Somewhere or other Godfrey had read that the western definition of a bargain was buyer something for less than it was worth, but the Chinese definition was both buyer and seller were happy with the price. He’d built up his reputation as a businessman by sticking strictly to the ‘Chinese Bargain’ idea. And he wasn’t about to change his ideas when negotiating with Mack.

Because he was still negotiating. It was necessary, though, for Mack to understand what was involved for him. It was a case of work full time, or go under. Maybe, just possibly at some point he could take some time off to look after Thomas and Chrissa, but it wouldn’t be soon.

All the same, Mack was as much a victim of circumstances as he was.

“Alors qu'est-ce que sommes-nous censés faire? Le deux d'entre nous veulent travailler, mais l'un de nous doit rester avec les enfants!”

“Je’n sais pas. Mais il droit avoir une manière.”*

Godfrey waited, running his fingers through his hair while Mack stormed and then settled down.

"I guess it's stay at home mum for me."

Kneeling at her feet, Godfrey took her hands.

“As if that were ever going to happen,” He said with a little smile. “But I’ve never seen a situation where it’s ever ‘all or nothing’. Let’s think about this, and see what’s possible, before either of us give up, alright?”

He sat next to her and held her hand. Liam is a good idea as a last resort. I agree he’s not our favorite babysitter, but you made a good point about the nanny. Now, dad hasn’t got anthing like enough money for a nanny, but your family might be willing to cough up, and Mom could do  one or two days a week. Let’s say we can manage four days between your family and my mother? We’ll find out first, and then you ask your lot if four days a week would be enough to start, with maybe an extra day thrown in from time to time until we get things sorted. Shoot, if we are lucky maybe we could pay for a nanny one day a week ourselves, by the summer.” He leant over and gave her a little kiss.

“The thing is, I think we all have to give a little, including your boss. At least ask then, alright? And tell then you need… let’s say a week to set things up. And if they need you full time..” He shrugged. “Well, let’s cross that bridge when we come to it.” He paused and smiled. “Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you in French? Or was that your way to make sure you got around me?”

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*I don't know. But there must be a way.


Not Getting Any Younger