Chapter Four: Chaos

Alec

“Your bedrooms better be picked up,” I yell as I make my way down the hallway. I walk in Raelynn’s room and it is spotless. She is sitting on her bed playing with her Barbie doll. “Wow, Rae, it looks great in here. Thank you.” 

“Thank you, Daddy, and you’re welcome. James and I helped each other clean our rooms.” 

I look around the room and everything is put away. Even the toy box is out of view. I look on the dresser and there isn’t anything on there. No lamp, no books, no toys, nothing. I walk into James’ room and he is sitting on the floor playing with his train. “Good job, James. Your room looks wonderful.” I think to myself, It’s clean, almost too clean. 

“Thank you, Alec. Rae helped me.”

In James’ room everything is put away. Nothing is on his nightstand or dresser. No toy box, no toys scattered about, nothing. 

“Hey, James, it looks fantastic in here,” Emma says as she walks into the room. She looks around the room and looks over at me. She gets on her hands and knees and looks under the bed. When she stands up, she says, “Um, James, where is everything? 

“Rae and I put everything in the closet.”

I walk over to the closet with her and she slowly opens the closet door. When nothing falls out, she opens the door wider. Inside the closet is everything he owns but the dresser, night stand, and his bed. His clothes are still in the boxes and the boxes are piled in his closet. The toy box and all of his toys are also in there.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to check Rae’s room again,” I say. 

“I think that’s a good idea,” she says as she starts removing items from James’ closet.

I walk into Rae’s room and she is getting something from inside her overstuffed closet. “What are you trying to get, Rae?” I ask. 

“I’m trying to get my pajamas.” 

“Where are they?” I walk over and open her closet door wider. 

“In one of these boxes,” she says innocently.

“I thought I asked you to put your things away?” 

“I did, Daddy. James and I put everything away in here.” 

“Here, let’s put everything away where they need to be.” 

When Raelynn and I get everything put away, we walk in James’ room. Emma and James are sitting on the bed unpacking all the boxes. “The next time when we tell the kids to put their things away, can you remind me to say, ‘Put them away where they belong’?” I ask, trying hard not to laugh.

“Ok, I will.”

After the kids bathe and have a snack before bed, Emma tucks in James and I tuck in Raelynn. Then I tuck in James, and she tucks in Rae. It was much easier when the kids shared a room. I walk into the bedroom and Emma is pulling back the covers on the bed. “I need to shower before work tonight.”

“I almost forgot about you working nightshift tonight.” Emma walks over to me and hugs me. 

“This is my last week at the hospital. Next Monday, I’ll be on dayshift at the office.” 

“It’ll be nice to sleep with you every night.” Emma stands on her tiptoes to kiss me.

“Yes, it will. This is actually my last nightshift,” I admit.

“That’s good, I miss you when you’re gone.” 

“Emma? Are you scared to stay here tonight?” It just dawned on me that this is her first night in the new house alone.

“No, not scared, just lonely. It’s a much bigger house than mine was,” she says.

“I’ll set the alarm when I leave and I’ll make sure the gate is also locked,” I say, not fully believing that she is lonely.

I finish up my three-week notice at the hospital. The kids both started school and Emma leaves tonight to go to the book signing with Brooke in Destin, Florida. “Do you have everything you need?” I ask. 

“I think so. I can’t believe Brooke is writing a book, and I really can’t believe I’m going with her to a book signing.” 

“This is heavy. What’s in here?” I ask, as I lift up Emma’s suitcase. 

“My clothes and some books.” 

“Books?” I ask. 

“A lot of great authors will be there. I already own their books so I want to get them signed.” 

“What do they call that? Fan… something?” 

“Fangirling?” she says. 

“That’s it. My girl’s fangirling this weekend.” I laugh.

“Don’t laugh. You should see the list of authors that’s going to be there. DB Jones, ML Steinbrunn, CM Hutton, David Bruce, Arden Aoide, Alice Clayton, Savannah Grey, and Brenda Kennedy, to name a few.” 

I try hard not to laugh. “They do sound like rock stars.” 

“Come on, let’s go. I want to get there early enough to enjoy the boat,” Brooke yells up the stairs. 

“Come on, fangirl. Let’s not keep the future author waiting.” I laugh as I grab her luggage and her hand.

Once everything is loaded up in the car, I ask Emma and Brooke, “Are you sure you have everything you need?”

