Page 115 of A Whole New Play

I straighten and share happy grins with my sister and best friend. Andy tucks himself into my side, smiling happily for his sister’s success.

“I knew she’d win,” he says to no one in particular.

“Me, too,” Valerie agrees. She and Andy high-five.

My heart warms just like it always does when I see my kids happy, but especially when I see them happy with Valerie.

She hasn’t been in our lives long, but the impact she’s made is immeasurable. Abby and Andy are happier. Their lives are stable. My life is stable. Valerie Palmer was what our little family needed.

But when Andy moves away from me to wrap an arm around her instead, fear ripples through me when I think about what will happen if she moves away.

Will Andy revert to the little boy who feared his mom’s disapproval?

Will he stop talking about his love of superheroes to avoid being called annoying?

And what about Abby? She’s finally gained the confidence to pursue her interests. She never would’ve enrolled in a science fair when living with Laura. She’d been a shell of herself before Valerie subtly encouraged her to share her love of learning by asking her about it all the time.

What will happen to the twins if Valerie is no longer in their lives?

Did I make a mistake by allowing someone who isn’t family to have this much of an influence?

A knot forms in the pit of my stomach, but I ignore the distracting thoughts and sensations and focus on Abby as she climbs the stairs onto the stage.

She’s lost her earlier surprise. Now, she beams as she gracefully walks across the stage and takes her medal and certificate from her teacher and Principal Bradley, respectfully.

“Go, Abby!” Carlee hoots.

Corey puts his fingers to his mouth and follows her cheer with a loud whistle.

Abby’s smile widens. She looks our way and locks eyes with me. She waves excitedly. I return the gesture just as enthusiastically. She worked hard for this, and I’m proud of her not just for winning, but for having the guts to enter the competition in the first place. She’s brave and smart. I can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish in this life.

Well, maybe I can.

I’m not ready for the twins to grow up just yet.

Abby rushes back to our group and right into my arms. I pick her up with a laugh and squeeze her tight. “I’m proud of you, bug.”

“Thanks, Dad.” She squeezes my neck.

I put her down and she immediately turns to Valerie. I watch as she flings herself into her nanny’s arms and hear her say, “Thank you for helping me with my project.”

“Of course!” Valerie squeezes her tight.

Andy joins in their hug.

As I stare down at the three of them, the knot in my stomach twists.

There are no guarantees in life. Valerie may be part of our lives for now, but that could change in the blink of an eye.

And as a parent, I need to think about how that could affect my kids. I have to put their well-being first.

Even if that means I have to sacrifice my own happiness.

36

VALERIE

I sit at the dining room table, chewing on my bottom lip. I can’t seem to come up with the words to tell Will that I won’t be accepting his job offer.

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