we really can't find a better first name option, but Madison is growing on me.
Daniel: Not that many people are going to know the middle name. Madison J. Osborne Ross sounds pretty good.
Monique: Will it be horrible if I put in another middle name? Madison Jamie Molly Osborne Ross.
Monique: Sorry, you know that was supposed to be Jordan. AutoCorrect is awful.
Daniel: That poor child is going to get writer's cramp. Maybe keep Molly for the next kid that you adopt. I also like Jamie. Madison Jamie sounds nice. The other way around could work too.
Monique: OK, point. Gio agrees with you that that's too many names. He also expects the baby to just end up using Madison Ross in school. The Osborne can already be considered another middle name. At least until they get the handle of handwriting. I also like Jamie too.
Daniel: He isn't wrong.
Monique: [Image attached]
Daniel: You're so cute together. I can't wait until the twins get here.
Monique: You can. Labor sucks. It's a small miracle Tiffany didn't break my hand. Although there is bruising and Gio has claw marks.
Daniel: OK, maybe I'll wear gloves.
Monique: That is not a horrible idea.
X
August 9, 2010, 9:05 AM EDT
Monique: Thank you for having breakfast sent over this morning. That was very nice. Also, thank you for staying with the kids Saturday night. You didn't have to do that.
Matt: It's not a big deal. Besides, I think it was good for me to spend more time with Austin. He's less skittish around me this morning, thank the universe. We watched a lot of Pixar movies and ordered way too much junk from room service.
Monique: I know, I saw the bill. I'm still shocked they actually brought a Sunday bar upstairs. Actually, I'm surprised it's even an option, but I guess it's a VIP perk. And Mercedes kids are very VIP.
Matt: Sorry.
Monique: It's OK. Although I am wondering if I should put a parental block on room service. Antonella knows she can get champagne. The babies know they can get unlimited chocolate waffles.
Matt: That would be prudent.
Monique: Are you at the lawyer's right now?
Matt: Yes. Hilda brought Austin as planned. Thank you for letting him stay with you guys this weekend.
Monique: That was all Mercedes. She was able to talk down Tiffany. Although I think George just wanted to get as much money from us before Austin is no longer his piggy bank.
Matt: Not that he will see a penny from this weekend. We should already be in there, but we were told to wait for someone else to arrive. Possibly another member of our legal team.
Monique: That's not always a bad thing.
Matt: Your mom just arrived with Tiffany.
Monique: Oh shit. This is going to go as bad as Chad at Ross. But with more rings.
Matt: The paralegal, Marcy Menendez, literally had to hold Hilda back. She was taking off her earrings. Yes, she was wearing all her rings.
Monique: This will definitely be worse than Saturday but thankfully, no cameras. Keep me posted. I have a newborn to cuddle.
Matt: Your mom has diffused the situation, and they're taking us back to a conference room.
Matt: Does that newborn have a first name yet?
Monique: We are still debating.
Monique: Go keep Hilda from committing felony assault.
Xxxxx
"What are you doing here? How dare you show up here. Especially after all the shit your husband has put Austin through." Hilda asked now that they were in a private conference room. She positioned herself at the table between Austin and Tiffany. Matt himself was between Hilda and Tiffany. Marcy was sitting against the wall right behind him just in case she had to hold Hilda back again.
"I'm well aware you don't like me. However, Vivian Wyndham West is very persuasive. She believes we need to talk. So I'm here." Tiffany said as she took her seat.
"I wish you weren't," Hilda remarked under her breath.
"I know you think I don't care, but I do have Austin's best interest at heart," Tiffany argued. Matt was trying not to scoff.
"You're forcing me to go to Chicago, so I really don't believe you. You think taking me away from my friends, and my support system is in my best interest. Therefore, I'm here to look at legal remedies to make sure that doesn't happen." Austin said just as their lawyer Jen walked into the room. He's a little surprised it wasn't Madison since this is the same firm. However, Madison is probably very busy with dissolving Mercedes's marriage and reminding Monique's dad that he threw baby pudding pop away for less alimony.
"It's not that I want to take you away from all your friends; I just want you to be safe. You're not safe here. At least not with how things are at the moment." Tiffany told him.
"Because Victoria Hartley hates you. I really shouldn't be punished just for existing." Austin argued.
"She tried to kill me. You barely survived." Jen looked like she wanted to interject but stayed silent at Vivian's glare. "If it wasn't for Brianna, I don't think I would've been able to even get away from her."
"Aunt Brianna helped you escape?" Matt asked.
