The Spoon Tree, A Family Series ~ Books 1-5

By Bria Daly

Never has spooning been more fun, sweet, or sexy! With winner characters like Abby, Laura and Meg, 3 strong, smart, funny, and sometimes sassy women. And Tom, Todd and Greg, the kind of guys we all want to take home home. The men are honest, smart and caring, their only vulnerability is the love they have for Abby, Laura, and Meg and the strong ties to family.
It's a story of two families, two trees, and how their tales intertwine. It's about love and second chances. Of family and loyalty. And, it’s a story about choosing happiness as your guiding light.
The characters in this story love life, family, and really enjoy having fun. They don’t play stupid games. They’re mature and sensitive, and they recognize a gift when it presents itself and they cherish it.
Laugh, cry, and enjoy! Bring these two families home and make them your very own :)

Written in five parts, this version includes all five parts.
* Book 1: Abby's Story ~ A young grandmother whose life is turned upside down when her daughter (a twin) dies and she is left to raise three grandchildren.
* Book 2: Tom and Abby's Story ~ About finding love when you're not looking for it, but knowing it would be stupid not to embrace life's attempt to make things better.
* Book 3: A Spoon for Laura ~ The story of Laura, Abby's other daughter, and her quest to become a whole, when she was always a half in the twin equation.
* Book 4: Another Spoon for Meg ~ Tom's daughter Meg is 31 and at a turning point in her life. She's not a twin, but she needs to make changes to make her life whole.
* Book 5: Laura and Todd's Story ~ Laura is back to let us know how her story ends, and how life's bad twists can make some things really good.

The story of the spoons...
There’s a place where hundreds of spoons hang from two large trees.
Each spoon is tied to a branch by a colorful ribbon. Some of the spoons touch and create their own music and dance. Other spoons do a solo as they dangle and shine and add shadows and lights, to remind us why they are there.
Each spoon on The Spoon Tree was put there for a reason. And each one has its very own story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bria Daly
• Release date: May 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310550522

Bria Daly

I'm a mom, wife, sister, friend, and author.My books are available in paperback, and as eBooks. Writing is something I've always enjoyed doing, but if you ask me what my greatest accomplishment is, I'd have to say it's my children, and with very good reason (I'm a super proud mom).About me...Bria Daly is a pen name created from the names of the most important people in my life: my husband and my two children.I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and I moved to the United States when I was young. I married a U.S. military man, and my husband's career took us to wonderful places around the globe. We lived in Japan, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Honduras, and seven U.S. states. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see and experience different worlds and cultures. My experiences, the people I met, and the places I lived in, have made me the person I am today, and someone who appreciates all this wonderful world has to offer.I am also an advocate and defender of children, animals, the elderly, and the disabled. My house is always chaotic and loud. Chaos is not what I aim for, but it is what it is. Still, I don't think I'd want it any other way.My furniture is eclectic, our diets are all different (we have 2 vegans, a vegetarian, and an omnivore - I'm one of the 2 vegans), we have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 3 cockatiels, 2 hermit crabs, and two large fish tanks with a variety of fish (today, who knows what we'll have tomorrow?). And I believe my pets are my muses because they're ALWAYS with me and wherever I go.Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my stories that are mostly family themed, because for me, family is what it's all about.If I can ask for on favor, it would be to please help me reach other readers by leaving a star rating or review whenever you get a chance. Visibility in online searches is based on author ranking and those numbers are generated by reader reviews.And another thing, and I really mean this, go ahead and contact me, I promise will write back. You can also visit me on Facebook, or stop be my website at anytime by going to https://briadaly.wordpress.com/Wishing you and yours my very best,Bria

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tom looked at his son sitting beside him on the hard emergency room bench. Brian was seventeen, awkward, had no plans for the future, wore faint pockmarks from three years of bad acne, and was a really good kid. He had called his dad not for himself, but for someone else. Someone he had to bring into the emergency room-- a girl.

The idea of a girl in Brian’s life would generally make Tom happy, but this one had been admitted with a blood alcohol count of 0.095, so she was definitely not the kind of girl you’d want to bring home to momma.

You okay? he asked his youngest son.

Aha, Brian was never one for talking much.

Good.

A few minutes went by before Brian asked, Is she gonna be okay dad?

Brian was a senior in high school and his best friend had moved in their junior year. They had been inseparable since kindergarten. Connor’s leaving left a huge gap in Brian’s already challenged social life, and here he was, a little after midnight, waiting in the emergency room to hear if a girl he had never even mentioned before, was staying the night after getting her stomach pumped.

