The Heart's Duty Complete Series

By Shannon Muir

This electronic box set brings together two books: THE HEART'S DUTY COLLECTION and STORIES OF THE HEART'S DUTY.

THE HEART'S DUTY COLLECTION: Three generations of women who make choices fueled by passion, and others influenced by them are in this collection. Includes four novel length stories - from new to previously released. Collects DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY, THE HEART'S DUTY, REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY, and TOUCH THE STARS into a narrative about self-discovery.

STORIES OF THE HEART'S DUTY: Caitlin Blacke is determined to change the destiny of generations of her family by "Rebelling Against The Heart's Duty," a story originally serialized on the web and now included here in its entirety. Also included are two new short stories, "Beta Testing a New Beginning" and "Shot in the Dark," along with previously released tales that are related to THE HEART'S DUTY story line, including "Arrow to the Heart," "Fun and Games," and "Star Gazing".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shannon Muir
• Release date: May 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463092200

Shannon Muir

SHANNON MUIR's short stories include suspense and mystery elements such as those found in her first full-length story from Pro Se Press, CHARLES BOECKMAN PRESENTS DOC AND SALLY IN "THE DEATH OF BUDDY TURNER". Additionally, she's written short stories for Pro Se Press such as “Tragic Like a Torch Song” in THE DAME DID IT from Pro Se Press, "Pretty as a Picture" in the anthology NEWSHOUNDS, “Tropical Terror” in CRIME DOWN ISLAND and “Hidden History” in EXPLORER PULP. She’s also written the Single Shot New Pulp tale “Ghost of the Airwaves,” a short story offered in electronic format only from Pro Se Press.From her personal self-published projects, her best known titles in this area include the rural crime series THE WILLOWBROOK SAGA.In other genres, Shannon's published short stories include “Meeting the Monster” in the Emby Press anthology SUPERHERO MONSTER HUNTER: THE GOOD FIGHT and "Cover Story" in ARIA KALSAN: MYSTERIES OF THE FUTURE.Shannon holds a BA in Radio-TV and English from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, which she considers to be her hometown. She also holds an MA in Communications from California State University, Fullerton, along with additional education in screenwriting, project management, library technician studies, and most recently a certificate earned with distinction in General Business with Emphasis in Marketing from UCLA Extension. Currently, she is working on a Masters of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University.She is married to FLYING GLORY AND THE HOUNDS OF GLORY collaborator and fellow author Kevin Paul Shaw Broden. They live in California in the United States.She is a member of Sisters in Crime (national, Guppies, and Los Angeles, where she also served on the Los Angeles board for a two terms beginning in 2018), as well as the Toastmasters4Writers Chapter of Toastmasters International (where she serves as chapter Secretary), Women in Animation, and a Professional member of ASIFA-Hollywood.

Book preview

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COPYRIGHT

THE HEART'S DUTY COMPLETE SERIES

Shannon Muir

THE COMPLETE HEART’S DUTY SERIES Copyright 2018 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2013 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2011, 2012 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2014 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of TOUCH THE STARS: A STORY OF THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2005, 2011 Shannon Muir.

Contains the short story Fun and Games Copyright 2011 Shannon Muir.

Contains the short story Star Gazing Copyright 2012 Shannon Muir.

Contains the short story Arrow to the Heart Copyright 2013 Shannon Muir

Contains the short story Beta Testing a New Beginning Copyright 2017 Shannon Muir.

Contains the short story Rebelling Against the Heart’s Duty Copyright 2017 Shannon Muir.

Contains the short story Shot in the Dark Copyright 2017 Shannon Muir.

Smashwords Edition

First Smashwords publication May 2018.

All rights reserved.

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be given away or resold to others. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. If you want to share this work with others please go to Smashwords.com or a vendor partner and purchase a copy for each person. Thank you for respecting the hard work of artists and creators.

Cover artwork by Kevin Paul Shaw Broden.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE ABOUT THE COMPLETE SERIES

Be advised this compilation of stories doesn’t reflect the mystery and crime stories I’m generally noted for. However, many of my stories tend to bring in themes of generational conflict and quest for identity. You will find that in these stories.

The women of these tales struggle with finding a compass to lead them through life, believing this concept handed down of the heart’s duty will get them through. In this respect, they are somewhat unreliable narrators, as they are not certain of their own world.

I’ve put all the books and short stories together in a digital e-book box set of sorts as it is not feasible to publish them in print, but I do still have audience that is interested in these earlier works, while I also worked on finding my way to the genres and stories I enjoy writing about the most.

Shannon Muir

Glendale, California

May 2018

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COPYRIGHT

THE HEART'S DUTY COLLECTION

Part of the SPONTANEOUS CHOICES ADVENTURES series

Presented by INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS

Shannon Muir

THE HEART'S DUTY COLLECTION Copyright 2014 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2013 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2011, 2012 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2014 Shannon Muir.

Contains text of TOUCH THE STARS: A STORY OF THE HEART'S DUTY Copyright 2005, 2011 Shannon Muir.

Smashwords Edition

First Smashwords publication June 2014.

All rights reserved.

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be given away or resold to others. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. If you want to share this work with others please go to Smashwords.com or a vendor partner and purchase a copy for each person. Thank you for respecting the hard work of artists and creators.

