"No, should I?" he asked, taking her question a little too seriously and maybe even a little defensively. He sighed as he realized he was still feeling a little frazzled, not wanting to take it out on her. "Sorry, Liv. You're a lifesaver. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come by." Deal with it was what he would have done.

"Called me, probably," she said with a smile, but there was a guilty cast to her expression as she looked his way. "But you've got Sol now. He'll be taking over when I'm on leave, after all." Which was going to be sooner than Jon was ready for, by the sound of things.

"Sol," Jon echoed with that frown still on his face, feeling a little guilty about that, too, but he was trying to think of her. "Sol is efficient, but he's not you. You're irreplaceable, Liv. And I doubt Sol would know what Emily meant by wings," he added for good measure, having noticed the bees on Emily's sweater.

She glanced over her shoulder, setting a couple of eggs into the pan to boil while the toaster worked its magic on a couple of slices of toast. It said a lot about how often Liv did the occasional thing in here that she knew where everything was. "Sit down and drink your coffee," she told her employer and friend, touched that he considered her irreplaceable. "Maybe you should make Sol your manager," she suggested, trying to make it seem as though the idea had just come to her. "You know, when I'm back from leave. I could stay your P.A., and he could deal with all the outside stuff."

Jon peered through the door to see how the kids were faring, but so far all was peaceful. World War Three had not broken out yet, and both seemed content to wait for breakfast, which gave him and Liv a chance to talk. It was rare he had a chance to do that these days. If it wasn't the family that was tugging at him, then it was work or something else demanding his time and attention. While he loved his life, it was nice to have a few minutes to spend talking to another grown adult now and then, besides the time he spent with Vicki.

He was still frowning as he sat down at the table, his first cup of caffeine for the day in hand. "Manager?" he winced at the word. He hadn't had very good luck with managers in the past, and he wasn't overly keen about the idea of hiring one again. "I don't need a manager, Liv. What I need is someone to take phone calls and go through my mail and sort my schedule and all that." He had never asked Liv to do anything he thought was beneath her, not even to ask her for a cup of coffee, until today.

"That isn't just what I do, Jon," Liv pointed out to him gently. "I take your calls, I sort your mail, I keep you on time, yes. But I also liaise with producers, directors, script-writers, and casting directors; I manage your accounts; I organize your security when you're out of town. And ....I think it might be too much for me." She felt horribly guilty just admitting to that, but Johnny was right - her husband and her children had to come first. They needed her fully functioning, and to do that, she had to admit that she wasn't the World's Best P.A., no matter how much Jon needed her to be.

Jon sighed and glanced at his coffee cup. He'd had a feeling this talk was coming sooner or later. Liv and Johnny had three kids with a fourth on the way - it was only a matter of time before she decided juggling work and home was too much for her. But he wasn't going to let his own needs take precedence over hers. He only hoped that, no matter what happened, they'd always be friends. He'd grown fond of her and of Johnny, and though they weren't really Grangers, they felt like family. "Okay, tell me what you need," he said as he looked back up at her, a concerned and caring look on his face.

Now that it came to it, Liv found it was much harder to actually tell him what her decision was. But at the forefront of her mind was her little boy, worried that she didn't love him anymore because she had snapped at the world in general. She couldn't let that happen again. Sighing softly, she turned fully to face Jon. "I need to go on leave, as of now," she admitted apologetically. "I'm sorry, Jon. I know it's sooner than I said I would, but I'm starting to crack, and I ....I don't want anyone to suffer because I'm not on form. And when I come back, I can't do everything I've been doing. I'd like to be just your P.A. again. I can keep you organized, but someone else needs to be steering your career. I'm so sorry."

He nodded his head, taking all that in. Put that way, he was far more concerned for her welfare than about keeping him organized. He could hire anyone to do that, but he didn't want to lose Liv entirely, if he could help it. In the end, it was her decision. "Liv, are you sure you want to keep working at all" Four kids is a lot to handle. You saw me this morning, and we only have two. I don't want you to make this decision based on what you think I want or need. You and Vicki are best friends. We're always going to be friends. You are the World's Best P.A., but I want what?s best for you." He sighed again, knowing all of this was partly his fault. "I should have hired someone to help you a long time ago. Ever since Fifty Shades, things have gotten crazy, and I just never thought about it much. I'm sorry. Whatever you need, whatever you want, just say so." He really wished she'd come to him sooner, but better late than never.

Liv couldn't help smiling. "Jon, how insane do you think I'm going to go if I commit myself to spending the next fifteen years essentially a housewife?" she asked him quietly. "I love my family, and I love my job. I would like to say, provisionally, that I will come back to work in the New Year. You don't have anything pressing apart from the theater, and you don't like working away over the holiday period anyway. It's an easy few months for Sol to get used to handling everything that comes with the job, and I'm sure he'll tell you if he needs help. I'll still be around if you absolutely need me, but for now, I need to concentrate on my family. I almost made a dreadful mistake yesterday, and I couldn't live with myself if I did it again. I need to slow down, right now. But that doesn't mean I won't be begging you to let me come back to work in a few months' time."

