Just as Parker had gathered the kids together, the waiting room door opened, and in walked James. He had the biggest smile on his face, but underneath it all, my boy was exhausted.
“It's a boy,” he said, as his three kids ran toward him.
Jillian stopped frozen the second the word boy left James' mouth.
“Seriously!” she snapped out, looking exactly like her mother.
“Yes,” he said, as he stepped forward and scooped her into his arms.
“I wanted a girl,” she said. “I wanted a sister. Everyone else has a sister.”
“You're my baby girl,” James said, as he hugged her tight. “Doesn't that help.”
“No,” she said. “Can you and mommy try again? Maybe you'll get a girl next time.”
“No,” James answered, with a smile. “We're done having babies.”
“Why?” she asked. “Uncle Parker is way older than you, and he's still having babies with Aunt Cassie.”
“I am not,” Parker said, as he narrowed his eyes at Jillian. “Your dad is almost the same age as me.”
I looked over at Cassie and couldn't hide the smile that filled my face. She still hadn't told them, but it wouldn't be long before she'd no longer have a choice. Cassie was saved by Parker whining that he wasn't an old man yet and by the fact that their youngest was only seven months old.
“Hey now,” Lance Jr. said, as he took Jillian from James. “You're the only girl. That has lots of perks, Jilly. You'll never have to share a room. Nobody will ever take your toys. When you get older, you won't have a little sister getting into your makeup or trying to steal your boyfriends.”
“That's true, Lancie,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.
Those two had been close since the day she was born, and they were so damn adorable.
“Wait a second,” James said, as he grabbed his daughter back and glared at Lance. “There will be no makeup, and there will never ever be boyfriends.”
“Come on, Daddy,” Jillian said, as she took on an attitude just like her mother's again. “How else will I have babies like you and mommy do?”
James stood there frozen, and the rest of us burst into laughter. Lance Jr. was laughing so hard that he was bent over with his hands on his knees.
“Oh, your time will come,” James said, as he looked at Lance. “You have three daughters. That's triple the boyfriends.”
Lance stopped laughing instantly. Then he stood up and stared straight at James.
“Not a discussion I'll be having,” Lance said sternly.
“Then you better think before you speak to my little girl about that stuff,” James said.
“Are you two finished?” I asked.
Both of the guys looked at me and smiled. They couldn't stay irritated with each other, none of them could. That was just one more thing that made our family perfect.
“Can I see my new grandson?” I asked.
“Yes,” James said, as he looked down at the kids. “The nurses said we can all go in for a couple of minutes, but we have to stay quiet.”
We walked down the hall single file, and I couldn't help but laugh at how long the line was. When we walked into the room, I looked over at Sammie. My poor girl was so tired that she was barely keeping her eyes open. I sat down on the couch, and Lucy walked over to me with the baby in her arms. As soon as I held him, I fell in love. He was the cutest mix of both of his parents. Jillian came over and took his hand in hers.
“You're really cute,” she said. “ I guess I'll still keep you, even though you're a boy.”
Carrie walked over and sat down next to me.
“He is pretty adorable,” she said, as she looked from the baby to Jillian.
All of the kids were circling around the new baby. That was the first time I actually realized just how many there were. I'd said the number before, but having them all standing right there together was something else. They weren't all related by blood, but you would never know it, and that was just one more thing that made our family so damn special. I knew each of those kids would be right there to help the next, and that was something you couldn't find everywhere.
“What do you think your dad would say if he could see this?” I asked, as I looked over at Carrie.
“He'd be so happy,” she answered.
“He'd think we were all crazy,” Scott said, as he walked over to us.
“Probably,” I said. “He'd love every single one of them though.”
“With everything he had,” Scott said.
“I'm so proud of all of you,” I said.
“For being crazy?” Sammie asked.
“For having kids that can't keep their legs together?” Lance added.
“Dad,” Sammie snapped.
“For being so close,” I said. “For always being there for each other. I've never seen a family like ours, not ever.”
“That's because you've never seen one so big,” Lance said.
“Just because I'm holding a baby doesn't mean I won't stand up and catch you upside the head,” I said. “I'm serious. You all make me so damn happy every single day. I'm lucky to be one of you. I truly am. You've all found love, and you all stick together. Of course you piss each other off every now and then, but I know you'd still be right there if the same person that pissed you off needed you five minutes later. That's family.”
“You're right about that,” Lance said. “Reid's still around. That says a lot.”
“That's exactly what I mean,” I said. “You're always saying something to piss me off, but I still love you.”
The room erupted in laughter, and not ten seconds later, the door opened. Every single person in the room pointed to Lance, and the nurse laughed.
“Stop causing trouble,” she said, as she narrowed her eyes at him. “You're going to get us in trouble.”
When she shut the door, Lucy laughed.
“What's so funny, Woman?” he asked.
“That same nurse used to practically slobber on herself when you were around. Now look at her,” Lucy said. “Are you getting old or just losing your touch?”
