Amidst Dreams

By Jess L Jackson

When you meet someone, you're meeting a whole person with an amazing story and entire history that spans beyond what meets the eye. Their humanity, their presence, their purpose is an opportunity that shouldn't be taken for granted.

Amidst Dreams centers the story Leilani Alexander, a single mother and professional, who routin

• Language: English
• Publisher: JessBeFit LLC
• Release date: Sep 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781088085943

Book preview

Chapter 1

Men mistake a woman’s heart for game and women mistake a man’s mind for irreverence. Youth ignore the wisdom of elders just as elders once ignored their youth. Blacks march for unity yet protest each other and self. Whites seek wisdom but won’t acknowledge the source for that which they seek. Others cry for reparations causing both Black and White to rebuke before signify. All the while, life is occurring and the deceased’s lessons remain for others to repeat. Altogether, we’re tragically fighting a blessing, disallowed to forsake the funerals promised to come.

Leilani would typically visit her birthplace of Columbus, Ohio once a year for her family reunions. People who knew her from her home church saw her most times in her congenial light. However, it’s clear to everyone that this particular visit wasn’t mere pageantry. No one asked her how her son was or how life in DC was treating her. No need to bother with cordiality. They let her be and she just sat…. just staring at an empty pulpit. They weren’t used to seeing her like this. Her strength preceded her and was her reputation. She was always cloaked in dignity. Completely out of the norm, not decked out in a pre-meditated outfit, her appearance is humble. There seeking Jesus just as she be, in jeans and t-shirt. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and it barely looked like she took the time to put on lip gloss. Dried tears caressed every inch of her cheek bones. Even if congregants inquisitively spoke, she wouldn’t notice. Present in the body but absent in mind, cognoscente of her adrift appearance but unable to pull ashore. The moment’s understanding that nowadays ‘church is no longer the place to go when life is weighing in on you’ escapes the mind when you’re lost. Vultures who should be coming to hear a word from God instead caught a whiff of their prey and were ready to devour souls. Still, Leilani pressed her way to the only place she knew to go when it all hurt so bad.

She sat there, searching for a different rewind. Stuck in a scene she couldn’t escape, her heart begging for the best part to begin. She searched desperately for an understanding while the hunger pains of her heart stabbed her unceasingly. Pastor Mayes had delivered a great sermon, but her mind kept escaping back to that same scene. It wouldn’t just go away. Leilani was to the point of counting on her fingers because nothing was adding up. Inserting lessons she learned throughout her life within the repeating scene, the seemingly applicable themes no longer carried the weight of her torch. She kept seeing herself in that damn race and no matter how many different algorithms she invented to break free, each time the dream was the same:

At first startle, she couldn’t remember what the sound of this gunshot meant. Watching everyone run, turning to see what they were running to, for or from…. her legs slowly began their stride. Overcome with learned fear, anxiety, muck and moss, she ran the same path. Spinning in circles looking for familiar faces, scream out for mama and papa, they offered her a detailed map but it wasn’t hers so it crumbled at her touch…just remember all we told you! Watching those closest to her fall while hearing echoes of this race being riddled with conjure, betrayal, and dismay, stuck staring at their shadows on the wall. Another fell and screamed for help, she put his arm around her shoulder, held him while he limped until he was strong enough to run again, then he kicked her in her shin and left…. just walk it off. Taught herself a stronger rhythm then someone else who wore out the person they were piggy backing, got up and ran over to her without any visible handicaps and whispered, the job is yours, you start right now…. silver lining. She kept going while the ugly tree’s branches smacked her in the face leaving marks, turn the other cheek. Pressed through while the uninvited guest dug her nails deeper, be careful, could be an angel unaware. Rested tfaint not. Ran faster and faster until a quickening found her…. the jerk slowed her down where the trees were spaced wider, the locale was clearing and ahead of her was blurred but she could see the privileged tribe two days car ride ahead of her how’d they get that far, but to those that endureth until the end. Her passenger got angry your new view makes you too arrogant, see how far you get without me, punched her in the chest to slow her heart then left her for slaughter, the meek shall inherit. She stumbled hard to the ground and tried to whimper, Don’t you dare cry…. don’t say a mumbling word…. get up chile’.… the wind whispered as the ground hardened with frost. She rose up and wiped dirt, dead leaves and bugs from her caramel sun-kissed skin. Smoothed her tarnished hands over deep wounds and scars, no ointments just trauma…. her clothes drudged in various tattered garb, she recalled all she seen along the way before she could continue…. again.

