mind moving to the times I caught Lincoln in Gray or Gemma’s nursery singing or humming to them. Those moments are so precious to me because they show how much he loves our kids. Lincoln never voiced his doubts on being a good dad, but I believe all parents have that worry in the back of our minds. Like Anna, I never doubted Lincoln, and he proves me right every day. I can’t imagine Gray and Gemma having a better father.
All of a sudden, my legs tighten, the pain coming a second later. I grit my teeth and suck in a sharp breath. I drop the journal to my lap and begin massaging the tight muscles. Lincoln would throw a fit if he knew I didn’t call for him so he could massage them himself. He’s out in the workshop right now, and I don’t want to bug him when I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself. Massaging doesn’t give me much relief, only enough for me to ride out the spasms, which seems to happen more frequently and is lasting longer and longer each day. How long before I lose total control of my legs?
After the spasm finally subsides, I read several more entries, the time jumping from when the babies were a month old to just over a year. It’s lovely to see how the kids grow and how Anna and Jack’s relationship strengthens on the pages. They remind me so much of Lincoln and me. I’ve always considered our relationship one of a kind. Our love is so strong and all-consuming and special in a way many people aren’t lucky enough to find. I love that Anna and Jack seem to have that same kind of love.
I’m sitting on the porch as I’m writing this, watching Jack run around after the children in the yard. I love hearing them laugh and play with their father. They both have him wrapped around their little fingers. My father and mother came by today. Jack isn’t the only one the children have wrapped around their fingers. My parents dote on and spoil them. It’s adorable to watch them together. My parents’ visit wasn’t only to see the children. My father came to inform us that he’ll be taking a step back from the factory. He’ll still be there, but more in the background. He thinks Jack is ready to take over, and wants to give him more of the reins, to see how well he does on his own. He and Mom struggled to get pregnant with me, and it didn’t happen until they were in their late thirties. He still has plenty of years left in him, but I think Dad is tired and wants to finally relax. I think Jack is ready too. He’s worked so hard to get to this point. I couldn’t be more proud of him for everything he’s accomplished, and I know Dad is just as proud.
“Wow. That must be some book you’re reading there.”
Surprised, I jerk my head toward the doorway and see Lincoln and my best friend, Jenna, standing there, a wide grin on her face.
I screech and launch myself from the couch, running straight for her. We collide, both laughing in each other’s shoulders. We hug for a long time before we break apart.
“How are you here? You weren’t supposed to come until next week?” I ask, still amazed I’m looking at my best friend that I haven’t seen in almost two years. It’s really good to see her.
Lincoln, who must have come inside some time or another and let Jenna in, is standing behind her. “I’ll let you two catch up alone before the kids realize you’re here.” He grips Jenna’s shoulder. “It’s really great seeing you, Jenna.”
She leans over and kisses his cheek. “It’s good seeing you too.”
She turns to me, grabs my hand, and pulls me to the couch, where we plop down. “Bryant finished the project he was working on early. When I mentioned my impatience to see you, he suggested we go ahead and come.”
“I liked the guy after you told me how great he is, but now I love him.”
“I’ll make sure to tell him that. He’s looking for all the brownie points he can get with you and Lincoln.”
I laugh. “I don’t think he has any worries there. You always look so happy when we FaceTime. I think he has a lot to do with that.”
She smiles, and it’s much brighter than it was