Tom put his hand on top of his son’s to reassure him, and said, Yeah, she’ll be fine. That’s all Brian needed to hear. That’s all he wanted to hear. So Tom said nothing else. Maybe Brian had learned how to mince his words from his dad.

The hospital was quiet. There were no big emergencies, and only a few people (mostly staff) were walking the corridors. Some were more animated than others, maybe just starting their shift, and filling the silent night with frivolous chatter. Tom wondered if they looked forward to emergencies when they were bored; since that was what they did, did that make it morally unethical?

Tom smiled, it was easy to philosophize when you were tired and had nothing else to do.

Tom’s thoughts were interrupted when the automated doors to the emergency room opened, letting in the cold midnight air.

A woman, with one child in her arms and another tagging behind, ran up to the reception desk where two women were in the middle of what seemed to be a very animated (and humorous) story.

Tom noticed that the woman, probably in her early forty’s, was still trying to catch her breath from either running from the parking lot with a child who looked too big to be carried in her arms, the crisp cold night air, or both.

He felt sorry for her. Judging by her mismatched shoes, she had left her home in a hurry. Tom wondered if the boy she carried was the one who was sick.

Tom yawned. He had been sleeping when Brian called. These things always happened at inconvenient times. Then again, when is it ever convenient to have an emergency?

The young boy in her arms had his eyes closed and didn’t stir, despite the fact that she kept bouncing him from one hip to the other, trying to balance the extra weight she was carrying. He was very relaxed and could be sick, or he could be like so many young children who are just very comfortable in their parent’s arms.

The woman stood waiting to be acknowledged, but the ladies behind the counter continued to ignore her.

If the poor woman wasn’t acknowledged soon, Tom would go over there himself, grab a nurse from behind the counter, and make her pay attention. He wasn’t an impatient person, but it wasn’t like they were busy. They had spent the last ten minutes giggling about something they were looking at on the computer. If the hospital was busy, the reception area wasn’t. It was possible that they had every bed in the hospital occupied, but out front and from Tom’s vantage point, the two women were just passing the time and not acknowledging the lady carrying the boy and standing before them.

Excuse me, the woman said. Excuse me, the woman repeated, earning her a finger from the hospital employee who motioned her to ‘hold on a sec.’

One of the women behind the desk left, seemingly annoyed by the interruption, which forced the other to actually do her job. Can I help you? she asked in a monotone.

Yes, I’m looking for someone who was brought in tonight. I got a call from a… Dr. Ryan’s nurse, she said.

That caught Tom’s attention. Dr. Ryan was the doctor who had talked to them about Jackie, the girl Brian had brought in over an hour ago.

The woman continued, Her name is Jackie Evans. She’s sixteen.

The nurse looked bored. Then she said something Tom couldn’t hear, and pointed over to where Tom and Brian were sitting. She probably told her to sit and wait until she was called. At least she wouldn’t have to carry the boy while standing.

She turned and started walking in his direction. But instead of sitting down, she put the boy on the bench, told the little girl to sit next to him, and walked straight over to Brian.

The nurse just told me you brought Jackie in. What happened? What were you guys doing? The nurse said something about drinking? I don’t understand. Jackie doesn’t drink, the woman’s voice started rising. Did you get her drunk? How old are you anyway? Jackie was supposed to be at Allison’s house studying, not at a party!

Brian had gotten up when she had started yelling at him. After all, the kid had manners. And Tom was up and at his son’s side as soon as she started hounding him. She had no business yelling at him. Brian brought the girl in after he saw her staggering on the side of the road. He had been on his way home after going to the movies with a couple of friends.

She didn’t know this, but still. Tom moved forward and put his arm out protectively in front of his son, Hold it right there. I know you’re upset, but you’re barking up the wrong tree. He was about to say something else, but was silenced by the dirty look she gave him.

Jackie doesn’t drink. She was at Allison’s, she said, emphasizing each word.

The nurse behind the counter, who had proven herself useless before, showed up just in time to run interference, The doctor will see you now, Mrs. Evans.

Mrs. Evans looked from Tom over to Brian, and then back to Tom, I’ll be right back, she said, making it sound more like a warning than just letting them know.

She walked over to a doctor who looked too young to have graduated from high school, let alone medical school. He was reading some notes and kept his eyes on his clipboard while he talked.

Tom watched her face change as she listened. She looked a little more relieved, most likely with the knowledge that Jackie was alright - something the nurse neglected to mention, and something Tom wasn’t given a chance to do.