"It wasn't quite as heroic as that." Matt heard his aunt say from the conference call unit in the middle of the table. Of course, she called into the meeting.
"Your dad has had me fix a lot of fuck ups over the years. Without actually telling me what he fucked up. So yes, he had me, his teenage sister, deliver a large amount of cash to his assistant after she ended up in the hospital. Not until June did I connect the pieces despite what I heard from the rumor mill."
"The money allowed me to get out. I felt it was best for everyone to think I had lost the baby. I needed a clean break. Honestly, it's better that I didn't know that your brother just threw money at me." Tiffany explained.
"He does that a lot." Matt and his aunt said simultaneously.
"Really, that's how I get most of my charitable donations for the foundation." Vivian Wyndham West joked.
"So you took the money and started over upstate when you had me?" Austin asked.
"I had to keep you safe. You have been my number one priority since the moment I decided to take the money and get the hell away from this mess."
"Maybe at one time, but I don't know if I believe that anymore." Tiffany tried to reach out to Austin, but Hilda would not let her get close.
"I know these last few weeks have been hard." Both he and Hilda rolled their eyes at that comment.
"Because you haven't supported me. You let George do whatever he wants. You rarely tell him what he's doing is wrong. I know you're not happy that I have a boyfriend." Austin argued.
"I'm not not happy. I'm worried for you. I'm scared people are going to treat you badly." Tiffany acknowledged.
"Starting with your husband. You have to let me live my own life. I have one in New York." Austin argued.
"I know. But I'm still going to Chicago with George. I think it's better if I'm not here." This honestly is true because Victoria still wants her blood.
"Well, it's better if George is not here. I'm not going with you. It's not good for me to be around him." Austin acknowledged.
"I know. You can stay in New York." That statement made Matt choke on his water. "I just need to make sure it happens in a way that will keep you safe. Matt, I know you want to spend more time with your brother, but I don't trust your mom at all."
"Neither do I," Matt remarked.
"None of us do," Breanna added.
"Which is why I am here. Lucky for all of you, I am a registered foster parent. Jen and I have a plan." Vivian said as she motioned for her lawyer to step forward to pass out the package to everyone. As Matt started to read through the package, he realized he would be there for a while. He's not upset because it's for a good cause.
XXXX
A few hours later
Justin: Hey, how did things with the lawyers go? Bad? Good? Do I need to look into flights to Chicago?
Austin: Only for me to occasionally visit Tiffany. We came to a compromise.
Justin: So will my boyfriend be living next door to me?
Austin: That's a hard no until I turn 18. Although I think Matt might be getting me a condo. We are still going shopping Wednesday. Although he probably will be living there for a while. Cal doesn't give a fuck about me even if he knew that I exist. But Matt and Brianna care.
Justin: Which is good.
Justin: So where will you be?
Austin: The luxury penthouse of Vivian Windom West. I'm her new foster son.
Justin: Wait! What?
Austin: Mom wasn't on board with Chicago to get me away from you like George. She wanted me to get the hell away from Victoria Hartley. Tiffany has been getting death threats. However, Victoria crossed the line last week and threatened me. This was why Chicago became a good idea.
Justin: Considering she is still sending death threat roses to Amanda, I understand her concerns.
Austin: How do you know about this?
Justin: DJ intercepted something and told me everything. I AM CONCERNED since I know that you are her ex-husband's son.
Austin: Concerned enough that you would have been OK with me going to Chicago?
Justin: I rather have you safe. I'm pretty sure Brianna would've bought me bimonthly tickets to go see you.
Justin: OK, I rather have you safe with me, but that's not always an option. Your safety comes first.
Austin: But it is this time, and Victoria can't touch Vivian. She is one of the richest women in the world.
Justin: So is Victoria.
Austin: She's top 30. Vivian is top two, and that's only because of stock volatility and most of her wealth being tied up in her foundation. Vivian made her own wealth from the ashes of her divorce. Victoria lives off the alimony and her inheritance.
Justin: So you're gonna be living with Vivian Wyndham West?
Austin: Once my room is done. I'll stay at the hotel with Antonella and the nieces until the construction is completed. That should only be a week or two. So you might be here by the time it's ready. Tiffany acknowledged that it's best I no longer live with her husband.
Justin: I'm glad she finally realized that.
Justin: Are you OK with this arrangement?
Austin: I want to stay in New York. I also don't want to worry about Victoria Hartley trying to kill me because her ex-husband knocked up his assistant. Or my mom, for that matter. Amanda isn't the only one getting threats.
