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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 14
They were relaxing after dinner at The Plantation House in Barbados, when Jolly said.
I want to go home, I love this life, I've had so much fun with you guys, but I miss my family, my boys, I need hugs from my boys, I'm sorry folks, I'm bailing on you".
She was surprised to hear almost identical responses.
It seemed she wasn't the only one who was missing their families, but in truth, there was something else that was enticing Jolly to get home, Will had texted her, eluding to Jace having fallen in love, this both intrigued and terrified Jolly, because, let's be practical, Jace had a shit track record where falling in love was concerned, Jolly had shot his last true love dead.
It was agreed, the oldies mutiny tour was over for this year and they'd all head home in the next two days.
Jacqueline contacted her office at Montclair arranging for all three aircraft to arrive in Barbados the following day.
Woody wanted to spend a few days in Chicago because he'd had a request to look at the bonus package for JBJ Employees from someone called Monica Day, so it was a no brainier, Woody and Jacqueline would be traveling with Billy, Jay and Jolly back to Barrington Hills.
Jace and Mel arrived home that evening to be greeted by the usual onslaught of two exited youngsters hurtling at them, each catching a child and swinging them around before order was restored, and they could make their way into the lounge to join the others.
Will spoke as they came in.
"You two need to learn a sensible time to close shop, this working till late is wrong, you do a full day, learn to end it at around five o'clock, it's a slippery slope, when late becomes normal, even later becomes acceptable, and so on, it's not compatible with family life, and I have some news for you, the rents are inbound, they are in the air, arriving in from Barbados tomorrow morning.
Mel was apprehensive, made her excuses and picking up Bobby, went up to her room, Jace picked up on her anguish straight away, choosing to fire a dart at Will.
"That could have been handled a good deal more tactfully, unless of course your intention was to deliberately hurt Mel, exactly as you did, though I honestly don't see why you would, so explain".
Will was aghast, he'd not intended to upset anyone, he'd been genuinely trying to encourage Jace and Mel to reduce the number of hours they worked, his additional information regarding the rents was just that an added extra, but in truth he did feel guilty because he'd hinted to their Momma, that Jace might be in love.
"I'm sorry Jace, I might have hinted to Momma that you're in love, I doubt she would have picked up on it though".
Jace laughed out loud.
"Don't, you are really not that stupid Will, Momma's able to pick up on scents from a thousand miles or more, why do you think they are hurtling toward us right now, she's going to third degree Mel, this is your doing, thanks Bro".
At that Jace picked up Ary and walked out of the lounge, slamming the door behind him.
Upstairs Mel was packing when Jace found her.
"Hey, what are you doing, there's no need to run, they'll love you, just as I do, now how about we put this stuff back where it belongs".
Mel melted into his arms.
"Sorry, I panicked, what if they don't like me, or Bobby, I mean I'm not exactly the ideal choice, I come with serious baggage, I don't want to come between you and your family".
Jace hugged her close.
"I guarantee, if you just be yourself they'll be smitten easily, and as for Bobby, well they just don't stand a chance there, he'll have them eating out of his hand the minute they come through the door, and he has a secret weapon, I guarantee, Ary will stand against the world to defend his friend, now let's get ready for dinner".
When they came back downstairs, Will made a beeline for Mel, taking her hands into his.
"I'm sorry Mel, that was stupid of me, it was definitely not my best attempt at subtle, don't be nervous, our parents are good people, they're going to love you, and I'd defy anyone to try not loving Bobby, I've never seen Jace this happy, it's like he's floating on air, that's all down to you".
Mel smiled, a weak nervous smile, but a smile non the less.
That night Mel didn't go to Jace's room so he made the trip across the landing to her room, he found her sitting up in bed looking worried, he slipped out of his robe and slid in beside her naked, pulling her into his arms.
"I thought so, stressing out because they'll be here in the morning before we leave for work, well I guess I'm going to have to think of something to do to take your mind of the subject".
As he'd been talking his hands had slipped inside her nightgown and were massaging her breasts, rolling and tweaking her nipples.
