“It’s a good idea. Why don’t you send a group text, and we’ll do it tomorrow?” Kassie asked. “We can have all the kids at my house. Chase will be there, and I’m sure the grans will love spoiling them. I’ll call Victoria and Maddie while you call your mom and Jake.”
“It sounds like a plan,” Catherine said, rising. “Come get me for lunch.”
“I will,” Kassie said, placing Sophie in her crib.
Catherine entered her office and sat down. She picked up her wedding photo and traced Leo’s face. Already missing him, she swiped the tear from her cheek. Her hand roamed protectively over her belly.
“Since you’re the determined little swimmer who made it against all odds, let’s get a few things straight. I expect to hold down at least one full meal a day. I need the energy for your siblings. No bathroom breaks after 2100. Mama needs her sleep. Finally, I expect you to wreak havoc on your father when he returns,” she said, finding peace from all the turmoil of morning sickness and a surprise pregnancy.
* * *
Addy parkedher SUV in the garage, entered her house, and then disabled and reset the alarm. A happy Zeus met her at the door.
“Hi, baby. I’m sorry I left in such a hurry. We’ll have some breakfast and then go for a walk,” she said to the dog. “I’m running some errands today. It’s time we got out and met the people of Serenity. Shall we start with a treat from Bryanna’s bakery? The community center posted its menu for the week,and I’ve always wanted to try Tess’ enchiladas. We can go for lunch and take a walk in the park.”
Zeus happily wagged his tail at her as she got to work on his breakfast. With Liam spinning up, she needed a way to get Zeus into her SUV. Recalling the slanted ladder she purchased when she adopted him, Addyson went into the garage and found it.
She scrambled two eggs and placed them on a piece of toast as Zeus finished his food. They walked to the patio, and she ate her breakfast, enjoying the scenery.
She breathed deeply, taking in the fresh air, letting her nerves settle. Addy knew she almost allowed Liam to leave without knowing how deeply she cared for him.
Her phone rang, and she picked it up, seeing Kassie’s name flash across the screen.
“Hi, Kassie,” she greeted.
“Hello, Addyson. We’re having a girls’ night at Catherine’s house at eighteen hundred tomorrow, and you’re invited. We usually do this when the men deploy.”
“I’d be happy to join you,” she said, before convincing herself not to go.
“You will?” Kassie said, surprised.
“Yes. Liam pointed out I didn’t spend time with anyone outside of work. I’m attempting to remedy the situation,” she explained.
“Liam’s a smart guy. I’m glad he convinced you to join us. Bring a sleeping bag and a snack to share. We have three pregnant women,” Kassie said, sounding pleased Addyson accepted her invitation.
“Great, I’ll see you there,” she confirmed.
She hung up the phone and smiled as Zeus nudged her hand.
“It appears I have a playdate tomorrow. Shall we call a sitter for you?” she asked, rubbing his head. “I’m having an evening with the ladies. Do you think they’ll be my friends? I haven’tmade any real ones in a long time besides you. Will they like me? They know my professional side, but what about the real me?”
Rising, she took Zeus inside and gazed around the house, recalling Liam’s words. Did she keep her home basic and neutral because of Sam? The only color in the place came from the new couch and recliner she purchased. What would Liam want? No. What did she like? She wanted a home full of color. Addy wanted friends, love, and laughter. Everything lay within her reach if she only held the courage to try.
Taking a deep breath, she wandered from room to room, seeing Sam occupying each space. A memory here and there. It’s as if she needed a reminder of his memory. Her hand went to her chest as she realized he’d always remain in her heart. Walking upstairs, she entered Sam’s office. She laughed out loud at the absurdity of it. She made an office for her deceased husband. Gazing at the walls, she touched the pictures as if seeing them for the first time with clarity.
The picture of them in front of their third new house. Sam transferred to a new team for a promotion. Addy loved living in California. She deployed and dreamed of coming to her house a block from the beach. In the middle of the sea, she received a note from Sam telling her he accepted a new position and moved them across the US. Anger filled her for the first time as she realized how mad she felt about losing her lovely home and moving to a place where she didn’t know anyone. Fifteen minutes before they took the picture, they argued about his not discussing the move with her.
“What do you think?” Sam asked as he showed her the house.
Addy gazed at the old home with peeling linoleum on the floors. The paint screamed from the 80’s.
“You gave up our house near the ocean for this?” she asked, disbelieving what she saw.
“It’s a fixer-upper. Come on, you won’t even be here most of the time, and it’ll give me something to do in my downtime,” Sam dismissed her, making her feel inferior.
“You didn’t discuss the job with me before you took it. Do you realize I have to fly here every time I return home? I’ll lose most of my day,” she said, peering out of the dingy window with a crack in it.
“It’s only for a couple of years,” he cajoled. “We can move back to California when I get my next promotion.”
