CHAPTER 9

Sara walked into the bedroom, leaving Catherine watching her. The moment had left her breathless. Oh, so close! Sara, she was everything to Catherine. When Catherine emerged, Sara sat on the bed looking as beautiful as ever. Sara could be as stubborn as Catherine. She could be hard to get to know. But, if you really tried, you were greatly rewarded. Sara had a very tender loving side and could be so innocent and naïve at times. Right now, she was going for that innocent look. She was wearing a pair of blue jeans and a white cotton short sleeve top. Her hair hung in curls that framed her face.

"Tonight?"

"Tonight." Catherine said. Once Catherine was dressed, they went and checked on Lindsey. She was ready to go.

They all got into Catherine's Denali. As they were driving, Sara sat wondering to herself what kind of mother she would be. Warrick had said that he would help and the rest of her "family" would too. Catherine was already a great mom. What about Lindsey? Would she be okay with it when there was a baby?

"What are you thinking about? You seemed deep in thought."

"Nothing." Catherine left the question alone. She knew better than to push Sara into talking.

When they arrived at the zoo, Catherine helped Sara out. After they paid for their admission, they started walking around. After they had seen about half of the zoo, they decided to stop for a break because they were all thirsty and a bit hungry.

"Catherine, I'm having a good time. But, my leg is getting tired."

"Do you want to leave?"

"Not really. I think that wheelchair would be good."

"Of course, honey. Lindsey, stay here with Sara, please." Catherine walked off to find one. Sara looked at Lindsey, unsure of what to talk to her about, even now.

"So…ummm… Lindsey, how did that chemistry test go?"

"I think I did okay. Thanks for the help.

"So, Lindsey, do you and your mom have any Thanksgiving traditions?"

"When Mom doesn't have to work, she fixes dinner and Grandma comes over. If Mom is working, I go over to Grandma's house for dinner."

"Did you have any in your house?"

Not wanting to share her childhood (which had been anything but pleasant) with Lindsey, she simply stated "just dinner and TV".

"Sara, can I ask you a question?" asked a nervous Lindsey.

"Do you love my mom?"

"It is all still new to me. I am still overwhelmed with the loss of Gil. Your mom is a wonderful person and is a great comfort to me. I never thought that I would lose him. I don't know if this is meant to be. But, right now, I do love your mom."

Just then, Catherine came up. "Your chariot, my lady." causing Sara and Lindsey to both giggle.

They continued to explore the zoo for the rest of the afternoon. When they all piled back into the Denali at the end of the day, they were all tired. They decided to stop for pizza and take it home. After dinner, the phone rang. Lindsey answered the phone. She hollered to her mom, "Can I stay over at Gabby's house?"

"Sure, do I need to drive you over?" There was a slight pause while Lindsey asked.

"No, they are going out for ice cream and can pick me up."

Gabby and her mom knocked on the door about 10 minutes later. Lindsey left saying, "Bye Mom! Bye Sara!"

Gabby asked Lindsey who Sara was. Lindsey told her that Sara was a friend of her mom's who was staying over after she had been in a car accident." Gabby left it at that, but Lindsey was left with a nagging feeling. A feeling of shame perhaps? Ashamed she would be rejected by her friends if they found out her mom loved Sara? Ashamed because her mom did love Sara?