Cover artwork by Kevin Paul Shaw Broden.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COPYRIGHT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION

AUTHOR'S NOTE FOR THE COLLECTION

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – AUTHOR'S NOTE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – PROLOGUE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER ONE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TWO

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER THREE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FOUR

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FIVE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER SIX

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER SEVEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER EIGHT

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER NINE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER ELEVEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TWELVE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER THIRTEEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FIFTEEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - EPILOGUE

THE HEART'S DUTY

THE HEART'S DUTY – AUTHOR'S NOTE

THE HEART'S DUTY – PROLOGUE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER ONE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TWO

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER THREE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FOUR

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FIVE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER SIX

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER SEVEN

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER EIGHT

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER NINE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TEN

THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER ELEVEN

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TWELVE

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER THIRTEEN

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FOURTEEN

THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE HEART'S DUTY - EPILOGUE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – AUTHOR'S NOTE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - PROLOGUE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER ONE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER TWO

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER THREE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FOUR

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER FIVE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER SIX

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER SEVEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER EIGHT

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER NINE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER TEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER ELEVEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER TWELVE

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER THIRTEEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER FOURTEEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY – CHAPTER FIFTEEN

REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY - EPILOGUE

TOUCH THE STARS: A STORY OF THE HEART'S DUTY

TOUCH THE STARS – AUTHOR'S NOTE

TOUCH THE STARS – PROLOGUE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER ONE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER TWO

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER THREE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER FOUR

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER FIVE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER SIX

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER SEVEN

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER EIGHT

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER NINE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER TEN

TOUCH THE STARS - CHAPTER ELEVEN

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER TWELVE

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER THIRTEEN

TOUCH THE STARS – CHAPTER FOURTEEN

TOUCH THE STARS - EPILOGUE

ALSO BY SHANNON MUIR – THE PHOENIX COLLECTION

ALSO BY SHANNON MUIR – FOR THE LOVE OF AIRAGOS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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DEDICATION

To everyone who's given me support in good times as well as the not-so-good ones.

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AUTHOR’S NOTE FOR THE COLLECTION

When I originally wrote THE HEART'S DUTY as an online chapter style story, that later grew into a larger piece that I published on its own, I didn't envision doing anything more with it. However, as time passed after its publications, many questions kept occurring to me. I wondered why Kristine's mother raised her in such a twisted way in the first place, and what her own family would be like. Given Kristine's daughter Jessica would have been raised in the same environment, how brainwashed would she be to turn out the same way? The quest to answer those questions resulted in the stories DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY and REDEFINING THE HEART'S DUTY. I believe that together they bring a lot more of an overarching logic and understanding to the events of THE HEART'S DUTY.

On a different note, and also completely unplanned, most of the characters from my first novel TOUCH THE STARS – my first National Novel Writing Month attempt in 2005 and later my first published novel in 2011 - began creeping into the HEART'S DUTY stories. Given Hollywood provides a backdrop for all of them, it just made natural sense and fit in with where the stories headed. I didn't initially plan to include it in this collection but as everything came together, it became clear that the story belongs in this series. It contains valuable backstory for many characters in the story of the three generations of women, but is also able to be read on its own. In addition, as my first manuscript, I did make some copy editing errors in the manuscript which are corrected here.

My other struggle with these stories came in marketing. Originally, I tried marketing them to the romance population, but after a while figured that wasn't the best place. This holds very much true for the later stories. They are stories of women who go through struggles to find their identities from the aspects of their womanhood as well as individuals. This opened the door for some very serious thoughts at times. At best I guess I can call it dramatic women's fiction, but there's no clear genre I can put these in. They are just being the stories they are called to be.

Two other characters made an appearance here as well that I'd met before. In DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY, Barbra meets a woman named Meghan O'Malley. As things came together, I began to realize I'd seen Meg before. If readers look at a story called Fun and Games, from my anthology AT THE END OF INNOCENCE ROAD: AN ANTHOLOGY OF STORIES AND POEMS COVERING THE JOURNEY FROM CHILDHOOD TO OLD AGE, readers also meet Meg… albeit a bit older. It wasn't planned to work out that way; Meg just showed up where she was needed. I also needed to cast some of Meg's friends, and during that process another one of the short story anthology characters entered the picture, Wanda Wilson from the short story Alternate Reflections in the anthology SEARCH FOR A WOMAN: AN ANTHOLOGY OF STORIES AND POEMS LOOKING AT WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. I liked the adventure of being able to do more with them than in the short couple pages where I first wrote about them. This book can be read without reading the stories and vice versa, but I thought the trivia might be of interest.

Explore what the heart's duty means and how it evolves. I hope you enjoy it.

Shannon Muir

June 2014

Glendale, CA

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DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - AUTHOR'S NOTE

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY is the prequel to THE HEART'S DUTY. THE HEART'S DUTY originally serialized on Goodreads and later expanded to become my second novel. While writing that story, it raised a lot of questions about the lead character's mother, who appeared in both flashbacks and small appearances in the book. I began to wonder about what kind of woman Kristine's mother had been, and what she went through to become the woman readers meet in THE HEART'S DUTY. So, for National Novel Writing Month 2013, I decided to take the adventure and find out. On November 29, 2013, I succeeded in my goal and won National Novel Writing Month for my ninth consecutive year.

The story very much revolves around examining the consequences of actions. Some of those actions involve relationships not of a traditional nature. The exploration is a very complex one with no easy answers. Always remember as well that these thoughts apply to this specific set of people in these situations. Nothing I write necessarily reflects my personal beliefs. In fact, I often like to explore people and personalities far different than my own.

I believe that in writing this story, it helps strengthen the sometimes unclear motivations of some characters in THE HEART'S DUTY. It fills in gaps in the overall universe of that book, which at times heavily relied on flashbacks, to make a stronger narrative. I hope you enjoy it.

Shannon Muir

November 2013

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DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - PROLOGUE

Barbra McHenry sat alone in her room in front of the mirror, getting ready for another night of sleeping alone without her husband Easton. They'd only been married for two months but she'd seen him for so absolute little of it. He always needed to be getting on a plane and going places, which turned out to be part of what Barbra fell in love with about him. She'd met Easton McHenry when he'd come as a traveling representative to her father's doctor's offices. Easton McHenry worked as a pharmaceutical representative for a giant company with office around the world and high profile clients, and her well-to-do father felt Easton would be a perfect fit to match up with his daughter. He'd been a single father to Barbra and her twin sister Bettie ever since their mother died from breast cancer when the girls were very young. Her father, Munro David, worked in physical matters of the heart and his wife Eleanor's illness wasn't something his training could help him with, but there could be no denying that even his training couldn't repair his emotional heart after their mother died. She had been his whole world, and the doctor wasn't terribly well equipped to raise two girls alone, and carried no motivation to find someone else to share his life with.

