New Adventures

By Laura Hoover Cole

New Adventures picks up where As Her Journey Goes leaves off. It starts off with Fitzgerald and Associates Construction all getting ready for a British Holiday in London, England, where the second office was started.

From there, the trial goes through its process, which introduces this book's wedding and yet another engagement.

Throughout this book, the main characters are getting closer to each other, and their family starts growing.

Can horrible experiences help love grow even deeper? Find out in New Adventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781646287451

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New Adventures

Laura Hoover Cole

Copyright © 2023 Laura Hoover Cole

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 978-1-64628-744-4 (pbk)

ISBN 978-1-64628-745-1 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

About the Author

This book is dedicated to my husband, Randy Cole, whom I married during the publication process.

Randy was so excited about this book getting published, and so very supportive of me and my writing skills. He listened patiently as I read parts of this book to him for his opinion of fluency and content.

Unfortunately, my husband passed away just before Thanksgiving 2022. He didn't live long enough to see this book come to full fruition. However, Randy proudly posted the cover on Facebook and texted it to all his friends and family members, saying, Be on the lookout for it coming to bookstores, etc., very soon.

Chapter 1

What a beautiful and peaceful Thanksgiving break the Fitzgerald family and friends enjoyed! Dani and Cal had now been married for several months, and this was their first holiday together as a family with their children all living as Fitzgeralds. Dani had formally adopted Brian and Angie, who were Cal's children from his first wife, as soon as the honeymoon trip was over. They were just a few years older than her own son, Bob, who was born a Kilpatrick from his deceased father, but he was also adopted as a Fitzgerald at the same time as the others were adopted. While it may seem very unnecessary for adult children to be adopted, Cal and Dani both thought it would unite them all much more. And the three musketeers, as they were often referred to, loved the idea.

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Dani had it planned out with everyone participating and contributing toward the partial potluck. Richard's parents in England were the only couple missing. Richard was Dani's first husband who passed on at an early age, leaving Dani alone to raise their son on her own, except for the grandparental help. Dani found herself getting really lonely, but not interested in dating the local guys'. Her man would have to be respectful, intelligent, and have a good sense of humor to put up with her.

Dani had no intention of remarrying, that was until she met her new boss, Cal Fitzgerald, owner and president of Fitzgerald and Associates, Inc. They were a construction company that included equipment rentals and sales on the side. On her first day on the job, Cal had already decided that he had met his soul mate, and made it very clear to her that she was to be a strong part of his life, from the get-go.

Now that the holiday weekend was over, it was time to go back to work until mid-week, the week before Christmas. The Christmas and New Year's holiday break would last for two full weeks. Cal planned on closing the business down for the holidays, offering full pay to all employees, starting at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 21, and re-opening for the New Year on Wednesday, January 4, 2006, at 8:00 am or close to that time.

Since everyone has worked so hard this past year and survived the turmoil we've endured, you are worth a full two-week paid holiday. Dani and our family and I will be travelling to Brunswick and London, England. If any of you wish to join us, please feel free to tell Dani or me. We'd love to have you. While we are vacationing, naturally Dani and I will be visiting the London office. If any of the staff wishes to check it out with us, that would be considered work time, and you will receive double time for your efforts. That would only be fair. Charlie is dying to show off the new offices and brag about the contracts we have up and running there. I know of at least two big contracts, and I suspect there are several more Cal explained to everyone at the after Thanksgiving all-employee staff meeting. He reminded everyone, especially the newer staff, that Charlie was Dani's father, Lord Charles of Brunswick. He also reminded them that Charlie had a great sense of humor and would love to see everyone.

One of the new crew members asked, Do we fly commercial at our own expense if we elect to go to London?

That gave Cal pause to think about the response. I guess that not everyone knows how Fitzgerald and Associates operates. The company owns two private corporate jets that are at our disposal. If staff wishes to go to London over the holiday with us, get in touch with Dani or me and we'll have Amanda at the main office make your arrangements. Amanda will be handling staff travel for this holiday trip. If most of you elect to join us on this trip, the jets will be available to make the trip back and forth in order to accommodate everyone. There will be enough room for all of us at the castles that our families own, so no hotel suites will be necessary. And again, Amanda will be handling those arrangements. Raquel (Cal's nickname for Rachel) has her hands full dealing with Dani and me while we are there. One more thing, bear in mind, this is a vacation. Working while we are there is secondary. There will be no need to pull a 40-hour workweek for any of you. Enjoy the experience while getting to know our office and staff in London. We'll be staying in Brunswick and commuting with Charlie on the days we go into the London office. It should be quite an experience and adventure for all of us. And also, before I forget, our dress code will be casual. No need for a suit and tie or dress or skirt outfit. We are going there to relax and enjoy this new experience. If we happen to get any work done while we are there, it will be leisurely, and a bonus. It will not be automatically expected of you. That's an order! Cal told them with a chuckle as he concluded, and they headed back to their jobs. The goal was to complete as much contract work as possible prior to the Christmas holidays and return in January, ready to hit the ground running. At least, that was the hope.

