Chapter Six: Six Months Later

Ava

“I gotta pee, will you hurry?” I stand there at the bathroom door, crossing my legs to keep from peeing myself. 

“We really need two bathrooms in this house.” I hear the toilet flush and it makes me have to pee even more. 

I’m grateful when Skylar opens the bathroom door before washing her hands. I run in and sit on the toilet before saying, “I’d be happy with one bathroom and two toilets.” 

She runs the water and says, “That’s gross. I don’t mind you peeing while I wash my hands, but I draw the line at peeing beside you.” 

I moan. “Awww, this feels good. I really thought I was going to pee myself today.” 

She laughs, “You say that every day.” 

“And I mean it every day.” 

“Do you need Depends?” 

“God, I hope not. I just need another restroom or need you to stay out of this one. You can use the one in the living quarters, and I can use the one nearest to the foyer of the inn.” 

She dries off her hands. “That works great unless we’re in the living quarters, then I guess you’ll expect me to use the one in the foyer.” 

“Hello, pregnant with twins here.” I say pointing to my baby mountain. “When I gotta pee, I gotta pee. I can’t help it.” 

She laughs as she walks out closing the door behind her. “I’m getting you Depends,” she yells as she walks away. 

After the noon tea, I go to the carriage house and rest. A lot has happened over the last six months. Losing the baby sent me into a depression. I called Doctor Adams and set up an appointment to see him. He said everything that could happen did, and there’s nothing else Connor or his Dad could do to hurt me. Finally it was over. He also told me to find closure.

When I left his office, I knew what I needed to do to get closure. I went to the morgue and paid them for Brett’s cremation and picked up his ashes. Nichole had refused to claim Brett’s body, so the state had him cremated and his ashes just sat on the shelf collecting dust at the morgue. Finally, I was going to get the closure I needed. I drove to a nearby gas station and flushed his remains down the filthiest toilet in Georgia. Smiling the entire time, I knew he got what he deserved. I may have tinkled in the toilet before flushing, but that’s my secret. I may have even done more than tinkled. 

Oddly, I felt an instant relief knowing that Brett’s “grave” is among the human waste —both liquid and solid — of the city. It’s an appropriate grave because he was a waste of human life. I didn’t tell anyone what I did. I didn’t want them thinking I was a bad person. Of course, they don’t know the whole story of my abuse either. 

When Brett attacked me outside the carriage house, he told me he had planned to break into my house in Lake City and make me pay for Connor’s death. It was the same night my alarm went off and I went to stay the night with Skylar. The police saw a footprint in the bushes near the large window, but I thought it was from the gardener. Skylar knew there was something more to it, but I didn’t want to believe it.

As soon as Chase and I got clearance from the OB/GYN, we started on a family. The baby I lost can never be replaced. I miss him or her everyday, but Chase completes me. He’s everything a man should be. He loves me no matter what I say or do. He thinks I’m perfect, but I think I’m damaged goods. Since my marriage to Connor, I’m different. I would like to know what I would have been like without Connor. I think I would have liked her. I think she would have been happier. I see a therapist that Doctor Adams has suggested and it helps. Chase used to ask about my marriage and things that happened to me. I can’t tell him or anyone. It’s like a bad dream that you can’t wake up from. He’s finally decided to let it rest. Nothing good will come from sharing my nightmare with him. Things have been done to me that I won’t tell anyone, and I’ve done things that I won’t tell anyone. 

I lie here and vow to protect my children from such evil. I feel sorry for any man who ever raises his voice at them much less a hand. I’ll raise them to be strong and to not be afraid to ask for help. Skylar knows I’m damaged goods. I made her give me a code word just in case she needed help and couldn’t ask for it. I love Drew, but it’s hard for me to trust anyone. I liked Connor, too, and look what happened. I know without a doubt that my children, boys or girls, will also have a code word to use in case they need it. I won’t share this with Chase because he doesn’t need to know my fears.

Drew and Skylar got married a month ago in back of the inn. I have never seen her happier. Right now they are enjoying life and there’s no talk of children in their future, well, not their own children anyway.

The phone rings and it’s Chase calling to check in. He does this daily, and sometimes several times a day. 

“Hey, baby daddy,” I tease. 

“Hey, momma. How are my girls today?” 

I pat my big belly. “We’re great. How’s work?” 

“Good, I’ll be home early. Do you need anything?” 

“Yeah, stop by the bakery and get me some of those lemon pastries, please.” 

“Anything else?” 

“Nope, that should take care of the cravings for today.” 

“Skylar texted and asked me to get some Depends. Is she having a problem we need to be concerned about?” 

I laugh loudly. “Yeah, she is, but Depends won’t fix it.” 

“Should I get them?” 

“No, don’t. I’ll see you soon.” 

“Okay, I love you.” 

“Love you, too.” 

I sleep longer than I intended. When I barely make it to the restroom, I wish I had told Chase to buy the Depends. I have no idea how I’m going to make it another three months. My bladder seems to be shrinking by the minute.

Chase and I live in the carriage house, and Drew and Skylar remodeled the living quarters where they live. Although we live separately, we still get together nightly for dinner. I love having her close. I also love that Drew is the man I knew he would be. He reminds me of Xander, and it makes me miss Xander and his kindness. I may not have loved him, but he will always hold a special place in my heart. Xander was a wonderful man, and he gave me faith that there are still good people in the world. 

Skylar and I cook dinner while Drew and Chase work. It’s a comfortable routine, and there isn’t anything I would do to change it. Skylar and I laugh, which makes it hard for me to hold in my pee. I try to run to the restroom, but it’s more of a waddle.

Skylar yells, “So help me, if you pee on the floor, I’m going to look for a new friend.” 

Drew and his dad are both running the bar; from what I understand, it’s a thriving business. Rachael and Mom have been helping Nichole at the bakery and with little Connor. Dad wanders from the bakery to the bar, helping out when and if he’s needed. He spends a lot of the time at the inn with Skylar and me. I think he feels responsible for what happened with Connor and Brett. I wish I could take away his guilt.

When the police notified us of the accidental drowning that claimed Brett’s life, we listened carefully, not saying a word. No one questioned if it was an accident and the police didn’t suspect foul play. We didn’t call it a celebration, but we did plan a huge BBQ and invited everyone over. Since the day of Brett’s death, we are all able to relax. I secretly feared Brett would return and cause harm to me or to someone I loved. I especially feared for little Connor.

I went to see Nichole to make sure that she and little Connor were going to be all right. I had to see her to believe her. I know she would have lied to me to protect me, so I had to see her face to face. I had to know that the past was buried and would not affect her future. Of course, the past can never be forgotten. It’s what helps mold us into the people we are today. She assured me without a doubt that she and little Connor were better than ever, and I believe her. 

