“Really?” she asked. “Mr. Pike, are you Mama’s boyfriend?”
“Something like that,” Tulsi said, anxiously, wishing they could have put this off for a few days. “How do you feel about that, bug?”
“Good,” Clem said, smile widening. “Miss Emily always says you need a boyfriend, but that guy from the bank you went out with, when I was a baby, smells funny and never gives me a lollipop. Mr. Pike is better. Waaaay better.”
“Glad I meet with approval.” Pike laughed as he reached over to ruffle Clem’s hair.
“Okay, enough about boyfriends and girlfriends.” Tulsi was relieved that had gone so well, but didn’t want to risk bringing stress into Clem’s recovery. “Let’s get down to serious business—My Little Pony Movie, Princess Bride, or Alexander’s No Good Very Bad Day? Choose your adventure, Clementine.”
“My Little Pony,” Clem said. “Because the other two make me laugh and it hurts when I laugh.”
“Poor baby.” Tulsi stood, pressing a kiss to Clem’s cheek. “It won’t hurt for long, I promise. The nurse will be in soon to check on you. She can give you some more pain medicine if you need it.”
“It’s okay, Mom,” Clem said. “Don’t worry. I’m going to be all right.”
“I know you will, bug,” Tulsi said, believing it with all her heart. They were both going to be okay, better than okay.
EPILOGUE
Tulsi
Four months later…
Outside,snow was falling again, blanketing the front lawn, where the kids had spent the morning rolling up snowmen, in a fresh coat of white. But inside the house, a fire roared in the great room’s fireplace, laughter echoed off the mahogany walls, and mulled cider and hot chocolate kept everyone warm and cozy as they waited for the turkey to come out of the oven. Tulsi was surrounded by all the people she adored, enjoying the best Thanksgiving she’d ever had, and watching her daughter coach the love of her life through the championship round of a family foosball tournament.
Life was perfect and getting better every day.
“Okay, it’s time to bring it home,” Clem said, thumping Pike on the back as he faced Sawyer down across the foosball table. “You’ve got this. Keep the ball on your left side ’cause that’s Sawyer’s hurt shoulder, and you’ll crush him fast. He looks tough, but he’s soft under pressure.”
“I heard that,” Sawyer said from across the table, laughing as he spun the foosball dials. “This competitive side of you is dark and twisted, Clementine.”
“And he didn’t pitch a no-hitter in the World Series, either,” Clem said, ignoring Sawyer. “And I bet he’s tired from the last round against Grandpa.”
“Got it,” Pike said with a wicked grin that matched his daughter’s perfectly. “Fist bump for luck.”
Clem gave Pike a fist bump as she backed away from the table. “Just remember, Dad, defeat does not exist in this dojo!”
“Yes, sensei!” Pike dropped the white ball into play and he and Sawyer began furiously spinning the dials while Mia and Tulsi watched the manly display from the leather couch closest to the fireplace.
“Get over here, crazy person,” Tulsi said, pulling Clementine down onto the couch and kissing her cheek. “You’re so worked up, your cheeks are bright red.”
“He’s got to win,” Clem said. “Sawyer’s taking home that trophy over our dead bodies.”
“There is no trophy, goofball.” Mia shook her head as she reached over to pinch Clementine’s leg lightly through her red tights. “You’ve been watching too much Karate Kid.”
“I love it,” Clem said, her eyes shining. “I’m going to start karate next week.”
“Is that right?” Mia humphed in surprise. “I thought you were taking ballet class, last I heard.”
“She’s taking that, too,” Tulsi said, raising her voice to be heard as Pike scored a goal and Clementine broke into a raucous cheer. “Since we’re homeschooling, we’re trying to get out and spend time with other kids at least three times a week. Keeps us from becoming hermits during the off season.”
“How’s the homeschool stuff working out?” Mia asked. “Still good?”
“Great,” Tulsi said, beaming. “I’m really enjoying it. So much so, I’m thinking about going back to school for a teaching degree at some point down the line.”
Mia’s eyes widened. “Wow. I never thought I’d hear you talk about a career outside the barn with that much excitement in your voice.”
Tulsi shrugged. “Well, it wouldn’t be for a while. Right now I’m concentrating on the family and that feels right. Especially once we start trying for number two in the spring.” She smiled as she nodded toward Mia’s tiny little baby bump. “We can’t let you and Sawyer get too far ahead or the cousins won’t be close to the same age.”