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Life's Illusions The Next Generation - Chapter 20
It was a glorious day at Gregous, a white marquee the size of a football field stood on the lawn beyond the flower gardens, two red carpeted walkways led toward it from Reece's favourite lounge, with its portrait of Pauly looking down.
The plans had been drawn up over two years earlier, before David's near fatal shooting.
In separate suites on the first floor at Gregous, Mel and David waited for the signal that Jace and Jo had departed the lounge downstairs on their way to the alter.
Mel looked stunningly beautiful in her white gown and veil, the emerald and diamond ring sparkling on her finger.
Jolly came in with an oval Jewel box and gave it to Mel, saying.
"This is Jace's wedding present to you, he wishes he could give it to you personally but as tradition demands, for luck, you cannot meet today until you get to the alter".
Mel held her breath as she opened the Jewel case, it didn't help, because she still gasped as the jewels came into view, sitting there sparkling.
Jolly unfastened the string of pearls Mel had been planning to wear, then reaching into the case, took the necklace of emeralds and sparkling diamonds and secured it around Mel's neck.
Next, Jolly took the bracelet, fastening it around Mel's wrist.
Mel fastened the earrings in place before turning back to the mirror and gasping again in genuine shock.
Jolly said.
"Beautiful, utterly stunning, now if you'll excuse me for a few minutes, I have Jo's present for David to deliver".
Going to the suite where David was waiting with Will, Jolly knocked and was let in by Will.
She approached David, instinctively adjusting his cravat a little before handing him the small box.
"This is Jo's wedding present to you, he wanted to run up here to deliver it, but I barred him, so he entrusted me to deliver it.
As David opened the box, he reacted exactly as Mel had done.
Inside the box sat a pair of cuff links, they were each set with a four carat diamond, as soon as David lifted the lid they seemed to suck in light and throw it back in sparkling beams of coloured light.
All he could manage was.
"My god, these must be worth a fortune, they're absolutely stunning".
Jolly proceeded to remove the cuff links he'd been planning to wear and fit the diamond ones, laughing and saying as she did.
"A little over four hundred thousand dollars each, so you might want to take care where you leave them".
It had been a long and rocky journey, but this day was all about love.
They were all here, the whole wider family, not a single one had declined, with friends, and dignitaries, the total had risen to well over four hundred, it had been a logistical nightmare, they'd had to be ruthless, cutting back on the invitations to the actual daytime ceremonies, making those to just family and the closest possible friends, a couple of hours later, everyone else would start arriving for what would be a celebratory party stretching far into the early hours.
But it still meant the daytime ceremonies would be witnessed by around two hundred, the catering staff would have to serve a wedding breakfast for two hundred guests, no mean feat.
The ceremonies would be conducted in an outdoor arena set just before the main marquee, it had an octagonal canvas roof but no sides, leaving those on the fringes susceptible to the afternoon heat, fans had been arranged around the perimeter to keep them cool.
This was Greece in late July, where temperatures close to either side of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit were possible.
The canvas roof was a myriad of sparkling lights, the posts which held the roof up were all wrapped in flower garlands giving off a heady scent.
Each chair was covered in white muslin with a gold bow at the back.
Around the alter were four enormous flower decorations, each standing almost eight feet tall, they resembled Christmas Trees, but they were constructed entirely of flowers.
In the evening, the alter would be removed to allow musicians a stage from whence they could provide music, the surrounding area would become an enormous dance floor.
The seating was amphitheater style, every aspect of the ceremonies could be witnessed by the guests, both couples would proceed to the altar in the centre from walkways leading in from the main house, at forty five degree angles, Jo with Jay as his Best Man on one walkway, Jace with Billy as his Best Man on the other.
When they got to the altar, it would be a sign for David and Will to start out on one path, whilst Mel with Jolly were starting out on the other.
Two bridesmaids followed Mel and David down each path.
