Page 9 of Loving Lizzy

Catherine let out a sigh, “Oh, pie sounds wonderful. Did you bring a second one for the rest of you?”

The group erupted in laughter. They dug into the food as each of them updated the others on the current happenings in their lives. Elizabeth listened, amazed at how they each took turns and asked questions, completely invested in the other. She felt the support and confidence in them.

When they finished, Kassie packed the remaining leftovers, Bryanna gathered the utensils, and Catherine wiped down the table.

Catherine ran to the bathroom while the other two women dragged items in bags toward the living room. Lizzy sat in the armchair while Kassie took the edge of the couch. Bryanna sat next to her with Samantha on the phone, and Catherine slid in beside her.

“We want to talk to you about moving to Serenity. Whiskey has offered the house in town for you and Michael. Do you not like it?” Kassie asked.

Lizzy glanced at Samantha, noticing her sad face. “It’s lovely. Honestly, it’s not the house,” she confessed. “I already admitted to you the day the older women held the intervention for all of you, Michael and I were married. When the rebels took Chase and him, I gave birth to Conner. Michael promised to return before my due date, and it didn’t go as planned with him held captive. I prepared for the baby alone, and when Conner arrived, he became my world. When he died from SIDS, I found out a couple of days later about the rescue attempt for the men. When I felt the first lump, I thought it was a blocked milk duct. I didn’t know pregnant women could get cancer. I know it sounds naive, but I never really thought about it. Michael’s mom suffered for two years with breast cancer. I didn’t want him to grieve the loss of our child and watch me deal with this disease at the same time. I left Michael once I knew he returned safely. I allowed the fear of the diagnosis and grief for my son to cloud my judgment. I hurt the man I love.”

“I’m sure he understands. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child,” Bryanna stated. Catherine soothed her rounded tummy and Kassie’s eyes filled with unshed tears.

“He does. It doesn’t mean we’ve gotten over it. When he discovered me the night Chase and Leo saved Kassie and Em, I thought we had received a second chance. I beat the cancer and didn’t think he had to know about it. We’ve taken things slow. Partially because Kassie needed Michael after the helo crashed with the team. Then I never found the right time to explain the lumpectomy and I made excuses to keep him at a distance,” she confessed.

Catherine leaned her head on Kassie’s shoulder. “Honey, you aren’t the only one who did something dumb thinking it was for the best. I’m a nurse and know the signs of abuse. Yet, I refused to tell anyone, fearing Ash might harm Melody or Leo. Kassie stopped me from making the biggest mistake of my life.”

“I’m not a role model by any means. I kept a bunch of stuff from Chase. It surprises me to this day he stuck around.” She smiled slightly. “Even when I lost the baby, he stayed by my side and continued to support me. These men carry the capacity to love us regardless of our mistakes. Michael’s cut from the same cloth,” she reminded Elizabeth.

“If we move to Serenity, it’ll feel like we’re together and if something happens…I don’t want to hurt him all over again,” she whispered.

Kassie shook her head. “I understand what you’re saying. I won’t lie to you. I can’t imagine the feelings going through your mind at this moment. Michael wants to help you beat this. You can stay and fight it, but the man will refuse to leave your side. Or you can move to Serenity, and we can care for both of you. The team and Chase will be available to help too. We’ll support you even if you decide to remain here, but we want you close. You’re our friend.”

Lizzy focused on her hands in her lap. “I can’t possibly move now. I’m scheduled for surgery in four days. Michael owns our old house and I have this condo. There’s no way we can do everything before I have the procedure and I honestly don’t think I can focus on anything else while this lingers over my head.”

“We explained we’re here to help. What does Samantha’s house need to feel like yours?” Kassie asked.

“I have to run. I gave the house to Whiskey in the divorce. I can’t go back in while it resembles my home. It’s a lovely place and needs something good to fill it again. Make it yours with my blessing. I love you, ladies.” Samantha blew kisses into the phone as they made their goodbyes.

Elizabeth sighed. “No offense to Samantha. I enjoy how the house holds the scents of her products. But it requires painting, and LJ’s floor in his room, replaced. I love the backyard with the view of the mountains. The all-season room must be updated. Michael said something about using the salon as a small practice. I’d want to turn one of the back rooms into a personal office, and instead of a wood-burning fireplace, I want a gas one. I don’t like dealing with the wood and bugs in winter.”

Bryanna pulled out the book of paint samples and set it on the coffee table. Kassie moved items out of the way while Catherine gathered the flooring selections.

“What did you do?” Elizabeth asked. She stared at the piles of materials in front of her.

“We’ve got three days. The men await our orders, except for Shadow and Saint. They’re visiting Jameson. Taco’s on assignment. He’ll help tomorrow while Leo’s working,” Kassie explained.

“Three days? We can’t possibly move in that short of time. What about packing and consolidating our furniture? You’re absolutely insane,” Lizzy declared.

The women grinned in her direction.

“We won’t get done if you don’t start picking colors. First, tackle the living room and go down the hall,” Catherine advised.

“Are you serious?” Elizabeth exclaimed.

Kassie nodded her head.

Elizabeth blew out a breath, “Let’s begin with the light gray pallets.”

The group shuffled the books around until they found the colors Lizzy wanted. Kassie called the hardware store to order the paint and the contractors to start remodeling the all-season room.

“What about Michael’s practice? I think the salon will comfortably hold two exam rooms, and Michael’s office can be in the back, where Samantha had storerooms. Lizzy, what do you think about tearing out the back wall and adding a big window to see the mountains?” Kassie sketched a crude drawing of the room.

“It’s a great idea. Don’t we need permits? How long will this take? I didn’t call Michael or even ask him. What if he’s changed his mind?” The insecurity echoed in her voice.

Each woman leaned over and piled their hands on hers while she held the book of paint samples.

“We’re in this together. Joe already called in a favor to get the paperwork moving. Ivan sent over some men who slacked off on their duties. They’re on painting assignments. They’ll love doing your office in the pale rose,” Kassie giggled.

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