'Bentley! What's going on? What is the matter? Keri rushed to him.

'Look at this. Look at these newspapers?' He pointed to the morning papers in despair. 'Mr. Blakely is going to kill me and then he's going to fire me.'

Keri stared at the papers uncomprehendingly. She was not sure what the national disaster was. Okay there were rather explicit pictures of their bosses reflected there, but so what? As far as she was concerned Tessa von Biljoen had been a regular feature in every morning paper in New York. She and Tessa were quite used to that. Eyebrows were raised if she had not made it into the papers.

'I see Mr. and Mrs. Blakely's pictures there. What's the problem?'

'What's the problem? What's the problem!' He pulled at his hair as if it was not supposed to cover his head.
'Don't you understand, Mr. Blakely abhors pictures of himself plastered in the papers? He is even more insistent that is family not be photographed!'

'But why is it your problem? You are not even there right now.'

'The Blakely's security detail report directly to me,' Bentley poked at his chest. 'Mr. Blakely has only one rule regarding security. Keep him and his family out of the media!'

'But how can this be your fault? And Mr. Blakely is a ... media man.'

Bentley sat down and dropped his head on his arm. 'I should have insisted on overseeing Mrs. Blakely's arrangements.'

Keri could barely hear his mumblings from under his arm. 'She insisted on planning every detail herself. She said she had everything under control, and ---,' he lifted his head up. 'GR is a respectable newspaper. We are not a trashy tabloid,' he hissed angrily.

'Sorry,' she mumbled.

'I have to call him,' Bentley stood up. 'I have to tender my resignation.'

'You are being irrational,' Keri gripped his arms. 'Wait until they return.'

Bentley shook his head. 'You do not know Mr. Blakely. He does not tolerate incompetence. He sets the highest standards, only because he himself operates at the highest standard.'

'But surely you are not to blame,' she tried consoling him. 'Like you said, you did not arrange the logistics.'

'Keri, I am his P.A.,' Bentley patiently drew out. 'I am supposed to pre-empt problems, challenges---potential threats. Do you want to read my ten page job description?'

'I'm sorry,' she murmured, draping her arms around Bentley.

'Bentley rested his forehead on her shoulder, inhaling deeply. She stayed silent, not wanting to anger Bentley further. His arms went around her and he hugged her tightly.

'Bentley---promise me you won't do anything until they return,' she whispered.

'You mean I should wait like a coward and see how the cards fall,' he dropped his hands, then slammed his palms on his chest and side pockets in search of his mobile. Keri eyed it on the dressing table and snatched it.

'You can wait---till tonight,' she insisted. 'You wanted to visit my mother,' she reminded him, silently berating herself for not having any other distraction. Keri was not too keen for Bentley to meet her mother just yet.

'So you don't want to do another safari, or take a boat out?' Tessa was playfully making a white paste all over Brad's face with the sun block.

'I want to have a lazy morning, right here,' he smiled.

They were lying at the resort poolside. Brad had made sure it was secure. Safe from any hopeful prying media lenses. He had forked out an exorbitant amount to protect their privacy. The resort owner's eyes had bulged like saucers when the security company had mentioned the amount, but without batting an eyelid Brad had handed over his credit card.
He had also apologised to the hotel manager for his angry outburst, has assured them that they will not accept a refund and had placed a thick wad of notes in an envelope as an added tip for the family, for their fabulous weekend holiday.

'I think you should take up art classes,' Brad murmured, draping his arm over his wife's sexy buttocks.

'What?' Tessa laughed.

'You seem to find it rather therapeutic,' he gazed into her eyes; referring to the pleasure she seemed to be having with the sun block.

'I miss my baby,' she whispered. 'Do you think we could leave a little earlier?'

She seemed to be in a subdued mood as they lay at the pool. Brad had suspected her mind was on Lyndon. She had twice texted her mom, enquiring about their son.

'We can leave any time you want to sweetheart.'

'I am sorry to cut our holiday short,' her fingers raked through his damp hair.

'If we left just after my private concert,' he smiled. 'I would have been a satisfied man.'