During dinner, Chase says, “I thought we could go over to the bakery for dessert tonight.” 

I look up at Chase. “They’re closed.” 

“I called Nichole and she said she’s baking tonight, and she invited us over for the lemon pastries you like so much.” 

“Sounds good to me,” Skylar says. 

“Me, too.” 

After dinner, we clean up the kitchen and drive the short distance to the bakery. When we pull up, the lights are on and although the closed sign is in the window, the bakery looks like it’s open for business. We walk in the door and see a man in the corner of the room reading the newspaper with a coffee and pastry in front of him. Little Connor is sitting at the other end of the room playing with his toys. I acknowledge Nichole before walking over to little Connor.

“Hey, buddy.” 

“Aunt Ava,” he yells excitedly. 

“Whatcha doing?” 

“Playing. Momma said you were coming over.”

I hug him and say, “I’ve missed you.” It’s been almost a year since Nichole adopted little Connor, and she loves him and is raising him as her own. I’m not sure when he started calling her Momma, and when we became his aunt and uncle. It doesn’t matter. I feel like we’re family. 

We play briefly before we gather around a table for coffee and lemon pastries. I look over at the man in the corner and smile. He looks familiar. I whisper to Nichole, “I thought you were closed?” 

“We are. He assumed we were open, so I decided to serve him. He seems harmless.” 

“Let me refill his coffee,” I say, standing to get the coffee pot from the kitchen. I can feel Chase watching me as I walk through the bakery with the coffee pot.

“Do you care for a refill?”

He folds his newspaper and sets it in front of him. “I would, thank you, Ava.”

I look at him more closely. Where do I know him from? I don’t feel threatened. I smile and refill his empty cup. Suddenly it hits me. He’s the man who rescued Olivia and her twin daughters from Olivia’s abusive husband. “How are you?”

“I’m doing well, and it looks like you’re also doing very well.”

I pat my large belly. “Twins. Let me put the coffee pot down, I’ll be right back.” 

“Okay.” 

On my way to the kitchen, I signal for Skylar to come with me. “Do you know who that man is?” 

She looks over her shoulder at him. “No, but he’s pretty good looking. A little older than I prefer.” She laughs.

“He was at the inn last year and returned a gift card I sent him for saving a woman who was being abused by her loser husband.” 

“Oh, Luke Tanner. I remember him. I knew we’d be seeing him again.” 

“You remember his name?”

“Yeah, I also remember I tried to fix him up on a blind date with Nichole, and he shot down my efforts very quickly.” 

“I remember that. You also told him she owned this bakery.” 

She stands proudly. “I also told you that we’ll be seeing Luke Tanner in the near future.” 

I laugh. “I remember that.” 

“Don’t laugh, I don’t want you peeing yourself.” 

“Great, now I gotta pee. I’ll be back.” 

Luke Tanner

The day I visited the inn and Skylar gave me a rundown on the woman she wanted to fix me up on a blind date, I have to admit I was intrigued. Skylar knew what she was doing when she gave me the location of the bakery the woman owned. I’ve driven past here several times, and it’s always been too busy for me to stop.

Tonight when I drove by, they looked like they were opened for business. The door was unlocked so I walked in. I had no idea the owner was doing her baking and they were closed. She greeted me warmly and offered me a coffee and a pastry. I couldn’t refuse it and I knew then I wanted to know more about her.

Very few women interest me, but she did. I wasn’t disappointed but more surprised by the child playing in the corner of the room. I assumed he was her grandson until he called her “Momma.” I waited for the boy’s father to enter from another room, but he never did.

I watch as Ava and Skylar talk behind the serving counter before Ava disappears. Skylar smiles at the man she’s with before walking over to my table.

“Luke Tanner, long time, no see.” 

She knows that I remember our brief conversation the day at the inn. “Skylar, how are you?” 

She sits across from me without waiting for an invitation. She doesn’t need one. “I’m great. And how are you?” 

“I’m good.” 

“So, I can’t help but wonder what brings you here today?” 

“Would you believe I was in the neighborhood?” 

She laughs. “No, can’t say that’s believable.” 

I love her honesty. “Well, to be honest, the description you gave me of the owner of this bakery piqued my interest.” 

“So you came to check her out?” 

I laugh. “I wouldn’t put it that way. I came to see if it was possible for one woman to possess all of those fine qualities you mentioned.”

“Was I wrong?” 

“No, I can’t say you were. You did forget to mention she has a small child.” 

Skylar looks over at the small boy with fondness. “Does it matter? Because if it does, you won’t be the right person for her.”

She’s very protective of Nichole and her child. I like that about her. “No, but it does make me wonder about the child’s father. I’m a little old for daddy drama.” 

She searches my eyes, “His father’s dead, and she’s raising her grandson, little Connor.” 

“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that. “I’m sorry.” 

“That’s amazing, right? You have to be a saint to do that. Come on, I’ll introduce you.” She stands and pulls me with her. I adjust my shirt and she slowly walks with me to the table where they are all gathered around.

“This is Luke Tanner. Ava and I met him at the inn last year.” She introduces me to her husband, Drew; Ava’s husband, Chase; little Connor; and Nichole. Drew looks at me with confusion. I look away and focus my attention on Nichole.

“Please, take my seat, I need to check on my wife.” Chase stands and offers me his chair while he goes in the direction that Ava walked.

“Are you from the area?” Nichole asks. 

“I am. Born and raised. I love Savannah. Should I assume you’re new to the area?” 

“We are. We followed Ava and Skylar when they moved here after buying the inn.” 

“You’re from the south, I can tell from your accent.” 

“North Florida.” 

“I’m thirsty, Momma.” 

She looks away from me and looks down at her grandson. “Please excuse me. We’re still working on manners.” 

“No apologies needed.” 

I watch as she stands to get her grandson a drink. Ava and Chase come into the room and join everyone at the table. They laugh and talk and include me in as much of the conversation as possible. I try to follow along. They talk about Ava being pregnant with twins and about business at the inn and the tearoom.

The conversation mostly stays between Skylar and Ava. I learn very little about Nichole, although I’d like to know more. “How long have you owned the bakery?” I ask.

“It’s been open for business for only a few months. Five months, to be exact.” 

Skylar leans in and asks, “And you’re just now getting around to trying it?” 

I feel like she’s trying to put me on the spot. I decide my best defense is honesty. “I’ve been by a few times but it’s been pretty busy, so I didn’t bother to stop.” 