He began kissing her neck, nibbling at her ear, one hand tracing its way up her inner thigh, finding nothing in its way as her legs parted to the sound of Mel moaning, his fingers sank into her moist sex and he stimulated her to her first crashing orgasm before he eased himself between her legs and sank his hard tool balls deep inside her.
As they lay spooned later, she admitted, Jace was only the second man she'd made love with, and she hadn't expected it to be like this, her first, Bobby's father, was a two minute wonder, no foreplay and gone the moment he was satisfied, in fact she admitted, very red faced, and almost whispering, she'd never had an orgasm, not before that first night with Jace, that had completely rocked her world.
He didn't bother going back to his own room, he decided keeping her feeling loved was more important than worrying about appearances, and that proved something of a problem next morning.
Jace had the distinct impression something wasn't right, there was a hand on his cock which was enjoying its usual morning hard on, then his sleepy brain kicked in, there was giggling, and the covers were being lifted, opening his eyes he caught the boys lifting the covers, seeing his open eyes they dropped them and jumped back, Ary asked.
"Poppa why don't you have any pants on?, we could see your wiener, it was sticking up like a pole, and Bobby's Momma is holding it, is it hurt?"
Jace looked shocked but he answered
"I choose to plead the fifth".
Bobby looked puzzled but Ary explained.
"That means Poppa has done something naughty and he's not going to tell us"
Jace nudged Mel.
"Honey, we have company, and you might want to let go of the grab handle, you're not helping matters at all".
It took Mel a few moments to understand, then suddenly her brain fired up and she snatched her hand away from his rampant tool.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so embarrassed, did they see anything?"
Jace giggled.
"Well, when I woke up they were taking turns lifting the covers, my son wants to know why I'm not wearing pants, and why you were holding my wiener, I've chosen to skip any answers at this point by pleading the fifth amendment, but Ary's explained to Bobby that means I've done something naughty and I'm not going to admit it".
There was a knock on the door and Jace almost screamed like a girl, scooting down, desperate to hide beneath the covers as Mel's tea tray was delivered and two giggling boys were taken away for showers, as she left the room the young girl who was now escorting the boys out said.
"I'll bring your coffee in a moment Mr Jace, unless of course you don't want me to know that's you hiding under the covers, if that's the case, it might be an idea to cover up your backside, because it's shining like a full moon".
Jace just groaned and pulled the covers completely over himself.
Mel by now had dissolved into hysterical laughter.
When they appeared at breakfast Mel had just about got her laughter under control until Jo said.
"I hear there was a full moon in your room this morning Mel".
And Mel lost it again, with everyone joining in.
Harold came in and spoke to Jo.
"Just a heads up Mr Thorn, two cars left a short while ago to pick up your parents, Mr and Mrs Montclair-Thorn are arriving with them, they should be here in about thirty minutes, your Momma has asked if everyone could delay leaving for work until after they arrive".
That stopped Mel's laughter dead in its tracks.
Jace looked at her.
"Stop panicking, they'll love you, and you'll love Uncle Woody and Aunt Jacqueline".
Around twenty five minutes later a chime sounded in the foyer, an alert from the gatehouse, it meant approved visitors were approaching the main house, Jace commented.
"Okay folks, we're a go, the Rents are on the property, Ary take Bobby, remember your manners, introduce Bobby to your grandparents, you two are the front line munchkin welcoming committee, we'll all be in the big lounge".
The door to the lounge was open and they listened to the commotion as the older family members arrived.
Jolly was first through the door to be greeted by Ary and Bobby, with Ary doing his duty.
"Grandma, Grampa's, this is my friend Bobby, his Momma is Mel, she was holding Poppas wiener in bed this morning, Poppa didn't have any pants on, did you have a nice holiday, you've been gone for a long time, you're not going away again are you?".
In the lounge Jace groaned and Mel looked horrified.
Jolly bent down to scoop both boys up into her arms.
