and a lot of hard work to create a new life for her and the boys.
Dede had done it after each of her divorces. It wasn’t easy to face things alone. To know that your children were counting on you for their happiness and the stability they needed.
Sierra carried the load well, but it would take time for her to find solid footing again when so much was up in the air right now. Once she found a job, settled with the insurance company, sold or rebuilt her place up north, and found a new place here to make a home, she’d find happiness again.
Sierra slipped free and went to the sofa, leaning over to hook her arms around P.J. and Emma. One at a time, she nuzzled her nose into both their necks. “Not even a hi, Auntie.”
“Hi, Auntie,” they said in unison, both giggling.
“You better save me a cupcake.”
“Mom won’t let us have any more.” P.J. fell back into the sofa with a dramatic sigh.
Emma looked up at Sierra and snagged a handful of her long hair. “It’s so pretty.” She brushed a lock against her cheek.
Sierra smiled down at her and tugged Emma’s caramel-colored straight hair. “You got the better color. Mine’s just plain brown. Yours is shot through with sunshine.”
Emma beamed.
Amy led Oliver back into the room and went right to Sierra and hugged her. “Look how skinny you are.” Amy squeezed Sierra’s middle. “Two kids and I still haven’t lost the baby weight.” She stepped back and rubbed her hand over the barely there belly pooch.
Sierra had a matching one, even if her sister was kind enough not to point it out.
Dede saw it as a badge of honor. A sign your body had done something amazing. And it had. Her daughters had created life and given her beautiful grandchildren.
Amy rolled her eyes. “The last ten pounds are the worst.”
Fit. Toned. Amy worked out and ran after her kids nonstop. But Amy always found fault in something about herself. Dede worried that sometimes Amy put too much pressure on herself for no reason, battling her insecurities by trying to be perfect all the time.
Sierra looked her sister up and down with a frown. “You’re right. You’re fat. More cupcakes for me.”
Amy pursed her lips. “I’m sure you’re ready for something better than sweets and takeout by now.”
“You have no idea. I never thought I’d say this, but I miss cooking.”
Amy shrugged. “It’s all I can do to get a decent meal on the table some nights. The kids’ schedules are so packed. Dancing. Baseball. Swimming. Music lessons.”
“Stop signing them up for everything under the sun,” Dede remarked. She didn’t understand why Amy thought the kids needed to be occupied every second of the day. It left no time for them to be creative and use their imaginations without it being a planned activity.
“They enjoy it. And it makes them well-rounded kids.”
“So does riding their bikes with their friends on the street and playing in the backyard.” Dede wrapped her arm around Oliver. “Head up the stairs and find your brother. There’s a present up there for you.”
Oliver carried his bundle of things and ran up the stairs.
Amy sighed. “I wish I had his energy.” She turned to Sierra. “How are they doing after the fire and everything?”
“They miss the house and are sad we moved away from their friends. They’re heartbroken that all of David’s things are gone. It’s like they lost him all over again.” Sierra took a second to compose herself. “They seem to have an easier time getting through the day and accepting whatever we have to do in the moment. To be honest, they were getting bored and restless. Living in a motel room lost its shine about four days in. They just wanted to go home, but they knew there was no home to go back to and that made it even harder. The uncertainty about what we were going to do got to them. And me.” Sierra shifted from one foot to the other. “I had to make up my mind and get them settled either up there or here. Long term, this seemed like the best choice with you all here.” She let out a huge sigh. “No more moving around every couple days.”
“I’m happy you’re back.” Amy brushed her hand down Sierra’s arm. “It’ll be nice for the kids to spend time together. And Mom won’t be rattling around this house all alone.”