Two friends, best friends that have known each other since Kindergarten. They will do anything for each other, if the other person just ask. Didn't take much to convince the other person of their reasons. As they grew up they went to the same schools and college. Now in there adult life they are still close.

Lucy is married to Gray and they have two kids by surrogate. Amber her dearest friend, offered to be their surrogate and also used her own eggs. Lucy was unable to have kids due to having cancer when she was younger. It was from the effects of all the treatments.

While Lucy has been enjoying married life. Amber has stayed single, going out with random guys. Likes the freedom of not being tied down to one person, even if her love life sucks. Her job keeps her busy and she loves her career. Wouldn't want her life to be any different then this.

Then when their lives are going so well, something happens to change all that. Lucy cancer has return, but it has progress through out areas in her body. The doctors don't give her a lot of time left. When she hears that her life will end. She pulls out a bucket list she has kept close to her self since having cancer all those years ago. Knowing in her heart that it would return one day. Already to check off the bucket list to what remains to be done. That is to see her loved ones happy. Her start of her list begins with her to favourite important people.

Lucy figures the person for Gray, is Amber. They click so well with one other, that if she can pushed them together. That it will not take long for them to fall in love. Even with wanting Amber to carry a other child. Thinking that if she becomes pregnant then Gray can get closer to her that way.

It may not be so simple. Amber has a lousy track record with men. All her relationships have ended poorly and men never treated her right. Lucy has always hated that, wanted to see her happy and in love. Gray doesn't want to love someone else when he is losing her. That the time they have left should be about making memories and loving each other.

Now with how much time she has remaining, will she be able to fulfilled her bucket list. Hoping her plan will succeed, before her timely demise.

Now on with the story...

It was a blister hot day, when a women with freshly painted nails push the air conditioning to get the interior of her suv cooled. On her way she was to pick up her two small children from their school. It was the last day of the year and they all were looking forward to summer vacation. Not to sure what their plans were, but they are going to discuss it tonight over dinner.

Feeling how the temperature in the car was compare to before. Her suv suited her needs very nicely. Able to put all the groceries she has bought into the trunk of the car. With the air on it might keep the stuff that came from the freezer still cold before it gets warm up. There was no other place for her to go to once her boys are pick up from school. It will be going straight on home after picking them up and feeding them a snack.

Her hands move the steering wheel and takes the next left to find a parking spot on the school grounds. Then she will get out of the car to get her children. They shouldn't be wandering around the playground but wait for her outside of the school building. There was a play set back at home in the back yard for them to burn off any energy that wasn't spent through the school day.

Waving her hand to a other mother that was finishing picking up their kids and passing by in her car. Parking the suv in the space that was left by the other vehicle. A blast of heat hits her face as she steps out of the car. Wishing her boys were a little older to come to the car to stay where it was cooler. Picking them up will be quick and she sees them both by the building wall as she uses the side walk to get closer to them.

"Boys!"

There little arms wave to their mother and the youngest one starts running over to her. It makes her to bend down to embrace James in her arms. The other boy walks over to them to be greeted in the same way. He had to pick up his little brothers backpack first.

"Mommy!"

"Hello Logan how was your last day of Grade 2."

"It was alright, the teacher gave this to me to take home."

Holding up a envelope in his hand to show her, it was a report card. Stating on it that he will be moving on to grade three in the fall. Reaching for it with her hand as he hands it over to her. Then all three of them start to walk back to the suv.

"What about you James did you have fun?"

"Yes mommy, I got to play in the sand."

"Did you also get to paint too?"

"Un huh and then we had a nap after lunch."

The youngest child would be heading into Kindergarten in the fall. This was his last day in preschool. The school that the boys attended range from preschool to grade 12. Their parents didn't need to worry about switching schools for when they get to the higher classes. Also the school wasn't that old either, it was built about five years ago. They replace the older school with this one. It was get wore and falling apart. School district decided to tear down and rebuild. Most of the children that lived by had to be bused to other schools in the city.

"Did you nap James?"

"I didn't want too, I wanted to play some more."

"When we get home you two can go into the back yard to play."

