All About the Benjamins~

Z:Note:  I am following the rules of the Legacy Challenge.  HOWEVER, this story kinda took on a life of it's own.  Pictures are sometimes used out of order to tell the story.
But the #1 thing to remember - NO MONEY CHEATS to ADD to the household funds- 

like 'kaching', 'rosebud', or 'motherlode'. 

Actually, the only cheats I've used during this challenge has been 

'bb.MoveObjects' and 'money' but only to subtract

(used to get rid off the $20,000 that London brought when he moved in. 

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Chapter 6 - Makin' Bank~

It took a couple days for London to get out of his lease, so in that time the lovebirds decided to look for a double bed for Kiera's place... since they were definitely going to need it.   As soon as the bed was delivered, London moved in.
Kiera quickly realized that the house just wasn't big enough for two people.  With the bed, and her art supplies all over the place - it was so cramped.  Add to the fact that London had to spend hours at the local library filing reports for the company.  London was going to need a computer here at home, or they we never going to see each other!!  
The two of them talked it over, and although Kiera had a fair amount of simoleons saved up, London wasn't satisfied for her to flip the whole bill.  What little savings he had managed to save had been eaten up with the move and renting - and being an intern paid next to nothing.
"I know it's close quarters Kiera, but can we hold off until I get a serious placement within the company?  It may be less than ideal right now, but I'd like to contribute to the cost - and I've been told that I'll be offered a position soon."
"London!! That's fantastic!! .... If you really want to wait that bad, then I guess we can.  I mean, you're the one who will have to deal with the paint fumes - I'm used to it." Kiera scrunched up her nose.  "Not sure that's a good thing ..."
London laughed at her expression, pulled her into his arms, and kissed the scrunched up nose.  "I can deal Kiera.  I feel like I can handle anything right now."
A few days later London came home with a big smile on his face.
"Kiera, I am now officially working for The Simdelity Investment firm, they even gave me a cash bonus!!" 
Kiera was so proud of London, heck, he was proud of himself.  There were a lot of interns and not everyone was asked to join the company.

Over the next couple days Kiera and London finalized their ideas for the house expansion. An actual bedroom, for SURE.  
London felt that Kiera absolutely needed her own art studio.  Her work at the museum was a steady paycheck, and she loved it there, but her paintings were what truthfully brought the most money into the house.
Keira loved that London believed in her art so much.  He had even used his connections at the firm to get her a couple new clients.  But his work was important too. And Kiera really wanted him to be able to work from home - rather than going to the library almost every night.
"London, I think you should have your own office."
"Kiera, I really don't need it."
"London.  I'll have my own workspace... and I want this to be OUR home.  So you need your own space, within OUR home - to call your own."
London raised an eyebrow. He was starting to recognise that determined tone in Kiera's voice... "I'm not going to change your mind about this am I Kiera."
"Nope." Kiera smiled sweetly and picked up her phone to call the construction crew.

And with that, the little square shack got one step closer, to becoming a home. 
They were able to get London a computer, it was an old one, but it got the job done. Kiera painted some small paintings for the house.  
After all the construction was complete and London's office and Kiera's studio were set up, they made one last purchase.
And Kiera almost cried the day the table and chairs for the kitchen area were delivered.
The two finally felt as though they had a home could be proud of.  Ok, it wasn't the fanciest house on the block... but it had everything they needed.
And they were happy.  So very happy.

Most mornings they enjoyed having breakfast together. 
Their evenings were always busy. London doing extra work in his office and Kiera painting in her studio. The mornings were when they got to just hang out and enjoy each others company. 

With London's new schedule, for a little while they were even able to leave for work at the same time.  Although, that didn't last for too long.

Before they knew it, both of them got promotions! 

Kiera was becoming one of the most recognisable and talented artists in the area, and the museum wanted to hold on to her.  They gave her a new title, an office of her own, and a bigger paycheck.  Kiera was saving all the money she could and in the back of her mind ... she started planning a wedding.

London wasn't stuck in the mail room any more.  He didn't have an office of his own ... yet, but he was working closely with men and women who did.  Large, expensive, fancy offices.  He spent most of his time running around and doing all of their research... but that was ok.  He was learning.  And he was learning fast. He was becoming the go-to guy at the firm.

Unfortunately, their days off didn't often overlap.  