He wasn't quite sure what she was referring to, other than stress, but he knew as much as anyone what that was like, especially with a couple of small children underfoot. He would never forgive himself if he cracked and let them suffer because he was feeling the stress of too many commitments. It was why he was focusing on the theater these days, whether his fans were clamoring for another movie or not. He understood a lot more than she might give him credit for, but he still needed her to know that he was willing to let her have as much time off as she needed or wanted.

"Okay, let's do this ....Let me know when you're ready to come back, and we'll sort out what you want to do and what works for you. You can even work from home if you want." Though home was only a short walk away. "If you think it's too much, then I'll hire someone to help you, but you're always going to be the person in charge. Not Sol, not anyone else. You. Like you said, Sol can handle the outside stuff, but I'd really like to keep you on to help with my schedule. The truth is, I trust you, Liv. And after the debacle with Mason, I'm not sure I want another manager." Which was as good as saying he wasn't sure he trusted anyone else. The relief was palpable as Liv visibly relaxed. "Thank you," she told him, the sentiment heartfelt as she moved to hug him. "I'll give Sol the work cell and my password to your email account this afternoon. But I will be around, and if you desperately need me, I won't say no, I promise. I just, I need to be Liv, the mum and the wife, right now."

"And friend," he added with a warm smile, touched by her hug and by the fact that, despite her own problems and worries, she'd stepped right in to help with his. "I shouldn't keep you any longer. You have kids of your own to take care of, and I need to get used to being Mr. Mom."

"I've started now," she chuckled, catching the toast as it popped up. It took practice to be able to butter and slice toast into strips in barely a minute, but clearly that was practice she had already had. A minute or so later, and there were two plates ready for the children - one boiled egg each, and a small pile of soldiers to dip in them. "Now I'm finished," Liv teased warmly.

"Hmm, and nothing for me," he teased, his eyes sparkling with humor. He'd miss her for sure - like Vicki, she helped keep him on his toes - but it wasn't like he was never going to see her again. He wanted to ask her more, invite her to stay and keep him company for a while, but he knew she had three kids to take care of and another on the way, not to mention a husband who at this very minute was probably having this same talk with his own boss at the Fire Station. "You're a good friend, Liv. You and Johnny both. You know, anytime either of you needs anything, all you have to do is ask."

Liv chuckled, sorting out her own drink on auto-pilot. "Well, I wish I had some words of wisdom for you, but we're working backwards," she laughed, pouring the hot water into a small cup. "First a teen, then two smalls, and in a little over a month, a baby."

"Yeah, but at least, you had practice before you had a baby thrust at you!" he pointed out, unsure which way was harder. He couldn't imagine what it was like raising a teenager yet, and swapping diapers and bottles for hormones and boyfriends. Maybe their way was better, after all - one child at a time starting at birth. "Can you imagine how Gabi feels" I can't imagine having more than one baby at a time. She seems to handle it well though."

"Oh god, I couldn't imagine handling twins," Liv laughed, easing down at the table once again, drink in hand. "I have nothing but respect for anyone who can handle two identical tantrums in public places without losing their cool. Did she get engaged yet, or is it Dominic everyone is watching for that?"

"Yes, and yes," he replied as he cut into his sausage. "George proposed, but they're being very traditional about it. I think Gabi wants the twins to get used to the idea of having a stepfather before they get married. And I'm not sure what Dom is waiting for. I think he might be a little scared after what happened to Gwen." But that was just a guess. "Have you met Elle yet' I think you two would get along well."

"Uh, no, I don't think I have met Elle yet," Liv admitted, sipping her water. "I know that Daisy goes to school with Alex and Maria, though. We should probably meet up sometime." She smiled thoughtfully - there were so many Grangers to keep track of. "I did hear something about Cian getting a boat?"

"She's English," he told her bluntly, with a grin - just like her and Vicki. He was certain the three of them would get along famously. "Uh, yeah ....I'm not sure what?s going on with him exactly. He and Leilani don't seem to be too worried about jobs or money, so I assume they're doing well. They bought a boat and are building a house near the sea ....I think. But not at King's Cove. They're a little reclusive, to be honest." Or so he thought, anyway.

"Well, Johnny and I could be considered reclusive," Liv pointed out. "We don't go out much these days. Maybe they're still in their honeymoon period. It does last a while for some people, you know." Not that Liv would know from experience, but she'd heard a few things.

"Maybe," Jon admitted, though he wasn't too sure. He and Cian had made amends, but he still hadn't seen much of Cian and his bride since they'd officially gotten married a few months ago. "You know Lena and Jaz are due in December, right' We're gonna have babies coming out of our ears here!" He had segued away from Cian, not really knowing what to say there. He missed his sisters - both Lena and Dru - and secretly wished they still lived at the Grove, but they had to live their own lives and make their own decisions.

