Love From the Ashes Read online

  “I know…but…I…miss her.”

  “I know you do.” She hugged him again as he watched Frankie. Frankie was just 3 years old when Scarlett died and he figured she didn’t remember her much.

  “Goodbye mommy; I love you.” She looked at him with a confused expression. “Was that okay?”

  He smiled. “That was perfect.” She looked pleased as Joey just touched the tombstone and smiled. He knew that it would be hard for Joey and Judy to understand what they were doing there, but he needed to have them along. They were just as much a part of the family as the rest of the kids. They started a group hug and he knew that it was going to be an adjustment, but they would all get through it. “Are you guys ready to get out of here? We have a lot of people to say goodbye to before we leave tomorrow.

  “Dad; can we stop by Lily’s house? It’s been a couple of months since I have really had a chance to talk to her.” He nodded at Bethany. Lily and Bethany were best of friends when they lived next door to each other, but once Scarlett had died it seemed like Lily didn’t know what to say to her. “Thanks.” She helped put Judy and Joey in their car seats and Frankie climbed in her booster seat. They were headed to Lily’s house in no time. He really was thankful that Bethany was able to help; otherwise he would take an hour just getting children in the van. He was glad that they had gone to see Scarlett’s grave, it made him confident that his children were going to be alright.

  ____________________

  The kids hung onto both sets of grandparents for dear life. Thomas was afraid that he was going to have to pry their hands off to get them to leave. He stood back and watched the sad exchange and he worried that he was going to find them miserable in the move. Bethany pulled away after hugging Scarlett’s parents for what seemed like 30 minutes. She wiped away a tear and waved. “I’m gonna miss you guys.”

  “We’ll miss you too, but we’ll visit and you can stay with us anytime you want to.” She nodded and headed to the van. Thomas felt terrible seeing her sad expression. He put Judy in her car seat and then went back for Joey. “Are you sure there is nothing else you can do?”

  He looked at Scarlett’s mom Deb and shook his head. “I’m sorry Deb; I feel that I have to make this move.”

  “Okay, but don’t forget us.”

  He laughed and kissed her on the cheek. “That wouldn’t happen.” Joey slowly walked to the van and he helped him in. Frankie climbed in her booster seat and he noticed that she had been crying too. “What’s wrong princess?”

  “I’m gonna miss Harry.” He had to smile at that answer. Harry was Scarlett’s parent’s dog and he was part of the family.

  “He can visit too.” She smiled and he turned away to survey the chaos that was still holding up the trip.

  Kari was hanging onto his mom and she was sobbing uncontrollably. “Let me stay with you.” She cried; pleading for her to listen.

  “Listen;” she put her on the ground, but Kari’s eyes wouldn’t face her. “You are going to an exciting place. You will have a wonderful time. Besides; if you stayed here your daddy would miss you something awful. Is that what you want?”

  She shook her head and he had to wipe a tear from his eyes. “I just love you so much.”

  “Honey; we love you too.” She pointed to Scarlett’s parents and Thomas’ dad. “We all do; nothing will ever change that. Like grandma Deb said; we will visit and you better visit us. Won’t it be exciting to have to travel to visit us?”

  She nodded. “I guess so.”

  “You bet it will be. We will call you too. If you want to write us letters, we would love to read them. You can tell us all about your friends and school; we want to hear about everything you do. Will you promise that you’ll do that?”

  “I promise.”

  “Good. Now, give me one last hug. Your daddy would like to get on the road.” She hugged her and then slowly pulled away. “Bye grandma!”

  “Goodbye honey.” She hurried off to the van and Thomas turned to the two sets of parents. “I didn’t expect that to be as hard as it was.”

  “Kari always has had a special bond with you.”

  “Yes she has, but still…” she wiped the corner of her eye and tried to put on a smile. “I think I can speak for all of us; it’s hard to say goodbye to you and the kids.”

  “She’s right.” Don, Scarlett’s dad, spoke. “We wish you the best though.”

