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“What are you suggesting?” Conrad asks.
“Well, I have two suggestions, actually. We have the second floor that we’re not currently using. I say we convert the entire floor to a day care. We would do intense backgrounds on all workers, and our kids would be here with us all day long. I’m thinking video cameras everywhere, extra security on the doors and windows,” he rambles. “Mom and Dad can have unlimited access to come and see the kids, or even choose to keep one or more of them some days. But it won’t be something they feel like they have to do. They can enjoy retirement and being grandparents.”
“I like it,” Owen says, sitting up in his chair.
“Would this just be for Riggins' children or anyone who works in this building?” I ask as my wheels are turning.
“I say we open it to all employees. Offer them a discounted rate on childcare,” Royce says.
“We could do payroll deduction,” Grant adds. “Make it even easier for them.”
“Why don’t we just offer free day care for all Riggins employees in this building?” Owen asks. “We don’t need the money, and we can use the deduction as a tax write-off.”
“You’re the numbers guy, O. If you think that’s feasible, then I’m good with it,” Conrad tells him.
“Me too,” Grant says.
“Me three,” I agree.
“Let’s do it.” Royce grins.
“I have someone we can hire,” I blurt as my wheels begin to spin. Wren is an incredible mother, and I have no doubt she would be the same with other children. She would be a Riggins employee and could bring Madeline and get free childcare. That would free her up financially. She said day care is a huge chunk of her pay. Hell, maybe she can run it?
“Who?” all four of my brothers ask at the same time.
“Wren.” I go on to tell them her financial situation, swearing them to secrecy. I also tell them about her background in early childhood education. I don’t know if her certifications are up to date, but that should be easy enough to do if not. At least I think it will be. I make a mental note to check into it.
“Sounds like she’s qualified,” Grant comments.
“I thought she was a nurse’s aide?” Conrad asks.
“She is. She couldn’t find work, so she took a twelve-week CNA program when she was pregnant with Maddie. She needed a job close to home since she sold her car.”
“Damn,” Owen mutters.
“Bring her on,” Royce says. “She can help us set it up. Our wives can help too. Wren is a mom, and we could use her input. I know our wives would agree. They’ve grown quite fond of her.”
“They’re not the only ones.” Grant smirks.
“She’s cool.” I nod. “And thanks. I’ll run this by her and see what she says.”
“No.” Royce shakes his head. “Let Aspen do it.” He looks at Conrad. “Can you get Aspen to handle it? I feel as though it will be better received coming from her than a handout from Marshall.”
“I hate to admit it, but I think you’re right,” I agree.
“It’s settled,” Owen speaks up. “I like the idea of my boy being close. With Layla and me working here, I know she will as well.” His smile is wide. Layla and Carter really have softened my big brother.
“What was the other thing?” Grant asks.
Royce smiles. “I think we should use the extra space on the bottom floor for Warm Delights.” He looks at Grant and then Conrad. “We could have them close, and let's face it, all five of us stop there almost daily. We could have them in-house for meetings, etc. Plus, I know that Owen and I love working so close to our wives. I could only imagine that the two of you will as well.”
“Hell yes.” Conrad grins.
“I’m not going to say no to that.”
“We currently have three elevators. I want one dedicated to the day care only. I want to install a code, so if you don’t have the code, you’re not going up. The other will take you to any floor except for ours and the second where the day care is.”
“Can we do that?” Grant asks.
Royce laughs. “If we throw enough money at it, we can. The third elevator will go directly to our floor. The receptionist will have to enter a code to send up visitors, and all will be announced.”
“Why the extra security all of a sudden?” I ask.
“Well, with having the kids here, I was thinking we could take that huge storage room at the end of the hall that we never use and make it a nursery of sorts. If we want time with our kids, we can have a place with just family. Also, as they grow older, we can let them run around and not worry about anyone grabbing them.”
