G III: Chapter 25

Bright and early James and Daphne hit the garden. Bran new plants need extra attention. James was getting better and better at weeding and watering. There was nothing to harvest at this time, but he was sure he could handle that when the time came.

James rather enjoyed working out here in the sun and dirt. It made him feel at ease.

 

James decided to take a page from Daphne's book. He wanted to retire too. A new town deserves a new way of life, and he didn't want to be woken up anymore at 2AM to check or collect evidence. He made the call while his family gathered around to cheer for him. James was happy he made it far enough to retire - he had never thought he would work there that long.

Brian finished up another case that came in that morning. All he needed to do was hack into someones database and find out some small bit of information. He wanted to get done quickly so he had some free time. After visiting the client and closing the case he stopped at Rachel's doorstep.

Brian paused at the bottom step. 'Do I really want to get involved with a previously married woman?' He took a step up, 'Nothing wrong with the fact she was married before, just I don't want her ex hanging around.' Another step. 'She was a client. Was being the operative word here.' Two steps. 'Of course her ex is remarried, and doesn't seem to know she lives here.' Two more steps. While he was at war with himself he managed to get up the stairs and ring her bell before he knew it. 'Ah well, I guess subconscious makes the decision for me.' He smiled as she opened the door. 'Wow, she looks ... formal.'

The two of them talked in her living room for a little while. Brian even complimented her on her dress. Rachel told him that she had just gotten back from the Bistro and hadn't changed yet.

"How's the job going? Any good cases?" Rachel asked.

Brian smiled at her, "I've had better, but it's going good. Actually I got promoted today!"

Rachel was genuinely happy for Brian and she congratulated him with a hug.

"Well, I have to get going. Got another mystery to solve today, but..." Brian hesitated for a moment, then said to himself 'what the hell, why not? I mean, she hugged me - the ball is in my court now.' He continued, "Will you go to the pool with me tomorrow?"

Rachel didn't answer at first. She didn't own a bathing suit. How was she supposed to meet him at the pool? She didn't want to turn him down though. 'Okay I'll go buy one tonight.' She thought. "Yeah, yes we can do that. I haven't been there yet."

Brian noticed her hesitation but didn't say anything. Maybe pools weren't her thing, but she did say yes. He said goodbye and left her house.

Rachel watched Brian leave, then dropped onto the couch and let out a big breath. "Oh, he's so cute!" she said aloud.

At the house, Johanna had brought a friend home from school. Laurel Grisby was the first girl to approach Johanna in school. Johanna was thankful she did because she needed someone to get to know in this new place. She was the youngest in her family now, and she knew no other teenagers in this town yet. The two of them became friends quickly.

While the girls ate salads for lunch they could hear someone practicing on the piano. They playing wasn't very good.

Daphne watched Dylan for a while as he learned a new song. She loved that he apparently inherited his grandmothers talent for making music. 'Maybe he would like to start jumping on the Rock Star career track? He's doing very well with the guitar too.' Daphne thought.

"Mother Daphne, will you help me with my homework? It's my Chemistry work, and I'm not very good at it." Johanna interrupted Daphne's train of thought.

"Of course sweetie. Let's get to it."

Dylan stopped playing the piano, he figured it wouldn't help Johanna study any. Too noisy. He went outside to break some boards, and finish honing his skills with a little meditation. Dylan was probably more relaxed than Brian, who was enjoying a nice night in the new hot tub.

The hot bubbling water swirled around Brian as his mind swirled around in his own head. His thoughts were on Susan, and Rachel. He thought maybe that he would move back to Twinbrook when everyone settled in here, but now he was considering staying here. Getting to know Rachel didn't seem like such a bad idea.

Inside, Daphne was getting ready for bed. She dressed in her night gown and started toward her bed, but the nursery attached to her room caught her attention. She stood in there for a while and looked around. She hoped one day she'd be able to put her grand baby in this crib. She hoped she wouldn't be gone by the time there was a grand baby.