“Business has really taken off,” Nichole says. “I’m still trying to adjust to working, baking, and caring for little Connor. It’s been a big change and is taking some getting used to.” 

“How old is your son?”

Skylar looks at me. I know she said it’s her grandson, but I need to make polite conversation. 

“Connor’s my only grandchild, and he’s two.” Everyone laughs when he holds up two fingers. “What about you, Luke? Do you have children?” 

“No, no kids for me. I’ve never been lucky enough to find a woman I wanted to have children with.” 

Skylar looks at Drew and asks, “Do you want kids, Drew?” 

If they’re married, wouldn’t she know whether he wants children? I feel like this is an inside joke. 

He leans back and places his arm over the back of her wooden chair. “Yes, Skylar, I do.” 

“What about twins? Would that spook you if we had twins?” I can see the mischief in her eyes. Poor guy, even I can feel this is a trap. I just hope he says the right thing, whatever that is. 

Chase laughs and bails his friend out. “Twins scare the hell out of me.” 

“Me, too,” Ava admits. 

I look at my watch and realize I need to get going. “It’s getting late,” I say as I stand. 

“We need to get going, too. Thank you for the lemon pastries,” Ava says. Chase stands and helps his very pregnant wife up from the chair. 

I follow everyone outside. “I almost forgot to settle up my bill.” 

“That’s okay. It’s on the house.” 

I can’t let Nichole do that. “I’ll catch you next time?” 

“Sure, that’s fine. Thank you for stopping in.” 

“The next time I’ll make sure it’s during normal business hours.” 

“We’re open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday, but I’m normally always here baking. I’m hoping to get into some sort of routine in the next five or ten years.” 

“I got it. Hopefully the routine won’t take that long. I’ll see you soon, and thank you again.” 

I’m the first to drive away and for the first time in my life, I have met a woman with all the qualities I’m looking for. Now, I need to figure out a way to ask her out. 

Chase

I’ll never forget the way Ava told me about this pregnancy. I was helping cook dinner and in the oven there were two hamburger buns. Drew was there and at first I thought it might be Skylar’s way of telling Drew she was with child. The previous time Ava was pregnant, it took me two days to get the pregnancy hints, and I thought it was Skylar who was pregnant. She quickly clarified that for me this time. It still took me awhile to get the meaning of the two buns in the oven.

“There’s two of them and they’re girls. What do I know about raising daughters?” I pace the room. 

“Babies are like this big.” Skylar holds her hands apart about twelve inches. “I have no idea what you’re afraid of.” 

“Skylar, you’re my friend, you’re supposed to sympathize with me.” 

“Chase, you’ll be fine, really.” 

I have a bigger fear that I can’t mention. The fear that I won’t be able to protect them and keep them safe. We’re still two months away from the delivery date, but we’ve already been warned that the babies could come early.

I didn’t protect Ava from Connor or from Brett. Did I ever mention how grateful I am for Brett’s death? I am. Ava is much happier now that she knows he can’t hurt her.

I breathe slowly to keep from hyperventilating. “One day they’re going to want to date. Then what? How do I handle that?” 

Skylar says, “Chase, you better worry about the sleepless nights and the number of diapers you’ll need before you worry about dating. Baby steps, remember.” 

Skylar smiles as Drew walks across the room. “What are you guys talking about?” he asks.

“The twins’ dating years.” 

He says, “You have to survive the terrible twos first.” 

He’s no help. I exhale loudly.

“And what do you know about the terrible twos?” Skylar looks surprised.

“I’ve been reading up on this stuff. I’m gonna be an uncle. I also need to know some of these things for when I’m a dad.” 

I sadly admit, “Look, just between us. I don’t think I can do this.” 

Ava walks in the room. “Can’t do what?” She waddles from the hallway to the couch and sits down. There is no way I can tell her this is freaking me out. She’s still scared her vagina won’t go back to its normal size. I think to myself how ridiculous that is. If I tell her I’m freaking out, she’ll freak out, too. When no one answers her, she asks, “What are you talking about?” 

“Skylar wants us to name one of the girls ChAva,” I lie. It’s the only thing I could think of.

Skylar scowls at me. I know she won’t tell Ava about my fears. “Yeah, that’s right, and I almost had him talked into it, too.” 

“Sure you did. You’re not on that kick again, are you?” 

“I happen to like that name.” 

Drew asks, “Do you have names picked out?” 

“No, do we need them?” Ava teases. “On top of everything else we’re doing for their arrival, now we have to name them, too?” 

“Yes, but it’s not as easy as it seems. You have to be careful about their first, middle, and last names spelling something.” 

Skylar seems very knowledgeable.

“Like what? I don’t get it.” 

“Your last name’s Murphy, so whatever you name your child the initials shouldn’t spell words like DAM or other words people will laugh at. Kids and adults can be cruel.” 

“Great, something else for us to remember. But if we ever have one daughter instead of twins, maybe we can name her Pamela Abigail Murphy so her initials spell PAM. You writing that down, Chase?” 

“I’m on it, princess.” 

Later that night Ava can’t sleep. She’s sitting up at the desk with a pen and paper writing.

“Can’t sleep?” 

She looks over at me in her white eyelet nightgown. Her dark hair is pulled into a high ponytail. “I didn’t mean to wake you. Is the desk light too bright?” 

“No, princess. The light isn’t bothering me. Are you having pain?” 

“No.” She tucks the paper and pen in the top desk drawer before returning to bed. “I’m just feeling anxious, that’s all.” 

“It won’t be long now.” 

“Are you ready for this?” she asks nervously. 

“I am. I’m getting excited.” Hell, no, I’m not ready for this. I’m scared shitless. I have no idea what I’m doing. Nothing in law school prepared me for the birth of my children, let alone twin daughters. My only saving grace is that because they’re each in their own amniotic sac, there’s a ninety percent chance they aren’t identical. I know I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart. I’d have to put a stamp on their forehead to know who is who.

Ava looks worried. “I’m worried about how we’ll run the inn when the babies come.” 

“I’m worried about that, too. I guess we’ll figure it out when the time comes.” 

“We’ll need a small nursery and a baby monitor at the living quarters for the babies.” 

“Skylar mentioned that to me the other day. I guess we’ll need four baby beds.” I can feel the anxiety, but I try not to show it. 

“Well, because they’re twins and they already share a small space, I’d like to keep them together in the same bed for awhile. I don’t like the thought of separating them.” 

“That sounds like a plan. I’d like to keep them together for as long as possible, too. I saw a video the other day about twins comforting each other in the womb. I’m not sure if it’s true, but I like the thought of them being close.” 