You've always wanted to see the world, he told Barbra. Easton McHenry travels it and you can go with him. Perhaps you will find the right muse to inspire you. You've made poor choices in the past.

These both came as an encouragement and a dig at Barbra's choice of lifestyle. Her father as a clinical doctor never understood Barbra's draw to the creative arts as her calling. Barbra's skill with oil painting impressed all her school teachers and friends who encouraged her. To her father, he couldn't figure out why she spent so much time on a hobby when more effort should go into finding her true life calling. Her mother, who became a nurse, always became the stick to which Barbra's father compared. So it surprised no one when Bettie went into nursing.

He's not my type, Barbra would say, brushing off the idea.

Barbra became involved in an artist's colony locally that ultimately headed west to escape the conservative Midwestern climate that they felt stifled their creativity. Barbra's father became extremely ill at that point, and Bettie made it into a high profile nursing school back east and her father wouldn't even let her consider leaving, so Barbra made the heartbreaking choice to stay and care for him instead of going with the man she loved and the father of a child she expected.

He's never understood you, Babs, Archer Lloyd told Barbra the day the others left. So why in the world stay? You don't owe him anything.

Archer, he's still family. I have a duty to stay.

Archer put a hand on Barbra's barely showing belly.

And we're family. You better come as soon as you can.

That reunion never arrived, as Archer's minivan became involved in a fatal accident during the travel across country.

However, since no one knew to contact Barbra David, time passed and she thought him to still be alive.

See? her father chastised her one day several months later, using the last of his ever fading energy. I told you that artist was no good for you!

Barbra turned to face her father from gathering his morning medications, her body now clearly showing with what turned out to be two children.

You're dying, Dad. Can't you at least be happy you have a grandchild on the way? Two grandsons, even.

She brought the pills and water over to her father, but privately she kept the hurt and pain inside of the fear of rejection from Archer. He promised to contact her with a new address and other pertinent contact information. She didn't know why Archer hadn't written. That said, even the concept Archer's death never crossed her mind, perhaps because she faced down death with her own father.

Barbra still hadn't given birth when her father passed, and she couldn't hide at his funeral. The best she could do was dodge questions and keep people focused on her father's passing. Yet not even Bettie would let it pass as she flew in from back east for the funeral.

My word, Barbra, you look... I don't know how to say.

Just say pregnant. Don't beat around the bush, Barbra told her. And this black dress just accentuates everything. Bad enough I'm having two of them like Mom. Blame heredity.

That or stupidity. I mean, I really didn't think I'd see this from you.

At that moment, a man came up that Barbra vaguely recognized from his visits to her father's office over the years. Though he had salt and pepper hair now, Easton McHenry looked very much as Barbra remembered him. They shook hands.

Barbra, my dear, I'm so sorry. What a hard year for you, losing that artist lover of yours and your father. And to now be having his babies alone.

Barbra's hand dropped limp.

Wait. What did you say?

Easton McHenry looked at Barbra dumbfounded.

What? Your father never told you? I heard about the van accident in my travels months ago and let him know. Multiple cars piled up on the freeway. I never imagined he'd keep that from you.

Barbra began to cry rather loudly. Given the circumstances, no one thought much of it. Easton reached out and held her in his arms.

Did you know my father's dying wish was for us to be together? she sobbed.

You and Archer? Easton asked, puzzled.

No, no. You and me.

So it came to pass that Barbra David followed the heart's duty - a phrase her father coined for doing what the heart dictates because one was obligated to keep oneself emotionally satisfied - and married Easton McHenry. Before that, though, they needed to resolve one major hurdle. Barbra initially tried to raise her two boys, but found they were a barrier in her budding relationship with Easton. She'd hoped that Easton and the children would bond, but after a few frustrating weeks no progress seemed to be happening.

Barb, he asked her one night while trying to unsuccessfully get the boys back to sleep after a feeding. Have you tried to locate their father's family?

No, Barbra admitted. In the beginning, I thought I'd hear from him again. Then after time passed, my world revolved around my father. You bringing this up really is the first time I've even stopped to think about it. Why are you asking?

Well, don't they have a right to know he had children?

Barbra kept talking over the wails of the crying baby in her arms as she tried to rock him to sleep.

From what Archer told me, I'm not all that sure they got along.

Still, it would seem they have a right to know. It might even solve all our problems.

Barbra looked at Easton, puzzled. Fortunately he seemed to pick up what he meant.

My love, we deserve a fresh start. If the boys' family wants to be part of their lives, maybe they can raise them instead.

Barbra held the son in her arms tight.

Really, Easton. I'm their mother.

Easton came up close and whispered in her ear.

You can have other children. That family will never have other offspring from Archer. Do the right thing and look into it. Then we can build the future on our own terms.

Taking her not yet husband's advice, and getting his assistance, Barbra David narrowed down the location of Archer's sister.

Javelynn Lloyd lived in New Jersey, where she'd become a very successful accountant. When Barbra called the office, she wasn't at all surprised that the sister identified herself simply as Lynn Lloyd. While their first names might have been good from very creative parents, they weren't good fits in the corporate world.

Lynn Lloyd, Barbra heard an authoritative and gruff voice answer.

Hello, my name is Barbra David, Barbra replied, very nervously. I'm calling about your brother Archer.

At this point, Barbra didn't have any way to know whether or not the rest of the family knew Archer's fate.

Archer Lloyd? My brother's dead, Lynn replied, confirming both that she'd contacted the right person and that the family knew.

I know, and that's why I'm calling. I'm the mother of his sons.

Don't you think you're going to get any money out of us! Lynn screamed into the phone. I'm an accountant and you can't pull a fast one on me.

Barbra almost hung up, but nervously realized this was for her boys and she needed to through with it.

