Friends and Family Series

Sandy & Dan

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 10

Dan and Sandy were up, showered and dressed by seven, Sunday morning. When they entered the breakfast room Craig was at the table drinking his coffee as he scanned through the Sunday Times.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Craig said. "I hope you had a good night's sleep."

"I slept like a log," Sandy said. "We were both very tired after two days of meetings and time changes. If you're free after breakfast, we would like to have a word with you in private."

"That's fine with me, my breakfast should be ready in a few minutes. Here take my cell phone and tell the cooks what you both would like for breakfast, "Craig said. "Just push the button next to kitchen."

The both ordered orange juice, sausage, eggs and toast. A few minutes Craig's breakfast arrived followed by their breakfast ten minutes later.

"Where are the boys this morning?" Dan asked.

"They'll sleep in until nine o'clock on a Sunday. They had an active day yesterday."

They finished eating and walked into the study with their mugs of coffee.

After they were seated Sandy said, "Let me say that Dan and I feel privileged that you have chosen us to adopt your children. Dan had a great idea that we would like to purpose to you now. Dan thought that you, the boys and their Nanny, should fly back to Dunnlap with us tonight. There is no reason for you to remain in London now that you have resigned. I want you to recommend a man from your group who can run this operation until we decide who we want to take over your position. Dan and I want you and the boys to live with us so we can keep an eye on you. I feel that will make the transition less traumatic for you and your sons.

"You will need to talk to a lawyer here to prepare the paperwork for the adoption. I'll have my mother's law firm handle the case in Georgia for us. As far as the boys are concerned, I think you should just tell them that I am relocating you back to headquarters to work on an important project. If you decide not to take the boys' Nanny with you, that's fine. That's up to you. What do you think about our plan?"

"I can't tell you how relieved I am that you have agreed to adopt my sons. I know you both will do a fine job of rearing them. Dan, I haven't had the opportunity to know you better, but from all I've heard and observed, I feel confident that you share the same ideals as Sandy & Pete. I've known Sandy and his wonderful family for many years, and we share the same philosophy and goals in our outlook on life. Sandy would not have chosen you if you weren't the caring person you are. I could not think of a better family environment to place my sons in.

"Sandy, you don't know how relieved I'm that you and Dan will be with me until the end. I only hope that I'm not putting too much of a burden on you."

"Craig," Dan said, "if we thought that, we would not have asked you to live with us. At this point, we must do what is best for you and for the boys; that is what good friends do."

"Thank you both from the bottom of my heart," Craig said. "In answer to your question about the boys' passports, both boys are America citizens and have dual citizenship. Relocating to the United States is not a problem. They are quite used to traveling and are proficient in three languages, English, German and Spanish. The Nanny only has two months to run on his contract. He plans to return to his native Romania. I have already talked to my lawyer and he has drawn up my will. I had taken the liberty of naming you my executor, as well as the children's guardian. We can discuss the adoption arrangements with your mother. I would rather break the news to the boys about my cancer later. Children can sense things and my two boys will be quick to pick up on my condition. We will just let that take its course. Dan, I was advised to place only Sandy's name as sole guardian and executor on documents for legal reasons. What you and Sandy decide later is up to you both. My lawyer felt that it could complicate the case if it comes up before a homophobic judge.

"I understand, and from your lawyer's point of view, it makes sense. We must think of what is best for your sons. We certainly don't want to create any unnecessary complications."

"Good, I'm glad that's settled," Craig said. "Excuse me a minute I need to page Justin to have him wake the boys and see that they are fed." "Justin, will you please see that the boys are up and dressed. Have the cook fix them breakfast. Also, I want you and Tony to join us in the morning room. I need him to pack the boys' clothes. We will be leaving for the United States and I want to make sure they have everything they will need for a least a month. I would like you to pack my clothes as well, Justin. After everything is taken care of I would like to go over several household matters with you before I leave."