“I think so,” Emma says as she looks around. 

“Brooke, do you have the directions to the hotel?” 

“We’re not staying in a hotel. I made reservations to stay on a houseboat,” she says, smiling. 

“You did?” Emma says excitedly.

“What kind of houseboat?” I ask with concern etched on my face. 

“This man posted it on Craigslist. Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s fine.” 

“Brooke, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” 

“Relax, Al. I’m kidding. I rented it through the Hilton. It’s fine, and besides Brice already checked it out. Now can we go? I want to get there before dark.” 

“Emma, call me when you get there, and Brooke, don’t call me Al.” 

Brooke

“Al, you’re sexy when you’re mad. Kiss your girlfriend so we can go. We’ll see you on Sunday.” 

I pull out of the driveway and Emma looks over at me. “Why do you do that?’ 

“Do what?” 

“Mess with him like that?” 

“Because it’s fun and he is sexy when he’s mad,” I say, laughing. 

Emma and I talk non-stop on the drive to Destin. We pull over at the rest area to call and check on the kids when they get home from school. Once we know they are fine, we hit the road again. We check in at the hotel first and then walk down to the houseboat that is docked in the water behind the hotel.

“Brooke, this place is amazing.” 

I look around; it is small and cozy. “I knew when I saw it online that we had to stay here.” 

“It’s just so cute. I’m surprised that Brice didn’t want to stay here with you,” Emma says.

“He did — well, he said he did. But if I didn’t stay here this time, I would probably never get another chance.”

Emma looks sad and says, “Brice won’t come back here with you?”

“No, Emma. He may say he will, but he won’t. Don’t be sad, I’m ok with that. This is just something you and I get to experience together.” 

“Good, I love it. I’ll come back with you whenever you want.” 

“Good, I may hold you to that.” 

“What time is the book signing tomorrow?” Emma asks. 

“It’s 11 to 4. I bought us VIP tickets, so we’ll get to go in to the signing an hour before the general ticket holders. There is also a meet and greet tonight at the hotel where the authors are staying if you want to go to that.” 

“I’m your guest. I’ll do whatever you want to,” Emma says, yawning.

“I kind of want to stay here and relax tonight and then we can hit the signing up hard tomorrow,” I say, yawning, too.

The next morning we have our coffee and bagels outside on the houseboat while sitting at the small bistro table facing the water. Although the houseboat is tied to the dock, it still feels like we are floating in the middle of the water. Because the houseboat belongs to the hotel, we are able to order room service. We take turns getting ready in the small restroom for the book signing. I wait for Emma to collect all of her books she wants to get signed. “It’s a good thing we have VIP tickets because I think you’ll need that extra hour,” I say, nodding at all the books on the table.

Emma laughs, “I can’t help it. I already owned the books, so I didn’t see the need to purchase them again here.” 

“I understand. Do you want help?” 

“No, I got it. Thanks anyway,” Emma says as she tosses the canvas bag, holding the books, over her shoulder. 

We wait in line with the other VIP ticket holders. I swear Emma is just as excited as I am. “This place is packed. It’s a good thing I brought my own books. They might sell out of them.” 

“I hope not. I was planning on buying my books here. I’ll be pissed if they sell out.” 

The doors open and everyone in line squeals. They collect our tickets and hand us a seating chart of where the authors are sitting. Emma and I have the same taste in books, so I know we’ll be heading in the same direction.

Once we are inside the very large room, everyone scatters in different directions. Long lines are already forming at some of the tables. Emma and I get excited when we see CM Hutton. I love her books, especially Paradise Taken. We wait in line, and Emma gets in her bag and pulls out the book she needs signed. We talk briefly and get our pictures taken with her. I am pleasantly surprised she is as nice as I thought she would be. I buy one of her books and she signs it for me. I also talk to her briefly about writing and publishing and she is very helpful. Before we leave, CM Hutton asks Emma if she wants her to sign her bag. Emma looks shocked and then thinks that is a great idea.

We stop at Savannah Grey’s table. Emma pulls out her book Coming Home as we wait in line to see her. She is so sweet and nice. We take turns and get our pictures taken with her. I buy one of her books, Playing for Keeps, and as she signs it, I take some book swag she has scattered around her table. Emma also has her sign her bag, too. I once read that Savannah Grey also collects signed paperbacks from other authors she signs with. I actually heard that after the book signings, the authors go around and exchange their books that didn’t sell with other authors.

