Hope's second birthday party was at Leland and Karen's house. Jennifer was having some panic attacks that were pretty severe, but Caroline wanted to see Hope. They'd become friends. Karen came up with the idea of hosting the party at their house.

"Honey, are you sure you can handle this?" Leland had asked.

"A party for a 2-year-old? I did that when Jennifer turned two. I did it for Jared. I did it for Max. I did it for Caroline. I'm pretty sure I can handle a party for a two-year-old," Karen said laughing.

"I just worry," Leland said, "With Jennifer's panic attacks and your bout with cancer-"

"Leland," Karen said, "That was two and ½ years ago. My cancer is gone, and it can't come back."

Leland smiled.

"I'll be home early," he promised.

He kissed her goodbye. He kissed the kids goodbye too.

"Bye daddy," Caroline said, "I love you."

"I love you too sweetheart," Leland told Caroline, "I love you all."

He left for a half day of work. The guests all started to arrive about 3 hours later. Trudy, Adrian and Hope showed up after everyone else did. Caroline ran to hug Hope.

"Hi Hope!"

"Hi Carwoline," Hope said, hugging her back.

Caroline got in the pool with Jennifer. It was the shallow end, but Karen wisely refused to have Caroline in even the shallow end unsupervised.

"Can I go in the pool too," Hope asked.

"Sure," Adrian said, "I'll go with you."

Leland got home. He was carrying pizza. He put the pizza down.

"PIZZA," Caroline exclaimed excitedly.

She loved pizza and in the Stottlemyer household it was a rare treat. Jennifer helped Caroline out of the pool and dried her off. Adrian did the same with Hope.

"Okay everyone," Karen said, "Dig in."

"Where's the shovel," Hope asked, confused.

Everyone laughed.

"No sweetie," Trudy said, "Dig in means eat up. It's an expression."

After lunch it was time for some games. Hope won Pin the Tail on The Donkey. She also won Duck, Duck, Goose. Afterward, they played "tag" for awhile. Jennifer started to get a panic attack, so she sat the game out. It took a little while for her to calm down. Julie came up to her.

"Jenn," she asked, "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," Jennifer admitted, "I've been having panic attacks all summer. It's been over 3 years since the kidnapping. You think I'd be over it already."

"That's not something you just get over," Julie said wisely, "It takes time and patience. You've been through a lot."

"I know," Jennifer admitted, "But this is really hard for me."

"Duh," Julie said, "You're the bravest person I know."

"I am?" Jennifer asked.

"Definitely," Julie replied.

Caroline won the sack race.

"Good job Caroline," Hope said, giving her a hug.

They played with balloons next. All the kids loved that. Hope won the bean bag toss. She also won the freeze dance and freeze tag games.

"Mommy," Caroline said, "Could I sleep over at Hope's next weekend?"

Karen looked at Leland who nodded his approval.

"Sure," she said, "As long as Hope's mommy and daddy are alright with it."

"Sounds great," Trudy said.

"Can we go to Disneyland," Hope asked.

"Great idea," Trudy said.

"YAY!" Caroline jumped up and down. It was time for gifts."