Chapter 2

The time flew by, which was what usually happened between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it really flew by for Fitzgerald and Associates as they worked diligently to get contracts caught up and ahead of schedule so that no time was lost while they were on holiday.

As it turned out, nearly everyone elected to travel to London for the holiday. Only a small percentage decided to stay behind to celebrate with their own families. They would get the opportunity to travel to London later in January to follow up on what the first group found. Cal and Dani wanted to make sure that everyone had an opportunity to meet the London office staff and get acquainted with the ongoing contracts there.

While Dani and Cal were at home preparing for their first Christmas together as a family, Dani made an observational comment, it sure is difficult to run the office while preparing for this big trip, and shop for Christmas, all at the same time. I feel like I am losing it. Thank God for lists and my girls. Angie is such a God-send for the family shopping. And I am thoroughly enjoying her company as we shop. I am so proud to call her my daughter. Melanie, Bob's soon-to-become fiancée, is such a living doll. And man, she gets along great with the whole family. Have you noticed that? And Brooke is such a delight. I realize we don't know her as well yet, but she sure has Brian smitten. They are so cute together. Don't you agree? She asked Cal as she rattled on. The whole time she was talking, she was getting luggage out so that she could start deciding what to pack.

I think your new favorite pastime is playing cupid with our children. And you are so adorable. At least it keeps you happy. Just as long as you remember to keep out of their final decisions regarding their love-lives. Let them come to us for our opinions and advice. And be sure not to force your advice on them. The three musketeers are pretty levelheaded already. Count our blessings with them. He advised his wife.

The children—Brian, Angie, and Bob—had been referred to as the ‘three musketeers' since the onset of Cal and Dani's relationship. From day one, they got along like they had always been brothers and sister; siblings. That made Cal and Dani extra proud. It also made their marriage transition go that much more smoothly. And to think it was because Dani decided to respond to Cal's Bookkeeper Needed ad in the local paper. And that seemed like a lifetime ago to them both, even though it was less than a year prior.

Now was the time to test their love for each other under such busy pressure. The office was particularly busy this year as there were at least twice as many new and existing contracts as Cal was accustomed to. And the company had grown now to probably triple the staff from what was considered the norm for him. It felt great to have grown and be considered highly successful, but that had taken its toll on him. He was also concerned about how any of it would affect his new marriage. Dani was the absolute best thing that had ever happened to him, but he was constantly making sure that he did not take advantage of her sweet nature. He found himself more in love with her now than he was when they first met or even when they married. And bringing Bob into the family was just icing on the cake. Their lives were so much richer now than ever before. This trip to England for Christmas was the final test to see if they could handle the pressure. It was an adventure, even though he was a bit nervous about it.

My main goal for this holiday season is to make my Dani very happy. If I succeed with that, everything else will fall into place, Cal thought to himself. We'll be fine. It is this time of year when we should actually get the real opportunity to take it easy and spend some alone time. There will be plenty of time to relax with family and friends. One step at a time, Cal. He told himself.

They continued their chatter as the luggage was dragged out of storage and opened for the start of their packing. It will be especially wonderful this Christmas to be in Brunswick with my family AND my new husband. I'm so excited that we are doing this. Don't you agree, my darling dearest? Dani asked with a whimsical smile on her face. She really was excited about this holiday and the trip to London and Brunswick. To be able to spend some real holiday time with you and my parents will be great. But I need to focus on the office before we leave.

Taking it all in, Cal just agreed with everything his beautiful bride said. While she was excited, he was nervous. And that was a new feeling for him. This trip will be great. And maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to relax for a little while during our time away. For some reason, my darling, I'm a bit nervous. That is a new feeling to me, he admitted to Dani. Everything is in order. Amanda has the travel plans completely under control. Yet, something feels off. I can't pinpoint it, but I can feel it. Perhaps it's the realization that we are travelling with most of our staff. I'm not accustomed to having everyone join us. There are only about five employees remaining behind. Wow! He confessed. The company is in beautiful shape, too. He confessed.