London spent his random time off work, working off some of the stress from the office.  He'd hit the gym whenever possible, or go for a jog... He liked jogging downtown, he saw some interesting people.  He had to admit though, the gym was a good place to network.  He'd run into some people from the office there.  He'd also met some guys that who were good for a laugh.  They'd hit the gym together, sometimes head to the bar afterward for a beer.  His one buddy, Don Lothario, was intrigued by his and Kiera's relationship.  He got how London fell in love with Kiera... but he just couldn't wrap his mind around the idea of getting married and spending the rest of your life with one person.  But then, Don lived with three women .. and from what London had heard... the Caliente women weren't the only women in Don's life.  That kind of lifestyle didn't appeal to London.  The two men were polar opposites, yet they were developing a great friendship.

London also liked to play around in Kiera's studio.  He'd always loved art.  He knew he'd never be as good a Kiera, it wasn't his calling in life.  But he did enjoy it ... and he liked being able to talk to her about.

Kiera spent her time off painting (as usual), puttering in her little garden, and doing a little exercise.  She also tried to make something special for dinner the nights she wasn't working... It seemed like she was happiest when she was creating something.  Whether it was a work of art, or a beautiful meal.
She was also thinking about her's and London's wedding... a lot.  She didn't want anything big.  Her family were all gone from this world. There was no one back in Lucky Palms that she wanted to attend.  London had mentioned that although his parents were happy for the both of them, they wouldn't be able to make the trip to Willow Creek.  London's parents had lived a hard life and were now paying the price. Money problems. Health issues. Even run in's with the law. London wasn't especially close to either of his parents it seemed...  
A friend of Kiera's, who was a talented - but struggling, clothing designer had offered to create a wedding dress for Kiera, and of course Kiera had accepted.  She was thrilled actually.  It would be a small wedding.  Most likely here at the house.  A few friends and colleagues. But the most important thing was that she and London would be married.  They didn't have a lot of free time at the moment.  But they decided that as soon as they had a few days off, they would get married.  Whoever was free to come that day would be welcome, but their priority, was each other.  The two of them wanted to make a commitment to one and other.

They wanted to start their family.

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^_^
I hear wedding bells...

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

A Man with a Plan

Chapter 5 - Never Saw it Coming

On her lunch break, Kiera decided to do a little shopping.  She didn't want to show up at London's wearing her work outfit and smelling like turpentine and paint fumes!  In the evening, she got off work an hour before London so that gave her time to get cleaned up... she ran to the gym down the block - where she had a membership, and used the shower there. An hour later she was walking up the steps to the house London was renting.

"Come on in Kiera, I'll be out in a moment", Keira heard London call out when she knocked on the door.
The house was small, but what could she say... it was nice.  A heck of a lot nicer than her own place.  Hell, at least he had a table, chairs... and a stove!  She was really looking forward to making something special for them tonight.

Who was she kidding... it'd be nice just to have something that wasn't salad.

So, Kiera started unpacking the groceries she'd brought with her.  She hoped London liked what she had planned for dinner.  She'd been reading alot lately about gourmet cooking techniques and she'd decided to make Herb Encrusted Salmon on a bed of rice with fresh veggies.  It sounded fancy... but not TOO fancy.  She checked in the refrigerator and sure enough, London had remembered the bottle of white wine she had texted him, and asked him to pick up on his way home.
Now all she had to do was get to cookin!!

London was in his room, he had a call from the office and had to deal with it then, so that it didn't ruin the night and the weekend. Now he was staring into the mirror... giving himself a pep talk.
Kiera was here.  In his house.  Cooking him dinner.
Was he wrong to think that she might want to spend the night?

Didn't matter, he had his own plans for tonight... a little walk down by the beach where they'd shared their first kiss.

Where she'd stolen his heart.

London gave himself a wobbly smile in the mirror, patted his jacket pocket, and made his way to the kitchen.

Coming around the corner London saw Kiera..

Do guys melt?  Cuz that's the way he felt when he saw her.  She was always so beautiful. "Kiera, you look gorgeous... and dinner smells great!!"

Kiera turned around and lit up.  Being around London always made her feel so good.  He looked so handsome tonight!  Maybe he thought tonight was special too!
"Thank you handsome, and I hope it tastes as good as it smells!!"  She walked into his arms and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek...  She couldn't let herself get to distracted by him, she had to make sure dinner was fantastic... London deserved fantastic.

