Page 37 of Second Chance At Love

Years earlier when Cora had Nick, Addison had tried to help out with cleaning, laundry, and making some food. However, Nate had been less than welcoming, slowly driving his sister’s assistance away. Her mother-in-law Mary wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help out. She visited Cora and the baby in the hospital once, then saw them at the christening a few weeks later. Dillon’s then wife Wren had sent her a card and gift. Ann, who was at that time only Michael’s secretary, had sent her gift certificates for a cleaning service, a meal service, and brochures for various mommy and baby playgroups near where Cora andNate lived. It had been thoughtful but there was no way Cora could use any of it without Nate’s permission.

Out of spite, he hadn’t given it.

Now there were more women in the family, Cora found they were determined to help her. Just yesterday Ann had come over for two hours with Piaget and Ann’s housekeeper FenLei. The three of them had cleaned Cora’s home from top to bottom, with Cora protesting as they refused to let her help. Then the four of them had sat in the living room, passing Adam around and chatting until they had to pick up the children from school.

It was nice, having so many people determined to include her in their lives. It also made Cora feel a little guilty as she hadn’t participated in helping the other women when they were new moms. Nate simply wouldn’t let her. Not that she could tell anyone that as it would make her husband look bad. Instead, Cora had probably come off as an isolated snob when she had really longed to be part of the group, part of the family. Cora felt a pang of sadness over the past but was glad things were now different.

Britney’s voice pulled Cora out of her thoughts.

“He’s such a sweet baby,” smiled Britney a little wistfully as she took a seat on the sofa, cuddling Adam.

Cora knew that Britney and Gabe were trying for a baby of their own. So far, they hadn’t had much luck.

“How is the house so far?” wondered Adriana as she picked up her mug. “You still like it?”

Cora smiled. “It’s home. I want to thank you Britney for your realtor finding it for me and for your decorator helping me out. It’s everything I hoped it would be.”

“I’m happy that you are happy. I admit, I thought it might be a bit small, but it is cozy. Plus, once the warmer weather comes, the back yard with the pool will be a wonderful space to enjoy,” responded Britney.

“The boys are looking forward to that,” agreed Cora, she reached out to absently pet Daisy behind the ears.

The dog had easily inserted herself into their lives. As anticipated Oliver and Nick instantly fell in love with her. Saturday morning dog school lessons were arranged. So far, Cora hadn’t had to lift a finger in regards to Daisy’s care. With Henry supervising, the boys were doing everything, from walks, to potty, grooming, and feeding. Daisy rotated between Nick and Oliver’s beds, deciding for herself which of them needed her more on a daily basis.

She was a great dog and Cora could admit Henry was right to bring her home. Daisy seemed to make Nick and Oliver more settled and thoughtful. Once she had caught Nick unburdening himself to Daisy. Cora had listened outside the room for a little, then took Nick’s laundry back downstairs as she decided not to disturb them. Daisy was indeed good therapy.

“Any word on when Henry will get his heart?” questioned Britney.

Cora shook her head. “The doctors haven’t said. It depends on a number of factors. Whether the heart will match Henry, if it’s nearby, if no one is further ahead on the list who matches first. We don’t really know.”

“It’s too bad they can’t make artificial hearts yet. Then everyone who needed one could have one,” mentioned Britney.

“That would be amazing,” softly said Cora. “I wish technology were able to do that.”

“Henry will get his heart. Just as Britney will get her baby,” a reassuring Adriana said before taking a sip of coffee. “Then Gabe and Parker’s babies can play together with Adam.”

“You’re expecting?” asked a surprised Britney, turning to look at Adriana.

Cora tensed, hoping Britney wasn’t going to be disappointed or jealous as Adriana cautiously nodded before smiling.

Instead she was surprised as Britney handed Adam back to Cora. “Excuse me, I have to hug my sister here for making me an auntie!”

Cora took Adam, watching as Britney bubbled with excitement, hugging Adriana and talking about the coming baby.

They chatted amicably for an hour or so about babies, Britney’s business, Adriana’s classes, and whatever else came up. Cora was surprised when Parker sat down beside Adriana, taking her hand while stealing one of the squares she had brought with them, popping it into his mouth.

“Are we leaving then?” questioned Britney as she looked up at Gabe. Looking at her watch, she blinked in surprise. “Wow, look at the time.”

Gabe had a smile for Britney. “If you want to make it to Tara and Rex’s anniversary dinner without being late, we should get going.”

Both women gave Cora careful hugs before gathering their purses and coats. Cora saw the group head out with promises of another visit soon. She locked the door behind them.

“I’m going to start the oven then go pick up the boys. Do you want to take a rest before dinner?” asked Cora as she found Adam’s car seat.

“You know you could leave him with me. Adam and I will be fine for the ten or so minutes it takes to get Nick and Oliver from school,” suggested Henry. “Then you won’t have to bundle him up.”

“Are you sure?” Cora hesitated. It would be easier but Henry was barely able to handle Adam. He had been ordered not to lift anything over ten pounds and Adam had been growing steadily, getting closer to that benchmark.

“Put him in his bassinet in the living room. I’ll nap on the couch to make sure he doesn’t escape,” replied Henry with aslow grin. “Besides, it’s only ten or so minutes. Adam’s already sleeping, so as long as he stays sleeping, he won’t even notice you’re gone.”