reality knocked on my door. God, it has been a very long year. So much so I thought about just taking the plunge as the wing swayed me. I absently moved closer to the edge and looked down again. This year has been a living hell every truth I had thought was wrong. Every relationship I had ever had been questioned. Family loyalty meant nothing anymore because I didn't even know who my real family was. My ex-husband had stolen not just my children but my pets as well. I honestly feel like I have nothing left to live for. This place I stand now used to bring me such peace and serenity only now brings me pain. I took a step back and removed my shoes and sweater. Then I dropped my hat and purse on the ground next to them. One drop down wouldn't hurt I have dove off this cliff more times than I could think. I start to walk to the edge and hear the roar of the wind and water in my ears I close my eyes and go to jump.
Just as I go to jump a strong arm wraps around my waist and we are both thrown to the ground. I wasn't feeling peace or serenity now I was feeling anger. I slowly opened my eyes to look into a pair of amazing blue ones. Blue eyes like the color of the water I would be swimming in if I wasn't stopped. I pushed away a little and stared at the person who had ruined my chance at happiness for a few fleeting moments before I realized there on the ground in his suit still was my brothers best friend Thomas. Before I could say anything he looked at me and said, "Anna what in the name of god are you doing trying to kill yourself not even an hour after your brother's wedding?"
Still, on the ground in his iron grip, I thought to myself was that what I was really trying to do? Wasn't I just trying to get one last dive in before I had to get to reality? Noone would have known I could have snuck back to the cottage I had and changed into the formal wear for the night's reception and only I would have known that I had a few minutes of happiness after everything that had happened. I mean would I have really not have fought the tow of the currents and let myself end everything. I snapped back to reality when those blue eyes softened and stuttered out, "I wasn't going to kill myself I just wanted to dive one last time before I leave here. One last moment to be happy before I had to get back to the shitstorm that is my life."
Thomas looked at me then as he lifted us both to our feet said, "It can't be that bad can it?"
I laughed a little looking at him and replied, "You really have no idea, do you?"
He bent down to pick up my things and handed them to me as he took my arm and started to lead me from the path away from the dive site. "No your right I don't know the whole story. I have only seen you and spent a few days with you since your brother found you earlier this year. With the exception of picking you up from the airport early and helping you with that favor this week. That was my mistake I should have taken more time to get to know you but I have been going through some crap this year myself. However, I think we are going to go get some food from the brunch your brother and May provided and we are going to find a nice spot to picnic and talk and you are going to tell me all about it."
I looked at him and quietly asked, "Do we really need to I mean shouldn't you be with your date?"
Thomas started chuckling after I said that and replied, " As my girlfriend and I broke up a few months ago May had suggested that I come solo since she knew the Matron of Honor would be solo as well. So what do you say let's compare who has had the worst year while we eat and knowing that it will set Max's family gossip wheel going and make May think she set us up for a while shall we."
I gave him a look, put my shoes back on and took the arm he offered because the look on his face pretty much said I didn't have a choice. Maybe talking to him about this and playing the who had the worst year game wouldn't be so bad especially since maybe he did save my life after all.
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As we walked back into the garden area Max and May made their way over to us. Max looked worried as hell unlike May looked as calm and serene as ever. "Thomas where have you two been we have been worried sick!"
May looked up and said, "No Max you have been worried sick and as I told you they are both here safe and sound."
"Max I can explain--" I started before Thomas cut me off.
"Thomas after we finished the pictures Anna was feeling her anxiety start to get to her so we decided to get away from the crowds of people here so we took a walk to let her calm down," He started and then quietly saying to Max, "Besides you know that Anna and I are your moms least favorite people to have around so us taking a walk was probably for the best."
With that last comment, Max took a breath and calmed down a bit. I love my brother and it's a shame it took nearly thirty years for us to find each other because even with our five year age difference we are so much alike. "Well, then you two May and I have to do the rounds as it is and then we are going to have some quiet time before tonight's reception. I expect you both to meet us at the hall by 7 because the guests will be arriving at 6:45."
In a stroke of luck Thomas and I asked at the same moment, " Do you need an alarm set in case?"
Max's face went red underneath his beard and May started to giggle. As they walked away I muttered under my breath to Thomas, " You know they will be pregnant by the end of the year right?"
Thomas taking my arm led me to the food tables chuckling and replied just as quietly, "End of the year I expect us to be Aunts and Uncles by the end of the summer."
Thomas and I loaded our plates and found a table tucked at the back of the reception area. I grabbed a pitcher of water from a passing waiter and we settled down into our seats to start the game of who had the worst year. We both ate a little and then Thomas motioned for me to start. I put my fork down and took a sip of my water and sighed.
"Well, my craptastic year actually started a little bit further out than last May. Last February my now Ex-husband started staying out later and later and when I would say anything about it he would always give me the excuse that he was trying for a promotion since I wanted to try for a baby and my writing wasn't getting sales. That part was bull because I was making a bunch of money from my writing and I had nicely padded big savings account to prove it. I could understand where he was coming from since his sister and her husband struggled a bit after they had their first child. But as my Grandma had always said there is never a right time to have a baby. So I let it go because the company he works for is highly competitive and I understood it could be stressful with how much he really wanted this promotion. So I did what any good wife would do and I let it go and left him be. I mean excluding the fact that he was working a bunch of hours nothing in our marriage was any different we went out together, we were still having sex and trying for a baby. I mean, to be honest, I thought life was going great for us and was excited about the possibility of adding a baby to our family.
Well two days before Valentine's day I started feeling really sick and I had been so distracted by my new book it hadn't occurred that I could be pregnant. I called my doctor and made an appointment to be seen on Valentine's day. When I got to the office I was so excited I was like a little kid I could barely stay still. When the nurse came in to tell me the news that I was indeed pregnant I did a little happy dance in the middle of the room and was so excited. The doctor came in and did my first visit as well as did an ultrasound and gave me the only picture of my baby I would ever have. He also told me that I was about ten weeks along which meant I would be able to tell people soon. I was so happy at that point I couldn't wait to tell Daniel.
I decided that since we didn't make any plans for Valentines Day I would put together a surprise for when he came home from work. I first went out and purchased a baby frame that would fit the ultrasound picture. Then I went to our favorite bakery and bought Daniels favorite carrot cake. Then I went all out and made my famous lasagna. I even bought my first maternity dress that would take a blind man to miss that there was a baby on the way."
I stopped for a moment and took a sip of my water and a bite of my food. I hadn't realized it until I picked up my fork that my hand was shaking. Thomas took my hand in his and said, "Its okay Anna I am not judging you. If you need to stop I would understand it's a hard thing to talk about."
I smiled and laughed."Believe it or not, that part was the easy part."
"I waited and waited that night. I had gotten so worried I called the office to see what was taking him so long. Finally, the office manager Beth answered the phone and explained Daniel had taken the day off and asked if everything was okay. I quickly said yes he had to run out and I wasn't sure if he went to the office for something. I knew right there that he had been lying to me I went upstairs and changed into pajamas and went back downstairs. I decided to stop waiting and put the lasagna and salad away. I unwrapped the picture frame and cut myself a huge piece of cake and started to eat while looking at the baby's picture. It was almost midnight when he tried sneaking into the house. I was there waiting the whole time clutching the babies picture to my chest. I promised my little bean no matter what I would always protect him or her.
He walked in and looked at me then saw the flowers and the table that was still set for dinner and tried making some bull crap excuse. I looked at him and told him to stuff it I knew he had taken the day off from work and I told him he better start explaining. He looked at me and said he met someone and they had been seeing a lot of each other. I had asked him if she knew he had a wife. He said no he didn't. I about fainted from shock right there. I looked him straight in the face and said well you can tell him that because you couldn't keep it in your pants not only did you lose your wife but your child as well. I told him to get out. He followed me to my office where I was putting the babies picture on my desk. He picked it up and looked at it in shock. He looked at me than the picture and then to me again. I told him to pack his belongings and leave and never come back. He said the baby needs its father to which I replied the baby didn't need a lying cheating bastard of a father and if he didn't leave I would. He left my office and I heard him head upstairs. He made a phone call and can you get this he called his lover and begged him to let him stay with him. He told him everything while I was within hearing distance and his boyfriend said he understood and had him stay with him. Okay, I can understand you been dating but to be honest, Daniel was always poor when it came to a romp between the sheets and never finished what he started. I heard him leave the house and the car peeled out. I called an emergency locksmith and had him change all the locks in my house then I changed all the codes to the garage doors as well so he couldn't get in. The next morning I contacted a friend who is a divorce attorney and started the proceedings."
With that, I looked at him and said with the straightest of faces, "Your turn."
Thomas stared at me for a moment before stumbling with the words, "I know you have more than that."
"Yes I do however I am wanting to take a rest and eat some so you get to do the talking. I have a bunch more of the story to continue on with but you can start yours as well."
He smirked before saying, "You are bossy just like your brother you do know that right? Never mind of course you know that. Just give me a second."
Thomas got up and headed back to the food table and brought us a few plates of food to pick over on a tray with another pitcher of water. He looked up at the sky which had gotten dark with rain clouds. He took the first pitcher as well as our food plates on the tray and motioned me to follow him. He led us to my cabin porch which was thankfully covered because the moment we stepped up onto it the rain started to fall. We sat down and he took a sip of water and started his turn.
