by Sara Miller
Leah got a text from Lily mid-morning saying they were doing a late checkout. Probably because it was still raining. Leah did not mind, although it meant she had to wait even longer to show off her new hairdo.
She settled in with her new book. Now the soft sound of rain was peaceful. Leah read until she had to use the bathroom.
Afterward, she wandered to the kitchen. She pulled down one of Lily’s cookbooks and skimmed the pages, trying to decide what to do with the leftover roasted chicken from a few days before. Finding a recipe that appealed to her, Leah got to work. Soon, she had a large pot of white chicken chili simmering on the stove.
She went back to the living room and put her feet up. As much as Leah enjoyed the alone time, she missed her family. Thankfully, the afternoon passed quickly and soon she heard the excited shouts of her nieces. They ran into the livingroom at full speed.
“Aunt Leah! Aunt Leah! Aunt . . . Leah?” Allison stopped short at the sight of her. Emmie’s eyes got big and she smiled excitedly.
“MOM!” Allison bellowed. “You gotta come see this!” She stood back waiting.
Emmie approached. She took in her aunt’s haircut. Leah turned her head from left to right, showing off.
“Do you like it?”
Her younger niece nodded approvingly. The older girl yelled again, this time for both parents. Robert appeared first.
“Allison!” he barked sharply. “What are you screaming about? I—” he stopped abruptly when he saw Leah. Like Emmie, he smiled as he took it in.
Leah got up awkwardly, having sat too long. She stood so Robert could walk around her and get a full view of her hair.
“I love it! It totally suits you!” He hugged her and gave her a quick brotherly peck on the cheek, which was exactly when Lily walked in.
“Robert David!” Lily exclaimed. “Who are you kissing in my living room—Leah?”
Robert stood back and let Lily get a good look. Leah stood still as her sister walked three circles around her without saying a word.
“I told you,” Allison said, hands on her hips. “Now you see why I was screaming, right?”
Robert tousled her hair and left the room to go put away their bags. He gave Leah one last encouraging smile and a wink before exiting. But Lily still had not spoken.
“Lily?”
“Girls, go help your dad.”
“But Mom . . .” Allison tried to protest but Lily pointed and both girls left the room.
“What do you think of it?” Lily asked.
“I love it.” Leah answered quickly.
“Hmmm . . .”
Leah was starting to actually feel unsure. Her smile slipped, but then she caught Lily’s eye.
“Me too,” Lily’s cheeky grin was too much.
“Lily! You actually had me worried!”
“Hey, I’m the one who walked into her own house to see her children watching their father embrace another woman! I had to get you back for that!”
They both laughed.
“When did you do it? Where did you do it? Why didn’t you tell me!”
“I didn’t tell you because I had no idea I was going to do it until it was happening.”
Leah motioned toward the kitchen and Lily followed. While she checked on the chili, she explained all about her encounter with Dakota.
“Wow. She did a fantastic job. Why did we never think to cut your hair before?” Lily sighed, “Now you look even more gorgeous.”
“Dakota is an artist,” Leah tried to dismiss the compliment and put the focus back on the hairdresser. But Lily had more to say.
“It frames your face perfectly. I’d have never thought to cut off so much but still leave the front long. And with the back layered so short!” Lily walked around again, taking in the sides and back of the style.
“Your waves practically curl now. I’m totally jealous. You literally got all the curves,” Lily pouted.
Leah wasn’t sure how to respond. Thankfully, Lily came to her rescue.
“I love it and I’m so happy for you,” Lily embraced her. “And I’m hungry, what’s for dinner?”
As Leah dished up the chili, the rest of the family appeared. The girls tried to tell her everything they had seen and done all at the same time. It was loud and crazy, the perfect end to her weekend. Especially when dinner was over and Robert offered to clean up.
That night, Leah went to bed happy. It was a good weekend. She had finally dreamed, she’d cut her hair, her family was in good spirits again, and the rain had stopped. Leah fell asleep to the sound of nothing.