She scoots closer and lies in the crook of my arm. “Good. I like that we’re on the same page.” 

I kiss her forehead and inhale her vanilla and cranberry scent. “I was thinking about what Skylar said about naming our daughters with initials that spell inappropriate things. Have you thought about any names for the girls yet?” 

“Since I’m carrying them, I thought the least you could do is name them.” She smiles and it lights up her face.

“You think that’s fair? I could traumatize them for life if I don’t get the name right.” 

“Then I can tell them it’s their Dad’s fault why they get picked on.” 

“Thanks, I appreciate the confidence.” 

“No problem.” 

The next morning while I shower for work, Ava and Skylar prepare breakfast for the guests at the inn. Before joining them, I get in the desk drawer so I can leave a quick note to tell Ava how much I love her. I pull out the notebook and I can see what she was writing in the middle of the night. It’s the beginning of a letter to one of our daughters. The name is blank, but she tells her how much she loves her already and how she’ll love and protect her with everything that’s inside her. And damn if it doesn’t bring tears to my eyes. No matter how much time passes and no matter how much she tries to forget Connor and those two years he tortured her, she’ll never be able to be free of him. She told me the other day, that if she had her memory back prior to buying the inn, she never would have bought it. She trusts very few people. I’m learning that it’ll always be a part of what makes Ava who she is. I just vow to protect her every day of the rest of her life. I would kill anyone who would ever hurt her, and I would go to prison a happy man knowing they couldn’t hurt her ever again. 

I put the notebook back in the drawer and get another tablet. I decide our babies need a name. I write two names down on a piece of paper and leave it on top on the desk. I also write an explanation in case she questions my name choices.

Ava

After the tea I return to the carriage house to rest. Skylar, Chase, and Drew are very protective of me and this pregnancy. Instead of resting, I get out my notebook to finish my letter to our firstborn daughter. After I write this one, I’ll write a letter to our second daughter.

Before I open the desk drawer, I see a note from Chase.

Ava,

Not sure if I like the idea of naming our children, but here goes nothing. Before you shoot down the names, let me explain the reasoning behind them.

I love the thought of you being a twin. I just hadn’t planned on us having twins. I think it would be amazing to name our first-born daughter after your sister. I think it would be a great way to honor her memory. I also think her middle name should be something from the inn, after a flower perhaps.

Eva Lily is the name of our first-born daughter. Her initials will be ELM. Doesn’t spell anything bad so I think we’re good with that.

Our second daughter’s name was a bit more difficult. I know what Xander meant to you. He was a friend and someone you trusted. I will always be grateful to him for being there for you when I wasn’t. I can’t consciously name our daughter after your old boyfriend, but I can name her after your favorite author. It’ll also be a great way to honor his legacy. He was brilliant and a great friend to all of us.

So, if it’s all right with Drew and his parents, I’d like to name our second daughter Jami Rose. Her initials will be JRM. Again, it doesn’t spell anything so it’s a win.

If I could, I would name them both after you as my way of paying tribute to the strongest, most amazing woman in the world.

Ava, I will always love you.

I love the names he’s chosen for our children. I can’t wait to call Daniel and Rachael and ask them if we can name our daughter after Xander’s pen name. Once the tears stop, I stand to call Chase. He’s standing in the doorway watching me. Without saying a word, I rush to him and kiss him passionately. I love him. He and our daughters are the only things that matter to me in this moment. I secretly vow to protect them and keep them safe, no matter what. 

Chase and I lie in bed talking about the babies and what life will be like once they arrive. Lying here talking to him and knowing how much we love them already, I’m not nearly as fearful as I once was. My vagina being stretched out to the size of Texas is still a big concern for me. I talked to the obstetrician about a C-section and he said they don’t do those for the concerns that I have. I tried to go to another doctor, but Chase said that he is the best doctor around. I bet the mothers with large vaginas wouldn’t agree. Is it wrong for me to pray for a C-section?

I dose off and when I wake up, Chase is still in bed with me. He isn’t sleeping, but he’s watching me sleep. “You’re so beautiful when you sleep.” 

“Only when I sleep?”

“No, you’re beautiful always.” 

“If you help me up to pee, I’ll forgive you.” 

He climbs out of bed and helps me into a sitting position. I feel warm fluid and I’m embarrassed to get up. Skylar always joked about me needing Depends, now I wish I was wearing them.

“What’s wrong?” Chase asks.

How do I tell him I don’t have to pee anymore? Ugh, he’ll want a divorce. He won’t want to be married to a woman who pees herself in their bed.

He looks down at me. “Did your water break?”

Wait? What? Water? Thank God, that’s it. I thought I just earned the nickname Ava Pee Her Pants. Wait. My water just broke? I’m in labor. Pain. Ouch. That hurts. I grimace.

He says, “I’ll call Skylar.” 

“No, call Mom. I want Mom.” Another pain. Ouch. “Call Skylar. I want Skylar, too.” 

“Okay, let me get my phone.” 

Now I gotta pee again. “Wait. Help me to the bathroom, I gotta pee.” 

He helps me to the restroom before he calls Skylar and my mom. When I wipe blood, I become concerned. I’m trying to be strong, but I’m scared. I don’t want Chase to see me vulnerable. He’s only ever seen me brave and in control. Pain. Ouch. This shit hurts. Screw it. I can’t hide it. I need something. I want a pain-killing drug. This breathing technique isn’t working. “CHASE!” I yell. I know he’s in the next room, I can hear him on the phone.

He walks into the bathroom. “C’mon, princess. Your mom and dad are meeting us at the hospital. Skylar’s getting the car.” 

He helps me off the toilet and puts a large pad between my legs to catch the amniotic fluid that’s still trickling out. The contractions are quick and painful. I have to stop several times before making it outside to the car. Skylar’s waiting with the back door to the car open. I get in and she gets in on the other side.

“I thought I would sit with Ava while you drive,” Chase says.

“Okay, if you want to deliver the babies if we don’t make it to the hospital in time, I’ll gladly drive.” 

“On second thought, I’ll drive.” 

The car ride there is brutal. The bumps in the road exacerbate the pain. My back hurts, my stomach hurts, and I gotta pee. I am so thankful for the pad between my legs.

“We’re almost there, Ava.” 

I try the relaxation breaths and they don’t work. An episode of the Friends television show plays over and over in my head. Rachael watched the video of the live birth and said it was like shoving a pot roast through your nostril.

“I can’t do this. I wanna go home.” Skylar laughs, which pisses me off. “And stop laughing. When it’s your turn, so help me I’ll make you pay.” She looks frightened. She should because I mean every word of it. “I can’t do this,” I say more calmly. Tears flow and I can see Chase watching me from the rearview mirror.

