The Way We Were

The Way We Increase

Marcy set Shay in her crib and turned on her mobile before tiptoeing out with the nannies. "Thank you. I just want them to stay sleep."

Both women bowed before leaving.

Marcy shuffled down to her room and went to lie down. She hoped nobody needed her because she was taking a nap.

She heard the doorbell ring and scowled. She sorely hoped it wasn't for her but moments later, it proved to be a fool's wish because Pendleton knocked on the door. "Yes?!"

"Madam, a Mrs. Rose Jones to see you." He stood stiffly.

Marcy blinked in shock. She hadn't spoken to her mother since Beijing. She didn't know what to think about it but that was how things shook out. "Where is she?"

"The front parlor, madam."

"Thank you. I'll be right down. Ask Manny to make hibiscus tea and set out floral vanilla biscuits please."

He nodded. "Right away, madam."

She waited for him to leave before getting up. She went to the bathroom to freshen up then went downstairs.

Manny was fawning over her mom as he set down the tray of snacks. Apparently Rosie Taylor had been huge in the Dominican Republic.

"Thank you, Manny." Marcy cleared her throat.

He bowed before leaving.

Marcy went to her mother.

Rose stuck her cheek out for her to kiss so she did. Both sat. "Hello, dear."

"What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to call on you." Rose bit her bottom lip. "Daddy told me you have more children."

"Yes."

"It might be a lot for you to handle."

"I can take care of my children."

"I'm not saying you can't. I just want you to be careful. Don't try to be SuperMom."

Marcy was unsure if she should be offended.

"When I had you, I tried to go overboard and I ended up burning myself out. It's why we came to America."

Marcy's brows lifted. No one knew why they'd come to America.

"I know. Not the best reasoning."

Marcy took pity on her mother. "I think you've met all of them but Xindi. I can introduce you."

Rose brightened. "Mother and Daddy are coming in later. Daddy says he has something for you."

Marcy's face didn't change. Joy.

W.W.W.

"Cuz!" Karou whisper-yelled.

"Crazy." Marcy smiled as she stood up.

Karou juggled her daughter carefully as she hugged her favorite cousin. "I missed you so much!"

"I saw you two weeks ago..."

"Forever!"

"Give me my goddaughter."

Karou gave Lys up. "She's been super irritable lately."

"She got it honestly." Marcy gave her a look as she bounced with the almost three month old baby.

Karou scowled as Arnold laughed. "Hi, Aunt Rose!"

Rose's lips twitched. "Hello, dear."

"Hello, Mrs. Jones." Arnold offered a hand carefully as he juggled his son.