“Sharon, I love you…”

“Yeah, right, Mom…I can’t…talk later…maybe…”

Ann stood there with only nothingness on the line.  She turned and walked to the living room.  On the fireplace mantel were the family pictures.  The latest photo of Tina, Greg and Sharon was prominently displayed in the center.  She ran her fingers over the photo stopping at the smiling face of Sharon.

“I love you very much but you have your life and I finally, finally have mine.  I hope you come around.”

Ann turned one more time and climbed the stairs to her bedroom.  As she had done each night she and Sam were not together, she dialed Sam’s number to say good night.

As soon as Sam heard Ann’s voice, she knew something was wrong.

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

Ann told her about the phone call with Sharon.

“She will come around, Ann.  This was probably so unexpected for her to hear.  You raised wonderful children.  I can’t imagine her cutting you out of her life.  Are you worried that she would even contemplate doing that?”

“I don’t know, Sam, I really don’t.  I guess I was spoiled with the reaction from Tina and Greg.  I just have to let her have some space…I’m sorry, I worry so much about my kids.”

Sam knew how important Ann’s family was to her.  If she needed space, too, she would give it to her.

“Baby, do you want to go by yourself to Philly?  I won’t be upset, I swear to you.”

That jolted Ann right back to the here and now.

“Absolutely not, Sam.  Yes, I am upset and concerned about Sharon, but as I said to her, this is my life….you are and will remain a significant part of my life.  I spent way too many years without you – way too many years denying my feelings.  I will do anything for my children, but I will not go back to hiding and denial.  The road ahead of me in this life is much shorter than the road I have traveled and I damn well will make the most of every moment afforded me – and for whatever time I have left on this earth, I want it to be shared with you.”

“Well, I guess you told me now, didn’t you?” Sam teased.

“Yes, I did.”  Ann’s face brightened, her eyes twinkled and for the briefest of moments, Samantha Jacoby’s mind was ‘twenty-something’ again being introduced to this beautiful young woman.  Little did she know at that time that knowing Ann would change everything “LittleMissSmartyPants” Jacoby ever knew about love.

Sam took Ann’s hands in hers and drew her close.  Ann placed her lips to Sam’s ear.

 “It’s you and me, Babe.  For now and forever.” 

Sam held on tight.  Ann was holding fiercely also.  After decades of lost hope and faded dreams, there was no way either woman would let their love slip away ever again.

TBC…