Chapter Forty
Two weeks went by in a flash. Diana, her mother, and both kids stayed in the cabins by the hospital. Michael talked Diana into staying longer to ensure Faith stayed on the mend. Caleb made friends with the Serenity kids. Kassie or Catherine stopped by every afternoon to allow the kids to play with him.
Carol, Edie, and Maddie entertained Lizzy. She didn’t get as sick as the last couple of times. She tired easily but insisted they attend Kassie’s birthday party the following Saturday.
“How’s Catherine? She isn’t sick, is she?” Lizzy asked Carol as Edie pulled the knot Lizzy made out of the yarn.
“Oh no, she’s spending time with the team,” she volunteered as she placed a plate of fresh apple slices and peanut butter before her.
“She’s with the team?” Maddie asked, confused. “Do they need a nurse?”
Carol chuckled to herself. “No. Leo’s refusing to bend on his pregnancy plan. So, Catherine’s making him follow it, too. She even made him wear one of those weighted bellies to simulate pregnancy. She banned all sweets from the kitchen and cleared the fridge of everything except things from his approved food list. He’s not even finished day three and just discovered his red meat limited. Tomorrow is steak day for the team.”
“The team’s following the diet too?” Lizzy asked as Edie handed back her poor excuse of a baby blanket.
“Oh no, they waited until Leo went home and snuck a fridge into one of the supply rooms. Every time he asks them where they got the food not on his list, they tell him they brought it from home, and remind him how he’s supporting his wife. It’s only a matter of time before he blows a fuse.” Carol sat down next to Maddie as they laughed. “I’ve stayed a couple of nights up at the cabin as she seems to tire easily, and I help with Melody when Leo works late. It’s like watching my own soap opera.”
“How’s the dating going?” Edie asked as she picked up her own knitting and never glanced down as her fingers flew, making Lizzy envious.
“I decided to stop dating these men and have given up on Jake. I’ll content myself by enjoying my grandchildren and if I find someone to share my life with, then I’ll consider it then. I don’t need a man to make me happy.”
“Good for you,” added Maddie as she patted her friend’s knee.
The doorbell rang and Lizzy dropped her knitting to answer it when Carol gestured for her to sit back down while she handled it.
Jake walked inside and nodded to the women. “I wanted to see if you might join me for a walk.”
“No.” Carol went to sit back on the couch.
Stunned, Jake walked into the living room. He took off his hat and smoothed down his hair. “Maybe we can talk out on the porch?”
She picked up her needles and began to concentrate on her stitches. The other women suddenly appeared engrossed in their craft as he nudged her on the shoulder.
“May I at least have a word with you in the kitchen?” He shifted from one foot to the other as he waited for her response. Carol huffed and put her knitting in her lap.
“I don’t think there’s anything left to say.” She narrowed her eyes at the older man.
Jake’s chest puffed out as he scanned the room. Lizzy smiled and encouraged the older man. He appeared crestfallen and his expression tugged at Lizzy’s heartstrings. She knew Carol fought the temptation to discover what he wanted to say. Maddie nudged her friend in disapproval.
Finally getting the message, she turned to Jake. “I’ll give you five minutes. As you can see, I’m busy caring for our Lizzy and don’t care to participate in any of your shenanigans,” she told him sternly.
He swiped at his beard, waited as she placed her knitting on the table, and walked with her head held high to the kitchen. Lizzy held back her laughter as she watched Jake follow her.
Edie glanced at Maddie and winked.
Whispering ensued from the kitchen. A few minutes later, Carol’s voice rang out. “Jake Harper, where I spend my nights is none of your business.”
“You haven’t slept at home two nights this week. For all I know, a burglar tied you up or you fell and can’t reach your phone,” he countered.
“Do I appear injured to you? I assure you; my son-in-law taught me how to use a gun properly. If you keep asking me these questions, I may ask Kassie to give me instructions. She knows how to shoot a man in the ass. You don’t need to worry. I won’t be aiming for yours; I’ll be aiming for your head because it’s located in the same place.”
