FOREVER MINE (38 page)

I pull into the driveway and watch as they sit rocking in their favorite chair on the porch.   Their dark heads together like two scheming trouble makers.  I know they are whispering but I don’t know what about.  That could be trouble for me.  I sit in the car and debate on whether I should get out or not.   They look up and I know I’m a goner. 

I am being watched by identical pairs of green eyes.  The evil smile that breaks across their faces has me thinking I should go back to work.  They always gang up on me.  I get out of the car and close the door, “How are my two favorite ladies today?”

“DADDY!”
  Jo comes running toward me, trying not to fall over her feet as we meet in the yard.  I scoop her into my arms.  She is giggling, before I can ask what’s funny, she squeezes a water balloon in both hands until we are both soaked from it popping.  Her bottom lip sticks out as she starts to pout big tears form in her eyes.   “Mama, toad me to
na
det
wet a den.”

“I think
it’s
ok, she is laughing at us.  How about we get mommy?”  I wipe away her tears and walk to the porch where Charlie is waiting for us.

“Jo, why are you crying, honey?”
  She stands and wipes her face free of tears. 

“Down, daddy.”
  She wiggles free of my arms running to a small cooler full of water balloons.

“I see you guys used your day wisely.  Just sat around filling balloons, huh?”  I grab Charlie and pull her to me.  I can barely put my arms around her anymore.

“Well, you know.  Doctors orders; I have to stay off my feet as much as I can.”  She winks at me and I melt.  I rub her stomach and say hello to our twins that are due any second.

“Hey, guys, how are you today?”  I am greeted by a lump moving slowly across her stomach.  “I think that one is going to be a swimmer.”

“I think they are both going to be boxers.”  She rubs her hand across her shirt smoothing out the raised lump.

A balloon bounces across the porch floor and breaks at our feet, “
Sprise
, I dot ewe.”  We all laugh; Charlie picks Jo up and sits in the rocking chair with her in her lap.  I sit in the chair across from them and think how lucky I am.  This is everything I have always wanted; Charlie, me, and our family.

When I sat down to write this book, my first, I was very skeptical of how many people to tell and what kind of feedback I would get.  I have gotten so much support from all of my family and friends that it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t put a special thank you in here for all of them. 

My three kids and my husband have been so patient with me; from the silly questions to the days lost to “book land” as my kids say.  I have done something I have always wanted to do, and you took the journey with me.  Thank you so much for everything.

To my sisters, you guys are great. We have always had a special relationship, but your support in this has been immeasurable.   I don’t know what I would have done without it. Thank you, thank you,
thank
you!

I mention a couple of songs and bands throughout the book.  If you don’t know who they are check them out.  They are older bands but they still rock.  Girls, if you like strong female leads check out Flyleaf.  I love them.

Thank you to anyone who read this book.  I look forward to writing more.  Hopefully you will check out those books as well.  :D

-MICHELLE-