Leilani felt a soul shouldn’t be so confined and forced to rigid resolve wanting to know why God would design this course and then say free will. The whimper she was forcing in snuck out as her chest swelled hard out then in. Closing it back in, she pressed down on her lips and denied any release while the tears continued. The purpose of living a poised life lost every bit of meaning each time she dreamt.

I bet she’s pregnant again…. Sis. Smith whispers to her daughter.

Naw! That soccer player dumped her and she’s broke! She came back penniless AND pregnant! I told you it would happen! The daughter weighed in as they walked by. He better get a paternity test! I know you heard how she gets around!

Bet her parents shamed! When Lani and her brothers was kids, I knew they wouldn’t amount to nothin’! Where’s that lil boy of hers? Better yet, where’s his daddy? If she even knows who the daddy is…hmpf…that lil boy ain’t gon be nothin either! Further judgmental assumptions grew too distant as they finally walked out the double doors of the church. The emptiness of the sanctuary left a loud echo of loneliness behind them.

The mere ramblings of the miserable aren’t worth her acknowledgement, no matter how piercing the words. She continued to stare, but this time of the painting over the pulpit showing Jesus in pain carrying his own cross to die. She comedically thought, Did He have to die for Sis. Smith and her daughter too? But had no laughter left in her to accompany.

Lani, is that you? Recognizing the pastor’s voice, looking over her shoulder and out the corner of her eyes could see him approaching. Leilani Alexander! I wasn’t expecting to see you this Sunday. What brings you home? He sat down beside her.

He was more of a Godfather and friend of the family than a pastor to her. Pastor Mayes was Leilani’s father’s best friend. She adored how much he cared for his appearance but never overwhelmed anyone with flash nor vain idolatry. Born is the 50s, dressing like he was frozen in the 60s and defrosted in new millennium, his style was a harmonious clash. Without question you could tell his mama raised him to be a clean man, everything ironed, hair brushed, nails clean. His appearance had its own stories.

Pastor Mayes, how are you? Her voice as faint as her attention span.

Wait a minute…. what’s wrong dear? Noticing the two friends he seen her with during service weren’t in sight. Do you need a ride to your parent’s?

Pulling herself together as much as she could, she tried to convince him that she was alright. My friends are outside. Emily, the pregnant one, just needed some air. Anna, the other one, walked her out to my SUV. A tear was fighting its way out. That was a great service. Some things never change…. you sho’ know how to preach!

Now, hold on. Young lady I christened you, baptized you, watched you as you went up to that stage right there to be recognized for all of your academic and athletic achievements, passing her a tissue from his jacket pocket. As the young folks say, ’don’t insult my intelligence.’

Accepting the tissue and balling it up in her hands, after a few seconds, Leilani looked up at his face only to see the patience of God’s ears staring back at her. She wanted to scream about the atrocities in one breath to get it all over with, mental kamikaze of sorts. Just get it all out and move on to the part where everything was okay. Yet at the same time she felt how dare she infringe upon another that way. I don’t know where to start. It’s been so much going on.

How are you and that fella I seen you here with last year. Y’all are all over social media smiling and posing, how is he? Wait, is this about him?

The levies began to rumble inside her and the pain from keeping the rivers inside was becoming too much. Afraid to make eye contact again for fear they’d break, she took a deep breath and replied, Yes and no…. but yes again.

I’ve never known you to stress over a man. What happened?

Pastor, when does this great tomorrow begin? Slow streams made their way to her cheeks and she gasped for air. I’m waiting for this ‘joy in the morning’ but it’s not finding me. Maybe I’m not supposed to feel this way. I’m not supposed to doubt God, right? But I just feel so abandoned! The wetness on her face and bosom from tears didn’t bother her. She was used to it by now. I know He’s real. I know He exists. I feel Him even now. I can hear Him saying, ‘Yes Lani, I love even you…. And no, you didn’t deserve any of this….’ He knows where I’m at, knowing I’m in need but where is He in all this?