"My word, that was a lot of information in one go, and no we're not going anywhere else, we're staying here with you guys for a while, but I'm really tempted to go away again because look, I went away and I only had one little munchkin, I come back and now I've got two little munchkins, I must be the luckiest Grandma on the planet, now why don't you give your Grandpas and your Uncle and Aunt a welcome hug while I go see my babies".
Ary answered.
"We're the babies, they're adults".
Ary and Bobby could be heard giggling as they got cuddles from the rest of the party as Jolly came into the lounge.
"Hello everyone, I'll get to all of you in a minute, first I want to meet this young lady".
She headed straight to Mel and Jace.
"Momma I'd like to introduce my girlfriend, Melanie Lofthouse, or Mel as she prefers, Mel, I'd like you to officially meet my Momma, Jolly Thorn, I know you two are going to get on like a house on fire".
Mel held out her hand, but with a big grin Jolly pushed it gently aside and pulled Mel into a hug.
"I like a hug Mel, it lets me read people, I think Jace is right, we're going to be good friends, welcome to the family, we'll have a good chat later, but right now I need hugs from all of my babies".
Breaking away from Mel she moved around the room hugging all of her sons including David.
By now Billy and Jay had come into the room and Mel was again introduced to them and to Woody and Jacqueline.
When the introductions were done Harold announced breakfast had been laid out for the arriving seniors, they trooped off to get food, leaving the lounge quiet.
Jace turned to Mel.
"I told you, she likes you".
Mel asked".
"How can you tell, she's only just met me?".
Jo laughed saying.
"Oh trust us Mel, Jace is right, we can tell straight away, Thorn women don't take prisoners, it would have been glaringly obvious if she didn't like you".
Jace had been talking on his cell whilst Jo was talking to Mel, when he finished the call he turned to Mel.
"I've told Jackie that she's in charge today, you and I are playing hooky, we'll spend an hour or so with the Rents, then leave them to rest, I've arranged to call into the fleet vehicle suppliers office, we'll get your new car sorted, I can order Momma her new model as well while we're there, then I'm taking you out for lunch to SPECTRUM at The Fielding Hotel, it's still one of the best dining experiences ever".
Mel was in the foyer saying goodbye to Bobby and Ary who were off on a nature spotting adventure with Shelby.
When she came back into the lounge Jolly was sitting with a pot of tea and two cups, patting the seat beside her she said.
"Come join me Mel, now you know I don't bite you can probably open up a bit, I'm guessing it was a little nerve racking knowing we were coming home, I still remember when I first met Billy's parents, Jay and I were actually shaking with fear, and his Momma just looked at us, sort of scanned us, that was it, we were in, I remember being so relieved, so yes I know exactly how you were feeling".
Mel smiled, she liked this woman.
"You're right, last night when Will said you were already in the air, I was suddenly gripped by a feeling of terror, I'd already started packing my things when Jace stopped me, I've been infatuated with him for a lot longer than these few weeks, before he promoted me I used to just gaze at him, a bit like a silly schoolgirl, but this, what has developed between us, I never knew it could be like this, I realise now, I've never known real love until now, you've brought up three amazing boys, but I only have eyes for one of them, and I don't intend to give him any reason to look elsewhere".
Jolly said.
"Your parents, I already know the story, Melanda and Oscar Lofthouse, I see your mother every couple of months, we're both on an industry advisory committee, I can't say I like her, in fact I don't, she sees everything as black and white, there is no middle ground, that's not my way, you have cause to really hate them, but you don't do you?, it's okay I don't find that strange, I know most people would, I don't, in fact I find it quite endearing".
Mel's eyes were glistening as she replied.
"I can't hate them, they're my parents, I love them, I know it's a love that may never be returned, but that's just me, I won't put them down to Bobby either, they've never met him, that I find so difficult to deal with, he's a wonderful little boy and they don't know him, but I'm determined, I'll keep the door open, there's always the possibility that one day they might be curious, ever the optimist".
Whilst Jolly and Mel were chatting, Jace took the opportunity to discuss something with his Aunt Jacqueline, he took her into the small lounge and closed the door.
