Chapter 12 #2
“I can’t even try to deny that. My people are nothing if not full of beans, especially the one who fathered her.”
“You said that, not me.”
Linda and Maddie fed and burped both babies, who dozed off once their bellies were full.
“Thank goodness these two can sleep through anything,” Maddie said, snuggling with Emma as the four older kids ran around the room, laughing and screaming.
Linda kissed the top of Evie’s head, her wispy blonde hair tickling Linda’s nose. “They learned that in utero, listening to their siblings long before they were born.”
“I guess I need to be grateful for the never-ending chaos, then.”
“It’s hard to believe how quickly chaos will turn to moody, sullen teenagers who’ll grow up and leave you just when they’re becoming interesting people.”
“When will that be exactly?” Maddie asked with a smile.
“Long before you’re ready.”
“I like that expression you shared with me. ‘The days are long, but the years are short.’ It’s so true. I’m already seeing that with Thomas. How is he almost seven?”
“I have no idea where all the time goes. I look at my kids… Mac will be forty soon. How?”
“We have to plan something for that, and it must be a roast.”
“Of course it will be. Who deserves that more than he does?”
“Absolutely no one.”
“What are you hearing from Tiffany?”
“Nothing new.”
Linda’s deep sigh said it all.
While the girls played a game with Blaine, Tiffany had cleaned everything she could reach without having to get on the step stool, which would’ve sent her husband over the edge since pregnancy had her balance out of whack.
Even as Blaine played with the girls, he kept one eye on her, making sure she wasn’t overdoing anything.
The activity didn’t help.
Nothing helped to ease her mind as she contemplated having to share heartbreaking news with Ashleigh.
How did one say such a thing to a precious six-year-old who loved her daddy with all her heart?
Ashleigh had no clue what a jerk he could be, and if Tiffany had her way, she’d never know that stuff.
What difference would it make now? No, she’d allow her baby girl to keep every illusion she had about the man who’d fathered her, even if Blaine would be the one to raise her.
He would show her everything she needed to know about men and how they treated their loved ones and what to look for in a potential partner.
She was grateful for her wonderful husband all the time, but knowing he’d be there for her and Ashleigh if the worst came to pass was a source of tremendous comfort to Tiffany as they waited to hear what’d become of Jim and his friend Billy.
Every time the phone rang, she jumped out of her skin, wondering if this would be the call to confirm what they already knew. She saw it was Maddie and exhaled. “Hey.”
“I’d ask how you’re doing, but…”
“Trying to stay busy. Not sure what else to do.”
“Is Blaine still home?”
“Yep. He went to the office for a short time before he came back. He’s been taking calls and giving orders from here.”
“I’m glad he’s with you.”
“Me, too. I wish they’d find them. One way or the other. The not knowing is hard.”
“I can only imagine. You want to talk about it?”
“You’ve got enough going on over there.”
“The twins are down for a nap, and Linda is making lunch for Thomas, Hailey, Mac and Liam, who’s hanging with us today while Abby is at the clinic. I guess she woke up with a pain.”
“Oh no. No, no, no.”
“We’re hoping for the best.”
“God, me, too. Poor Abby—and Adam. They’ve been through enough.”
“I know. Linda and I were just saying that. But back to you… Talk to me, Tiff. What’s going through your mind?”
“So many things, but ironically, I find myself thinking about the good times and not how it all went so very wrong.”
“It’s good to focus on the positive.”
“I guess, but it makes me even sadder to think about how he let his perfectly lovely life go completely off the rails.”
“He did that to himself.”
“Yes, he did. I was hoping he might get a more positive second act at some point, you know?”
“Yeah, I get that.”
“I wanted that for him and for Ash. And now… The not knowing is the worst part. I want them to find him—and I don’t want them to find him.”
“Both those things can be true.”
“I suppose so.”
“Why don’t you lie down and try to get a little rest?”
“I feel like I’ll go crazy if I stop moving.”
“You won’t. I promise. You and the baby need rest. As long as Blaine is with the girls, you should try to take a nap.”
“I’ll try.”
“Big Mac and Linda are having everyone to the marina for dinner. Stephanie is over there helping him set up. I know you’re probably not in the mood for a big gathering, but you’re more than welcome to join us if you feel up to it.”
“I might like to do something like that. I’ll see how I feel later on.”
“No pressure. Come if you feel like it.”
“Thanks for the invite and the talk. It helps that you get it.”
“Oh, honey, of course I do. You once loved that man with all your heart. Even if you wanted to punch him half the time lately, you’d never want this.”
A sob came from the deepest part of her. “No, I wouldn’t. How will I ever tell Ash?”
“You’ll find the words you need when the time is right.”
“It’ll break her little heart. How do I do that to my precious girl?”
“We’ll all be there to support her.”
Tiffany heard the tears in her sister’s voice. Maddie loved her girls as much as Tiffany did. This would break the hearts of everyone who loved Ashleigh.
“That helps. I just can’t believe this is happening. As much as I wished at times that he’d just go away and leave us alone, I never wanted this.”
“I know, sweetie. None of us wanted this.”
“I’ll let you know about dinner. The change of scenery and time with friends might do me good.”
“I think it would. Everyone wants to hug you.”
“Thanks for checking on me. Call me any time you need to talk. Don’t worry about waking up the babies. They sleep through the madness around here.”
“What are you hearing about Kelsey and Jeff?”
“They’re moving him to rehab soon, and she’s feeling a little better. The broken arm is still giving her a lot of pain, but it’s less every day.”
“Those poor kids.”
“Big Mac is sick over it. Mac told me his dad is going to deposit money into their accounts, so they have everything they need.”
“Of course he is.”
“He feels responsible for what happened.”
“It wasn’t his fault. Ethel is the one to blame.”
“That’s what Mac tried to tell him, but he wasn’t hearing it.”
“It doesn’t surprise me that he wants to take care of everything for them.”
“Me either. He’s the best. Check in with me a little later?”
“I will. Thanks for everything. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”