Leilani sat there twiddling the tissue in between her fingers in no rush to wipe the tears from her face. Hearing the pastor shifting in his seat, sure that he was amazed at her faithless accusations. I don’t know where to start. There are so many sides to this story. No one is wrong but only because common sense is relative to nature and nurture. And I hate that my mom and her momma and her momma gave me this heart of mine! They know compassion, empathy, long suffering and forgiveness.… but me…. I feel cursed with it. Cause that’s not how I feel and it is at the same time, but dear God I just.... It’s not the right time for all that. I don’t want to be fair. I want to scream and fight back with the same tools of hate used against me and my friends. But my grandma and ‘em gave me this heart. I’m not moved to kill…. but I’m pushed! Both feet off the ledge. Love and hate are waging this war inside me but I know my soul isn’t up for grabs. Leilani bit down on her lip afraid her voice would draw attention from others outside the double doors.

I have as long as you need. Just take it from the beginning. The concern on his face relayed the desire to know more. Still a child to him, he couldn’t fathom what would bring her to this point.

My friends that are outside, Em and Anna Marie, they’re hurting real bad right now. The men we’ve come to love and consider family are hurting too. The kids…. Her chest too heavy to relieve. They need us but how could I possibly even begin to help them? I barely have it in me to be here for me! The loud cries filling the air, no longer able to hold them back, an uncontrolled weeping took over.

I’m here. Lani, just start from the beginning. Here, take some more tissue. Don’t keep any of it to yourself. You know, it’s illegally popular to keep it all inside. The only shame in a secret is that it’s secret! Wounds don’t heal without exposure. You got to air it out.

Finally wiping the tears from her eyes, courage reintroduced itself to her. Leilani wasn’t necessarily a private person but then again, she wasn’t always asked to share her feelings. The sanctuary was empty. No one was inside besides Leilani, Pastor Mayes, and God.

Let’s pray first. Heavenly Father, before this testimony is rendered, we thank you for the victory and how we’ll overcome. We ask that you take over our hearts and minds. Give us clarity and discernment. Empty the pain and fill Leilani with your peace. Give her the words to interpret her and her friends’ hearts. Give her the tools necessary to do thine will when it’s all said and done. It’s in your precious name that we ask these blessings, Amen.

My daddy always told me, ‘don’t ever fight nobody on their own territory.’ Well, I’m fighting the darkness and on its own territory. Pastor, I guess I’ll start with the morning I met Johnathan and Sean. They’re two of the men that I was talking about. The other one is Angel but I wouldn’t meet him for a few more days.

Chapter 2

Walking by the brightest blooms simply because Leilani was absorbed in routine fortunately wouldn’t stop God from breathing life into His creations. She had become used to the loud stares of people in passing. With reluctance and willingness she played an all too boring role. A friendlier smile accompanied by a compliment for ladies unsure if she were a conceited bitch or a beautiful spirit. An enchanting shy glance for men unaware of their current trance. While riding the Metro from Silver Spring, Maryland to DC, she engaged in short conversations with random strangers, finagling the fine line between aloof pleasantries and passionate purpose. She exited the train at her stop and walked toward I Street NW as her softly firm curves echoed rhythmic 808s of spectators’ favorite ballads. With ease, she boasted confidence that her counterparts and contra parts coveted. She was presumed ignorant but chose Claudius’ path for convenience sake, not yet succumbed to her greatness. Yet, many moons make way to familiar mornings for those who sleepwalk until awakened by calamity.

The spring’s sun rising over the busy streets added a burst of energy to the scene. Leilani purposely stepped into the warmth of the sun’s light giving her toes comfort, dodging shaded areas as she waited at the crosswalk for the signal change. She did everything she could to keep warm. Meanwhile, another woman at the end of the block didn’t mind the chill of the morning. The woman’s arms, chest, and thighs were exposed as she hunched over, talking to a man in a Bentley. It wasn’t out of the norm to see extreme variety in DC, however the little girl trying to pull away from the woman’s hand captured Leilani’s attention. The judgmental stares of people passing by would make a courtroom justice blush. The little girl finally broke loose and frantically searched the building facades getting further and further away.

I wish my son would! Leilani’s subtle comment snatched the agreement of others at the crosswalk. That’s how kids get kidnapped.

