As always, thank you so much!

Chapter 64

Summer 1971

As the next of kin, it was Johnny who was invited into the doctor's office when they had a diagnosis for Anna. But thankfully, Johnny brought Mary along with him. They were the only two still in the hospital at the time, because George had a meeting he couldn't miss and Pippa had to pick up her husband, Dennis, from the airport. The moment Anna was sent to the hospital, Pippa called Dennis. He flew back straight away so he could be at the house with the girls and Pippa could be here.

But Mary was glad Pippa wasn't here right now. It would be better for her and Johnny to detail all the doctor was saying to them. They could make it less clinical and more careful.

"Tumors" Mary croaked. Johnny's hand cradled hers. Next to her, he shook with the weight of the doctor's words.

"Yes, several, in her chest and lungs," the doctor said again. His brows were furrowed, but he held their gaze. "We can do a surgery to attempt to remove them all and then send them off to biopsy for cancer. But there are no guarantees we can remove all of them, or that she'll get better. Mrs. Bates is older and this surgery gives a high risk for infection."

"Do…" Johnny started and then paused. "Do you believe it's cancer?"

The doctor gave them a small nod.

"I do. But I can't be certain."

"And if it is cancer?" Johnny asked.

"I do not foresee your mother surviving all of the treatments, Mr. Bates."

"Then what do you recommend?" Mary questioned. Her hand held tightly over her heart. She was supposed to be the ill one, not Anna. Not her Anna. She felt the urge to scream and demand that this doctor make Anna better, to heal her from any pain and suffering and the illness that was taking away her memories. But she knew that would not accomplish anything. The doctor could not control any of it, even if she wished he could.

"Take some time to decide," the doctor answered. "Ultimately, Mr. Bates, this is your decision. We can keep her comfortable, or we can proceed with surgery."

Johnny's hand tightened around hers.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Bates, Lady Mary. Truly, I am."

1930s – America

After their arrival to New York, they stayed with Rose and Atticus for a few days before heading to Boston for Henry's wedding. It had been nice to see her cousin, Atticus, and her two children: Victoria and Daniel. But now they were off to see Henry.

The moment they stepped out of the car, they were greeted by Henry and his soon to be wife, Maggie. Maggie also knew of her and Anna's relationship. Once, when she had visited from America, the four of them had eaten dinner at Henry's house. Maggie was chatty and kind. She had become a great friend of them both.

Of course, over the course of the wedding, Mary and Anna would have to remain 'friends' to the eyes of everyone else. But they could be friends. Here, there was no need to be a lady and her maid. Henry had concocted a story about how the two had become close friends after the loss of their husbands. Which wasn't far from the truth of the matter.

"Mary! Anna!" Henry greeted. He kissed both of their cheeks. "Ah, and there are the children."

"We aren't children anymore, Uncle Henry," Pippa reminded him. Henry placed his hand on the top of her head.

"I guess you're right. How old are you now?"

"Twelve."

"Right."

"Henry," Maggie broke in, "Help with the bags." She laughed. She had the most beautiful auburn hair that no matter how she styled it two strands of ringlets would fall down around her face, framing it perfectly.

Johnny and George helped Henry when grabbing the bags from the back of the car. Then they stepped into Maggie's home. They would be staying here throughout the wedding with Maggie. After the wedding, Henry would be moving in with her. But for now, he was staying in a hotel.

"We really hate to put you out," Mary said.

"Oh no! You aren't, at all. I'm thrilled to have company. Plus, it keeps my mother from having an excuse to stay over. She lives just a few blocks over, but with all the wedding planning she keeps hinting about staying here."

"As long as you are sure," Anna added.

"I am."

Maggie walked them through the house. She pointed to the first room and said that would be where Anna and Mary would be staying. Mary peeked her head inside. There was a nice, large bed for her and Anna to share. It was nice to have friends who were in on their secret. Here, inside this house, they wouldn't have to hide who they were.

There were two other smaller bedrooms. One for the boys and one for Pippa. It was a larger house than it appeared on the outside. Mary wondered if Maggie came from money. It was not something they had discussed, and she thought now it would be rude to bring it up.

Once they had been given a tour and bid Henry good bye after dinner, Mary and Anna climbed into bed. They were exhausted from all their travels. Even from their bed, they could hear the children and Maggie playing a game of charades.

"She's so sweet to our children," Anna said as she buried her head against Mary's skin. Mary smiled, running her hands up Anna's arm.

"She is."

"Do you think we'll have time to explore Boston tomorrow? We've only ever been to New York."

"Of course, darling," Mary murmured. Her lips were against Anna's golden hair. "The wedding isn't until Saturday. Henry insists we enjoy the area while we're here."

Anna glanced up at Mary. She brushed her lips against Mary's and then grinned.

"I love you."

"I know. And I love you."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

They spent the next couple of days exploring Boston. Since Johnny was fifteen, nearing sixteen, Mary and Anna allowed him to take George and Pippa to the areas they were all more interested in. The one rule was they had to remain together at all times, no exceptions. While they trusted Johnny, both Mary and Anna were a little concerned that either George or Pippa may try to sneak away. They both had a tendency to try and skirt the rules from time to time.