"Aunt Jacqueline I want to ask permission to take a piece from the collection if you agree, I understand the terms and I'm prepared to make a donation of equal value subject to your approval".
Jacqueline had an inkling she knew what he would be looking to take, a ring, but she had no idea what particular piece he was referring to.
"Do you have a particular piece in mind Jace, or would you like to see the full listing, I have it on my laptop?".
Jace was already prepared.
"I think when I last looked there was a full set, necklace, earrings, bracelet and engagement ring, it was emeralds set with clear diamonds, emeralds are Mel's favourite, well that's not strictly true, she said she likes green stones, I just think she deserves emeralds".
Jacqueline hugged him.
"Yes it's still there, it's one of the very first pieces added by your great, great, great grandmother, she was Grandpa PJ's grandma, the one who started the collection and set the rules, it's quite valuable though Jace, from memory about five million for the whole set, you can't take just the ring because it would spoil the set".
Jace wasn't at all fazed.
"I'll manage that alright, last time I checked in with Uncle Pete I was running a little over fifty five million, if it were okay with you, initially I'd like to put a hold on the whole set, but I only want the ring at this point, I'd like to leave the rest of the set with you until we marry, I'll give Uncle Pete authority to liquidate an amount to cover whatever you deem suitable for replacement of the whole set immediately, if that's acceptable to you".
Jacqueline agreed.
"A wise decision, the set is already insured as part of the collection, it means you only have to arrange insurance for the ring, and when would you want the ring?".
Jace's reply could have surprised her but it didn't.
"As soon as possible please, I'm not letting this girl get away, but could we keep this to ourselves for the moment, I want to tell Momma before anyone else".
Jacqueline nodded and touched a finger to her lips, in a sign that her lips were sealed.
Jace found his Momma and Mel still chatting in the large lounge, they'd been joined by His Poppas and Woody.
"Do you want to get your coat Mel, I'll just need a word with Momma about her car whilst you're doing that, Momma could I borrow you for a few minutes?".
Jace went back into the small lounge followed by his Momma.
"Momma I do need to know what car you want but the reason I brought you in here...........".
Jolly cut him off.
"Is to tell me you are in love and you're going to propose, I know Son, I knew that the moment I walked into the lounge this morning, and I am so pleased, you did damn good this time, I absolutely love her, however, you and I did not have this talk, there will never be any mention of it, no girl wants to know her future mother-in-law heard the news before she was even asked the question, are we clear on that point?".
Jace nodded smiling before he launched himself into a hug with his beloved Momma.
Jolly added.
"And as for my car, I'll stay with exactly what I have now, I like it, except the interior trim, I'd like a cream colour if possible".
They exited the small lounge just as Mel came downstairs.
Jace threw on his overcoat from the lobby closet and they made their escape.
At the fleet suppliers Jace ordered his Momma's car with the cream interior and Mel agreed, she liked Jolly's choice of vehicle so she wanted the same but in a dark metallic grey colour, with black interior trim.
That done he drove them to The Fielding Hotel where they had a lunch reservation at SPECTRUM.
Mel was amazed when she learned SPECTRUM was started and owned for many years by Jace's grandparents, PJ and Lenny Thorn, he recounted the story of how they met, about Thorn Plaza, and the penthouse apartment which everyone referred to as The Nest, on the Promenade at Torremolinas, how the whole family always gather at the Christmas House in Lanzarote for the Holidays, and he told her she must visit Gregous, he described it as the most magical place he'd ever seen.
When they arrived back home, all of the older crew had retired for a nap.
Harold met them in the lounge and informed Jace.
"A special delivery came for you, care of Mrs Montclair-Thorn, she asked that I place it in your private safe sir, I hope that was alright".
Jace replied.
"That's great Harold, thanks for that".
Harold was the only person other than Jace with access to Jace's private safe, he trusted Harold with his life, he always had.
Before dinner that evening Jace sought out Harold.
"Harold, I think you sussed out what arrived in that package today, and I intend to use the content this evening after main course, so could you have the sweet course delayed for me, and arrange a suitable toasting glug, with substitute lemonade for the munchkins please".