Dissatisfied with the search of her immediate surroundings, the little girl stepped to the edge of the curb. Glancing over her shoulder, she confirmed that the woman she ran from was still occupied and took her first step into the street without looking both ways. Leilani’s eyes grew with fear. There was a parked truck blocking oncoming traffic’s view from the little girl. Leilani walked in the direction of the little girl but as oncoming traffic approached, her pace went from concerned stride to panicked sprint. Grab her! Leilani screamed while pointing at her as a growing audience stood cemented in shock. A cab driver noticed Leilani sprinting causing him to slam on his breaks and lose control of his wheel. The cab hurled into the car in the next lane then bounced into the parked truck. Leilani scooped the little girl in her arms and stumbled back onto the sidewalk using her body as a shield. The sound of cars slamming came to a halt, allowing Leilani to finally turn around to see the pile of vehicles in the street.

Ma’am, are you okay? Do you need me to call an ambulance? Ma’am! Ma’am…. The world still spinning and her adrenaline had yet to even attempt to calm down. She turned slowly and looked the man in the eyes. Leilani had never seen such genuine concern from an unrelated man. Ma’am, is she hurt? Are you hurt? She was unable to register his words.

Hey, it’s okay. Leilani focused on the girl, her heart pounding harder than West African drums. Shhh…. shh…. don’t cry…. The girl’s face was drenched in tears and fright. Leilani did her best to comfort her but she just kept crying aloud. Looking around at all the concerned faces and people rushing to the wreckage and trying to decipher inaudible words she stood there bouncing the little girl. Hoping to be heard over the intimidating noises, she whispered directly into the little girl’s ear, I know you’re afraid. There’s nothing wrong with that because I’m scared too but I want to help you…. we can do whatever you want together. But first, you have to stop screaming and tell me what you need. Tropical blue watery eyes met Leilani’s and the storm began to cease.

I’m looking for my daddy. The little girl admitted sniffling and wiping her eyes.

Ma’am, are you guys okay? He placed his hand on Leilani’s shoulder while his deep voice inquired. The police are on the way. Are you guys hurt?

I think she’s just a little scared. Leilani responded, barely looking at him. What’s your name pretty girl?

Then the little girl started screaming again. Scanning over the tiny child’s body to ensure there were no broken bones or blood, Leilani just pulled her closer. The little girl returned the sentiment by holding on tighter. Leilani started searching the crowd for the woman she seen at the Bentley.

I WANT MY DADDY! She kept repeating.

What’s his name? Leilani asked not knowing whether she’d answer or not.

His name is daddy but grown-ups call him Sean, Sean McPherson. She quieted down for a moment.

Your daddy’s name is what? The deep voice came back. Did she say Sean McPherson? Sianna? Is that you?

Uncle Johnny! She cried out, Where’s my daddy? I want daddy! Please call him!

He reached out for her but she buried her head back into Leilani’s chest before she could see his outstretched arms. Okay, hold on baby girl! He waited for her dad to pick up. Hey Sean, where are you? I need you to meet me on 14th and I Street Northwest right now. Sianna is down here by herself!

She is not, you liar! What are you doing here anyways Johnathan Sartor? Don’t you have a job? Wait, do Black men work? a voice yelled from the crowd. You could see people making way for someone to come through, as if she was shoving her way through the crowd. Y’all always trying to find any reason to snitch! The awkward looking female Sianna was with appeared. She was skinny, pale, and very frail looking. Confused, Leilani’s eyes kept scrolling the woman up and down. She was dressed in a mini skirt, a sheer blouse with no sleeve, and thigh high boots. She turned her attention to Leilani. Lady, why are you grabbing my daughter? Let her go before I call the police!

Had you been watching her, there would have been no need for me to grab her from in front of oncoming traffic! Oh, by the way, she seems to be just fine, just a little startled. Attempting to keep cool, the woman struck one too many nerves in less than ten seconds, breaking records for testing temperance. Your daughter could have been seriously injured. And my name, by the way, is Leilani…. no, no thanks necessary but you’re welcome anyhow. Trying hard not to politely place the child to the side and commence going upside the woman’s head, Leilani continued bouncing Sianna who seemed even less settled than before. Her blue eyes glanced at the frail woman and then buried her head in the side of Leilani’s neck. As if she could grip any tighter, she figured a way. Leilani knew right then that she was not releasing the girl back to her mother, no matter what. This heightened her fear. As a Black woman, Leilani knew the police didn’t need a reason to kill her and, if they did, they’d walk as a free man or woman right out the courtroom. Her first thought was whether or not she’d ever see her own son again. She thought of the Lynch letter which directed Black women to lead in fear. Yet, as a mother, she knew the little girl’s fear trumped her own. She said a small prayer then braced the back of the little girl’s head and gently massaged her scalp while continuing to bounce her to and from.