Ary and Bobby nervously took the separate paths at the rear of the party, meeting up again at the alter behind the two couples getting married, ready to step forward when the rings were called for.
For Ary and Bobby things had become more complicated, because Jo and David had asked, could they put their rings on the pillows which would be carrying Mel and Jace's rings, Ary and Bobby were now terrified, it might look simple, but what if they ended up marrying the wrong people to each other, and then there was Dillon, if this thing didn't go exactly to plan, there was a clear and definite danger, he was going to realise Ary and Bobby were missing, and that was something no one needed to experience, not unless they were wearing earplugs.
The ceremony had been beautiful, Ary and Bobby had performed their roles perfectly, turning the cushions gently to ensure the correct ring was presented to its recipient, after all the rings were taken, they'd stepped back, moving discreetly to their reserved seats.
It was at that point, when a tired pair of boys sighed at the luxury of sitting after so long standing, where a piercing high pitched scream almost drowned out the proceedings, Ary patted Bobby's arm, then literally bolted three rows back along the walkway, getting to Shelby a fraction of a second before Dillon could fill his lungs for a second blast.
The mere sight of Ary bought a giggle from Dillon in place of the scream he'd been building, it also produced two little arms reaching out for Ary, who smiled and said.
"Come on munchkin number three, let's go find Bobby".
Ary smiled at Shelby, she was visibly relieved, Ary had turned up before Dillon had gone into full meltdown.
As the ceremonies ended, the Bride and Grooms, made their way into the large main marquee.
Air conditioning units had been running inside the marquee, bringing a welcome relief from the temperature outside.
Jace, Mel, Jo and David headed the receiving line followed by Billy, Jolly, Jay and Will, the guests passing them giving congratulatory comments , kisses and hugs, before getting to a row of constantly changing servers with a variety of refreshments, including champagne, wine, fruit juices, and a mixture of soft drinks, dotted around the fringes of the marquee were beverage stations providing tea, coffee and chocolate hot drinks, serving staff were taking guests requests and serving the drinks for them if they wished.
Several seating plan charts had been set up at intervals and the large circular tables, each seating twelve, had clear markings.
In all it took almost an hour for the guests to filter into the marquee and be seated.
A master of ceremonies called for attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please be upstanding, I give you, the newly married, Mr and Mrs Jace Thorn, and, the Mr's Jo and David Thorn, please join with me in wishing them, long and happily married lives".
Applause followed the couples as they walked arm in arm, and took their places on the top table.
The menu was like something from a Royal Banquet, everyone marvelled at the choices available.
It was a little over an hour later when the speeches started, the master of ceremonies again called for order.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the father of the Grooms, Mr Billy Thorn".
To another round of applause Billy took the microphone.
"Family, friends, we actually made it, we witnessed it, and it really was beautiful, but there were times we seriously doubted this day would ever happen, I know I speak for Jay and Jolly as well when I say, we are so happy and thankful that it has".
He paused for a sip of water, looking toward Mel and David he winked at both.
"This role should be carried out by the Father of the Bride, and David's father, well technically I reckon I can claim those roles, because earlier today they both officially became my, our, children, and it makes me so happy to be standing here, and even prouder knowing these two wonderful people are now a part of our family".
He paused again to allow the applause to settle, he was also checking Mel and David were okay with what he'd said, both gave him a thumbs up.
"Jolly, Jay and I, are so happy that Jace and Jo have found their life partners, Jolly was only saying to us earlier, that's two down, only one little bugger to go, so if any of you know of a 'Buy a Bride', site we should be looking at, let me know, I'll see you alright, I promise".
He had to stop, he couldn't be heard over the laughter.