Helping the two boys into their car seats before she gets into the drivers seat. Looking at them in the rear view mirror before she turns on the car and letting the air resume to cool the car down again. They are her precious little boys and both of them look so much like their father. Taking after him in black hair and blue eyes. There smiles and come from their surrogate mother. Showing off the dimples in there cheeks and they also have her nose.

Unable to have kids of her own. Asked her friend to carry them for her and ask to used her eggs as well. When Lucy was much younger she had come down with cervical cancer. Late teens for her when it happen. To young to go through something like that, but not uncommon in women her age. The treatment to fight the cancer was ruff. Had to have chemo and the hash drug ruin her changes of conceiving. When Lucy found out that she couldn't have kids. Her friend Amber didn't hesitate when asked.

It thrilled Lucy to see life grow in Amber, feel the baby move and watch the baby being born. Gave the baby so much love, that she wanted her family to grow again. The second time, Amber had to think about it. It was due to her work at the time. Open her book store and wanted nothing to intervene in the first couple months of opening up. When the dust settle down, Amber was happy to give what her friend wanted. A mutual understanding they had. Not saying no, but waiting for the right time to agree.

"Say when we get home how about some ice cream?"

"Yaaay I want some mom."

"Can I have a bigger bowl then James mom?"

"You both will get equal size. I don't want you fighting over it."

"What kind is it? Not vanilla, I want chocolate."

"Have to wait to find out Logan."

The ride back to the house had them singing in the car. A cd was being played of children songs. James and Lucy were singing along with them. Raising their voices high in the car. It made Logan cover his ears and try to tune them out. His mother tried to sing at her best but it wasn't good at all. Not even his father can sing, best he can do is hum.

View rear mirror had Lucy look into it as she drove down the streets. Saw how Logan was and made her chuckle a bit. Can always tell how he didn't like things and shown it in his actions. Even when she put peas onto his plate he would make a gross sound. Made him eat a few bites before he was ask to leave the table.

Tonight was going to be a easy dinner for Logan to eat and enjoy. Picking up hamburger meat and making spaghetti with garlic toast. It was the boys and Gray's favourite meal. For her it just means that her men liked meat. They would have at lest two plates full before digging into their dessert. It was the last day of school for them and that tonight was going to be movie night. So after having full meal, the boys will in their pj's and choosing what they should watch with popcorn and pop. A rare treat for the boys to have a surgery drink before bed. At times it will keep them up or they will crash and have a goodnight sleep. If that was the case tonight, her and Gray can have some alone time. Cuddle on the couch or go to bed early to make love.

Right now Gray has been really busy at work. His brother and himself have own a company for the last ten years. The baby stages are over with and they are now taking a huge leap to surrounding markets. Proud of his achievements and can't wait to see him succeed even more on a grander scale. They came up with a juice drink as a starter for their business. "Ice mint" was a huge rave and with that one drink they have made more in different flavors. At first they were not to sure if it was going to be hit. When they received the news and what was shown on paper. It flew off the shelves into peoples homes.

The result of his business made it possible for her to be a stay at home mom. Didn't need to work, Gray made the income for the both of them. Had the means to get a bigger house and yarn. Upgraded their cars to quality standards and not lemons. With it being ten years so far for their business it also means ten years for them as man and wife.

They met at bar, that Lucy and Amber frequent. It was there go to place to mingle with the opposite sex. That night took them there for Amber to have a blind date. Unfortunately the guy didn't show up and Lucy bump into Gray. From that moment on they have been together since. Amber was sullen for the rest of the night watching the two of them together.

"Mom can we get a dog."

The last song was sang and Amber turn down the volume of the car to hear her sons words better. There was a little ringing in her ear from the noise level. Didn't want to ignore her son by to continuing to sing. Gave them her full attention, so they can do it too. Took a quick look in the mirror before looking back at the road. A four way stop was coming up and didn't want to run through a stop sign. There was a police car behind them, didn't want to delay in getting home by getting a ticket.

"Sorry, no dog Logan. Not until you are older and understand the responsibility of having a pet. I don't want to get something now and I will end up with all the work."

"Mom, I am old enough and most of my friends have pets."

"You know what we have said to this. Besides you see Ace all the time."

"That's Auntie Amber dog."

"She has let you play with him and take him for walks when they are over."

"Not the saaaaaame."

