Present day, June 2023 —

"Mom, why didn't you ever tell me the whole story about Dad?" Cassidy asked.

"I didn't want you girls to grow up thinking your father was an asshole."

"How did you handle it? I mean, we saw him all the time. I remember him living with us until we were three years old," Cassidy said.

"I still loved your dad, despite everything, and he really was a good man. I needed help at home, especially once I went back to work, and I wanted you and Caroline to be with family more often than any nanny. Your dad and I were able to work it out. We still had a lot in common—we both adored you and your sister, and I think somewhere deep down I was hoping that it would all be a dream I would wakeup from."

"So when were you actually divorced?"

"We were legally separated by our first wedding anniversary, but we still lived in the townhouse, just different bedrooms. He had the whole third floor to himself."

"Just like Stephen."

"You know, after I told your dad that Stephen and I were divorcing, a few weeks after I got back from Paris, he took me out to dinner. He said he missed us and that he realized what a fool he was and that he still loved me and wanted to marry me again," Miranda said. "Of course, by that time, I had already fallen for Andrea, so it didn't matter."

"Mom! Why didn't you ever tell me that?" Cassidy said.

"You were too young at the time," she said.

"Why didn't you give Dad a second chance, back when we were little?"

"I think because he never asked. I'm so sorry if this is upsetting to you," Miranda said.

"No. It's not. I just—if Mike cheated on me, I think I would give him a second chance. Does that make me a fool?"

"Of course not, darling. Everyone deserves second chances. But don't you worry—Michael is wonderful, and so good to you."

"Like Dad was to you."

"Sweetheart, let's not talk in what ifs. You can't live life wondering what will happen or what people will say. I learned that when I fell in love with Andrea," she said. "I have an idea—why don't we invite your Dad out here for dinner on Friday, just the three of us?"

"Where's Andy going to be?" Cassidy asked.

"She has a work dinner, so she's spending the night in the city. I think it's important for you to hear all this from your dad. I think it will help."

"Okay, fine. Won't that be weird, though?"

"Only if you make it. Your dad and I have had many a conversation about our relationship over the years. It's only time we share it with you. I know Caroline will be jealous, but she'll have her turn. I think you need us both right now," Miranda said, reaching for Cassidy's hand.

"Thanks, Mom. Did you let Andy read this journal?"

"No. She found it tucked away in a box in the attic when we were moving. I had already told her everything, and she didn't want to read it."

"Why not?"

"Well, she really wasn't interested in seeing how I fell in love with your father, or how I discovered he had been cheating on me."

"Yeah, okay, I can see that. Thank you for giving it to me."

"Of course, sweetheart," Miranda said, placing her hand on her daughter's belly. "I'll never forget how incredible it felt, carrying you and your sister around inside of me, and then finally seeing your beautiful faces. I've never been more in love in my life," she said. "And don't tell Andrea I said that," she added with a chuckle.

"Mom!" Cassidy shrieked. "I can't wait for Max to come out. I just want to meet him, and not be so uncomfortable. I am so done with being pregnant."

Miranda smiled. "Well, I'm glad that you are off for the rest of the summer—the perks of being a teacher, I suppose. Michael was smart to send you out here to so that Andrea and I can pamper you for the next five weeks. Are you ready for lunch?"

Cassidy took a deep breath and sat up, stretching her back. "Not yet. I'm getting stiff, so I'd better walk around a bit."

"It's a little cooler out today. We could walk down to the beach, or just head out to the veranda for some fresh air if you want," Miranda said.

Cassidy nodded and stood from the couch. "Ugh, I just want to go take a nap."

"I know, darling. Come on, you know you need to move around," she said, taking her arm and leading her towards the patio doors. "You can rest in my lounge chair. I'll even give you one of my famous foot massages."

"Andy is going to be so jealous," Cassidy said.

"Well, that's what she gets for working during the day and not wanting to be disturbed. It can be our little secret," Miranda said.

They walked outside and across the patio towards the pool area where the lounge chairs were sitting beneath the shaded pergola.

"Mom, do you think Andy is actually jealous?"

"What? Why?" she asked, fluffing the pillow and helping Cassidy onto the chair.

"Well, you've been saying how much you're looking forward to spending time with your grandson, and you're already planning trips to Boston to stay with us and babysit. And Andy has to work."

Miranda sat on the edge of the chair next to her daughter. "Darling, I'm sure she wishes she could spend time with you, but that's not for you to worry about. This just means you'll see her more often on the weekends, and she'll probably make up constant excuses about checking up on a story in your neighborhood."

Cassidy laughed. "Of course Andy would do that."

"Alright, enough chatting. I want to make sure you get some rest so our little baby boy is healthy and strong," she said, gently brushing a strand of hair out of her daughter's eyes.

"Mom? Will you stay out here with me? Lay next to me?"

Miranda paused for a minute, then a smile stretched across her face. "Of course, bobbsey. You feeling alright?"

"Yeah, just want to soak up more time with my mom before I have to be a mom," she said.

"Cassidy, you and you sister will always be my daughters, no matter how old you are or if you have children of your own. Always," she said, hugging her and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I love you, darling."

"Thanks, Mom. Love you, too," Cassidy said as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

A short while later, Andrea emerged from the house. She decided to take the afternoon off, and after spotting Miranda and Cassidy curled up on the lounger, she knew she made the right decision.

She quietly pulled a chair up next to Cassidy and laid down next to her. Miranda was awake, and she caught the woman's eye. "Everything okay?" she whispered.

Miranda nodded.

"I love you," Andrea whispered.

Miranda smiled. "I love you, too," she said. She closed her eyes and pressed a kiss to her grown daughter's forehead. "And I love you, my angel," she whispered. "Always."

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The end.