Dan said, "Sandy, I'm going up to our suite and pack our bags. I also need to check my email. You and Craig will, no doubt, be tied up for a while. After I finish up there, I'll be in the family room chatting with the boys. Do you have any departure time in mind?"

"I think we should be able to leave around 2 PM," Sandy said. "Will that allow you enough time, Craig?"

"Absolutely, as soon as the staff has everything packed, I am ready to leave."

"Craig would you like me to tell the boys that we will all be leaving for the United States this afternoon, and that you will be in to talk to them later?" Dan asked.

"Would you?" Craig said. "That will save some time, because they are going to ask a million questions, you know how little boys are, inquiring minds and all that."

"I am off then, Sandy. I'll have Chet let our pilot know that we will be leaving around 2 PM so he can file his flight plan and stock the galley for eight passengers."

"Thanks, Dan, that would be a big help," Sandy said.

Dan found the boys in the family room watching cartoons. "Good morning, guys, did you have breakfast?" Dan enquired.

"Yes, sir," Chip answered.

"Would you mind turning off the TV for a few minutes, I need to talk to you."

Chip turned off the set and both boys turned around to face Dan. Sandy Dunnlap has asked your Dad to return with us to the United States to assist him on a special project he is working on. He and Sandy are in conference at the moment, and I volunteered to pass the news on to you. Naturally, you boys will be going along with us. You and your Dad will be living at the Dunnlap estate while you are in the United States. We plan to leave at two o'clock this afternoon. Now is there anything special you would like to take along with you?"

"How long will we be away?" Chip asked.

"That will depend on how involved this project takes. Mr. Dunnlap has been working on the project for over six-months already and he has just signed the contract to take over a large computer company in Scotland. I would guess it should be wrapped up within two months."

"What will we do about school?" Chip asked.

"That won’t be a problem. We will enroll you in the same private school that Sandy's nephews attend. That is also the same school all the children in Dunnlap attend. You see, Sandy owns the town of Dunnlap, it's a company town. What Sandy doesn't own, his brother Pete does."

"Wow," Chip said. "Mr. Sandy must be a powerful man in the United States."

"That he is, Chip. He also owns companies in Europe and Asia as well." Your father is an important man in Sandy's organization, and that is why he wants him to work with him at the corporate office in Dunnlap, Georgia."

"Are there children our age at Mr. Sandy's home?" Lloyd asked.

"No, but there will be in several months. Sandy's brother, Pete, lives a short distance away and he and his wife Penny have four children, three boys and a girl. The older twin boys are ten and the daughter Kit is five, and the youngest boy is four. Funny thing is the four year old is also called Chip. They are all great children and spend a lot of time at the Manor. There are a lot of activities going on at both homes and some very good boys' clubs in the town as well."

"Your father has asked that Tony come in to help you pack. So make sure you include your favorite things, like games and stuffed animals; okay, guys?"

"Chip smiled, "Can we take our laptops and DVDs?"

"Take what you want, but don't take stuff that you haven't used in months. The plane can carry a lot, but not a playroom full of toys."

"Is there a place we can continue our swimming lessons and horseback riding," Chip asked.

"Sandy has riding horses and his own indoor and outdoor swimming pools. We have our own Little League teams and our own Soccer teams. I coach both."

"Dunnlap sound like an exciting place," Chip said.

"Can we start assembling some of the games we'll take with us from this room?" Chip asked.

"Sure you can."

"Why don't you and your brother put everything on top of the pool table, so the staff knows what has to be packed," Dan said. "Then after you finish up down here go up to your room and set aside the things you want to take from there. Don't worry about your clothes; Tony will take care of that."

"While you guys are doing that, I going up to my suite to pack our bags," Dan said. "After you're done, drop by my suite, all right?"

"Super," Chip said.