  “Thanks Don.” They shook hands and then he kissed Deb on the cheek. “You both are the best in-laws a guy could ask for.”

  They both nodded as he looked at his parents. “Mom, dad, I know that this isn’t easy; I have to see if it will help.”

  “We understand,” his dad sadly replied.

  “Call us when you get to Dallas; we want to make sure you arrived safely.”

  “I will.” He hugged his parents and then went back to the van; he double checked the trailer that was on the back. It was full of their furniture and he didn’t want to lose the contents. As he got in, he let out a slow breath. He waved as he pulled out of the driveway and drove further away from Avery. He turned to Bethany and smiled. “Are you okay?”

  “I know you felt it was necessary. I will be fine.” He then looked in the rearview mirror. Judy had fallen asleep and the rest of the kids were talking to each other. He smiled to himself; the first few steps were hard, but so was the beginnings of fatherhood and he got through that. He was sure he could get through this.

  Chapter 2

  Thomas didn’t think they were ever going to arrive to Dallas; half way through the trip the kids started arguing and then the questions started to fly. When are we going to get there? How much longer? Are you sure I will make a friend? Where are we going to live? Will I ever get rid of this headache? That last question was courtesy of Thomas, but he was really starting to wonder. “We’re here!” He joyfully responded as he parked outside of Aunt Sally’s Bed and Breakfast. When he pulled the last child from their car seat, he stood in front of them. “Please don’t go inside and act like a bunch of animals. We don’t want Aunt Cassie to change her mind about watching you while I am at work.”

  “Don’t worry dad; if anyone acts up, I’ll take care of them.”

  He smiled at Bethany and shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but please let me be the one to discipline them.”

  She shrugged. “If you insist, but you’re making a mistake.”

  He laughed as they walked towards the front door. Once inside he saw Seth behind the cash register finishing up with a customer. “Thank you; I hope you both had a pleasant experience.”

  “We did; thank you Mr. Callahan.” He looked up and noticed the trail of people standing by the desk.

  He rushed around the desk, with a smile on his face. “Thomas, I am so happy you are here.” He shook his hand and then turned to the younger bunch. “It’s good seeing you guys.” His face then turned from a smile to a look of bewilderment. “You all have gotten so big. Especially you Bethany; it’s hard to believe you are 12 years old.”

  She smiled. “It’s good to see you Uncle Seth.” They hugged and Thomas felt good at the exchange. “Where’s Savannah? We’re dying to see her.”

  He laughed. “I’m sure you are. She’s at the house right now, but don’t worry Cassie is bringing her over a little later. Thomas, I can’t wait to catch up and see what everyone’s been up to. Bethany, if you want to take the kids out back. Megan was just getting started on some arts and crafts with the guests.”

  “Okay; sounds like fun.”

  “Do you need help?” Thomas asked as she took Judy’s hand and they headed towards the backyard.

  “Dad, I’ve got it.”

  “I keep forgetting you aren’t a kid anymore.” He laughed, because 12 was not exactly old. However, she would be teenager before he knew it.

  He watched as they went outside and then he turned to Seth. “Let’s go in the den.” He followed him and they took a seat on two overstuffed chairs. “So, how have you been?�
� Thomas started to speak and say everything was great, but he stopped when he realized it would be a lie. “What’s going on?”

  “I don’t know; sometimes I feel like I’m moving on and then other times I am just overcome with grief.”

  “Well, it was a hard transition; that’s only natural.”

  “Yeah, but there are times that I think I would have been better off if I was in that fire too.”

  Seth’s jaw dropped and Thomas saw a flash of anger in his eyes. “What would that have solved? Your kids would have been without a mother and a father.”

  Thomas looked away; he couldn’t stand to see the irritation on Seth’s face. “I know, but I lost my wife. The only woman that I would ever be able to grow old with.”

  “You only say that because you haven’t gotten out there and looked.”

  Thomas shot daggers through Seth. “Of course I haven’t. I will never be able to love someone again. That would be betrayal and idiotic. I was in love with Scarlett from the first moment we said hello. I would die before I would let another woman in.”

