Ryan and Raina

Chapter 5 Contentment

Ryan was still reeling from his meeting with the president. He wanted them to undertake some infrastructure projects in three different locations to support the local tourism. The president will introduce them to some investors, but he wanted them to manage them. He was so excited when they told him that RDJ managed a hospital. So they agreed to accept the project and scheduled a meeting with the president and the investors in three months time. 

"Are we crazy? " Darrell shook his head. "That's four hotels, a mall and three hospitals" The other two looked at each other. "The planned site for Royal Grand Suites Bali is already a running hotel, we're only rennovating and restructuring the staffs. The mall's site plan is ready, since we did think of it last year. All it took is the confirmation, payment, and we can start building. But Derawan, Berau and Raja Ampat is so far, and we do need to survey the place and make a plan before anything." Ryan said. "Darrell, James, you can start anytime, but I can't go outside the city forb at least another 6 weeks, then I have Jogja and Bali, honeymoon, before I can help with survey. But I can do some management from here." James and Darrell looked at each other, then took out their planners. 

"Okay, can you handle the hospital accreditation then? It's in three weeks. And you need to start talking to the hospital director to get a feeling about the other hospitals we planned. What about staffs?" "I think, offer promotion for the more senior staffs, but have this time for them to train their successors? I know some staffs here at Preston and the hospitals, otherwise, recruitments. But I think it's better done locally before we opened to public. I think we can go with the standard Grand Suites hotel for a start, if it worked, we can always upgrade it to Royal Grand Suites. " Ryan said absently while examining his schedule. "Darrell, that new game we planned for launching is on schedule, right? Because the launching is in two weeks, and we got this to think about. " Darrell nodded "all on track." "I'll handle the accreditation then. I need to call Jared, then I have dinner date with Raina and my father-in-law. " He stood up and went to his own office.

"Hi Jared" He greeted his older brother. "Ryan! How are you? How have you been? Settled in alright? Do you need me or Kate to be there? " Ryan laughed. Jared and Kate, his older sister were much older and they acted like parents to him. "No, but I do want to set up a meeting with you. I've got a mall ready to start building in around two months or so, a hotel to rennovate, three to build and three hospitals to build. Are you up to it?" "Are you serious?! Ryan, that's a lot of investments. Are you sure this is wise? " His brother asked worriedly. " It's still on the plan, Jared, we're getting investors for some of them. We only funded the mall and the hotel renovation for now, and it's still okay in my opinion."

"Well, if you're sure. I've got time on Friday morning. Meeting at Prescott?" "Uh huh, hey listen, I know dad wouldn't care, but mom would. So I'm getting married in two months" A splutter was heard at the other end of the phone. "Married? You? Why all of a sudden? Who's the lucky girl? I didn't even know you had a girlfriend." Jared grouched. "That's because I didn't. I was too focused on RDJ. But Raina is… well, she needed me." A long sigh was heard from Jared. "Ryan, don't you think that it's too hasty? " Ryan groaned "why did all of you ask the same thing? " "Well, that's good then, your friends cares for you. " His brother answered. "So do I. Marriage can't be build upon pity, you know, and it's quite different to be responsible upon yourself and with a family. "

"I know that. She just… I think she came at the right moment, and I do know her. I just thought, we got along alright, and love can grow, right? I like coming home to her and getting up together. She had a calming presence. " Jared was silent. "Ryan, is Raina pregnant? Is that why you're getting married so soon? " Ryan was silent for a while. "I'm only telling you this. Yes, she is pregnant but not with my child. Her ex boyfriend abandoned her. I have decided to take her as my wife, so her child will be mine. I'm telling you this now so that it doesn't become a problem in the furure."

It was Jared's turn to be silent. "Alright, you've think it through?" "Yes I have. " Ryan answered. "Okay then, you're an adult now. You already knew the risks and consequences, I can't force you to change your decision, but you'd better stick to it. Marriage isn't a game." Ryan nodded. "I will." His brother sighed long. "You've grown up, Ryan. Other than my concerns, I'm proud of you. It's not an easy thing to raise another man's child. But I know you can do it. Just like four years ago when you came to me with your grand idea about your friend's hotel. You've proved yourself then, and now I'm sure you will also succeed. " He smiled fondly. "I can't do it without you, Jared. You stood by me in my every steps. Thank you for your guidance." He said sincerely. "Congratulations for both your upcoming marriage and your project. I'll see you on Friday. " His brother closed the call. 

Raina was talking to her father at the hotel's lobby when he went down after showering. He gave her a kiss on the top of her head as a greeting. "Hi Ryan, how's it going? " Ryan smiled and took her hand in his. "We're planning some contracts with the government. I'll tell you later. Good evening dad, ready for dinner? " Harry laughed jovially. "Yes, yes. But son, is it okay if we go for some street food?" "Why not? There are some famous places around the hotel. I'll drive us there."

After dinner, the two of them said goodnight to her father and went back to their apartment. 

"Ryan, is it okay if i continue my study?" Raina asked as Ryan was working in his laptop. He raised an eyebrow and closed his laptop. "Are you sure? You're pregnant, you know? " She nodded. "I could miss a few class, but i talked with Isla and I want to do it together with her. Dad agreed too. He will cover my university fees." Ryan stared at her for a few moments. "Promise me to step back a little when you're overwhelmed. I don't want you to get too tired." Raina nodded excitedly. "You know that I can pay for your university right? " She nodded. "Dad said that it's his right as a parent, so you don't need to worry about it. You've already done so much for us." She patted her stomach cheerfully. 

Ryan chuckled in amusement and kissed the top of her head. "Oh, my brother Jared is coming on Friday. I have a meeting with him about work, but we'll have dinner with him. Is that okay? " Raina looked worried. "Uh, did he know… " "About your pregnancy? He guessed. But to be perfectly honest, so does Darrell and James. It's alright Raina. Jared is very adult about it. He gave me some warning about marriage and then congratulate me. You'll like him. " Ryan said as he let her snuggle to his chest while reopening his laptop. She doesn't know why she liked to snuggle with him so much, maybe her child recognise him as it's father even without blood ties and wanted to be closer to him. 

"Mmm… Ryan, Baby wanted you to rub my stomach." He looked at her in confusion. "Rub your stomach? " He shrugged and did so while searching for sites. "What are you working on?" She asked curiously. "I'm getting a feeling for some new sites. The President wanted us to build some tourism infrastructure in three new location. I'm researching it for Darrell and James. We'll join them after our honeymoon for survey and all." He said as he studied the pictures in front of him. "Hmm, they have some unique ethnicity… " He mumbled and typed some notes in his apps with one hand.

Raina no longer listen as the warmth and comfort from his rubs lulled her to sleep.