"Right before Valentines Day, your brother had told me he was going to propose to May and he had me thinking maybe I should find that special someone to spend time with as he will be spending a lot more time with May. Don't get me wrong I adore May she is like the baby sister I never had. Max is like a brother to me as well since my brother is married with a handful of kids I really started to think on things. I went with Max to get Mays engagement ring and I was the first person they called when she said yes. Later on that week Max had said they found his sister. I swear your brother could not be any happier then he was at that moment. He had the girl of his dreams and the sister his father told him about right before he passed. To celebrate we went to the local tavern to have a few beers and there standing behind the bar was Shelly. We had been to this bar so many times that I wanted to kick myself for never noticing her before. I was staring at her so hard that Max and May were goading me to ask her out. So after a few beers, I finally got up and asked her why I never noticed her here before. She had said she had just moved to town and had only started working there a few days before. I asked her right then and there for a date and she said yes. We started seeing each other and around Valentines Day we started out hot and heavy and before we knew it she was practically living in my apartment. I was head over heels for her and she got along great with Max and May the only thing she didn't like was when they mentioned their wedding plans or you. Till this day I have no clue why she was so bothered by you as even her brother had yet to meet you. As for the wedding plans, I think she was honestly jealous especially after Max asked me to be his best man.
She seemed to calm down a bit when Max and May went to Tampa to meet you. I remember May sending me the video she took of you and Max meeting for the first time. She filmed it so we could see you walk up to him and although you offered him your hand he pulled you into the biggest bear hug ever. I about died laughing when he jumped back when he realized you had a baby bump. You couldn't have been that far along because the bump was just about noticeable but you are a tiny thing anyway. I swear Max's reaction had me watching the video over and over. Shelly got mad when I showed her as she did not like the fact that I was seeing a picture of a woman that her boyfriends best friend was showing off to him. I should have realized then how controlling she really was then but with Max's excitement and the newness of our relationship I left it alone."
"So what happened next?" I asked. "I mean besides the jealousy you seemed happy with her."
"I was," He sighed. "I mean we did move a bit faster then I was used to in a way. We slept together the first night we dated which isn't like me I am usually more of a gentleman about things. She was practically living with me by the time we were seeing each other two months which is also very unlike me. I am not sure if it was me wanting to have something like Max had or if it was the way things were. Your turn."
I rolled my eyes as I took a sip of water and started where I left off. "Well Like I had said after everything that had happened Valentines day night I was so done. If he couldn't keep it in his pants and be with me only then I would raise the baby on my own. That's what I intended to do as well because, to be honest with you knowing he cheated on me left sick as can be and the thought of him touching me again made me feel sick. So the next morning I met with my friend Alex and had him start the divorce proceedings. Alex and I have known each other since high school and he was at my wedding to Daniel. He was honestly shocked about what had happened and then asked the most important question what about the baby. I told him that I would be raising the baby on my own and I didn't want a thing from him. Daniel tried to talk me into at least spousal support or child support but I had made it clear I wanted nothing from him, I had owned my house outright before Daniel and I was married and the house was in just my name so I would be keeping it when it was over. Alex promised me he would have the initial paperwork to the courthouse and since he had a few contacts there he would try to fast track it through. That is one of the few benefits of living in a small town. It was funny when I left Alex's office I felt a bit lighter. Part of me was relieved that I was finally doing this but part of me was also sad that it was happening. So instead of going home to work I went shopping and picked a few things up as well as paint swatches for the nursery. I figured if I was going to be doing this on my own I might as well get an early start.
When I got home that afternoon there was a car in front of my house and a man I had never met sitting on my front steps. At first, I had thought it was Daniels boyfriend and god I was ready for a fight. But when I got out of the car and turned to get my bags the guy had walked over to me and his first words were 'Omg you look like your brother.' I took a step back shocked because my mother had told me that my dad was not really my dad shortly after he died. She wouldn't give me any more information when I asked about him but she had said that when her and my dad had first married they had problems so her and her friend had rented a cabin for a few weeks in St Augustine and she had met a man from up north and they had a magical time. Actually, a few magical times and I was the result. The guy was so sweet he thought he had scared me to death and began talking quick."
Thomas started full out laughing at that point to which I lifted an eyebrow. When he saw the look I was giving him he tried his best to calm down and speak which took several minutes because this was very funny to him.
"Anna," He started as he calmed down."I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you. That guy was Sean a friend of ours and he had come back and told Max that next time he needs a lawyer friend to do something please make sure that he is not scaring some poor pregnant woman. He read Max the riot act for about ten minutes before he was willing to give Max any information. Sean's poor husband Micheal told us after Sean came back from seeing you he wanted to quit doing these out of town trips because he never guessed what your reaction."
I laughed a little to before I started again, "Well in Sean's defense I was rather shocked to see someone come and actually say by the way your brother sent me to find you. I honestly had not even made a move on what my mom had told me even two weeks before. Sean handled things pretty well and he even was kind enough to help me bring in my bags of baby things. Once we got inside and dumped the bags in the hall he followed me back to the kitchen as I put on a pot of tea he apologized so much for shocking me to which I had to calm him down and explain that my mother had just told me the truth two weeks before but life got very complicated in the last two weeks and I was just hanging on at this point. After that, he shifted from a lawyer who didn't know what to do to a kind man who listened and even offered to handle the divorce if the need arises. I explained to him that I had a lawyer but I appreciated the offer and then he started to tell me about Max. He explained that Max and his fiance May wanted to meet me as soon as they could although after hearing about everything that was going on in my life he was going to tell Max to give me some time. Sean was a sweet man and told me a lot about Max and May. He even mentioned you a few times as Max's best friend. The comment he made about if there is trouble more than likely you both are in it together, however you have been friends for so long that you both are more like brothers which was a good thing because up until he knew about me he was an only child. Funny now because I was an only child as well and I had always wanted a brother."
I stopped for a minute and took a sip of my water and a bite of my food. I looked over at Thomas who had a look on his face that I couldn't quite place so I asked, "Whats wrong?"
He ran his hands over his face and through his hair and looked back up at me and smiled, "Nothing Anna, Its funny listening to you say that made me realize how much alike you and Max really are. He always said that he had me for a brother however he always wished he had a sister. I was always worried about how Max and my relationship would change once he found you but it stayed exactly the same and him having you in his life makes me feel like his family is complete...Well until they start popping out a few nieces and nephews for us to spoil."
This time it was my turn to make a face and I tried to clear it fast but Thomas saw it.
"What is it, Anna? That was not a happy face."
"No, it wasn't you'll understand in just a bit though. Should I continue?"
Thomas nodded and I continued,"Sean gave me Max's contact information and I have Sean mine as well as my most recent tour schedule so he would know where I was going to be especially since you all live in Tampa and am living in New Jersey. After Sean left I swear I held the paper with both Max's and May's info in my hand contemplating what this would mean to my life for such a long time. I was so happy about having a brother and a soon to be sister in law but what would Max's side of the family really think of me. I mean here I am a pregnant recently divorced woman who wrote fictional books for a living. I was a mess! It took me a few days to gather the courage to call Max. I was literally sitting at my desk eating a pizza and chastising myself for not calling him. He picked up after the second ring and said 'It's about time I was thinking you wanted nothing to do with me!' I realized he was waiting for me to initiate the conversation to start our sibling relationship. I remember him telling people it's my sister on the phone so many times. That first night we must have talked for 3 hours straight. I ended up charging my phone during the call to keep it going I was so excited to finally have a brother. The next night I video chatted with him and May from their house he however never told me it was his birthday and I was keeping him from his own party. I remember seeing Sean in the background and you were there as well. I remember May kept trying to drag you over to the computer to introduce me to you and you kept getting dragged away by someone off-screen. That night I was able to meet quite a bit of dads family for the first time and I was so stupid to feel like no one would like me because they were all as excited as Max was and kept begging me to come to Tampa. Max finally had to stand up and tell everyone that his sister the writer would be in Tampa in two weeks on her book tour and we had already discussed me visiting a bit longer after I was done working. Which was met with cheers from some and a boo from his mom and a few of her side of the family? That woman hates me like no tomorrow all because the man she was married to had a child why they were seperated.
Those next two weeks were very busy for me as I had to prepare for the book tour and we had our first hearing for the divorce. Alex had picked me up that morning for court and seeing Daniel that morning made my heart race because there he was sitting on his side of the room with his boyfriend right behind him. I put my handbag in front of my stomach as we walked past and I sat down. My baby bump was visible now and I felt like I needed to protect the baby from everything that was happening. I was so scared that by the time the judge called the room to order I was shaking. The judge was a very sympathetic older woman who listened to Alex and then when Daniels attorney started talking I was floored. Daniel had accused me of infidelity and said the baby wasn't his and that he supported me financially and that he wanted the house to be sold and he should get half the profits. I was so thankful Alex was so thorough because he had me bring the information on the house and the proof from the tax collectors and homeowners insurance showing the money came from my personal accounts as well receipts showing I equally paid all the household bills and all of our credit cards were indeed separate. After three hours of back and forth, the judge asked me if there was anything I wanted to say. I stood up and said 'Your honor after eight years of marriage finding out the same day as I found out I am pregnant that my husband is cheating on me all I want is for the divorce to go through. I want no spousal support I want NO child support, although the child is his. I just want him out of my life. The home is in my name and I have always paid all its taxes and insurance. My jeep is in my name and paid for by me. All our utilities are in my name he was very stringent on his money and what was mine was his and what was his was his. I just want this over with that is all. All I ask is that the next court hearing not take place till after I return from Florida in a months time as I have the next leg in my book tour then I am going to get to know my brother and extended family I never knew about.' Oh, the fact that Daniel had no clue about Max sent him into a fit and Alex smiled at the judge and politely explained what was going on and she was more than willing to allow the proceeding to wait for another week. The judge decreed that all we needed to do was to both see a counselor before the next hearing to make sure we are okay with what was going on and Alex got the name of three counselors in Tampa who would see me. By the time court was over Alex and I met up with his wife Tina and their daughter and had lunch at out favorite wharf diner and then they dropped me off at my house.