ML Steinbrunn is next. Emma digs into her bag and pulls out ML Steinbrunn’s book Forgive Us Our Trespasses. We anxiously wait in line to get our books signed. ML Steinbrunn is sweet and kind. Emma asks her how her newborn son is, and ML is shocked that Emma knows that fact about her. Emma explains that she follows her on Facebook. We all laugh. ML Steinbrunn has ribbon bookmarks she hands out to fans who purchase her books. I brag to Emma that I have one, and the author also gives Emma one.

Next, we see Arden Aoide. Emma and I both buy her book Tame. Arden has fiery red hair, which does not surprise me. I read her biography online and she is a hoot. Her Bio reads “Obstinate Insomniac, Introverted Anarchist, Juvenile Humorist, Red Lipstick Fetishist, Cat Herder, Lazy Housekeeper, Foodie, Compiler of Lists” — and that’s only a few things about her. We get our picture taken with her and I swear I could stay there all day talking to her. After she signs the books and the bag, we leave.

Emma pulls out several books written by David Bruce, who writes books about anecdotes and good deeds, and he writes easy-to-read retellings of classic plays by William Shakespeare and epic poems by Homer and Virgil. When we are next to see him, Emma hands him three books to sign: The Kindest People Who Do Good Deeds, The Funniest People in Dance, and The Funniest People in Comedy. I buy and have him sign his book William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: A Retelling in Prose. David Bruce complains, “Currently, someone seems to be buying one of my e-book anecdote collections almost every day, reading it, and then returning it for a refund. I don’t blame him or her; for some people, a dollar is a lot of money. If I ever meet that person, he or she will probably tell me, ‘I’ve read 40 or 50 of your anecdote collections, and not one is worth the time it takes to read it.’” He is a complainer; I like that in a person. We get our picture taken with him before we leave. 

“Emma, do you think Brice and Alec would like to come to a book signing?” Brooke asks seriously. 

“I think it depends on the genre.” 

 “Oh, definitely. I think as soon as I self-publish my first book, I’m going to gift Brice and Alec tickets to attend my first book signing.” 

Emma says, “That’s a good idea. I think they’ll enjoy a multiple genre book signing. Alec loves to read thrillers, nonfiction, and sci-fi.” 

“Brice does, too, but I’m going to make sure it’s strictly steamy romance and erotica, with some BDSM thrown in,” I say, laughing. 

“Brooke, that is hilarious, I would love to see them squirm.” 

“Did you see some of the swag that is being offered here? Penis candies, penis pens, chocolate penis lollipops. I think they’ll do more than squirm.”

We walk around laughing and look at the seating chart and see that DB Jones and Brenda Kennedy are sharing a table. The line seems to move fairly quickly for DB Jones and for Brenda Kennedy. Emma finds the books in her bag that she wants signed and we move up in line a little more. Emma has three books of DB Jones she wants signed along with her bag: Storms of Winter, Nights of Autumn, and Summer Heat. While I’m talking to Brenda Kennedy, Emma talks to DB Jones. 

“So, you’re a fan of cliffhangers, I see.” I look up and Brenda is talking to me. I hand her the three books of her first trilogy — A New Beginning, Saving Angel, and Destined to Love — to sign and say, “Yes, I love them. But I am really in love with Mason. I could read about him forever.” 

“Good, thank you. While I sign these, why don’t you help yourself to some swag?” 

“Thank you, I will. I’m currently writing a book, I was hoping maybe you could give me some pointers,” I say, nervously. 

“What is your name?” 

“My name is Brooke.” 

“Brooke, are you going to write a cliffhanger book for a series?” 

“I am. I love them, so I decided I’ll write about what I love.” 

“What genre will you write in?” Brenda asks.

“I read romance, so I thought I would write soft romance, not erotic, although I read that, too, on occasion.” 

“Good, I think you’re on the right track. I also think you should know, not everyone likes a cliffhanger ending to a book. So be prepared for that. Those one-star reviews can sting.” 

“I see, I never thought about that. What do you do about that?” I watch as she puts my signed paperbacks into a gift bag and hands it to me.

