Then came Jon's birthday. It had been decided to have it at his grandparents' home so that all of the family could attend. Thomas had informed Bev that the protective order had been suspended, this time for good but that Chuck would ask for reinstatement if she did anything that would make Chuck feel threatened. This time the evidence would be made official police business instead of being held by Mark and Terri Jenkins and she could face charges if the District Attorney chose to do so. Bev had readily agreed to the terms.
The party went off without a hitch. Chuck had rented a bounce house for the kids to play in and a tent for the back yard. Parents were invited to stay with their kids at the party. Some adult beverages were enjoyed by them while the kids gorged on sugar. Chuck bought his son an R/C car and Jeff figured he would get a twin on his birthday as they fought good naturedly over who was going to pilot it around the driveway.
Bev was trying her best to be a coquette and entice her husband to her side. Darcy was keeping to the background and just acting as the nanny which is how Bev introduced her to any strangers. A number of men, who didn't know of the Endo's living arrangement, made some quiet comments about how Chuck was so lucky to be living with such a hot wife and a hot nanny. Chuck just smiled and kept any of his own thoughts to himself. It was a birthday party for a nine year old after all. The dirty laundry didn't need to be aired there.
One of the highlights for the adults was Chuck's unveiling of his plans for the park. It had been hinted at in the newspaper but no official pronouncement was made at the time. He had his architect change the original house plans to include 9 foot ceilings and changes in wiring and plumbing to allow the conversion of the house to a public building when Chuck was through with it.
Bev was as surprised as anyone present about the plan for the park and its location. She immediately realized why the distance was present between the park and her house. She looked at her husband questioningly but he gave her a reassuring smile and silently promised to explain later.
Everyone there then congratulated Bev and Chuck on their ability to do such a philanthropic thing that would benefit the entire city in some way. Some asked if they could contribute as they were all living in that area. Chuck let them know that there was going to be a need for labor to build parts of the complex if anyone couldn't give money to the project.
All in all it was a good day. For the most part Chuck and Bev could put their differences behind them and enjoy the day for Jon's sake if not for everyone else's. Even William was able to be civil to his daughter and didn't pull rank as the homeowner and bar Darcy from the festivities.
After the last child and parent left the Willis's then provided sandwiches and drinks to the Endo's and Darcy. The boys were starting to droop from the afternoon of fun and frolic so Darcy volunteered to take them home and put them to bed. There was no dissenting comment from anyone.
After Darcy left with the boys Bev sat with her parents and her husband and asked more questions about the park. One of them concerned financing. It was the one low point of the day. "Where is all the money coming from to do this? It is a great idea and the whole area will be happy for it but what is it costing?"
She looked at her husband. "I was under the impression that you didn't get much profit from the sale of the invention. Was I wrong?"
Chuck shrugged his shoulders. "Yes, and no. Yes, in the sense that I don't have very much money. I have not gotten a raise from work recently and have extra expenses in maintaining a separate household." He immediately raised his hand to stop her rebuttal.