But we don’t need saving. We just got off course, and we’re stronger than ever. I look down at my daughter and pick her up, smoothing out the skirt of her lavender Easter dress with the little cardigan sweater.
“The day we first saw you was amazing.” She lays her head on my shoulder and we walk around her bedroom, while I continue to tell her about that day.
“Your birth mommy was very tired when we got there, but her parents were with her, and they were very happy to see your Mommy and Daddy. They welcomed us and we talked for a little while. The baby—that’s you,” I poke her belly and she squirms and giggles, “was off with the nurses because you came a little bit early and they needed to check you out.”
“After what seemed like a long time, the nurse brought you into the room, wrapped up tightly in a blanket, wearing a tiny cap on your head. You only weighed five pounds.”
“Mommy sat down in the rocking chair and the nurse handed you to her. She still didn’t know you were a girl because I asked Peter—that’s the lawyer—to ask them not to tell her. She was a little mad about the surprise, but I pretended that I didn’t know, either. I said that I told Peter we both wanted to be surprised.”
I hear Claire running around downstairs and I know it’s almost time to go.
“Let’s find your pretty hat.” I locate her white lacey bonnet, and after a few tries say, “Mommy needs to put this on. Daddy’s only good at telling stories.” Aurora nods her head, but it’s due to undeveloped neck muscles as opposed to agreement.
I whisper in her ear, “So Mommy held you and started to cry right away, which started everyone in the room crying, even the daddies. Your birth mommy had been quiet, but she looked right at your mommy and said, ‘Meet your baby girl, Claire.’ It’s a good thing I was standing right there because I was afraid Mommy would drop you when she heard that news. See, she adores your brother, but I knew she wanted a baby girl next.”
I kiss Aurora’s head and descend the steps to see if Claire needs any more help getting ready to leave. Yep, I’m that guy now. Helpful Husband instead of Lazy Loser.
Aurora starts fussing a little and I say, “Shh…I need to finish the story.” I put her pacifier in her mouth and she lays her head back on my shoulder.
“Hey, did you grab her bonnet? Aww, she’s so sleepy.” Claire holds out her arms to take her, but I say, “Wait, I’m telling her a story and I have to finish.”
Claire sighs and grins, expecting to hear the one about the two mice who go to Hawaii to learn to surf, or the little kids who take a spaceship to a planet where they eat ice cream all day.
Claire makes a face as if to say, ‘Okay, let’s hear it.’
I sit down on the couch while Claire puts the bonnet on Aurora’s head. Aidan jumps up on the couch and grabs my arm, wanting in on the action.
The wiener twins are sleeping on their bed in the corner, sulking because we’re leaving. They aren’t smart enough to know they’re coming with us. Yes, we are traveling with two babies and two dogs. I hope the in-laws’ house sells soon and we don’t have to travel far on holidays any more. Better yet, they should come here. Yep, I am also that guy now.
While Claire gently ties the strings of the little hat, I pick up where I left off.
“Next I asked Mommy what she wanted to name you.”
I look up and catch Claire’s eyes to see she’s already tearing up. I continue to hold her gaze as I finish.
“She stared at you with tears in her eyes and said, ‘Aurora.’ So I said, ‘Aurora?’ I was expecting Emma or Olivia or Madison. Something modern. Trendy. But Mommy said ‘Princess Aurora.’ She turned up to look at me and explained that Princess Aurora is the name of the character in Sleeping Beauty. It’s an old Disney movie. By the way, you are going to love the Disney movies. Aidan is going to teach you all about them.”
“Moobies!” He points to the TV.
“No, Honey, we’re going to watch a movie at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.” Claire touches his cheek and he says, “K, Mama.” Aidan spots the tears and says, “Mama sad?”
“No, Sweetie. Mama is so happy.” She sits down next to Aidan and we all cuddle close for the end of the story.
“I told Mommy that it was a beautiful name and you would never have a bunch of friends with the same one. It’s unique and special, like you.”
“And then what did you say?” Claire asks, as she snuggles in closer.
“I said ‘she is a sleeping beauty, and now I have two princesses and a prince.’ Our little family is complete.”
Claire kisses me and wipes her eyes. “Okay, ready to go?”