Harold replied.
"Without admitting I know what on earth you're referring to, I'll arrange all of that Mr Jace".
Dinner was a much more lively affair than Mel had experienced for the previous few weeks, tonight there were twelve around the table.
Ary and Bobby were sat together opposite Jace and Mel, it was so their parents could keep an eye on them, but in all honesty there was no need, they each had impeccable table manners for their young age.
As they came to the end of the main course, Jace waited for the serving staff to clear away the dishes before he stood.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can I beg your indulgence for a few moments please, there is something I want to do".
At that he pushed his chair right back creating space for him to go down on one knee facing a clearly shocked Mel, he took the ring box from his pocket, flipped it open and exposed the emerald centre stone surrounded by brilliantly sparkling clear diamonds.
"Melanie Lofthouse, I love you with all of my heart, I can't imagine there ever being a time when I will not need and want you by my side, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife please?".
There was complete silence, until Bobby and Ary shouted in unison.
"Say yes, we be brothers".
It shook Mel out of her silence.
"Yes Jace, I love you too, yes I'll marry you".
Then as Jace slid the ring onto her finger and they kissed, pandemonium broke out, everyone wanted to congratulate them, possibly the most excited two in the room were Ary and Bobby, because they were going to be brothers.
Harold appeared with a tray of fluted glasses, already filled with champagne, including two identical glasses of lemonade for the munchkins.
Whilst everyone was getting their congratulations in, Jolly went into the kitchen and asked Harold to get a glass of champagne for every one of the staff and have them all come into the lounge.
When everyone was in the lounge Billy asked for order.
"Most of you witnessed our son Jace propose marriage to his now fiance Melanie earlier, and we were pleased that she accepted him, let's face it, we've put up with him long enough, it's about time we offloaded him, that's two down only Will to go, if anyone has any contacts for 'buy me a bride' see me or Jay later, there'll be a kick back in it for you".
He had to pause because everyone was laughing so much.
"But seriously, we are absolutely over the moon, we don't just gain a daughter, we gain another wonderful grandson, and Ary gets a brother in Bobby, so I'll say welcome officially to the family Mel and Bobby, now on behalf of Jolly, Jay and I, I propose a toast to the future Mr and Mrs Jace Thorn".
It was a lively evening with everyone wanting to see the engagement ring.
Jace got a few minutes finally to speak alone with Mel.
"This might sound strange but how would you feel about us sharing our wedding day with Jo and David, they're having their wedding in July at Gregous in Greece, it's an absolutely magical setting".
Mel grinned.
"Do you think they would mind, I'd love it if they agreed".
Jace dragged her in the direction of Jo and David.
"We have a favour to ask...............".
Jo stopped him.
"You want to hijack our wedding day, oh go on then, we were talking earlier, and both agreed, it would be fantastic to have a joint ceremony at Gregous, we just need to know if Uncles Van and Reece are okay with us increasing the size of the party, though we won't actually increase the guest list that much because mostly the same people would be coming for both ceremonies if they were separated".
Jacqueline asked if it would be okay to put a communication around the family about Jace and Mel, Jace agreed it was probably better because Jacqueline's office could reach everyone in minutes, he also suggested that Jacqueline copy in Monica Day in their HR Department, it would serve to let everyone in their various offices know of Jace and Mel's impending marriage.
She brought a rough text to Jace and Mel within minutes.
'Jolly, Jay and Billy Thorn, are pleased to announce the engagement of their youngest son Jace to Melanie Lofthouse, the wedding, if the arrangements can be accepted, will be at Gregous, the Palatial Estate of Giovanni Gregous and Reece Caswel-Thorn, outside of Athens, Greece, as a joint celebration of wedding vows with Jo Thorn And David Sinton on July 13 of this year', family and friends will be receiving invitations in due course.
The resulting rush of congratulations were like an avalanche, they came from all over the globe, along with requests to bring Mel for a meet up, everyone wanted to meet her.
The first message came, predictably, from Pierre in Montclair.
