Mandy

Chapter 42

It's your breath
In our lungs
So we call out our praise
To you only
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   Mandy opened the door and walked into the inn. "Anyone here?" She called.

   Footsteps were heard on the stairs, then Amilee peeked over the railing. "Mommy!" She yelled, then ran down the rest of the steps in record pace.

Mandy picked her up and spun her around. "Did you miss me?" She asked.

Amilee laughed. "Of course! But Jason tells good stories."

"Better than my stories?" Caleb asked as he set his backpack on one of the couches.

Ami looked over at Mandy for help.

Mandy just shook her head and picked up the backpack. "I am not getting in the middle of this." She told them both, than walked away from them.

"Jason? Ethan?" She called as she entered the second floor of the inn.

"End of the right hall!" Jason yelled back.

Mandy frowned, but walked all the way down the hall and noticed one of the rooms was open.

She walked in, her eyes widening as she entered the room. "What in the..."

Jason grinned as he followed her gaze. "Merry Christmas." He whispered before leaving the room.

   Mandy continued to look around the room, shocked.

   "A-" Caleb's mouth dropped open when he walked into the room.

   "Caleb, look at this." Mandy commanded.

   He did as she asked, taking in the double bunk beds that lined one wall of the room, the big desk that was perfect for organizing and managing the paperwork for the hotel; the matching little desk that was the perfect size for Amilee, and even the hammock full of Ethan's stuffed animals and other toys.

   "It reminds me so much of the apartment." Mandy whispered.

   Caleb smiled as he wrapped his arm around Mandy's shoulders. "I miss those days sometimes."

She smiled. "Yeah. It wasn't easy, but we were never lonely."

"Were you lonely Mandy? When it was just the three of you?" Caleb asked, spinning her around to face him.

Mandy took in the serious expression on her brothers face. "I had my kids." She replied.

Caleb didn't reply, but Mandy could tell he didn't like her answer. She was very glad when Amilee ran into the room, giving Caleb no more time to question her.

"Mommy! Daddy! Isn't it awesome?" Amilee asked them as she practically bounced up and down.

Mandy giggled as she took Amilee's hands and danced around the room.

Caleb decided to let the conversation go for now and join the party.

Jason frowned as he and Ethan walked into the room a couple minutes later to find the three of them playing 'ring around the rosie'.

"Did I miss something?" He asked.

They turned to look him as they fell on the floor. "What?" Caleb asked.

"I just thought I may have missed something. Didn't remember dance parties." Jason replied.

Mandy shrugged as she stood up, pulling Amilee up with her. "Having a good time in our new room. Jason, this is amazing."

Jason shrugged. "The kids and I wanted to give you both a meaningful Christmas gift. And Sarah was happy to help as well."

Mandy wiped her cheeks. "Sorry, I'm not usually an emotional person."

Ethan ran over to her and wrapped his arms around her leg. "I love you Mama." He said.

"I love you too Buddy." Mandy told him as she pulled him into her arms.