That night I video chatted just May as you and Max had gone out for a boys night out. I had told her that I was going to stay at a hotel while I was in Tampa and she went off about how now sister of hers was sleeping in a hotel room especially since she went and decorated the guest room for me to stay there and even bought all the snacks an expectant mommy needed. I quickly conceded and told her I would love to stay with them in the guest room and said all I would need to do is rent a car to get around to which she agreed to. May is a force of nature and I will never ever fight her on anything because I do not want to be on the receiving end of her storm. Two days later I was flying into Tampa meeting Max for the first time. I was so nervous when I stepped off the plane and although I was in business class I actually stood in the hall before while I gathered myself to meet him and May. When I crossed over on the tram and came out into the public area he was the first person I saw. When we walked up to each other I was so nervous I stuck out my hand and he used that to pull me into a huge bear hug. It took him a moment to realize that there was a small bump between us and he jumped back and said, 'Omg I didn't hurt the baby did I?' I laughed so hard while shaking my head no. After that May ran up and gathered us in one of her special hugs and started gushing about how happy she was that I was there and went on about how they were taking me to lunch and then to go get my rental car."
Thomas started chuckling and added, "I always wondered what he had said when he jumped back from you that day. I remember them taking you to lunch they had invited Shelly and me to come meet you in person but she had made plans for us mysteriously that she had forgotten about until that morning. Max's whole personality brightened when he finally met you face to face."
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"So," I asked, "What happened next with you?"
"After Max found you things were calm and not too much happened and I actually had thought things were getting better for Shelly and I. Well as you said during his birthday party May was constantly trying to get me over to the computer to introduce me to you. She felt that besides her the two most important people in Max's life should meet even if it was face to face on the computer. However everytime May would grab my arm Shelly would get my attention and start to say I was ignoring her or that I had to see something. So May just said that Shelly and I would meet you when you came into Tampa. That when she had planned the whole lunch and Shelly pretended to be all up for it until that morning you came in. She ended up coming up with an excuse that she had made our reservations a month ago and that she had forgotten until that day. I started to get suspicious but I really wanted it to work out with Shelly so I played naive that morning and made my excuses to Max and May.
Well, later that night Max had called and said that you were feeling exhausted and asked if I wanted to meet him at the Tavern as a guys night because May had decided to stay in with you and have some girl time. Shelly was working that night and when I came in and met Max she didn't seem to happy that we were there. I told her its guys night with a few beers and the game was on. That's when Max had made a big deal about how he got tickets to your book panel you were doing along with three other writers and said we had to join him and May. He told Shelly some of the most popular paranormal writers out there at the moment we're going to be there and that he would be so upset if she couldn't make it. Well as it was a public event she was all up for it and since some famous people were going to be there she was hoping to brush a few elbows.
So the morning of your first book panel we met up with Max and May as you were already at the event site. Shelly was happy to be in such a lavish hotel I thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head. Max handed me a beer the moment I stepped up and led us to these awesome seats in the front. That's when I got my first glimpse of you in person. I know this is going to sound crazy but you looked adorable you were wearing this pale yellow sweater and a blue dress you looked like a mommy to be model you see in the ads in magazines. May whistled and got your attention and you looked over at us and wave while smiling this amazing bright smile. The lights started to dim and you took your place on stage with the other writers. Shelly looked at you poked me saying take a picture it will last longer. May leaned over and said to Shelly 'Isn't she awesome I so want to steal that dress from her it's not even maternity just has a loose center so she has room to move'. Shelly's smile started to get more forced but she didn't ask to leave or pretend to be sick. Max was so proud of you during the panel as news of the baby and pending divorce was out and people were very much wanting details. But I was impressed you were handling it like a champ and replied ever so nicely that a statement would be up on your blog later on that week and would like to answer questions about the book or charitable causes you were working on. When the panel started doing giveaways the fun you were having had all of us laughing. you guys were tossing out prizes and giving out free books then the host of the event said that there was a bonus surprise from you and you could have heard a pin drop. That's when you stood up and the host brought out a box of books and you held one up. you had announced that in your hands was the sequel to your book 76 ghosts and you had 20 to give away signed during a special meet and greet later that afternoon and the special meet and greet were completely by chance for 40 people plus. The first 20 people to arrive with their ticket would get a signed copy of the new book and you told people to check under their seats. You would have thought you guys were giving away cash because people were going crazy and since there were no seats left that tickets were like winning the lottery. During that, Max leaned over and said we are already invited to the meet and greet we just don't get to participate in the book lottery. Then May giggled some and said besides we have copies at home already for Max and I and one for you as well Thomas. By the time the chaos had ended, you had forty very happy couples out of the four hundred people that were there. After you were done and the other authors did their meet and greet contests a security guard came up and said to follow him to the back so Max and May could join you. We all followed with a small group of people and were taken into a room with a bunch of high school students who had won a national contest with the publishing company you handle your book. I will admit I admired you that day and said so to Max and May how you made it a point to talk with the high school students and hear what they were saying. Then you took a box out and signed 30 books right there for these kids you met and handed them backpacks which I found out had laptops, cameras, and goodies to help them continue on in their projects. You guys were an amazing group."
I smiled and then stood up and stretched and watched the rain as I started speaking, "Those kids are super talented and I was glad to have participated with the Authors of the tour. I remember meeting you after talking to the kids as well. When I first met you-you seemed to be everything that my brother had said. Yours and Max's closeness was quite evident from just watching you with him. That's why I never said anything about Shelly to him or you because I didn't want to borrow trouble."
"What about Shelly?" He asked concerned. "Oh god after seeing her true colors what did she do to you."
"That night at the private event do you remember how Max said we should all go together and you jumped at the chance but Shelly wanted to use your car?" I started as Thomas nodded his head. "Well Max and May just wanted us to go together and after some time of signing the books and eating and mingling, I excused myself to the bathroom. Well, Shelly followed me in there to have a word with me. She was pissed that you were being so nice to me and to realize that no one would want some knocked up bitch to be with. I looked at her and told her I had no clue about she was talking about and that it was important to my brother that I got to know you because we were always going to be connected in each other's lives because neither of us was going to leave my brother. That's when she replied we will see about that."
Thomas stood up and started pacing, "Anna I am so sorry especially since you were pregnant at the time I would have never guessed she would have done that. But that would explain why she took so long to come back that night. I think that night started a downhill spiral though with her. You see even though we had met up with Max, May and you, while you visited in Florida Shelly, started getting very moody and started acting very rude. Do you remember the dinner that Max and May took us to at the high-end restaurant to ask us to be the best man and Matron of honor? Well, Shelly wasn't originally supposed to be there. When Max had told her that he was going to ask me to be the best man she insisted that she come with them to share in my excitement. Max had told her that he really only wanted you and me there so they could both ask us and to tell us they scheduled the wedding for after you had the baby so the baby could be there as well. Shelly would have none of it though and she begged May to let her come. I remember when we got to the restaurant and Max, May and You showed up Shelly was so upset because you and May looked fabulous in your outfits. Shelly had insisted on wearing this short clubbing dress that I had asked her to change from but she insisted that the dress was fit for that restaurant. But you and May both were dressed up in these amazing dresses I almost laughed because I could have sworn you guys went and bought almost matching dresses... Wait... Did you guys go out and buy almost matching dresses?"
I nodded laughing, "Yes we had girls only shopping day and she insisted we get dresses that almost matched. She said we could wear them again when we did wedding stuff together. I will be honest as much as we discussed the wedding I never had thought she would ask me to be her Matron of Honor. But after these last few months I couldn't live without her she was there for me when I couldn't go to my brother about things. When I cried she would be there for me listening to my blabbering and when I saw her on and off before the wedding so I could help with wedding details or even the weekend we took up to where the wedding was being held for a girls weekend was like I was with my sister instead of my sister in law.
But your right that night that they took us to the Bourbon Palace was amazing. They put so much thought and consideration into asking us to be the matron of honor and best man even though they should have known that we would say yes anyway. They went all out. I will admit I felt bad for Shelly when we were there because the night was about you and me and Max and May had planned the whole dinner around that and you could tell that they added her seat at the last minute at the end of the table. I mean even the menu was all preset because it was our favorite foods and drinks and she didn't have a choice about what was going on. I thought it became even worse for her when they said the wedding was also going to be an out of town weekend event during the four day Labor Day weekend with things that both you and I were to be in attendance for with them alone and then there were things that were family only no dates allowed. When Max said that you could see the scowl crease her forehead. Then when she heard it was at the Georgia Falls Resort you could see her go green with envy. May said that this is the place that Max proposed to her at and it's also the site of their first vacation they took together a year earlier than that. "
Thomas looked at me and nodded, "Trust me I heard all about it later that night when we got home. She was so upset that May had asked you to be her Matron of Honor when she and May had gotten to be friends since they met. Or how I would have to spend time with you where she couldn't be there to supervise us. That was the night of our first of many fights and arguments. I explained to her that she had nothing to worry about between me and you and that for god's sake you were going to be carrying an infant around and please forgive me that your little one would be just a few weeks old and you wouldn't even have been able to do anything like that even if we pursued each other. She started calling me cheap and yelled at me saying that I never took her anywhere. I explained to her my job required me on the job a lot and that I couldn't just take off and go places. Plus I had been trying at the time to finish paying off my car which I did literally 2 weeks later which was very good that and what she didn't know was I was padding my savings account so I could afford to take a week off and take her on a cruise and that would mean we would need passports plus I know cruising is not cheap because I have been on some before I met her.
I remember the week you went to leave Max was so sad he met me at my office I worked at with food and had told me he was worried about what would happen to you when you went home. He had said since him and May worked the whole time you were here that they are going up to visit you shortly after you went back home. Max's job is pretty great but he worked hard during high school and college and when the game programming company hired him straight out of college he lucked out because as long as he has his computer and internet he can take the time off. May is the same thing being an editor she can work anywhere as well so they can take a vacation and work where they want. The same goes for you I mean Max told me you were working on your next book at the house while he and May were at work. I wish I had had that type of job flexibility at the time? Well, its funny because now I have that type of flexibility don't I.
