Serena was proud of herself.
Four months pregnant and no meltdown. She had been extra patient with the boys, willing to cut herself some slack on her lacking Martha Stewart and B. Smith abilities, and had even considered taking on a few consulting assignments, to keep her hand in the business world and bring in some extra income.
Having Misha around had been a joy. Serena had never spent this much time with her goddaughter. Misha was like a big sister to Jacob and Jaden, helping supervise their indoor playtime and reading them stories, along with making them play along with her imaginary school sessions or tea parties. Seeing her rough-and-tumble sons try to practice tea etiquette had been one for the scrapbooks.
Today, though, Kami had come by at just the right time.
One of the boys had poured his cereal on his brother, Misha was cranky from staying up late the night before to wait for Tawana to return home, and the washing machine had gone kaput. Kami showed up on her way home from the dentist and offered to help. Serena had literally shoved her dishtowel into her younger sister's hands.
"Don't worry about the clutter in the sink—just watch the kids," she said, praying that Kami wouldn't protest. "I need some fresh air. Right now."
She was circling the block at a leisurely pace for the second time when she spotted Mrs. Brown, the retired teacher who lived a mile away and had babysat Aaron for her during his infancy.
Serena waved and crossed the street to say hello. Mrs. Brown was pulling two toddlers in a red wagon. She gave Serena a hug.
"You look beautiful!" said the stately woman. "And I see you have a little bun in the oven. When are you due?"
Serena rubbed her stomach. "December, and I have two boys already—twins."
Mrs. Brown's eyes widened. "Oh my goodness, no! How old are they? And how is my sweet little Aaron?"
The little girls climbed out of the wagon and knelt beside Mrs. Brown to pluck flowerlike weeds from the cracks in the sidewalk.
The difference in genders, Serena thought. My boys would have crushed and smushed those weeds instead.
"Jacob and Jaden are two; they'll be three in December," Serena answered. "Aaron is doing great. He turned four in April and is as smart as a whip, thanks in part to you."
Mrs. Brown clapped her hands. "That is such wonderful news. And he's back with his mother?"
Serena nodded.
"Erika lives here with him now. All is well."
"We live only a mile apart; it's surprising that I haven't seen you out walking before," Mrs. Brown said. "I watch these little cousins here now, and I usually take them out on nice days, in the mornings before it gets too steamy."
Serena looked sheepish.
"I'm only taking this walk to have some quiet time. I really should get out more with the boys. It's just that with the housework, keeping them busy, keeping on top of everything else ..."
Her voice trailed off and Mrs. Brown nodded. "Like your sanity?"
Serena smiled in embarrassment.
"I fully understand, Serena. These days, you moms try to do it all, but it's okay to have some help every now and then. You know what, why don't you bring the boys over one day a week so they can spend some time with me and give you a few hours to yourself, just to do nothing but relax or pamper Serena?"
Serena was taken aback. "How thoughtful of you to offer. I guess I hadn't thought about needing a sitter when I'm home all day. I'll check with Micah and see if it's in our budget."
Mrs. Brown smiled. "Check with him if you'd like, but this is my gift to you. There's no charge. Bring the boys over one day a week, the same day each week, for up to six hours.
"With a new baby on the way, and them so young, you've got to take care of yourself."
Serena protested. "Mrs. Brown, you can't work for free!"
She grasped Serena by the shoulders. "Let me handle my business, okay? When I was a young mother, people opened their hearts to me. I'm just sharing my gift of caring for children with you. When you're older and have more time, you pass it on in your own unique way.
"Do you remember where I live?"
Serena nodded. "Your phone number too."
"Call me. I can't wait to meet the twins. Tell the rest of the crew I said hello."
When Mrs. Brown rounded the corner and was out of view, Serena looked heavenward.
Thank you for the angel visit today, Daddy. I needed that.