'I'll call the pilot then.' Tessa stood up and tied the multicoloured sarong around herself.

'I'll call him,' Brad rose languorously, pulling Tessa into his arms. 'We will still have time for lunch right?' The aromatic flavours of lamb being barbecued drifted into the air, whetting Brad's appetite.

'Yes,' she tangled her arms around his neck, pressing her lips to his. 'The pilot can arrive in an hour. That should give us enough time to shower, pack and enjoy lunch. I shall pack your luggage,' she bit on her lower lip. Brad grinned sheepishly.

'You won't ---expose my shortcomings, will you?'

'Never,' she laughed softly.

'I knew I married the right lady,' he murmured.

'You only married me because I was pregnant.'

'That's what I told you,' he hit back surreptitiously.

'Now he tells me,' she smiled provocatively, capturing Brad's lips in an erotic kiss. 'Let's go shower,' she breathed against his lips.

'Did you arrange for the helicopter to meet us here?' Tessa asked as they landed at JFK.

'My wife arranged this trip,' he grinned as he ushered Tessa out of their private jet. Lowering her eyes, she sighed softly. It would take close to another hour to clear the terminal and drive to Scarsdale with the limo. Clearly there was a thing or two she had to learn in terms of the logistics when they travelled internationally.

She could not wait to see Lyndon. She missed her baby terribly. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around his tiny body, inhale the fresh scent of baby shampoo in his hair, and kiss his chubby cheeks.

'This way,' Brad smiled, seeing his wife had withdrawn into her shell again.

Tessa looked up and saw the awaiting helicopter. She spontaneously flung her arms around Brad's neck. 'Oh thank you. I swear I will never interfere in Bentley's job again,' she murmured in Brad's ear. His wife was causing a few raised eyebrows in the large hangar assigned for private aircraft, but Brad decided appeasing his wife was of essence at the moment.

'Pleasure darling,' Brad slid his fingers through Tessa's bouncy hair. 'I'm sure Bentley will appreciate you handing him control over his responsibilities again.'

'Take me home please,' Tessa urged.

As the helicopter circled the helipad at Scarsdale, Tessa looked down, searching for her little boy. She found him waving excitedly.
Aww...my baby.
His hand was clutched in his grandpa's. Charlotte and Bertha were standing next to Lyndon. Tessa noted Bentley was amongst the welcoming party, although he looked troubled. She wondered where Keri was.

'Oh Brad hurry,' Tessa whispered. It was only when Brad's head pivoted her way did she realize she had spoken aloud. He had heard her on her speakerphone.
'Sorry darling, don't mind me,' she touched his arm, urging him to land the helicopter.
Brad neatly landed it inside the helipad circle. Tessa did not wait for the engine to cut off. She unbuckled the belt, hurriedly got the door opened, ducked her head under the rotor blades and rushed to Lyndon.

'Momma,' Lyndon rushed towards Tessa.

'Hello my baby,' Tessa fell to her knees. 'Oh I missed you so much,' she kissed him repeatedly as she hugged him against her chest.

'I missed you too momma,' he smiled. Tessa hugged him again, pressing her lips to his plumpy cheek.

'Can you see I've grown momma?' Lyndon flexed his muscles. 'I have been eating all my food.'

'Yes, I see,' Tessa put him a little away to admire him. He looked so handsome in his cap, T shirt and shorts. His tiny feet were clean and well scrubbed in brown sandals.

'Hi son.'

'My daddy, what did you bring me?' Lyndon demanded as he dived into his daddy's waiting arms.

'Oh, it was my birthday. I did not think to get you anything,' Brad lied.
Tessa smiled, she knew he had a bag of goodies for Lyndon.

'It's okay,' Lyndon answered with a disheartened voice. 'I have Charlie,' and as if on cue, Charlie barked, wagging his tail happily as if welcoming Brad and Tessa back.

'Hi mom, dad,' Tessa hugged her parents. 'Hi Aunt Bertha. Did you have a good time this weekend?'

'We did,' Aunt Bertha smiled. 'And you kids?' she asked warmly.