“We’re here.” He pulls up at the ER entrance where Mom and Dad are waiting for us with a wheelchair. “I gotta park the car.” 

“No. Don’t leave me. Have someone else park the car.”

“Take her in, I got the car,” Skylar says. 

“Did you call the doctor to let them know you’re coming?” Mom asks.

“No, there wasn’t time,” I lie. I didn’t even think about calling the doctor and I know Chase wasn’t thinking clearly either.

“Where’s your bag?” Mom asks. 

“I don’t have one. I didn’t have time to pack it.” The babies are a few weeks early. I thought I had plenty of time to prepare for this day. I grimace through another pain. Mom and Dad check me in as they take us to labor and delivery. I guess the faces I was making during the contractions alerted them I was in active labor.

“How far apart are your contractions?” the nurse asks as we walk into a room on the unit. 

“It’s just one big long contraction,” I say truthfully.

She starts to laugh until she sees the look on my face. “Let’s get you in bed so we can get you examined.” Usually, I hate being examined, but right now, I could care less who’s down there or what they’re doing. Before she hooks me up to the machines, she examines me. Chase tells her I’m expecting twins and I’m five weeks early. This is also another concern for me. I’m more concerned about the babies being born prematurely than I am about having a vagina the size of California.

“You’re already dilated five. Let’s get you hooked up to the machines and I’ll call down and get the epidural scheduled.” 

Between contractions, I say, “And call the O.R. I need a C-section, too.” 

Chase

After the epidural, Ava sleeps through the contractions and I pray. I pray for a safe delivery, I pray for healthy babies, and I pray my wife will be okay. I know things can go wrong during childbirth and I pray they don’t. I’m nothing without Ava.

“Okay, Ava. With your next contraction, I want you to push,” the doctor says.

I’m going to be a dad in just a few moments. The delivery room is full of staff from the neonatal department. Because we’re having pre-term twins, they are more than usually prepared if something goes wrong. I should be grateful they are prepared for the worst, but it scares the hell out of me.

“Okay, Ava. On the count of three, tuck your chin to your chest and push.”

I help Ava as much as I can. This is a monumental moment in our lives. The woman I love is having my children. Our children. I’m proud and scared at the same time. I stand behind the head of the bed and watch the doctor. I can see the top of a tiny, dark-haired baby. My heart beats faster. I’m going to meet my daughters in a few minutes.

“Dad, do you want to help pull the first baby out?” 

I look at Ava and she shakes her head. “Yeah. How?” I can barely form the words. 

“Come down here with me.” 

I kiss Ava before leaving her side. “I love you, Momma,” I whisper. 

“I love you too, Daddy.” 

The bright lights, a room full of people, I see none of it. The only thing I see is a tiny baby being pulled from my wife’s body. Still connected by an umbilical cord, the baby cries.

“It’s a girl,” the doctor says.

With the help of the doctor, I place her on Ava’s belly. I can barely see through my tears. I cut the cord and the baby is quickly taken to get assessed by the neonatal team. The first neonatal team get busy assessing my crying daughter. I look to the other side of the room at the second neonatal team. They are waiting for my second daughter. I want to watch the first baby, but our second daughter is ready to make her appearance. 

“Are you ready to push, Ava?”

Her eyes are closed as she nods.

“Dad, are you ready?” 

I look around the room for a dad. Oh, they’re talking to me. “I am.” I look at Ava and look back at my crying daughter. I have this need to be with Ava and to be with my daughter. I need to know she’s okay, but I need to be here with Ava. I’m torn between knowing what to do.

“She doing well, Dad. She’s got a healthy set of lungs.” 

Thank God. This is a huge concern with having pre-term babies.

“Push, Ava.” 

I watch as she tucks her chin to her chest. A nurse is at the head of the bed assisting Ava. I watch as another dark-haired baby makes her entrance into the world. Just like her sister, she’s born crying.

“It’s another girl.” 

I want to look at the baby and see if she looks like her sister. I pray they look like Ava. I can’t see. My visions blurred. I hear a cry escape through Ava’s mouth. I proudly cut the umbilical cord on my second daughter before the second team takes the baby away. I’m torn between Ava and our daughters. I’m not sure how to divide my time with them. I decide to go to Ava. The babies are in good hands. I can hear them both crying.

“Babies are looking good,” someone says.

 I’m so grateful for the updates. I kiss and hug Ava. “You did good. I love you so much.” 

“I love you, too. Will you go and check on them?” 

“I’ll be right back.” 

“Have them put the babies together. They don’t like being separated.” 

I want to laugh, but I don’t. I don’t think they’re crying because of being separated, I think they’re crying because childbirth is traumatic. At least from where I was standing, it looked traumatic. “I will,” I say. I’ll do anything and everything Ava asks of me.

I walk over and watch one baby before watching the other. The nurses and doctor weigh them and measure them. I’m happy to learn that both girls are over five pounds. Although exhausted, Ava doesn’t take her eyes off them.

“We’d like to see if you’ll put the girls together?” I say over a loudly crying baby. 

“Sure. We can do that.” 

I watch as they place Jami with Eva. As Ava thought, the girls instantly calm. A mother’s instinct? I shouldn’t be surprised. Ava smiles. I watch as the babies reach out for the other one. It’s like they sense each other. Is that possible? I guess it is.

As soon as I know Ava is resting and the girls are content, I go out and announce the birth of our children. The waiting room is full. Steve and Lou Ann are here, Nichole and little Connor, Drew and Skylar, Claire and Marshall, Daniel and Rachael. Even my parents came for the birth.

“We have two healthy girls with very healthy lungs,” I say proudly. The room erupts with cheers. “And… they weigh over five pounds each.” 

“That’s almost unheard of,” Skylar says. 

“They’re amazing. Wait until you see them. They said a couple of people can come back at a time.” 

“How’s Ava?” Marshall asks. 

“She’s wonderful. Her motherly instincts have already kicked in.” I tell them about her saying to put the twins together to calm them and it worked. “She’s tired, but that’s expected.” 

Claire and Marshall go back to see them first. Before I leave the room, my mom asks, “Chase, can we talk to you for a minute?” 

I really want to get back there with Ava and the girls. “If you have to leave, I understand. I’ll tell Ava you came by.” 

“No, that’s not it.”

“Oh.” My parents never want to talk to me. I wonder if one of them is ill or something. We’ve never been close, but I certainly don’t want anything to happen to them. “Let’s talk over there,” I say. “It’s more private than anyplace else in this room.”