She laughed, discreetly stretching out her back. "The Christmas gathering is going to be merry, that's for sure," she smiled. There was a suspicion that perhaps some of the Christmas gathering was going to take place in a couple of the bedrooms, given just when Jaz and Lena were due, and she was secretly hoping to convince Lucy and Steve to spend Christmas on Rhy'Din this year so they could all go to the big house on Christmas Eve.

"It always is!" he replied with a laugh, as he finished his breakfast. They had remarked on just about everyone in the family, save for a few he wasn't sure Liv knew very well. "You and Johnny should come around more often. Humphrey has a standing invitation to Sunday dinner for anyone who's considered family. That would be you," he teased, reaching over to poke her in the shoulder.

"Well, I'll have to put that on the blackboard so we remember," she promised with a smile, glancing to the children once again. Ben was falling asleep on the table while Emily finished off what was left of his breakfast. Liv snorted with laughter. "I think I should leave you to it. You might get a few hours of peace."

Jon frowned over at his son, wishing Vicki was here to make sure he was all right, but he was pretty sure it was just a cold. "Poor little guy. He's such a good boy most of the time. I better put him in for a nap." What did they say about colds" Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids" Well, he'd drained his orange juice, anyway, and it looked like it was already time for a nap. "What do you say, Emmykins" Shall we tuck Benji in for a nap and watch Frozen ....again?"

Mouth full of toast, Emily grinned at her father. She wasn't that bothered about her brother being a bit sickly; it meant she got Jon all to herself for a while. "M'kay," she nodded cheerfully, belatedly remembering to turn to Liv with, "'nk you, Auntie Livvie."

Liv smiled, reaching over to tuck a red curl away from the little girl's face. "You are very welcome, Emily."

Jon arched a brow, secretly wondering why his little girl was being so quiet today. Hopefully, she wasn't coming down with something, too, but at least, it had given him time to talk to Liv and sort some things out. "All right, you are officially on maternity leave starting now, but that doesn't mean you should be a stranger!" he said, moving to his feet to clean the kids up before tucking Ben in for a nap.

"Oh, I won't, I promise," Liv chuckled, rising to her own feet. Force of habit made her put the plates and pan in the sink to soak, but she stopped herself from actually washing them up. "I need to go and walk Bella before she turns into the nutbag from hell, and I'll call Sol and let him know what he needs to know. Thank you for understanding, Jon."

He let her move about the kitchen, not bothering to scold her about cleaning up. He'd finish up after he laid Ben down, while Emily was coloring or watching a program, or maybe he'd let her help. "Thank you for telling me, Liv. You're as good as family, you know," he reminded her, not for the first time. She might have started out as his P.A., but they had since become good friends.

She'd known him longer than he'd known his wife, though Liv would never point that out. It had taken time, but she was finally no longer intimidated by Jon or Vicki, or their easy-going ways. It was a friendship she was very proud to say she had. "We'll have to have you over for dinner sometime," she heard herself say, and immediately giggled. The whole point of their talk was to lessen the work for herself!

"We'll order out," he suggested, matching her giggle with a laugh of his own. He saw the irony in her invitation and thought it would be quite a while before she and Johnny were throwing any dinner parties. "Give me a hug," he said, opening his arms to her before she could escape without one.

Shy though she might have been once around him, Liv wasn't any longer, moving easily to hug her friend and employer fiercely. She didn't even consider apologizing when the baby in her womb kicked him hard in the stomach for the squash it was subjected to in the process. "Take care, all right' And call me, if you need me."

He chuckled at the kick from the baby, letting them both know he or she was there - he'd experienced that often enough with his own wife during her pregnancies. He hugged her close for a moment, almost like a brother might to a sister before letting her go. "You do the same. There are two of you to think about now. Give the kids a hug for me, and say hello to Johnny. And make sure you let us know how things are going," he told her. He didn't promise to call her though; he was going try and get by on his own until she told him she was ready to come back to work.

"I will," she promised him, and it was a promise she intended to keep. Drawing away, she bent to kiss Emily's hair. "You be good for your Daddy, little madam, okay' Or I'll tell on you to Mummy." The three-year-old snickered at that threat, puckering up for a kiss of her own before Liv straightened again. "I'll see you later, Jon," she smiled, heading for the door. "Bye!"

Jon smiled as he watched her go, glad she had felt comfortable enough with him to come to him with her concerns. He'd have felt horrible if any harm had come to her or the baby because she'd been too afraid to come to him and ask for time off. But if that conversation had proved anything, it was this ....you didn't need to be the World's Best P.A. to have and hold a good friendship with the man who had pegged you with that title in the first place. First and foremost, the Storms were friends, and that was what really mattered.

With that done, Jon turned back to Emily and Ben to get on with their day, happy he'd been able to help Liv and she'd helped him in return. Wasn't that what friends were for"

((So Liv is now officially on maternity leave. This can only be a good thing, right' :grin: ))