Chapter 22
Catherine pulled into the hospital parking lot and lifted Grace from her seat.
“What’s the rule?” she reminded her toddler.
“Howd on,” Grace repeated, grabbing at Catherine’s scrubs as she reached for Derrick.
“Hey, Pumpkin,” Doc said as he greeted Grace. He took Derrick’s carrier and slung the diaper bag over his shoulder. “You’re doing great, listening. I can’t wait to tell Miss Avie. She might have a special sticker for you.”
“Yay,” Grace squealed. “Mama, I got sticker.”
“Good job,” Catherine praised her. “Can you hold my hand while we’re in the parking lot?”
Grace clasped her hand as they walked beside Doc and entered the hospital.
“Did Leo tell you to help me?” she asked skeptically.
“I drove back home. Sophie forgot her stuffed toy and won’t sleep without it,” he explained. “It’s a mere coincidence I bumped into you on my way back to the nursery.”
“Uh huh,” she said, smiling. “He texted me this morning. They’re in flight.”
“Listen, I know you’re tired. I want you to allow us to help you. If I left for weeks at a time, you’d be taking my kids.”
“Ha. I’d have to fight Maddie and Victoria,” she teased. “I’m good. Mom and Jake agreed to stay in the spare bedroom and help with the kids if I get overwhelmed.”
“We help each other. I expect you’ll tell us if you’re struggling,” he reminded her.
“I will. I promise,” she said as he held the door open for her and they proceeded to the nursery.
Kassie sat in a chair, feeding Sophie. “Oh, thank goodness you found it. I worried she’d keep all the babies up crying,” she said as she took the toy from Chase.
He set Derrick on the floor, lifting him from his carrier. “Phew, you smell like your father after he eats too many of Aunt Tess’ burritos.”
“Here, I can change him,” Catherine said, reaching for him.
Doc shooed her away. “I’ve become an expert in diaper changing. Sit and visit with my wife.”
“Did Leo and the guys get off all right?” Kassie asked her.
“Yeah. Melody cried for over an hour. Grace refused to let go of his neck. I think Derrick only stayed with me because I’m his walking milk factory.
I barely got a kiss goodbye and a hug before Saint picked him up,” Catherine said.
“I hope they get it handled swiftly. Poor Claire and Gabby have barely started showing, and then they have to deal with the stress of the men working overseas.”
“And you,” Kassie reminded her.
“It’s my fourth kiddo, I’m almost a pro,” Catherine said, lightly.
“Have you made any decisions? I’m sorry this ruined your surprise. It didn’t give you much time to talk to Leo,” Kassie said sadly.
“I’m having the baby. Regardless of how it got here, it’s still part of our family.
After the last few days of rest and fluids, I feel better.
Leo and I will discuss it when he returns.
I’m driving him straight to the urologist myself.
I’m demanding payment for acting as a walking billboard for why men must get their sperm count checked.
Give it a month or two, and I’ll be sporting my huge baby belly to make it hit home,” she joked.
“Stop. It’s a beautiful bump, and you glow after you get past the morning sickness phase,” Kassie said, burping Sophie.
“It’s the sweat of an overworked mother who’s searching for her lost mind after having all these little monsters,” Catherine said, grinning. “I have to make the schedules for the floors.”
“Yes, you do,” Kassie said. “At lunch, you’ll eat with me, feed Derrick, and then you’ll take a nap. If I catch you working, I’ll send you home.”
“Kassie,” she exclaimed. “Tell me who else gets a nap when they’re pregnant.”
“It’s my hospital. If my nurses need an extra break, they get it. Both of us have covered the floor during special circumstances. We even sent Maria home when her legs swelled. We take care of each other because we’re family.”
“Fine. I’m not even trying to fight you. It feels good to get past the tired phase. I kept some peppermint tea down and some of Ty’s soup. How’s he handling Sparky leaving?” Catherine asked.
“I didn’t see him. Chase and I went to the facility before work and wished them luck.
Bryanna brought them goodies for the trip, and Tess sent them all breakfast burritos.
Stormy seemed upset and tried to act brave for Cole’s sake.
I called her parents. They’re taking her to dinner this evening and watching a movie with her.
“Maybe we can schedule a girls’ night out and have a sleepover or something like we used to do. We have such an extended family, it’s difficult to keep track of everyone. I’m sure Gabby and Claire might like some support,” Catherine suggested. “We can have everyone at my house.”
“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 parked her 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’t made 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.