"Perfect," replied Bennett. "Why don't you go on up? I will call Joules and be up shortly."
Giving Bennett a quick goodnight kiss, she headed upstairs, knowing that after tomorrow, no matter how Taylor reacted, she would have done the right thing and offered. Just thinking about the next day filled her with terror. But, if it helped save baby Rosie, it would all be worth it.
Chapter 17
Gulf Shores Regional Hospital
Gulf Shores, Alabama
February 2013
The next day, Bennett, Poppy, Joules, and Ben flew to Gulf Shores. Taylor and Greer were shocked when they saw them all walk in. Taylor updated everyone on Rosie's condition. So far, no one in Greer's family was a match.
At this point, Bennett asked Joules to take Ben to the cafeteria so the others could talk. Sensing something significant was coming, Greer found a private room. Quickly, Poppy recounted the story that her Gran had shared.
For a moment, Taylor sat shell-shocked, saying nothing. Greer, fearing that the news had made a bad situation worse, was just before demanding they both leave when Taylor launched herself at Poppy in a hug that almost knocked her over.
"Oh, thank God. Thank you for telling me. Thank you for being willing to be tested," said Taylor in a rush. Turning to Greer, she said, "Can you take her and Ben down for blood work? If they match, we could start transfusions today."
In the next hour, they received news that Poppy and Ben were both matches. They each gave blood, and baby Rosie got her firsttransfusion that afternoon. Taylor had not been able to stop crying since she got the news that Poppy was a match.
Poppy and Ben knew they would need to continue to give blood each week for months to build up a supply that could be available should Rosie need it.
Later that night, it was decided that Joules would stay to support Taylor. Poppy, Bennett, and Ben prepared to return to Searcy. Taylor and Greer each hugged and thanked Poppy and Ben.
As Taylor embraced her, she said, "I will never be able to thank you for what you did today. You came forward to help me when you did not have to. I am so grateful. You may have very well saved my daughter’s life." At that, the tears began to fall again.
Poppy reached out and wiped Taylor's tears and said, "I was so worried you were going to be mad at me for destroying the memories you had of your father."
Shaking her head, Taylor said, "I can see why you might have worried about that, but I was under no illusion that my parent's marriage was perfect. My mom was sick for a long time. Even as a little kid, I knew they did not seem very happy with each other. I never worried they would divorce, but on some level, I sensed problems. I never saw them hold hands or kiss. I think they slept in separate rooms for the last ten years of their marriage. As a teen, I did not spend any time questioning that. As an adult, I see that was a major red flag. My dad often seemed lonely. It makes me happy to think he eventually found someone he loved. I feel like he has sent me a miracle from beyond the grave. I hate that we never got to know each other as sisters. Maybe once this is behind us, we can."
At that, Poppy teared up. "I would love that. I have waited my whole life for a family. Now our children will have cousins and aunts and uncles. Maybe we can find a holiday to celebrate each year as a family.``
"I'd love that," replied Taylor.
With that, they hugged one last time, and the new Carrington family returned to Searcy with all the old secrets shared and old hurts beginning to heal.
Carrington House
Searcy, Arkansas
November 28, 2023
"You and Taylor are sisters?" Harvey Cox practically yelled the question.
"Half sisters, but yes," replied Poppy. "Blown your mind yet?"
"Blown and more, "replied Harvey, nodding. "I just realized. That is the other reason you were so adamant about not cheating. It was your sister's husband."
"Yes, that and not wanting to make the same mistake as my mother," said Poppy.
"What is your relationship with Taylor like today?" asked Harvey.
"It is still evolving. We ended up settling on celebrating every Thanksgiving together. Some years have been easier than others. She was wonderful when the girls were born. She offered to come and help, but having her in my house when it had been her house would have been too weird."
"I can see that," replied Harvey.
"What about the guys? How do they get along?"