I follow them to the far corner of the room. Skylar watches me even with a room full of people; she knows this is unusual.

“We owe you an apology,” Dad says. 

“Why?” 

“We’ve been selfish.” Mom runs her hands up and down her arms. “I guess the birth of your children made us see what bad choices we made with you.” 

“What we’re trying to say is, we’re sorry. We’d like to try to build a relationship with you, Ava, and our grandchildren.” When I don’t say anything, Dad says, “That is, if it’s not too late.”

I look at both of them. I’m not sure I’m hearing what they’re saying. Are they serious? Is this a joke? Am I dreaming?

“Chase, we want to be there for our grandchildren. We were so foolish, and we’re so sorry we weren’t there for you. Please, can you forgive us?”

I look at Mom and she has a tear falling down her cheek. I’ve never seen her cry. Can I forgive them? They don’t know about Ava. They have no idea what she’s been through in her life. I have to protect her. I can’t have them in and out of our lives, disrupting my family. I don’t want my daughters growing up and wondering why their grandparents don’t love them. I finally say, “Look, a lot has happened that you don’t know about.” 

Mom interrupts. “We bought a house in Savannah near the inn. We want to establish our roots so you know we’re serious. We also want to make it up to you and get to know your wife and children.”

For the first time since I can remember, I see something in my mom that was never there before. Compassion? Love? Honesty? I’d like nothing more than that, but I can’t risk them hurting Ava or the twins.

“And what makes you think this time next week you won’t be taking off to Italy or Rome?” 

“We won’t. This is what we both want.” My dad looks away. “We’ve been selfish and we’ve missed out on so much. We don’t want to waste another day.” 

Mom interrupts, “Here, we bought Ava and the girls something. Here’s our address. If you decide to give us a chance, this is where you can find us. Chase, we’re here to stay.” 

She hands me three wrapped gifts. Not a check or an envelope, but gifts that they went out and bought and wrapped. “Did you wrap these?” I have to make sure.

“We did. Well, your mother did the wrapping, but we shopped for them together.” 

I hate to get my hopes up, but I think they’re sincere in wanting to be grandparents to our kids and maybe stepping into the parent role, although I’m already grown. “Do you want to meet Eva and Jami?” 

My mother’s face lights up. “We’d love to. You’ve already named them?” 

“Eva Lily and Jami Rose.” I don’t tell them the meaning behind the names. I’m not sure they’ll care.

Mom says, “They have such beautiful names.” 

“Come on. Let’s go and meet your granddaughters.” 

It’s been four weeks since Ava gave birth to our daughters. Mom and Dad bought an all-American home beside Claire and Marshall’s house. White house, black shutters, white picket fence with a red, white, and blue American flag flying high on the flagpole. They didn’t even realize that their neighbors were the other set of grandparents to Eva and Jami. True to their word, they are an active part in our lives. Visiting daily, making dinner, even changing diapers. They look happy. I never asked them what happened in their lives for the sudden change. I’m just glad that whatever it was, our girls will benefit from the love of another set of grandparents. My parents, Kathy and Jimmy, are making up for their absence in my life by being present in my daughters’ lives. Seeing them so involved in with my children has made forgiving them easy. The more people who love our children, the better. 

The girls are not identical; however, they both look like Ava. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to love two children, but I do. Love is a bottomless pitcher; I pour and pour. If it’s even possible, I have everything I need right here in front of me.

Ava

Chase and I are sleep deprived, but it’s a wonderful life. The girls are on separate schedules, and the carriage house is now too small for our family of four, causing the overflow to fall into the living quarters at the inn. Thank God, Drew and Skylar aren’t complaining. Today, Jimmy and Dad are putting up a privacy fence. After everything that’s happened, I think this is a great idea. The girls are a handful now, and I can’t even imagine how we’ll contain them once they become mobile. Mom and Kathy are here everyday helping out. Chase and I still are very protective, and we have baby monitors set up so we can hear what’s going on in the other rooms of the house and at the inn while we visit there. 

Today we try to nap while Mom and Kathy tend to the girls. It’s hard to sleep with all the laughing going on by the grandmothers. They laugh at the facial expressions the girls make, the yawns, and the random smiles, and they even laugh as the girls pass gas.

I look at Chase and he is also listening to the baby monitors. I can tell we won’t be getting any sleep. “Ready to get up?” 

“I thought you’d never ask.”

We both walk out into the living room where Mom and Kathy are each holding a baby. Chase and I stand back and watch the interaction between them. I know Chase was concerned when his parents showed up at the hospital. He didn’t want them to be in and out of the girls’ lives. He didn’t want them to ever feel not loved or confused by their presence. I have to admit, I was also concerned. That was until I saw the gifts they bought the girls when they were born. They each received keepsake books: books for us to document their progress from birth to high school graduation. It wasn’t so much the books as it was the inscription written in each one from Kathy.

For our beautiful granddaughter.

Our greatest wish is that you always know how much we love you. That you walk through life knowing that no matter what, we are always here for you. May you grow strong and have the power of family behind you every step of the way. We will always be here for you, no matter what.

We love you more than words can say. Grandma and Pap.

I knew without a doubt that they were here to stay. They would be there for our girls and would smother them with love. You can’t think up words like this and not mean them. Sayings like these come from deep within your heart. I only wish they hadn’t missed out on their amazing son’s life. Chase is incredible and they’ve missed it. I don’t try to understand their reasoning for abandoning their only child to travel the world. I also don’t try to judge them for their decisions. It’s not my place to pass judgment on anyone.

The gift they gave me was just as meaningful: a framed photo of the four of us on our wedding night. We were standing outside of the water show at the Bellagio hotel in Vegas. I remember we had the picture taken, but we didn’t print it or display it. They weren’t involved in Chase’s life and he didn’t see a reason to pretend they were one happy family, but now the photo hangs proudly on the family wall we’ve created since the girls were born. We also have photographs of Drew, Skylar, Nichole, and little Connor hanging on the wall.

“I thought you guys were taking a nap,” Kathy says.

“Hard to sleep with all the laughter,” Chase says, walking over and taking Eva from his mother. 

“Is grandma being silly?” His mother asks as he cuddles Eva gently. 

I also take Jami from my mom. She sleeps peacefully. “You know you can put her down while she sleeps, right?” I lay her in the bassinet in the corner of the room.

“I know, but I can’t look at her when she’s so far away.” 