Sorry I didn't realize you wouldn't know. The day you left I was called into my bosses office and he handed me an envelope and told me they were letting me go. I had been with the company for five years and they were letting me go. They gave me a nice severance and told me that I could pack my office up and leave. When I asked why I was being let go they said that since it was Florida they didn't have to give me a reason except the fact that they were terminating my position. I got home after I dropped the check in the bank and stopped at the florist to get Shelly flowers because she was going to have to help with bills until I got a new job that day and there was a strange car in my driveway I figured it was a friend of Shelly's car so I just let myself in the house. I walked in and heard noises from the bedroom and when I walked in there was Shelly in bed with the VP of accounting from the company I was just fired from. She looked at me and then screamed GET OUT. I was so pissed I looked at her and said she has 20 minutes to get dressed and I would be back. I got in my car and drove to the park up the road and called Max. He and May found me fifteen minutes later and followed me back to the house. When I got there she was packing her clothes in her suitcase and told me she would be back for her stuff later that day. I told her that the only stuff that was hers was her clothes and her computer and to take it now everything else was here before she moved in. I also told her to give me my key back. When she went into her purse my credit cards I kept in my safe as well as cash I kept in there fell out. May grabbed the bag and ran into the bathroom. I went to the safe and it was empty. All my jewelry cash and cards were gone. I looked at her and she shrugged and said I am calling the cops if she doesn't give me my purse. May came out two minutes later with the trash can full of my cards, jewelry, and cash and handed me the can and then handed her her purse and said if I find out you charged anything to those cards I have friends who work in the police force as Thomas never added you on them. If his checking or savings accounts lose money I will call the police is that clear GET OUT NOW.
She left and I took the cards and started going through them and realized that there were a few missing. I grabbed the file I had with all my accounts and sat down. Max and May sat with me and called the numbers on the back of the cards and after a while, we discovered she had stolen from my accounts and cards. Then if it couldn't have gotten any worse she had stolen cash and jewelry as well. I called the police and they started a case against her and went to find her because the jewelry log was just signed off on by a friend who does insurance not even two days earlier. When all was done after Max, May and I called all the accounts I had for insurance and investments credit cards lines of credit etc she had stolen close to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. When asked how did she hide it from me she laughed and said that the bar job was just a cover and she had her own house in St Pete. We discovered she had done this before but this is the first time she had been caught. The police searched her home with the pictures of the missing jewelry so I got that back as well as the cash I was missing to which she admitted was mine. May and Max have been great on helping me I had sixty-three accounts between all the types of accounts and she hit each and every one. The only thing she didn't touch was my checking and savings account because those accounts send me a text message every time there is a transaction. I have only been able to clear about three or four accounts. She has a choice she can pay restitution on what she had stolen or go to jail right now she is looking at 15 years in prison
So, after all, this happened and losing my job when my lease was up Max and May had me come stay with them to get back on my feet and May also gave me a job lead and I am now working for an accounting company that lets me telecommute after I finished my training and I am loving it. Wow, I also just talked your ear off."
I smiled and started where he left off, "You know they didn't want to leave you here alone when they were coming up to my house to see me. May and Max were so worried about you and how you were handling things after everything that Shelly had done to you. But I am glad they were there with you instead of with me because I was afraid what Max would have done when I went to court for our final divorce proceeding.
The day I got back home Alex and his wife came over and Alex had a pile of papers he needed to go over with me. Daniel was not happy that he didn't get what he wanted at the final divorce proceedings and Alex had to go into overdrive with motions because he kept coming at me with everything he had. I kept it all from Max and May while I was down there but he started some pretty crazy stuff. He changed the whole the baby isn't his to him and his partner wanted to have the baby since I traveled on and off for a living. When the judge said no and we could share custody he then went back to he wanted my home and he even pulled all his receipts from the vacations we took including the honeymoon saying since the last eight years of his life were a sham and he wanted retribution on all the trips we took together. The judge said no and he has had Alex running in circles fighting every motion there was. Thank god I pay that poor man by the year because he has earned every penny then some. Normally I am the quiet client who only comes for the legal stuff when my books get published. The next day was the court hearing for the divorce and Alex made it clear that he would be there first thing in the morning to come to get me. When he got to my house the next morning his wife Tina was with him for my moral support he said. He was afraid to leave me alone with me being almost five months along and Daniel on the warpath.
The judge was a kind as ever and when she read over the new set of papers that Daniels lawyer handed her she had a sense of humor. Daniel had decided that I owed him spousal support and alimony because he had to take so much time from his job to deal with all the ramifications of the proceeding trial and divorce. The judge looked at me and commented that I had a wonderful pregnancy glow about me and she hoped that I got to know my extended family and everything else turned out to be a wonderful vacation. I nodded yes and told her the book tour went well in Florida and that later that month we would be doing the second to last leg in New York finishing the tour in New Jersey so I could be close to home with the babies due date coming closer. She got to business and ended our marriage stating that I would not be paying anything to Daniel and that once the baby was born Daniel could have visitation with him or her with me weekly because the baby needed to be with his or her mama since I was going to nurse than when the baby turned a year Daniel could have every other weekend and we would set up with the court a holiday schedule. Daniel was so pissed and said well don't expect me to pay for that brat at all because I never wanted it. The judge then said after the baby was born he could sign away all parental rights. The look on his face toward me was nothing but pure hatred.
"So," I asked, "What happened next with you?"
"After Max found you things were calm and not too much happened and I actually had thought things were getting better for Shelly and I. Well as you said during his birthday party May was constantly trying to get me over to the computer to introduce me to you. She felt that besides her the two most important people in Max's life should meet even if it was face to face on the computer. However everytime May would grab my arm Shelly would get my attention and start to say I was ignoring her or that I had to see something. So May just said that Shelly and I would meet you when you came into Tampa. That when she had planned the whole lunch and Shelly pretended to be all up for it until that morning you came in. She ended up coming up with an excuse that she had made our reservations a month ago and that she had forgotten until that day. I started to get suspicious but I really wanted it to work out with Shelly so I played naive that morning and made my excuses to Max and May.
Well, later that night Max had called and said that you were feeling exhausted and asked if I wanted to meet him at the Tavern as a guys night because May had decided to stay in with you and have some girl time. Shelly was working that night and when I came in and met Max she didn't seem to happy that we were there. I told her its guys night with a few beers and the game was on. That's when Max had made a big deal about how he got tickets to your book panel you were doing along with three other writers and said we had to join him and May. He told Shelly some of the most popular paranormal writers out there at the moment we're going to be there and that he would be so upset if she couldn't make it. Well as it was a public event she was all up for it and since some famous people were going to be there she was hoping to brush a few elbows.
So the morning of your first book panel we met up with Max and May as you were already at the event site. Shelly was happy to be in such a lavish hotel I thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head. Max handed me a beer the moment I stepped up and led us to these awesome seats in the front. That's when I got my first glimpse of you in person. I know this is going to sound crazy but you looked adorable you were wearing this pale yellow sweater and a blue dress you looked like a mommy to be model you see in the ads in magazines. May whistled and got your attention and you looked over at us and wave while smiling this amazing bright smile. The lights started to dim and you took your place on stage with the other writers. Shelly looked at you poked me saying take a picture it will last longer. May leaned over and said to Shelly 'Isn't she awesome I so want to steal that dress from her it's not even maternity just has a loose center so she has room to move'. Shelly's smile started to get more forced but she didn't ask to leave or pretend to be sick. Max was so proud of you during the panel as news of the baby and pending divorce was out and people were very much wanting details. But I was impressed you were handling it like a champ and replied ever so nicely that a statement would be up on your blog later on that week and would like to answer questions about the book or charitable causes you were working on. When the panel started doing giveaways the fun you were having had all of us laughing. you guys were tossing out prizes and giving out free books then the host of the event said that there was a bonus surprise from you and you could have heard a pin drop. That's when you stood up and the host brought out a box of books and you held one up. you had announced that in your hands was the sequel to your book 76 ghosts and you had 20 to give away signed during a special meet and greet later that afternoon and the special meet and greet were completely by chance for 40 people plus. The first 20 people to arrive with their ticket would get a signed copy of the new book and you told people to check under their seats. You would have thought you guys were giving away cash because people were going crazy and since there were no seats left that tickets were like winning the lottery. During that, Max leaned over and said we are already invited to the meet and greet we just don't get to participate in the book lottery. Then May giggled some and said besides we have copies at home already for Max and I and one for you as well Thomas. By the time the chaos had ended, you had forty very happy couples out of the four hundred people that were there. After you were done and the other authors did their meet and greet contests a security guard came up and said to follow him to the back so Max and May could join you. We all followed with a small group of people and were taken into a room with a bunch of high school students who had won a national contest with the publishing company you handle your book. I will admit I admired you that day and said so to Max and May how you made it a point to talk with the high school students and hear what they were saying. Then you took a box out and signed 30 books right there for these kids you met and handed them backpacks which I found out had laptops, cameras, and goodies to help them continue on in their projects. You guys were an amazing group."
I smiled and then stood up and stretched and watched the rain as I started speaking, "Those kids are super talented and I was glad to have participated with the Authors of the tour. I remember meeting you after talking to the kids as well. When I first met you-you seemed to be everything that my brother had said. Yours and Max's closeness was quite evident from just watching you with him. That's why I never said anything about Shelly to him or you because I didn't want to borrow trouble."
"What about Shelly?" He asked concerned. "Oh god after seeing her true colors what did she do to you."
"That night at the private event do you remember how Max said we should all go together and you jumped at the chance but Shelly wanted to use your car?" I started as Thomas nodded his head. "Well Max and May just wanted us to go together and after some time of signing the books and eating and mingling, I excused myself to the bathroom. Well, Shelly followed me in there to have a word with me. She was pissed that you were being so nice to me and to realize that no one would want some knocked up bitch to be with. I looked at her and told her I had no clue about she was talking about and that it was important to my brother that I got to know you because we were always going to be connected in each other's lives because neither of us was going to leave my brother. That's when she replied we will see about that."