I nod and say, “Anywhere with you.”
I’m pretty sure if some of the guys in the band heard this conversation, they would gag and look for a new lead singer. It may be sappy and a bit nauseating to some, but I would do anything for my family.
However, I am still hoping for famous rock star status. The Easter outfits are cute, but they’ll all be stunning in leather.
THE END
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
As I get ready to hit ‘publish’ on my third novel, I continue to be amazed by the knowledge, talent and loving support in my world.
I would not be where I am if it were not for the tremendous support from my fellow writers. There are too many to name, but I routinely bug Tracie Banister, Rich Amooi, Whitney Dineen, and Becky Monson with my questions, rants and enthusiasm for our shared genre. Thanks to all of you for your friendship, patience, and telling me when I’ve gone loony. And a special thank you to Karan Eleni for guiding this non-technical author in setting up her Mailchimp account. My newsletters are awesome because of you!
Garrett Cook, my illustrious editor, has again whipped my novel into shape, and provided his ideas and talent to help me deliver the best story possible. His insight and perspective are proving to be a vital part of my publishing process.
Rik Hall, my book formatter, has made publishing my work a breeze! I can’t thank him enough for his quick turnaround and his beautiful, accurate files. My interiors are amazing thanks to him.
Beta readers were down to two on this one – special thanks to Betsy Flynn and Bri Wignall, devoted fans and friends. I appreciate their enthusiasm for my work, and willingness to add their voracious reader input to my polished pieces. The manuscript will also be sent off to a team of early reviewers, too many to name. But thanks in advance to all who will read this novel, and share your thoughts with fellow book lovers.
Special thanks to Victoria Ficco for Chain’s original song lyrics. Songwriting isn’t in my bag of tricks, and her words add a realistic tone to the cover band backdrop.
As always, my family provides me with the safe place to land when this book writing thing gets a little crazy.
Daisy, my beautiful wiener girl, makes me smile every day with her antics and unconditional love. Thank you, little boo! Mommy loves you!
My stepdaughter, Jaime, always asks about my work, reads my books and is helping me with the plotline for an upcoming fantasy story featuring fairies, magic and a new cast of strong and quirky women. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm! I love you!
My son, Nick, is my partner in book production by providing stunning cover art and graphics, as well as marketing ideas and the most important thing…humor! I will miss him tremendously as he heads to Chicago to complete his bachelor’s degree at a leading college of art, media and design. But don’t worry – he’s already created my next several covers, and he will continue to provide artistic direction long distance. I can’t thank you enough, Nick! I love you and I am so very proud of you!
And of course, without my husband, Jim, I may never had taken the chance to even begin writing a novel, let alone jump head first into this rocky sea of indie publishing. He remains my stable base from which to pursue my dreams, and I love knowing that he is proud of me, and happy for my success. Thanks, Honey – I love you now and always!
And finally – no acknowledgments page would be com
plete without thanking my readers. I always dreamed of others reading and enjoying my work, and your e-mails, Facebook posts, and reviews are what fuels my tenacity, and keeps me dreaming of new stories. I couldn’t stop now if I wanted to, but you all make the hard work feel like play.
I hope you enjoyed The Juggling Act, and you’re looking forward to Book 4 as much as I am!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
My name is Carol, and I’m addicted to Romance.
I grew up in the Hudson Valley area of New York, surrounded by “city folk,” like my Manhattanite mom and Bronx-native Dad, who taught me to be sweet on the outside, yet tough on the inside.
As a result, I’m often gifted sassy labels like “firecracker” or “feisty,” which I choose to take as a compliment, due to my Irish/Eastern European heritage.
My romantic history is as real (and complicated) as that of the heroines in my novels. I’ve been divorced, relocated, plunged fearlessly into the turbulent waters of online dating—only to retreat, yelping, at the occasionally shocking climate before bravely renewing my efforts—until finally, I grabbed hold of happiness and refused to let go.
While I did eventually find my “HEA” in the form of a real life relationship, I also fell in love with writing, and it’s a romance I can’t get enough of.
That’s why I can’t help chasing after that thrill of first love, of never-ending passion, of self-discovery, of romance—even if that chase leads me to (and sometimes over) the edge.
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