Austin: I found out a lot of stuff at the lawyers. Matt, over Tiffany's objections, felt that I should be treated like an adult. Everything about the Hartleys is messy.
Justin: Was it a good thing Matt told you the truth?
Austin: I'm still trying to determine that. Right now, I'm just happy that I will be here waiting for you in New York when you get back.
Justin: This is true. I'll be back soon.
Austin: I'm very grateful for that. I miss you.
XXXX
August 10, 2010 10:35 AM EDT
Marc: I heard from Tamika that you are still at the hospital.
Monique: For about another hour. They're working on discharge papers. When you have the good insurance, they let you stay two nights.
Marc: The sad thing is I don't think you're being sarcastic at all.
Monique: Not one little bit. As I wait for my mom to show up with our ride, tell me, did we take Alexandria lingerie from Isabella?
Marc: Since we signed the contracts about 15 minutes ago, I can tell you. Yes, Alexandria lingerie will be doing their signature event with us for the next five years. They're also going with the Paris idea for the print part. The big runway event will be at February fashion week. However, all are models for the 10 plus size designers to watch show will be wearing Alexandria lingerie garments.
Monique: Which I'm OK with because they actually make a 40 B bra. Congratulations on closing the deal. I am so proud of you. Thank you for doing this. I know I haven't been around these last few days because of the baby. I appreciate what you're doing so much.
Marc: You're welcome. It's the least I could do after you gave me time off to bond with Jade, even though it was a chaos week. However, you are the one who actually closed the deal.
Monique: How did I accomplish this when I've been spending the last two days cuddling with my baby and attending breast pump 101 with Brittany? I'm a wonderful multitasker, but even I can't do this much.
Marc: Because in your press release, you announce that baby pudding pop is intersexual. OK, and the leak phone call of you telling your father to go fuck himself because he wanted you to put male on the birth certificate.
Monique: How did this help? Of course, the audio was leaked. Probably by him, not expecting it to backfire.
Monique: Good news; per a text from Madison, he is now being investigated for drugging Britney with fertility drugs. Bad news, we cannot pass Brittany off as our gestational carrier. L
Marc: For Mode purposes, that was probably for the best. Alexandria lingerie is trying to be more inclusive. They recently replaced the fantasy girl with various titans in the world of sports.
Monique: I saw. I love the new campaign.
Mark: The Christie Brinkley knockoff hated it. In addition, Alexandria lingerie wanted to include nonstandard-sized and transgender models for the 2011 showcase. Isabella was going to go along with it until the new management came in.
Monique: Which surprises nobody. Victoria is unhappy about Matt being bi or that Alexis Junior has two mommies.
Marc: This is unsurprising. Anyway, after that, Alexandria lingerie decided to come to us. They knew they wouldn't have to ask us because we do what they want normally.
Monique: Thanks to Alexis and Daniel, Mode included transgender Models before including plus-size models. Without a big announcement either, they just did it. I'm not mad at them.
Marc: But your decision to let baby pudding pop be baby pudding pop really gave us an edge. They knew it wasn't just an act with us. We genuinely care about this stuff and wouldn't just agree to it to appease them. That actually made a difference.
Monique: It never would be. I'm happy that our inclusive practices got us business. I bet Victoria is going to be furious. I'm personally hoping for a cardiac issue, so I won't have to deal with her anymore.
Marc: Matt already got an angry phone call from his mother about it. He responded by saying he didn't care and throwing his phone at the nearest wall. At least that's what I heard from the rumor mill. Austin is on family leave, so I have no way to verify. I'm not asking Matt.
Monique: Honestly, with the shit Victoria has put Matt through, I'm surprised he didn't do that earlier. Matt has no more fucks to give.
Monique: Actually, he reached that point at my wedding. However, Matt doesn't even have the energy to go through the motions at this point.
Marc: I can understand that. BTW the rumor mill knows that Matt is Austin's brother. Well, half of them do. The other half thinks that Austin is Matt's child. I'm trying to keep it in Mode and not have that rumor escape to the other magazines or fashion TV.
Monique: Please do that. Otherwise, Cory is going to have to give Austin a new supervisor. The Mode rumor mill is truly undefeated. Does the rumor mill know about Victoria? Or my mom stepping in to protect Austin from Victoria?
Marc: The rumor mill doesn't know anything about Victoria's bad behavior so far. It's just so ridiculous she's targeting Austin. If Victoria Hartley is going to be mad at somebody, she should be upset at Cal. I bet this was practically a Jody situation.