While the doctor spoke, she turned to look at Brian a few times. The doctor spent less than three minutes with her before he was called away by another nurse in the adjacent room, giving the poor woman no chance to even ask questions.

She turned slowly, but started walking with a purpose, and marched back to where she had left Brian a mere three or four minutes before.

Tom got up when he saw her walking towards them. This time he was ready, but as soon as she saw him get up, she motioned him to sit.

He stood anyway.

Brian was sitting with his head down between his knees. She faced him and went down on her knees. Then she took Brian’s hands in hers, and looked up at him.

Brian shifted uncomfortably, and was only slightly relaxed when she started talking. Tom also relaxed when he heard her say she was sorry. She quickly explained she didn’t have any details until now, and really appreciated knowing he had brought Jackie in.

She let go of his hands and patted his knees. Then standing up, she turned to Tom and smiled a small smile. With eyes veiled by sadness, she said, I’m so sorry I was such a bitch, ah…I mean witch, she corrected herself, looking down quickly at the children who were half asleep on the hospital bench.

The hospital called me at home, but they didn’t say anything. There was no explanation, only that Jack was in the emergency room. Jack told me she was studying at Allison’s for an exam. I was happy she had a friend to study with, her voice trailed off. She’s never done this before; she’s never lied to me.

Tom felt kind of sorry for her. It looked like his son wasn’t the only one who had only a handful of friends. He also felt sorry for her because he wondered how many other things had gotten past her…at least two, because she wasn’t at Allison’s, and she wasn’t studying.

She also didn’t drink, but the 0.095 BAC proved that bit of knowledge to be wrong as well.

Tom would ask Brian about this girl later. He felt lucky in knowing that Brian kept little from him, although unfortunately, there was little to tell. Being seventeen was hard.

I’m Abby, by the way.

Tom Riley, and of course, this is my son Brian.

Andy, Lizzie, say hi to Mr. Riley.

Abby and Tom saw the young doctor go to the desk again and pick up another clipboard, although it looked like a prop to give him an excuse to talk to the pretty nurse who had just walked in.

The kids Abby came in with were half asleep. Abby looked at the kids and then at Tom inquiringly.

Go ahead. I’ll stay with the kids if you want to talk to the doctor again.

The doctor immediately looked annoyed when he saw Abby walk over to him. It was obvious that he wanted to talk to the nurse instead, but that didn’t put Abby off. She looked dismissively at the nurse and asked the doctor, How’s she doing? We didn’t get a chance to talk much before you were called out again, so I wanted to know if there was anything else you didn’t tell me.

The doctor breathed in deeply. He was young, maybe not too young to practice medicine, but too young to know it pays to think before you speak, and a little kindness goes a long way.

Like I said before, she came in intoxicated with very elevated alcohol content in her blood, and I had the nurses pump her stomach. If she doesn’t do this again, she’ll be fine.

His arrogance was annoying. She doesn’t drink. Abby repeated.

The doctor looked bored, So I’ve heard. Listen, kids say what we want to hear. She’s not going to tell you ‘I’m going to my boyfriend’s house to get wasted…’ You have to read between the lines. Pay closer attention, and life will be much easier for all of us.

Abby stared at the doctor for approximately twenty seconds before she reached over and pulled on his sleeve, forcing him to follow her down the hallway, and where she could have some privacy.

A few minutes later, the doctor and Abby walked back to the desk together. The arrogant young doctor actually looked contrite when he shook hands with Abby and gave her his card. Abby smiled, held his hand with both of hers, and then walked back to where Tom and the kids were sitting, so she could let the doctor go about his own business.

She went over to Tom and Brian and smiled. She’ll be okay. We can see her now, but if you don’t mind, she looked over to Brian, I’d like to have a moment alone with her first.

Tom and Brian both nodded. It was probably best. We can watch these guys while you’re in with Jackie. Don’t worry, he added reassuringly. We’ll be fine, he winked at the little girl and looked at the boy who was now very much awake and listening to every word they said. Tom brought his phone out of his pocket and asked, "Do either of you guys know how to play Bubblemania?"

Chapter 2

Tom watched Abby walk away. She was petite, had sandy brown hair that was up in a messy bun, and he seemed to remember she had hazel eyes.

Despite the mismatched shoes, and the disheveled look from being pulled out of the house in the middle of the night, there was an obvious and natural elegance about her. He couldn’t tell where she was from, but he knew he hadn’t seen her before, and he knew most of the people in the relatively small beach community.

