Page 75 of Chaos has a Name
From the tone, Coraline knew she was upset.
“Want to talk about it?” Cora asked her. “I can tell you’re not in a good place.”
Caryn loved this woman. She’d married into the family, and Takoda had chosen well. It was hard to believe that just a couple years ago, that Cora was just dating Takoda and they were in high school.
Time flew.
Unfortunately.
“I don’t want to burden you. My troubles are nothing compared to the stress this family is under right now,” she said, as EJ and CJ ran past the porch, Demeter chasing them to make sure they didn’t get into trouble.
Coraline was honest.
“It’s not a burden. It makes me feel like I’m part of the family.”
Caryn looked over.
“Oh, you are. I bet Elizabeth held onto this baby and Oliver had to be pried out of her hands.”
She snorted.
“Let’s just say that Elizabeth has been a godsend. Since my mother passed, I always wondered if I’d have the support I needed. I found it here. It’s here for you too. Now, spill it,” she said, picking up a big bag of jerky that Caryn had handed her.
It was tasty, and she needed the calories.
“I just worry that when Wyler dies, I won’t have a home here.”
Coraline patted her hand.
“Oh, well, that’s silly. Who do you think is going to babysit this bunch?” she asked, as Charlie walked by and tripped CJ when he went to run past her again.
He rolled and went after her. Only, she was ready for him, and put him on his back as she knelt on his chest.
“Don’t do it, bub. I’ll make you cry for your mommy,” she said, making Coraline laugh.
Since his mommy was her mommy.
“Charlie, don’t break your brother,” Caryn said. “The male ego is very fragile.”
Charlie looked over at her and grinned.
“Good. I’m going to collect egos like shoes,” she stated, getting off of him to let him up. “Specifically my brothers’ egos.”
Both women shook their heads.
She was definitely her mother’s child. That was for damn sure. No one would ever say otherwise.
“I know it’s silly, but I’ve fallen in love with this family. If Wyler dies—when he dies, I don’t think I’ll make it without them.”
Caryn was legitimately worried about this. Coraline could see that.
“Well, here’s a thought,” she said. “If for some bizarre reason that happens, even though I know it won’t, you can come live with Koda and me. I can use someone to help me with the baby. I have backup now, but at some point, Elizabeth is going to be busy. Coming here is a lot of work for her.”
She was aware.
“I hope she’s not angry.”
Cora laughed, and when Oliver began fussing, she took the baby, pulled up her sweater, and let him feed. He was going to be a big boy like his dad.