“What I do when I get a one-star review because my book is a cliffhanger, I write another cliffhanger trilogy.” She laughs and says, “People say they don’t like cliffhangers, but I bet these are the same people who watch soap operas or the Twilight Saga or The Walking Dead. They love the shows that don’t end or that take a long time to end. People also claim they don’t like the band Nickelback and how many albums did they sell?” 

“Millions.” I smile.

“Exactly. Nickelback is like that restaurant that Yogi Berra says no one goes to anymore because it is too crowded. Do you know how Nickelback got its name?” 

“No.” 

“Lead singer Chad Kroeger’s brother worked at a Starbuck’s, where coffee sold for $1.95, so customers got a nickel back. Brooke, you write about what you love and enjoy the ride. Oh yeah, and write trilogies, have Books 1 and 2 end with cliffhangers, and make Book 1 free.” 

“Trilogies, cliffhangers, and a free first book. Got it and thank you, I will.” 

Emma and I meet up and she takes a drink of a bottle of water with DB Jones’ book cover advertised on it. “What’s that?” I ask. 

“Water.” 

“Emma I know it’s water, but DB Jones has her own water?” 

“Yep and she makes her own wine glass charms.” 

“Wow, DB Jones is a rock star.” 

Emma and I walk around and Emma asks every author to sign her canvas bag. We use Goodreads to search for information about some authors we aren’t familiar with. After I purchase a few more books, Emma and I head out to do some shopping and sightseeing. 

Molly

After I gather up my things, I walk around, saying my goodbyes to the people I have been in recovery with the last 45 days. It is definitely a bittersweet day. I walk back into my room and, Sally, one of the counselors, comes in and tells me my mom and dad are in the lobby waiting for me. 

“Thank you. I also wanted to thank you for everything you have done to help me over the past 45 days.” I nervously run my hands up and down my jeans. 

Sally walks further into the room. “Molly, you’re very welcome. You have nothing to worry about.” 

“The last 45 days I felt like I could do this, but now I’m scared to death to leave.” 

“Like we taught you in group, stay focused on what is important, and you’ll do fine. I believe in you, now you have to believe in yourself.” 

“Thank you.” I hug her and then I gather my things. We walk to the main lobby where mom and dad are waiting for me. I say my goodbyes and follow my parents out the door and to the car. On the drive home I get a text from Bobby.

Bobby: How are you, Doll? 

Molly: Great. On my way home. How are you? 

Bobby: Better than ever. I was hoping I could see you when you get home. 

Molly: What about your wife? I don’t want to cause problems.

Bobby: Sorry, Doll, Leah’s reading the text with me and she said not to worry about that. She would like to have you, your daughter, and some of your friends over to celebrate. A graduation party for the both of us. 

Molly: Sounds like fun and thank you, Leah and Bobby. 

Bobby: Good, I’ll text you the time and the address later. Thank care, Doll. 

Molly: See you soon.

I get another text from Adam. He sent me an emoticon of an animated person wearing a graduation cap and gown. I laugh out loud before I show my mom the picture on my cellphone. My dad is driving, so I try to explain it to him. Adam, Bobby, my parents, and Raelynn wrote me almost every day. I don’t think a day went by that I didn’t receive mail from someone. The people I left at the facility will be reminded of me for a long time because of all the glitter. 

We pull up in the driveway of my parents’ home and I think I’m waiting for a craving to hit me or a memory of a craving to come at me at full force, but nothing happens. I shake off the feeling of doom and help my dad get my things from the trunk. 

“I’m glad to have my little girl back,” my dad says.

“Thanks, dad, I’m glad to be back.” 

Smiling, we walk into the house. I go into my old bedroom and see that it has all new bedding, lamps, and curtains in it. The flowery bedding with the butterflies has been replaced with a white-and-black zebra-stripe comforter set. A desk in front of the large double window has a wrapped present on it.

“Your father and I thought you may have outgrown the flowers and butterflies.” 

“Maybe just a little, although I still liked them in high school.” 

“I would have bought you Care Bears if your mother would have let me,” my father says as he walks further into the room. “You know, you’ll always be my little girl.” 

“I know and thank you, dad.” 

“Molly, we bought you something.” 

I look at the beautifully wrapped gift, and then I look back to my mom. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.” 

My mom smiles at me and says softly, “We wanted to get you something. We hope you like it.” 

“Go ahead, Molly, open it,” my dad says.

