Dick

They arrived late because the new Mayor had hosted his election team at a midday cookout. He was resting but wife Cynthia was on a roll and hosted them beautifully until Ian emerged, looking in good shape. Cynthia and Ian listened with great interest to Meg and Dick explained the events center project and nodded in agreement when Meg said they'd decided not to say anything to Ian until after his election to avoid possible finger pointing since his sister would be heavily involved in the proposed development.

Ian looked interested, but nothing more than that until the obvious drunk Cynthia cooed, "Oh darling, it would stand as a landmark in your time as Mayor of this town, just like your father's drive gave this town the War Memorial Hall as the legacy of his mayoralty and similar his father beat down opposition and had the water lake gardens demolished and the area greatly enlarged to become the town's water reservoir large enough to serve the town for the foreseeable future."

In scratched behind his ear. "You're so right darling and the events center as outlined is far larger that what I had in mind as my epitaph, a new town cemetery. Hey guys, stay for dinner and let's thrash this out. Dinah as CEO and as director of operations Andy Ross, the greatest sports hero this town has had in living memory -- what a package. I reckon my Council will fall over themselves to become involved in a project of this magnitude."

Dick smiled his approval. "It will need inspired marketing to sell to the community if we are to invest the millions to have a true all-purpose events center to service the entire region. We'd need to import a couple of professional specialists."

"Yes, I endorse that," said Ian. "Well darling, where's the champagne?"

* * *

Driving home along Main Street after dropping off Meg, Kade said, "Coming up on the right is our latest purchase, now available to us with McKenzie Law relocating above the cinemas. What have you planned for that and not told me darling?"

"It's directly opposite the hotel and is rather a large area and the site is zoned for a three-level building with full underground parking. We demolish and build a department store. Strangers arriving at the hotel will want to shop so that's why it's the logical place for a department store."

"A department store -- God, why have you kept this from me!"

"Hush darling, no need to scream. I don't have a concept and such development is rather outside my interest. It's your project."

Kade, who was driving, ran off the road and the SUV was on the sidewalk before she stopped. It was Sunday night so she mounted the footpath clear of parked vehicles and the only pedestrian was a drunken guy who called out, "No parking on the sidewalk lady."

"Should I drive darling," Dick said laconically.

"No thank you Dick. I'm not as drunk as you are."

* * *

Eight weeks before the glittering opening of the Cattleman's and the associated wedding of Dick and Kade, the bride-to-be had found she was pregnant.

"I have conceived and it will be a daughter," Kade said, who'd been waiting anxiously for Dick to return from watching excavations being prepared for their new ranch house.

Dick beamed and hugged Kade and thanked her for being so clever. He then spoilt it all by correctly her, "No it will be a son." Reluctantly Kade accepted the need to change her thinking that it would be a girl. Dick being visionary was usually correct about such things.

* * *

Dick was out supervising the preparation of parking areas around the rising events center when Kade called Meg to take her to the birthing center. Meg was under instructions not to call Dick until the birthing process was under way because Kade thought she'd do better with him not being around urging her to hurry along.

Dick arrived, happy and panting, and had Cassandra Pauline Savage placed into his arms for a brief hold ten minutes after her arrival.

"God, you two look a dangerous pair together," Kade said, wearily. "Are you aware she's born on your birthday?"

Dick looked bewildered.

"Yes darling, today is your birthday."

As the baby was taken from him Dick pulled out his phone.

"Thanks darling, are you calling mom?"

"In a minute. I'm calling Molly to find me Cassandra's first pony."

THE END