Dan left the boys to their task and headed up to his suite. He found Chet and told him of the new arrangements and of the additional baggage they would be taking with them. He then called Justin. "Justin, can Tony and the staff pack everything for Craig and the boys?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Kelly. I had the staff bring down the steamer trunks from the storage locker. We'll have more than enough. We may need a lorry to transport it to the airport. Don't you worry, Sir, we'll manage."

"Thank you, Justin. I know you have your hands full with all the sudden changes."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

The van carrying Dan, Sandy, Craig, his sons and their three security guards arrived at the hanger. The lorry followed behind them and drove up to the luggage door of the jet. The passengers were led directly into the aircraft while Chet, the security chief, watched the crew and the chauffeur load the baggage into the aircraft. After loading the baggage, the crew chief closed and locked the baggage doors and the lorry left. The crew chief and Chet made a final check of the aircraft, and came aboard, retracted the stairs and locked the aircraft door. A tractor pulled the plane out of the hanger, and the pilot started the engines. Ten minutes later they were airborne.

After the seatbelt sign was turned off, the flight attendant took everyone's drink order and passed around light snacks. He also passed a menu to the people for their dinner selection. Chip and Lloyd decided to watch the Disney movie about pirates while Sandy and Craig were in the small conference room discussing who was to be promoted to the Sales and Marketing functions.

Dan was working on debugging the new software program he had created for Pete's new poultry operation.

Chip and Lloyd walked over to where Dan was working and sat on the sofa opposite him and watched as he worked. Dan noticed them, quietly watching him type, "What's up, guys?"

"We don't wish to disturb you, but we were wondering about this aircraft," Chip said. "Is this Mr. Sandy's private plane?"

Dan smiled, "Yes, it is Chip. Sandy Dunnlap's company owns a whole fleet of private jets. This one is his private aircraft. You see, Sandy is a very important businessman. He employs thousands of people in his company, not only in Dunnlap, Georgia, but all over the world. Because his time is valuable he needs an aircraft for his own private use. Many times it happens that he needs to be across the country in a matter of hours. Many of the locations he visits do not have a major airport nearby so he relies on this aircraft to get him to within a few miles  driving distance of his destination. Of course wherever possible, he uses a video hookup to speak to his offices or to his clients. But not all locations have that satellite video system. Sandy also has a smaller jet that he uses on short hops or to locations where the airfield cannot accommodate this Jet."

"Have you ever seen the cockpit of an aircraft of this size?"

"No, we never have."

Dan reached up and rang the attendant button. The flight attendant came over to him.

"Yes, sir, how can I be of service?"

"These young men have never seen the flight deck of any jet aircraft," Dan said. "Would you ask the pilot if they could take a look?"

The flight attendant smiled, "Come with me, gentlemen."

Fifteen minutes later, the flight attendant returned with the boys. Each one had a pair of silver wings attached to his shirt.

"Thank you," Dan said. "I'm sure they will treasure those wings."

"My pleasure, sir, I will be serving dinner in thirty minutes. Would you like a cocktail before dinner?

"I would like a glass of Merlot, please."

"What would you young gentlemen like?"

Both ordered a coke. They were seated in the lounge area. A few minutes later, Craig and Sandy joined them. The flight attendant took their orders as well.

"Well, guys, Craig asked if you are enjoying your flight so far."

"Oh yes," both boys answered. They told their father about the new Disney film they watched and of their visit to the flight deck, where the pilot let them steer the plane.

"The flight attendant asked Sandy if he would like the conference room set up for dinner."

"That's a good idea, we can all sit together."

Shortly after dinner the flight attendant began to make up the bunks for the boys. Sandy said, "I suggest that you boys change into sweat suits and lay on the bunk bed and watch a movie if you want. Dan and I will be in our stateroom if you need us, Craig. The flight attendant has made up your stateroom, so whenever you're ready, you can nap. The flight is about another five hours. We will need to land in Columbia, South Carolina to clear customs. If you would please hand your passports over to Chet he will take care of the Customs guys. They like to take a walk through the plane to check on everything. We find that the air traffic is less congested in SC. We could be delayed for some time clearing Atlanta customs. There is no need to change clothes when we land at Dunnlap air field. We will be landing on my airstrip where we will be driven directly to the house. If you need anything, just ring the attendant. Good night, all."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Sandy's cell phone rang, "Mr. Dunnlap, we are about to land at Columbia, SC," the pilot said.