"Logan!"

"I want dog!"

"No! That is final, don't ask again."

Rest of the way home was in silence. No one talked and Logan was now upset at his mother. It wasn't fair to the way he sees it. It was fine and all when he gets to play with Ace. To have his own dog would be neat. Play with the animal all the time, to chase him and throw the ball. Sleep with him in his room. Have a dog mat right next to the bed. Thought for sure he was old enough to have one.

Being asked to roll up the window when the car was finally parked into the car port. James unbuckle his car seat before his mother could do it for him. Sometimes it was tricky to cut him loose. The side door of the suv was open and hops down to make his way inside. Can hear his mother tell him to take his school bag inside before doing anything else. Now it was his turn to leave the seat. Glad he wasn't in a baby car seat anymore but into a booster seat instead. Not at the right height or weight to be seatless free. Hoping when he turns 8 next month that he will be a requirements then. Lucy didn't think so. The boys took after their biological mother's height. She was only 5'3 feet tall, with long hair and small waist. If her best friend didn't agree to bare children for her, she would gone through adoption.

"When can I have one?"

"When we feel you are old enough, not right now."

Stomping his way over to the door and kicking off his shoes to proceed in through the laundry room. It lead to the kitchen and dinning room. He bypass to even go over to the fridge for a drink. Took a run up the stairs and slammed his bedroom door. Flop down on his power rangers bed sheets. Rolled onto his back to look up at the ceiling. His mother yelled at him not to slammed the door and to watch out for his behaviour.

"I am asking for one thing. James was allowed to have fish in his room. He always get his way."

His brother was into the sea liked everything from sharks to snails. When he asked to have a shark in his room, his parents opt to give him a five gallon tank with guppies inside. Told how to feed the fish once a day only. Not to over feed them or they will die. Made him sad to hear that, and did his best. James was a bright and smart boy. Learn things quicker then his older brother did. For example walked at 10 months, where it took Logan over a year and half to walk on his own. Stayed to holding on to things, and crawling around. When he figure it out on his own, Lucy had a hard time keeping him in one place. At lest everything was baby safe and made her worry a little less.

As the boys did their own thing up in there room or going into the backyard. That is where James went too after dropping off his school bag. Sliding down the slide first, then running over to the swings. Lucy looked out the kitchen window to make sure he was alright out there. The backyard was closed in, now way for James to run down the street. He was closed off from the pool too. The boys knew how to hold themselves up in water, but safety measures were taken in place so they boys didn't sneak into the pool on their own.

A cutting board was grabbed from it's place on the counter and laid flat on the surface. Then reaching for a knife from the board to pull out. "Time to start on supper." Lucy thought to herself. Get the aroma into the air of what they are going to have and watch her sons drool at the smell. While a onion was being pealed, she press the button her answer machine to listen to the messages she has missed. There was a light flashing indicating that someone phone while she was out. No calls went through onto her cell phone. A quicker way to get a hold of her. Knowing if she was home, they could make a call to her then.

Hears a women voice on the other end. Smiles at herself knowing who the caller was. It has been a few days from their last chat. That had them talking for two hours on the phone. Both of them would talk about anything. Sometimes the other person would rant about how horrible their day was and they would listen until they feel they could interject. Let them know it was ok to feel that way and not to shoulder it any longer.

"Hey you! I guess you are out, and by the look on the clock. I presume you are getting the boys. Wanted to let you know that your novels are in to be picked up. It's been a busy day here at the store. It didn't help that one of my workers didn't show up for there shift. How can I run a book store and have one of my employees not to come in. They did get a ear full from me when I called up their sorry ass."

"Amber language."

Her friend, well to Lucy they are best friends. Having not be separated from the time of James age. First day of kindergarten, they met. Where glued to each other hip after that. Some people thought they were to close as friends. Got teased of their friendship and were called Lesbain. Amber was the one that charge at people for making fun of them. Lucy stay in the back after her rant was over and settle down. Very rare, Amber shown a cute side to her. Didn't want to show a lot of emotion, given to the way she grew up. Ripped away from her family at three years old and placed into orphanage. Her parents had a tragic death and her brother were adopted out together. It wasn't a place that Amber wanted to see a child go too. Having to share room with more then 15 kids in one room. After she was adopted herself and when she grew up. Had her file open up at the agency. Wanted her brothers to find her, if they were searching. They were older then her by 4 years. So the memories of them together would remain, unlike her she has forgotten what they look like.

