[Second Chances 02]California Dreams Read Free Page A

“Yeah, well, for months afterwards the only picture in my head of my mom was of her fragile, cancer-ridden body, no hair, too weak to even talk. I remember well-meaning friends telling my dad and me that things would get better each day, but when you’re in the middle of it, it’s hard to believe things are ever going to get better.”
    Sara nodded, “After our mom died, Grace and I were numb for weeks, if not months. Then one day, I woke up and realized that I didn’t feel like crying. I didn’t feel like smiling right then either, but I realized that time was making things better.”
    Samuel shared a look with her that only a child who had lost a parent could understand, “They’re always with us. I firmly believe that. Sometimes, when I’m having a really bad day, I swear I can hear her voice in my head. Coaching me to do my best and keep pushing on.”
    Sara gave him a sad smile, “Yeah. I hear my mom in my head sometimes too. Her advice lingers even though she’s not physically here anymore. That’s the gift they left for us.”
    “Gifts? Didn’t you all open enough gifts yesterday?” Trent asked as he entered the kitchen with a teary-eyed Jane in his wake.
    Sara leaned into Trent as he wrapped his arms around her, “Samuel and I were just trading stories.”
    Trent looked at Samuel with an apology on his lips, “Man, I’m sorry. I guess I forgot how this news might be affecting you.”
    Jane looked from Trent to Samuel before asking, “I feel like I’m the only one here that doesn’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about.”
    Samuel turned to Jane, “I was just telling Sara that my mom died of breast cancer when I was fifteen. I guess this just brought back a lot of sad memories.”
    Jane walked over and laid a gentle hand on his forearm, “I’m sorry.”
    Samuel squeezed her hand before letting it go and heading for the fridge, “I guess we should probably get started on lunch. With the funeral early tomorrow morning, we’ll need to leave directly from the church for the airport.”
    Grace chose that moment to walk in, carrying an empty plate and half-full glass of milk, “You all really wore her out. She’s out for the count.” Looking around the room, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    Sara smiled and shook her head, “No, sis. But thanks. Everything’s being handled. Are you almost finished packing?”
    Grace nodded, “Almost. I can finish most of it up except for our carry-ons right after lunch. I guess we’ll be leaving for the airport from the church?”
    Samuel nodded, “Yes. I’ll come by your room after lunch to get your suitcases and stow them away in the rental car. Jane, do you think you could finish up your check-in bags before dinner?”
    Jane nodded, “Yes. I’ll get to them right after lunch.”
    That settled, the five adults made their own lunch and then ate it in relative silence. Each of them lost in their own thoughts. Thoughts of past losses. Thoughts of present hurts. Thoughts of future events.

Chapter 4
    The next morning dawned bright and clear, with nary a cloud in the sky. The snow glistened on the trees and surrounding foliage as Trent drove Sara to the church. Bill had asked to meet with Sara before the service began so they were almost an hour early. Samuel would be bringing the others to the church, his rental car loaded with their luggage so they could leave directly from the funeral for the airport.
    Trent walked around the front of the jeep and opened Sara’s door, helping her down from the seat and waiting while she steadied herself. “You okay?” he asked, concern evident all over his face.
    Sara slowly nodded, “Yes. I have mixed feelings right now. The last time I entered this church we were exchanging our vows. It doesn’t seem right that only a few days later I’m entering the same building to mourn the loss of a woman who meant so much to this community.”
    Trent nodded, “I feel the same way. Let’s get you