"Seriously, I won't bore you further, but I do just want to publicly acknowledge our love, and gratitude, to our Brothers in Law, Van and Reece who have put so much effort and love into arranging this wonderful day here in this beautiful setting at Gregous, and I will add, have refused any recompense, that I was damn well relieved about, it must have cost a bloody fortune, I might have had to raid the old penny jar, and so, before I hand you over to the Best Men, please be upstanding and raise your glasses in a toast, 'To the health, wealth and future happiness of the Mr's and Mrs Thorn'".
First to stand was Jay, then Billy got back up, saying.
"Ha ha fooled ya, you thought you were rid of me didn't ya, well tough, I've got two roles today, it keeps the cost down, I need to watch the pennies now I'm retired".
Again he had to stop because there were peels of laughter, Jolly and Jacqueline, sitting together on top table, could be seen wiping their eyes.
"What can I tell you about Jo, our firstborn, my son, my pal, he's always been the defender, looking out for his younger brothers, growing up it was Jo we always looked too if things were getting out of hand, we knew it only needed a word from him and his brothers fell back in line, he's a wonderful son with a strict sense of duty, and the values set for all of us by my dear Momma and Poppa".
He paused for a sip of water, when he started again he turned deliberately to Jay who hadn't said anything yet.
"This was supposed to be a joint speech, you do realise that means you have to actually speak?".
Jay replied.
"In all these years I've never managed to get a word in, why would today be any bloody different".
Billy laughed with everyone before continuing.
"Now Jace, what can I say, oh yes, Mel, perhaps we should have explained this before today, I'm sorry but there's no sale and return on Jace, he's been like a bloody boomerang that one, just when you think you've got shut, he's bloody well back, so this time we're taking no chances, we're moving house while you're away on honeymoon, there'll be no forward address".
This time every eye in the room was streaming tears of laughter and it took several minutes before the laughter subsided.
"But seriously, if Jo was the protector, Jace was the saviour, the worrier, he always knew when to blow the whistle, not with any thought of malice, but to stop his brothers from hurting themselves, he's my pal as well, but then so is Will, I know Jace also has a strict sense of duty ingrained into him, and like Jo, he holds those same values".
He paused a moment as if in thought.
"I'd like to propose three toasts, the first to our Grooms, remember boys it's your duty to love and protect, and so a toast to, The Grooms".
"The second toast is to a beautiful young lady I am so proud to acknowledge as my daughter in law, remember Mel, in true Thorn women style, you now rule the roost, a Toast to The Bride".
"The third toast brings a lump to my throat, Please be upstanding, join me in raising glasses to absent friends, to my dear Momma and Poppa, Lenny and PJ, and to my dear sweet Brother Pauly, if you have someone you miss everyday, say their names now, we miss you all so much everyday, To absent Friends".
At that point Billy sat down crying, Jolly and Jay pulled him into a hug.
Now Jace stood to take the microphone.
"Thank you Poppa, I think, though when I really think about it, perhaps I ought to be slightly offended, Jo, do you want to come and join me, I think the sooner we get these speeches over with the better, since Poppa has been monopolising the microphone all afternoon".
Jo joined Jace and they stood together, arms around each other's shoulders as Jace continued.
"It's been such a wonderful day so far, emotional, but one I know my brother and I will always remember with love, we'd like to say a few words before we give out some gifts".
Jo and Jace could be seen whispering, and they all saw Jo nod his agreement.
"I'd like to thank my beautiful wife Mel, for agreeing to marry me, she completes me, makes me the happiest man alive".
The microphone shifted to Jo.
"And from me, my heartfelt thanks to my handsome husband David, I love you so much, but I disagree with my brother, I think I'm the happiest man alive".
Jace took back the microphone.
"Okay, okay, we only just got over one argument, I concede, we are the happiest men alive".
After the laughter died down.
" If we could have the bridesmaids up here please, these are gifts from us to you for being here for, and supporting us today, could we now have the ring bearers, Bobby, Ary, these are presents from us to you, and we demand hugs, thank you for managing to ensure we got the right rings and I didn't end up married to Uncle David or Uncle Jo, now please, Momma and Poppas, thank you, these are just a token of our thanks, oh and Poppa, we'll need some extra keys cut, we're not moving out, sorry".
