Page 65 of I’m Already Gone

Mom gives me a bright smile. “They really outdid themselves. You should be proud you raised amazing children, Lily.”

“Don’t make me cry, Mom,” I tease, but my chin wobbles.

Mom’s face turns somber. “Oh, Lily.” Her hands go to her chest as if she’s also holding back her tears. She takes my hands into hers.

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to, but seeing my oldest baby grow up into a wonderful human being with three superheroes makes me so proud of you and what you have accomplished. And even though you are going through something that no one should ever have to deal with…” She pauses and takes a deep breath.

“I…” She pauses again and cups my face lovingly before adding, “I need you to know how much I love you, and how honored I am to be your mother. If I could take this pain away from you, I wouldn’t hesitate.”

“I know, Mom. I love you too.”

We share a heartfelt embrace, holding each other for a moment before reluctantly letting go as a knock sounds.

Both of us turn toward the door to see Sam looking beautiful in a sleeveless yellow floral print romper and tan sandals.

“Hey,” she says with a smile, but it quickly vanishes when she notices our expressions.

“Oh, no. What’s wrong? Are you sick, Lily?” she fires off as she rushes into the room, her high ponytail swinging side to side.

“No,” I chuckle. “I’m fine, Sam.”

“Just emotional, sweetheart,” Mom adds.

Sam looks between us and says, “Well, save it for later because your children are super stoked to show you what they did for you.”

My smile widens. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”

I follow Mom and Sam out, and when we make it to the stairs, Sam gently pulls on my elbow.

“Hey, Lily. One more thing,” she says.

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

She licks her glossy lips and says, “Ethan is here. I hope that’s okay. He helped the kids get things ready for tonight.”

“Really?”

She nods with a small smile. “Yeah. And the kids really wanted him here. I hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is.”

“I knew you would say that. Come on. I am pumped! Let’s get this party started!” She whoops, making me laugh.

Sam leads me to the back patio, the warm air hitting my face. A chill runs through my body, causing goosebumps.

“Happy birthday!” a jubilant chorus erupts, and I step into a burst of color as confetti dances around me.

Mom, Dad, and my children are front and center. Ollie is bouncing on his heels, looking so adorable in his khaki shorts and pastel purple polo, his hair styled back.

But what makes my heart pause is Ethan standing behind the kids. He’s sporting a light purple dress shirt with the sleeves rolled halfway up and gray slacks. His blue eyes sparkle like diamonds as he takes me in. He swallows hard when his eyes meet mine. Ethan’s presence has always had an intoxicating effect that awakens every cell in my body. He doesn’t have to touch me to start the fire. His mere existence draws me in, and the world around us fades away.

“Do you like it, Mom?” Maddy says, pulling my focus away from my ex-husband. She’s wearing an outfit similar to Sam’s, but purple and with long sleeves, and her hair is styled in a French braid.

Opening my arms, my children run into them, almost knocking me back, and Sam holds me still.

“I love it. Thank you so much.” I soak in their hugs and kisses.

“Look at the lights!” Ollie exclaims, pointing toward the yard.