'Congratulations cousin, couldn't be happier for you, we need to meet this lady who's stolen your heart, come back with Uncle Woody and Aunt Jacqueline, stay a few days, everyone here wants to meet Mel and welcome her to the family, remember I flew the pond for you last time, it's your turn to travel, hope to see you soon, can't wait'.
After a catch up with Royce it was settled, in fact it was Royce who'd suggested Jace and Mel take a couple of weeks to visit family and friends, he would step in for a temporary period, just as they'd agreed when Jace took over the CEO role.
And so, one week later Woody and Jacqueline were on their way home, accompanied by Jace, Mel, Ary, and Bobby.
They would be staying at Chateau Montclair for one week, whilst there they would catch up with Pierre, Juan, Piers, Milo, Aly and Bo, as well as meeting Pete, Jaque, Beth and Dave, along with all of the cousins, then Jace wanted Mel to see Gregous, on the way home he'd promised to call into Torremolinas to meet Josef and Cary along with Sofia and Rick, it would be a whirlwind tour trying to take in as many as possible of family and friends.
Before they left Jolly had told Mel over the next month or so she, Mel and Jacqueline would be going to Paris to arrange Mel's wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses.
They'd left Chicago late in the afternoon and arrived into Nice, France around nine o'clock next morning, the boys had slept soundly for most of the flight, awakening excited about an hour before they were due to land, for them this was a fantastic adventure, Ary had flown before several times, Bobby had never flown in an aircraft and Ary had religiously talked him through what would happen, how he would feel as the aircraft lifted up into the skies.
There were two limousines waiting for them at the FBO Office at Nice, it was only about a forty minute journey and they were turning into the gates of Chateau Montclair.
Mel was completely overawed by the beauty of the Chateau, from the outside it was the typical fairytale building, but inside even more so.
Their suite on the first floor was enormous, it had a large sitting room, a huge bedroom with king size canopied bed, two bathrooms and two dressing rooms, from the sitting room French doors led out to a balcony where tubs of lavender scented the air.
The boys had been given a room each, both had twin beds, but typically they wanted to be in the same room, so one room was never used.
After freshening up, the first people they met were Roslyn, Cecile and Fleur, who were waiting to greet them as they came back downstairs.
Next were Pete and Jaque with Marcel, JJ and Paul, who explained, his brother Daniel was exhibiting a new collection of paintings and sculptures in Paris, but he was taking the train to be home for dinner this evening to meet Mel, no way was he missing out, then traveling back to Paris the following day.
Whilst everyone was chatting Pete drew Jace on one side.
"About the cost for the removal of pieces from the collection, I got your instruction, but I don't want to liquidate funds right now, we have you invested in some really well sought after placements at the moment, the returns are coming up as phenomenal, I'm looking at raising the money from Woodruff Bank, if I can negotiate a low interest, it may prove financially more beneficial to do it that way, we'll use your interest earnings to pay the borrowings on a deferred basis, does that sound okay to you?".
Jace agreed, if Pete thought it the best solution, he was happy.
In the afternoon Jace borrowed a car from Montclair and drove them down into the town of Montclair, at Woody's insistence another car would follow them, they parked on the car park of The Inn at Montclair, entering reception he was surprised to hear someone say.
"Well I'll be damned, if it's not one of the Chicago musketeers".
Turning he came face to face with a grinning Aly.
In seconds they were wrapped in a hug.
"It's so good to see you Jace, now who do we have here?".
Jace introduced everyone and Aly got hugs galore, turning to the receptionist Aly said.
"Would you alert the residence I'm bringing guests in, and track down Bo, Piers, and Milo as well if he's still here, ask them to come to the residence, tell them we have important visitors".
Turning back to them he said.
"Come on let's get you some refreshments".
He walked them through The Inn, out into the courtyard then across to the large barn Aly had turned into their private residence some years before.
They'd just settled in the lounge when Piers burst in making a beeline for Jace, they were hugging straight away.
