The Boyfriend

The Daughter I Never Had Chapter 8

SPOILER ALERT! If you are following my collaboration with Mandalicious Holiday Memories be aware that this is chapter 12 of that story from Mrs. Pugh's perspective. Chapter 7 has not even been written yet but I was on a roll a week or so ago so I wrote chapter 12 in a matter of 3 or 4 hours. My advance apologies to Mandalicious for working a bit too far ahead on this story Merry Christmas Everyone. I own no rights to any Annie characters. Grace's family was created by Mandalicous as were Molly's birth parents and sister Patricia. Oliver's side of the family and Annie's birth parents are my original characters. We co-created Mrs. Pugh's family.

This house has been a buzz with preparations for Annie's high school graduation. I can hardly believe she'll be graduating high school in about 2 weeks. She's really matured into a beautiful young woman. I'm so proud of her. I know Grace is too and that she's been taking Annie's graduation rather hard.

One night last week after dinner she came into my room looking somber.

"Come here darling."

I patted the bed next to me. Grace sat down and I pulled her close to me.

"Getting a bit sad about Annie's graduation aren't you?"

Grace nodded. Tears were starting to form at the corners of her eyes.

"Mama, I'm going to miss her so much. She brings so much light and energy to this house. It won't be the same without her at home."

I nodded. "It's never easy to send your first child off to college. I remember feeling the same way when my son Billy graduated."

"Wouldn't you agree my relationship with Annie is very unique?"

I nodded. "I know how special she is to you Grace. I think we should all do a special girls night at some point this summer or maybe all go on vacation together."

"That's a great idea. Would it be okay if my nieces Isabella and Kathryn come too?"

"Why not? The more the merrier."

Grace brightened at this. "Great!. I'll talk to my sister and sister in law and we'll start planning something. I'm sure Annie and Molly will love having a vacation with their cousins. They seem to get along the best with Kathryn and Isabella."

I kissed Grace on top of the head. "I love you baby girl."

Grace gave me a squeeze. "I love you too Mama. You're my very best friend."

The weather on the day of the graduation was mild and blustery. The stadium was packed. Grace sat between Oliver and I in the bleachers.

"There's our baby Grace." Oliver whispered.

Grace was choked up with emotion. She didn't respond all she did was squeeze my hand Oliver's hand.

"You two have done such a wonderful job with raising your children. I have no doubt that your parents would be proud of you Gracie Liz."

Grace choked up at the mention of her parents. She leaned over and kissed my cheek and then kissed Oliver's.

"I love you both so much." she whispered.

After the ceremony there was a buffet lunch back at the house. Grace and Oliver gave a special toast to Annie which was absolutely beautiful. I teared up a little bit. As everyone went to their tables for lunch I smiled feeling very happy to be part of such a special day for Annie.

Summer seemed to fly by. As our special vacation drew near Grace was on the phone with her sister Jen and her sister in law Anne to plan our special all girls vacation. Oliver had booked a special week away.. a lovely beach vacation in Cape Cod. Molly Annie and Joanne were so excited to be spending time with their cousins. It was a wonderful week at the beach.

On August 31st it was an emotional day. Annie was leaving for Princeton. While it wasn't that far away it was hard to say goodbye to her. Annie embraced her sisters tightly.

"I will miss both of you so much but you can definitely come and stay over in my dorm."

"Can we Mama?" Joanne looked at Grace excitedly.

Grace scooped up her youngest daughter. "I don't see why not."

I was the next to hug Annie.

"I love you sweetheart. You're off to do wonderful things."

"I love you too Grandma Helen."

Once the car was all packed we made the hour and a half drive to Princeton. We helped Annie unpack and met her roommate Emma who is from Boston. I have no doubt she and Annie will become fast friends. As we were leaving Grace handed Annie a small box with the present in it we'd brought for her when were on vacation.

"I love you sweetheart. " she whispered.

"I love you too Mom," Annie replied.

As we departed from the campus I squeezed Grace's hand tightly

"She's on a wonderful road to success darling. Our pride in her will continue to grow."

Grace nodded. "I hope she likes the present we got her."

"She most certainly will. I have no doubt about it."

"I love you Mama."

"I love you too Gracie Liz."

At the end of October Grace, Molly Joanne and I went down to Princeton for a girls weekend for Annie's 19th birthday. Annie's aunt Toni and cousin Maragret would also be meeting up with us.

When we got to her dorm Annie was waiting outside for us. Joanne and Molly ran to greet their sister.

"Hi Annie!" they chorused.

Annie wrapped her sisters in a warm embrace. "I am so happy to see you guys. We're gonna have a fun day today."

Grace and I were next to embrace Annie. "Happy birthday sweetheart." Grace said.

We spent a wonderful day touring the Princeton campus. Around 4"O clock Molly asked Annie something we weren't expecting.

"Is Hector joining us for dinner?"

Grace Toni and I looked at her.

"Who is Hector? " I asked.

Annie blushed. "Hector is a boy I met in my history class We get along really well."

"Are the two of you dating?" Grace asked.

"Yes. And no, Molly he can't make it to dinner tonight he has other plans. He can't wait to meet you guys at Thanksgiving though."

I hugged Annie tightly.

"This is wonderful news Annie. We're all so very happy for you. Let's hurry along now our reservation is a4 4:30. We don't want to be late."