Thomas stood up and started pacing, "Anna I am so sorry especially since you were pregnant at the time I would have never guessed she would have done that. But that would explain why she took so long to come back that night. I think that night started a downhill spiral though with her. You see even though we had met up with Max, May and you, while you visited in Florida Shelly, started getting very moody and started acting very rude. Do you remember the dinner that Max and May took us to at the high-end restaurant to ask us to be the best man and Matron of honor? Well, Shelly wasn't originally supposed to be there. When Max had told her that he was going to ask me to be the best man she insisted that she come with them to share in my excitement. Max had told her that he really only wanted you and me there so they could both ask us and to tell us they scheduled the wedding for after you had the baby so the baby could be there as well. Shelly would have none of it though and she begged May to let her come. I remember when we got to the restaurant and Max, May and You showed up Shelly was so upset because you and May looked fabulous in your outfits. Shelly had insisted on wearing this short clubbing dress that I had asked her to change from but she insisted that the dress was fit for that restaurant. But you and May both were dressed up in these amazing dresses I almost laughed because I could have sworn you guys went and bought almost matching dresses... Wait... Did you guys go out and buy almost matching dresses?"
I nodded laughing, "Yes we had girls only shopping day and she insisted we get dresses that almost matched. She said we could wear them again when we did wedding stuff together. I will be honest as much as we discussed the wedding I never had thought she would ask me to be her Matron of Honor. But after these last few months I couldn't live without her she was there for me when I couldn't go to my brother about things. When I cried she would be there for me listening to my blabbering and when I saw her on and off before the wedding so I could help with wedding details or even the weekend we took up to where the wedding was being held for a girls weekend was like I was with my sister instead of my sister in law.
But your right that night that they took us to the Bourbon Palace was amazing. They put so much thought and consideration into asking us to be the matron of honor and best man even though they should have known that we would say yes anyway. They went all out. I will admit I felt bad for Shelly when we were there because the night was about you and me and Max and May had planned the whole dinner around that and you could tell that they added her seat at the last minute at the end of the table. I mean even the menu was all preset because it was our favorite foods and drinks and she didn't have a choice about what was going on. I thought it became even worse for her when they said the wedding was also going to be an out of town weekend event during the four day Labor Day weekend with things that both you and I were to be in attendance for with them alone and then there were things that were family only no dates allowed. When Max said that you could see the scowl crease her forehead. Then when she heard it was at the Georgia Falls Resort you could see her go green with envy. May said that this is the place that Max proposed to her at and it's also the site of their first vacation they took together a year earlier than that. "
Thomas looked at me and nodded, "Trust me I heard all about it later that night when we got home. She was so upset that May had asked you to be her Matron of Honor when she and May had gotten to be friends since they met. Or how I would have to spend time with you where she couldn't be there to supervise us. That was the night of our first of many fights and arguments. I explained to her that she had nothing to worry about between me and you and that for god's sake you were going to be carrying an infant around and please forgive me that your little one would be just a few weeks old and you wouldn't even have been able to do anything like that even if we pursued each other. She started calling me cheap and yelled at me saying that I never took her anywhere. I explained to her my job required me on the job a lot and that I couldn't just take off and go places. Plus I had been trying at the time to finish paying off my car which I did literally 2 weeks later which was very good that and what she didn't know was I was padding my savings account so I could afford to take a week off and take her on a cruise and that would mean we would need passports plus I know cruising is not cheap because I have been on some before I met her.
I remember the week you went to leave Max was so sad he met me at my office I worked at with food and had told me he was worried about what would happen to you when you went home. He had said since him and May worked the whole time you were here that they are going up to visit you shortly after you went back home. Max's job is pretty great but he worked hard during high school and college and when the game programming company hired him straight out of college he lucked out because as long as he has his computer and internet he can take the time off. May is the same thing being an editor she can work anywhere as well so they can take a vacation and work where they want. The same goes for you I mean Max told me you were working on your next book at the house while he and May were at work. I wish I had had that type of job flexibility at the time? Well, its funny because now I have that type of flexibility don't I.
Sorry I didn't realize you wouldn't know. The day you left I was called into my bosses office and he handed me an envelope and told me they were letting me go. I had been with the company for five years and they were letting me go. They gave me a nice severance and told me that I could pack my office up and leave. When I asked why I was being let go they said that since it was Florida they didn't have to give me a reason except the fact that they were terminating my position. I got home after I dropped the check in the bank and stopped at the florist to get Shelly flowers because she was going to have to help with bills until I got a new job that day and there was a strange car in my driveway I figured it was a friend of Shelly's car so I just let myself in the house. I walked in and heard noises from the bedroom and when I walked in there was Shelly in bed with the VP of accounting from the company I was just fired from. She looked at me and then screamed GET OUT. I was so pissed I looked at her and said she has 20 minutes to get dressed and I would be back. I got in my car and drove to the park up the road and called Max. He and May found me fifteen minutes later and followed me back to the house. When I got there she was packing her clothes in her suitcase and told me she would be back for her stuff later that day. I told her that the only stuff that was hers was her clothes and her computer and to take it now everything else was here before she moved in. I also told her to give me my key back. When she went into her purse my credit cards I kept in my safe as well as cash I kept in there fell out. May grabbed the bag and ran into the bathroom. I went to the safe and it was empty. All my jewelry cash and cards were gone. I looked at her and she shrugged and said I am calling the cops if she doesn't give me my purse. May came out two minutes later with the trash can full of my cards, jewelry, and cash and handed me the can and then handed her her purse and said if I find out you charged anything to those cards I have friends who work in the police force as Thomas never added you on them. If his checking or savings accounts lose money I will call the police is that clear GET OUT NOW.
She left and I took the cards and started going through them and realized that there were a few missing. I grabbed the file I had with all my accounts and sat down. Max and May sat with me and called the numbers on the back of the cards and after a while, we discovered she had stolen from my accounts and cards. Then if it couldn't have gotten any worse she had stolen cash and jewelry as well. I called the police and they started a case against her and went to find her because the jewelry log was just signed off on by a friend who does insurance not even two days earlier. When all was done after Max, May and I called all the accounts I had for insurance and investments credit cards lines of credit etc she had stolen close to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. When asked how did she hide it from me she laughed and said that the bar job was just a cover and she had her own house in St Pete. We discovered she had done this before but this is the first time she had been caught. The police searched her home with the pictures of the missing jewelry so I got that back as well as the cash I was missing to which she admitted was mine. May and Max have been great on helping me I had sixty-three accounts between all the types of accounts and she hit each and every one. The only thing she didn't touch was my checking and savings account because those accounts send me a text message every time there is a transaction. I have only been able to clear about three or four accounts. She has a choice she can pay restitution on what she had stolen or go to jail right now she is looking at 15 years in prison
So, after all, this happened and losing my job when my lease was up Max and May had me come stay with them to get back on my feet and May also gave me a job lead and I am now working for an accounting company that lets me telecommute after I finished my training and I am loving it. Wow, I also just talked your ear off."
I smiled and started where he left off, "You know they didn't want to leave you here alone when they were coming up to my house to see me. May and Max were so worried about you and how you were handling things after everything that Shelly had done to you. But I am glad they were there with you instead of with me because I was afraid what Max would have done when I went to court for our final divorce proceeding.
The day I got back home Alex and his wife came over and Alex had a pile of papers he needed to go over with me. Daniel was not happy that he didn't get what he wanted at the final divorce proceedings and Alex had to go into overdrive with motions because he kept coming at me with everything he had. I kept it all from Max and May while I was down there but he started some pretty crazy stuff. He changed the whole the baby isn't his to him and his partner wanted to have the baby since I traveled on and off for a living. When the judge said no and we could share custody he then went back to he wanted my home and he even pulled all his receipts from the vacations we took including the honeymoon saying since the last eight years of his life were a sham and he wanted retribution on all the trips we took together. The judge said no and he has had Alex running in circles fighting every motion there was. Thank god I pay that poor man by the year because he has earned every penny then some. Normally I am the quiet client who only comes for the legal stuff when my books get published. The next day was the court hearing for the divorce and Alex made it clear that he would be there first thing in the morning to come to get me. When he got to my house the next morning his wife Tina was with him for my moral support he said. He was afraid to leave me alone with me being almost five months along and Daniel on the warpath.
The judge was a kind as ever and when she read over the new set of papers that Daniels lawyer handed her she had a sense of humor. Daniel had decided that I owed him spousal support and alimony because he had to take so much time from his job to deal with all the ramifications of the proceeding trial and divorce. The judge looked at me and commented that I had a wonderful pregnancy glow about me and she hoped that I got to know my extended family and everything else turned out to be a wonderful vacation. I nodded yes and told her the book tour went well in Florida and that later that month we would be doing the second to last leg in New York finishing the tour in New Jersey so I could be close to home with the babies due date coming closer. She got to business and ended our marriage stating that I would not be paying anything to Daniel and that once the baby was born Daniel could have visitation with him or her with me weekly because the baby needed to be with his or her mama since I was going to nurse than when the baby turned a year Daniel could have every other weekend and we would set up with the court a holiday schedule. Daniel was so pissed and said well don't expect me to pay for that brat at all because I never wanted it. The judge then said after the baby was born he could sign away all parental rights. The look on his face toward me was nothing but pure hatred.