Her speech and mannerisms denoted intelligence, and she carried herself with grace and assurance. She didn’t look as young as some of the other mothers he talked to at the school, but she wasn’t old, and was definitely younger than him. Not too old to have Jackie, but on the older side to have Andy.

And she was pretty. There was a certain delicate beauty about her, and there might have been a slight twinkle that said she knew how to have fun, but it also looked like she didn’t do it often enough.

Abby walked into the semi-private room where Jackie rested on the hospital bed.

Abby was taken aback. Jackie looked horrible. She also looked as pale as a ghost, and tiny. Not just tiny from being pumped and drained, but also tiny from being young, vulnerable, ashamed, and afraid.

Her very young sixteen-year-old face looked at least ten years younger. While Abby, who had been called into the hospital in the middle of the night, not knowing if Jackie was even dead or alive, had tacked on the ten years Jackie had lost in the last hour or so.

"You look awful," they both said at the same time.

Abby walked over to Jackie’s bed and sat down. She reached over to pick up Jackie’s small hand and held it between her not-much-bigger hands. She sat in silence at first, rubbing the girl’s fingers back and forth, back and forth, while filling the silence with each movement of her hands.

Jackie was the first to break the silence. I’m sorry Gabby, she whimpered. It was so stupid. Stupid and gross. I… she stopped talking. And taking a deep breath she added, I’ll never drink again. I promise.

Abby pulled her close and hugged her tight. "You will drink again, but you won’t be stupid about it next time. You scared me honey. You scared me, Lizzie, and Andy. We can’t go through scares like that, you know we can’t. I love you so, so much. And I’m happy you’ll be fine. Right now I’m just happy you’re okay. I refuse to think of all of the what-ifs, like the fact that you could have been taken advantage of, had alcohol poisoning, or gotten hit by a c…, Abby’s voice caught. Anyway, I also don’t want to say anything I’ll regret, because you scared me. But you also made me so mad. You can’t do this again. Don’t EVER scare me like that again!"

Wrapped in each other’s arms, they started crying at the same time. Big alligator tears is what Abby called ‘bawling when she was young. They held each other tight and cried new tears, as well as some of the older tears they had put aside for a day like today.

Jackie felt so fragile. Life was too fragile to take risks. Life was too fragile, period. The woman and the girl held on tightly, and with a fierceness and strength they didn’t know they had. And they rocked. They rocked back and forth, back and forth, too afraid to let go, and holding tightly, just in case their pulling apart would make one of them suddenly disappear.

Movements behind them made them stop their rocking and turn to the door. Tom had the kids with him. They were standing just outside the door to Jackie’s room.

Tom walked in first, slightly shielding Brian and the two little ones who stood behind him, I’m sorry, Abby, Jackie… I didn’t mean to interrupt, but the nurse said we can’t stay. They have a couple of emergencies coming in and they’re kicking us out of the waiting area. I just came to say that I can take the kids somewhere else, but I didn’t want you to come out and not find us there.

Tom looked at the girl he had never even heard of until tonight, and smiled. She looked very young; she looked younger than her sixteen years. Jackie reminded him of Megan, his third child, but Megan had turned thirty-one the week before. Time went by too fast.

Both Abby and Jackie’s eyes were proof that a lot of crying had taken place. Abby’s hazel eyes were greener from the contrast of red, and she hadn’t let go of the girl’s hands.

Jackie waved her younger siblings to come closer. Lizzie walked over to her with big worried eyes, and Andy jumped on the bed and asked the question Lizzie was too frightened to ask.

Are you going to die Jack? he asked with big, frightened eyes.

The sixteen-year-old looked at her brother sympathetically and gave the boy the answer he needed to hear. The answer was lighthearted, but was meant to ease his mind. "Me, die? No way. Who else is going to tease you about girls and beat you when we play games? I’ve got a responsibility here. Now get out of here squirt, you just got here and you’re already bugging me."

Andy jumped off the bed with a smile. All fears were set aside by his sister’s insults.

Jack turned to Lizzie and approached the situation very differently. She motioned for Lizzie to get on the bed and reached out to bring her sister closer. She picked up the little girl’s hand and squeezed it.

I’m sorry I scared you Lizzie. I’ll be alright. And I promise I won’t scare you like that again, at least not on purpose. I promise, she said holding her tighter and planting a kiss on top of her head. The little girl gave her a tiny smile and remained silent. She had not said a single word the entire night.