I don't want money, Lynn. I want them to go to their family, to get the support and love they need. My father just died. My twin sister is far away in nursing school. My mother died years ago from cancer.

Barbra heard herself begging.

I can't handle two baby boys alone. I need help.

She heard silence on the other end of the line.

Lynn, are you still there? Barbra asked quietly.

Then she heard the sound of a nose blow.

Yeah, Barbra finally heard, with all pretense of gruffness stripped away. I just needed a minute. It's been hard for me to deal without my brother. My parents wouldn't talk to him anymore, but I still did. He believed so much in his dreams. Still hard to accept he's gone. But I really don't know what to tell you. My parents really and truly feel Archer brought his death on himself. I've seen all the records. It was just a senseless accident. No reason for those kids to suffer for my parents failing to see the truth.

What about you? asked Barbra.

I'm not sure I'm following, Bonnie.

It's Barbra, Barbra, she emphasized, frustrated her children's' aunt didn't even know her name. Do you want to be a part of the boys' life or not?

Of course I do!

Now came the question Barbra wasn't sure if she could even ask.

You said you're an accountant. That sounds like a good and stable job. Would you be willing to raise them?

What? Lynn responded with a tone of disbelief, but definitely not with any hint of anger.

Lynn, I really don't have the finances to give these boys what they need. My father, just like Archer, didn't like me or my creative pursuits. He left everything to my sister. My savings is running out and I don't have a job. If you can't help I might have to put them up for adoption.

As he'd instructed her, Barbra David made no mention of Easton McHenry being in her life.

No, please, don't do that! pleaded Lynn through the phone. We'll find a way to make this all work out. We definitely will.

In the end, Barbra did encourage Lynn to raise Archer's sons as her own. The family lawyer, Lyman Claiborne, helped her arrange everything. Lynn definitely possessed the income and compassion to give them a much needed home. However, Barbra never once mentioned to Lynn that there existed a man in her life and that she planned to marry him.

Now, Barbra sat alone on yet another lonely night without Easton, the man she'd given up everything for. Yet Barbra could not see a life ahead without him in it. She wondered what she'd given up to fulfill the heart's duty.

Despite his pressures on Barbra to leave her children behind to start a new life with him, she'd come to learn that while all the red tape went on between her and Javilynn Lloyd, Easton McHenry got past his feeling of obligation to her for his old friend Munro. On one of his business trips, he'd met a woman that completely mesmerized him. Barbra only knew this woman's name to be Nadia and that she lived in Chicago, and the secretary to one of his other clients. She knew that the fact most of Easton's business trips went to or transferred via Chicago wasn't coincidence. He clearly made rendezvouses with Nadia, even though Barbra also knew Easton recently received a wedding invitation to Nadia's marriage to another man.

In the back of her mind, Barbra's desperation burned. She'd given up her sons for this man who seemed to lose interest. Her father's dying wish was for her to be with this same man. Most importantly, Barbra didn't have a clue what she might do without Easton McHenry in her life.

So one weekend, Easton returned from a business trip and Barbra surprised him with a romantic weekend. She set up a hotel and everything to a cabin up in the mountains. She also made sure to arrange for a lot of his favorite alcoholic beverages. There, she made sure to keep him drunk and seduced all weekend to conceive a child with Easton and bring her back to him.

It worked, and backfired.

At first Easton just wanted to offer her a ton of hush money to keep the parentage of her baby quiet so he could be with Nadia. He apologized up and down that he'd come to realize he didn't love Barbra after all, and that she wasn't all that his old friend Munro David played her up to be. He refused to give Nadia up. Then, to the surprise of all, Nadia flew from Chicago to where they lived in the Midwest and insisted that she could not leave her husband or it would bring disgrace on her family, even though she loved Easton dearly. Nadia encouraged them both to marry, while allowing everyone to follow their hearts.

In the end, Barbra David listened, because she feared the result any other course of action. Bettie completely ignored her existence and Barbra knew she couldn't turn to her for help. Barbra lacked any one to turn to except Lyman Claiborne and his daughter Lydia who was just slightly younger than Barbra.

Barbra went from feeling obligated to follow the heart's duty to being imprisoned by it.

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DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER ONE

Barbra McHenry answered the doorbell one evening some seven years later. She opened the door to find Easton and a woman she could only suspect to be Nadia standing in the doorway. Barbra guessed this by the tall woman's Eastern European features but more importantly, by her rounded middle. Easton mentioned a few months back the lovebirds expected their third child together. Barbra couldn't believe Nadia's dimwitted husband hadn't figured it all out yet and managed to stay married. However, Nadia said years ago her family would be disgraced by divorce. Maybe her husband's family would be as well.

Easton, Barbra said without emotion. I thought we agreed you would never bring her here to our house.

That's what I've come to tell you, Barb, he replied with equal coldness. It likely will not be your house for much longer.

He squeezed Nadia's hand tightly and affectionately, something Barbra realized with a wince that Easton McHenry never did with her and likely never would.

I finally found myself in a position to get a divorce from my husband. No one is the wiser about my children, but my soon to be former husband made a grave misstep in who he tried to befriend to get up the corporate ladder. It appears he's found himself used as a scapegoat, the little dimwit.

Little in more ways than one, isn't he, darling? Easton said with a wink.

Nadia laughed loudly.

Be quiet, Barbra insisted in a harsh whisper. Our daughter Kristine is trying to sleep upstairs. I don't want her to see her father with some other woman.

Well, she better get used to it, because as soon as our divorce is through, Nadia will be her stepmother. I'm already having Lyman Claiborne draw up the agreement. I suggest you find yourself some counsel.

Barbra began to fill with sheer panic. She'd never trained for any sort of career outside of her practice of art. Barbra chose to go to the artist colony after high school and possessed no trade skills. Her father left Bettie all of the house and material possessions. Barbra knew she really had nothing without Easton's support.

Counsel? With what money? I have nothing without you, Easton. Nothing!

It hurt her to admit it aloud.