Monique: Complete with an unplanned pregnancy and Breanna being brought in to clean up the mess without actually knowing how bad the situation is. Or that possible felonies were committed.
Marc: This is such a mess. Why didn't you bring me into your secret circle to protect Austin? I know you had one.
Monique: I wanted to bring you in, but Matt wanted you to focus on Jade. So we brought Wilhelmina in instead.
Marc: Good choice, actually. You need a more subtle devious for this type of situation.
Monique: I thought so too. Anyway, I will be sending you a gift basket as soon as I'm not ridiculously exhausted. However, I need to get Brittany dressed in something, not a hospital gown.
Marc: Try the sundress that we brought. I think it would be easier for her to get on than pants.
Monique: Bless you. Yes, I think the junior part of your title is definitely coming off when I return from maternity leave.
Xxx
Sexy fiancé: I hate my boss.
Daniel: We're all very aware of that by this point. What happened at your meeting? He won't give you time off to go to New York?
Sexy fiancé: I didn't even get that far. I essentially got interrogated and then blamed for Isabella US losing one of their signature events. I don't even know which one because you don't tell me anything. Not that Lindsay believed me.
Daniel: Obviously, this means that Marc successfully got the Alexandria lingerie event. Marc having to take over the meeting from Monique is how Austin ended up babysitting Marc's daughter last week.
Sexy fiancé: Considering how mad my bosses are at me because of you, I think that's what happened.
Daniel: Marc just confirmed. The good news is he promises to have Hilda in Paris by the first week of October. Bad news Victoria is already harassing Matt about it.
Sexy fiancé: I'm not surprised. So I only have to deal with another month and a half of my sister not talking to me and dealing with something extremely traumatic without my assistance.
Daniel: I'm 99% sure that Marc knows and is helping her.
Sexy fiancé: That does not make me feel better. Why did I take this job?
Daniel: Because you're extremely talented and deserve the world.
Sexy fiancé: He brought me into destabilize Mode. It's obvious from the way he doesn't let me actually do anything.
Daniel: Your boss is an idiot. Although I doubt that's the only reason why you were brought in. Again you're brilliant.
Sexy fiancé: It feels that way some days. You have to say that because I'm sleeping with you.
Daniel: Wilhelmina will verify I felt that way about you long before then. You don't have to stay.
Sexy fiancé: Except I have a no-compete clause.
Daniel: Look over your contract. Me signing the papers to let you leave was contingent on you not having one of those in your new contract. Although I can completely see Lindsay going back on that promise. I hate seeing you so miserable.
Sexy fiancé: I know. I'll look into it. Let's say I can leave without consequences. Where would I go? I love you, but I don't want to come back to Mode.
Daniel: I miss working with you. However, it is good for us to have some professional distance. There are other options. Mead publications is more than Mode. You are aware that I have been cleaning house.
Sexy fiancé: Are you going to be firing another editor?
Daniel: Possibly more than one. We need new leadership at the parenting magazine and at diversity business UK. I was hoping to hold off until after the babies are born, but I might not. The EIC of diversity business UK has already stuck his foot in his mouth again this week. I would be more willing to go through with it if I had a replacement ready.
Sexy fiancé: This is like you almost just giving me a job.
Daniel: HR goes through everything first. You would just submit your resume like any other candidate.
Sexy fiancé. That didn't happen with your Creative Director.
Daniel: Because we were poaching from your current boss. I already went through a bunch of candidates and was desperate.
Sexy fiancé: This would be doing that again.
Daniel: Just think about it. You can apply to other magazines in London. Lindsay will give you a horrible letter of recommendation, but you know Wilhelmina will do better. Marc will too. With him being acting EIC, this is the time to ask.
Sexy fiancé: What about you?
Daniel: I am biased as well as your fiancé. So it's better if it comes from Willamina or Marc. But I promise I'll always be your number one cheerleader no matter what.
Sexy fiancé: I am definitely kissing you as soon as I get home.
XXXX
About an hour later
Once upon a time, years ago, Monique showed up to a hospital pregnant and left with no baby and her heart in pieces. She was also missing her uterus. Today she leaves with her child in her arms and Gio by her side. He was currently pushing her wheelchair. Monique wanted the full experience.
"You're sure the town car has a car seat?" Gio asked.
"Yes, the service knows to have one. They've been driving Jade around for the last two months. They know." Monique remarked just as the doors opened to a Humvee obviously waiting for them.
