Epilogue
Michael swung Caleb higher on the new swing set in the backyard. Lizzy chased down Faith who kept her on her toes. She scooped the child up in her arms as she called out, “Let’s go, boys. Grandma Debbie and Barb are ready to go on our hike.”
He caught the swing and Caleb jumped off and ran toward Lizzy.
“Are we walking to our special spot? Can I bring my new airplane to show Mama?”
Lizzy bent down and wiped the smudge of dirt off her son’s cheek. The adoption went through and as of yesterday, Caleb and Faith became their children, officially.
“I think she’ll love it. You can tell her all about it and the gotcha day party.” She ran her fingers through his hair to smooth it down, knowing it proved a useless endeavor.
Her son ran inside the house. “Mom, I can’t find it!” he yelled.
“I’ll help him,” Michael offered as he plucked his daughter from her arms.
They piled into the new SUV which fit the family of four, Diana’s mother and friend. Barb kept Faith entertained while Debbie listened to Caleb describe his new mission with LJ.
“Dad, can I have a code name?” he asked.
“We’ll have to think carefully about it for you,” Michael agreed. “It has to be earned.”
When they arrived at the hospital, Michael opened the door to pull the all-terrain stroller out while Lizzy removed Faith from the car seat. Caleb bounced up and down as he waited for Michael to set up the stroller for his sister.
“Do you want to put her inside?” he asked Lizzy as she walked to the back of the SUV.
“No, let her walk the trail a bit and she’ll take a nice nap later,” she sat Faith on the ground and held her tiny hand in hers. The two older women led the way chatting with each other as Caleb helped Michael push the stroller loaded down with a picnic basket, blankets, toys, and a handmade plaque with Diana’s name engraved in the middle of the design.
Michael and Lizzy listened as Caleb chattered about airplanes and helicopters. Faith babbled as they made their way to the top of the ledge. Michael laid out the blanket while the women kept an eye on their son.
Lizzy fed Faith pieces of watermelon as the baby bounced up and down on the blanket.
Caleb climbed into Michael’s lap. “Will you tell me the story now?” he asked.
“Once upon a time, your Mama Diana met Grandma Barb and mommy in a place where the doctors gave them special medicine. They became family. Mama Diana loved you very much and she asked mommy to take care of you while she rested on the mountain. She lets you know she’s with us every time we come up and see the beautiful wildflowers.”
“Will she always be here?” He turned to gaze into Michael’s face.
“She’ll always be here and here.” Michael pointed to his son’s heart and his own. “Because she gave us each other to love.”
“She must love us a whole bunch because me and Faith love you a whole bunch,” Caleb rubbed Michael’s chest near his heart.
Michael swallowed hard as he smiled at his son. “Yes, she did.”
Lizzy turned Faith around and held her up in the air. “Yes, your mama loves you very much.”
Faith’s chubby hands reached for Lizzy’s face, and she planted a wet slobbery kiss on her mouth. She raised up as if she gazed directly into Lizzy’s eyes and uttered her first word, “Mama.”
Lizzy’s eyes pooled with tears as her mouth formed an O in surprise. Michael laughed.
“Isn’t life full of surprises?” He leaned down and kissed Lizzy.
She smiled at him. Her life felt overwhelmingly full as she met the two older women’s smiles. Her gaze wandered to her son, daughter, and her husband. Her fondest dream of living a life with Michael and having a family finally came true. If her cancer returned, Lizzy now knew she’d fight the battle all over again for the gifts in her life. After all, love is worth fighting for.