I understand your nervousness. You are accustomed to being in control all the time. This trip is being arranged by a staff member; you have a little less control. Just remember that you have complete faith in Mandy and the rest of us. You'll be fine. I promise. Dani told him as she started to rub his shoulders. That always seemed to calm him down.

Chapter 3

The time had finally arrived. It was the week of Christmas, and the Fitzgerald and Associates travelers were packed and ready to board the planes. Based on the number of employees taking advantage of this holiday offer, the jets would travel at the same time in order to accommodate everyone. Cal announced as he, Dani, and their family were preparing to board, Dani and I, along with Brian and his girlfriend, Brooke, Angie, and Bob and Melanie, will take the first plane along with the office staff so we can prepare for the rest of you joining us in London at the Heathrow Airport. Amanda and Raquel (who is actually Rachel, Dani's Assistant and the company's Research Assistant) will be travelling with us, along with some of the others from both the office and the field. Eric will head up the second plane with the rest of you who are going with him. If you have any questions about who travels with whom and at what time, please check now with Amanda. Eric will also have a copy of her list for the second plane, as well as Cali, our Underwriter Administrative Support. She will manage the remaining flight and will be in constant contact with Amanda and Dani. Any questions before we board for take off? If not, both planes should begin boarding. You can take whatever you wish as a carry-on. If you are more comfortable with sending your baggage to the plane's storage area, go for it. And thank you for your generous support of the company on this trip. It means the world to my family and me, Cal said as he became the last to board the jet. See you in London. Enjoy your flight. Be safe.

At that, they were on their way. Both flights were smooth, lasting just over seven hours, nonstop. This is so cool, flying with staff to a wonderful and charming country for Christmas, Rachel commented. She was really impressed with how well the plane handled the high altitude during inclement weather with snow in the air. It is rather cold up here though. And thank you for allowing Jerry (she called him Jerry for Jerome) to accompany us. She continued.

After hearing that comment, Cal decided to go to the cockpit and alert the crew that his passengers and guests were starting to feel a little too chilled. Would you please warm the cabin up so that my family and our guests can get comfortable? He asked the flight attendant, a longtime friend of his, Barb Hollander.

Not a problem, Cal. Thanks for letting me know. I thought I was feeling a little chilly myself. I'll check on the cabin temperature and warm it as much as the plane will be able to handle without overheating. Barb responded as she double-checked the refreshments prior to having to buckle in.

Once in the air when the fasten seat belts sign was lifted, Cal and Dani stood up and formally welcomed their guests. Since we are not in standard jetliner-style seating, we want to take this opportunity to personally welcome you on our trip to winter wonderland. We truly hope you will be comfortable and able to enjoy our trip as much as we are looking forward to this adventure. Cal said, speaking for both Dani and himself. Refreshments will be arriving probably within the next half hour. Feel free to stand up and wander around. We will be. He continued.

Within minutes, the cabin became more comfortable as it was heated to 72° F. That would make it not too hot for the gentlemen; yet warm enough for the ladies to feel comfortable.

This is a really nice flight, Cal. Thank you and Dani for allowing it to be possible. I know I speak for everyone when I say this is a wonderful idea, and it will be one of the most exciting holidays ever spent. Mandy said with total enthusiasm. I feel so blessed to be accompanying you all today. It feels magical.

Jerry also spoke up, Yes, I also want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me on this adventure. I can't imagine spending this holiday without my Rachel, so being included in the Fitzgerald and Associates family means everything to the two of us. He said adoringly looking at his fiancée. We are just so blessed to be a part of all of you.

Cal was thrilled to hear that. I have always wanted to treat my staff to a British holiday, so when this idea came up, I couldn't help but jump on it. This is just as exciting to me as it is to all of you. And Dani is the most excited of all. After all, she will be with her family for the holiday. How wonderful is that! He responded with a grin and adoring eyes for his wife.