Edie and Maddie giggled as a red-faced Jake stomped out of the kitchen. He halted for a moment, completely embarrassed. Lizzy sent a compassionate glance his way.
“Have a good day, ladies,” he choked as he walked out and closed the door behind him.
Edie shook her head. “Love hurts, hearts mend, and life goes on. I pray Jake figures himself out soon.”
Lizzy went back to knitting. Edie’s wise words echoed in her head. She hurt Michael and their relationship seemed on the mend. Will life go on for them?
* * *
Lizzy practically jumpedup and down when Saturday arrived. The weather warmed and Ivan made his men help the kids dye Easter eggs as punishment when he snuck through security on his assigned section of the mountain.
“You’re excited,” Michael smiled at how much she grinned and seemed genuinely happy.
“I’m so glad they’re settling in, and that Debbie fits in with the grandparent crew,” she told him.
“Kassie reminded me, she’s moved chairs in a separate area for you and Diana. Her bedroom and spare room are available if either of you get tired,” Michael wrapped his arm around her as he walked with her from the driveway to the cabin.
Kassie invited the small family to join them. She secured a spot on the porch with two comfortable chairs, a portable heater, blankets, and a view of the easter egg hunting ground.
Catherine sat on the porch with them and chatted while the ladies brought out snacks with hot and cold beverages.
Diana seemed awed by all the activity. “These people are only friends? They act like family. They take care of each other’s children, and I don’t think I’ve seen my mom socialize with people her own age in forever. She’s always helping me and the kids. Which reminds me, I don’t know how I’ll pay all these medical bills. Not to mention us staying in the cabin.”
“Kassie was a single mom until she met Chase. Her daughter, Emma, suffers from a medical condition and she understands the difficulty in raising a child with medical bills. They own the hospital, and she told you the bill will be written off,” Lizzy reminded her.
Diana sighed and sat back in the chair. “Dr. Chase talked to my oncologist. I’m going in to see her in two weeks. I won’t be at chemo this coming week. I asked Michael to take us home tomorrow. I’m afraid if we stay any longer, my kids will demand we move here. Kassie never puts Faith down and when she does, you take her. Caleb believes Dr. Michael walks on water. He still hasn’t stopped talking about walking by the lake and seeing the frog Dr. Michael took from his throat and how he found him a new home.”
The trio giggled as they watched Kassie bounce baby Faith on her hip. The baby laughed and babbled at something. She smoothed down her hair and ran her hand down the child’s cheek. Emma ran and placed her arms around her mother’s waist and Kassie kissed the child’s head and laughed at something she said as the men rounded up the children into the back yard.
Lizzy and Catherine shared a silent communication. Their friend helped everyone on the mountain, and they felt helpless in giving her the one thing she desired most.
Maddie, Carol, Edie, and Debbie sat on the opposite side of the porch as they witnessed the men gather the children and pass out baskets. Victoria stood at the end of the porch and observed the young woman she’d come to love as her own with a shrewd gaze.
Kassie disappeared from the lawn and a few minutes later she walked onto the back porch with Faith. Leo whistled and kids ran everywhere searching for eggs. Squeals and laughter filled the yard as the children ran to show each other their finds. The men ran around chasing them. Saint hauled Nugget over his shoulder. Leo scooped Melody up. Emma hopped on Chase’s back for a ride. Whiskey held LJ high in the air as he made helo sounds. Shadow swung Caleb up on his back for a piggyback ride, making him beam ear to ear. Taco and Michael carried the baskets inside.
Maddie and Carol covertly headed toward the kitchen while the women chatted. Bryanna and Samantha arrived, carrying a birthday cake and cookies. They sat everything on the table on the opposite end of the porch to keep the children away from Lizzy and Diana. The men piled onto the porch and sent the kids into the house to wash their hands.
