Innocence

Little legs dashed across the room. “Dad! Did you hear? I want another baby brother or sister for Christmas from Santa.”

Chloe stirred but resettled as Jaxson whispered something to Ty. Then, Ty scampered out of the room wearing his Superman pajamas. With a sexy gate, Jaxson walked over to me and gave us a kiss. “Morning, sweetheart. Morning, sunshine.”

Sunshine was Jaxson’s term of endearment for Chloe. I kissed his lips while murmuring, “Morning.”

“By the way, I’m all for making another baby with you.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Jaxson McCole, I’ll cut you off if you start talking about babies this soon.”

Deep chuckles filled the room. “Only practicing, I promise.”

“Okay to practicing.”

His nose skimmed mine and the desire that always loomed below the surface came to the forefront. “Do you want to go back to bed? I know you’ve been up early feeding Chloe every day this week. I can take the kids for a bit. We’re not heading to see your parents until midmorning.”

A couple of times a month, on Saturday, we went to Mom and Dad’s for brunch. They bought a house about ten miles down the road. As soon as Mom was ready, she wanted to sell the other farm and be closer to my family and me. I was shocked. But too much time had been lost. Ty loved having another grandmother.

“I may take a nap later, but I want to hold her right now. She’s growing so fast.”

Jaxson’s big hand touched her back. “Thank you for giving me this.”

A lump filled my throat at the awe in his voice. “We gave each other love and a family.”

“We did. I love you, London.”

“I love you, Jaxson.”

He left the room and I counted all my blessings.

Two hours later we pulled into the driveway of my parents’ one-story home. Mom had been released from rehab nearly six months ago. The road had been long and hard but she was here . . . in the present. There was some nervous system damage done and she could get overwhelmed if too much happened. I hated the drugs had a lingering effect, but we were fortunate for what little remained. As the days went by it seemed to lessen, but Caroline had caused serious damage.

Millie was an immense amount of help as she worked with her doctors and the rehab facility to help Mom. Surprisingly, Millie and the cop were still dating. I think things were more serious than she let on. Currently, she was in denial. Only time would tell.

Dad stepped out on the front porch with Mom behind him. My heart warmed every time I saw her. She was healthier looking, not the frail being who had sang, “London Bridge is Falling Down” on repeat in the nursing home.

Ty raced out of the car. Jaxson called after him. “Ty, slow down.”

Dad, wearing a flannel shirt, patted Ty on the head while Jaxson removed the baby carrier. “Your Grammy made fresh cookies. They’re on the counter.”

“You’re the bestest, Grammy.” He hugged my mom’s leg and then raced into the house as she chuckled.

Ty never seemed to overwhelm Mom. She thrived in his presence as if her spirit was lifted. We walked up the driveway leisurely.

In her jeans and pale-pink sweater, Mom looked precious. She walked up to me and gave me a hug. “How about we sit on the front porch and drink some hot chocolate. Let the men take care of the kids for a bit?”

“I’d love that, Mom.”

Jaxson gave me a kiss on the cheek while Dad helped him get all of Chloe’s stuff inside. There were already two steaming cups of chocolate on the table.

Mom’s movements were getting better as she leaned her cane against the pale-yellow siding.

“I used to dream about sitting on the swing with you again someday,” I commented as I took a sip of warm goodness.

“Miracles do happen. I know I’m not one hundred percent, but I treasure I got a second chance at life.”

“Me too, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Once we finish our chocolate, I need to give my two grandbabies some love before we eat.”