Vignette: wisdom from beyond

Peyton wandered around the park, feeling free and happy. Sawyer ran ahead of her, eager to get to the playground, and Peyton laughed at just how energetic her daughter was. Her growing stomach was much bigger now, there was only a few months until Baby Scott would make her arrival, and she still didn't have a name. Peyton and Lucas read books of names every night, but none of them felt right. They were a bit nervous that the baby would never get a name, but eventually resolved that one would come to them. They just had to wait and be patient, and maybe one would come to them when they least expected it.

Peyton couldn't wait for her second daughter's arrival, and yet was incredibly nervous, praying every night that the delivery would be uncomplicated and that she would be a good mother of two. Lucas reassured her of these things every night, and yet, she still didn't feel peace about it. She was still seeking reassurance.

"Hey, be careful out there, okay?" Peyton bent down to her daughter's level, as best as her growing frame would allow. "Mommy can't play with you right now because I'm helping baby sister grow. But I'll be right over here, and you can come and get me if you need something," she pointed to a park bench. It was new that Sawyer was allowed to roam the playground on her own, but it was small enough that Peyton could see the whole area from where she sat to keep an eye on her, and she knew most of the people that frequented there anyway. Peyton and Lucas had decided to start giving her a bit more independence so that she would feel like a big girl when her sister arrived.

"Have fun!" Peyton sat down on the bench and pulled out a book, grateful for the chance to relax.

A bit of time passed, a half hour or so, and Peyton looked up from her book to check on Sawyer. To her surprise, she was standing with two women who were playing with and doting on her. Peyton walked over to tell off Sawyer for bothering them, and then a wave of shock hit her. Sawyer wasn't just standing with strangers; it was Ellie and Anna!

Peyton was amazed and ran to them. She couldn't believe it, they both looked healthy and happy. "Mom! Ellie!" she stammered. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, sweet pea," Anna embraced Peyton. "Ellie and I are always watching over you and the family. We could tell you've been stressed, and we thought you needed a visit."

"And they wanted to play with me," Sawyer laughed as Ellie tossed her in the air.

Peyton truly had been stressed the past few months, between keeping up with getting ready for the baby, the ever-worsening pain of pregnancy, and making sure Sawyer didn't climb the walls. Peyton had always regarded herself as a strong person, but even she could admit that it all was a bit much. Still, seeing her moms here brought a smile onto her face. "You guys are going to be grandparents again, to another little girl," she patted her bump. I wish you both could be here to meet her, but I know you're watching over us all. Thank you so much for staying by my side."

Anna gave Peyton another hug "Don't worry about us. You have a big life to look forward to. I can barely imagine what your life is like now. It's so different compared to the way you used to live."

Ellie joined the embrace. "Yeah, the same old Peyton, but better than she ever was." She chuckled when Peyton blushed. "I know the stress and the worries must have taken its toll on you. But we want you to feel safe here, and we will always be here."

Peyton hugged her mothers again. "Oh, I will. I promise. And I love you both so much."

"And we love you too, little one," Anna said. "We're always going to be there for you. We're never far away, just keep us in your heart."

Peyton and her mothers and Sawyer shared one final hug and then Peyton woke up. She tapped Lucas awake. "I think we should name the baby Elliana," she whispered to Lucas. Ever since she had become a mother herself, Peyton had felt more connected to her mothers than ever, and this felt like the perfect way to cement that forever

Lucas knew how much. Peyton's mothers meant to her, and he could think of no better way to honor that. He nodded in agreement and gently touched Peyton's bump. "We can't wait to meet you, baby Elliana," he spoke softly as if speaking too loud would shatter this perfect moment.

They both smiled, and for the rest of the night, they didn't move from their spot in bed.