Dinner was absolutely delicious!!  Kiera gave herself a mental high five.  YES!
The two chatted as they ate.  There was laughter, and long looks.  They just got along so well!  Kiera found herself Thanking her parents, her Grams, Alice ... everyone who could be connected with her coming to Willow Creek - And then she Thanked everyone who brought London here too.  Honestly, he felt like her destiny... and she knew how sappy that sounded... but she also knew it was true.  She could see them getting married one day.

After dinner they moved to the loveseat and finished their wine.

"Kiera, I know we said we'd watch a movie tonight, but I was thinking ... It's a really beautiful evening, nice and warm - I'd love to walk down to the beach with you." London asked.

Was it her imagination... or did London sound... nervous?  Was he thinking about what might happen if they stayed here?  She was a little nervous herself and a walk might be exactly what they needed to burn off some of this anxious energy.

Kiera smiled and said the words she had said so many times in the month she'd known him.  "I'd love to, London."

The evening had been perfect so far.  They walked hand in hand along the boardwalk, the moon was full and bright.  There was a warm breeze.  There weren't many people around... it was like they had the night all to themselves.

When they got to an especially pretty spot, London stopped them.

"Kiera..  I love you.  I've never known anyone as lovely as you.  I'm so very grateful I bumped into you that night.  This past month has been the best of my life."

"London, I feel the same.  I love you too.  When I think about the things that happened in my life before coming here, since coming here... if I had to go through that, in order to meet you - be with you... then .. you make it worth it."

London was suddenly overcome with the realization that he and Kiera were in love. Really, truly, deeply in love.  They both loved each other with the same intensity... it made what he was going to do next much simpler.  As simple as breathing really.

"Kiera, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Will you marry me?"

Kiera was shocked!?  Oh my GOD!  This wasn't what she thought was going to happen tonight!! Marry Him!?  She put her hand to her chest and she could feel her heart beating a mile a minute. She couldn't breathe!! What happened to all the air?!? What should she say... She loved him...

She loved him.

What else could she say...

As she looked into London's beautiful blue eyes she felt her heart beat calm, and she could breathe again.

"I'd Love too, London!"

As they walked back to London's place, arm in arm and smiling like fools.  They decided that London would move in with her.  He was only renting afterall, and Kiera owned the land her little shack was on.  London didn't care about the size of the house.  He was going to be living with the woman he loved.  His fiancee,  his future wife!!

They were still grinning like idiots when they decided to take advantage of the double bed.  

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^_^
OOOooOOO... FINALLY!!

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

What Are We Waiting For?

Chapter 4 - The Heart Wants, What It Wants

As the kiss ended, the two realized there was something real between them.  But even so, Kiera was nervous.  She liked London..... liked him a LOT.  But the fact was, they had just met tonight.

The moment Kiera had snuck that surprise kiss on him, he knew he was a gonner.  Now, looking at her, he could tell she was afraid he'd expect more.  

The truth was ... he did want more.

The truth was.... he was freakin' out a little himself.  It's not everyday you meet the woman you know you're going to marry.... and he KNEW he and Kiera would spend the rest of their lives together.
The whole thing was overwhelming and more than a little terrifying.  Earlier tonight, he was lovin life - just starting fresh in a new town.  A new job.  He was renting a house of his own.  He had come out tonight just hoping to meet some cool people.  He hadn't been looking for, or expecting to find the love of his life.
Did this kinda thing really happen?

Was Kiera thinking the same way?  Is that why she was looking a little scared suddenly?  Or was it something else... was she scared because she wanted more too? Or was she scared because she was regretting kissing him?!

Oh God!  Did his breath stink?!

Kiera was watching London with amusement.  She wasn't sure if he realized it, but he had a very open face and she could tell just by looking at him that he was now, feeling just as nervous as she was.  

Did Love at first sight really exist?

Kiera reached out to touch London's face.  "London, I really have to go.  I have work later... I need to at least try to get some sleep.  Do you think.... ummmm... that is.... could I call you later?"

London smiled... and let out the breath he wasn't aware he was holding.  "Yah Kiera.  I don't have to work today, so call me.  Definitely."

As London watched the cab Kiera was in, disappear around the corner.  He wondered if she was going to have as much trouble sleeping, as he knew he would. 