♦
Leah’s new inverted bob was the talk of the office. Her hair got rave reviews. By Friday, people were finally getting used to it and the compliments had mostly stopped, along with people touching her hair.
She could handle a lot. She did not love people touching her without permission, so between her baby bump and her new hair, she was more than ready for the weekend.
“How was work?”
“I swear if one more person touches me without permission, I’m gonna freak out.”
“That good, huh?” Lily teased.
“Oh!” Leah put a hand to her stomach. “Baby is moving like crazy right now.” She shifted uncomfortably. It did not hurt, although some kicks did. “Want to feel?”
“And risk you freaking out? Not sure if I should!” But Lily was already around the counter even before she spoke.
Leah laughed and guided her sister’s hand to the most active spot.
“Is the baby kicking?” Emmie seemed to have a good sense of timing for these moments. Or perhaps the girls had come looking for a snack since Allison was right behind her. Emmie scampered up into the chair beside her and took Lily’s place.
“It’s a foot!” she exclaimed. “I could feel it and it was definitely a foot. Allison, come feel!”
Allison, the brave and spunky sister, held back. Leah did not blame her, it still weirded her out a bit too at times. A person inside another person was strange.
“Nah, I’m good,” she shrugged nonchalantly but continued to keep her distance. “What’s for dinner? I’m hungry.”
“Hmm . . .” Lily considered. “Your dad and I talked about going out tonight. I’m waiting for him to get home so we can finalize our plans. Let’s have a snack while we wait.”
Allison finally approached, now that the subject had changed. They were all nibbling on carrots and dip when Robert showed up.
“I come home to take my girls out and you’re already eating?!” he teased.
The snack was immediately abandoned. The girls ran to their dad for hugs, but Lily got one first. Leah smiled happily as she chomped on another carrot.
Soon, everyone had dispersed to get ready to go out. Leah wasn’t exactly sure how much primping the girls needed at their ages, but they could probably at least use the bathroom.
Leah sighed. She needed to pee again too. She got herself upright and took care of the carrots and dip before leaving the kitchen.
“Oh, good, there you are,” Robert caught her in the hall. He stood blocking the bathroom. “You’re coming too, right?”
Leah hadn’t realized she was invited. Now standing, the urgency on her bladder was worse. It made thinking hard.
“Sure,” she agreed quickly so she could be on her way.
“Excellent!” Robert kissed her cheek and dashed off.
Several hours later, Leah realized she should have recognized the trap. The dinner turned out to be a surprise baby shower and it was perfect. It was at a restaurant, so dinner was still the main theme and it was not a scary room full of ladies staring at her. There were couples and families, people from work, old friends, and a few of Robert’s family members. A happy, eclectic mix. Lily had nailed it.
The dinner party was all about her and yet it wasn’t. Leah was able to relax, enjoy herself, and have fun. The gift-giving was surprisingly minimal. Because of the venue, Lily had suggested that people consider group gifts or gift card
s. It worked out great. Leah only had a few items to open and she didn’t feel on display. Better yet, no party games!
Once they were home again, Robert carried in the car seat/stroller combo she’d received. Her nieces helped by carrying in the only other gifts she’d had to open. Emmie hugged a stuffed elephant, obviously reluctant to give it up, and Allison hefted a large box of diapers.
Leah didn’t have to lift a finger. Lily had over a dozen cards tucked away in her purse for her to open later. Leah suspected they were filled with cash or gift cards. Despite her curiosity, the cards would have to wait for tomorrow. She was too exhausted to go through them tonight.
Chapter 39
Saturday morning, Leah sat in the living room with her stack of cards from the night before. Most held gift cards and a few held receipts of items purchased off her registry that were being shipped to her.
Lily was with her, taking notes of who gave what so Leah could write thank-you notes later. Together, they cross-referenced her baby registry to make a shopping plan for the gift cards. It looked like they would be able to get almost everything that remained on the list. The only item she would need to purchase herself was a crib. Leah could not believe how blessed she was.