“I'm not old,” Lance growled out, “and I most definitely am not losing my touch. I'll show you as soon as we get home and my hand lands on that naked, sexy.”
“Dad,” Sammie yelled out, cutting him off, as her hands went up to cover her ears.
I'd never laughed as much in my life as I did when I was with my family. It was never a dull moment when we were around, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Chapter 19
Cassie
Once Sammie and the baby were home and settled in, my parents left for Michigan. My dad had a meeting he couldn't miss, and he took my mom with him. She hadn't been back in months, so I knew she was looking forward to seeing a few of her friends while she was there. They were only going for a few of days, so grandma stayed home. Mom wanted her to go with them, but she refused.
“Have a good time with your friends,” grandma told her. “I'm two houses away from Cassie. If I need anything, she'll be there. I love you so much, Carrie. Enjoy a little time to yourself. Relax and have some fun.”
I could tell she wanted a little time to herself too, so I gave it to her, but I did text her here and there. She said she was fine, and I believed her.
On the third day, Parker decided to take all the kids with him to Sammie's place. He said there were going to be other kids there to play with and that I should take a long nap. I'd been very tired, and we'd just gotten back home from my doctor's appointment, so the kids were already in the vehicle with him.
When I walked into the house and heard nothing, it didn't feel right. I definitely wasn't used to it. For a second, I thought about going down and hanging out with my grandma, but I didn't. She hadn't had time away from all of us in so damn long, and I knew she needed it as much as my mom needed to see her friends, so I didn't go. Instead, I flopped down onto the couch, put my head back against one of the pillow
s sitting there, and quickly fell asleep.
I jumped when I heard my phone ring, and I grabbed it to check the time. Shit! I'd slept for three hours. That was more uninterrupted sleep than I'd gotten during the day in so long. My mom's face was on the screen of my phone. I knew I needed to answer it, but I needed a second to wake up first. My phone stopped ringing, but it started right back up again.
“Give me a second, Woman,” I said, before I hit the button and filled my voice with happiness. “Hello, Mom.”
“Cassie,” she said.
“You called me,” I said, with a laugh.
“Very funny,” she said.
“How's your trip going?” I asked.
“We're heading home tomorrow,” she answered. “It's been nice. I saw a couple of my old friends, and I even relaxed with your dad for a bit. Have you talked to your grandma today?”
“No, I haven't sent her any messages yet today,” I answered, not wanting to tell her I'd been to the doctor or that I'd also been sleeping. “I was just getting a few things done.”
“I've been calling her all day, and she hasn't answered once,” she said, with worry filling her tone. “Do you think you could go over and check on her? I know she says that she doesn't need to be checked on, but I need it. Just make up an excuse.”
“I'll ask her if I can borrow a cup of sugar,” I said.
“Smart ass,” she said, as she laughed.
“Maybe she doesn't want to talk to you,” I said. “Maybe this is her mini vacation too. Have you been bothering her? Maybe she turned her ringer off.”
“I have not been bothering her,” she said. “I've called her once a day. That is all. If she'd answer, she wouldn't have to hear from me again today.”
“I'll go over in a second,” I said. “I'm sure everything is fine though. She would have called if she needed anything.”
“I know,” she said. “Just do it for me.”
“I will,” I said, as I pulled my shoes on my feet and grabbed my keys. “I'm going now.”
“Thank you, Cassie,” she said. “When she gives you shit, tell her to get over it. I love her, and there is nothing she can do about it.”
“Bye, Mom,” I said.
I stuck my phone in my back pocket and walked out my door, making sure to lock it behind me. Then I took the short walk two doors down. When I knocked on the door, she didn't answer.
“Poor woman is probably asleep, and you can't leave her alone,” I mumbled about my mom, as I found the right key and let myself in. Then I yelled loud enough for her to hear me. “Grandma.”
She didn't answer, but she wouldn't anyway if she was in bed. All I was doing was checking on her and then going back home, so I left the door unlocked. She needed to enjoy her alone time too, if my mom would let her, I thought.
As I walked up the stairs, I called her name again, letting her know I was there. There was no way I wanted to freak the woman out when she thought she was alone. As I rounded the corner and walked into her room, I laughed. She was asleep, exactly as I'd thought. I walked over to her bed and sat down next to her.
“Grandma,” I said.
She didn't answer, so I reached over and touched her arm.
“Grandma, wake up. Mom is freaking out because you aren't answering your phone.”
When she didn't answer me, I felt my hand, the one on her arm, start to shake.
“Grandma,” I said, as I shook her arm. “Wake up.”
When her eyes barely opened, I felt a tiny bit of relief. She was waking up.
“Cassie,” she squeaked out, barely loud enough for me to hear her, and I began to panic.
“Grandma,” I said. “Are you okay?”
“Tired,” she said.
“What's wrong? Are you sick? Come on,” I said, as I reached around her. “I'm taking you to the doctor.”