But with the children off on their own this particular afternoon, they were able to have a picnic together at a nearby park. They found a shady area where they could sit alone. There were children and families nearby. However, where they sat, no one could hear what they spoke of and they doubted anyone would care anyway.

"Here." Mary lifted up a small piece of chocolate, placing it on Anna's lips. Anna's cheeks blushed.

"Mary," Anna breathed. But she did open her lips to take a bite.

"No one is watching us, darling," Mary assured her. She inched forward slightly and brushed her hand over Anna's lips, making her take a sharp intake of air. "When we get to our beach house, we will be in nearly complete isolation."

"How can you be sure?" Anna asked. Mary's hand moved to Anna's cheek, before slowly dropping her arm to her side.

"I had Barrow make the arrangements. He has promised the house is hidden among the area, but has a direct pathway to the beach. We will be close enough to town for when we need anything, but otherwise, it will be just the five of us."

"I do like the sound of that." Anna's fingers now danced along the hem of Mary's sleeve, causing Mary to let out a low moan. It didn't matter how much Anna touched her, she never tired of it.

"Me too, darling."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

For the first time in their lives, Mary and Anna were sat a table together at a large event. They were able to sit at the ornate table and speak with the guests that sat around them. It nearly felt surreal. Anna realized it was her first fancy event where she was not behind the scenes or helping prepare everything. Even if it was only for an evening, she got to be Mary's equal in other peoples' eyes.

"Mother!" George's voice made Anna turn. He was holding a large plate of food from the buffet. He, Pippa, and Johnny were all sitting in another area of the room.

"What, darling?" Mary asked him.

"This is fun," he smiled brightly. Anna and Mary smiled back at him.

"It is. Now go back to your seat with that large plate."

Anna pondered what George said. Was it fun because in a way, they could be a family today? No, the people around them did not know that's what they were. But they were all included for the evening. They were all together around Henry and Maggie's family and friends. They may never have something quite like this again.

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

"Come on," Mary encouraged. It was a bit of a trek from the house to the beach. But Mary was determined to see it the moment they arrived.

"But Mother," George groaned.

"Come on now," Mary said again. She took Anna's hand and gave it a squeeze. Thomas had been right. They were alone in the world here in this special spot. Even as they grew closer towards the ocean, there were no signs of anyone nearby.

When they finally reached the beach, George and Pippa took off toward the water. Johnny stayed behind slightly, making sure that both Mary and his mum made it to a safe spot, before joining them.

"This is our little oasis," Mary told Anna. Anna rested her head on Mary's shoulder. If Mary squinted her eyes, she could see another family along the waves. But they were a long distance away and there were no other pathways or homes nearby.

"And we get to be here for the rest of the summer." Anna's hand slid up Mary's back before drawing her closer. Their lips touched.

As Mary pulled away, she could hear the children playing around them. It was perfect. Just the five of them. And this summer, the children knew of them. They didn't have to hide their kisses or hand holding from them. It was a time to be just them for a few months.

The sun framed Anna's face making Mary's breath catch in her throat. She was so in love with this woman before her. Her hand cupped Anna's cheek, and she wondered what all their future held. Though she knew as long as they had one another, it would be wonderful.

"Mama! Mother! Come join us!" Pippa called out.

Mary and Anna turned. They joined hands and ran towards where the children were kicking their bare feet in the waves.

Summer 1971

They had been given a small room in the hospital to sit. Mary was overwhelmed with the choices they were given. Did she try to heal Anna or did she say to let Anna be comfortable and not do anything?

She sat with the three children around her. It was quiet. The heaviness on their chest all too much.

Johnny stood from his chair a moment later and bent down on one knee, looking up at her. He cupped her hands within his own.

"This is ultimately your decision, Aunt Mary," he murmured. "To us, you are Mum's spouse. You are the love of her life, and she is yours. You have to decide what choice is made for her."

Mary sniffled.

"Johnny is right," Pippa chimed in. "Mama would want you to make the decision. She trusts you more than anyone in the world, Mother."

"But what if it's the wrong choice?" Mary allowed her vulnerability shine through. It was rare she did, but in the presence of her children she could, because they all loved Anna.

"You won't," Johnny assured her.

Mary closed her eyes. She knew the right answer, but it hurt to say it out loud. Saying it out loud made it real. A hot tear slipped between her eyelids.

"Her mind is going and now her body is too," Mary whispered. Her eyes fluttered open. "I think we make her comfortable and bring her home."

All three children had tears shining in their eyes.

"Yes," Johnny murmured. "Let's bring her home."

Mary cried then, being pulled into a tight hug by Johnny. She was not ready to let Anna go.

The End of Part 4

Part 5 coming soon, and we move to the 1940s-1960s. We will see WW2, all three children find their own soulmates, grandchildren being born, and more...

Thank you for reading.