Well, I just turned for a second to get some directions and she was gone. You can let go of her now. I’m here! she returned, with so much ungratefulness and foolery. And make it quick before I call the cops! You know how they love yo kind! All I have to do is cry and point my finger and just like that, you’re guiltier than the day you were born.

My kind? The blatant racism wasn’t a shock coming from someone whose ignorant looks warned Leilani before the woman ever opened her mouth and warranted no further attention. She was gone for way more than a second. Secondly, there are people near the Metro that assist with directions, that gentleman in the Bentley was unnecessary, and most important, your daughter will not let me go, which speaks volumes of how she views you. Lastly, I will help you call the police. It would brighten up my day to watch them arrest you! Leilani faked confidence but was shook inside because she believed if the officer was anything but Black there was a big chance he or she would shoot before one word could be uttered.

Well Lei-la-ni, what you’re in violation of right now is this little crime called kidnapping, sooooo I’ll wait…. The frail woman then crossed her arms and cocked her neck back and forth.

Christianity was fleeting with the seconds. One eyebrow raised and jaw locked with stern pit bull glare. The longer she stared at that hot mess of a female, the more Leilani’s blood boiled. She imagined herself punching her right in between her eyes. The woman must have felt the hit because her entire disposition changed. Leilani’s stare could have stopped the never-ending war between Israel and Palestine. Guarantee Muslim and Jews would just hug it out and commence to sharing based off that look alone. The woman slowly distanced herself. Even the little girl’s uncle Johnny was stopped in his tracks. The entire crowd looked like they were listening to breaking news from their favorite POTUS.

Lani’s fears came true. A white police officer ran up and began asking questions. Is everyone okay? What happened here? the officer demanded. His eyes couldn’t figure out where to land. The unsettled look of all they bystanders drew his attention directly to Leilani. Holding his hands in the air, he proceeded with caution toward them. He looked puzzled, understandably so, as a Black woman held a scared little white girl in her arms with a white woman close by who looked timid and threatened. The police officer began to position his hand over his pistol and angle himself. Yet, for the life of Leilani, she could not stop staring the woman down into submission. Johnathan finally snapped out of it and stepped in front of Leilani to explain what happened and the cab driver confirmed. The officer reached for Sianna, Come to me, you’re safe now. But, instead, she refused by screaming and covering her ears then buried her face into Leilani’s neck, hugging her tighter.

Sianna…. Sianna!

Daddy! Daddy! she yelled and finally released Leilani’s neck from her death hold only to place her dad in it. She jumped in his arms and took a deep breath You came! I needed you. I called and called. Where were you daddy? Why didn’t you answer me? I wanna go home!

Shhhh…. shhhh…. I’m here now. I don’t know what happened but I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry, daddy’s here now. The man hugged her tightly and rocked her in his arms while kissing her head.

Sean, the police just got here. This is Leilani, Johnathan motioned toward her, She saved Sianna from being seriously hurt. The cars were moving so fast but she came from nowhere and snatched her out the middle of the street. He paused with a smile looking at her feet. And in stilettos without missing a beat. The audience let out a chuckle while parting ways.

Hi, nice to meet you, she extended her hand for a proper greeting.

Sean stared at Leilani’s hand, ignored it, then grabbed and hugged her extremely tight. Thank you so much! You have no idea how appreciative I am. Thank you! He pulled back and wiped the tears from his bright blue eyes.

I would want someone to do the same for me. Leilani felt his heart and looked away to hold back tears.

Turning his attention to the ungrateful thing still standing there looking extremely pathetic, Sean looked at her with so much disdain and then pity.

Uh, what? The woman completely disregarded the entire situation. Give me my daughter! It’s not your week yet!

What happened? Where were you? Why did my daughter almost lose her life, YET AGAIN, under your care, Hannah? With each question he got louder and louder. Leilani moved closer to Johnathan to allow Sean his time. Why is my child always in danger whenever she’s with her own mother? Hannah just gawked at him and rolled her eyes. He turned to the officer, I’m taking my daughter with me.