Mommy? broke a timid little female voice through the tension. Everyone turned to see little seven year old Kristine McHenry walk into the room. She wore a nightgown and carried her favorite teddy bear that Easton brought her as a gift. I couldn't sleep and I heard all this noise.

Barbra rushed over and hugged Kristine tight.

Oh my baby, my baby. It's all right. You'll be fine. Just go back to sleep.

Too late, Barbra became aware that little Kristine looked over her shoulder at Daddy and another woman holding hands in the doorway.

Mommy? Who is the fat woman with Daddy?

Fat! Easton, how dare you let her call me fat? Nadia complained to Easton.

Darling, she's an only child. She doesn't understand.

Barbra watched Nadia back down, though she didn't seem fully satisfied.

Barb, go and throw some of my things in a suitcase. You don't need to be neat about it. Just hurry back, while we explain things to little Kristine.

And how do I know you won't take her?

Nadia huffed.

We have children of our own. Why would we want yours?

Nadia's words stung Barbra, but she decided to trust them. The sooner Easton and his little tramp left her life the better and probably for Kristine's life as well. Quickly she hurried to the bedroom and yanked out Easton's larger travel suitcase; he'd already taken the smaller one presumably to Chicago to meet Nadia. Hastily Barbra threw as many of Easton's clothes in as would fit and dragged it back out to the front room to find young Kristine in tears. Her father and Nadia continued to stand in the door, not even trying to comfort the scared child.

Daddy, I want to go with you! insisted Kristine as Barbra set the suitcase next to the man she soon knew would no longer be her husband.

You need to stay with your mother, Easton flatly responded. This is where you belong.

Then Easton leaned over and whispered into Barbra's ear something neither of them wanted Kristine to hear.

Someday tell her the truth about everything, but only when you feel she can handle it. Right now she's far too young. We're not going to tell our children about Kristine for years to come. They've been through enough at our expense.

Without another word, Easton picked up his suitcase and dragged it off with Nadia beside him. Kristine tried to run for the open door.

No, Daddy, no!

Before her daughter could reach it, Barbra slammed the door in front of Kristine's face, startling the child. She looked up at her mother with big sad eyes brimming with tears, and Barbra's emotional core began to crumble. She grabbed Kristine and hugged her baby tight.

It's all right, it's all right. Daddy hasn't been here for us for a long time.

He loves the fat lady, doesn't he, Mommy? Why does he love the fat lady better than you?

She's not fat, Kristine, honey. That lady is having a baby with your Daddy. He loves her now.

No! No! He loves you! He loves me!

Kristine totally broke down and started sobbing. Barbra grabbed her little girl tighter and just let her cry until the tears stopped. Finally she led Kristine back to bed and tucked her in, then sat and watched until the girl slipped off into slumber.

Lying in bed that night in her room, for the first time the bedroom felt very empty. Even though Easton left on trips quite often, the knowledge of his imminent return left a different prescience than how the room currently came across. Now Barbra truly knew this would be the nightly routine, with no more surprise returns from her husband.

The next morning, Barbra mustered up the courage to call Lydia Claiborne, Lyman's daughter and the closest thing Barbra had to a best female friend. It would be awkward since her father worked as Easton's lawyer, but Lydia currently just started out in law to follow in her father's footsteps. She at least might have some advice on what to do or who Barbra could contact, though for conflict of interest reasons she couldn't actually represent her. Barbra truly felt out of options. The two of them agreed to meet for coffee while Kristine spent the day in school.

So you're telling me you knew Easton and this Nadia chick were getting it on the whole time?

Barbra nodded subtly.

And you also knew they had kids together.

Yes, Barbra admitted.

Not a huge leg to stand on there legally if you both mutually agreed to this arrangement and you tolerated it for years. I say take whatever he gives you to sign and don't contest it.

But it might mean not having a place to live anymore. What can I do?

Well, it's not ideal, but you and Kristine could live at my place. It's my house and I'm swinging the monthly rent on it. I got a two bedroom hoping to set one up as an office but being into law's taken all my time, but you and Kristine would need to share the other room.

I could pay you back by doing housework and keeping the place up, Barbra suggested. Without any money from her father, and Easton not willing to pay for hired help, she'd learned to do a lot of the basics herself. Except probably not cook, I'm no good at that.

Let me check with my landlord how much more it would cost. The fee should be nominal. Also, being a law student, I don't have time for that kind of stuff so keeping the house better maintained would be an improvement. I'm just not sure how well this will work with Kristine. I don't know much about kids.

She's usually very shy and quiet. I can't see her being any trouble.

Neither woman anticipated the huge emotional adjustments that both Barbra and Kristine would require to accept this new change in how they lived.

The landlord didn't turn out to be as initially receptive to Barbra and Kristine moving in as Lydia hoped.

He said to me that I made the cut as a single, professional woman who didn't pose any problems, Lydia admitted as the three of them ate breakfast at Lydia's house. The two stayed right now under the landlord's one week guest policy while Lydia fought for something more long term. A second adult tenant isn't his issue.

Lydia glanced out to the main room, where Kristine played with toys, a little louder than Barbra would have preferred. She wondered if the noise always existed and she never noticed, or if Kristine changed due to the stress of their current situation.

He's very concerned of any damage a child might do to the house.

Kristine just turned seven years old not too long ago! She's not a toddler in its terrible twos or anything!

Lydia put up a hand and gestured for Barbra to calm down.

That's why I hoped maybe you and Kristine could go with me to meet him. The landlord's a friend of my father's and this beautiful older home used to be his parents' place a generation ago before they built their mansion next door to our place.

You mean the giant house with the VG on the gate? Barbra asked in amazement.

The VanGraf place? Lydia responded, and then nodded in affirmation to follow up the question. And you'd think with his own kid he'd be a bit more understanding, but I don't think he's ever been a great father figure to his son Doran. Helmut VanGraf is, I'm sorry to say, very aloof and distant to everyone. But you never know. Maybe Doran and Kristine might hit it off and that influence him, who knows?