Chase started the grill and brought out an array of chicken, burgers, and hot dogs while the men carried out iced trays to place the cold salads, veggies, and fruits on. Bryanna set out her homemade hamburger and hot dog buns. Saint went over to grab one of the homemade cookies when Bryanna gently smacked his hand away. She nodded toward Nugget and stated loudly, “We don’t get dessert before we eat nutritious food to nourish our bodies. Sneaking cookies without permission isn’t acceptable.” Saint removed his hand.
“I apologize, I didn’t ask first and you’re correct. We need good food to help us grow.” Saint steered Nugget from the dessert table.
Michael helped take the burgers from the grill. He loaded two plates with a bit of everything and handed one to Lizzy and the other to Diana. He plucked Faith from Kassie’s arms.
“Go get your food. It’s your birthday. Faith and I will hang out here.” Michael came back with a bottle and sat down across from the ladies while he fed the baby. He talked to her and made funny faces while the women watched, enjoying his antics.
“He’s great with kids. I don’t even think my husband paid Faith this much attention. He certainly never changed diapers.” Diana took a bite of the fresh fruit. She turned her head as she watched Taco lean down and cut Caleb’s hot dog in half. The child pointed to the mac and cheese and the bowl of fruit. Shadow scooped out a small helping of each while Taco held the boy and his plate.
Leo glanced toward Catherine, who smiled sweetly as she ate her grilled chicken and a plate of fruit. He nodded toward the burgers when Catherine cleared her throat and pointed to her plate. Leo grimaced and muttered something under his breath sending the women into a fit of laughter.
“How long do you think he’ll keep this up?” Kassie asked as she sat down and smiled as Michael finished Faith’s bottle and laid her over his shoulder and rubbed circles on her back.
“Oh, my guess he’ll cave in a half an hour,” Catherine answered smugly.
“What did you do?” Kassie put her fork down and waited for her friend to speak.
“I didn’t do anything. I can’t predict what Bryanna or Edie bring for desserts. I witnessed Edie bringing in one of her famous pecan pies and Bryanna made the chocolate mousse cake in the fridge. My husband has a fondness for both, and I don’t believe fresh fruit will take their place,” Catherine bit back her laughter.
Chase made his way over to his wife after making Emma’s plate. “Did Jake text you? He promised to come after he finished at the Keller farm.”
Kassie soothingly rubbed her husband’s leg. “I’m sure he’s running late. He won’t miss my birthday.”
Carol stared forlornly at her plate and didn’t say a word. Since their argument, Carol didn’t mention him at all.
When everyone finished eating, the women collected the paper plates while the men lugged the containers of foods into the kitchen.
“Your friends work as a team. I can’t imagine belonging to such a group,” Diana told Lizzy as they watched everyone work. It proved useless to try to help when everyone shot dirty looks in their direction if they tried.
“Now you’re part of it. Once they adopt you into the fold, you’re theirs forever. We found that out when we moved to Serenity. It was the best decision we ever made. It made our relationship stronger, and we have come to realize we need to put each other first. My friends surrounded me with support and I’m grateful for their help. The team shaved their heads to support me, but I suspect it helped Michael to realize he belonged in the family. I’m blessed beyond measure,” Lizzy sighed as she watched him take Faith to the portable crib.
The guys grabbed a playground ball and coaxed the kids to run off their energy with a game of kick ball. The women relaxed and chatted on the porch when Jake yelled from the deck below.
“Carol, may I speak to you? Can you walk with me on the trail?”
The women stopped talking. Lizzy watched as Carol pursed her lips and her hands clenched into fists. She stood and went to the screened in railing.
“I’ll not be starting this again at Kassie’s birthday party. We won’t be going for any walks, sharing any meals, and you can stop watching my house. We share family and we’ll see each other now and again as friends. You’re welcome to come and get food in the kitchen, there’s plenty of leftovers.”
“Can you come down here for a moment…please,” Jake pleaded.
“I said no and I mean it. You made yourself clear and I’ve accepted your decision. If you don’t mind, I’m going back to visiting with my friends.”