"If a person can't hire trustful people then what is the point of having someone on your team."

A sigh can be heard in her voice and Lucy shakes her head. A lot of work has she put into this book store and took it seriously. Amber was the one that got her hook into reading books most of her life. What she is reading now is a murder romance novel. Unsure of who the murder is, but soon they would be revealed.

"She is going to be hiring someone else, maybe I can help with that."

Chopping the onion into little cubes then scraping the board and putting them into the hot pan. Letting them saute with the butter, until they get soft. When they are done the meat will be place into the pan with other seasonings. The garlic bread will be heated up in the oven and the noodles will start to cook.

"On Friday I can drop off your novels for you, I can't stay long have a date. I got go now, there is a line up. See all of you soon."

"On no not other one. This is third one this month."

"What is the third one this month?"

Didn't hear the door to the garage closed or hear his foot steps as he comes into the kitchen. Washing her hands underneath the stink and drying them off before she goes over to her husband for a kiss on the lips. Wearing a business suit, and his tie was pulled down from the collar. Very sophisticated he looked and handsome. Her arms wrap around his neck as she can feel his arms goes around her.

"Amber is doing it again."

"Again? What is she up too?"

"I am thinking she doing one night stands. Can't she learn from the last time."

"Are you sure this is what she is doing?"

"After the last two guys, she never mention them anymore."

"Maybe it's different this time."

Let's her go to go back to cooking supper and grabs a glass from the cupboard and fills it with ice from the fridge door and then uses the water. Came in handy on those hot days to have a cold glass of ice water. His briefcase goes down on a chair and the kitchen, pulls out a bar stool and sits down at the counter to watch her. The smell of the onions and now the meat being cooked was making his stomach growl. Looking forward to her home cooked meals.

"Different? I don't think so. The last time she did this, she got hit in the face by that one guy and ended up in the hospital for stitches to her forehead. He thought there was more going on then he realized. She didn't think he was going to hit her."

"Lucy I know how hard you took that. I have the same feelings as you do. She is to rash to be jumping from guy to guy. I remember seeing her face that night."

"If only she would settle down."

"There was one guy right, but it didn't transpired?"

"They email or texted for months and months before meeting up. Never talked on the phone or seen pictures of each other. That night at the bar, he didn't show up. She was devastated after that, and her single life went hardwired. Guy after guy, and not great ones either. It's like she is looking in the wrong places. What would you do besides me?"

"Honesty, tie her up. I wouldn't want to see her hurt either. The only person that can fix this for her is her. Needs to stop on her own."

"To hard headed she is, always been like that."

"Have a talk with her."

"I have, and it's no use."

"Maybe something will happen to change her mind on things. You never know."

"Maybe? I'll call her later. Why don't you go upstairs, get change and come down. Supper will be ready soon."

"Where are the boys?"

"James is out there and Logan is sulking in his room. Asking again for a dog."

"I see! I will be down after I have a shower."

Kissing her on the cheek and giving her bum a slap with his hand. Winks at her as he walks towards the stairs. It was a long day and he was glad to be home with his family. Always seeing them cheer him up. Even when Amber came over, it lighten his mood. Those two are so close that he can feel the bond they have for one other. It displeased him as well that she would act recklessly with her personal life. That night when Lucy rush them to the hospital to see if she was alright. Didn't like to see her bruised eye and the cut she had. Tempted to find the guy himself and see how he liked to be hit back.

There were other times too that she find herself way over the her head in a relationship. Always ended at a certain part and walked away. Could never figure her out to why though. A very beautiful women she was, he always thought. Her long hair reach down past her waist, has never seen her with short hair. Her deep green eyes match her hair colour. Smart women she was to start her own business from the ground up. No loans did she take out, strive to earn everything on her own. His reason is probably due to her upbringing. Growing up the way she did and with out family.

He also believe that Lucy was a big influence in her life. Both were each other inner voice. If there was a problem they went to the other person to find a solution. Listening to Lucy being her sounding board, was the same way with him. Could always talk things out even when they had a fight or disagreement. He hoped that never changes.

