This Kiss

Chapter 145

It had been a week since the sentencing trial and Natalia's father and brother barging in on their celebration. It was mid-day on Monday and Natalia was swamped with Beacon business. Ava, Rafe, Ashley, and Isabel had flown to St. Louis the morning after the trial and things were going smoothly so far. Ava and Rafe had interviewed for all of the management positions and a chef as well as spoken to a security company and set up for them to start getting cameras in place. All that was left was to interview for general staff and then for Olivia and Natalia to fly out and approve the candidates chosen by their children. Which would be happening in two days and both wives still had plenty to accomplish before then. The opening was set to happen on the third of April, so there wasn't a moment to spare.

Isabel and Ashley had just about everything ready for the opening, but there was still plenty that Olivia and Natalia would need to approve on that front as well. Clara had started working in the laundry room, deciding she would start with just two or three days a week until she got used to working, something she had never done before. She had been staying in Rafe's old apartment in the basement and that was going really well. She and Emma were bonding on a level neither Natalia nor Olivia had expected, and Natalia was slowing learning to trust her mother again. As busy as they were, things were still going wonderfully, and they were only about to get better.

Natalia's phone rang, for the hundredth time that day, and she groaned as she answered. "Natalia Spencer-Rivera." She said, in a business voice she knew she'd picked up from her wife.

"Hello Mrs. Spencer-Rivera. This is Mr. Nolan."

"Oh, Mr. Nolan. What can I do for you? Did Rafe miss his phone check in on Friday? I know he's been very busy helping to staff our hotel in St. Louis but I told him he couldn't miss a check in with you." She said in a rush, fearful that Rafe had forgotten to call his P.O. and could potentially be sent back to jail for violating a condition of his release.

"No ma'am. I spoke to him Friday morning as planned. I must say, he is doing very well for himself. I know a lot of that is due to you and your wife. He's very lucky to have such a wonderful family and support system."

Natalia couldn't help but smile at that. It warmed her heart to no end when someone noticed how loving and caring her family was for one another. "We are lucky to have each other."

"Yes, well, I'm actually calling with some good news."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It seems a motion to have Rafe acquitted of his charges was submitted a few weeks ago."

"Oh?" Natalia said again. "By whom?"

"I thought you would have known. Mayor Wolfe submitted it."

"She did?"

"Yes. Were you unaware?"

"It was mentioned, a while ago, back in December, but then, so many things happened and I just didn't know she went through with it." Natalia answered, a little in awe of the mayor.

"Yes, well, the parole board has looked it over. They have based their decision both on Rafe's actions while incarcerated, and since his release. Along with the fact that he was a minor when the incident accord. And I am pleased to inform you that they have decided to speak on his behalf, in favor of having him acquitted."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"So, he could have his record expunged. No record of the shooting or having served time?"

"Yes ma'am. I tried to call him several times but kept getting his voice mail. Since this is a semi urgent matter, I decided to contact you in hopes of you getting the message to him."