Ethan
Three years after Ivy's birth
"Happy birthday, dear Katherine!" We all belt out, and I watch her stare at her candles. Teagan and Ryan are sitting at the table, and I'm sure they're anticipating all of the cake they're going to eat.
It hasn't gotten any easier with Jess being gone. Grayson went back to his own house after he'd been here for almost a year, but he still comes over to help me with the kids.
"Blow out your candles, sweetheart." I crouch next to my daughter's chair, and I help her blow out the birthday candles. Gray started to cut the cake while Katherine whispered in my ear.
"I wished for Mommy to come home." The wish never gets old. She's wished for it every year that Jess has been gone. So have the boys.
"That's awesome, sweetie. We'll get Mommy back." I stopped promising it a little while ago. Everyday, it got harder and harder to believe that Jess was really going to home. And if she came home, would she be alive? Would she be completely insane? Brainwashed? I had no idea.
The teachers and principals at the kids' school have been incredible to our family. They cut the kids slack in school, and a couple of teachers have even sent food home with them for us to eat, insinuating that I didn't cook much. They're right.
I've had to learn the kids' routine that they had on a daily basis with Jess, including getting up for school in the morning, being picked up, getting ready for dinner, talking about grades, and even being put to bed and everything that comes before that. It's a lot of work, and I praise my wife for it.
"I'm going to go play with my friends outside." Katherine interrupts my thoughts, and I watch her and the friends she's invited over go out to the backyard, climbing onto the trampoline that I bought for the boys' birthday last year.
"E, your phone's ringing." Grayson says as he's cutting Ryan another piece of chocolate cake. I race over to the counter, picking up my phone.
"Is this Ethan Dolan?" The voice is a female.
"Speaking." I reply.
"Sir, your wife, Jessica, has been located and brought into our custody." I don't register the words she's saying. I don't think I physically can. I've dreamed about this moments for years. I look at my brother who's looking back at me, and I burst into tears immediately.
"R-really?" I can't help but stutter, and I really don't know if I believe her. This could be a prank call for all I know.
"Yes, sir. We've got her and your daughter at the hospital, recovering."
My daughter? What was she talking about? Katherine is here with me. I have to sit down for fear that I might fall over in shock.
"Excuse me? My daughter?"
"Yes. Ivy?" She says the name as if it's a question. Why on earth does Jess have a little girl with her. I push the subject aside.
"Can I see my wife?"
"Yes, sir. We've got them in a hall all on their own so they won't be disturbed. They've gone through a lot of traumatic events and suffering. I just urge you to be cautious and not too excited when you see them. Will your other kids be joining you?"
When I'm asked that question, I look around the house, seeing Ryan and Teagan heading upstairs while Katherine is outside, having left the patio door open. Finally, my eyes land on Grayson who is cleaning up plates and forks.
"Not tonight, no. I'll be over as soon as I can." With that, she gives me the information and directions of the hospital that Jess is at, and I write it all down before we end the call. Without word, I go and hug Grayson tight.
"What happened?" He asks, hugging my back.
"She's home. They found her. My baby is coming home." I cry, burying my face in his shoulder. That's when I hear him start to cry.
"Katherine's wish came true."