********************************************************
The judge slammed her gavel and it was finally over. Alex and Tina took me out the side entrance of the courthouse where Alex has his car waiting and we headed to the restaurant we all liked to celebrate. We had been on the road maybe ten minutes when Alex said oh no. Tina had been sitting in the back with me talking so we wouldn't bother Alex's driving. Tina looked up and asked what was wrong and he said for both of us to make sure we were seatbelted in tight. He told Tina he loved her and told us both to hang on. What he didn't tell us until after was that after we had gotten on the highway his SUV started to lose breaks and his engine was acting weird. He used his hands-free in the car as he was starting to hit grassy area trying to slow the car down to call 911 and let a dispatcher know what was going on. He started pulling to the drivers' side and started running the SUV against the cement barrier. Tina and I were bracing ourselves but we knew how bad it was and I just hoped that we would make it out alive. I put my hand on my belly and hoped that we would make it out of this alive. Police cars found us riding the wall and then the worst thing happened and the engine revved and Alex started cursing. We hit a ditch and he tried keeping the car upright but we lurched to the left and the car slid fifty yards and came to a stop in three feet of mud and water. It was a miracle that Tina and Alex walked away with bruises and cuts, As for me I was knocked unconscious.\
When I woke up May was sitting there next to me and my belly was gone. I had a fractured wrist and they had to do an emergency c-section to get my baby out because I had started to hemorrhage. May handed me the frame she had put around the prints as well as a tiny picture the nurse had taken of the baby wrapped up in a blanket with a premie hat on. Max had been at the funeral home arranging everything so I wouldn't have too. The baby had died in the crash and the nurse who had been in the delivery room had taken her footprints and handprints for me since they were not sure how long I would be unconscious. The Nurse had talked to Max and May when they got there and they put Lilly Grace on the birth certificate. That was the girl's name I had chosen when we had gone shopping one day. During the delivery, they discovered I had more damage than they originally thought. The doctor says that it would take a miracle for me to ever become pregnant again but he wasn't going to be the one to take away my chances.
Later that afternoon when Max came back he explained I had been unconscious for a week and they had to move Lilly to the funeral home. He knew it was my wishes to be cremated if anything had ever happened to me so he arranged everything since the doctor said it would be a while before I was getting out of the hospital."
Thomas looked up to look at me as he took my hand and led me to a chair before he started, "I remember the day of the accident pretty well. Max and May had tried talking me most of the morning into coming with them to come to see you since they were going to be there later that week anyway. I kept saying that I didn't want to intrude on you especially with what a big week it was and how May had had plans to help you finish the nursery. She was also making plans to meet your friends so she could arrange a surprise baby shower. We were all working from home that day and when Max's phone wrang he brightened up because he was waiting for you to call him and let him know how the court hearing had gone. We heard his end of the conversation which started to worry us and then he said do whatever you need to to keep her alive we will be on the next flight out. He grabbed May and said pack now and then to me he threw his wallet and said find us the next set of seats out of Tampa to Anna. May followed him upstairs trying to get him to talk as and I got online finding last-minute seats to Newark from Tampa. I packed up both of their laptops and by the time they were downstairs I handed Max his wallet and asked what was going on because he still hadn't said anything. He slowed down just enough to say that you were in a bad accident and were heading into emergency surgery. I grabbed my car keys and their tickets and got them to Tampa with just enough time for them to get through security and make their flight.
Later that night he called me from the hospital telling me that your friend Alex had given him the keys the house a little bit after you came out of surgery and gave Max and May your belongings and a frame for the picture of Lilly. The nurse had taken a picture and foot and hand prints before they sent Lilly down to the morgue. He said I needed to call his dads side of the family and let them know what was going on. They were still unsure if you were going to make it and if you did make it what was going to happen when you woke up. When the car flipped to its side you hit the side of the car pretty hard. You were pretty messed up and had suffered a fractured wrist and a few cracked ribs. With the first exam, they thought that you and Lilly were okay and they set you up in ICU just so you could be monitored. After about an hour your blood pressure and heart rate plummeted and they rushed you into emergency surgery. Alex was going to call Max anyway but they wanted to talk to the doctor to give him a real report. You hemorrhaged and the doctor did everything he could to save both you and Lilly. The doctor said later on that Lilly survived for ten minutes but without an autopsy to tell he thinks she had internal damage as well. The doctor had to do a lot to fix the damage you had in you and you were just coming out of surgery when Max and May got there.
Max asked how the accident happened and Alex said the police were investigating it. It wasn't until three days later that after the car was towed back to the police compound that they discovered that the break line was messed with as well as the engine. The courthouse video feed shows a man messing with the car shortly after you went into the courthouse. At first, they didn't notice it but a new detective caught a brief view of the person and was able to zoom in and see what had happened. They were still investigating who was behind it. He told me that he was taking May to the house so she could get some sleep and he could wash up and he was going to come back to the hospital to be with you. Max had taken your car back after checking to make sure nothing was wrong with it and May had called me and she was a wreck. She was worried about Max and Max was frantic about you. The Doctors had to put you in an induced coma so your body could heal a bit but they were going to stop the drugs in 48 hours and let you wake naturally. I called everyone on Max's dad side of the family and I swear you never have to worry about not having a family because they love you so much. May had asked if I could come up to be there for them but the courts down here were moving forward in their case against Shelly and there would be a preliminary trial later on in the week. However, I told her if they needed me I would be on the next flight out. SHe told me to have a bag ready and if I could make sure I had Max's black suit and her black funeral dress ready in case. I realized right then how serious things were and told her I was on my way and she said no just be ready in case. She asked me to call all our jobs and let them know that they would try to work remotely this week and their jobs were more than accepting of what was going on. My job was great and said if I needed to go to them let the company know and they would lessen my workload as well.
Later on that week Max called to tell me your ex-husband Daniel was arrested for arranging the damage on Alex's car. When he was arrested he was trying to get on an international flight out of Orlando with his boyfriend. Apparently, he thought that if something was to happen to you and the baby then he would get everything from your estate. He hired a man to mess with Alex's car and if that had not worked he was going to hire a hitman. His boyfriend didn't know anything about it and was in shocked that Daniel would even do such a thing. What convinced the police of his innocence was that he had said he told Daniel they could help you raise the baby and that when he found out that Lilly had died he had a breakdown and actually jumped the desk to go after Daniel. Even though it wasn't biologically his he was willing and able to be a male role model in the babies life."
I breathed in a deep breath and continued from there, "Max went to his arraignment shortly after I woke up with May. The prosecutor in charge of the case was a friend of Alex's from law school and he was doing everything in his power to make sure that Daniel got what he deserved. They were going after three charges of attempted murder and one charge of murder for Lilly since she did survive for a few minutes outside of me. They called Daniels very ex-boyfriend Scott up to the stand and questioned him about his knowledge and why he thought they were going out of the country and Scott had said that Daniel had told him that they were celebrating his divorce with a trip to London. When they were going through security and were asked to step aside is the first time he saw Daniel start to get anxious. Daniel actually thought he had gotten away with everything. Then when the police came and took them to a private security area and that they videotaped the whole questioning session. As they questioned Daniel and Scott it started to dawn on Scott what was going on. He told the judge that after the court hearing he had told Daniel that they should wave the white flag so he wouldn't lose getting to know the baby. When he found out what happened to me and that Lilly had died in the process he jumped for Daniel. It took four police officers to pull him off of Daniel as he screamed and yelled how could you, we could have had a family.
The judge slammed her gavel and it was finally over. Alex and Tina took me out the side entrance of the courthouse where Alex has his car waiting and we headed to the restaurant we all liked to celebrate. We had been on the road maybe ten minutes when Alex said oh no. Tina had been sitting in the back with me talking so we wouldn't bother Alex's driving. Tina looked up and asked what was wrong and he said for both of us to make sure we were seatbelted in tight. He told Tina he loved her and told us both to hang on. What he didn't tell us until after was that after we had gotten on the highway his SUV started to lose breaks and his engine was acting weird. He used his hands-free in the car as he was starting to hit grassy area trying to slow the car down to call 911 and let a dispatcher know what was going on. He started pulling to the drivers' side and started running the SUV against the cement barrier. Tina and I were bracing ourselves but we knew how bad it was and I just hoped that we would make it out alive. I put my hand on my belly and hoped that we would make it out of this alive. Police cars found us riding the wall and then the worst thing happened and the engine revved and Alex started cursing. We hit a ditch and he tried keeping the car upright but we lurched to the left and the car slid fifty yards and came to a stop in three feet of mud and water. It was a miracle that Tina and Alex walked away with bruises and cuts, As for me I was knocked unconscious.\
When I woke up May was sitting there next to me and my belly was gone. I had a fractured wrist and they had to do an emergency c-section to get my baby out because I had started to hemorrhage. May handed me the frame she had put around the prints as well as a tiny picture the nurse had taken of the baby wrapped up in a blanket with a premie hat on. Max had been at the funeral home arranging everything so I wouldn't have too. The baby had died in the crash and the nurse who had been in the delivery room had taken her footprints and handprints for me since they were not sure how long I would be unconscious. The Nurse had talked to Max and May when they got there and they put Lilly Grace on the birth certificate. That was the girl's name I had chosen when we had gone shopping one day. During the delivery, they discovered I had more damage than they originally thought. The doctor says that it would take a miracle for me to ever become pregnant again but he wasn't going to be the one to take away my chances.
Later that afternoon when Max came back he explained I had been unconscious for a week and they had to move Lilly to the funeral home. He knew it was my wishes to be cremated if anything had ever happened to me so he arranged everything since the doctor said it would be a while before I was getting out of the hospital."
Thomas looked up to look at me as he took my hand and led me to a chair before he started, "I remember the day of the accident pretty well. Max and May had tried talking me most of the morning into coming with them to come to see you since they were going to be there later that week anyway. I kept saying that I didn't want to intrude on you especially with what a big week it was and how May had had plans to help you finish the nursery. She was also making plans to meet your friends so she could arrange a surprise baby shower. We were all working from home that day and when Max's phone wrang he brightened up because he was waiting for you to call him and let him know how the court hearing had gone. We heard his end of the conversation which started to worry us and then he said do whatever you need to to keep her alive we will be on the next flight out. He grabbed May and said pack now and then to me he threw his wallet and said find us the next set of seats out of Tampa to Anna. May followed him upstairs trying to get him to talk as and I got online finding last-minute seats to Newark from Tampa. I packed up both of their laptops and by the time they were downstairs I handed Max his wallet and asked what was going on because he still hadn't said anything. He slowed down just enough to say that you were in a bad accident and were heading into emergency surgery. I grabbed my car keys and their tickets and got them to Tampa with just enough time for them to get through security and make their flight.
