Page 80 of Loving Lizzy

Victoria nudged her gently, “When a man bares out his soul in front of everyone, he truly loves you. Don’t make him wait.”

“Yes! I’ll marry you.” She sobbed as she watched Jake run around the deck and inside the house to get to their side of the porch. He grinned from ear to ear as he bent on one knee in front of a flustered Carol.

“Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in Serenity?” he asked as he took her hand and slipped a ring on her finger.

She nodded her head as happy tears fell from her cheeks. Catherine stood and hugged Jake and her mom. “Congratulations!”

Maddie grinned, “I’m so happy for you.”

Edie laughed, “Congratulations! It’s about time.”

The team hustled the kids to the deck and shared in the celebration.

“This calls for dessert,” Leo called over the commotion.

Samantha and Bryanna brought out the chocolate mousse cake and pecan pie. The group gathered around Kassie as Chase placed candles on her cake. “Make a wish, Princess.”

Kassie’s eyes wandered through the window and her gaze focused on the portable crib. She squeezed her eyes and blew out the candles. Samantha took the cake and started cutting it into pieces as Chase wrapped his wife in his arms and whispered something in her ear as she clung tightly to his sides. Catherine shook her head refusing dessert for her and Leo. The leader of the team smiled stiffly at his wife while he eyed his favorite goodies as Shadow and Taco cut huge chunks for themselves.

“I feel terrible for her. She’s such a good mom,” Diana whispered.

Lizzy nodded as they watched the chaos from a distance as the adults helped the kids pick out their desserts. “Kassie will figure out a way to make her dream come true. She’s a fighter.”

“What about you? Do you and Michael intend to adopt soon?” Diana smiled as she watched Caleb playing with LJ. Their little heads bent together as they moved trucks along the deck.

Lizzy smiled as she followed Diana’s gaze. “After I finish chemo and we decide on the radiation treatments. Then Michael and I will start applying to foster kids and begin the private adoption route. With my history, I doubt we’ll receive a child right away. It’s days like today, I think of how fulfilled I felt when Conner came into my life. Michael didn’t get that opportunity and I’ll always grieve him missing out on his son. I want him to know the feeling. It’s something you can’t describe until you hold your child in your arms.”

Diana placed her plate on the table. “No, you can’t describe the feeling. I don’t understand how my jerk of an ex-husband walked away from the two best moments of our lives. Before my cancer diagnosis, he seemed like the perfect husband. The moment he told me he couldn’t handle it; something snapped my illusion of him. I’m the one dealing with it. Then he left the two most precious people in my life. I can’t ever forgive him for turning his back on his kids.”

Lizzy watched Diana as her gaze focused on the beautiful serenity of the mountain. “You don’t need him. We’re your family now. The kids will thrive and one day they’ll realize how strong their mother was to raise them while she battled cancer and won. You’ll see.”

The children went to Emma’s room and played while the adults chatted.

Whiskey cleared his throat and asked for everyone’s attention. Samantha walked into his arms as she lovingly stared at him.

“I want to thank you for all the help and support you gave us over the last months. Nothing I can do can repay you for saving me in more ways than one. As you know, I asked Samantha to marry me again. We want to invite you to our recommitment ceremony a month from now at sunrise. We’ll have a celebration breakfast when we return to our home.” Whiskey beamed as he lowered his mouth to Samantha’s and kissed her.

Michael’s hand rested on Lizzy’s shoulder, and she held on to it. “Today’s full of surprises. Edie’s right in saying love hurts, love forgives, and life goes on.”

Michael leaned down and kissed Lizzy. “Sometimes it even gives a second chance and makes it even better than before.”

CHAPTER FORTY ONE

Lizzy walked into the infusion center. Barb already sat in the chair while the nurse worked on getting her all set up. She sat down next to her and pulled out her prayer shawl. Her nurse went to grab her medication, giving Lizzy a moment to greet her friend.

“How are Diana and the kids?” Barb asked straight to the point.

“Everyone’s on the mend. She isn’t here because the doctor wanted her to rest until her bloodwork improved. Michael’s taking over food to her apartment while we’re partying over here.”

Barb grunted in response. “Only two more sessions to endure then I guess I won’t see you anymore. I hope Diana intends to keep coming to the support group meetings. I can say I’ll miss the company.”

Lizzy turned in the older woman’s direction. “You can’t get rid of me so easily. I know you’re tired and refused my invitation before, I’m determined for you to visit Serenity Mountain and meet the people who support Michael and me.”

“You don’t need an old coot like me hanging around. I’m proud of you for helping Diana and her family. They need it much more than I do. I’ve lived alone most of my life; I’m used to it. She gushes about you and your town and I’m happy to see her make friends.”

She placed containers of fruit, veggies, and granola bars packed with protein on Barb’s tray and smiled as the woman shook her head and nodded her thanks.

“Will you do radiation after this?” Lizzy pulled out her pink water bottle and settled in her chair with her e-reader.

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