It was Brian’s turn to come in. He walked into the room watching his feet, as if by not watching them, they wouldn’t propel forward.

Hey, he said awkwardly when he finally looked up.

Jackie looked at him shyly and replied in kind. Hey.

The boy looked down at the floor before speaking up again, You, um… okay?

Jackie nodded.

You need me to pick stuff up at school for you?

Jackie looked over to Abby who answered for her, She’ll be home tomorrow, but she’ll be back at school on Monday. Thank you Brian, that’s nice of you to offer.

You’re welcome, he looked over to his father, not quite knowing what would happen next.

His father nodded and pulled his keys out of his pocket, I think we’ll be going now.

"I’ll see you tomorrow Jack. And uh… Mrs. Evans? It was nice meeting you," said Brian.

Abby smiled. He seemed like a good boy, also young. They were so lucky that he had seen Jackie and brought her into the emergency room. It had probably not been easy to make the decision and bring her in on his own. Abby wondered if they were friends, or just knew each other. She hoped they were friends. Jackie could use a good friend.

Brian? Jackie called out, Uh, thank you. I’m really sorry. It was so stupid. I never… She looked like she was going to cry again.

Abby sat on the bed again and squeezed Jackie’s hand,

It was really nice meeting you Brian, and I really appreciate what you did. Thank you, again.

Father and son waved goodbye and left.

They both seemed nice. Not just Brian, but his dad also seemed nice. It wouldn’t hurt for Abby to find a friend too.

Abby turned to Jackie and Jackie nodded. It was time to go. Abby absolutely hated leaving Jackie at the hospital alone. But the doctor had said they’d keep her overnight to give her more fluids, and Abby wasn’t allowed to stay with the little ones and keep her company. At times like this, Abby was reminded of how lonely it could be to be a single parent. But that was all she knew.

She’d take the other two home and tuck them back into the beds she had pulled them from three hours earlier.

It was already 3 A.M. She’d come back in a few hours to pick Jackie up and get her back to the house where they could rest. Maybe then, she’d get some sleep.

Tomorrow, Abby would ask Jackie what happened. Tomorrow she’d ask if she ever went to Allison’s and why she had lied. Tomorrow she’d ask her about Brian, and if they were friends. And maybe tomorrow, Jackie might have some information about Tom to share, because Brian’s dad seemed very nice too.

Chapter 3

Jackie came home the next morning and slept almost the entire day.

The younger kids had also stayed home from school. After being up for most of the night, Abby didn’t bother making them go to school. First, because they hadn’t slept and were tired, but more importantly, they were home because Abby didn’t have the energy to make them get up and go to school.

Jackie wasn’t the only one who slept. They all slept. Lizzie and Andy hadn’t gotten much rest, and Abby didn’t sleep at all, so in order to work off the exhaustion and stress from the night before, it turned out to be a very lazy day.

In any other home, Jackie would have been in a world of trouble after the stunt she pulled the night before. But Abby didn’t push it. She was more relieved than angry that nothing bad happened. And last night’s cry she and Jackie shared had helped cleanse them.

Brian stopped by after school to drop off some papers. Abby found out later that they were in three classes together, even though they weren’t in the same grade. And until last night, Abby had never even heard Jackie mention his name. Abby never heard much about any of Jackie’s friends, and had yet to meet most. The list was short.

Brian rang the doorbell and Lizzie went to the door to answer. She let him in, and led him to Jackie, who was sitting on the living room floor playing a game with Andy. They had all just gotten up for a snack. Abby was sitting on the couch reading.

The conversation between the two teens was about as awkward today, as it was the night before. Not more than twenty words were exchanged, and then Brian left.

That was nice of him to bring your work home.

Mm hmm.

He seems nice.

He is.

So how many classes do you have together?

Three.

Abby rolled her eyes. Well Jackie definitely wasn’t making conversation easy. Is he a good friend?

He’s not my boyfriend if that’s what you’re wondering.

Abby wanted to tell her she never said he was, but with teens, you had to tread carefully. Is he a friend of your friends?

I don’t really have any friends.

It was true. Jackie had seemed close to a couple of girls when she started at the new school, but they never even came to the house, and Abby hadn’t heard her mention them for the past three weeks. It was a hard age to move and make friends, but Jackie had been doing that for most of her life.

Well I’m glad Brian is your friend, but seeing that Jackie was about to correct her, Abby quickly added, If he wasn’t your friend, he wouldn’t have taken you to the hospital or offered to bring you homework.