Later that night he called me from the hospital telling me that your friend Alex had given him the keys the house a little bit after you came out of surgery and gave Max and May your belongings and a frame for the picture of Lilly. The nurse had taken a picture and foot and hand prints before they sent Lilly down to the morgue. He said I needed to call his dads side of the family and let them know what was going on. They were still unsure if you were going to make it and if you did make it what was going to happen when you woke up. When the car flipped to its side you hit the side of the car pretty hard. You were pretty messed up and had suffered a fractured wrist and a few cracked ribs. With the first exam, they thought that you and Lilly were okay and they set you up in ICU just so you could be monitored. After about an hour your blood pressure and heart rate plummeted and they rushed you into emergency surgery. Alex was going to call Max anyway but they wanted to talk to the doctor to give him a real report. You hemorrhaged and the doctor did everything he could to save both you and Lilly. The doctor said later on that Lilly survived for ten minutes but without an autopsy to tell he thinks she had internal damage as well. The doctor had to do a lot to fix the damage you had in you and you were just coming out of surgery when Max and May got there.
Max asked how the accident happened and Alex said the police were investigating it. It wasn't until three days later that after the car was towed back to the police compound that they discovered that the break line was messed with as well as the engine. The courthouse video feed shows a man messing with the car shortly after you went into the courthouse. At first, they didn't notice it but a new detective caught a brief view of the person and was able to zoom in and see what had happened. They were still investigating who was behind it. He told me that he was taking May to the house so she could get some sleep and he could wash up and he was going to come back to the hospital to be with you. Max had taken your car back after checking to make sure nothing was wrong with it and May had called me and she was a wreck. She was worried about Max and Max was frantic about you. The Doctors had to put you in an induced coma so your body could heal a bit but they were going to stop the drugs in 48 hours and let you wake naturally. I called everyone on Max's dad side of the family and I swear you never have to worry about not having a family because they love you so much. May had asked if I could come up to be there for them but the courts down here were moving forward in their case against Shelly and there would be a preliminary trial later on in the week. However, I told her if they needed me I would be on the next flight out. SHe told me to have a bag ready and if I could make sure I had Max's black suit and her black funeral dress ready in case. I realized right then how serious things were and told her I was on my way and she said no just be ready in case. She asked me to call all our jobs and let them know that they would try to work remotely this week and their jobs were more than accepting of what was going on. My job was great and said if I needed to go to them let the company know and they would lessen my workload as well.
Later on that week Max called to tell me your ex-husband Daniel was arrested for arranging the damage on Alex's car. When he was arrested he was trying to get on an international flight out of Orlando with his boyfriend. Apparently, he thought that if something was to happen to you and the baby then he would get everything from your estate. He hired a man to mess with Alex's car and if that had not worked he was going to hire a hitman. His boyfriend didn't know anything about it and was in shocked that Daniel would even do such a thing. What convinced the police of his innocence was that he had said he told Daniel they could help you raise the baby and that when he found out that Lilly had died he had a breakdown and actually jumped the desk to go after Daniel. Even though it wasn't biologically his he was willing and able to be a male role model in the babies life."
I breathed in a deep breath and continued from there, "Max went to his arraignment shortly after I woke up with May. The prosecutor in charge of the case was a friend of Alex's from law school and he was doing everything in his power to make sure that Daniel got what he deserved. They were going after three charges of attempted murder and one charge of murder for Lilly since she did survive for a few minutes outside of me. They called Daniels very ex-boyfriend Scott up to the stand and questioned him about his knowledge and why he thought they were going out of the country and Scott had said that Daniel had told him that they were celebrating his divorce with a trip to London. When they were going through security and were asked to step aside is the first time he saw Daniel start to get anxious. Daniel actually thought he had gotten away with everything. Then when the police came and took them to a private security area and that they videotaped the whole questioning session. As they questioned Daniel and Scott it started to dawn on Scott what was going on. He told the judge that after the court hearing he had told Daniel that they should wave the white flag so he wouldn't lose getting to know the baby. When he found out what happened to me and that Lilly had died in the process he jumped for Daniel. It took four police officers to pull him off of Daniel as he screamed and yelled how could you, we could have had a family.
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After the dust settled Scott sent me a letter in the mail and had said that if he would have known in the beginning that Daniel was married he would never have dated him. He also begged my forgiveness because if he had any inclination of what was happening after the court hearing he would have went right to the police. He had said if there was anything he could ever do for me that I shouldn't hesitate to ask. He was and is honestly sorry for what his relationship with Daniel did to my life. Want to hear the weird thing after I healed in the hospital and was able to go out by myself I ran into Scott while going to order food and he asked to buy me lunch."
"Seriously you had lunch with him?" Thomas interrupted.
I waved my hand in the air to hush him as I continued, "Yes I did have lunch with Scott and we sat and ate our food for a good two hours as we talked. Scott is a very nice man and he honestly did not know about me until I kicked Daniel out. When I threw him out that first night he went to Scott's place and they had talked and Daniel had lied about how I was a freeloader and I never did anything but hide in my office and push out book after book of drivel.
Scott had fallen for him and the next day he did a search on me and realized I was not the person that Daniel had said but he was in love with him so he stayed with him. When the first court appearance happened and Scott saw that I was indeed pregnant and showed he had made up his mind to convince Daniel that they could be a family with me and we could all raise Lilly as a parenting unit. At first, Daniel had been angry about the idea but then had said he would talk to his lawyer about it. When it was never mentioned in court Scott realized that Daniel had played him. Once the accident happened and they were taken into custody Scott realized what had happened. When he snapped all he saw was red and wanted to punish Daniel. There is actually a youtube video of Scott packing a suitcase of Daniels basics and then the rest of his belongings going into a bonfire while partying with friends. He sent me the video and time stamped where he made sure I would see Daniels most prized Armani Suit and Accessories going up in flames."
Thomas had looked out across the woods my cabin sat in for a moment and sighed, "Anna I wish I would have come out there for you-you needed someone that could be anything you needed instead of your brother and May babying you. Don't get me wrong I know your brother is a strong person and May is going to be a great mom someday but you needed to have someone there to not baby you but to hold your hand and listen without smothering."
"Thomas," I started, "Don't you think that you are taking the whole I am your brothers best friend a bit too seriously?"
"You would think so wouldn't you Anna. What if I told you that my ex-was a tad bit right and that I am a bit fascinated with you? I mean I followed you into the woods as soon as we were able to leave the ceremony and here we are listening to each other's life stories. Its been 9 months since Daniel went to prison and you lost Lilly and I have stood back and waited but to be honest with you I would really like to date my best friends sister!" Thomas continued, "The thing is I know your brother and May are okay with all of this because I discussed this with them but I need to know if your okay with knowing that I am falling for you regardless of the craziness that we have been through I am happy you came into my life and I don't ever want you to leave it."
I was so shocked that I just plopped down on the settee that was next to me and Thomas came over and knelt down in front of me. I didn't realize until his fingers brushed away the first of my tears that I was crying. That's when he pulled me into a hug and chuckled into my hair, "I must be really bad at discussing my feelings because I never intended to make you cry."
I looked up into his eye and I could tell he was being honest about everything he had said so I threw caution to the wind and leaned in and kissed him, The kiss was hesitant at first for both of us then it gained momentum as I wrapped my armed around his neck and he pulled me closer to him. The kiss was like a healing wave that both of us needed and would have lasted a lot longer if it wasn't for Mays voice piping up behind Thomas, "Well it's about fucking time."
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I tried not laughing as Thomas said through a strained voice, "What can we do for you May?"
"Well dear you both were supposed me meet us twenty minutes ago to start getting ready for the formal reception and since neither of you showed up at the suite on time I figured I would come to find you since Max is a tad bit worn out. Be thankful it was me instead of him. He would have scared the bejesus right out of you now come along you to its time to go get ready for the fun time at the reception." May stood there taping her shoe as I tossed my day bag into my cabin and locked the door behind me. The server who was there bringing us water earlier was not collecting our plates and Thomas stood there a little unsure of what to do. I was up next to him and slid my hand into his and gave it a squeeze. He smiled and squeezed my hand back as May dragged us back to her and Max's suite to get ready in the formal attire they had picked out for us for the reception.
My sister-in-law is amazing but she is also extremely blunt! As we got back to her and Max's suite she walked in and said so Max could hear her, "Its okay I found them they were on the porch at Annas cabin snogging."
I love May she is perfect for Max, "Wow Max you sure you want this one forever. She sure has a mouth on her."
Max swung May around and said, " I love this woman's smart mouth."
Thomas chuckled, "It's funny when they first met, she wanted to wring his neck. Now after a few years, he grew on her."
May smiled and cuddled into max and said, "Well you know Max was very persistent for a very long time. I could not say no.'
I laughed, "So are you saying that my brother wore you down."
Max laughed, "Well you know good things are worth chasing after."
There was a knock at the door. May went to answer the door and when she came back she had Max's mom and half-sister in tow. She looked at Thomas and I and said, "I thought that this was going to be a family gathering?"
May looked at Max's mom and said, "Donna now I told you that this shit wont fly. If you want to be a bitch you can leave and not come back. Anna is Max's sister and Thomas is his best friend."
"Max sweetheart you might want to get your wife to obey." His mom said.
Max came over and put his arms around Mays waist and said, "She isnt a dog and did not use the word Obey in her wedding vows. If you dont like who is here mom leave and if you say one aweful thing to anyone I will have you removed."
She turned on me and said, "All of this has always been your fault if Max's father would have just obeyed me then you would have never existed and you would never had ruined everyones life."