  “You would leave your children behind, before you would be willing to fall in love again? Now, that’s what’s idiotic. It has been two years and Scarlett wouldn’t want you to be miserable. She knows that it would be difficult to take care of 5 children on your own. She would want you to be happy.”

  “You just don’t understand. You have your beautiful wife, beautiful daughter, and you can’t even begin to know what I’m going through.”

  Seth looked hurt, and Thomas wished he could take it back. “You can’t be serious. “I loved Scarlett too; she was one of my best friends. I am sad that she died, but I know that she wouldn’t want you to be angry. She would want you to feel open to love again. “

  “Let me ask you this; if you were in this situation and Cassie died, what would you do? Remember that it’s only been a few years ago that you both reconnected; answer the question.”

  “I can easily answer that. Cassie and I have had this discussion, right after we were married. She told me that she would want me to find love again. I said the same. I wouldn’t want Cassie to go through life feeling miserable and mourning me.”

  Thomas huffed; he wasn’t convinced that either one of them really felt that way. “It doesn’t matter; I have never been attracted to any other woman. So, I don’t foresee it happening.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t…” he stopped talking when the bell to the front door chimed. “I’ll be right back.”

  Thomas hoped that when he returned the subject could be closed. He didn’t want to move on and he didn’t care what anyone said to persuade him otherwise. As he waited for him to come back, he could hear the bell ring a couple of other times and he began to wonder if Seth would ever be able to return. Finally he saw him heading his way.

  “Sorry about that; the guests kept coming in.” Seth laughed as he rejoined Thomas.

  “Business must be doing really good.”

  “It is; this week we’re booked solid. I’m taking it’s because this is the last full week before school starts.”

  “If you’re so busy, you probably don’t have a lot of room for us to stay here. We can go to a hotel.”

  “Don’t be silly. Megan already prepared your bedrooms. We have one for Bethany, Kari, and Frankie. Then we have another one for you, Joey, and Judy. It might get cramped, but you are free to stay as long as you need to.”

  “That’s nice, but only if you’re sure.”

  “I am positive. We’re just happy that you decided to come to Dallas.”

  “So am I. I probably should go get the kids and get them situated in their room. It’s been a long day. I just want to relax tonight before I have to meet with an officer at the police station.”

  “Before you go, I do have a small confession.”

  “Okay…”

  “We have a little get together planned for tonight. Nothing big, just something that Cassie thought would be fun. We’re going to have cookout about 6:00.”

  “I’m not really in the mood for celebrating.”

  “I realize that, but Courtney and Bradley are coming in from Avery and it won’t go late. You have to eat.”

  Thomas still wasn’t sure he wanted to socialize, but he shrugged it off. “Fine; whatever.” He looked at his watch; they had almost an hour until it would be time to eat. “Do you need help cooking; or doing anything else?”

  “Nope; you guys go ahead and do what you have to do and we’ll see you later.”

  “Okay, thanks.” He was sure this was only going to be the beginning of unwanted parties. He was going to have deal with it, but he was glad to be in Dallas.

  ____________________

  Thomas finished getting ready and grabbed Joey and Judy to head downstairs. He stopped by the girl’s room and knocked. “May I come in?”

  “Sure daddy!” Kari yelled as he entered. He stopped as he saw the three girls and he nearly laughed out loud. “What?” Kari asked as she stared at him.

  “Nothing; you guys look so grown up.” They were each dressed in their Sunday best. “I didn’t know it was a formal occasion. After all, it is a cook out.”

  “Dad, you said it was a party. This is what grown up women wear to parties.” He nodded; they had him there. He did say they were having a small party, and obviously they took him literally.

  “You’re right Bethany; I did say that. It’s just that I didn’t...”

  His voice faded when he saw Kari and Frankie’s face. “Are you going to make us change?” Frankie asked in a solemn voice.

  “No; I’m just sorry that we don’t look nearly as nice.”

