The Christmas Wish

Chapter Seven

Laura's POV

It's been several months since Luke has been gone. I am so glad that Brandon has been here for me. He eventually went back to work and had found someone to take over my work until I am able to face the world again. He has been staying with us, helping with everything. Keely's routine has not been upturned as he has taken up the reins of this family without skipping a beat. Today is the day that I am finally going to try and get my life back together. I throw back the covers and slowly drag myself into the bathroom to get ready for the day. Once my morning routine is done, I head downstairs to find something to eat. Brandon and Keely are already sitting at the table with their breakfast.

"Good morning, good to see your face this morning."

"Good morning, I think it is time for me to be a human again."
"I'm glad. Are you ready to face the world again?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. It still hurts but he wouldn't want me to wallow in sadness. He would want me to move forward and be happy."
"That's my girl, do you need me to take Keely to school?"

"No, I need to get back into my routine."

He kisses my forehead and grabs his things to head out. I head into the kitchen and make my coffee.

"Keely, let's get moving. It's time to go."

She comes in with a smile on her face.

"Are you taking me to school today?"

Yes, little one, I am."
"Yeah!!!!"

She runs back to grab her book bag and we head out to the car. She is sitting quietly as I buckle her in her seat. She looks up to me and her eyes are glistening.

"Do you think daddy is looking down on us?"
"What?"
"Do you think daddy is looking down on us, watching over us?"
"Oh honey, what makes you say that?"
"I had a dream that daddy was with Jesus. He said he loved me and you."

The tears are now rolling down my cheeks, and my heart breaks for her and I try to swallow the lump that is forming.

"Little one, we don't even know if he is truly gone. If he is in heaven he definitely would be looking down on you and watching over you. I know you love your daddy very much and he loves you too. I don't want to get your hopes up but there is still a chance that he is out here somewhere."

"I say a prayer every night that he is out there, and that he is safe."
"That's a good idea. Now let's get you to school."
I kiss her forehead and close the door making my way to my side wiping my eyes as I climb in and we pull off to her school. I pull in and get her out and head into her classroom. Her teacher walks over as we walk in.

"Hello Mrs. Williams, it's nice to see you. How are you doing?"
"I am doing better. Just taking it one day at a time."
I am really sorry about Luke. I pray for his return every day."
"I hope that he does and we see him again."
"Don't lose hope."
I kiss Keely goodbye and head off to my studio. I pull into my spot and sit for a second trying to get my emotions under control. After a few moments I walk in and say hello to Tricia as I walk in. She is Brandon's cousin and he convinced her to help out. She does amazing work and I am so glad to have had her help.

"Good morning Tricia, thank you so much for being here when I couldn't."
"Good morning, happy to have helped. Are you ready to get back into things?"
"We'll see. I need to get out and get my mind off of things."

"Yeah, it helps."
"So what have we got?"
"It's pretty booked today. It's almost Easter, so we have those and a few newborn pictures."

"Sounds like we are having a fun day."
"And you are booked solid for the next couple months."
"Goodness, well it seems like I may need some help around here. Do you mind staying on?"