“So,” Lily asked excitedly, “shopping?”
Leah stalled, not answering. It was Saturday, the sun was shining, and she wanted to go to the park. She wanted to see Liam and Sky. Leah missed them. She kept waiting for more dreams, but there weren’t any. Last night would have been Sky’s dance and Leah was hoping to hear how it went.
“But . . . it’s Saturday,” she said and immediately felt stupid for stating the obvious.
“Yeah, I know.” Lily looked at her with a bit of concern. “That’s why we can go shopping.”
“Can we go tomorrow instead?”
“Sure . . .” but Lily did not sound convinced.
Luckily, Emmie entered the living room providing a distraction. The little girl crawled up on the couch and snuggled in between the sisters. She looked up at Leah expectantly.
“It’s Saturday,” Emmie said.
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Lily asked, her voice hinting at annoyance.
“Saying what?” Allison joined them now too.
“That it’s Saturday, like I don’t know it. I know what day it is. I’m old but I’m not stupid.”
“You’re not old!” the girls giggled.
“Gee, thanks, but is someone gonna let me in on the secret?” Lily said.
Emmie turned her face up to Leah.
Leah could not get over how perceptive her niece seemed to be. She did indeed have a secret, but Leah had no intention of revealing that one today. Leah tapped Emmie on the nose and smiled.
“Mom, it’s Saturday,” Allison joined in. “Aunt Leah takes us to the park on Saturdays. It’s like our thing!”
“Can we go?” Emmie asked. She looked back and forth between the two adults before settling her gaze steady on her aunt. “I think Mom should come this time too.”
The seriousness on her little face caught Leah off guard.
Lily was so thrilled to be included, she missed the exchange. She rushed around grabbing snacks and drinks.
Leah sat, still unnerved by her niece. All of a sudden, she wasn’t as excited to go as before. Finally, she shook it off and got herself ready.
After being at the park for only a half hour, Leah was already on her bench. She watched as Lily followed the girls from the slide, to the swings, and other various pieces of playground equipment, doing all the things Leah’s pregnant body could no longer do. She did not mind too much; it felt amazing to just sit in the sunshine and enjoy the fresh air.
Since she didn’t have to focus on her nieces, Leah’s gaze kept wandering to the parking lot. She saw the black car drive through twice, then park, but the driver did not get out. The behavior appeared so odd, Leah was glad Lily was here with the girls. Even then, she didn’t feel completely settled because she still had not seen Sky or Liam. The car and its mystery occupant distracted her so much she missed Liam’s approach.
“Miss Leah?” Liam appeared out of nowhere.
She gave him a big smile, truly happy to see him. But the little boy seemed unsure. Leah’s smile began to slip until she remembered her hair cut.
“Hi, Liam! Do you like my haircut?” She put a hand to her hair self consciously.
Liam looked her over and nodded, but Leah could tell something was still bothering him.
“You okay?” She wanted to take him into her arms. Instead, she patted the bench and he hopped up. She watched him kick his legs, work boots flying. Finally, he stilled and spoke.
“I don’t understand how they work,” Liam looked up at her. His brown eyes were full of tears. “I tried to figure it out and I can’t.”
“Oh, Liam . . .” Leah was not sure what to say. Her heart broke again, for the umpteenth time.
“I dreamed about you and I thought it meant you were back. I was so excited I drew a picture and showed it to Sky but she got mad and ripped it up! Wanna see?”
Leah nodded. She was beyond curious.
Liam jumped down and pulled several tattered papers out of the back pocket of his jeans. He handed the pieces to Leah and she put them together.
In the drawing were three figures. One in a blue dress, one in a big pink dress, and one in a green dress. The figure in the green dress was wearing brown boots. The image was torn twice, directly through the person in the pink dress.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
“I love it!” Leah couldn’t help but laugh. She remembered the shared moment fondly.
