Against the Odds (Fighting to Survive #2)(37)

Madison goes next. She walks up slowly and also kneels down. She bows her head and says a silent prayer. I wish I knew what she was saying, but I don’t. I watch as she kisses the porcelain doll and lays it beside my flowers.

Caden goes next with Chelsea. She helps him tie his helium balloons onto the arm of the doll Madison left. The balloons don’t say anything, but they are in a rainbow of colors. All he says is, “Rest in heaven, Jamie,” before he stands to join Madison and me.

Chelsea stays and sits on the grass. She is wearing a very expensive dress, but at this time, she could care less about the money or the clothing. She cries. I watch as she moves over a porcelain angel and sets her angel wreath beside it. Chelsea speaks open and honestly and it pulls at my heart strings. “I love you, Sweetheart, and I miss you. I hope you had a good life and that you were loved.” She cries and says between sobs, “If I had one wish, it would be that you were still here today. I pray that you are happy and are flying high with the angels. Kiss Grandma and ask her to watch over you until I get there. I love you, Jamie.”

She wipes away the tears, pulls at a few weeds, and gently touches the gold lettering that says Jamie Sue Grether. Madison and Caden cry. I’m not sure they are crying because of Jamie, or if it’s because they are seeing their mother so sad. When Chelsea is sad, we are all sad. She stands and walks towards us. Caden and Madison release their hold on my hand and run to be with their mother. At this moment, I realize that we cannot lose Madison. We are a family and we will stay as one.

Robert

Since Gracie’s birth, I have been worried about Leah. I overheard Mom and Sue talking about post-partum depression and I realize it could affect Leah. Right now she doesn’t show any signs of depression, but I am still concerned. I guess I shouldn’t go looking for something until it happens. It may be that Leah’s depression was an isolated event, I just want to be ready for it, if it does return.

Leah isn’t back to work yet, but I am back to my regular workout routine. Actually it was Leah’s persistence that got me started back on it full time. It feels good to be doing what I love to do. I also think I would be just as happy sitting at the hospital watching my daughter. I could stare at her all day. I am just waiting for the nurses to tell me that my little girl is weighing 4 lbs. Then we will be able to bring her home.

While I spend my mornings training, Leah spends her mornings at the hospital with Gracie. In the evenings when we go home for the night, we stop by the shop so Leah can check in. She feels sorry for Dove and Bethany, although they don’t complain. We also stop by often and visit with Jamie.

I heard from Bruce the other day and we have a court date for custody of Madison. I haven’t told Leah yet, I’m not sure how. He advised me that we won’t be issued permanent custody right away. He explained that the courts will want to go through steps so it doesn’t traumatize the child. I understand that. Madison has no idea who we are. I am excited to at least get a few hours of visitation started so she can get to know us. I pray that Drake hasn’t filled her mind with lies.

I wait patiently for Leah as she tries on another pair of pre-pregnant jeans. She is so eager to get into her regular clothing. Finally, she decides on a dress. Before we go to the hospital, Leah and I have plans to have breakfast with Jamie. The anniversary of Jamie’s birthday and her death are fast approaching. This is always a difficult month for everyone. Jamie sadly died the same month she was born. She was born October 8th and died October 27th, three years later.


Once Leah is ready and breakfast is packed, we head to the cemetery. First, we stop by the florist and get Jamie some fresh flowers. I have to blink a few times to make sure I’m looking at Jamie’s grave. We put balloons on her grave only for her birthday.

“Robert, is that Jamie’s…,” she begins to say.

“It sure looks like it,” I say putting the car in park. I grab the sack that contains our breakfast, a blanket, the two cups of coffee, and the two bouquets of flowers and I have to run to catch up with her. She is already standing at the foot of Jamie’s grave with her fingers pressed against her lips. I stop and look at what she is staring at. Balloons, red roses, an angel, a wreath, and a porcelain doll decorate the base of Jamie’s tombstone.

“Who did this?” she cries.

I already know. “It looks like the Sinclairs have found Jamie.”

She looks up at me with tears running down her pale cheeks. “You think they did this?”

“I do. Who else could it be?” I spread the blanket down and Leah starts to pick everything up as she carefully inspects each item. When Leah is done, I hand her a coffee and her breakfast sandwich.

“It looks like they love her,” she says softly.

I have to agree. I’m glad to know the angered man has a soft spot. “It does.”

“I wonder how they knew where she was. We didn’t say anything to Chelsea when she came to the hospital.”

“No, we didn’t. I’m sure Drake has searched our family extensively. I know I did him.”

“You did? Why would you do that and why didn’t I know that?”

I look at her and say, “I didn’t want to worry you. I guess I had to make sure she’s safe. I have no idea who these people are. I had to make sure our daughter is being taken care of.”

“And I should assume she is?”