Ha! That seems like a long shot all the way around. Especially about poor Kristine. She's not terribly sociable.

The only other option you have, I think, would be to use turnabout as fair play. How does Easton's family feel about their granddaughter? He recommended you reach out to the family of your sons' father in the past. How does his family feel about Kristine?

Kristine made a silencing motion to her lips.

Quiet. Kristine doesn't know about Archer, not yet. She's been through enough.

Okay, okay, I get it. But still, Barbra, I've got a valid question. How close is Easton's family to his daughter?

At that moment, it occurred to Barbra that Easton's family might very well know and maybe even spend time with Easton and Nadia's children. That might explain the answer she knew she was about to give Lydia.

Easton's family never really warmed up to me. The first time we met I was already pretty far along with Kristine. Easton needed to go on an extended business trip for a month and took me to see his family. I believe most of them interacted with me out of family obligation. They largely ignored me. All except his uncle, Cole.

Barbra could hear just in how she mentioned Cole's name the feelings hadn't died.

Cole took care of the horses in the family stable. Big, strong, handsome, rugged all would describe him. One day he offered to take me and show me around. While there, Cole admitted her knew about Easton and his woman. He began to ask me how I felt knowing his nephew would never love me. Finally I broke down and admitted that I knew Easton would never love me as fully as he did her, but at least he met his obligations as my husband. Cole pressed to ask me if Easton met my needs. I didn't quite understand what he meant at first. Soon, naked and sweaty in a stable, I understood it all. Cole tried to tell me I deserved pleasure just as much as his nephew did.

So did you enjoy it? Lydia asked, on the edge of her seat in intrigue.

Very much so. Remember when I had a stillborn child later on? That child was Cole's. We were together every holiday and vacation Easton and I brought Kristine out to his family. At that point, when the family found out the child was Cole's and not Easton's suddenly I became the enemy. Their contact with Kristine stopped.

Lydia sucked in a deep breath.

You might not like me saying this, Barbra, but maybe it cast doubt to them that Easton fathered Kristine.

It's the truth! Easton is Kristine's father. There is no one else.

Perhaps they didn't see it that way. Also, they knew about Archer right?

Barbra nodded in confirmation to her friend Lydia.

My father robbed me of the life I wanted, and the life I deserved. Easton went after the life he wanted. Why should I always be the one to suffer?

Lydia put down her fork.

Remember my advice about not trying to take Easton to the cleaners? Now that applies in spades. He's got enough on you to take you to the cleaners. What I don't understand is why you did it at all.

Because Easton did!

Doesn't one of you need to be the bigger person?

Lydia's tone unnerved Barbra.

Are you turning your back on me too, Lydia?

No, not yet anyway. But you need to show me that you can think larger than just yourself. Otherwise my patience may eventually run out. Honestly, Barbra, what have you ever done for me?

Barbra sat watching Lydia in stunned silence.

# # #

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER TWO

Three years later, Barbra David adjusted her earrings and looked at herself in the mirror. As the administrator of Helmut VanGraf's private art collection, Barbra needed to make sure she looked the part and impressed everyone for his annual private exhibition and fundraiser. Tonight she needed to be the public face for both the art collection and the VanGraf Institute for Artistic Discovery, the foundation Helmut started after meeting Barbra and hearing her story. Helmut felt any artist should be allowed to practice their craft with emotional and financial support at all times. As an art collector, her story moved him and he not only allowed Barbra and Kristine to live with Lydia, but allowed Barbra to work for him which included a studio set up for her to resume painting. Now that Lydia moved out upon owning her own home, Barbra rented the entire house and Kristine moved into Lydia's room.

Then her focus moved to her middle. She stood in profile and sighed. Even in just the couple weeks since Barbra bought the dress for the night's occasion, it tightened up considerably in the middle, drawing attention to places she rather it would not. For several years, Barbra kept the promise that she made to Lydia Claiborne that day about trying to put others first, in particular her daughter Kristine. Eventually, however, her own wants and needs came back to drive her without planning for the consequences. She thought willpower would be enough.

Mom? she heard Kristine's voice call out from downstairs. The babysitter's here!

Barbra looked in the mirror again and patted her beach ball size tummy. She'd worn loose clothing to keep Kristine from guessing but tonight it looked like she would need to confront a few issues before going out the door.

Slowly she made her way to the first floor, where Kristine and the babysitter already chatted about what they wanted to do for the evening. Barbra watched as Kristine looked up as she heard her mother descending the stairs, and saw the surprise in her eyes.

Mom, wow. You're big.

Barbra could feel herself blush.

Yes, Kristine, I guess that would be one way to describe it.

Barbra dreaded a sea of questions that would come, some that Barbra did not want to answer in front of the babysitter. Fortunately, none of them did, perhaps because the babysitter's prescience made Kristine far too afraid to ask.

Have a good time, Mom, Kristine said quietly.

Barbra reached over and gave Kristine a hug.

You be good, okay?

Barbra walked outside in the brisk evening, got in her car, and drove to the event up at the VanGraf estate. She arrived on the early side as Barbra needed to help Helmut VanGraf and the rest of the staff set up. Her condition did not go unnoticed by her employer, who also remained unaware until that evening.

My dear, you look radiant, Helmut VanGraf said with a smile for which Barbra doubted his sincerity. And I had no idea! You kept it so well hidden. People may be talking more about you than my art. Though I must say, I had no idea there was a man in your life.

There's not, Barbra responded fairly flatly. At least, there is not anymore.

So you had greater ambitions?

For myself, not really. I just did what I needed to close a deal. A big price to get one of the VanGraf Institute for Artistic Discovery's best donors.

Helmut VanGraf raised an eyebrow.

My dear, you do realize that may not be deemed as terribly ethical.

Yes, I do. That's why I wanted to let some time pass. It only happened once and he has no idea he's the father. You asked me to wine and dine him and I did, despite his being married. I never expected him to come on to me. Yet a man with his good looks, and money and power, can get whatever he wants. And it's not like I'm a threat to his family's line of inheritance anyway, because his son Dravis is set to get everything. I'm expecting a girl. I just wish there weren't so many years between her and Kristine.