I walk over to the gift and set it on my bed. I carefully unwrap it and smile when I see what it is. “Oh, my God, I have always wanted this. This is the best camera out there. You shouldn’t have.” 

My dad walks over and picks up the box I am holding. “We know how much photography meant to you. We’re hoping maybe you can get back into it.” 

“Dad, this camera is too much. It must have cost you…” 

“Molly, we wanted to get it for you. We shopped around, and this is one of the better ones,” my mom says.

“Please, we want you to have it. Let’s see what this baby can do,” my dad says as he removes the camera and lens from the box.

“Oh, dad, I think you need to return that. These cameras are very expensive.” I watch as my dad removes everything from the box and then reads the instructions. “Dad, are you listening to me? I can’t take that.” 

“Molly, listen to me.” My dad looks at me and says, “Consider this an investment, not a gift. I know photography at one time was your passion. Your mother and I believe it can be again. In a few months, or even a few years, when you start making this your profession, then that’ll be our repayment.” 

I nod and smile. “Thank you, I love it.” 

“Here, put this together before I break it.” My dad laughs as he hands me the camera and the many parts. 

“I’m going to start dinner while you two play with Molly’s new toy.” 

“Hang on, Bridget, I’m coming with you. Molly, do you need anything?” 

“No, I’m fine. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” 

After dinner I call Alec to make sure it’s still ok that I come over to tuck Raelynn into bed. I invite mom and dad to come with me because I don’t want them to worry about if that’s where I’m really going or if I’ll be right home. They both decline to come, and they tell me to be careful.

On the drive there I suddenly feel free and scared. If I wanted to screw up, this would be my chance. I turn the music up and focus my attention on Raelynn. I pull up at the gate of their home and push the button and wait to be buzzed through. When the large house comes into view, I can see Raelynn standing on the porch and smiling. I park my car and she runs down the stairs and into my arms. It feels so good to hold my daughter.

“I missed you so much, mommy.” 

“Oh, Rae, you have no idea how much I have missed you.”

“Are you all better?” 

“I am. I got the cards you and James wrote me.” 

“Did you like the glitter?” 

“Raelynn, I loved the glitter,” I say, taking her hand and walking up the front porch with her. 

“Hi, Molly, please come in.” 

“Hi, Emma, thank you.” 

Emma shuts the door and says, “Raelynn, why don’t you show your mom your bedroom and then come back down for your bedtime snack.” 

“Ok, Emma, can I show her Bubby’s room, too?” 

“If she wants to see it, you can,” Emma says, “Alec’s in the shower; he’ll be down in a few minutes.” 

“Thank you, Emma,” I say and I hope she knows how much this means to me. Raelynn takes my hand and we walk up the stairs to her bedroom. I am surprised to see that she still has the same bedroom suite that Alec and I had picked out for her. I look around her room, and I recognize a lot of the items in there.

“Mommy, look outside. You can see the water.”

I walk to the large bay window; Raelynn probably has the best view in the entire house. She has a view of the entire backyard and of the lake. “Raelynn, this is absolutely beautiful.” 

“Come on, Sissy. It’s snack time.”

I turn around and James is running past the bedroom. “Come on, Rae. Let’s go so you can eat.” 

“I want you to see Bubby’s room, too,” Rae says. 

“I will, after you eat. I’ll still be here; we have plenty of time.” Raelynn and I walk downstairs and Emma has five cups of milk and some graham crackers out on the dining room table.

“We have snacks with the kids at bedtime. I hope you like graham crackers and milk,” Emma says as she lifts James up onto the chair.

“I do, thank you.” 

Alec walks downstairs and looks around the room. “Hi, Molly.” 

“Thanks for letting me come over. I really appreciate it,” I say as I sit beside Raelynn. James is seated across from her, Emma sits beside James, and Alec sits on the other side of Raelynn.

“It’s ok, Raelynn was really excited about having you over. We always have a snack with the kids before bed, then they brush their teeth and say their prayers before we tuck them in,” Alec says. 

“It’s nothing fancy, but it works for us,” Emma says as she dunks her graham crackers in her milk.

After we eat, Raelynn and I use the kids’ bathroom for her to get ready for bed while Emma and James use the master bath. After Rae brushes her teeth and gets dressed in her pajamas, I brush her long brown hair and braid it for her. “What bedtime story do you want tonight?” I ask as we walk into the bedroom. Alec already has the lamp on and the bed covers are turned down. 