I just smile. I feel the same way. I have to fight the urge to hold them constantly. A fear I have is that they’ll be dependent on being held and it’ll be too much. I can’t just sit around holding two children all day long. Well, actually I could, but nothing else would get done. I walk over and take Eva from Chase and put her in the same bassinet with her sister. I still like to keep them together as much as possible. It’s almost like they sense the other is there. Jami instantly calms.

Looking at them, I still can’t believe they’re mine. Chase and I made them. It amazes me that these tiny, breathing human beings are my children. How is that even possible? Everything I’ve been through in my life, this right here has made up for it. I’ve never been happier.

Mom says, “Before I forget to tell you, Skylar called and said the reservations at the inn for this evening have been canceled.” 

I bring my attention away from the babies and turn to face Mom. “I hate hearing that.” The inn isn’t doing as well as Skylar and I had planned. However, the tearoom is thriving. 

“Skylar said you’re having a slow month.”

I look at Mom and say, “We’re having a slow few months. I don’t understand it. I mean I appreciate the downtime right now, but we need to rent the rooms to turn a profit.” 

Kathy says, “There’s so many bed and breakfasts in the area. Competition is tough. When Jimmy and I were looking for houses, the first thing we noticed were all of the inns in the area.” 

“She’s right, Ava,” Mom agrees. 

“It’s a good thing you have the tearoom to balance it out.” She stands from the couch and looks out the window. “It looks like the fence is finally done.” 

“And it looks great,” I agree.

We have dinner together, bathe the girls, and put them down for bed before our parents leave for the night. I can’t stop thinking about what Kathy said about the market being saturated with inns. Later that night, Chase and I research the area for inns, tearooms, and teahouses. I’m not surprised to see the number of inns has increased since we’ve been here. Savannah’s a great area, and everyone wants to stay at a quaint bed and breakfast rather than stay in a hotel. What does surprise me is the lack of teahouses and tearooms in the area. To run the inn is a full-time job. Someone always has to be here, and it requires a lot of prep work and early morning hours. When I was single, it was perfect. But now that I’m married with kids, it takes up a lot of time. Almost too much of my time.

“Not exactly what you were hoping for, is it?” Chase asks about the number of inns in this area.

“No, I guess it’s not. But blessings comes in all shapes and sizes.” 

“The inn’s failing and you’re talking about blessings. I think you lost me.” 

“I’m not exactly sure, I have some numbers to crunch, but this might be a good thing for all of us.” 

Chase closes his computer. “I won’t pry, but are you talking about closing the inn?” 

“It’s not my decision to make alone. I’ll need to talk to Skylar about it. I don’t think it makes much sense keeping it open and taking a loss on it.” 

“It’s not a total loss, the tearoom’s still profitable.” 

“I have an idea. Do you mind if I call Skylar and Drew over to discuss it?” 

“No, I’ll make the call for you.” 

When they walk in the house, Skylar walks past me and heads toward the nursery.

“Don’t wake them.” 

“I won’t.” 

Chase and I sit down and wait while Drew and Skylar visit their goddaughters. When they each return to the room holding a child each, I laugh. “I told you not to wake them.” 

“We didn’t, see.” She uncovers Jami so I can see her beautiful face. “They’re both sound asleep.” I wait for them to sit down. “What’s up?” Skylar asks.

“Chase and I were googling inns in the Savannah area. Did you know there are seven more inns in Savannah since we bought this one?” 

“No, I had no idea. Kind of explains the declining numbers of reservations.” 

Rocking Eva, Drew says, “That’s not good.” 

“Did you also know that there are only a few tearooms in the city, and they are several miles apart from each other?” 

“No, but that explains the rapid growing sales for the tearoom.” She frowns. “I hope you’re not suggesting we close the inn.” 

“If it’s no longer lucrative, I can’t see why we’d keep it open.” 

“She has a good point, Skylar,” Drew says.

She exhales. “If we sell it, I’ll have to go back to nursing.” 

“Not necessarily.” Ava smiles. “I have another idea. What if we close the inn, and turn it into a teahouse? We’ll run it just as we are. Maybe extend the hours and add a small gift shop.” 

“No more early morning hours making breakfast for twenty people?” 

I laugh at Skylar. “Nope.” 

“No more cooking all day on Sundays?” 

“Nope.” 

“No more going to bed at 9:00 pm so we can get up early in the morning?” 

“Only if you want to.” 

“No more being at the inn 24/7?” 

“Nope. We’ll need to work out the hours of operation. Maybe extend the noon tea from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. I don’t have all the answers, but I do think it’ll be a better alternative for us. Closing the inn and adding a gift shop and expanding the tearoom.” 

Skylar kisses the baby. “Sounds great. Let me get some ideas and we’ll talk more tomorrow.” 

Skylar

Drew and I spend the evening doing our own research. Ava was right about the saturated market of bed and breakfasts in this area. Tearooms and teahouses are scarce. I also google best-selling items to sell in a tearoom gift shop and I’m not surprised by what I see. Anything related to tea sells. Teacups, teapots, flavored teas, lace tablecloths, napkins, among other things. I make a list of some of the top-selling items to show Ava in the morning.

“Babe, not to change the subject, but did you happen to see how crowded the carriage house was when we were over there?” Drew asks.

I did, but I didn’t want to say anything. “Yeah, the babies sure filled the space up quickly.” 

“Would it be wrong to ask them to move back in here?” 

I find this request odd coming from a man who’s never been around children. “They’ll have less room than they have now. The living quarters have fewer square feet than what they currently have.” He’s a smart man. He should already know this. 

“I was thinking about if you guys close the inn. You’ll have all those empty bedrooms. This house is actually a seven-bedroom home with additional space in the living quarters. If you wanted to, you could have the tearoom and gift shop have its own entrance, and stop the traffic inside the house, making it a livable space for a family.”

“Drew, that is a great idea. You’re brilliant.” 

“It’s what I do,” he teases. 

The next day, since the inn is empty of guests, I get to sleep in. As soon as Drew leaves for work, I run over to the carriage house. Chase has already left for work and Ava is home with the twins alone. It’s just a matter of time before the entourage of family will be here to help her and to love the babies. I knock and wait for her to unlock the door to let me in. She’s already dressed for the day — she looks stunning. Her hair is in a high ponytail, and she is wearing yoga pants and a black tee-shirt. She’s holding a coffee mug in her hand.

“I can’t believe how great you look after having two kids,” I say honestly. I walk in smiling before heading to the bassinet where the babies are peacefully sleeping. “How do you not just sit around holding them all day long?” 

“Do not pick them up,” she says sternly.

I quickly remove my hands from inside the bassinet and hold them up in surrender. “I’m not,” I lie. “I was just looking at them. But seriously, how do you not hold them all day?” I look back in the bassinet at the sleeping beauties. They both have their own look, but they definitely look like sisters and they definitely look like Ava.