There Jackie, just try to correct me again and deny that you have at least one friend.

Chapter 4

Are we almost there?

Abby smiled into the rearview mirror. Andy was in the backseat of her SUV, anxious to get to his best friend’s birthday party. She looked down at the birthday invitation to check for the house number before she answered…again. She knew they were almost there, but the question was getting old and she had to keep him busy.

I’ll tell you what. If you start counting to ten, by the time you’re done counting, or maybe even sooner, we’ll be at Billy’s house. Okay, start counting now like this: 1…2…

"Stop! I know how to count, let me do it, okay?"

Abby smiled. It was Saturday, and Andy had a birthday party to go to. Abby was happy to drive Andy to his party. She needed to get out, and she needed a distraction. Jack stayed home with Lizzie, and Abby was going to figure out if this was a drop off party, or if she had to hang around. She’d play it by ear.

Andy started counting: 1…2…3…4…5…6…are we there?

Abby looked back in the mirror and stopped the car. We’re here, and you didn’t even have to count to ten.

But I can, you know? He didn’t wait for an answer before he unbuckled himself out of the car seat and jumped out.

Andy, wait! Don’t forget Billy’s present! Stop! Abby yelled out. Here you go. Here’s the card you made too.

Andy grabbed the big envelope with the crayon drawings on the front as well as the package Abby handed him, and ran up the path leading to the back of the house.

Abby knew it was the right house, not just because of the address, but it was decorated for the birthday outside as well.

There was a big yellow arrow painted on the sidewalk, which was followed by more yellow arrows that indicated the way to the party. Throughout the pathway in random colors and sizes were helium-filled balloons that were anchored to the ground with bricks.

Follow the yellow-arrow brick road? Too cute.

An adult had definitely thought of that one. She didn’t know too many kids who watched The Wizard of Oz anymore, even with the improved color version. There were scenes in the movie that Abby still remembered being scary. She still remembered spending many nights trying to get the flying monkeys out of her head when she was already a teen.

Before starting down the yellow brick road, Abby stopped and looked appreciatively at the houses surrounding her. It was obviously a very well-to-do neighborhood. The homes were older, established, and there was a lot of money here. The house where Billy’s party was being held was the biggest in the neighborhood and looked elegant, but didn’t look ostentatious. She wondered how long they had lived here.

Abby knew nothing about styles or periods, but she did know the house looked solid and strong. Not just the material it was made of – brick – but it had an old charm to it; silly as it may sound, the house looked like it had aged happily.

Abby followed the balloon path to the backyard and smiled again. This is all very cute. Now why didn’t I ever think of doing something like this?

Because I was struggling to make ends meet and trying to keep my kids dressed. Remembering the toughest times, she thought that they had been lucky to get even a balloon on some of their birthdays.

The path leading her to the back of the house was a long one, mainly because it covered the length of the house, which was very big. She was sure it had taken Andy a lot less time as he ran down the path, but Abby didn’t mind the walk and was enjoying the view with every step she took.

There were stones and moss on the path that added to the old feel of the house. With flowers sprinkled here and there, and in no special order or layout, the colorful design added to the vintage charm. The side of the house, also made of brick, was interrupted by the occasional window, but Abby made it a point not to look inside.

The bricks were faded and worn, denoting history and adding to the character of the older home.

As soon as she reached the end of the wall, Abby let out a surprised and happy sigh. She had reached the backyard, and what she saw was a large, cement and stone deck, overlooking a sprawling, lush green lawn. Here too you could see the occasional splash of stones, trees, and colorful flowers, all with a lake as a backdrop. There were also modern-day amenities, like a jungle gym, pool, and a sturdy dock.

She saw adults and children running, walking, standing, talking, and laughing in every direction she turned. Despite the size of the place, every corner seemed filled with a group of happy people enjoying the spectacular day.

Below the deck was a grilling area with tables, and Abby could smell something very yummy being cooked.

She was looking down from the deck, and at one point she thought she spotted Andy. If that was Andy, then he was already running behind a little girl and seemed to be having a great time.

There were lots of adults and families. By the looks of it, this didn’t seem like a drop-off party. Andy had abandoned her, so she’d have to find her way around. She would start by introducing herself to someone, anyone, and find out who Billy’s parents were. But first… Abby looked around and smelled the fresh air coming from the trees and the grass below. Sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the freshness of nature to become whole again.