'Yes, we had a wonderful break,' Tessa smiled.

Tessa watched as Brad greeted her parents with a hug and then wrapped his arms lovingly around Bertha's shoulders.

'I have something for you in the helicopter Aunt Bertha.'

'Thank you Bradley,' she patted his cheeks lovingly.

'Bentley,' Brad smiled and extended his hand to his P.A.

'Good afternoon Mr. Blakely, Mrs. Blakely,' Bentley's voice was almost cracking. 'May I speak with you in Mr. von Biljoen's library sir, after you have refreshed yourself?'

'This won't take long,' Brad smiled at everybody else. 'Please give us five minutes,' Brad linked his hands through Tessa's, unwittingly including her as audience to Bentley's request. Bentley shut his eyes for a second as he headed towards the library. Clearly his boss did not need more than five minutes to fire him.

'Mummy will be with you just now baby,' Tessa promised. 'Oh and daddy did not forget about you. There is a bag for you in the helicopter and something for grandma and grandpa as well.'

'Yes,' Lyndon jumped up and down and sprinted to the helicopter.

Brad ushered his wife through Joseph's library and shut the door. Bentley looked from one to the other and swallowed nervously. As he lifted his hand to his inside pocket to retrieve an envelope, Tessa spoke.

'Bentley, I am sorry to interfere in your job function,' she pursed her lips apologetically.

'I beg your pardon,' Bentley stared from Tessa to his boss, who had his arms folded across his chest.
'No.  I accept full responsibility,' he swallowed again and handed the envelope to Brad.

'Sir it was a pleasure serving you,' his voice broke, he did not meet Brad's eyes, as the envelope went from his hands to Brad's. 'I deeply regret the fiasco in the Bahamas,' he murmured.

'You will make sure it never happens again,' Brad tore the envelope to shreds without reading it. 'Now get our jet packed and ready for our flight home,' Brad nodded.

Bentley's eyes widened. 'Yes sir.  Thank you sir,' in true military style, Bentley actually saluted.
Brad and Tessa laughed.

'You do an amazing job Bentley,' Tessa complimented him sincerely.

'Thank you Mrs. Blakely.'

'Where's Keri?'

'Outside,' he waved his hand vaguely.

She was actually waiting in a rented car, Bentley had hired, thinking he was to find his own way back to London.

'Tell her I said "hi,"' Tessa smiled.

'I will,' Bentley avoided Brad's eyes as he rushed out.

Brad looked in confusion from his wife to Bentley. What was the need to pass a message to Keri via Bentley? Why was his wife passing a message to Keri, if she was outside?

'You could greet Keri yourself,' Brad murmured curiously.

'I could,' Tessa murmured, but I don't think I will see her for a few hours.'

'But,' Brad pointed to the closed door. 'Bentley just said he would see Keri.'

'And the last thing they will be doing is discussing you or I,' Tessa grinned, draping her arms around Brad's neck.

'Why not?' He raised an eyebrow peculiarly.

'Men!' Tessa sighed exaggeratedly.

'I take it that expletive is targeted directly at me. Now what have I done?' Brad innocently questioned his wife.

'You've done nothing,' Tessa lowered her hands. 'Our P.A.'s are in a relationship.'

'What?' Brad exploded. 'I won't have it. It's going to affect their work.'

'Is our work affected?' Tessa questioned.

'What!'

'We're in a relationship. Does it affect our work?'

'No---that's different.'

'Leave them be, Brad. It was inevitable.'

"'Inevitable?" 'How do you know?'

'Things have been simmering between them for months. You shall not interfere,' Tessa sliced a finger into the air.'

'I don't want it affecting their productivity,' he demanded.

'Darling,' Tessa walked back to Brad. 'You off all people should know we, could do nothing to quench the attraction between us.'

'How do you know they have, what we have?' Brad questioned.

'I don't,' Tessa admitted, 'but let it run its course, don't interfere,' she pleaded.

'Fine,' he lowered his head. 'How did you know?'

'It was plain to see.'

'I didn't,' he looked awkward.