There was even more laughter as Billy rolled his eyes and clapped a hand to his head.
Jace waited for the laughter to subside, Mel and David now joined them.
"There is one more gift we have, as Poppa said earlier, this wonderful setting, the ceremony, the food, drinks, flowers, this beautiful marquee, everything to do with today, has been arranged and provided by our uncles Van and Reece, and we, Jo and I, along with our respective partners, Mel and David, wanted to say, we are completely and utterly in awe of what you have done for us, please accept our heartfelt thanks, and we want you to accept a gift from us jointly".
Van and Reece approached them.
Jace handed them an envelope.
"In that envelope are a set of photographs, they were taken a little over an hour ago, and couriered to us, please look at them, I think you will easily recognise the setting, before we say what they are".
As they pulled the photographs from the envelope, both Van and Reece gasped, knowing they'd realised what the photographs were of, and the location, Jace continued.
"We knew, at Villa Sperlonga there are three niches in the entrance hall, just as there are at Gregous, until a few hours ago those niches were empty, not any more, the exact same crystal creations that grace the entrance hall of Gregous, now grace the entrance hall of Sperlonga, this is our thanks to you, given with love, just as you gave us today".
When the applause slowed the master of ceremonies made an announcement.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for anyone choosing to take a stroll or enjoy the late evening air you will find by leaving through the doors to the right of the raised stage there is sufficient shaded seating, waiting staff will be pleased to take your requests for refreshments, very shortly we will be joined by a further two hundred guests, and I'm urged to pass on an important message from Mr Billy Thorn, it reads, tell them to grab a bloody seat and get a drink before the rabble turn up".
Again there were peels of laughter.
Jace, Mel, Jo and David had been stood for over an hour, again in a receiving line as the majority of the evenings invited guests arrived.
Finally as the arrivals slowed to a trickle Jace said.
"Look, this is crazy, Mel, you and David go and have a rest, Jo and I can stay here so there's one of each party greeting, depending on who's invited them, we'll give it another half hour then we'll come and find you, try to get a table outside, it's cooler now".
Jo and Jace stood and greeted arriving guests as they'd said, and Jace had been right, it was only the occasional guest arriving after another half hour.
They'd strolled out into the evening air and found Mel and David almost immediately, Ary and Bobby with them, plus a zonked out Dillon, who was fast asleep on the sofa next to Mel, Jace sat between Ary and Bobby saying.
"I have to tell you guys, you have been fantastic today, not just because of the excellent job you did making sure we all got the right rings, but taking care of Dillon as well, I thought we were going to have to stop the ceremony when he screamed, then I saw him between you two, and I knew immediately, you'd fixed the problem, it shouldn't be you who has to look after him, so as a thank you, I am giving you an IOU day, on a date we all agree, you get to do whatever you want to do".
Ary was the one to question Jace.
"It's okay Poppa, we don't have to look after Dillon, we do it because he's our brother, but this OOU day, what can we do?".
Jace was chuckling.
"I know you both look after Dillon because he's your brother, but we are still very grateful for how you do it without being asked, and it's IOU Day, well for instance, you've mentioned several times about going to Ariel World, that place with the zip wire flights and raised walkways, or there's the zoo, or maybe Trampoline World, well whatever you want really, it's yours for the day, you and Bobby talk about it, if you want to do something separately that's okay, it can be whenever and wherever, you want it to be".
Bobby spoke up immediately.
"It won't be separately".
Ary nodded his agreement to Bobby.
As they'd been speaking Shelby had offered to take Dillon up to bed and tuck him in, but Ary and Bobby thanked her, saying they were taking him to bed now.
When they'd gone Mel remarked.