She turned on me and said, "All of this has always been your fault if Max's father would have just obeyed me then you would have never existed and you would never had ruined everyones life."
She raised her hand to hit me when Max stepped forward and said, "Thats enough mother. None of this is Annas fault and you and dad were seperated well before Anna was conceived. You are not a innocent angel in any of this. SO before you start casting stones you might want to look in the mirror. I let you stay for the fun reception do not make me regret it."
She looked at him and then to me and said, "You know what have the life you deserve I am done with this crap Max. You have a whore of a sister and a wife who will leave you. I wash my hand of you and this mess."
She turned and grabbed Maxs half sisters arm and said, "Lets go find your father and get out of this dump. Who would have thought someone would have a trash wedding like this anyway."
She turned and grabbed Maxs half sisters arm and said, "Lets go find your father and get out of this dump. Who would have thought someone would have a trash wedding like this anyway."
I stepped in her way and said, "Listen you are going to give up on everything due to the fact Max's and my dad couldn't stand you. I have a letter from my dad with the real reason he was with my mom. Do not cause trouble for Max or he will find out everything. Are we clear about this?"
She stopped cold in her tracks and said, "No..."
"I think you should apologize to everyone for being a bitch and go back to your cabin till later and think about your actions." I said stepping out of the way.
She turned to max and may and said, "I am sorry Max, May I will go back to my cabin now."
Max came up next to me and said, "You read the letter from Dad to huh."
Looking up I said, "I needed to know. My mom and your dad needed each other when they met. He never thought I would be a result. But also do not read t he letter unless you want to know the truth about everything your mom did because she is lucky I don't drag her down to the cliffs and push her off. I understood his reasoning even if I didn't agree with him not being in my life."
May asked, "Anna how bad is it?"
"What she did not only to our dad, my mom and other people is down right horrible and bordering on illegal in some cases."
Max gave me a hug and said, "Mom can get over it you are my sister and I am your brother."
May stood up and said, "Well now that that is finished why don't we get down to the matter at hand. I expect you both back in your party clothes in 20 min and no hanky panky. I want a few minutes alone with my husband."
Thomas and I headed towards our cabins and went to get changed. Thomas met me in front of the cabin and whistled, "Wow Anna you look amazing."
I straightened his tie and said, "Well you don't look so bad yourself."
We walked back to meet Max and May and when we did we saw police at their cabin. Moving a little faster we saw May and she said, "Let them through they are with us."
Thomas asked, "What happened?"
"Max's mom called the police on us and said we threatened her, "She said.
I looked at her and looked at Max who was talking with an officer, "Max do you want me to discuss this with them?"
Max said, "She crossed the line Anna. I wish you had your letter."
"Well big brother I do have it. Officer may we have a word before this escalates any further?" I asked.
The officer looked at me and said, "Shit your the writer Anna Worthington?"
Smiling I said, "Shhh secret identity this weekend of the grooms sister."
The officer his partner and I walked over to a set of chairs and I explained everything that had happened. I then took out the letter my dad wrote me and the officer read it. He kept muttering holy shit you got to be kidding me and then laid out the letter and took pictures of the letter from start to finish. By then Max joined me and the officer said, "Son I am so sorry that you went through this on your wedding day. You do realize that your mom is in a bit of trouble."
"I understand sir." He said as the officer grabbed his deputies and left to go see Maxs mom. Max stopped me and pointed to the chair. He held out his hand and said, "Its time."
I handed him the letter and he read it from start to finish. After he finished reading he said, "She is no longer in my life after today. All the things in that letter make so much more sense to me than you probably. It clears up a lot of what happened in my dads life as well."
We heard screams and yells as we saw Max's mom being led out of her cabin in handcuff. May's parents came running over from their cabin in various states of getting ready and May's mom Helen said, "Well shit I missed the fireworks."
Everyone started laughing as May gave a cliff notes version reading the letter. Helen looked at Thomas and I and pulled us into a hug saying, "That Bitch. Well I am your Mama now as well you two. Your part of our family. Now lets finish getting ready we are partying tonight to celebrate my son daughter and everyone here."
No one wanted to argue with Helen For a short petite woman she is fierce and scary. We finished getting ready and headed to the main cabin where it had been transformed into a 1940's night club. We spent the night eating off the buffet and sipping drinks Max and May chose and having a great time. The owner of the resort joined us and allowed the guests to stay and minge after the party and switching to a cash bar. The last of the guests left the party in the early hours of the morning.
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The following morning I woke up to knocking at my door and it was Helen. I opened the door and invited her in and she sat down and asked, "Are you okay?"
Sitting down next to her I said, "To be honest I feel horrible about how she acting on Max and Mays wedding day. I wish I could have prevented all that for them."
Chuckling she said, "Sweetie when Max found you he was over the moon. No one blames you for anything his mom is a botch plain and simple. I did want to ask what letter did May talk about?"
I got up and got it out of my bag. Handing it to her I said, "Please do not say anything to Max but I think he will need a lot of support in the upcoming months."
She nodded and read the letter. She gave the same reaction that the police officer did the night before as she said, "You have got to be kidding me. She hid all of this all these years and thought her behavior was appropriate? Don't worry sweet girl me and papa are here for both of you and you will always have a family with us."
She pulled me into a hug and said, "You know what I am starving how about me and you beat everyone to breakfast. Its a mix between american and korean dishes."
Laughing I said, "Food!"
We headed to the buffet in our pajamas and by the time everyone else started trickling in we were on our third trip to the buffet. May took one look at Helen and I eating and said, "Well I guess you both are the only early risers in the whole group."
I looked up and said, "Buffet food is the best and when your mom asked me to join her who was I to say no."
Helen looked up and said, "My sweet daughter I left you to your husband and decided that I would kidnap my new daughter and have her join me instead. She is way to skinny and needs to eat. But with as much as she has ate so far I am shocked she is so skinny."
She took my hand and patted it as we ate. May looked at me with a wide grin and said, "Anna so you are aware my mom will never let you go. Anytime your in town or have an event for a book tour she will be there for you. She will be right upfront and clapping the loudest. Welcome to our family."
I gave a wide grin and kept eating as Helen said, "I know I will never replace your mom but I will still be there where it counts. Besides who better to have as a mom then me I have a lot of free time."
Thomas walked in looking like he had five minutes of sleep that night. He walked over placed his jacket next to me. Dropped a kiss on my head and headed to the buffet. I laughed and poured him a coffee as he came back.
He took the coffee and said, "Thank you."
"Your welcome," I said as I continued to eat.
Mama looked at me and asked, "Anna now that your divorce is complete and that monster is going to jail. Why don't you move down to Florida and be near family?"
I smiled and said, "Well that's something to think about."
May looked at me and then to her mom. She said, "She is hiding something."
Thomas's head turned to the food and said, "Look at that new rice and ran."
Mama looked at me and said, "Spill it."
"I was going to surprise you all later this week," I said. "Thomas has been helping me and I came in 2 days early and bought a house in the Withlacoochee forest. Its a beautiful three bedroom cabin , with a wrap around porch and on six acres. Plus there is a fishing dock as its at the end of the river and on a lake."
Mama took my hand and said, "We need to see it."
Squeezing her hand I said, "After we leave here today I was going to go to the property. Everyone can join me. Max and May will you have time getting ready to leave for your honeymoon cruise?"
May sat down and said, "Oh yeah we do not leave till tomorrow night."
Thomas helped me load my bags in his car and we headed to my new home. When we pulled up to the property I laughed and said, "I cannot believe I own this place. Can you feel the peace and calmness here?"
Thomas took my hand and said, "It is a remarkable place. Personally I cannot wait for you to be moved in here. It will make it a lot easier to come see you. Do not worry as you pack and ship everything from the other place I will be here to make sure its taken inside just make sure you label which room you want it in."
We got out and May, Max and Helen got out of their cars. Helen looked around and said, "Anna this is beautiful."
May came up and hugged me saying, "Oh yeah. I see a lot of family parties here."
When we went into the cabin Helen was stunned with how beautiful it was inside. She looked at it and asked, "Anna what are you going to do for furniture?"
"I have that covered," I said. "I have a friend that will be driving to Florida a few times due to work in the next few weeks. Him and his co worker offered to drop off a van full each time they come down. What is left will be packed into my SUV or a moving company."
"Who is going to meet your friends," She asked.
Thomas looked up and said, "I offered to meet Ben and his friend each time they come down. That way we can get everything into the rooms they need to be in."
Helen nodded and said, "So Anna how about a tour?"
"Well we are in the gourmet kitchen attached to the dining nook," I said. "This is the sunken living room with this stone fire place. To the left is the master suite, his and her closets, and a master bath with shower, tub and double sinks. Going to other way holds two bedrooms with a jack and jill bathroom. The room to the front facing the lake is my office and it also has sliding glass doors to the deck. Come on out the doors this is an amazing deck. It faces the river and the lake. If you follow it around to the side of the house I have a a private section on the balcony with a hot tub that is sunk into the porch. It also has privacy trellis with ivy grown on it. The previous owner also added built in lounge chairs and a table between the two."
Helen was in awe and said, "I will come spend the night when you are settled and cook for you if you will let me use my paddle board on the lake and river."
I laughed and said, "I will make sure you all get the gate code before you leave. You can visit here when ever you want. So lets go down this path."
Everyone followed me and I continued, "Half way down this path is a pavilion with a grill and built in patio tables. When I move in I will be thinning out the grass and bushes to see what is hidden out there. But at the end of the walkway is this dock. I also have a gated boat dock to keep the property private."
Max said, "Well little sister I know if your okay with it I would love to leave my fishing boat here if thats okay this water has prime fishing and I know May would love to have my boat out of the driveway."
"You sure can," I said. "I should be moved in fully in the next three months. Once I get home my days will be writing, purging and packing."
Helen said, "You have been planning this for a while?"
"Yes," I said. "I have nothing back in New Jersey left for me. I am ready to settle down and make a home."
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