Taking off his clothes and piling them into the dirty clothes basket. His house coat gets tied up and he goes into the hallway to take out some towels from the closet. The door to Logan's room was still closed. Wanted to have a talk with him about the dog issue. It was best to wait until he was older. Agree with Lucy that, if they got one now. She would be the one walking the dog and feeding it. Half the time, it was hard enough to get the kid to clean up his room.

The smell of the spaghetti was raising up to the second floor. Should hurry to shower, before Lucy calls them for dinner. It was a spacious bathroom, with double sinks and a jet tub. A single shower was in the corner. Softy fancy towels on the rail, a bath mat by the tub. A open window, and mixture of blue white walls. This was a their first home they pick together as a married couple. Not a dream home, but a home to live in and raise their children.

Sad it made him to know that Lucy couldn't bare a child. Finding out had her crying on his shoulder. They discussed their options of having a family. It came down to allow someone to carry a child for them. They were naive to think that Lucy could use her own eggs and his sperm to make a baby. Because of her having cancer, the treatments took that chance away. When Lucy propose to him that she was alright with a other women eggs. There was only one person she could ask to fulfilled her need of becoming a mother. When they asked Amber, at first he wasn't to sure of her answer. Right away she said yes. It took awhile for everything to be ready. Harvesting her eggs and making sure there would be enough. Then also the wait for when she was impregnated with the eggs and hearing her say she was pregnant. Lucy knocked Amber over onto the floor and a huge exhilarating hug. A best friend to Lucy, and friend to him.

Nine months of watching Amber glow, being moody, cravings. His wife dealt with everything, going to the appointments, seeing the ultrasounds first, feeling the baby move. During all that, he couldn't get near Amber. She wouldn't let him feel her stomach or go to the appointments. Lucy said, because she was shy of having him there or being touch by someone else. He tried to involved himself in it, but Amber thought he was being to overprotective at times. Of course he should be right. She was having his kids, wanted to be at each stage. Once he held his sons in his arms. All of that went away, he could live with out feeling like he was pushed to the side.

Stepping out from his bathroom with a towel around his waist and with wet hair. He walks to the bedroom to change into different clothes. Something cool for this hot evening. June is only the start of summer, they had three months of blister hot weather to come. Once he was dressed and comb out his hair. Made his way over to the stairs. Could hear James downstairs, probably already sitting down in his seat.

"Dinner's ready!"

Her voice was loud for Logan to hear. Opening up his door and he sees his dad about to go down the stairs. Did not even know he was home yet. There have been days where he would come home really late. The following morning is when he would see him. Knew he had to work, but missed hanging out with him and doing son and father things.

"Dad!"

"Hello son. Can you smell what is cooking?"

"Yes, I can. It's been awhile."

"Can't wait to take a bite. Let's head down."

"Dad wait!"

"What is it Logan?"

"I want dog, I know I can take care of it. Feed, walk, bath him. You and mommy wouldn't have to tell me."

"We have gone over this. Do not come to me after your mother said no."

"But Dad!"

"No Logan. It's supper now, eat."

They head over to their dinning room table. It had a purple table cloth over top. The plates, utensils were in place. Glasses were filled with water or milk. A center piece of tulips were in the center. The spaghetti was in a long dish, with a spoon waiting for someone to take the first servings.

The boys sat beside each other, and Gray sat next to Logan. A empty seat was for Lucy to come join them. Mixing up a salad to take over with her to the table. Garlic bread was already be chew on by Gray. Couldn't wait for the meal to start. It had her shaking her finger at him and telling him to hold off for a minute. Smiles at her and takes a other bite into his mouth.

Taking the salad bowel and the cesar dressing into her hands. These were the last two things to complete their meal. A meal she was happy to make for everyone. Walking over to the table and grinning to her boys and husband. Then all of the sudden her eyes went blurry and she was falling down sideways. Everything went dark as she hit the floor. The salad bowel breaks onto the floor and the dressing rolls. Then a chair is pushed back as Gray rounded the table to quickly kneel beside his wife. The last words she could hear is...

"Lucy! Are you alright! Lucy!"

"Mommy!"

"Mommy!"