“I like Rapunzel.” 

“Good, I like Rapunzel, too,” I say, lifting the blankets up for her to climb under. 

Rae scoots under the covers and pulls them up to her chin. “The book is on the dresser.”

“I don’t need the book; mommy remembers it by heart.” 

“You do?” she asks.

“I do. Rapunzel was always your favorite story,” I say as I brush her bangs back away from her face. 

“I love her hair and I think she is so pretty,” Raelynn says. 

“You know, daddy always said Rapunzel looked like you.” 

“He did?” 

“He sure did. Ask him?” 

“Kiddo, are you all right?” Alec asks as he walks by the bedroom. 

“Yes, daddy. Do you think I look like Rapunzel?” 

Alec looks at me and I nod to the book on the dresser. I watch as he walks over and picks it up. “I do. Her long brown hair and her big eyes. I think you look just like her, Raelynn.” 

“Thank you, daddy.” 

“Good night, Rae. I love you.” He walks over and hugs her. 

“I love you, too, Daddy.” 

He places the book back on the dresser before leaving the room. I recite the story to her and she falls asleep in the middle of it. I kiss her goodnight and thank Emma and Alec for allowing me to come over to spend time with my daughter.

On the way home, I call Adam to see if he wants to meet me for coffee and pancakes. When he agrees to meet me, I call mom and dad and ask them if they want to come. I don’t want them to wonder if I’ll be where I say I am. I have put them through enough as it is. They decline and tell me to have a good time. Dad also tells me he’ll be up waiting on me when I get there.

I pull into the parking lot of the small diner and spot Adam right away. He is leaning against his F150 red pickup truck wearing a pair of holey jeans, work boots, and a red flannel shirt left open exposing his white tee-shirt. His blond hair is spikey and his face is scruffy. He sees me and a smile forms instantly on his lips. He walks over to me before I park the car. I haven’t seen him in over a month and he looks even better than I remember. Before I have time to remove the keys from the ignition and gather my purse, he is holding the car door open for me.

“Look at you!” he says excitedly. “You look amazing.” 

I get out of the car and smile. “Thank you.”

Before I even shut the car door, Adam leans in and hugs me. “Molly, you look incredible. How have you been?” 

“I’m good, thank you for meeting me,” I say as he closes the car door. 

“I’m glad you called. I wanted to see you, but at the same time I wanted to give you some time.” 

“I went to my daughter’s house and tucked her into bed, and I wasn’t quite ready to go home yet,” I say as he opens the diner’s door for me. 

“Hi, Adam, a table for two?” 

“Please, Jenni, thank you.” 

“Your table’s available, if you want it.” 

“Great.” 

We follow the waitress to the back of the diner on the opposite side of the restrooms. We also sit at the same table we sat at the last time. I wait as Adam pulls out my chair for me. “I can’t get over how great you look. I mean, I always thought you looked great, but now you have a sparkle in your eyes that wasn’t there before,” he says as he sits across from me at the table.

“Thank you. I have to admit, it feels good. I feel good.” 

“Almost two months clean, now that’s something to be proud of.” 

“Thank you, Adam. I was kind of incarcerated for those 45 days, so I guess the real test starts now.” 

The waitress comes over with a Coke for Adam and sets it down in front of him. “Hi, I knew what Adam drank, but I’m not sure what you’ll have.” 

“I’ll have the same, please.” I watch as the waitress turns to leave. “I guess you do come here a lot.” 

Adam smiles and takes a large drink of his Coke. “I’m here about once a day, but this is my second time today.” 

“Oh, I didn’t realize. We could have gone somewhere else,” I say.

“Nah, I like this place.” 

The waitress comes back and places my drink in front of me. “Have you decided?” 

Neither of us has looked at the menu, but I have a feeling that Adam already knows what he’s having. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.” 

Adam looks over at me and says, “Are you sure? I’m not ordering a salad.” 

I can see the smirk on his face and I have to smile. “Good, I don’t like salads. My idea of something green that’s good to eat is lime Jell-O.”

“Mmm, that’s my kind of girl,” he winks. He looks away from me and looks up at Jenni. “We’ll have two of my regulars.” 

Jenni laughs and says, “Do you want to make one a smaller size?” 

