“Ash!”  

I wiped a single tear from my right cheek careful not to smear anything and took a deep breath.  

I can do this.

As soon as the door opened Kyla ran in and shut it on me.  She has a bladder the size of a pea.  

I didn’t feel like a people person at the moment.  so I avoided the kitchen with Aiden and aunty Lisa and went out to the front yard.  Rascal was there still chewing on that mammoth bone from the beach so I went over to him and stoked his fur.

“How do you like Hawaii?”  I inquired as he settled for sitting on me.  

I received a lick on the cheek and a happy yip of approval.  

“I’m glad you like it.  How do you like Spencer?”  

He stopped chewing to look me in the eyes.  Remember how I said he had deep eyes.  He understands me.  But I don’t understand that look.  Rascal has a set of looks but this isn’t one that I’ve gotten before.  Its quizzical with a knowing gleam.  He’s asking me something but he already knows the answer, and he knows I don’t know the answer but… I don’t know.  I must be going crazy.  Christine can do that to you.  

“Are you talking to your dog?”  An angelic voice said bringing an instant smile to my face.  I turned to see a blonde dressed simply in a slim fitting gray shirt and some light blue jeans.  

“Maybe.”  I answered with a grin.  I stood to hug her.  

My heart started to beat when her body touched mine and it caused my breath to hitch.  I must really be going crazy with the mommy thing.

“You ready for this?”  Uh no.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”  I gave her a weak smile in attempt to say I’m alright.  She saw right through it.

“Hey Spence.”  Kyla called walking out the door.  She was dressed in a frilly floral top and denim capri’s.  

“Ashley what are you wearing?”  Kyla asked glaring at me.  I shrugged.  Its called clothes.  “Mom is gonna freak she hates when- Ash!” She caught on.