Her Name Was Annie by Beth Rinyu (the little red hen read aloud txt) 📕

changes through her. I just hoped they were all positive because her heart couldn’t withstand any more bad news—neither could mine for that matter.

Jack’s parents were on their way up from Florida. His sister had called them when we were at the hospital to let them know what was going on. My heart ached for them as well. They had managed to get through most of their life with their children being healthy and strong—and now this.

My doorbell rang as I was dishing my chicken onto the serving platter. Max’s low grumble turned into a full-fledged bark. “Who the heck is that?”

Max pawed at me, then patiently waited to escort me to find out. I peered out my living room window, looking for a recognizable car in my driveway, but there was none. Uneasiness took over as I made my way out of the living room and into the foyer, happy to have my four-legged security guard by my side. The front porch light shone just enough to make out the person standing on the other side of the peephole. I hurriedly unlocked the door, launching it open, so I could throw my arms around Francesca. The warm, calming scent of the vanilla-laced fragrance she was wearing instantly calmed the inner turmoil, expelling all the pain and guilt that had collected throughout the day.

My father had consoled me in the best way he could, and I was so appreciative of that, but I had been yearning for my mother. She always knew how to help me clear my head and put things into perspective even during the worst of times. There was something about the soothing sound of her voice and the wisdom of her words that gave me hope that everything was going to be okay. It was almost as if she had sent Francesca here to do her bidding as I held her tightly and allowed myself to break down once again.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve called to at least make sure you were up for me coming,” Francesca said once I pulled it together somewhat. “I probably should’ve waited to hear from you to see what was going on, but I guess I just let my emotions get the best of me, and the next thing I knew I was stepping onto a plane.”

“No. This is the best surprise ever.” I waved her into the kitchen and took her overnight bag from her, placing it by the bottom of the steps. “You’re just in time.” I motioned toward the food.

“Wow! Are you having a party?” Francesca teased. She took off her coat, and I grabbed it from her, hanging it in the hall closet.

“No. Just a little therapy session,” I shouted from the hallway, closing the closet door and heading back into the kitchen. I arranged the rest of the food into serving dishes, with a little more pep, now feeling as if all the food was justified since I had a dinner partner. We took a seat at the table, and I poured us each a glass of wine before filling her in on every detail of the day.

“Well, the surgery went well. Now it’s all about the recovery. Each day will get better and better,” Francesca reassured me, taking a bite of my rosemary roasted potatoes. “These are delicious!” she exclaimed, lifting her napkin to her mouth to wipe off the sheen of olive oil glimmering on her lips that coated them.

“Thank you.” I managed a smile with Jack’s prognosis still weighing heavily on my mind.

“It’ll all work out.” Francesca reached over the table, giving my arm a gentle squeeze. I was hoping she was right, but I also wasn’t going to be naïve in thinking he was completely out of the woods. Being the daughter of a surgeon, I had overhead many post-op tragedies my father would come home and tell my mother over a glass of brandy after an excruciating day at work. Dwelling on the negative and what could happen wasn’t going to get me anywhere. I needed to remain positive for Jack, for Kara, and for my own sanity.

“So what about your appointments? I’m not going to have a mob of angry women showing up on my doorstep looking for you, am I?” I snapped out of it. She had come all this way to be here, and I didn’t want to be total doom and gloom. I had to admit, it felt good to have a little amusement conjuring up inside of me at a time when I thought there was none to be had.

She took a sip of wine and laughed. “Nope. I have three other girls working at the salon who are more than capable of doing their hair. I had a family emergency, and family comes first.” It seemed so odd to have formed a whole new family in a matter of months, but there was nothing odd at all over the closeness I felt toward her.

“Hey.” Kara stood in the doorway, forcing a smile through her red-rimmed eyes. Francesca’s expression lit up upon seeing Kara in person for the very first time. “Francesca?” Kara’s voice wavered.

“Kara.” Francesca’s smile portrayed a multitude of emotions—happiness, pride, and sadness all rolled into one. She got up from her chair and strolled over to Kara, throwing her arms around her as if she had known her for her entire life. Kara reciprocated her display of affection in the same manner, busting into tears in the same fashion I had when Francesca first arrived. It was strange to see my daughter, who normally took some time to warm up to strangers, display her emotions in such an open manner. “Oh my goodness, you are such a beautiful girl.” Francesca placed her hands on Kara’s shoulders, drinking her in. Her own eyes swollen and red after meeting her granddaughter for the very first time.

“Thanks,” Kara whispered and managed a smile.

“Are you up for some dinner?” I asked gently.

Kara nodded and the two of