'Yeah you walk around with blinkers on,' she grinned.

'Not where you are concerned,' he refuted.

'True,' she breathed. Sometimes his hold over her was too damn possessive, but she won't take him on right now. 'I want to go to Lyndon,' she murmured. Brad nodded and opened the door so they could return to their son.

'He didn't accept my resignation,' Bentley beamed as he slid into the driver's seat of the rented vehicle. 'Mr. Blakely tore it up, without opening it,' Bentley met Keri's eyes.

'Tell me everything,' Keri hugged Bentley.

'Before I could utter a word, Mrs. Blakely apologized to me,' Bentley related.

'I told you she was amazing.'

'I know, I know, she is wonderful,' Bentley laughed happily.

'You better not have any designs on her,' Keri warned.

'What! No! Never. I would never be that disrespectful to Mr. Blakely. Besides you know Mrs. Blakely is terribly in love with the boss, and ---I only have eyes for you,' he exclaimed passionately.

'Oh Bentley, you make me so happy,' she reached out and pulled his head down to engage in a searing kiss.

'This vehicle has to be returned,' Bentley drew away reluctantly.

'Are we going for a drive then?' Keri asked hopefully.

Bentley studied his wristwatch. 'I can probably give you an hour Keri,' Bentley offered. 'I must prepare for our departure.'

'Why don't we share the responsibilities, and then enjoy our last moments in New York together.'

After the debacle with Mrs. Blakely, he was not sure he was going to delegate his responsibilities ever again. Still he was mildly curious to know what Keri had on her mind. 'What would you like to do?' his eyes met hers.

'I just want to walk with you in Central Park and ... feed you cotton candy,' she giggled.

"'Cotton candy,"' he wrinkled his face distastefully.

'I will kiss you, after I feed it to you,' she teased naughtily. Bentley laughed and pulled her against his chest.

'I will hold you to it,' he cautioned.

'What do you want me to do?' Keri offered.

'Arrange that your gear and Stacy's is loaded in the utility vehicle. Call the chef on the jet if there's something special you want for dinner. I'll see to everything else.'

'But I want to help you,' Keri urged.

'I'll be done quicker, this way,' he hoped his endearing smile will be reward enough for Keri.

'How did you fit the ship inside the bottle, my daddy?' Lyndon loved the ship in the bottle most amongst the bag of toys his daddy bought him.

'I bought it that way tiger,' Brad cradled Lyndon in his arms. 'But it is rather an intricate job, first the mast, sails and hull are built separately,' Brad pointed to the various parts of the ship. 'Then they are raised with string and hinges and attached to the hull,' Brad explained.

'It is beautiful, I love it my daddy,' Lyndon hugged Brad. 'What did you get for Charlie?'

'A bedtime story book,' Brad grinned, as he walked out with Lyndon.

'Charlie does not read, silly daddy,' Lyndon bobbed up and down in Brad's hands. 'Can I test my ship in the lake?' Lyndon pointed to the water.

'We are leaving now son. When we get to our home, then we will test it there.'

'Where's my grandpa?' Lyndon demanded, sliding off Brad.

'Bye mummy,' Tessa hugged her mom. 'I love you.'

'Take care darling. We will come through when baby is born,' Charlotte smiled.

'Bye Tessa,' Joseph hugged her. 'Take care of yourself,' her father instructed.

'Yes daddy,' Tessa kissed her father's cheek.

'Say goodbye to grandpa sweetheart,' Tessa reached her hand out to Lyndon.

'I'm staying with my grandpa,' Lyndon declared, running to hide behind Joseph.

Brad's head swung to Tessa. He waited to see her reaction. He knew there was no way she would leave their child here, if he knew his wife at all. There was silence around them, as everybody's eyes fell on Tessa.

Tessa went cold. She felt a sharp spasm in her stomach. She inhaled calmly, trying to ignore the pain. She was not, absolutely not leaving her boy here. Tessa looked around, her eye scanning the courtyard for Charlie.
'You want to stay in New York with grandpa!' Tessa spoke quietly.

