Logistics and Lawyers 2/3

Yes, Caleb was vital in his life, and it was high time Timothy repaid his loyalty. Fearing corporate espionage Timothy had always run Barrett Group as an army of one with a few assistants that helped with low-level tasks, like Heath. While helpful these people were never trusted with anything too vital for the company.

Tim was CEO and President and refused to name a Vice President in charge of the company. If he was to be a good father and eventually a good husband, then he would need the time to devote to his family. Tim would need to trust someone and the only person that could live up to that scrutiny was Caleb.

Caleb had worked as one of his assistants for years though he was overqualified for that role. He had turned down lucrative job offers and stayed loyal to Timothy through it all. This had been a long time coming and with his decision he felt relieved to no longer need to do this alone.

Tim ordered food to be delivered to the hotel with extra for Caleb since he would be arriving in the next couple of hours. He thought about that daughter of the mayor's, Jasmine. He hoped to introduce her to Caleb. She was a nice young lady and Caleb seemed lately to be wanting something more than a random dalliance.

As the new Vice President of Barrett Group, Caleb would not need to worry about meeting the standards of the mayor for his daughter. Caleb was from a good but moderate-income family but with his promotion would outrank most suitors for her hand. If they liked each other, it would work out well. Since Mia and Jasmine liked each other, it might all work out perfectly. Tim made a mental note to set up dinner with the mayor and his daughter in the next few days, perhaps he could invite Mia as well.

When Caleb was due to arrive, Tim set out food and poured himself a drink. He had missed having Caleb around the last few days for both his company as a sounding board and his surprisingly on point advice. He was certain he would not be where he was with Mia and the twins if not for Caleb telling him how to be a human being time after time. On time, Caleb came through the door and seeing Tim he stopped short.

"Honey, you cooked," Caleb said with a chortle as he tossed his bag in his room. "I'm glad because I am starving. Flying commercial is the worst thing ever."

"You are right it is the worst. I nearly killed someone the last time I couldn't take the jet." Tim remembered the loud filthy passenger he had been stuck beside with a shiver.

"Is everything alright in Bern City? Did things work out at home?" Tim asked.

"Yes, for the most part. My father is weakening, and my younger brother is a lecherous bastard with three bastards of his own. After a couple rounds of the when will you make something of yourself speech, I figured the best way to escape my hell was to visit your family."

"How did that go?" Tim snorted his friend had such a way with words.

"Well, they hate you and blame everything on Mia, as per usual." Caleb took a sip of his bourbon and continued to eat.

"Have they been following the rules that I gave them? To not leave Barrett residence and to take care of the house."

"Meh," Caleb shook his head from side to side, "I don't see any sign of them leaving but they are dreadful awful at keeping house. A person might clean better on accident." Caleb laughed and watched as his friend's face split into a grin. "I have never seen any of the Barrett women look so rumpled; I don't think they know how to do laundry." At the thought of them struggling with the wash Tim laughed hard.

"How did your visitation with the twin's go?" Caleb asked sobering slightly.

"Better than I had any right to expect." Tim told his friend recounting most of what had occurred yesterday. By the time Timothy was finished speaking Caleb was smiling though he looked concerned.

"I told you it was instinct," Caleb said, "I'm so glad to hear that you have them." Caleb snorted.

"Ass," Tim quipped tossing a bread roll at his friend.

"Though the situation with Dr. Merches is troubling. They have extensive history, and he has been a very patient man. The doctor won't take kindly to being thwarted at the finish line." Caleb summarized Tim's thoughts. "Plus, Nicholas has at the very least Dominic's blessing and support which makes him a very dangerous enemy."

"I know but all I can do is keep trying to do the right thing and spend time with Mia and our children." Tim smiled brightly.

"I'll bite, why are you so chipper?" Caleb said.

"Mia agreed to go on a date with me the day after tomorrow." Tim told Caleb happily.

"You got a date on your own? Good job Tim." Caleb enthused truly proud.

"Thanks," Tim responded sarcastically, "am I that hopeless?" Caleb shrugged.

"Have you made any plans about what you are going to do on your date?" Caleb asked.

"I am planning to take her out on The Aurora." Tim leaned back in his chair and took a sip of his bourbon.

"Umm, while I agree that this would be an enjoyable outing for a date, I have a few concerns." Caleb started speaking with a frown on his face. "You realize that you would be completely alone if you go sailing."

"Exactly, that's what I want." Tim said smiling.

"So, your intention is to make her your mistress then?" Caleb questioned carefully.

"What! You had better explain yourself at once." Tim said with a hostile glare.

"I know you desire her and from what you have told me, she desires you as well. If you are completely alone then there will be nothing to come between the two of you. No need for caution. If you are intimate and she becomes pregnant, then she is a mistress and her child illegitimate." Caleb spoke quickly.

"Men have girlfriend's all the time." Timothy scoffed.

"Those men also know that if they get the girl pregnant, they will have to marry or get the girl's family to agree to an abortion within a couple of weeks." Caleb continued watching the truth beginning to dawn on Tim.

"Can you tell me that you can guarantee that Mia will either marry you or agree to an abortion in the time allotted to keep her from being scandalized?" Caleb said, sitting back he finished his drink.

"Well damn," Tim said thinking. "It's not as if I'm planning to be intimate with Mia so soon but, I can see how it could happen. What about contraception?"

"Men in high society almost never use contraceptives, Tim. The only thing worse than having no protection is counting on something for protection that fails in the middle. Condoms break." Caleb explained, trying to see this issue from all angles. "Perhaps the morning after pill is a possibility, but do you think Mia would take it? Considering the length that she went to for the twins. How would you demand such a thing?"

"How are we to be together if we cannot act like we are together. How can I make her want me most if I am not able to be intimate her." Timothy griped with confusion.

"I don't mean forever just maybe not on Wednesday. Let things move a little closer to her being willing to accept you. You know, just because you don't have sex doesn't mean there aren't things you can do that would bring you closer together and not risk getting her pregnant."

"What things, Caleb?" Tim asked, feeling upset and embarrassed again. Caleb coughed the word 'prude' at his friend but then explained several things Tim might do to get close to Mia without putting them in a precarious position.

"I am very glad that you have been such a playboy." Timothy finally told Caleb with a smile. "But that is soon to be in the past, if I have my say. I think I have found a proper upstanding lady for you. She will make a fine wife."

"Oh yeah, who is this paragon of virtue," Caleb snorted.

"Jasmine Shelbert, the Norde City Mayor's daughter." Tim grinned.

Caleb furrowed his eyebrows trying to understand his friend's joke, "Timothy, she outranks me. It's not even close."

"No, she doesn't. Not anymore." Timothy stood and held out his hand to his friend to shake, "I believe congratulations are in-order for the new Vice President of Barrett Group." Tim said seriously. Caleb stood contemplating Tim's face.

"Do you mean it?" Caleb asked cautiously.

"I do. I want to spend less time working and more time with my family which means once again, I need your help."

Caleb's face split into a grin, "then you will have it, my friend." Caleb shook Tim's hand with determined strength.