Helmut VanGraf and Barbra David walked into the large dining room where Helmut planned to entertain his exclusive guests for the evening. Barbra absolutely loved the detail and the decorations put up for the event, which evoked the feel of classic artists, particularly of the Renaissance period. The pitch of the foundation was about creating a new artistic modern Renaissance, which made the theme it nicely.

You do realize he will be here tonight, reminded Helmut. Does he know at all?

Helmut did know to whom Barbra referred, even if shame prevented her from speaking a name aloud.

Barbra shook her head in the negative.

Honestly I don't believe he'll even give it a second thought. Especially since his wife will also be here. Even if he dared suspect, there would be too much of a risk if she pieced things together.

Barbra wanted to mislead Helmut about the full extent of how this came about, though he did know who they both spoke of but would not directly name. Barbra still couldn't admit the truth to anyone. She doubted the Blackes would be public about the events. Yet she also carried great concern about how Helmut would perceive her if he knew exactly the lengths she'd gone to that night to bring him the donor he so desired.

And just how long ago did this happen, my dear? Helmut continued to press. You were certainly shrewd enough to keep it hidden from me. With a son of my own, I'm certainly not ignorant of such matters.

About five months. I knew I'd have to talk soon, but the hardest part will be fully explaining to my daughter. She saw me right before I left tonight clearly showing for the first time, but Kristine really does not understand any of what is going on.

Just then a thought crossed Barbra's mind, and she turned to her employer.

Do you have concerns that I might not be able to perform my job effectively, or that I might be a distraction to your objectives tonight? If you want me to go I'd understand, but I really don't know who else could step in and get everything you need done.

Helmut pointed at Barbra.

Barbra, you inspired me to make all of this possible. To have you not be a part of it would be absolutely unthinkable. Do not even suggest it again!

Yes, sir, she affirmed.

Now I am off to get ready for the event. I shall see you in a couple hours, my dear.

Barbra checked in with all the various staff, from the cooks to the decorators and more. As she walked around the mansion, Barbra thought back to the encounter that changed her life and swayed her to deviate from the promise she'd made her good friend Lydia Claiborne. Lydia didn't know and Barbra feared what would take place when Lydia did find out, either for having gone against her word or telling other people before Lydia.

Mortimer Blacke headed the wealthiest family in the area. The Blackes began selling farm equipment generations ago to the local farmers, filling a great need in the area. The constant changes in technology and the price of the equipment, along with good investing, raised the family's wealth and power. Rarely would the Blackes invest in charitable causes, but Helmut VanGraf determined to get Mortimer Blacke on board with his vision. So, he decided to send Barbra David along to make a personal appeal and explain firsthand how they could change the lives of those with creative talents. The plan would be that a heartfelt story would make Mortimer Blacked choose them over other nonprofit organizations coming to persuade that only armed with facts.

Getting Mortimer Blacke to listen proved to be no easy task. First Barbra needed to convince the Blacke family of the charity's authenticity. That took more than a few phone calls and follow up packages of data and statistics to even get a meeting. After that, the Blacke family rescheduled three times. Finally they did allow a day for Barbra come. Mortimer's wife, Patrice, met her at the door.

Barbra expected to see them both, and this surprised her.

I assure you that my husband is here, Patrice told Barbra. How we always do this is that I vet the pitch first and see if it is worth his time.

Barbra gave her spiel and the response proved to be positive.

We will consider donating to you, said Mortimer's wife. If you do something for us.

I would be happy to consider any proposal, Barbra said, with no clue of what would come.

You are a very fine looking woman, continued the wife. And my husband deserves the best. Unfortunately, I can't satisfy him. I'm sure he would enjoy your company.

I would be happy to treat him to a fine dinner, Barbra responded, still not quite fully getting it.

Well then, Mortimer's wife said with a wink. We'd better not waste any time getting started.

Together they climbed the stairs. Barbra thought they headed toward Mortimer's private home office. They walked past beautiful antique vases and small statues. Clearly the Blacke family appreciated art.

Mortimer's wife Patrice slowly opened the upstairs door.

Are you ready, darling? she spoke into the darkness.

She's decided to join us? Splendid.

Only then did Barbra look past into the barely lit room and realize she'd been misled. This room, instead of a private home office, was the private bed chamber.

She seriously considered backing out and running, but if she came back empty handed Barbra could not get it out of her mind that Helmut would see to it Barbra lost her job for not getting the most needed donor in the city; with that Helmut's influence would spread a bad reputation all over town. Without a job she could no longer care for Kristine. On the other side of things, going through with this would likely destroy her relationship with her only female friend in the world, Lydia Claiborne. In the end, concern for Kristine outweighed any personal pride and she walked into the darkness.

Barbra David never told anyone all the details of what happened that night. The couple knew about the world of physical pleasure in ways that Barbra never even fathomed. On top of that, Barbra hadn't been physically involved with anyone for around three years as part of her promise to Lydia Claiborne. Though she secretly admitted to herself she liked some of what she learned, Barbra doubted she'd ever find the confidence to do so again. Only keeping the well-being of her daughter Kristine in the front of her mind kept her willing. One could argue perhaps it all to be simply emotional extortion. In the end, Barbra walked away with a large donation and promise of continued partnership and thought it wouldn't come to mind again.

The course of nature decided otherwise.

She'd all but forgotten the encounter ever happened until she started feeling very tired a few weeks later. Since they'd just come off a rather busy period of donor recruitment, Helmut suggested that Barbra take a couple days off to rest and recover. Barbra used them to confirm a pregnancy. Then she seriously needed to consider what to do. Since she didn't dare confess to the Blacke family about conceiving a child for fear they might pull financial backing from Helmut, that avenue wasn't open to her. Barbra also needed to face the reality that some people might think her child to be conceived with Helmut and she'd need to figure out how to deal with it. On top of both those scenarios would be trying to explain to a ten year old child what happened in her mother's life and how it would affect both of them.