"Wow Cus, it's great to see you, I heard you were coming, Pierre is jumping up and down waiting to see you, Milo had to go back to Toremolinas this morning they have a major concert that he has to arrange security for, Bo's just finishing lunches, he'll be here shortly, now how about an introduction".
Jace was red faced.
"Sorry, Mel, this is Piers, the Brat, I had to look after him whilst Pierre had his operation and recuperation, Piers, meet my future wife Mel, and this young man is Bobby, I'm not sure who the other little geeky kid is, he just keeps following me around".
Ary giggled.
"I'm your boy Poppa, silly"
Jace ruffled his hair.
"Oh, so you are, silly me forgetting, no wonder you keep following me around".
They were all laughing as Bo came in and yet again made a beeline for a hug from Jace.
This time Jace was on the ball.
"Mel this is Aly's partner Bo, Bo I'd like you to meet my future wife Mel, and this little fellow is Bobby, that other one we've just established keeps following me around because apparently he says he's my son".
Whilst Bo got hugs from Mel and Bobby, Ary was giggling and punching his Poppa.
They sat and chatted for over an hour, the boys disappeared out into the courtyard to explore, before Jace said they needed to make a move, they were leaving the car on the car park and walking the short distance to where Pierre and Juan lived in the big house Pierre had converted, on Avenue Montclair.
Arriving at the front door it was flung open by Pierre.
"And you leave us till last, not impressed cousin, what are we chopped liver?, if you didn't have a pretty lady and adorable children with you I'd close the door on you now".
Not to be beaten Jace replied.
"I was always taught, get through the mundane, leave the best to last, and I have, my bestest cousin in all the wide world".
Pierre laughed.
"Still a smooth talker then".
And then they were hugging.
As they entered the large comfortable lounge where Juan was waiting, Jace did introductions.
Pierre and Juan, I'd like you to meet my future wife Mel, Mel these two are Pierre Alonso Caswel-Thorn and Juan Caswel-Thorn, I am right with the name am I Pierre, I get confused sometimes, you change it so often".
Pierre slapped him at the back of the head for his insolence.
"Allow me to introduce our children, Aleandro, Gabriela and Roberto, known as Junior, Gabby and Berto".
No sooner were the introductions over than Ary and Bobby disappeared with Junior, Gabby and Berto.
Pierre and Juan spent an hour or more chatting with Jace and Mel.
Pierre explained to Mel, much to Jace's embarrassment, why Jace, along with his brothers would always qualify as super stars in his world, the three Chicago musketeers, who took a cripple under their wing, and through determined hard work gave him his life.
Dinner that evening at Chateau Montclair was a joyous affair, Jacqueline had invited all the people Mel had already met but Added in Beth, Dave, and their children, Rob, Elly and Pauly.
Jace pulled Pauly to one side during the evening, laughing as he said.
"I heard about your antics, I never knew you were such a bully".
Pauly replied.
"You know me better than that Jace, I don't bully, but sometimes my siblings need a swift, sharp, life lesson, what they did hurt Momma and Poppa, there was no way I was allowing them to get away with that, they're not bad, they just don't think before they act sometimes".
Jace laughed again as he said.
"I think it was the reports of your potty mouth language that had me chuckling, no one in the family could imagine you using bad language, you will try to make ours and Jo's weddings I hope?,".
Pauly smiled.
"You bet, I'm not missing a family party, I'll be there".
They only stayed in Montclair for five days before taking one of the planes and traveling on to Greece.
As they arrived at Gregous Jace asked their driver to stop the car at the turn in the driveway where the house first came into view.
Mel just gasped.
"Oh Jace, I see what you meant now, it's beautiful, I can't wait to see it up close, it's such a magical setting".
When they arrived at the house Reece and Van were waiting to greet them.
Jace did the introductions and then whilst the children disappeared into the gardens, Van and Reece took them on a tour of Gregous.
Typically, Mel was overawed by its beauty.
Jace spoke to his Uncle's.
"You probably got a hint in Aunt Jacqueline's announcement, but we still need to formally ask, would you allow us to join our wedding ceremony with Jo and David's, we can't think of anywhere more magical as a wedding setting".