“No, Cassie,” she said. “Don't.”
“Yes,” I said. “We need to go. Something is wrong.”
“No,” she said, as she reached her hand slowly toward me and set it on my arm. “I'm ready.”
“For what?” I asked.
“To be with your grandpa,” she said. “My kids are happy. They're all happy.”
“Be with grandpa,” I said. “What are you saying?”
Then it hit me. I knew exactly what she was saying, and she was wrong. There was no way she was going anywhere. She was healthy, always had been.
“I'm so proud of you, all of you,” she said. “I love you all so much. Tell them, Cassie. Tell them all.”
“No,” I said. “I'm calling an ambulance.”
“No,” she said.
“Yes,” I said, as I dialed 911. “Stay with me. I love you. You'll be fine. I'll make sure you're fine.”
I quickly told the 911 operator to send someone, the door was open, we were upstairs. Then I hung up and wrapped my arms around my grandma and held her hand in mine.
“I love you,” she said, her voice getting weaker with each word. “Keep them together, Cassie. You're the one. You need to make sure they stay together.”
“Grandma,” I said, as the tears began slipping from the corners of my eyes. “Stay awake.”
“Promise me,” she said. “Together, Cas.”
Her words trailed off, and she closed her eyes.
“It's a girl, Grandma,” I said, as tears slid down my cheeks. “We found out today.”
She smiled, but she didn't open her eyes, and I began to sob, my tears falling onto our connected hands.
“You have to meet her. I need you to meet her,” I said. “Open your eyes. Please open your eyes.”
She opened them a tiny bit.
“Together,” she whispered. “Promise.”
“I promise,” I cried through my sobs. “I'm going to name her after you, Grandma. Stay with me. I love you. Please don't go. I need you.”
“Cas,” she whispered. “Love you.”
“I love you too,” I said. “Hold on.”
I felt her hand tighten on mine. Then I heard a loud breath, and her hand relaxed.
“Grandma,” I said, but she didn't answer me. Then I yelled. “Grandma. Please.”
I heard them before I saw them. They came into the room fast.
“Grandma,” I yelled out again before my voice began getting louder and louder. “Help her. You have to help her. She's healthy. She's always been healthy. She's ours. We need her. She has to be okay. Help her!”
I screamed the last part as two men moved around me.
“You need to move,” one of them said. “You have to give us room.”
“Grandma,” I cried out, as one of the men took my arms in his hands and pulled me back.
I stood frozen and watched. The two men moved, but their voices got quieter and quieter until I could barely hear them. My tears were coming so fast. She was getting blurry. They had to help her. They had to wake her up. She had to be okay. She was my grandma. She was the leader. She was ours.
The men stopped. They stopped moving. They stopped helping her.
I was on the ground, on my knees, with tears dripping down onto my hands in my lap when I felt a hand on my shoulder. One of them was standing next to me with my phone in his hand. He leaned down, and there was a sad look on his face.
“Is there someone I can call?” he asked.
“Is she okay?” I asked. “Help her!”
“Who can I call?” he asked.
“My husband,” I said. Then I thought about it. No, he had the kids. “No! My brother.”
“James?” he asked, and I nodded, as I cried even harder. “Help her! Grandma!”
I turned and looked back at the other guy.
“Don't just stand there,” I yelled out. “Help her.”
Then I turned back and my head fell into my hands as I sobbed.
“She has to meet her,” I said, and I continued to cry. “She has to be okay.”
It felt like I'd been crying forever by the time I felt another hand touch my shou
lder, only that hand was familiar. It was my brother's. I knew it was. I turned toward him, reached up, and wrapped my arms around him.
“They have to help her, James,” I cried, barely able to keep my eyes open any longer. “Tell them. She's healthy. They can't give up.”
“Cassie,” he said, and I could hear him crying. “Come with me. I need you to get up and walk with me.”
“I can't leave her,” I cried. “I can't. I'm so sorry, Grandma. I shouldn't have stayed away. I am so sorry.”
“Cassie,” James said, as he took my arms and pulled me up to stand.
“She said she was ready, James,” I mumbled. “She wants to be with grandpa. That's what she told me. She can't go. I'm not ready.”
“Neither am I,” he said, as he helped me walk out of her room and down the stairs.
He had me sit down on the couch. Then he put a pillow behind my head.
“I'll be back in a minute,” he said, but his voice sounded muffled. “I'm going to go see her.”
“Help her,” I whispered.
Then he was gone and my world faded away.
When I opened my eyes again, Parker was kneeling in front of me. His fingers ran softly across my cheek, as he pushed my hair behind my ear.
“Parker,” I said, as I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close. “I'm so glad you're back. I had the worst dream.”
When he pulled away and I looked into his tear stained eyes, I shook my head.
“It was a dream,” I said. “It had to be.”
“Cassie,” I heard Sammie whisper as she walked closer.
Then our eyes connected, and I knew it was real. It had all been real.
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