"Thank you", Sandy said. "I don't think it's necessary to wake the other passengers until Customs come on board." Sandy dressed and let Dan sleep. He left the stateroom and walked up to the galley. "May I have a cup coffee, Adam?"

"Sure thing Mr. Dunnlap; would you like a sweet roll to go with that?"

"Yea, that would hit the spot. Have Chet and his men stirred yet?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, if all goes well, we should be home in forty minutes." The aircraft landed and taxied to the holding area for customs. The pilot keep the engines at idle while the customs inspector checked the passengers, collected the declaration forms, and made a quick inspection of the cargo hold. The inspector made a cursory inspection of the baggage. Satisfied that everything was in order, he thanked Chet and welcomed them back to the United States. The pilot radioed the tower for departure clearance. Twenty minutes later the plane touched down on Sandy's private airstrip. Two vans met the aircraft. Chet met the two security guards who drove the vans. After checking the area, he gave the all clear for the passengers to deplane.

Craig said, "I'll go and wake the boys, I'll be back in a moment."

"Wait a minute," Dan said, "I'll come with you. If they're still asleep, there's no sense waking them. If you can carry Chip, I can handle Lloyd?"

Both boys were sound asleep. "I'll send the flight attendant back to carry their bag," Dan said. Craig picked up Chip and laid his head over his shoulder while Dan did the same with Lloyd. They carried them to the exit. Dan stopped and asked the flight attendant to gather up the boys' things and take them to the van. He followed Craig out to the van and got in, placed the boy on his lap and let him continue to sleep. Sandy gave the orders to bring the luggage up to the house and got into the van, followed by Chet. When they all entered the house, Ludlow and Martha Johnson, the housekeeper, met them. Sandy introduced Craig and the two sleeping boys.

"If it's all right with you, Craig, Ludlow has put you in the large suite down the hall. The boys have one bedroom and you have the other. The two rooms share a nice size sitting room. Unfortunately the boys will have to share a king-size bed for tonight. We can straighten the room and bed issue tomorrow."

"That's perfect," Craig said. "Lead the way."

They took the elevator to the second floor and Ludlow led them down the hall to the suite.

Martha had already turned down the bed for the boys. Craig laid Chip down on the right side and Dan laid Lloyd on the other side. Craig pulled the sheet and blanket up and covered the boys.

Dan said, "Why don't we leave the bathroom door open and the light on low, so if they need to use the bathroom in the middle of the night they can find their way."

"That's a good idea," Craig said. "This bed is big enough for the three of us. I think I'll sleep with them tonight. I would not want them to wake up in the middle of the night and not know where they are. This was an exciting day for them, and Chip occasionally has nightmares."

Ludlow said, "Mr. Shelby, I've put your overnight bag in your room along with the boy's overnight bag as well."

"Thank you, Ludlow."

"Tomorrow we'll unload and sort out the rest of your baggage," Ludlow said. "Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No, Ludlow, thank you."

"Master Sandy, your bags are in your suite along with Master Dan's luggage."

"Thank you, Ludlow, and you too, Martha, you've done well on such short notice," Sandy said. "We will sit down tomorrow, after breakfast, to discuss our future plans."

"Well, Craig, make yourself at home; if you don't mind, Dan and I are heading for the sack. I don't know about you, but I'm beat. It's been a rather eventful week. See you in the morning.

"Good night, you two, and thanks for everything," Craig said.

