Disclaimer: See part one

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The new family went out to lunch after the proceedings at a four star restaurant.  After lunch the four of them headed home, but Lucas and Nathan had to head back to NCQ to attend some meetings about the new boat.  Kristin headed into the den to make some final preparations for Mandy at medical school but Mandy went and sat on the dock and looked out at the water.  She sat and looked out at the water until she heard one of the boards behind her creak and she knew Kristin was behind her.  Never taking her eyes off the water she said, "Hi Kristin care to join me?"

Kristin sat down beside her daughter and said, "Mandy I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt.  If you would rather be alone I can come back later."

Her daughter smiled and said, "No it's all right.  I'm grateful for the company, I was just thinking."

The doctor nodded said, "I don't mean to pry but you don't seem okay.  Are you all right?  I mean a lot has happened today."

Mandy nodded and said, "Yeah I know.  I am so glad it finally happened you know but at the same time I'm afraid it's a dream.  Like I'm going to wake up and it's all going to be gone."

Kristin gently touched her daughters hand and said, "Mandy trust me, we're not a dream and we're not going anywhere.  Right at this moment honey you have a mother, father and brother that love you more than you can imagine and in two weeks you're going to be beginning a great adventure in medical school.  You don't know how proud I am of you right now."

Mandy turned to look at her new mom and said, "I love you mom."  She threw her arms around her mom's neck and cried.  Kristin pulled her close and rocked her for several moments until the young woman's sobs died down.  "Mandy are you okay honey?"

The teen pulled away and wiped her eyes and said, "I'm sorry Kristin.  I didn't mean to do that."

"Mandy please don't apologize.  I want you to feel comfortable and safe enough to share anything with me, you know that.  I'm your mom and I want to help.  Okay?"

The teen slowly nodded and smiled and then said, "Do you suppose we could go decide what I need to take with me to school next week?  And when did you say I had to go back for a check-up?  You did say I had to have one before I left right?"

The two women stood up and headed for the house as the doctor began answering her questions.  "Yes dear we can decide but you and I do have some shopping to do before you leave.  Your check - up is scheduled for 3 days from now and you know you have to have one.  Also I know for fact that you've been skipping meals lately and I better not find out about it while you're at school or else you're going to be in big trouble young lady."

Mandy only laughed and said, "Yes mom" as the two entered the house and the young woman began her new life with her new family that really seemed to care about her.