At first, Barbra thought she would just go and take care of it and nothing would be left to worry about. She and Kristine could go on like nothing happened. Then, the more she thought about everything, Barbra began to realize just how selfishly she wanted another child in her life. It might be the only chance for Kristine to have a sibling, shame or no shame involved. For a time, she bounced back and forth trying to decide what to do. Then things heated up with needing to raise more funds for the art nonprofit, Barbra lost track of time, and time made up her mind for her.

Tonight, as she helped finish the table arrangements, she realized this would be her first interaction with a visible expanding middle. She wondered if they'd even put the pieces together. Probably tonight would be so busy they would not notice, but Barbra didn't know about the nonprofit organization's other monthly meetings. If she went full term there would be four more months of growth and change. They'd figure it out soon enough unless she found a way to limit contact with the pair - highly unlikely since Helmut indicated he wanted her to keep working - or Barbra would need to do something else to muddy the waters.

As she watched the serving crew go in and out of the kitchen, Barbra realized what she needed to do. She'd need to gain enough weight for the Blackes to think she'd already been pregnant when she came to their mansion. Because of Archer's twins, she'd experienced being heavy before. Now Barbra realized she'd need to live something closer to that to throw everyone off.

So, after greeting everyone at the door, Barbra subtly stuffed her face with appetizers throughout the evening. At dinner time, she devoured the kitchen leftovers. Barbra let out a very unladylike belch as Helmut entered the kitchen.

Stuffing yourself to celebrate our successful event, my dear?

I just didn't want the leftovers to go to waste, Barbra admitted half-truthfully.

Helmut patted Barbra's midsection without asking.

Listen to your mother. Such a practical thinker. Always putting herself last.

Barbra wasn't too sure she agreed with Helmut. Staying pregnant remained a complete act of selfishness. No one benefited save maybe Barbra and Kristine.

# # #

DISCOVERING THE HEART'S DUTY - CHAPTER THREE

Barbra only planned to put on a few extra pounds, just enough to throw things off. She didn't expect to constantly snack without thinking. Most importantly, Barbra didn't expect the reaction of Lydia Claiborne. After finding out about Barbra and Easton's past marital drama earlier, budding lawyer Lydia threatened to walk away from the friendship if Kristine found herself in any sort of trouble again. Fortunately Lydia had been too busy for them to talk much, but Barbra knew she needed to get where she stood with Lydia in order sooner rather than later. That would make it easier to rebuild her life and move on.

She'd arranged to just visit Lydia at the firm where Lydia worked, at the coffee shop on the lobby floor. This way, Lydia could feel most on her turf and comfortable. She didn't give Lydia any advance idea she'd gotten pregnant; Barbra decided to let her body speak for itself.

Lydia entered and at first nothing registered because Barbra sat down in the front waiting for Lydia to arrive, so they could be seated. However, when Barbra stood up, her body form made hiding the truth impossible.

Barbra, you're pregnant! Lydia exclaimed, surprised, but not with any hint of anger. Who is the lucky father?

I can't tell you. It would be a public scandal. I'll only tell you that it isn't my boss.

I see, Lydia responded a bit more coolly this time. I'm guessing one of the big givers is to thank for this generous donation.

Barbra nodded.

Even he doesn't know. I've tried to gain some weight to throw things off, so people don't suspect.

And think you're a whore? Lydia expressed.

Barbra shrugged.

What else could I do? And it was one time after three years of not even kissing a man. But if I didn't be with this person I feared losing my job. They didn't use anything, and after three years of nothing, I wasn't prepared. All I could think of was Kristine and how she might end up on the street if I didn't go along.

Barbra started to cry.

I'll understand if you don't stand by me. You told me you wanted me to turn my life around and I didn't.

Lydia patted a hand on her friend's shoulder.

That's when I thought you were just being reckless. Trapping Easton to keep him from leaving for Nadia was spontaneous and stupid, so of course it didn't last. Deciding to bed his uncle on a whim, that's the same thing. This, however, it really sounds like you thought it over at least a little before jumping in.

Barbra pointed to her obvious tummy.

And I guess I got what I deserved.

Lydia gestured towards the tables.

I think you're being too hard on yourself. Let's grab lunch and talk.

Over lunch, Barbra explained to Lydia she still struggled with keeping the child or going for the adoption route.

Kristine's fallen in love with the idea of a sister, and I admit, I kind of have done so as well. Yet I know Helmut does not pay me enough to raise two children.

I know one thing you can do. To save money, come over to my house more often. We haven't talked or done anything in ages. I'll make dinners. Kristine's old enough to take care of herself, or we can do things together too.

Barbra finished chewing the bite in her mouth.

What's up with all this chummy chummy stuff? A couple years ago, you were really hard on me.

I feel guilty, I guess. I told you to allow Easton to take you to the cleaners without a fight. So I do feel like some of this is my fault. In hindsight, I think you could have gotten a better deal. You both were guilty of not following your hearts in different ways to some degree. I really want to make it up to you, what do you say to coming over three nights a week?

Deal.

The two shook hands on it and kept their word. Lydia always made a lot of extra food, so they would bring it home and Barbra would snack or make added meals on it. Kristine loved seeing Lydia again, whom she'd come to see as an aunt, also still living blissfully unaware that she had an Aunt Bettie elsewhere in the world. Barbra allowed herself to get lost in the escape of being in among friends and escape from the stress while her unborn child grew and her body expanded from the intake of food.

Barbra really paid little attention to anything or anyone around her. Her concern lay in not jeopardizing her life any further, and trying her best to forge her own existence. Though her body started to tire more as it became harder to stand for hours at a time, Barbra still managed to survive.

Though, one day, Barbra found herself surprised at the VanGraf mansion with an unusual announcement from a member of Helmut's wait staff.

"Ms. David? There's a Bettie Yardlow at the gate. Shall I give the authorization to