It was Dani's turn to thank everyone for sharing this very special time with her. You have no idea what is in store for you. Believe it or not, my parents' castle has about twenty bedrooms, in addition to the family quarters. And eighteen of those are suites, which have their own restrooms. The remaining two share a large common bathroom. I suppose that some of you have heard it referred to as a water closet or a loo. My parents call them restrooms, not even bathrooms. And these are all rather large. They are separate from the family wing, which has five-bedroom suites of its own. And it would probably behoove me to tell you all in advance that this castle, where I spent a lot of my childhood, is about the size of a hotel. Hopefully, you all will enjoy your stay. If anyone gets lost within the castle, there will be plenty of staff readily available to guide you. I am just so happy that you are with us for this trip. And we'll be explaining this to the rest of the group when we meet up at the Heathrow Airport.

In what seemed a very short period of time they were on approach at Heathrow Airport. Their meals were very tasty for airplane food. And chatting the time away made the trip go smoothly and quickly, with Cal and Dani regaling stories of their childhoods. Everyone shared stories of their youth to add to the stories already shared. It was a very nice flight for everyone. And based on what Cal was told about the other flight, the other passengers were enjoying a very similar experience. The second flight was led by Eric Wilson, Superintendent of the Field Crew. Stanley (Stan) Cooper, the Chief Field Architect, helped him out as back-up. A large number of the field crew was on the second flight, along with some of the office staff.

Shortly after Cal and Dani's group landed and departed from their jet, the second jet landed, as well. Group one then joined group two; everyone talking excitedly and at the same time. Within minutes, the luggage was removed, and the jets were refueled and stored in the hangars for the return trips, both before and after New Year's.

As the group started looking around Heathrow, the enthusiasm for the trip really began to build. The first and most obvious was just how green the area was. There were castles and large hotels in the hills in the distance. And the castles were amazing to look at. Even though there was snow on the ground, the area was green. While the view was being enjoyed, airport staff was busy welcoming everyone to London. That brought about the second item of interest. Londoners had the best accents ever. As Rachel was more than happy to put it, You sound so cool. I want to package you up and take you home with me. They all happily agreed with her. Cal and Dani just grinned.

Bob spoke up, with his accent starting to show through. This is how we always sound. My British roots come out whenever I visit my grandparents. Welcome to my country, and please allow me to serve as your tour guide. I know most of this countryside inside out. And I am really excited to have you here.

Dani hugged him and also personally welcomed one and all. By that time, Cal decided it was time to start getting their transportation together. He had already made arrangements for a couple of limousines to transport the large group around. Now that we have landed here in London, why don't we head toward Dani's parents' castle in Brunswick. It is not far from London, about an hour south of here. Most of you have already met Lord Charles, who goes by Charlie, and Lady Victoria, who often goes by Vicky. They are truly delightful people, and we have a lot of fun when they are around. Dani, you can handle your family from here. Cal turned the trip over to Dani, who was well-prepared to assist their guests.

Welcome to London, everyone! It is my pleasure to be your tour guide for this trip. I really hope you all enjoy the Christmas holiday English-style. Since we are together now, we will go to the castle and get settled. I'll introduce you all to everyone, and give you time to meet Lady Vicky's staff. I adore them. Nobody is stuffy, so we will fit in with ease. If we need additional room, there are a number of ‘outhouses' on the property that could be used. They are really quite as nice as the castle is. My parents are accustomed to entertaining large numbers of people at any given time. And there will be plenty of food for everybody. But for right now, let's take a brief tour of the city of Brunswick and surrounding towns. London itself will be saved until tomorrow. We will need to rest tonight after the long trip across the pond. Dani explained to her guests.

The private limousine service used for this initial tour of London was part of the Barrett family. Some of Dani's cousins helped out from time to time when large parties were invited to visit the area, especially for the first time.

We are so fortunate to have these guys, Jim and Tom, help us with this wonderful tour. Dani told me that they have been helping out for a long time, maybe fifteen or twenty years, starting in their mid-teens. Isn't that right, Jim, Tom? Cal asked for a friendly acknowledgment.

Yup, that's what we like to do best. This is just our hobby. We work in the Parliament as our actual jobs. This is just for fun. Plus we get to meet and welcome all the new visitors to our fine city. Tom spoke for the two of them.

Mandy, who recently became unattached, spoke up first. We are very pleased to make your acquaintance. I just love your accents. It will be a blast touring this fine city with the two of you. I can't wait to really start sightseeing. She spoke with a giggle in her voice as she blushed while looking at them both.

Cal leaned over toward Dani's ear and whispered, Methinks our girl here is smitten. Kinda early, but yes, she has that look in her twinkling blue eyes.