"It's marvellous how they are with Dillon, they even deal with his soiled diapers in something like a military operation, I'm hopeless, everything's everywhere, they have him out of the soiled one, cleaned up, creamed and powdered, then into the new diaper before he can object, they make a fantastic team".
They were joined by their Momma and their Poppas, requesting drinks from a passing waiter, they all agreed it had been a wonderful but tiring day.
At around ten o'clock Mel asked Jolly and Jacqueline if they would mind helping her out of her wedding gown, as she put it.
"I don't know how the ladies of the French court managed to drag these heavy dresses around all day, but its killing me, I need to change into something light".
When they came back Mel said to Jace.
"I gave Myron the Jewel case with my necklace in, he said he'd put it in Vans safe, it's too ostentatious to wear with a simple summer dress".
As they'd been speaking, a message came out over the speakers dotted around the lawns from the master of ceremonies.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, if you would care to make your way outside, there will shortly be commencing, an Ariel light extravaganza".
They all looked at each other, as if asking what else could Reece and Van do that they hadn't already.
Ary and Bobby came back a few minutes later, assuring them Dillon was now settled for the night under Nannies watchful eye.
And then they were startled by the first rocket soaring up and bursting into a fantastic colourful display.
The fireworks went on for nearly twenty minutes, the displays were breathtakingly beautiful, Jace had Bobby and Ary sat on his lap as they watched them, looking at Bobby he made himself a promise, this boy will have my name as soon as possible.
When Reece and Van found them after the fireworks finished! Bobby summed it up perfectly.
"Uncles, that was magic, I bet no one could beat that, thank you, I've loved today, and Poppa says it's all because of you".
Van sat down next to Bobby, as he started to speak even the adults were hanging on his every word.
"I'll let you into a secret, I made what I thought was a big mistake, I gave your uncle Reece permission to do whatever he wanted today, I remember saying to him, I want them to remember it like a child remembers the first magical visit to Disney, and then I said those fatal words, you can spend whatever you want, afterwards I regretted it, not because I minded him spending reasonably, but because you have to understand your uncle Reece, when it comes down to giving someone else something, he goes completely crazy, but you know what, I'm so glad I gave him permission to do whatever he wanted because, I'll remember today exactly as I told him to make it, like the first time I visited Disney".
What struck Jace, was not what Van had said, but the reply Bobby genuinely gave.
"I've never been to Disney, it must be magical".
Jace's head snapped up, he looked toward Mel who gave a, 'I could never afford it', look back at him, and Jace knew, the top two priorities on his list of things to do were, adoption and Disney.
Later that night, as they lay spooning in the afterglow of lovemaking, Jace said.
"I have two very serious items on my to do list, and they need to be completed at the earliest, I want to start adoption proceedings for Bobby as soon as we get home, but just as important, I've found a child who has seriously missed out on life's most important 'I've done it', statements, I fully intend to rectify that situation immediately, we, us, our family, are going to Disney, Bobby will experience the rush, know how to measure the magic, this is very serious, it has to be put right".
Mel was laughing as she replied.
"Oh god, I thought I'd got three children, but no, I married one too, I've got four children".
As he snuggle into her he said.
"Ah, but there's an important difference, this child has a magic wand that can bring you unbelievable joy, do you feel it, it's probing, looking to make you happy, ahhhh there you see, it's slipping inside you, prepare to see stars my love".
And so, on that, their wedding night, his magic wand took her to a second mind blowing orgasm.
The following morning, Ary and Bobby were awoken by the sound of screaming, Ary buried his head under the sheets, Bobby grabbed a Tshirt, and in his shorts, headed half asleep toward the nursery.
When he entered, Nanny was holding up a shirt, but Dillon was literally fighting her off whilst screaming.
Bobby only said two words and silence reigned.
"Stop it".
Dillon swivelled toward Bobby holding out his arms, but Bobby and Ary had talked about this, his answer wasn't what Dillon wanted to hear, but Dillon had already learned not to cross Bobby or Ary.
