A Life Beyond (Hard Time Series Book 2)

Saturday

With the early morning hours approaching the little home was very quiet for even baby Stef and Noah were sleeping rather late even if it was only 6 in the morning. Jude had passed out on the air mattress with his game controller in his hand, and Lena with the cell phone beside her pillow. Today after Stef would get home and sleep for maybe two hours if the babies let her they would go pick out their first Christmas tree and then bowling and pizza. Stuart, being the kind man he was, gave the women money to treat the kids even if they had been very resistant, especially Stef. Eventually she gave in but only after he agreed to come over for dinner that they would cook for him. The blonde being the perceptive person she was knew all too well who he was seeing even without him telling her and her suspicions would soon be confirmed.

Little Frankie Violet Foster was the only one up as she sleepily stumbled into her mom's room climbing into bed with Lena. Feeling the little girl beside her the slim woman knew who it was as she held the little girl close to her just like she did on most mornings Stef was still at work. Frankie being bright awake traced hearts on Lena's face as the woman opened her eyes smiling.

"What's the matter baby? MM?"

"I had a bad dream."

"Aw about what little bear?"

"That I couldn't find you and mama."

"Aww well I am right here and mama is at work. We aren't going anywhere sweetpea. OK?"

"Ok. Is mama coming soon?"

"She is. Promise. Then we will have breakfast, pick out our Christmas tree, and go bowling. Sound fun?" Lena asked gently stroking the little girls cheek.

"Yes." Frankie mumbled pressing her nose into Lena's arm.

"Ok let's go back to sleep babygirl. We have a big day planned." 

"I love you Mama Lion and I'm glad your my second mama."

"Aww I love you too Frankie and I'm so happy to be your second mama. Mama Lion loves you so, so much." Softly kissing her forehead the little girl lifted her head up and smiled at Lena.

"But Mama Lion how did you get your name? How did you get Mama Lion?"

"Oh well that's because I roar like one when I get mad!"

"Really!? Show me! Show me!"

"Ha! But I'm not mad so I can't do it!"

"Try! Please!" The little girl begged as Lena could only smile as she tried to mimic a roar and Frankie giggled so hard doing it back. 

"Well now you have some lion in you too huh?"

"Yes! Like mama's necklace!"

"Ha yes. Just like your mama's necklace."

"Mama said her friend Tula gave it to her. Was she your friend too?"

"Well I didn't know her my sweet baby but I heard she was very nice."

"Oh. Mama Lion?"

"Yes honey?"

"Can I be a lion too?" Lena could only smile and shake her head for there was no way she could ever really tell her where the name was from or anything about the Lion's den. That was in the past and she could only hope Frankie would not hear about it. Even through passing but it was a hard thing to control. It was for one day the truth would come out about everything including her father and what Stef had done to him. That secret was something her and Stef talked about many times along with Mike and Judy and it was something Jude was currently in therapy for. How they would ever tell Frankie no one knew and it was the same for Noah and for baby Stef. How would any of their babies handle the news about their fathers?