She looked around. It was a beautiful day. And if Andy was occupied, for just a bit, Abby would enjoy the gorgeous view. In the center of the deck, Abby stood transfixed; it was so peaceful. And then she heard, before she saw, the delicate sound of bells or maybe chimes.

When she followed the sound, she saw two trees leaning by the deck. They provided a nice bit of shade, and the trees were fully dressed in spoons.

Abby stared up into the branches. It seemed like hundreds of spoons adorned each one of the trees. Each spoon was hanging on a different colored ribbon, and every branch wore a different spoon. They were hanging from the tallest to the lowest branch. Abby wondered if the tree had grown with the spoons, or if the spoons had been placed up high with a very tall ladder. She’d have to ask.

Some of the spoons were made of wood, but most were made of different metals.

Some of the spoons were hanging closer together than others, which accounted for the chime or bell sounds that had first caught Abby’s attention.

Abby went over to the trees and stood underneath looking up, becoming slightly dizzy, mesmerized by the numbers, by the sounds, and how such a simple and whimsical design had such an exquisite effect.

Feeling like a child again, she smiled and made a quick twirl to the music of the spoons giggling. When she completed her turn, she stopped and then jumped.

I’m so sorry. Did I scare you?

Abby, gathered herself and smiled, You scared the living daylight out of me! But I’ll forgive you, she laughed. That is if you don’t tell anyone I was dancing. I haven’t twirled in ages. This place is just mag…

The sun in her eyes had been covered by a cloud passing by. She stopped and took a better look at the man she was talking to. Wait a minute, you’re Brian’s dad.

I am, he smiled, Tom Riley, he said, extending his hand.

Abby took it and said, I remember you Tom Riley, and I am…

Abby Evans, he said completing her sentence with a very big and genuine smile.

Not exactly, but very close, she said with a twinkle.

He looked confused, But, we met at the hospital.

Yes, we did. But my last name is Clove. Not that it really matters. The kids are Evans, but I’m Abby Clove.

"Clove?"

Yes, like the flower.

He laughed, I never thought of cloves as flowers.

Abby shook her head, Well they start out as flowers before you poke them into hams, chicken, or make oils out of them, she laughed.

Tom asked, Are you laughing at me?

I am, she said matter-of-factly. So um, Tom Riley, what brings you here today? Or should I ask, who brings you here?

I live here.

Abby blushed, So sorry. I guess I’m not a very polite guest. So you’re Billy’s dad?

This time Tom laughed, "Nope. I wouldn’t have the energy for that. I’m Billy’s grandpa. Billy is my daughter Bethany’s youngest."

Abby thought about that one. Hmm. So that makes you an old grandpa…

Tom chuckled, Not a very polite guest at all. I actually like to think of myself as a young grandpa. So is your husband Mr. Clove or Mr. Evans?

There is no husband. I am divorced. Actually, I’ve been divorced for almost an entire lifetime.

It may seem that way to you, but it couldn’t have been that long, if Andy is…

Tom was cut short by an avalanche, in the shape of a little girl, who was being chased by none other than Andy. He grabbed the little girl and held her up in the air and away from the little boy’s grasp. I’ll save you from Andy! Tom yelled out. He can’t get you up here until he grows taller, and he plopped her on his shoulders where Andy couldn’t reach and looked up at her. Too bad I can’t hold you up here for that long.

Gabby, help me up, Andy said trying to work his way up Abby’s arms and shoulders.

Put me down Grandpa! the little girl yelled out laughing.

Tom put her down and winked at Abby, I guess she doesn’t want to be saved.

Andy, you’re going to be taller than me soon. I can’t pick you up like that.

Gabby! Andy yelled out and pulled his friend’s arm to turn her around. This is Billy. I told you Billy was my friend!

Abby turned to Tom and winked back, I didn’t know Billy was a girl, she said conspiratorially.

Hey, where are you two going? But before Tom finished his sentence, the two children had disappeared just as quickly as they had made their appearance.

"So now I kind of met the famous Billy, Abby said. Andy talks about her all the time."

Andy just called you ‘Gabby,’ I apologize if I got your name wrong. Is it Abby or Gabby?

It’s Abby, but when Jackie was little she nicknamed me Gabby, and it kind of stuck.

None of my business, but why don’t the kids call you mom?

Abby looked at him oddly, and then smiled, Of course, you thought I was the kids’ mother?

You aren’t?

No, but thank you for that. I’m actually an old lady, just like you’re an old man. That’s why I’m allowed to insult you like I did, she laughed.

I bet I’m a lot older.