"No, I'll pick you up when you let Nanny dress you, and if there's any more of that screaming you won't see me or Ary all day, now behave".
In the closest rooms to the nursery, the sleeping, or rather, rudely awoken guests, breathed a sigh of relief, the suddenly ceased screaming could only mean one thing, either Ary or Bobby, or possibly both, had just read the riot act to Dillon.
On the flight back from Greece, Billy had asked Jo and David if he could talk about something that was troubling him.
"There's no easy way to get to the point here, we fucked up, you're Poppa Jay and I are too out of touch to run JBJ Assessors, we've tried to find someone to run it, we've just not found anyone who we'd trust, so I'm asking for your help, put the feelers out, if you know anyone, please bring them to us, we could trust anyone you endorse".
When he'd left them, Jo and David talked for quite some time, before asking Mel and Jace to join them.
Jo explained what their Poppa Billy had asked, then he asked Mel what she intended to do going forward, her answer gave them something to work with.
By halfway through the flight Jo and David went to sit with their Momma and Poppas, Jo saying.
"We've been talking over what you asked Poppa, and we think we have a solution, but it's entirely up to you".
He paused, then went on.
"JD Assessors has been a phenomenal success for us, it's growing on a monthly basis beyond anything we could ever have expected, the earning capacity is quite honestly, rudely embarrassing, but if we're really honest, it's not for us, it's not what David and I enjoy doing, it's just too easy, it's the epitome of taking candy from a child, frankly it's coming close to boring".
This time he looked at David who gave him the, 'go for it', gesture with his hands.
"So anyway, we wondered, if you'd like to buy us out, bring our company into the fold, we'll put in a competent manager, then we run JBJ Assessors but change the name, there I've said it".
It had tumbled out of Jo's mouth in a free fall, he looked at David who smiled and said.
"We were worried about how to make that pitch, that's why Jo just rushed it out, I was as worried as Jo when we talked about it, but I'm not now, I'm going to make you an alternative pitch".
Now Jo just stared at him, this hadn't been part of the plan, he didn't understand where David was going on this, but David continued.
Jo's plan is sound, but I know you were reluctant to endorse it originally, I don't want you to think you are being put between a rock and a hard place to get a competent manager for JBJ, so, here's my offer".
Jo was now frantic, he had no idea what David was about to say, but he relaxed visibly as David took his hand before continuing.
"If you still feel unsure about the company we set up, okay, don't buy it, I'll continue to manage it, Jo can come back to JBJ, that way you'll have the reassurance JBJ is in safe hands, when Mel feels ready to return to work, I'll hand off JD to her and join Jo at JBJ, so there you have it, now, you have some decisions to make, and I have to explain to my husband why I ran off in a complete tangent to the plan he and I talked about, so, if you'll excuse us".
When they were sitting alone David explained.
"Don't be mad, hear me out, it seemed like a really good plan when you and I talked it through, but when I heard it delivered, I thought, that's not fair, they could think we're railroading them, and that's not acceptable, they're my parents too now, they deserve to have a choice, so I gave them one, I'll stick with JD if necessary, it's our nest egg, you go do what you enjoy, it won't be for long".
He'd expected a roasting, he certainly didn't expect the full lip lock he got, or Jo saying.
"That's why I love you, and why I always will".
It was Jolly who came to sit with them, they could see she was emotional, her eyes were glistening, as if she'd been crying, she told them.
"If anyone had told me, after what we did to you, we'd be forgiven, then offered a hand to pull ourselves out of the mire we'd created through our own stupidity, I'd have called them crazy, but you're willing to offer that hand, we don't deserve it".
It was David who put his arm around her and said.
"Family, I've never really had it, not until now, my offer wasn't designed to throw you, it's genuine, it doesn't mean we won't argue in the future, but I hope we always come back to where we are now, so do as we asked, consider the options, tell us if either offer is acceptable to you, because either will be okay with us".
