Follow Your Heart (Book#5 in Light For You Series)

Chapter 3 - 5 Years Later

Susanna's POV

I left Joey at home with soon to be 7 year old Hailee and recently 5 year old Levi. I'm as nervous and jumpy as a cat on a hot tin roof. I know he's an adult and everything, and that I just went to grab some groceries and things for Hailee's birthday. Maybe it's just the Mom in me wanting to check and worry. Or it could have something to do with being married to a Stamper...

I get out my cell phone and dial home, while in the cereal aisle, which is much quieter because I don't have my THREE "whiny" children along (yes, I'm including Joey, my husband in that number). The phone rings a few times, and someone picks up. "Mommy!!! Hiya!" Levi's little happy squeal echoes through the phone. "Whatcha doin?" I can't help but picture that little grin he got from his Daddy.

"Just buying some food and things, baby. How's everything at home? Is Daddy near by?" I ask. I hear laughter in the background and the sound of a movie playing. But it doesn't sound quite like Joey. My mom senses are tingling, and not in a good way. "Who was that?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Me and Uncle Chad are watching Robin Hood! Here talk to Mommy, Uncle Chaddy!" Levi says, and I hear the sound of his little feet running.

"Hey, Susie Q! Don't worry it's the old Disney cartoon version." Chad laughs into the phone.

"Hi, Chaddy! My favorite Robin Hood." I respond, and I can't help but laugh a little when he growls in response. Apparently it's a family thing, because Levi is laughing in the background. "Where is my husband?"

"You mean ... Joey?" He says, and I get the feeling that Mr. Chad Graham is stalling.

"Hmm... let's see... well considering I only have one husband, than yeah that's who I meant." Silence meets my reply. "Chad... is he even there?"

Chad coughs into the phone. "If you mean at home, then no. He and Hal-bug went to run some errands."

Before he can finish, I hear clattering in the background, and two more familiar voices. "Chad, where did Joe say to put this sign?" Alan calls, and I hear him plainly.

"Dude, it's your turn to hold the ladder." Caleb's voice meets my ears.

"I'm coming home!" I say as I hang up, before Chad even has a chance to begin explaining, and put my phone back in my purse. I grab a few more things, and check out as quick as possible. By the grace of God, I somehow keep my head about me enough to get home safely.

The front yard of our 5 bedroom house looks like a Party City truck threw up on it. Alan, Chad, Caleb, Levi, and Donald are out in the front yard making it look "better". At least I'm pretty sure that's there goal. Balloons, streamers, and banners are lying everywhere. I notice Joey's car is in the garage, so he must have beat me home.

I get out of the car momentarily forgetting the food in the trunk and just stare at the spectical in front of me. Brycie pulls in behind my car and hops out bags in her hands, her kids pouring out of the vehicle. "Hi, Susanna." Brycie smiles, she looks at my shocked face, her mouth forming an "o". "You didn't know did you?"

"Didn't know what, Brycie?" I look at door of the house, and spot Joey wearing a sheepish grin giving me a Little Rascal wave. He even mouths the words, 'I love you babe.' "He's throwing a birthday party for Hailee, isn't he?"

"You should talk to him about the costumes!" A.J. blurts, then looks around. " Oops...You probably didn't know that part either, did you, Aunt Sus?"

I shake my head no. I make my way across the yard and Joey wraps his arms around me, kissing my cheek. "Hi, babe. I love you, sweetheart. You look beautiful!"

I make myself look away from those lakes of blue, he calls eyes. "What about costumes?"

"It's a surprise party, babe." I got you something too. He pulls a shoe box from behind his back. He leans down on one knee like proposing, and opens the box dramatically.

I laugh out loud. "I love you, Joey Stamper." I kiss my husband, as I slip on the leopard print flats.

"Is that leopard on your shoe?" Joey flirts, even throwing in a wink.

"I forgive you." I sigh. "As long as I am allowed to run away from this party if it gets too bad."

Joey tugs my hair lightly. "Of course. But I'm sure you will love it."

"It sure should be interesting." I laugh. Might as well get ready for this costume party. Or disaster.... I hope they aren't the same thing.

"Now what is our daughter wearing?" I ask, almost afraid to hear the answer.

"Just you wait." Joey sweeps me up in his arms, spinning me around then kissing me soundly. I'm left breathless as he rushes away to Hailee's room

Maybe I should just be happy for such a loving attention from my husband. Then again... I'm married to Joey Stamper. That wouldn't be wise. I'll find out soon enough. I hear a door open and close, as footsteps echo down the hall.

"Mommy, don't you love my shoes? There glitterific!!!" Hailee grins, spinning in front of me.

I can't help, but laugh. "Honey, did Daddy pick out your costume?"

"Yeah, he said that it was on sale." She plays with her multi colored skirt and random decorated top. "I feel pretty AND me and Daddy are twins."

"Joseph! You didn't?!?" I exclaim, though I know what's coming.

"Final touch!" Joey bring out a blue wig and places a hair band with matching blue heart on her head. He's wearing the exact same wig.

"Hey sweet thing." Joey winks at me.

"Joey? By any chance have you Chosen to visit some of our old friends."

"Her boyfriend distracted her for me!" Joey whines. "After all, Maggie wouldn't mind."

Oh well, I guess we have a party to get to. Me, pint size Robin Hood, two Katy Perry wannabes, and the rest here on Susanna's isle!