Van answered.
"It would be an honour for us to host both of your weddings, nothing would make us happier than for your futures to be intertwined with Gregous".
They'd stayed three days at Gregous before traveling on to Malaga in Spain, and Torremolinas.
Arriving at Thorn Plaza, they took the express elevator from the garage parking level up to the penthouse, The Nest.
They found Carry and their daughter Paulette waiting to greet them when the elevator doors opened in the foyer on the penthouse floor.
"Jace, it's fantastic that you managed to fit us in".
They went into an immediate hug before Jace made the introductions.
"Caroline Caswel-Thorn, may I introduce my future wife, Mel, and this little fellow is Bobby, Mel, Bobby, meet Carry and Paulette
Carry went for an immediate hug from Mel, saying.
"Josef sends his apologies, they have a pretty heavy workload at the moment, he'll be home as soon as he can, Sofia, Rick and the boys will be joining us later for dinner, and I've asked Milo to dinner, partly because you missed him in Montclair, but more importantly, Piers calls me periodically when he picks up on the fact Milo is missing meals".
They'd been chatting over tea and coffee up on the garden terrace in the late afternoon sun when Josef arrived home with Milo.
Josef made a beeline for Jace, scooping him into a hug, when they broke apart Jace introduced Mel and Bobby to Josef and Milo.
Josef was bubbling.
"We're so pleased you managed to fit us in, we were prepared to make the trip across the pond to meet you Mel".
Mel expressed her surprise that the family were so close, all wanting to know what was affecting any other member".
Josef laughed.
"It can get a little wearing sometimes, but even the hint that someone has a problem brings help from every direction, you'll notice almost everyone has houses that can accommodate the whole family at a push, it's not uncommon for everyone to up and head for whoever needs help, I really hope that never changes, it's so reassuring when you're in a crisis".
Turning to Carry he said.
"You'll be pleased to know you get your way from the weekend, Piers has told Milo to move in here, no further discussion".
Josef explained for Jace and Mel's benefit, much to Milo's embarrassment.
"Milo is an I.T. Guru, an absolute genius, but as so often happens with geniuses, Milo forgets to eat for days at a time, hence why he occasionally passes out at work, Piers has warned him several times, he usually calls Carry to do a check up, but when he passed out last week, Carry insisted he needs to move in here where we can keep a closer eye on him, Milo of course objected, so Carry called Piers, who in turn called Milo, now I believe that was quite an interesting conversation".
By now everyone was laughing, even more so when Milo said.
"The word conversation suggests that both sides get to speak, not so in this case, Piers frightens me when he's on a rant, he can make his voice sound really chilling, I'm not stupid, agreeing is usually the most sensible option, I still think Carry cheated".
Everyone was still laughing when Rick, Sofia and their boys, Joseph and John arrived.
Immediately the introductions were out of the way, four boys and one little girl went off to play, instantly friends.
Carry commented on how well Ary and Bobby got along, Jace summed it up.
"It's as if they were friends from birth, it's not one sided either, they are genuinely so happy to have each other, they share everything, we hadn't realised for a while but their birthdays are only two days apart, Mel and I have talked about it, we're agreed, as soon as the wedding is over, I'm going to officially adopt Bobby, he'll grow up as a Thorn".
When Mel and Carry were alone later, Mel asked.
"Did it worry you, the amount of wealth I mean, it's reassuring, but it's frightening too, I still can't get my head round how much Jace has".
Carry smiled.
"Don't be frightened by it, this family is never embarrassed by what we all have, we were all given a shining example to follow by Lenny and PJ, Josef and Jace's Grandparents, it's not what you have, it's what you do with it, the amount of charitable donations we alone as a small family make yearly, come close to the income of a third world country, and to keep that up we have a duty to manage our fortunes wisely, educate the next generation to follow our example, we have to make our money grow, we can't squander it, too many less fortunate are relying on us".
Three days later saw them lifting out of Malaga bound for Chicago, for home.
TBC ARB Allan
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Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.