Jolly kissed both of them before going back to Billy and Jay.
As the flight was approaching Chicago, Billy came to speak to them.
"We'll wait for now, we feel it's not fair to give you an agenda right after your wedding, so we want to wait three months, then if it's okay with you we'll have a meeting".
Jo and David were mystified, but agreed.
And so here they were, meeting once again around the table in the small dining room.
The last time they'd been here for an official meeting, around this very table, it had signalled a family breakup, one which they all remembered with a heavy heart.
Billy took the lead.
"Your offers, we'd like to thank you, that's not some politely rolled out phrase, we do, honestly, seriously, want to thank you, we are your parents, Jace and Will are your brothers, but we didn't act like that was the case when we last met in an official capacity around this table, I hope you will understand why we have decided what we have today".
It was obvious from their expressions, Jo and David were baffled, but Billy continued.
"We were completely torn about taking JD into the JBJ portfolio, we have flip flopped back and forth, but our final decision is that we will not, however, I, we, want you to know, to understand our reasoning".
He paused, as much to give himself time to think how to phrase what he wanted to say, as to give them time to absorb the decision he'd given them.
"JD is a strong, young, and flourishing company, it would absolutely be an asset if we did purchase it from you, and we almost convinced ourselves we should say yes, but the overriding factor which we kept coming back to was, and still is, it's your first child, so to speak, and we couldn't take that from you, even though you'd offered it to us, it would be like stealing your firstborn".
Jo made to object but his Momma put her hand on his arm, urging him to hear his Poppa out.
"We are so proud of what you both have achieved, and so bitterly disappointed in ourselves, that we turned down the opportunity to have within JBJ a division in the style of JD, but we caused it to be born by our own poor judgment on so many fronts, to acquire it now after you've poured so much into launching it, growing it, would, we believe, be both morally and ethically wrong".
He paused but only for a moment.
"But we so desperately want, need, both you boys, and therefore, we would ask if David's offer is still on the table, if it is we would like to take it".
David nodded his agreement to Jo who answered.
"It seems my husband is telling me the answer is yes, we can agree to your request, I'll need about one week, it might be possible to shave that down a little, but I will resume control of JBJ Assessors within one week at the latest, however, before I do, I'd like you to consider changing the company name to JBJ Adjusters, because that more accurately describes what it's about, and it doesn't preclude us from deciding to incorporate JD at some point in the future if we were all in agreement".
It didn't take more than a few moments and some nodding of heads before Billy said.
"That's a sensible move, we should have changed it a long time ago, when the company veered off the original course we'd planned, from assessing to adjusting, you have our approval, we will instigate that change for you".
Jo now turned to Mel.
"So it now looks like your future employment is secure, do you have any idea when you might want to take on JD Assessors?, and that wasn't a pressure question, the answer should be one you're comfortable with".
Mel smiled, looking at Jace, for a sign, seeing him return the smile, then nod his head.
"Okay, what I say now, stays in this room".
The men were baffled, Jolly caught her breath, she really hoped she knew what was coming, Mel continued.
"It would not be a problem for me to take control of JD within the next month, however, in approximately six months I'm going to need some time off, so that gives me six months to train a replacement, one I already have earmarked, because I don't think I'll bounce back as fast as I did with Dillon".
Jace was almost laughing, he could see the look of puzzlement on his Poppas and Brothers faces, he could also see his Momma had worked it out before Mel's last statement, she had a hard over her mouth, looking questioningly at Mel who nodded, and that did it, Jolly screamed and launched herself at Mel.
"Of my love, another munchkin, you are gaining credits by the bucketful, when?".
Jolly told her mid April.
The guys got it then, with Will saying.
"Bloody hell Bro congratulations, only one more and you've got your own five a side team".
They'd all laughed, but this is Life's Illusions, what you expected wasn't necessarily what you got.
TBC ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.