I look from Jenni the waitress, to Adam with a raised brow. Adam shows lots of white teeth as he smiles before saying, “No, she said she’ll have what I’m having. We’ll see if she can hang with the big dogs.” 

“Two of the Adam McDaniels specials coming right up.” She smiles and me and walks away. 

“I’m going to regret this, aren’t I?” I ask, half-jokingly. 

Adam laughs and says, “Or you’ll thank me.” 

We sit and talk until our meal arrives. He tells me about working construction for his uncle and about being a deacon at his family’s church. I tell him about tucking Raelynn into bed for the first time in almost a year.

The waitress arrives with our dinner and sets them down in front of us. My eyes grow big as I look at the large ¼ lb. cheeseburger with everything and a large order of seasoned fries on the side. I have no idea how I’ll eat everything, but I have to admit, this smells delicious.

“Do you need anything else?” Jenni asks. 

“Another Coke for me. Do you need anything, Molly?” Adam asks.

“No, I think I have everything I need, thank you.”

I watch as the waitress leaves and Adam takes a large bite of his cheeseburger. I look at my plate of food to decide the main course of action. I decide to cut my sandwich in half before attempting to eat it. I take a bite and close my eyes. He laughs as he watches me. “It’s good, right?” he asks. 

I can only nod. After I swallow the food I say, “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I had one of these?” 

“Two months?” he laughs. 

I laugh too. “Yes, almost two long months.” 

We eat our meal mostly in silence because I can’t talk with my mouth full. To my amazement, I eat almost all of my food. “Come on, Molly, you need to get home before your parents worry.” I didn’t tell him I was staying at my parents and I have to wonder how he knew that. Adam pays the bill although I offered. He walks me out to my car and holds the car door open for me. “I’d like to see you again,” he says.

“You will, I’ll be at the meeting tomorrow night.” I fasten my seatbelt and put the key into the ignition.

“I’d really like to see you away from the meetings.” 

“Oh,” is the only thing I can say. A date? Is he asking me out on a date? 

“Would you like to do something this weekend? I promise to have you home early.” 

“I can’t this weekend, I’m sorry. A friend and his wife asked me to go to his house for a cookout.” 

“That’s all right. Maybe some other time. The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend. It’ll be perfect for a cookout,” he says, smiling. 

“Would you like to come with me?” 

“When is it?” 

“I’m not sure; he’s going to get back with me.” 

“I’d love to, but I have church on Sunday morning and again Sunday night, but any other time, I’m free.” 

“Ok, I’ll let you know when after he calls.” 

We say our goodbyes and I drive home smiling. I saw my daughter, I had a delicious meal, and I have no drug cravings, but I do have a possible date. Life is beginning to look up. 

Emma

Alec and I check on the kids, and I whisper, “I think Raelynn liked having her mom here to tuck her into bed.” 

“I’m sure she did. During happier times, it was one of her favorite times of the day.” 

“Really, how so?” I ask as I get into bed. 

“I think it was because it was stress free. Molly always read a bedtime story to Rae, and Rae would always fall asleep while being read to.” 

“Maybe we can have Molly over again. Raelynn liked having her here.” 

Alec gets into bed and I snuggle into him. “We’ll see,” he says. 

The next day Alec takes the kids to school on his way to work, and I stop by and get muffins for Sara, Brea, and me. I walk into the office and hear Sara and Brea talking about Sara’s wedding.

“It sounds like you guys have picked a wedding date,” I say as I lay the muffins next to the coffee pot.

“We did; we decided on Valentine’s Day,” Sara beams.

“Valentine’s Day is a perfect day for a wedding,” I say as I get a cup of coffee. 

Sara walks over to me. Brea is right behind her.

Sara says, “I wanted to ask you to be my bridesmaid. I mean, I would be honored if you would be my bridesmaid.” 

“Sara, thank you. I would be honored to be your bridesmaid.” 

Sara hugs me and says, “I was thinking of asking Raelynn to be the flower girl. Do you think that would be all right?” 

“I think that would be a great idea. I’m sure she would love that.” 

“Good, we’ll set up a dinner where I can personally ask her.” 

“Sounds good,” I say as I take a sip of my hot coffee. 

We talk about my wedding date, venues for the wedding, bands, flowers, and food. We also talk about Mason, Angel, and the twins. Although Angel is home, the twins still remain in the hospital. Sara, Brea, and I decide to go over this week separately with a pre-cooked dinner for Mason and Angel. With the three of us, it will give them three home-cooked meals. The phone starts ringing, reminding us that we are at work.