'Yes,' Lyndon answered defiantly clutching his ship in the bottle with one hand and holding tightly onto Joseph with the other hand.

Brad squared his shoulders. It seems he did not know his wife after all. His wife was sadly mistaken if she presumed he would agree with her. He would have to make the executive decision here. His son was returning with them to England and that was the end of the story.

'Okay goodbye Lyndon,' Tessa turned away, without even kissing her son goodbye. 'Charlie, let's go boy,' Tessa shut her eyes and hoped the dog would not pounce on her. It whimpered delightedly and obediently ran up to Tessa, licking her hand and criss crossing her path.

Brad---help! Good doggie. Don't ---touch me. Eww!

Brad breathed a sigh of relief, finally understanding his wife's strategy. He wanted to throw himself on the grass and howl with laughter at the sight of his poor wife, cringing and desperately trying to keep Charlie at bay. Brad rushed to his wife's side, instinctively reading her silent plea. He curved his arm around Tessa protectively.

'Heal boy!' Brad instructed the dog.

'What took you so long?' she demanded.

'You looked so adorable,' he smirked.

'Momma! Wait for me,' a little voice howled protestingly. 'Charlie is my dog. Charlie!'

'I forgot how smart my wife is,' Brad murmured, as they continued to walk ignoring Lyndon's shouts.

'Keep that hound away from me---please,' Tessa whispered.

'But he loves you so much,' Brad teased.

'Eww,' he licked my hand,' Tessa jerked her hand, as if to remove the trace of Charlie's slobbery tongue.

'Momma,' Lyndon threw himself on the grass and sobbed heartily. 'I love you momma. Wait for me,' he cried his heart out.

Unable to ignore her baby's heart wrenching cry any longer, reluctantly Tessa looked over her shoulder. Lyndon's face was red as a tomato. Tears were streaming down his face. His eyes were looking at her pleadingly.

'You changed your mind?' Tessa asked innocently. She went down on her knees, extending her arms to Lyndon.

'That's my Charlie,' Lyndon ran into his mother's arms and buried his face on her shoulder. 'I'm co---ming with ---you,' Lyndon sobbed.

'Don't cry. I love you,' Tessa soothed him. 'Let daddy carry you.'

Lyndon left his momma's arms and lifted his hands to his daddy. 'Bye grandpa. Bye grandma,' he hiccupped.

Brad walked with Lyndon in his arms, so he could kiss his grandparents goodbye.

'We'll call when we arrive in London,' Brad hugged his parents-in-law.

'Take care of Tessa,' Joseph gripped Brad's arms.

'Yes, off course,' Brad smiled reassuringly. 'Perhaps you will come through before Tessa goes in labour,' Brad invited.

'Yes, I think so,' Charlotte agreed, before Joseph could get a word in.

Brad ushered his family into the limo. He unobtrusively administered the sedative to Charlie tranquilising him, before they could set off for London.

Tessa was resting with her feet up on a lounger in the public area of the jet. Brad was relaxing next to his wife with his arm around her neck. Lyndon was on the floor with his bag of goodies spread messily about. Tessa watched as Lyndon pretended to be sailing his ship in the bottle, making flowing motions up and down on the floor.

'I thought you intended leaving my son behind,' Brad murmured.

'You should have known better, after I cut our holiday short,' Tessa threaded her fingers through Brad's.

'What an amazing strategy,' Brad grinned. He traced his thumb over her wrist.

'I'm so glad Charlie did not throw me on the floor,' Tessa shivered, thinking of Charlie's sloppy tongue licking her. Brad laughed. His wife had rushed into the shower when they got on the jet.

'What's you name?' Lyndon's voice enquired of the young stewardess serving the Blakely's refreshments.

Brad and Tessa lifted their heads curiously. Lyndon had stopped sailing his ship. His head was lifted, gazing at the young lady.

'Petra,' the young lady smiled shyly, answering in a very accented voice.

He smiled back charmingly. 'You are beautiful. Where are you from?' He admired her flowing mane of honey blond hair. She was beautiful with glassy blue eyes and rosy red lips.

'Thank you.' She smiled again. 'I am from Serbia.'

