When Fate Steps In

Chapter 60 Ricky and Rules

Just to give you a heads up. I am not happy with this chapter. I struggled with it. I feel like the information in this chapter is important for future chapters, but I can not figure out how to get it out there without sounding boring.

Chapter 60 Ricky and Rules

Rory and the boys were anxiously awaiting Ricky's arrival. The pool house was not finished but it was livable. The boys were excited. Karson and Gigi were texting back and forth. Karson had been instructed to send pix. Rory heard the garage open. Logan was home finally. She was beginning to think he flew to Malibu. Rory got up to go meet him when she heard a commotion outback. She went to the French doors leading to the patio. She could see Ricky's car, along with Logan and Nick. She hurried out the door. When Logan saw her coming his face lit up. She was a sight for sore eyes. He had a long day. Rory greeted the group, letting Logan kiss her on the cheek. "Ricky, let me show you your new home?" Rory said as she led him through the pool house doors. "Your sofa will be back Thursday. I picked out a masculine fabric for you. When they bring the sofa, they will pick up the chairs." Rory said as she was showing Ricky around. She showed him the bedroom, closet, kitchen, bathroom, and so on. Logan was smiling. She was like a kid in a candy shop.

Nick spoke up. "Ricky, this seems nice. I think you will like it here.... Logan, while Ricky gets unpacked, could you drive me to the airport. One of my clients just happened to be in New York and offered me a ride back to Jacksonville. I am going to rent a car and drive to New York." "Sure, that's not a problem. Rory, he is a man. He is capable of unpacking for himself. While he is unpacking, maybe tell him our news and go over the house rules." Logan kissed her just as the boys came flying in.

"Boys, slow down. There will be some rules for you two also. The first one being, knock before entering." Rory took a seat in one of the chairs. "When do you want to fly to California to get the rest of your stuff?" Rory asked? "Soon, but I don't want to be any trouble. I can call Aunt Ronnie to see when one of dad's planes is headed that way." Rory just nodded. "Logan's plane is headed to Malibu in a few days. Let me see what I can do. See if the schedule works for you." She told Ricky that the fridge has milk, juice, and most of the basics. She gave him a credit card that was attached to one of his accounts. "This is for you to use to buy groceries, gas, things you will need for school. Any purchase over $500 has been approved by me. I'm sorry, but your father wanted me to make sure you are taken care of. I can't let you lose with millions of dollars at your disposal." "It's alright Rory. This is more than I had access to when I was in school in California. Mom controlled my money. Rory stood up. "If you will give me a few more minutes and let me show you around the main house, then I will let you get back to unpacking."

They walked to the main house. Rory showed him the door with the electric lock. She explained that if the French door is locked, he can enter through this door. It leads to the laundry room. She explained that he would be included in meals. He was also to let someone know if he was not going to be eating with the family. After showing him the main floor and the bedrooms upstairs, she led him to the basement. She showed him the movie room and the playroom. She introduced him to Karson and showed him her apartment.

When they returned upstairs, Logan was just getting back. "Getting settled in?" Logan asked. "Yes, thank you so much for doing this for me. This means so much to me to be a part of a family." Rory hugged him with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I cry at the drop of a hat. It's the baby hormones." Logan just smiled. Rory was happy. He was happy.

"While the boys are upstairs playing, let's sit and talk," Logan said as he sat next to Rory. "Did you meet Karson?" Ricky nodded his head. "She is the twin's nanny. She also goes to school at the University of Hartford. She should be able to show you around......I am not your father. I am not trying to be your father. So, let's talk. Make sure you understand what we expect of you and what you expect of us. This way there will be no misunderstanding. Most of the same rules that we have for Karson will apply to you. We do not want to treat you like some kid. We will respect you as you will respect us. If you are going to be later than 12:00, text one of us. If you are not coming home, text one of us. If you find yourself in a position where you don't feel comfortable driving or riding with someone, Text us. This is the same agreement we have with Karson, and it seems to work. You are welcome to eat meals with us. That is not mandatory. We try to set aside at least one supper every couple of weeks, where we all have a meal together." Logan paused to let Rory add anything that she wanted to add. "We have a cook, Ms. Lewis. She only works part-time. She will be retiring before the baby is born. She usually spends all day cooking on Tuesday. She fills the freezer up. If you have any special requests, just ask her. Don't worry about bothering her. She will let you know if she does not have time or does not know how to make what you are asking. We have a housekeeper that comes on Monday and Friday. She can dust, vacuum, sweep and change the sheets in the pool house. If you would prefer her not to, then you will be expected to do it yourself. She does laundry on Monday and Friday. Your laundry will need to be in the laundry room before she starts. The twins are 4 years old. They also have to get their dirty clothes to the laundry room. Believe me. That is a sight." Rory was laughing she could hardly finish. "Do you have any questions so far?" Logan asked. "You said the cook was retiring. Are you hiring a new cook? I mean, I can cook for myself. I was just wondering." "You know that Rory doesn't cook much?" Logan asked. Ricky shyly nodded his head. "It's okay, we all know. To answer your question, yes, we have already hired a full-time cook. He will also help with keeping the house picked up. He was a medic in the army, so that will be useful too." Rory replied. Logan looked at Rory, she nodded her head. "I'm going to check on the boys, you and Logan can talk for a while," Rory said as she stood up and walked out of the room.

"That was subtle," Ricky said. "I know. Listen I said before, I don't want to take your father's place, but if you need to talk about anything that you would normally talk with your dad about, I will listen." "Thanks," Ricky said, nodding his head. "Okay, here are the things Rory wanted me to discuss with you without her in here. No overnight company. If you are drunk, stay in the pool house. I am not encouraging you to drink by any means, but the bar in the pool house is stocked. Help yourself. I would rather you drink in the pool house than sneak it from the bar in the house. During the summer months, you are welcome to have pool parties, patio parties, or whatever you are calling them. Just clear it with me or Rory. Always remember you have 2 small brothers that look up to you. Don't make Rory regret asking you to stay. I think you are a fine boy. I look forward to getting to know you." Logan stood up and clapped him on the shoulder as he moved to the recliner with the TV remote.