“When duty calls,” Brea says, laughing, and then she answers the phone. 

Later in the day, right before lunch I get a call. “Hello, Thank you for calling R.K. Insurance, Emma speaking.” 

“Mrs. Greyson, this is the school calling.” 

“Is everything all right?” 

“James became ill during recess, and he needs to be picked up.” 

“Ok, I’m leaving now. Thank you.” 

“He’ll be in the nurse’s office. It’s down the hall from the cafeteria.” 

“All right, thank you.” 

I call Alec before I leave.

“Hi, Emma.” 

“I know you’re busy, I just wanted to tell you that the school called, and James is sick. I’m leaving work to go and get him.” 

“I’m leaving for lunch as soon as I see my last patient; I can get him.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“I’m sure; we’re kind of slow today.” 

“This works out great for me because we are swamped here for some reason. I’ll call mom and let her know you’ll be dropping him off soon.” 

“Ok, Emma. I love you.” 

“I love you, too.” 

The bell over the front door alerts us that someone is entering the office. When I look up, I am shocked to see Angel walking through the door with food. I rush over to help her.

“Are you supposed to be driving?” I ask, although I know the answer. Anyone who has had a C-section is not supposed to drive for several weeks after childbirth.

“Mason’s at work, the twins are in the hospital, and I have to drive to see them. So yes, if I want to visit the babies, I am supposed to drive myself.” She walks towards the break room and says, “I have to eat, so I thought we can eat together before I go to the hospital.” 

“As much as we love seeing you and as much as we love when you bring our favorite deli sandwiches, we really do wish you would take your doctor’s advice and not drive,” Brea says on behalf of all of us in the office. “Sit down and we’ll get the drinks and food ready.” 

“Are you feeling all right? You look a little flushed,” Sara says. 

“I’m fine. I just want to get the twins home and start being a family. I hate leaving them at the hospital and they won’t let me stay there with them,” Angel says sadly. 

I say, “It’s because Momma needs her rest, too.”

“I know, but it doesn’t make it any easier leaving them.” 

Brea answers her cell phone, and Sara and I sit down with Angel to eat. Angel tells us that her daughter’s name is Ana Maria. She explains she is named after her deceased mother, Ana, and after her Aunt Maria.

“That is a beautiful name,” I say, honestly. “What did you name your son?” 

“After fighting with Mason, he finally caved in. We named him Alex Mason. What is it with guys thinking they don’t deserve to have their sons named after them?” 

“I don’t know. Max was like that, too.” 

“That drives me crazy. Mason is a great man, and he feels his son deserves…” 

“To be named after a hero?” I ask, before she can complete her sentence. 

“Yes, exactly.”

Brea walks over to join us and asks, “Does Mason know you’re here, Angel?” 

“Yes, he told me to drive carefully,” she says as she takes a bite of her food, not looking at Brea. 

“Really? Guess who was on the phone?” 

“Vincent?” Angel asks, still not making eye contact with anyone. 

“Nope, good try. That was Mason and he’s furious that you left the house alone. He said he went to work early this morning because of a minor emergency and when you didn’t answer your phone he knew that you drove to the hospital, alone.” 

“He must have forgotten that I was going to the hospital today.” 

Brea sits down and as she reaches for her turkey sandwich on wheat bread and says, “If you’re not supposed to be driving, you shouldn’t be driving. I could have picked you up this morning before work.” 

“You’re busy; besides, I feel fine. Today is the first day I didn’t have a ride.”

I remember the mixed emotions I had after childbirth. Although I can’t relate to being separated from James after birth, I do remember the overwhelming need I had to protect him. 

“Angel, I’m sorry, I didn’t think about you not being able to drive or that you would need help getting to and from the hospital. I haven’t been a very good friend to you,” I say. 

“We haven’t, either,” Brea and Sara say in unison.

“I’ve been so wrapped up with my own life. I should have been there more for you,” Sara says. “With the wedding plans and work, I have just been so busy. I’m sorry, Angel.” 

Brea sets her sandwich down and says, “Me too. I should have been there for you. I’m sorry. I know how difficult it is after childbirth.” 

“You guys are great friends. It’s not like you can see the twins anyway.”