Brad raised an eyebrow in shock. Tessa gasped. They wanted to intervene, but when the young lady seemed to enjoy engaging with Lyndon they held back.

'Is Serbia near New York?'

Brad was about to call Lyndon to give him a geography lesson from the on board navigation system, when Petra again patiently answered Lyndon. 'It is just a little further than New York to London,' she playfully pinched his cheeks.

'Would you like to be my wife?' Lyndon asked.

'Lyndon!' Tessa exclaimed.

'Ignore that proposal Petra,' Brad laughed.

'My very first proposal,' Petra smiled good naturedly. She was only nineteen.

'But you have a wife my daddy, and Petra is beautiful, just like my momma.'

Tessa grinned and shook her head. Brad attempted to reason with his son.

'I told you, you can find a wife when you are twenty one,' Brad smiled.

'Will you marry me when I am twenty one Petra?'

'Ask me again, then,' Petra grinned. She suspected they may not cross paths when Lyndon turned twenty one.

'I'm sorry about Lyndon's forthrightness,' Tessa spoke.

'Don't worry about it Mrs. Blakely,' Petra smiled. 'Lyndon will probably forget this conversation, the second he gets off the plane.'

'Good, I'm glad there won't be a law suit,' Brad grinned. 'I think we need to add a disclaimer to all the female employee contracts.'

'Lyndon's adorable. You have nothing to worry about just yet,' Petra smiled. She turned to exit the cabin. 'Call, if you need more refreshments,' Petra nodded and left.

'I can see, I'm going to have my hands full,' Tessa sighed. 'And he's already challenging my authority.'

'You want to hand over the reins?' Brad's eyes were mocking.

Tessa was not sure if she wanted to contend with Lyndon much longer. Should she hand the reins to her husband? She knew Brad was a much stricter disciplinarian than herself. She still wanted to protect Lyndon, after all he was only four, but was it a wise decision?

'Will you be too hard on our son?' Tessa traced the contours on his handsome face.

'I will discipline him, when it's warranted, you know that,' Brad caught her finger between his lips and gently bit on it. Even when he was flirting with her, his tone was deadly serious.

'I think I'll hold onto the reins for another year perhaps,' Tessa mediated on behalf of her son.

'Know this my wife,' Brad cautioned. 'I will step in, if I deem it necessary.'

'Our son is a Blakely all right,' Tessa grinned.

'What's that supposed to mean?' Brad asked threateningly.

'Obnoxious, bully, demanding, self opinionated---.'

'Ouch! I thought you love me,' Brad projected a wounded look.

'And that's the part, I don't damn understand,' Tessa curled her fingers at the nape of Brad's neck.

'Which part is that?' Brad's head lowered towards Tessa, she shifted away. They would be having dinner very shortly. Tessa assumed it was dinner, when somebody cleared their throat behind Brad's wide shoulders.

'Kiss me,' Brad demanded, before he could answer the intruder behind his back. Tessa pulled his head to hers, her lips brushed his gently.

'Bentley!' Tessa exclaimed. 'It is Sunday afternoon. You can discuss business in the office tomorrow.

'Sir, could we have a briefing session, just for an hour?' Bentley went ahead and addressed Brad anyway.

'I said tomorrow Bentley.'

'But you've had the boss to yourself, the whole weekend,' Bentley grinned.

'He's my husband. Do you mind!'

'What's going on Bentley?' Brad interrupted the banter between his wife and his P.A.

'If Bentley wants an hour, perhaps you could have a working dinner,' Tessa stood up. She lifted the tab off a can of fruit juice and handed it to Lyndon.'

'Thank you momma,' Lyndon cupped the can with both hands and thirstily sipped on his drink.

'No, I want to enjoy my dinner,' Brad shot Tessa's idea down. 'Let's wrap this up first.'

'Are you hungry angel?'

'Not yet momma.'

'I'll be in our cabin then,' Tessa took a step forward.

'Stay,' Brad held onto Tessa's hand. She slid down next to Brad. 'Sit down Bentley.'