“Sky got so mad she tore it,” his dark eyes flashed in anger. His bottom jaw stuck out just like his father’s. “I told her I dreamed she found the perfect dress and she said dreams are stupid. I told her it was real and I could prove it!”
“H-how?”
Liam reached into his front pocket and began pulling out white and gray plastic pieces. He sat them one by one on the bench. When he finally looked up at her, she understood.
“Oh no, your airplane! What happened to it?” The last time she saw it, he’d stuck it in his pocket while they were shopping. Was it possible he still had it when he woke up, just like she still had the crayon? It would appear so.
“Sky smashed it to bits!” he shook, his hands fisted at his side. He had never looked more like his father. “And then she ripped my picture!” he stomped a boot into the dirt. “I cried so hard that Dad grounded Sky and she didn’t get to go to the dance. Now she’s mad at me too.”
Leah couldn’t help but feel this was all her fault. She had done this to them. It was one thing for her and Cade to have had a falling out, but now it was directly affecting the children.
Liam was putting his broken plane back in his pocket when someone approached.
“Liam?” the woman asked. “Hi, baby.”
Leah was instantly on alert.” Liam stood as close to her as possible, staring at the stranger.
“Come here. Come see your mama.”
Liam clutched at Leah. His body was rigid and unmoving.
Leah recognized Liam’s mother instantly, she could see bits of Sky in the women’s face and build. Cade’s ex looked like she’d probably been very pretty at one point. Unfortunately, time had not been kind to her. Leah recalled talk of drinking and even drug use and knew that would age a person significantly.
But just to be sure, “Nicole?” she said.
Nicole narrowed her eyes, nodded curtly, and quickly turned her attention back to her son. She made several attempts at persuading Liam to come to her.
Leah was thankful the boy did not budge. She recalled that Nicole had no parental rights and thought she remembered something about there being a restraining order. So when Nicole took a few steps forward, Leah got to her feet as quickly as she could. She moved so that Liam was hidden behind her.
“Just who do you think you are to stand between me and my son?”
Nicole laughed, but her tone was threatening.
Leah considered. Her brain said she was no one but her heart had a different opinion. She’d decided on saying she was a friend of the family when Sky ran up.
“Oh, Leah, thank God. I didn’t think you were here and I can’t find—”
“Hello, Skyler. Not even gonna say hi to your own mama?”
Leah watched Sky go pale. She felt Liam shift behind her. Based on Sky’s instant look of relief, she saw him and knew her brother was safe. Just as quickly, Sky’s countenance changed again and she whipped around, facing her mother.
“What are you doing here?” Sky demanded.
“I’m your mom. Can’t a mom visit her own damn kids?” Nicole quickly changed her tone, “Now come on, let’s go get ice cream.”
Sky said no at the same time that Leah said absolutely not. Leah was louder and more assertive. Sky stepped closer to her and Liam.
“Just who the hell do you think you are?” Nicole demanded, all amusement gone. She took a step closer. Several feet still separated them but it did not feel like enough. Leah honestly did not know how to answer so she spoke to Sky instead.
“Call your dad,” Leah kept her voice quiet yet firm.
Sky looked at Leah in shock.
“Now, Sky.”
Sky startled, then sprang into action. She pulled out her cell phone and began to tap furiously.
Knowing Sky was getting help, Leah turned her attention back to Nicole who was trying again with Liam.
“Liam, baby, come out where I can see you! I’m your mama, do you remember me?”
“No!” he yelled from behind her.
Leah felt relieved he wasn’t falling for her sweet talk, but the relief didn’t last long.
“You’re not my mom,” he shouted. “Miss Leah is gonna be my mom!”
“Miss Leah?” Nicole sneered at her. “So you’re Leah? Cade’s perfect, precious Leah. No one can live up to your standard.”
“What?” Leah had no idea what Nicole was talking about. She had never met Cade’s ex in her life, but Nicole seemed to somehow know of her.