She walks over and looks into the bassinet and smiles. “I don’t want to spoil them. I do sit and watch them a lot through the day.” 

I turn to face her. I can see a bouncy seat and a baby swing sitting on the floor. Before we sit down and talk business, I say, “Sure I can’t hold one?” 

“I’m sure, but I will let you feed one when they wake up.” 

“Okay, deal.” 

Ava gets her tablet and pen and we sit at the dining room table. I show her what I found on the computer about teahouses and gift shops. I also show her an online shop where we can purchase items in bulk at a discount for the gift shop.

“It’s a big decision to close the inn,” she says.

“It is, but if it’s no longer profitable, it’s a no-brainer.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just sad to see it close.” 

I hate to see her sad. I hope she doesn’t think she failed at owning her very first business. “Me, too, but I have a really good feeling about the teahouse and the gift shop.” 

“Really?” She looks up from the computer. “You aren’t afraid they’ll fail, too?”

“No, not at all. But to be honest, the inn just took so much time to run. Someone always had to be here and we spent an entire day once a week cooking.” I look at her so she knows that I’m ready to move on. “We’re too young to be confined to a business that requires so much time to operate.” 

“But you said you loved it and it was the best job you ever had. I just don’t want to let you down.” 

“Don’t forget I’m a nurse. The inn was a breeze to run and operate compared to nursing.” Taking a deep breath, I say, “I guess with the teahouse, I’m being selfish. Fewer hours to work, more time to do non-work things we want to do. No more 5:00 am wake ups. We’ll be able to spend Sundays watching football and sleeping on the couch.” 

“Let’s do it,” she says quickly.

“Really?” I ask questionably.

“Yeah, I think you’re right. The inn is a money pit. We’ll focus on the teahouse and an amazing gift shop. We’ll be able to actually rotate days and maybe have some full days off to do something.” This is definitely a better business for two young people to have. “I hate that we sunk all that money into the inn. What’ll we do with all those empty rooms?” 

Drew’s idea of them moving back into the inn comes to mind. I love Ava and Chase. Having them and those darling little babies in the house thrills me. “Maybe we could fill those empty rooms up with babies?” 

Her eyes get big. “Why, are you expecting?” 

Sometimes I think Chase’s ignorance is rubbing off on my friend. “No, but you have two babies and from the looks of it, you could use the extra room.” I try to say it as nicely as I can. I hate that they’ve already outgrown their newly renovated home. 

“I know, I never dreamed we’d have twins.” She looks around the room at all of the baby things lying around. “In another year, we won’t fit in this house.” 

“Drew suggested last night that y’all should move back into the inn with us.” 

“That’s very sweet, but we couldn’t barge in on your privacy. You just got married, and moving in with you wouldn’t be right.” 

Chase

“Where do you want Jami’s things to go?” 

“Put her stuff in Xander’s old room,” Ava yells from the bottom of the stairs.

I should have known. She is his namesake. Only makes sense she would be in his old room. Ava and I needed only a day to take Drew up on his offer to move back into the inn. We both knew while she was pregnant with the twins that ultimately we would need to move to a bigger house. Just the bare necessities for the twins was filling up the small area in which we lived.

I watch as Ava puts our things in the next room and Eva’s things in the room to the right. Although the twins sleep together now, when they do sleep in their own rooms, Ava wants to be close to both of them. Being in the middle of their bedrooms is a sure way to do it. We even turned one of the bedrooms from the inn into a sitting room for Ava and me. We needed someplace to put the living room furniture and the toys the girls will grow into. Although Drew offered for us to move back into the inn, Ava and I will desperately try to not take over the entire house. I know Skylar and Drew will want their space. All of this is overwhelming, even for me. If this doesn’t spook Drew, nothing will.

“I think this is the last of everything,” I say. 

“Moving a family of four is hard work,” Ava says, looking around the upstairs.

“Even if it was a short distance.” I wipe the sweat from my brow. 

“I hope this is our last move for awhile. It’s exhausting.” 

I look at Ava. “Do you think this is our forever home?” 

“I hope so. I love this house.” 

I think about my life with Ava. I think about the girls and how much has happened since Ava got her memory back. I never dreamed that I’d be married to Ava and we’d have a family. My life is perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Ava

Over the next two weeks, Skylar and I close the inn permanently. It was a bittersweet moment. We both knew it was time to cut our losses. We forwarded all of the existing reservations to Steve and Lou Ann. Closing the inn, expanding the tearoom, and opening the gift shop was the best thing for us to do. When we bought the inn, it was perfect for us, but as our family grew, we realized we needed more time to dedicate to them. I honestly had no idea how much time and commitment it took to run a successful bed and breakfast.

Deliveries are starting to come in for the gift shop, and we’ve decided to expand the tearoom. Business is great and the hours we set up for operation has given us a lot of free time. Drew and Daniel added an outside entrance just for the tearoom and the gift shop, thus eliminating the traffic into the house. Since we’ve had the girls, we needed to eliminate the number of people coming in and out of the building. The separate entrance to the tearoom was also helpful in separating work from family life.

Since the twins were born, I think everyone is trying to find a new normal. Drew and Skylar are enjoying being newlyweds and he is no longer spooked about babies or pregnancies; I think Skylar is finally trusting that he’s fine with the idea of having children and he’ll no longer run out on her if he’s troubled with something. Since the twins’ birth, Skylar is no longer talking about having children. Chase and I offered for them to move into the carriage house, but they declined. I love having her so close to me and if they never move out of the house into their own home, I wouldn’t care. 

Jimmy and Kathy are just as involved in our life as my parents are. I’m thrilled for Chase to have his parents back. I can tell he’s still isn’t convinced they’re here to stay, but every day he believes a little more. I’m excited that the girls have both sets of grandparents to love them. It’s important for me to surround them with love.

Nichole and little Connor are also adjusting to their new life. The bakery is doing well and since she doesn’t have any family, we make sure to see them at least once a week. Once when I went over to see her during business hours, I saw Luke Tanner leaving. I have high hopes that Nichole could be the woman of his dreams. I just want everyone to find love and to have a happily-ever-after. Chase says I’m a hopeless romantic. Maybe he’s right, but is it so wrong to want everyone to be happy? World peace would be nice but that seems so far out of our reach. I’ll just plan for love and happiness one couple at a time.

It’s taken some time, but while forgetting the past and living for today, I’m finally able to see things for what they are while seeking the future with the man I’m truly meant to be with. Chase is my happy-ever-after and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him as my partner for life.