'Sir the board would like to urgently meet with you about employee increments.'

Brad and Tessa simultaneously looked at Bentley questioningly.

'Tessa deals with all HR and administration issues,' Brad reminded Bentley.

'May I ask why I'm being undermined?' Tessa demanded. 'And where is my P.A.?'

Bentley quickly summoned Keri on the internal line. 'I am just the messenger, Mrs. Blakely, but sir I was requested to inform you that due to the European economic crises and the sensitivity of the issue, the board would like an audience with you.'

When Keri arrived, Bentley stood up and assisted her into one of the seats. Brad looked at Tessa at the show of chivalry. Tessa made a point of not looking at Brad, as Keri looked up into Bentley's eyes and thanked him.

'Bentley,' Tessa intervened intuitively. 'I want to see the Minutes of last year's board meeting regarding the executives pay hikes and I want to see what percentage they passed for the middle and lower level staff.'

'Yes,' Bentley sighed, fearing a full blown war was going to erupt come tomorrow between the board and Mrs. Blakely. He suspected Mrs. Blakely was not going to be the losing party.

'Keri, what's going on in my diary?' Tessa had scanned the emails that Keri had been fielding on her behalf. She suspected her diary was jam packed.

'Most urgent is the Russian Business Daily attorneys. They are ready to sign,' Keri announced. 'A few of the departments have legal issues they wish to raise with you.'

'I'll meet the RBD attorneys first,' Tessa stated. 'After that reschedule everything else on my diary. I intend to study the information Bentley is going to forward to me.'

'We are all having the day off tomorrow,' Brad stated.  He wanted Bentley to get some rest.
'Set up a meeting with the board for Tuesday,' Brad instructed, 'and inform them Tessa will be in that meeting.'

'My daddy, I'm hungry now,' Lyndon tugged on Brad's arm.

'Is there anything else?' Brad lifted Lyndon onto his lap.

'No sir,' Bentley replied.

'Keri?' Brad questioned.

'Nothing else, Mr. Blakely.'

'Tessa?'

'No.'

'That's a wrap as far as business goes guys. Bentley you're dismissed for the day. My family and I will enjoy dinner now.'

Tessa reached for the phone and buzzed the cabin attendants to serve dinner.'

After dinner, Brad was busy on his laptop. Tessa was relaxing reading a novel. Lyndon was asleep, his head comfortable on her lap, holding his momma tightly as he slept. Stacy had wanted to put him to bed in the cabin, but Tessa declined. She cradled him in her lap as she lounged on the comfortable public area recliners with her novel.

'Hi Tessa,' Keri smiled. 'May I join you?'

'Sure,' Tessa put the book away. 'I thought you'd be resting.'

'No,' Keri grinned. She cast a look at Brad at the far corner busy on his laptop.

'You will have to throw a bomb at my husband if you want his attention,' Tessa spoke softly.

'No-It was you I wanted to chat with,' Keri laughed nervously.

'Enjoyed New York?' Tessa opened the conversation.

'It was wonderful---so wonderful,' Keri closed her eyes and grinned from ear to ear.

'Where's Bentley?'

'He's also on his laptop searching for some information for you.'

'Oh, he could have done that tomorrow morning,' Tessa sighed. 'Brad's already dismissed him.'

'Mmm---about Bentley,' Keri laughed again nervously. Tessa smiled and nodded her head.

'I guess you know, we're officially seeing each other.'

'Yeah, I can tell,' Tessa laughed. 'Bentley is so sweet around you.'

Keri groaned, 'I told him to stop treating me with kid gloves, but you are right.' Keri lowered her voice. 'The British are so---chivalrous.'

'Yeah,' Tessa smiled, she looked across at Brad. As if he sensed her looking his way, his eyes found hers, he smiled. An intimacy passed between them. Tessa smiled back. 'They are,' Tessa breathed contentedly. 'You look positively radiant Keri.'

'I am happy Tessa,' Keri inhaled deeply. 'It's been a long time since I've been happy.'

'You deserve to be happy,' Tessa reached out and laid her hand on Keri's wrist.

