The 22 days

Day: 18

"Good morning baby." She said to her son as she opened her eyes and saw him laying his head on her stomach.

He smiled, "Good morning mommy... Good morning Taaliyah!"

She looked at her son, frowning, "Who is that?"

"My baby sister." He told her cheerfully.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, I dreamed with her and she told me."

Her frown turned into a smile as she imagined the two of them together. She wished she could see the face his little mind drew for his sister.

"What did you do in your dream?" She asked.

"We played with my truck and then she let me brush her hair, like you let me do with yours..."

"Did you like brushing her hair?"

"Yeah..." He nodded. "It was soft."

She laid back down while Joey rested his head on her. She stroked his hair for a bit, just enjoying being in bed with her son, but their little moment was interrupted by the ringing of her cellphone.

She was surprised at first, but then she thought it was the realtor wanting to meet, so she could sign the papers and get the keys to the house. When she got a look at the screen, she was a little surprised, but also very happy.

"Good morning," She smiled at the phone. "You got my message, huh?"

She had tried to talk to Carter the night before, but wasn't able to. So before giving up, she left him a message, which she believed was the reason why he was calling first thing in the morning.

"Good morning." He said and she imagined him smiling as well. "I didn't actually, did you call me?"

"Yeah, I tried to talk to you last night."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't pick up." He paused for a few seconds, "You're at the motel, though?"

"Yes." She nodded along with her answer.

"The one you gave me the address for?"

"Yes, but we are going to get a new address. I found a house I like and I'm going to rent it."

"That is really good. Can you do me a favor first, though?"

"I guess..." She said curiously.

"Get the door." He said and she looked in the direction of the door feeling confused until she heard the knock.

She looked through the peephole and couldn't believe her eyes.

"What...?" She said, still in disbelieve as she opened the door and saw him standing there. As he smiled at her, she couldn't stop herself from jumping in his arms, wrapping her arms and legs around him. He laughed at her reaction and made sure to hold her firmly so they wouldn't fall.

"I can't believe you're here."

He smiled hard at her, "You told me you wanted me to be here."

She held his face in her hands, still in awe, "I don't usually get what I want."

"Shawn!!!" Joey said running to him, then he let the mother down, to pick up the son.

"Hey buddy!" The boy wrapped his little arms around his neck and her heart melted. Then she felt Darnell's tail slamming against her leg. He was so excited. She bent down to ruffle his fur, getting her face licked all over in the process. When she got up, she guided them all inside and locked the door behind them.