Mending Hearts by Brenda Kennedy Page A

I hope it’s all
right.” 
    I look at him and hug him. “Thank you. I’m
thrilled and besides, I hate moving.” 
    He laughs before he kisses
me. “Me, too. I did it for you and for me. I hate moving, too. They left James’
wall-mounted train set. I didn’t want to risk them damaging or
losing parts to it.” 
    “ Good point, dad and Danny
will probably want to move that. I think there is some scientific method of
installing it or something,” I joke.
    “ I’m afraid that is beyond
my capabilities. To me that looks very complicated. I’m glad we are
leaving that to the experts. Danny and Gene will need to dismount
it.”
    We walk through the house and all the boxes
seem to be in the right rooms. The beds are all set up and I wonder
how they knew where to put James’ bed. We walk downstairs, and I
feel like a princess. Never have I ever dreamed of living in
someplace so extravagant. Max and I were just a simple couple. Of
course, that was a long time ago. “This place is amazing. I can’t
believe it’s ours.” 
    “ Once we get everything
unpacked and get the kids in here, it won’t seem this big. Plus we
still need some furniture for the living room and formal dining
room.” 
    “ Emma, don’t be mad,” Alec
says.
    I look over at him and I wonder why he
thinks I would be mad. “How… why?” is all I can say. I brush the
tears away, but they continue to fall.
    “ I think Max deserves a
place in our home. I know he will always be a part of your and
James’ life, and I can respect that.” Alec holds me close and
brushes the tears from my cheek. “Any man who gives his life for
our country deserves space on our mantel.” 
    “ Thank you, this means so
much to me and to James.” 
    “ I know and you’re welcome.
I love you, I just want you to be happy.”
    “ I am incredibly happy,” I
say, honestly. 
    “ Do you want to stay the
night in the house or do you want to return to the
boat?” 
    “ Do you mind if we stay in
the house?” 
    “ No, not at all. Let’s make
the beds and unpack the kitchen first. I could use some
coffee.” 
    “ Ok, sounds good.” Alec and
I go upstairs and luckily find our sheets and bedding right away.
Once the bed is made, we arrange the furniture where we want it.
Alec goes downstairs and I call to check on the kids. They speak
with excitement as they tell me about their day at Disney World,
including getting pictures with Mickey Mouse and playing in the
awesome pool at the hotel. They are staying at the Hilton Hotel on
Bonnet Creek in Orlando. The hotel is a vacation by itself. I smile
as I listen to them. I tell them I love and miss them before
hanging up.
    When I smell coffee, I go downstairs. Alec
hands me my cup and continues with his phone conversation. I stand
at the counter and try not to listen. When I hear the word “labor,”
I can’t help but listen. He takes a sip of his hot coffee and says
we are on our way. He hangs up the phone and I say, “Angel’s in
labor.” It’s not a question but a statement. 
    “ Her water broke. Mason
called an ambulance and they are taking her to the hospital
now.” 
    “ Was that Mason on the
phone?” 
    “ No, it was Vincent. He and
Brea are heading to the hospital, too.” 
    “ I hope it’ll be all right.
She’s what, 30 or 31 weeks?” I ask.
    “ I think so. Let’s change
into some sweats and then we should go.” 
    We pull up at the hospital and walk into an
already crowded waiting room. Alec holds my hand and walks us over
to Mason’s mom and dad. “Hi, Bruce and Lilly. Is there any news on
Angel or the babies?” 
    “ No, nothing yet. Mason
hasn’t been out with an update. We are all just waiting and
praying,” Bruce says as he holds his wife’s hand. 
    “ All right, thank you. Let
me know if there is anything I can do.”
    “ Thank you, Alec,” Lilly
whispers.
    I knew of the possibility of
her having preemies because she is carrying twins. Alec hands me a coffee and I look