'I can't thank you enough Tessa.'

'I think it's fate,' Tessa gently flicked her hands through the sleeping Lyndon's hair.

'I just want you to know, it won't affect our professional relationship,' Keri asserted.

'I know it won't Keri,' Tessa smiled.

'Well good night then Tessa.' Keri stood up.

'Nite Keri. I think I'm going to turn in too,' she looked again at Brad still busy pounding away.

Tessa laid Lyndon's head gently on the seat and walked to Brad.

'Hey handsome, you going to be long?' Tessa circled her arms around Brad's neck. Brad caught her hands. He lifted his head up to Tessa.

'Another thirty minutes,' Brad answered.

'I'm turning in,' she murmured. 'Don't be long.'

'Let me settle you two in,' Brad stood up to carry Lyndon to his cabin.

'Let him rest with me, till you come to bed,' Tessa urged.

'You spoil your son,' Brad lowered Lyndon on their huge king size bed.

'Shut up and hurry to bed,' Tessa instructed.

'See you just now,' Brad kissed her cheek and disappeared.

Tessa slipped into a satin night shirt and cradled Lyndon in her arms as she waited for Brad.

When Brad returned to his workstation, Bentley was waiting for him. Brad raised an eyebrow enquiringly.

'Bentley, I dismissed you a long time ago.'

'I know sir. I wondered if you had a moment.' Brad stared at Bentley, watched his eyes darting about nervously. Brad saved his work, switched off his laptop and gave Bentley his attention.

'I wish to talk to you about a personal matter sir.'

'Would you like a drink Bentley?' Brad stood up.

'Excuse me?' Bentley was used to asking his boss what he would like to drink.

'I may never make the offer again Bentley,' Brad grinned. 'So take advantage.'

'A brandy then, thank you sir.'

Brad nodded. He walked to the bar, expertly measured a double measure of brandy into two glasses. He handed one to Bentley, sat down and sipped from his own glass.

'Thank you sir,' Bentley took a huge swallow. Brad sipped again, patiently waited for Bentley.

'Sir, I wish to bring it to your attention that---that I am courting Keri,' Bentley emptied his glass nervously.

Brad stood up, walked to the bar. He returned with the brandy decanter and poured Bentley another drink.

'You know Bentley,' Brad warned, 'if you hurt Keri, Tessa will throttle you with her bare hands.'

'I know sir.' Bentley was well aware how protective Mrs. Blakely was over those she cared about. Little did Bentley know, she had been prepared to lose her own job, to protect Bentley.

'I will demand one thing Bentley,' Brad raised a finger. 'I want professionalism in my office at all times.'
If Bentley and Keri ever had issues on a personal level, he did not want to see evidence of it in his office.

'Yes sir,' Bentley nodded nervously.

'I was planning on giving you a week off and for Keri to hold the fort for you, but I guess that won't work now,' Brad grinned. Bentley smiled brightly for the first time.

'Is there anything else Bentley? My wife is expecting me in bed?' Brad finished his drink.

'I beg your pardon sir!' Bentley shifted uncomfortably and looked away. Brad laughed.

'What's the matter Bentley? You do know what married couples do in bed.'

'Er---yes sir,' Bentley fiddled with his drink.

'Good night Bentley. Finish your drink,' Brad walked away to his private cabin.

'Hey darling,' Brad slid in next to Tessa.'

'Hi,' she murmured sleepily, snaking her arm around Brad's neck. His hair at the nape of his neck was damp, he smelt of soap. Tessa kissed his neck. His skin was fresh and warm from his shower. Her mouth shifted to capture his lips in a lazy kiss.

'Brandy,' she whispered sleepily, snuggling closer against Brad's chest.

'Yeah, I had a brandy,' Brad pressed a kiss to her cheek. 'You  tired?'

Brad did not get an answer, instead Tessa's cheek nestled closer on his chest. Her gentle breathing fanned the fine hairs on his chest. Brad saw pillows propped on the opposite side of Tessa, protecting Lyndon. He guessed their son was sleeping in their bed tonight.

        -end chapter thirty one-