At that comment, Dani actually blushed herself. Methinks you be right. It is so cute, though.

Having caught some of that whispering conversation, Rachel quietly asked, What are you two whispering about? Could it be that you are discussing Mandy's new love? She looks so cute with her new crush, doesn't she? In fact, she looks adorable.

One of the other passengers also agreed silently. Fortunately, neither Mandy nor the two gentlemen picked up on the conversation. Otherwise, they would have been highly embarrassed.

The first stop was the drive-by at the Windsor Castle where Queen Elizabeth has been the monarch for what seemed forever. Everyone, even Dani, was in awe at this magnificent castle. The structure itself gave the view of a lifetime. Jim finally pulled his eyes away from Mandy and explained how he started this service and became so familiar with London and its surrounding areas.

I started working this service when I was just about 16 years old, about ten years ago. I found that the more I took passengers and visitors on the tour, the better I really liked doing it. My job at the Parliament pays well, and I am just an errand boy, kind of like their run-around guy. It's a glorified office job, only politics is involved. Not so fun, in my opinion. That is why I really enjoy being a tour guide. He told the group.

Tom added, While I'm a year or so younger, I've enjoyed working this job immensely. My father is a carpenter building special furniture. He works for one of the better carpentry services out of London. I work with Jim in the Parliament, and I also help my father in the evenings as his part-time apprentice, and assist here part-time. The carpentry work is very satisfying and pays pretty well. All my jobs make me happy. He tried to describe his work life to them.

It was time to get to the castle and drop everyone off so that Tom and Jim could rest for the night. Meeting their auntie and uncle would be a welcomed visit, and then the real fun would begin.

Chapter 4

When Dani, Cal, and their guests arrived at the castle, Dani's parents, Lord Charles, or Charlie as he preferred to be called, and Lady Victoria, who preferred to be called Vicky, welcomed them with opened arms. There was a lot of laughing and silliness as everyone from the group who had not previously met Charlie and Vicky were introduced.

My goodness, Charlie, what a charming group working with our Dani and Cal. We will have a positively lovely visit with everyone. Please make yourselves at home in our modest, quaint castle. We are just so pleased to have you here with us, isn't that right, Charlie? Lady Vicky asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

Absolutely. I've already met most of you. Everyone is most welcome. Please make yourselves at home. Cal, do you have an idea of how many guests you've travelled with? We have enough room in this main castle for almost all of the guests, even more if anyone cares to share a suite. Cal and Dani are naturally in Dani's suite of rooms, plus we thought that Angie would be interested in the third bedroom suite. If you want to share it with Mandy, there would be plenty of room for both of you. Angie, I assume also that you don't mind sharing your room with Mandy. Rachel and Jerry, I assume that you want to be together. That can be arranged. That leaves the fourth bedroom suite for Bob and Brian and their ladies. Would you mind sharing that room? It is also a very large room with lots of room for personal privacy for each of you, as you well know. What do you think? Charlie asked with a hopeful glint in his twinkling blue eyes.

Angie was the first to respond. I'd be thrilled to share my suite with my very dear buddy. Isn't that right, Mandy? Doesn't that sound like fun? And wait till you see the size of our suite! We'll be positively spoiled. A very happy Angie responded with bubbles. She mentioned that she hadn't thought about that, but it would be perfect. Amanda was in very cheerful agreement.

That just left the guys. Since they also had already been there before, it was no problem with them sharing a suite. In fact, Bob told the new guests, Wait till you see the size of the suites you'll be sleeping in. You'll also probably volunteer to share a room with someone. These suites are gigantic! He told them with very convincing enthusiasm.

Once that had been decided, Vicky and Charlie began showing the group around. Briefly, Dani and Cal took their luggage and Precious, who also travelled with them, to their room, as well as Angie's group and the guys. They all were shown the extra rooms, which received a lot of aahs and looks of amazement. Not only that, a number of the guests decided to triple up since the suites were enormous. Peter Jordan and Jacob Jergens, the underwriters, were joined by Brad Singer, the IT guy. There was a queen-size bed and a full-size bed for them to figure out, plus a small sofa and some chairs. Nothing was cramped, either!

Once everyone had a room to go to, with a few suites still unfilled, they all got settled in and rested for a spell. Meanwhile, Charlie and Vicky returned to the dining area to attend to the evening meal. There was a lot of hustle and bustle between the hosts and their domestic help. And that hustle and bustle included a great deal of holiday cheer.