“Dang it, woman, why do you have to be stubborn? I want to tell you I’m sorry for acting like such a stubborn a—” Jake whipped his hat off his head and gripped it as he glanced back at the children. “You know. I love you. I miss our walks and washing dishes together and sitting on the front porch talking about all our kids here. I never thought to find another woman who meant as much to me as Bonnie. Yet, you taught me love comes in different forms and although I’ll always cherish the time I spent with her, you make me happy. What I’m trying to say is Carol Reese, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you and watching our kids grow. I want to marry you if you’ll have me.”
Carol’s hand shot to her mouth in shock as she let out a little cry.
Victoria nudged her gently, “When a man bares out his soul in front of everyone, he truly loves you. Don’t make him wait.”
“Yes! I’ll marry you.” She sobbed as she watched Jake run around the deck and inside the house to get to their side of the porch. He grinned from ear to ear as he bent on one knee in front of a flustered Carol.
“Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in Serenity?” he asked as he took her hand and slipped a ring on her finger.
She nodded her head as happy tears fell from her cheeks. Catherine stood and hugged Jake and her mom. “Congratulations!”
Maddie grinned, “I’m so happy for you.”
Edie laughed, “Congratulations! It’s about time.”
The team hustled the kids to the deck and shared in the celebration.
“This calls for dessert,” Leo called over the commotion.
Samantha and Bryanna brought out the chocolate mousse cake and pecan pie. The group gathered around Kassie as Chase placed candles on her cake. “Make a wish, Princess.”
Kassie’s eyes wandered through the window and her gaze focused on the portable crib. She squeezed her eyes and blew out the candles. Samantha took the cake and started cutting it into pieces as Chase wrapped his wife in his arms and whispered something in her ear as she clung tightly to his sides. Catherine shook her head refusing dessert for her and Leo. The leader of the team smiled stiffly at his wife while he eyed his favorite goodies as Shadow and Taco cut huge chunks for themselves.
“I feel terrible for her. She’s such a good mom,” Diana whispered.
Lizzy nodded as they watched the chaos from a distance as the adults helped the kids pick out their desserts. “Kassie will figure out a way to make her dream come true. She’s a fighter.”
“What about you? Do you and Michael intend to adopt soon?” Diana smiled as she watched Caleb playing with LJ. Their little heads bent together as they moved trucks along the deck.
Lizzy smiled as she followed Diana’s gaze. “After I finish chemo and we decide on the radiation treatments. Then Michael and I will start applying to foster kids and begin the private adoption route. With my history, I doubt we’ll receive a child right away. It’s days like today, I think of how fulfilled I felt when Conner came into my life. Michael didn’t get that opportunity and I’ll always grieve him missing out on his son. I want him to know the feeling. It’s something you can’t describe until you hold your child in your arms.”
Diana placed her plate on the table. “No, you can’t describe the feeling. I don’t understand how my jerk of an ex-husband walked away from the two best moments of our lives. Before my cancer diagnosis, he seemed like the perfect husband. The moment he told me he couldn’t handle it; something snapped my illusion of him. I’m the one dealing with it. Then he left the two most precious people in my life. I can’t ever forgive him for turning his back on his kids.”
Lizzy watched Diana as her gaze focused on the beautiful serenity of the mountain. “You don’t need him. We’re your family now. The kids will thrive and one day they’ll realize how strong their mother was to raise them while she battled cancer and won. You’ll see.”
The children went to Emma’s room and played while the adults chatted.
Whiskey cleared his throat and asked for everyone’s attention. Samantha walked into his arms as she lovingly stared at him.
“I want to thank you for all the help and support you gave us over the last months. Nothing I can do can repay you for saving me in more ways than one. As you know, I asked Samantha to marry me again. We want to invite you to our recommitment ceremony a month from now at sunrise. We’ll have a celebration breakfast when we return to our home.” Whiskey beamed as he lowered his mouth to Samantha’s and kissed her.
Michael’s hand rested on Lizzy’s shoulder, and she held on to it. “Today’s full of surprises. Edie’s right in saying love hurts, love forgives, and life goes on.”
Michael leaned down and kissed Lizzy. “Sometimes it even gives a second chance and makes it even better than before.”