May 2020

Brenda looked out the large windows in the living room as Dylan and the kids played in the yard. Cindy walked over to Brenda, putting her arm around her daughter.

"They grow up fast, don't they?"

Brenda sighed. "Yeah, they do. Too fast."

Cindy walked over to an armchair and sat down, Brenda following and sitting nearby. "You know, I remember when you and Dylan started dating in high school," she chuckled. "To tell you the truth honey, I never thought it would last."

"Me neither mom." Brenda thought back to the past 10 years. She and Dylan had gone back and forth so many times. She finally got on her own and decided to raise a family by herself. That's when she adopted Kathleen from China. She couldn't believe that was more than 10 years ago. Kate, as she liked to be called, was now 11 years old, and just like her mom. About a year after adopting Kate, Brenda had been performing in a show, traveling across the country. That's when he walked back into her life. Dylan surprised her one evening in Chicago, waiting for her backstage. Of course the old feelings had come back. She tried to suppress them, but it was obvious that he had moved on from Kelly and from Sammy. Seven years ago they had married, and Jackson was born about a year later.

Jim walked into the living room. "Brandon just called. They will be here in about 5 minutes." Brenda was excited. She hadn't seen her nephews or niece in about a year. She was content to know that the whole family was getting together for a two-week vacation on the lake that she and her family had spent so many vacations on together in Minnesota. Her parents were getting older and it was nice that they would get to spend time with their grandchildren.

In just a few minutes time, an SUV pulled up next to the other cars. Brenda watched as the gang started pouring out the car. Brenda smiled as she watched the kids. Brandon had always wanted a large family. He had surprised everyone by moving back to Los Angeles. Brandon and Kelly's love for each other rekindled shortly thereafter, and Dylan had actually given up his rights to Sammy so that Brandon was able to adopt him. It had actually been a much easier transition for everyone than they had imagined it happening. A couple years later, Brandon and Kelly's daughter came along, named Taylor. She looked just like her mom, Brenda thought, it was almost scary. Her personality, though, was much more like her father's. It was hard to believe that Taylor was already 11 years old. The twins came several years later. Ayden and Logan were three now, and a handful.

The next two weeks flew by as the family spent time boating, hiking, swimming and spending time together. The last night of vacation, Brandon and Sam built a campfire and the entire Walsh clan sat around the fire telling stories and roasting marshmallows.

Kate laughed at the twins as they ate the last of the s'mores. "Ayden you've got chocolate all over your face!"

Cindy stood up and held out her hands. "C'mon boys. It's time for a bath and to get into your jammies. Say good night." The boys hugged and kissed their parents and said good night to the rest of the family as Cindy took them back to the cabin. "I'll come help Cindy," Jim said following her and the boys. The rest of the kids talked and played amongst themselves as the two couples stayed close to the fire, both snuggled in each other's arms.

"Can you believe we have to go back to real life tomorrow?" Brenda asked.

"Please, don't remind me," Kelly responded to her sister-in-law, as Brandon rubbed her back. "What are you going to do with Kate and Jackson this summer?"

"I think we are going to travel a bit with them. Now that Jackson is getting a little older, it's starting to get easier. Right hon?" she asked, looking back at Dylan.

"That's the plan. How about you guys?"

"We're staying around town. Probably end up at the beach club a lot with the twins to get their energy out. Taylor wants to go to some local camps. And I think Sam wants to stay close to his friends," Brandon told them.

As the evening drew to a close, Brandon and Kelly stayed out by the fire as everyone else turned out the lights and went to bed.

"It's so peaceful out here."

Brandon responded by pulling Kelly in close to him, kissing her head. They had been together for so long it was hard to imagine them any other way. They both thought their love for each other would change through the years. It did, but in a good way. They couldn't believe how their love had grown and gotten stronger. Each day was a blessing and they couldn't be more at peace with their lives than they were at that moment.

The next morning everyone packed up their belongings and said their goodbyes. They promised to see each other during the holidays. No one knew that their time apart would be much shorter than expected. Tragedy was about to strike the Walsh family, and no one could be prepared for this.

So what do you all think? I have this story planned out and I know exactly what will happen. I'm going to make it as realistic as possible. Please let me know in the coming chapters if you like it or not. I love feedback and I love to hear your predictions!