Sandy and Dan returned to their suite and showered together, brushed their teeth, and got into bed. Sandy kissed Dan tenderly. "Thank you, sweetheart. I don't know if I could have gotten through this without your help. It takes me much longer to adjust to the children. I never know the right thing to say to them. They seem to feel so comfortable around you, and have no qualms relating to you. What's your secret?"

Dan smiled, "I guess I don't try to come on to them. I let them make the first move. They are like any other individual except they are cautious. I break the ice by asking simple questions, ones that they feel comfortable in answering. With boys, you are usually safe in asking if they like sports. Build on that. With English children you ask them about soccer. You can go on to ask 'What other things do you like to do'. That's how I learned that the boys enjoyed horseback riding and took lessons every week. They also enjoy croquette and swimming. They swim three times a week.

Then, they opened up and began to ask many questions about your home, about other children they could play with; if they could continue taking swimming lessons and go horseback riding. They were very excited when they heard that you had your own swimming pool and that you had riding horses. I told them about Pete and his children. They understand and can comprehend much better when they can deal with basic realities. They are little more than babies even though they are extremely intelligent. I know they will get along with Pete's family."

"I never thought it was that simple," Sandy said. "I guess I have a lot to learn about children. I'm glad I have a good teacher. I can't keep my eyes open, sweetheart."

"Same here, baby. Try to sleep in tomorrow. I'm sure our house guests will be doing the same," Dan said. He snuggled up behind Sandy and fell asleep.

Sandy awoke at eight that morning. He slipped out of bed without waking Dan. He did the bathroom thing, showered, shaved and dressed, and headed down to the breakfast room for coffee. He read the newspaper, and then headed to the library to read his mail. Dan walked in a little after nine with his mug of coffee.

"Good morning, Lover," Dan said as he kissed Sandy.

"Good morning to you sweetheart. I thought I'd get a head start on some of the mail. I'm happy to see there was so little," Sandy said.

"Have you talked to Pete yet?"

"He was the first one I called this morning. He was shocked about Craig's news. He has invited us all over for lunch. I think it would be good for the boys to meet the family. I've talked to my mother and sister, and they agreed to help us with the boys. Mom said that we should proceed with the paperwork for the adoption. Once that is started, we can sit down with Craig. My sister said that she will line up a child psychologist for the boys. We'll need to find a good pediatrician and dentist for the boys as soon as possible. I think Penny can help us with that."

"Since you are the sportsman in the family, would you get with the stable manager and work out a schedule for continuing the riding lessons for the boys. You may need to find a new mount for Lloyd. I don't think any of the spirited mounts we have would be suitable for him. He is a small little guy. We'll need to hire a Nanny to supervise them when we're working. I know Craig will see to that for now, but I don't know how long he will be able to continue. We'll need to think about that. We are going to need a Nanny for the babies anyway, so we can start looking now."

"You're right about the Nanny. I'll take care of the riding lessons and talk to the Stable manager about getting another horse for Lloyd."

"I received an email for Captain Nelson. He reports that things are moving right along. He has changed his mind about flying the crew of the West Wind over to Turkey. He flew his Executive Officer over yesterday, he's hiring the engineering officer we met, and is also hiring the former crew to sail the ship to Canada. He'll fly them back to Turkey afterwards. If any of the men are good, he may keep them on. As soon as the crew is on board, he will be on his way. He hopes to be ready to leave this Thursday."

"That's good news," Dan said. "Are you ready to have breakfast? My stomach is starting to rumble."

"Let's do it."

After breakfast Dan and Sandy had a meeting with Ludlow and Martha in the study. Sandy explained why Craig and his sons were living with him. He also explained the seriousness of Craig's illness, and that his condition was not to be mentioned to the boys. When the time came where Craig's illness became obvious, the boys would be told. Craig wanted the boys to become used to living at Dunnlap and accept this as their home. He went on to explain that he was going to hire a male nanny for boys, and a nurse for the babies who would be arriving in nine months, if all goes well. Sandy told them an interior designer from Stonewall & Savage Engineering would be by to design a nursery for the second floor west wing.