~♥~

Over the next few days.  Kiera and London we're busy.  With their jobs that is..A new exhibit had to be set up at the museum - so between the late hours Kiera was working.... and all the overtime London was expected to 'volunteer' because he was just an intern... the two of them were exhausted every night.  They did talk in the evenings though.  They called each other every night and chatted about their day, about each other... getting to know each other a little more with every conversation.  And they talked about where they'd like to go when they could actually spend some time together.

With her work, Kiera was a machine.  She was getting much better with her painting... actually making some decent money from sales.  Add to the money she was making everyday at work, she was building her bank account.  Sometimes she thought about hiring the construction workers to expand her little home, but although it was small.. she was content.  The one improvement she did make was getting some siding installed.  

London would also show up a Kiera's place to surprise her.  She'd be home from work long enough to take a shower and grab something to eat, and then there'd be a knock on her door, or a call, asking her if it was cool to stop by.  Those were the best days.  The ones when they didn't just talk on the phone, but actually got to see each other - even if it was only for a little while. London was being a gentleman.  They'd talk, flirt.  Maybe kiss a little... but he never tried to push her to do more ... 
But Kiera was starting to think that she'd like to do more.

One day when London had come to visit her, she asked him if he had plans the next day. When he told her he didn't, she asked if it would be alright for her to stop by.
To be honest she hadn't been to London's place yet and she was more than a little curious.
Kiera told London that she'd like to cook him dinner, that maybe they could just have a nice, quiet night in - maybe watch a movie or something.
London was thrilled at the idea that Kiera wanted to spend the evening cuddled up on his sofa... but if she was coming over, he needed to tidy up the place a little.
London leaned over and kissed Kiera, gently running his fingers down her cheek.  "I'll see you tomorrow Kiera."

The next morning when Kiera set off for work, she had a definite spring in her step.  It was Friday and she and London both had the weekend off.  She was going over to London's place directly from work... She had a plan.  A little dinner.  A little conversation.  A little snuggling on the couch while they watched something romantic.  If she got the mood right, she was hoping to spend the night.  London was being a complete gentleman, which was one of the things she loved about him.
Yes, Love.
She was head over heals in Love with London Grier, and she knew in her heart that London was in Love with her.  What was the point in waiting?
What in the world were they waiting for?

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Hmmmm....  Kiera seems to know what she wants.

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

Serendipitous~

Chapter 3 - Goin' for it!

A moment or two slipped by when Kiera suddenly realized she was just simply standing there, and had yet to say anything.  London was starting to look at her as though maybe he shouldn't have introduced himself..
"It's a pleasure to meet you London, I'm Kiera Stokes." She managed to speak! ... if a little formally... and she reached out to shake the hand he was offering.  "Are you from around here London?" she asked.
London smiled at her, and there they were again... those butterflies.  "No, actually Kiera, I moved here yesterday from a town on the west coast called Sunset Valley. You?"   

London thought Kiera was beautiful... no doubt.  But he had known beautiful girls in school, they had a way about them ... but Kiera seemed different.  She seemed more "real" ... and he thought it was adorable that she seemed to forget she was still holding his hand.

For the next several minutes the two simply stood outside the club, talking. 
Kiera found herself easily telling London about moving to Willow Creek, ... Wow, only a week ago!! London explained that he had moved there to accepted and internship with a company that would hopefully allow him to get some hands on experience with how a business should operate.

London asked Kiera if she would join him inside for a drink and the smile she gave him did funny things to his heart.  "I'd love too" she said.
Inside, after grabbing a drink, the two found a little sofa away from the rest of the crowd and continued talking...
and laughing...
As the evening melted away, Kiera was having a hard time remembering the last time she had felt this comfortable being around someone.  She told London about her Grams, even about her parents!!  About her hard living when she first arrived in town.  About the success that she had had with her job so far.  About her hopes for the future.
London was wondering what he had done to deserve meeting a woman as lovely and down to earth as Kiera. As he listened to her he was amazed by how much strength this woman had.  He told her about his life growing up in Sunset Valley.  About how money hadn't been in abundance when he was growing up, about his parents constant struggle to provide, and how because of that, he felt driven to be able to call himself financially successful. He wanted to work his way up through the ranks and to one day become an Investor.  He'd like to be able to one day, provide a good life to his own family.  

Slowly the distance between the two had disappeared.  To the others in the club, the two looked like a couple that were deeply in love.  No one would have guessed that they had only meet hours before.