Just in time for high tea at just after 4:00 pm, everyone was unpacked and settled in. Dani and Cal were already refreshed and were busy helping Vicky and Charlie finish preparations for the group. There was a strong enthusiasm and welcome for everyone just as there had been when they first arrived. Getting the field staff settled in was a task each of the staff took very seriously. It didn't hurt that the group were also very good friends.

Along with our tea, we also serve a small meal consisting of a main course and sides of fruit and sweet breads. Since you have been travelling for hours, I would imagine that you are rather famished. I believe you had a filling meal on the plane, but by now you need to be replenished. Am I right? Lady Victoria asked with a hint of concern. We don't want any empty stomachs, now do we?

Food will go over quite nicely, Mumsy. Dani responded to her mother. Thank you for being such a wonderful host. You and Daddy have outdone yourselves, between this delicious spread and the cozy suites prepared for us. And we're thrilled to be here, especially with the two of you.

Yes, thank you for your gracious hospitality, Mumsy. Cal commented as he really appreciated the group's warm welcome. We are so looking forward to touring our London office with Charlie. This trip has been especially important for the field crew to get acquainted with Charlie's field crew. I'd also like to meet this half of our staff here in London. I met a few of the staff when Dani and I were here at the beginning, before everything was up and running. Charlie, is the London staff aware that we are here or that we have plans of meeting them? Cal realized that he was curious about that and didn't really have the answer. I just took it for granted that the new crew wanted to meet their ‘big boss'. He added. Not to sound arrogant, though. I look very forward to meeting everyone.

Eric was the one to answer that. Charlie and I have been communicating a bit since Thanksgiving. We both made sure the new gang was ready to meet the existing gang. And I personally can't wait to see the new projects. They sound great. This whole area is spectacular, so I am imagining that the school and other projects will be amazing.

Charlie decided that it was time to do some bragging of his own. Eric is correct. But the school project is a primary or an elementary school, as you Americans call it, which is down the street from our new offices here in London. We were hired to build an additional two-story building for the new incoming students living in the newly built homes around the area. While it is a relatively small new community of about 75–100 new homes, it ties in with an older community just a little distance down the main street from there. Between the two communities, there will be a number of new elementary school-aged children to accommodate. It truly is quite thrilling to be a part of this project. I am so excited. And I just love meeting all of the Indiana crew. Can't wait till you meet the London field crew. They have a lot to learn from you. He was just jolly about the new job he held.

Cal spoke up again, telling the whole group, I understand that there are two additional significant projects about to start up. The first is the three-story apartment complex which includes about one hundred units attached to a library and bookstore, plus a café shopping area all on the outskirts of London. That one has the ladies' names written all over it. Ladies and shopping always go hand in hand. Plus, I believe there is a new project in Morrisville, the town about an hour away. Apparently, they have hired us to build their newest shopping mall containing about ten to fifteen stores. This ought to be another one for our ladies. Dani seems pretty excited to see the plans for this one. Right, my Darling? He asked his precious wife.

You bet, King Kong! Dani said teasingly. Her nickname from the beginning of their relationship was King Kong. She teased about him being master and chief. It was all in good, clean fun.

Why don't we all relax for the rest of today and begin tomorrow with a trip to the new London office, then tour the new contracts? Cal suggested. After tomorrow, we will be focused on the holidays and whatever shopping remains in preparation for them. Dani, don't you agree?

I think that is a wonderful idea. A good night of rest and sleep, followed by a good, solid breakfast, then the tour. After tomorrow, we will be in holiday mode for a few days. Maybe a couple of days after Christmas, we can resume our tour and check out in more detail the plans for the upcoming projects. Dani decided for the group. Mumsy, you are also invited to join us tomorrow, obviously.

Thank you, my darling. I think I will take you up on that suggestion. Charlie, Cal, do you have any objections? Vicky inquired.

In unison, Not a one. That's an excellent idea, Love. Was all they said.

Chapter 5

Off to bed for everyone. After a very comfortable and fitting night of sleep, all the travelers awoke to a wonderfully delicious smelling breakfast of poached eggs that included tomatoes and mushrooms with a side of hummus, guacamole, and sweet chili sauce. It smelled amazing. And since they were sides, those who could not handle the extra tastes, they were able to skip them.

"Mumsy,