Somebody raised you well. You are quite the gentleman, and not that you asked or anything, but I’m fifty-three years old, but some days I feel like I’m a hundred.

Ditto on that.

Lizzie, Jack, and Andy are my grandkids, my only grandkids. They were my daughter Carrie’s children.

Were?

Always will be, but Carrie and her husband John died last year in a car accident, Abby’s voice caught.

Tom was at a loss for words. I, I’m so sorry Abby. I can’t imagine…

Abby lifted her hand to stop him. That’s okay, she told him. Tell me all about the spoons. This is incredibly beautiful, and I know there’s a story behind it.

There is, he smiled. The story of the spoons is an ongoing and happy story.

Good, I like happy stories, Abby said, following Tom, who led her to a bench under the spoon trees. They sat down and he pointed up.

Wow, Abby was speechless. How many are there?

We never counted them, he laughed, but there are a lot and they span for over thirty-six years.

Is it a family tradition then?

"Yes, the spoon tree, trees, now. They are something my wife and I started before any of the kids were even born. It all began with our first Christmas together, he smiled, more specifically, when it came time to have our first Christmas tree. We didn’t have any decorations or any money to buy decorations. Grace, my wife, came from pretty wealthy parents. I didn’t. Her parents were completely against us being together. Basically, I brought absolutely nothing into our marriage other than a lot of love and respect for their daughter. But of course, and at the time since we were so young, they didn’t see that as being enough. We were very young."

Tom looked up at the spoons dangling above them and then turned to Abby, Sorry if I’m boring you. You asked about the spoons, and there’s a lot history behind…

I have time and I’m not going anywhere. Besides, I told you I like happy stories.

Okay then, don’t say I didn’t warn you, he said laughing. We were very much in love. I brought a lot of love into the marriage, but it wasn’t one-sided. We did have some struggles. Grace went from a rich life with a whole bunch, to a whole lot of nothing. She never complained, but I knew she missed certain things. For our first Christmas together, I saw her looking at holiday decorations and ornaments in store windows and magazines, and she’d listen to Christmas music on the radio whenever she had a chance. We were living away from her family and couldn’t travel for the holidays, so I thought I’d do something special for her. You know, let her have a touch of Christmas, even if it was on a smaller scale than what she was used to.

Tom got up and pointed to one of the smaller and newer looking spoons, That one is from when Billy started kindergarten, I think.

With so many, I imagine you would never be able to identify them all.

No, and I’m not the only one adding to the trees. The kids have added some on their own.

So tell me more about the first Christmas tree…

So I wanted to do something special for Grace, but there was that small detail about not having any money. I was really fortunate that she loved me enough to make up for my lack of cash. And because she loved me, I didn’t have to go all-out to please her. So I cut off a branch from a pine tree on my way home from work one day… Actually, I may have picked up a fallen branch, because as I recall, the tree looked kind of dead before I even brought it home. I got home, and of course I hadn’t thought it through; Grace was due home from school soon, so I had to think fast. I put the branch in a cooking pot we never used, because it was too big for just the two of us, but it kept flopping over. And since I’m an incredible architect, I used my engineering – slash – artistic skills and tied it up. The only way I figured would make it stand was to tie it to the pot’s handles. Miraculously, it worked. It worked, but looked really pitiful. I’ve always been an optimist, but there wasn’t enough optimism in the world to make a dry, almost dead branch in a big cooking pot, held up by strings look like Christmas."

Abby smiled, I bet she loved it anyway.

She did, but only after I found something to hang from it.

Spoons…

"Yup. I looked around our tiny apartment for something to hang from the dry branches, and settled for spoons. When we got married, we had four knives, four forks, and four soup spoons. But we had twelve teaspoons, because we drank a lot of coffee and tea to stay warm. After all, it was cheaper to drink coffee and tea than to pay the gas bill," he laughed, and stopped talking.

Are those first and original spoons here?

As a matter of fact, they are. But I don’t remember where they ended up. On the trees there’s a spoon for each anniversary, each child, each house we lived in, for every promotion, and when the kids got straight A’s on their report cards. Basically every happy event in our lives has always been followed or anticipated by the ‘hanging of a spoon’. Which of course is done ceremoniously and with flair.

That’s beautiful. What an incredible and sweet memory! Every birth, every anniversary… So how many kids are there, if any, other than Billy’s mom and Brian?

Eight.

"Eight?! Wow eight kids… And that was all with… Grace? Abby asked. Then she added, Grace isn’t here I take it?"

"Nope. She died a few years ago. She was my one and only.