Suddenly, the bartender was calling last call.
It was almost 2:30am.
They had spent the whole evening completely wrapped up in each other.
And neither seemed that fond of saying goodnight quite yet.
"Would you like to get some fresh air, Kiera?" London asked.
Kiera gave him that lovely smile again and took his hand.  "I'd love too, London."

Across the street from Solar Flare there was a lovely little area overlooking the ocean. The two made their way over to the fountain, and there conversation and connection easily continued... and deepened.  As the night started to come to an end.  Kiera realized that she definitely wanted to make sure that London knew how she felt.  A couple times during the evening London had touched her in little ways.  Taking her hand, or brushing her arm while they talked.  Reaching out to brush her hair back behind her ear.  He had let her know that he was interested in her... and now she needed to do the same.

"London, I've had a wonderful time tonight."
London's smile was warm and genuine.  "I have too Kiera... I hope we can see each other again sometime very soon."
Kiera again found herself saying "I'd love too."
They exchanged numbers and then Kiera leaned in and asked London if she could have a pic of the two of them together. 

"One to mark the night we met!  That's a great idea Kiera."
They leaned into one and other to take the selfie... Kiera felt her heart beat speed up... 
and after the shot was taken, and they slowly pulled apart...

Kiera simply turned her head, and kissed London.
London didn't seem to mind at all....

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KIERA!!  You MINX!!!  You go girl!! :D

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

Working for the Weekend.... Loverboy?!

I forgot to give Kiera's Stats last time:

• Aspiration:  Painter Extraordinaire
• Base Traits:  Family Oriented, Creative and Foodie  :}

Chapter 2 - Hard Days Night, after Night, after Night.

The next few days seemed to fly by.  
Everyday, Kiera got up and rushed to get ready for work. Spent eight hours at the museum working her but off.  Came home exhausted and tense...  She would have loved to have gone out to have a little fun in the evenings.... but she was just SO tired.  The little time she had after work, she used it to scope out the area for things she could sell to make just a little more money.  She worried about how long it would take for her to get a promotion... she wasn't getting any practice at painting - she couldn't afford painting supplies yet.
And then her luck started to change.
She got her first promotion!!  OK... granted it was only a couple extra dollars an hour - but the small bonus the museum gave her made it possible for her to buy an easel and a small radio from the "New to You" shop.  She was still tired though, and her evenings were now spent making yet ANOTHER salad, and working on painting techniques.  

She had arrangements made with the local gallery - they collected all kinds of art from a range of artists in the community.  And they Thankfully saw something in Kiera, and had decided they wanted to collect all her early work.... better yet, they'd pay her for it. The better she got, the more they'd pay ... so she had incentive to work herself hard.
And so more days passed.
Work. Eat. Paint. Sleep.

She decided to start a small garden to do something to break up the monotony.  It helped... a little.  It gave her something to focus on, other than work.  But she made a decision, no matter what, she was going to have a little fun this weekend!!
And then something she wasn't expecting to happen - happened.
For the second time that week, she was called into the Director's office.  He was very pleased with how hard she'd been working this week.  She was developing a style of her own, he said.  And to show how much they believed in her, they were giving her another promotion!! Two promotions in one week!!!

But more importantly....

WALLS!!!! She could finally afford to hire a contractor to build a small simple structure. She left the Directors office and before the door had a chance to close, she was on the phone, finalizing the agreement.  It was still early in the day, and given the size and simplicity of what she need from them... they told her they'd have it built by the time she got home. 

When she got home that night, there it was... as promised.  The  construction crew had even moved all her belonging inside!!  The outside wasn't finished yet (though the inside had a very basic coat of paint, and they had laid a cheap plank flooring).... and it was little more than a box - but it was home. She finally had a roof over her head and a DOOR!!

Time to CELEBRATE!!  Heck Yah!!  She was gonna check out that sweet looking lounge over in the next county, Oasis Springs - What was it called... The Solar Flare or somethin'? Anyway, Kiera made herself a quick bite to eat, had a shower and got all dolled up.

She had just arrived at Flare. She was getting out of the cab when HE bumped into her.
The two of them started to say something.... and just, stopped, and stared.
After a moment he finally said, "I hope I didn't hurt you, but I can't exactly say I'm sorry I bumped into you..... my name is London - London Grier."

Kiera had dated in high school.  She had heard other girls talk about having butterflies when they met a boy they liked.  But it had never happened to her.

Until now.

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Thanks for reading~
This is fun.... I might update more often.
Wizard of Roz - OUT!