Page 58 of Loving Lizzy

“I thought he carried his brain in his head and not his butt,” she pondered.

Joe frowned as Lizzy and Maddie let out soft giggles.

“The man suffered a great loss when he lost his wife. He made vows,” he stood up for his friend.

Edie glanced up toward the ceiling, “Nope.”

He leaned forward, “Nope, what?”

“I clearly remember my wedding vows and I don’t recall anything about promising to close my heart and not let love in. Did you, Maddie?”

Maddie thought for a moment, “No. In fact, I remember us discussing this when Kassie’s parents passed away. We agreed if one of us passed, we promised to grab happiness wherever we found it. Because the love in our hearts knows no bounds. I believe we taught our girls to love everyone like family. Did you imply we lied to them?”

“No, I didn’t say such a thing,” he rushed to assure her.

“Good. I hate to think we lied to the girls who we raised as our own. It’d seem like our feelings for them felt like a lie.”

Joe’s chest puffed out. “You know we cherish Kassie and her sister like our own. This situation’s entirely different,” he insisted.

“Oh? What makes it different? It comes in many different forms and there’s nothing in one’s vows saying you can’t find room to love another person. Life is too precious to waste time not showing someone how much you care.”

“Ugh huh.” Edie let out.

Joe stood up and nodded to Lizzy. “I think I’ll visit with Jake while you enjoy each other’s company. Text me when you’re done, and I’ll come for you.”

He closed the door and the women burst into laughter.

Carol came out of the kitchen. “How much longer do I need to play this game? I miss him and he asked me out, why did you stop me?”

Maddie smiled. “Jake found his heart, give him time to discover its capacity.”

Edie nodded and began to crochet. Lizzy laid her head back and thought of Michael. Maybe he felt the same way. Did he love her regardless of the fact she didn’t save Conner? Can he love her through the cancer, the disfigurement, and the scars? Most importantly, can she learn to love herself?

CHAPTER THIRTY

Michael sat in his car gazing at the house he’d hoped signaled a new start with Lizzy. Of course, he didn’t disillusion himself into believing her breast cancer didn’t present any issues for them. He hoped if they moved, she might realize he planned a future with her. Instead, she didn’t believe in him or them.

His mini therapy session with the team helped and he felt adopted into the fold of the Serenity Mountain family. Over the last week, they started a team chat to update everyone on anything of importance. Leo started a group chat to discuss Catherine’s cravings, ordering Matthew to cover research on the safest baby cribs and car seats. Which then brought up the discussion of how to properly install said seats into each of their vehicles. A call to the local fire department went out since they handled public car safety checks. Michael’s phone dinged again, and he glanced down to find another text from Leo.

Taco and Saint, get estimates on top-of-the-line Hummers. Chase, Whiskey, Saint and Michael, thinking we might purchase a fleet for the women and kids? Do you have preferences on color, or go all black?”

Michael laughed and shook his head as he watched the following texts.

Leo, wait until we get there to tell Catherine you’re replacing her car with a Hummer.

Taco texted.

He won’t make it far. When the ladies hear he called the fire department for car seat instructions, when they already have kids, he’ll be kicked off the mountain.

Chase responded.

Boss, you already have us comparing baby monitors and nanny cams, and you have a security detail when she goes into labor. You need to put down the phone.

Saint ordered.

Stop texting! Catherine went to eight on psycho meter. Apparently pregnant chicks don’t crave pickles all the time. We have to return the five back up cases from the big box store. If she asks, Chase needs advice on handling Kassie.

Leo frantically texted

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