"After the others have had breakfast, Ludlow, I would like you to sit in on our discussion about how we should plan the boys' sleeping arrangements. Perhaps they would prefer separate rooms. If not, we may consider replacing the king size bed with two single beds. Maybe for now, they would prefer to share a room together, at least until they feel more at ease with us. Dan, maybe you can talk to Craig first to feel him out on that before we make any changes," Sandy said.

"I think that would be the best approach," Dan said.

"Ludlow, we will all be leaving for my brother Pete's for lunch. We should be home for dinner," Sandy said.

"Very good, sir," Ludlow said. "For the present, I am having the staff unpack the trunks and place the clothes in their dressing rooms. The keepsakes and games the boys packed will be placed in the spare bedroom down the hall for now. Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No, that's all; thank you both for your time," Sandy said.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Pete was waiting at the airfield as Sandy's chopper landed. Sandy, Dan, Craig and his sons walked over to Pete's van. Pete and Sandy embraced. "It's good to have you back again, Sandy." He hugged Dan next and finally Craig. Sandy introduced Lloyd and Chip as they walked over to the van and took off for the Plantation Manor.

"It's good to see you again, Craig. How are things in merry old England?"

"About the same as always; London never changes. How about you? I see you still have your vegetable garden."

"Yea, we struggle a little, but the crops are outstanding this season, thank God," Pete said. "I hope you guys are hungry, because Penny has cooked up quite a lunch for the occasion."

"We're always hungry for good down-home cooking," Dan said. "Isn't that right, boys?"

Lloyd and Chip smiled and nodded their heads.

Pete drove up the circular drive and pulled up to the front door. "Okay, men, we have arrived." Everyone unbuckled, exited the van, and followed Pete into the foyer. "This is a beautiful home," Craig said. "The grounds are lovely."

"Thank you," Pete said. "Penny and I spent quite a long time planning this estate, and the manor house, before we broke ground. We are very pleased with the way it turned out. Follow me to the family room."

Pete led them down the long hall to the rear of the house and through the doors to the family room. Pete said, "Penny, children, I would like to introduce our guests." Pete introduced Craig and his two sons.

Chip Dunnlap took Lloyd's hand and led him over to where he and Kip were coloring on the small table. The twins took Chip over to where they were playing with their Nintendo game. The adults sat around the large glass coffee table that had been spread with many different dishes of appetizers. There were two bottles of wine, a chilled white and a merlot. Pete poured the wine and everyone helped themselves to the appetizers.

Dan said, "Penny, we would like you to recommend a good pediatric doctor and a dentist for the boys while they are here. Since Craig will be working with Sandy for an extended period, Craig would like them to attend the same private school that your children do."

"That's easy," Penny said. "Sandy, you can have the boys flown over every day, and they can ride to school with my kids. I will give you the doctors' names and phone numbers so you can make appointments for the boys. I am sure the twins will take Chip under their wing and it looks that Lloyd and Chip Dunnlap are hitting it off. They will both be in the same day-care class. So, that's not a problem. I will give you the name of the Administrator at the school, and Craig can make all the arrangements tomorrow. The sooner they get started the better. They will need to be evaluated before it can be determined which grade they are placed in."

"That's great," Craig said. "I'll get on that the first thing tomorrow morning."

"I hope you thought to bring shot records over with you," Penny said. "I don't think you want them to duplicate the shots they already have. I know they will insist that they both have a complete physical before they can attend classes."

"I should be able to take care of that after I speak with the school," Craig said.

Penny's cell phone buzzed. "Thank you. Well, folks, I'm told our lunch is ready. Children, please wash your hands before lunch. We will meet you in the dining room when you finish washing your hands. Craig, if you wish to use the bathroom, it's the second door on the left." The children took off for the bathrooms.

♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦   ♦

To be continued...

Posted: 06/15/12