“Since when?” Arthur wondered out loud.

“Since giving birth to Spencer, usually the mother doesn’t even know she is sick…I had no clue but the doctor gave me this medicine and I guess its working. We’ve been getting along a lot better since. But the doctor said it’ll take time, a lot. He said that we were lucky I didn’t try and kill the kids since it went on for so long, but I feel better.” Paula said stepping closer and letting their hands bump into each other.

“Where’s Ben?” Arthur asked taking a step back.

Paula frowned she didn’t like talking about all the fights the two have been having, “We…um aren’t doing so well.”

“I’m sorry,”

“Don’t be it’s not your fault, it’s mine. I feel like my old self again with the medicine and well I want to be with you and the kids and he knows it and he also knows I can’t be so…”

“Why not?” Did I just say that out loud?

Did he just say… Paula shook her head, “Arthur…”

“No Paula I want to try again, I love you and if that is the reason you were so distant if it was a sickness I…you and Spencer can come back home…”

“I’d love to…” she smiled, she really wanted to hug him but didn’t know how far he wanted to go. She knew they’d have to take things slow so no one got hurt again, he sensed her dilemma and brought his arms around her pulling her close to his chest.

“Now boarding flight 532 to Arizona…please have your ticket ready at gate twenty five B thank you.”

“That’s my flight,” Glen stood up.

“Look at mommy and daddy,” Spencer clapped her hands while pointing to her parents. All eyes looked up and sure enough Arthur and Paula were in the middle of a hug both with smiles from ear to ear.

“Mom, Dad?” Clay called. The adults broke the hug and walked over to them and explained about Paula’s condition and the fact they were going to try again.

“I guess I’ll get my things when we get back,” Ashley sighed knowing now that Paula was back she’d be kicked out.

“Nonsense Ashley you’re staying,” Paula spoke. Ashley snapped her head up and searched the woman’s face for any sign of fakeness that she was used to but she saw none.

“Are you saying she can stay?” Arthur smiled.

“Yes and when we get home, all of us…I want to have a decent talk with you if you want to?”

Ashley couldn’t believe it, she really couldn’t. Secretly she pinched her side, yep pain, she rubbed where it was sore now and noticed it wasn’t a dream, but there had to be something else going on didn’t there, “Sure Mrs. Carlin I’d love to.”

“Call me…Mrs. C, it does sound much cooler don’t you think?”

“Definitely.” Ashley replied.

“Enough lovey dovey all ready I got to go,” Glen piped up as they announced his flight once again. Every one said good bye and all the girl’s got tears in their eyes. He promised to write as much as possible especially to his fiancée, then he jumped on the flight heading to basic training while the new formed little family including Ashley, Kyla, Madison and Chelsea headed back to the Carlin residence, knowing that Glen would be back in six weeks for Arthur’s birthday.

TBC.