Works for me. But I’ll be taking you with me ma’am. The police officer turned to Hannah and Mirandized her while handcuffing her. He explained that she was under arrest for child endangerment with possible other charges to follow. And when Hannah screamed for Leilani to be arrested for kidnapping, the officer simply ignored her and placed her into the back of his car.

Leilani, please, can we treat you to dinner or something? Johnathan asked.

It was then that Leilani saw Johnathan almost for the first time. He was extremely handsome and tall Black man. She was trying to figure out if the sun was hitting him just right or if his eyes naturally emitted light. The man was fine! It became increasingly clear to Leilani that fine men traveled in packs because so was Sean. Johnathan had on a black European fit tailored suit with black dress shoes. He had his own theme song too and Leilani was ready to dance. Sean was a little more dressed down wearing dark blue denim with a gray shirt, cream sweater, wheat boots and navy blue beanie. They both stared at Leilani awaiting a response.

I couldn’t. I… Her decline didn’t even want to announce itself.

Pleeeeeeease, I can show you my new leotard? Sianna’s eyes lit up catching Leilani off guard, convicting her.

How could I turn down that beautiful smile? I’d love to see your new leotard, she replied with a slight laugh. Her mind begged her to decline but her heart was less willing to turn down the opportunity to see Johnathan again. She was enamored with his care, voice, and handsomeness from the very start.

YAY! Oh, and one more thing…. Sianna wiggled free from her dad’s arms and then assaulted Leilani’s legs with that hug of hers.

I’m running late but here, Leilani reached into her card case then handed Johnathan and Sean a business card. Just give me a ring with when and where, my cell is at the bottom. Before she could put her cards away, she noticed Sianna looked left out so she handed her a card too. And you can call me whenever you like. She smiled and skipped around her dad and Johnathan in a figure eight staring at the card with excitement. See you all soon! Leilani sped off, unsure of how she looked and fearing her first impression was tarnished if she weren’t perfect.

See you soon! Johnathan yelled.

Chapter 3

Time is money and the investment banking industry didn’t believe in wasting any of it, especially not the firm where Leilani worked. Bullish Pride tended to be unforgiving of humanity if it didn’t abide by their clauses, contracts, and stock exchanges. Leilani raced to her building and hopped on the elevator. Using the shiny gold doors for reflection, she straightened her shirt, twisted her skirt, and re-buttoned her vest. Once the elevator doors opened, she had to pretend whatever happened outside never occurred. Submitting to everyday life, she did a brisk walk to her desk flinging her cell phone and purse on top of it and walked into her boss’ door all in one swift move. Before she could speak up to apologize for her tardiness, Theodore Hoffman put his finger up. He’s the lead financial advisor for a team of four advisors and three registered associates, one of them being Leilani. We already heard. Security said he had seen you speaking with the police and another onlooker told him what happened. He figured you would be late and called me.

Thanks Ted. She never called him Theodore nor Mr. Hoffman and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Here is the file for your first client. She’s scheduled to be here in an hour, which means she’ll be here in thirty minutes. Her snapshot portfolio is inside and I enlarged the font for her since she’s always squinting. However, I think a presentation would be better. I emailed you a PowerPoint presentation for her last night. I can run through it with you and get the projector ready before she gets here.

Lani…. breathe! His words hadn’t caught up to her as she was still moving about. Lani, stop! Take a minute to breathe.

I can breathe later. We’re behind and have a client on the way. She kept scurrying around his corner window office. You know I’m built tougher than that! Adding a lighter touch to the moment.

We all know that! Ted laughed then got up from behind his desk to help her. A few of us still have the bruises to prove it!

Ted, your wife called me this morning before I headed to work to ask me to remind you of your anniversary this weekend. Don’t come into work on Wednesday or for the rest of the week! Don’t pick up your work cell or log into your work station remotely! And don’t you dare discuss any work with ANYONE all this weekend! Forty years…. She deserves this time. After belting out the commandments, Leilani went to her desk right outside his office and brought back a yellow envelope. Here’s the itinerary for the weekend. We made one because we’re sure you’ll forget. She stopped right in front of him giving him a motherly glare.

I knew you two had been conspiring against me these past few years. He grabbed the envelope and laughed hard as he sat down to open it. When will the kids and my grandkids get here?

"They’ll