"A purple Humvee again, really?" Monique remarked. Britney looked at the thing dubiously.
"It's what the service had that could fit us all comfortably," Vivian said as Antonella and Austin got out of the car with her.
"You guys could have waited at the hotel. Actually, at least one of you should be at work this morning." Marc and Megan decided yesterday that Antonella was taking the week off to get to know her new nibbling.
"Matt and Cory have decided I deserve another day off to acclimate to my new foster home," Austin answered.
"OK, now I remember Marc mentioning it earlier." She has new mommy brain. Monique forgets things.
"Allegedly, Victoria is already harassing Matt because we got the Isabella contract. He says you're not there to confirm it."
"I don't have confirmation on Matt, but I do have confirmation from DJ that Lindsay went after Betty. He's pretty sure that she is already updating her resume." Antonella told her, smirking.
"Good for her," Gio said, helping Monique get up from the chair.
"I had to come. If nothing else, I need to get video of big brother freaking out trying to get the car seat in." Antonella said, pointing at her brother. Her camera was already in hand.
"Although it's already been professionally installed, so that will not be an issue." Her mom remarked.
"Good to know," Britney commented.
"I thought it would be a new family bonding activity. For the moment, Austin is your new foster brother. Thankfully Cory agreed with me." Vivian explained.
"Apparently, when given a choice between having her child join the Hartleys or the Wyndham West clan, Tiffany chose us," Antonella remarked.
"Matt feels like Tiffany made the right decision," Vivian remarked.
"Brianna would agree. But that's mostly because we finally successfully kicked out my father." Monique joked.
"Although I'm glad you decided to keep me. OK, everybody, I'm tired and would really like to get some sleep before pudding pop wakes up again," Brittany said as she started to make her way into the car.
"Do we have a name for my Nibling yet?" Antonella asked.
"Jamie Madison Osbourn Ross," Monique answered.
"I thought you were going to go with Jordan?" Vivian asked.
"We were, but then there was a voice rec typo. Gio and I decided that maybe baby pudding pop shouldn't be named after the dead." Monique explained.
"She almost tried to get Molly in there as well, but I vetoed her, and Daniel backed me up." Her husband joked.
"I guess that explains why you didn't go with dad's name. Andy can be a gender-neutral name if you adjust the spelling."Antonella suggested.
"Maybe next time, but not for baby pudding pop. Although we can always pass it on to Daniel and Amanda for the twins." Her husband explained.
"Jamie, are you ready to go home?" Monique asked her newborn child.
"Or rather to the hotel that we're staying at since home is currently being rebuilt." Antonella joked.
"I don't know. I think I would have liked to have spent the first month after my baby was born somewhere where I can get room service and didn't have to clean." The nurse escorting them out remarked.
"There are definitely advantages to being at a hotel. Otherwise, I would have to stay over with you for a while." Britney's mom commented.
"That's not necessary. I will stay with Gio and Monique. There I will be pampered until I feel ready to be back at my apartment without screaming in pain. Everything still hurts." Brittany said now that she was in the car. She may have winced a few times during the process.
"That's going to be a while, and I had a cesarean," Vivian remarked.
"Everyone get in the car. Mercedes and the girls are waiting. They want to play with their new cousin." Antonella told the group.
"Of course they do," Monique remarked as she fastened her baby in the car seat.
Xxx
Monique: Everyone, thank you for all your well wishes and happy baby farts.
Monique: That was supposed to read baby thoughts. Although someone is a little gassy. I'm trying to dictate this with the baby in my other arm. Sorry, expect typos.
Monique: Also, thank you to everyone for your rushed baby presents. We will be sending you thank you cards eventually. Or rather, Antonella will be since she won't suffer from sleep deprivation like the rest of us. I think that's the real reason why she asked for a room in the hotel two floors down.
Monique: [Seven images attached.
Monique: Let me introduce you to Jamie Madison Osborne Ross.
Monique: If they decide to just go with Jamie Ross to avoid writing that long ridiculous name out, I will not be extremely offended.
Monique: OK, I'll be a little offended, but then I'll be reminded about how hard it was to learn to write Monique Wyndham West. That was a cruel and long name to saddle any child with.
Monique: We will plan a baby open house in a couple of weeks, but we ask that nobody come over for a little while. We just want to adjust to baby life.
To be continued…
There will be a time jump of a few weeks in the next chapter. I'm trying to do better than spending 37 chapters covering two weeks again. We got through Gio and Monique's baby. We now have to get to the twins. Also, is Betty considering a career change? We shall see.