  Kari smiled to his response. “You look great daddy;” she giggled and he smiled.

  “Now remember; let’s be on our best behavior tonight.”

  They each nodded and he followed them down the stairs. When they got in the backyard, he immediately saw Cassie. She rushed over to him and gave him a hug. He kissed her on the cheek and then she stepped back and looked at the children. “My oh my; don’t you all look so grown up. I didn’t know today was supposed to be dress up.” She looked at Thomas and he laughed. “We should have all taken fashion advice from you three.”

  “I know; I said that too.” Thomas replied with a wink. “Where’s Savannah? I think we’re all dying to see her. It’s been too long.

  “Follow me.” They made their way through the row of tables and stopped at a highchair. “Here she is.”

  He looked down at the 1 year old that was just staring at him. “Oh my gosh Cassie, she looks just like you.”

  Cassie laughed. “Do you think so? That’s what…”

  “Yeah; I have been trying to tell her that.” Seth came up and put his arm around her. “She just keeps saying she doesn’t see it.”

  “Well, I see it.”

  Cassie looked proudly at her daughter and he admired that. “Courtney and Bradley just got here. Did you know that she’s expecting in December?”

  “I didn’t know that, but that’s wonderful news.” At that moment Courtney approached the group and he hugged her. “Congratulations on the baby. Do you know what you’re having?”

  “We’re having a boy. We’re going to name him Jackson.”

  “That’s a cute name; congratulations again.”

  “Thank you!”

  “We can have a seat. We’re just waiting on Brad’s sister and her date. They said they might be a little late.” Cassie pointed them to the tables and they took a seat. Thomas knew that Rebecca used to be a permanent fixture in Seth’s life; they were supposed to get married. He had only seen her a couple of times before and that was several years earlier, and then at Courtney’s wedding. He wondered how Cassie felt about her being in the picture. He knew that it probably was hard since she was a sister-in-law to her, but he figured it would be awkward. However, when he saw her enter the backyard, he realized that that wasn’t the case. Cassie was the first one to greet her and her guest. Their encounter seem
ed to be cordial enough and he couldn’t help to be a little shocked that there wasn’t some sort of weirdness between them. He assumed that it was because enough time had passed, but he was still confused by the easiness he saw. She was a pretty enough girl and he always felt sorry that her wedding didn’t go on as she had planned; however, he always was rooting for Cassie. Cassie walked her over to his table and she smiled at him. “Thomas; do you remember Rebecca?”

  “Of course I do. Rebecca, it is very nice to see you again.”

  She smiled a welcoming smile and held out her hand. “It’s nice to see you. Welcome to Dallas. I hear you are moving here?” He nodded as she looked at the table. “Wow, the last time I saw your kids; they were much younger than this. I look forward to getting reacquainted.” If she was still holding a grudge that her relationship with Seth didn’t work, he couldn’t tell. “This is Adam Gregory; he is the principal at River Heights; which I anticipate many of your kids are going to be attending beginning next week? It’s just a couple of blocks away.”

  “They are! Bethany, Kari, and Frankie will all be there.”

  “Great! If any of you need anything, just let me know; I teach there.”

  He smiled. “Thank you; we appreciate that.”

  “Hamburgers and Hot dogs are done; come and get them.” Seth made the call and he was relieved to get away from the small talk. She was easy to talk to, but he barely knew her and he really wanted the evening over with. Cassie helped him with getting the kid’s their food and then he grabbed his. When they sat down Seth spoke up. “If there are no objections; I would like to say a prayer. They all grabbed hands as he began. “Heavenly Father we thank you for bringing all of us here this evening. We welcome our friend Thomas and his 5 beautiful children into our home. Watch over them as they start a new journey in their life. We give thanks to all of our blessings and pray that in difficult times we can overcome the obstacles. We ask you this in your name. Amen.”

  “Amen;” Thomas quietly whispered. He took a bite of his hamburger and then helped Judy to eat.

  “What grade will your kids be in Thomas?” He looked up when he noticed Rebecca was talking to him.