“Hello good morning, is this Joseph? This is Kara speaking”

“Good morning, miss Kara”

“I’d like to meet. Please come with the custody documents”

“Okay, where?”

“I’ll text you the address after we hang up”

“Okay”

“Bye”

“Bye”

Wow, she has really changed, he thought. The address had been sent. They were meeting at a law firm.

“Hey little ones”

“Hey uncle and we’re not little anymore” they responded

“You’ll always be little to me. Anyway, get ready. We’re going to meet your mother”

“Yes!” Avery shouted. Turning to Liam, “Pay up, brother”

“Ugh” Liam groaned

“What’s going on?”

“We bet on whether mom would accept us or not”

“What?! Where did you learn that?”

“You and mama Jane used to do that a lot”

“Lord, have mercy. Your mother is definitely going to kill me when she finds this out”

They laughed and went off to get ready.

A little while later, the trio arrived at the law firm. They were greeted by Kara at the entrance.

“Mummy” Avery ran to greet her

“Hey, Avery. How are you doing?”

“I’m much better now that you’re here”

“Okay” she smiled, “Hello, Liam and how are you?”

“I’m okay”

“Good morning, Kara” Joseph greeted

“Good morning, Joseph. Let’s get inside”

The meeting was shorter than anticipated. Joseph had no problem in admitting his crimes. The custody documents were signed and then sent to the notary.

“So, I can take them home now?” Kara asked

“Yes”

“Wonderful. Thank you so much, Mr Bowman”

“The pleasure is all mine”

Turning to Joseph, “You got off easy. Ready to break the news to my kids?”

“Yeah” and they left the conference room the meeting was being held in.

“Hey kids,” she said as she approached them as they were seated at the entrance of Mr Bowman’s office with his secretary.

“Thank you, Mrs Hughman for watching them” Kara thanked the secretary

“Don’t mention it” she smiled

“So, are you our mom now?” Avery asked

“Yes!” and Avery engulfed her in a hug

“What about you, Liam? Come on, get in here” and he joined.

They looked so happy. Happier than he’d ever seen them.

“So, we’ll go get your stuff from the hotel and we’ll go to my house. Is that okay with you two?”

“Yes, let’s go,” Avery said excitedly

“Can’t wait to be rid of me?” Joseph feigned hurt

“No, you’ll always be our uncle and Mom will always let you visit. Right, mom?” Avery said

“Yes, he can always visit” Kara assured her

They began to walk to the parking lot.

“It seems we’re stuck together for a while even though you’d prefer it otherwise”

“It’s good you know,” she said and walked ahead to catch up with the kids.

They got into her car and drove off.

Within an hour, all their stuff had been packed and they were ready to go.

“Is that all you have?” Kara asked

“Most of their stuff is in storage. I’ll send it over when I go back”

“Oh, okay. Let’s go”

At the lobby, they bumped into Paul.

“Hi there, Kara. I didn’t know we had a meeting”

“Oh hello, Paul. I’m here for personal business” she said drawing his attention to the people with her.

“My bad. These must be your children and their father?” he said

“How did you know about my children? You know what don’t answer that. It was Kitty, wasn’t it?”

“You truly know your friend” he chuckled

“And he’s not their father by the way”

“Oh, okay. I’m sorry”

“Mom, who is this?” Liam asked

“A client”

“Just a client? Anyway, I’m Paul Matthews. I hope you enjoyed your stay at my hotel”

“Your hotel?” Avery asked

“Yes, my family owns this chain of hotels”

“Wow, you’re really rich,” Liam said impressed

“Anyway, we have to get going. I need to get them settled at my place. I’ll call you later”

“Alright, sure. You guys enjoy the rest of your evening and bring them to the anniversary party on Saturday”

“Okay, thanks” and they parted ways.

Joseph was very displeased about the encounter but no one seemed to notice except for Paul that is.

It was late afternoon when they got to her house. The house seemed deserted. She was sure she informed her mom that she was coming over with the children. Today was an important day for them and her mom had even asked someone to take her shift. So, why did the house look so deserted? She knew how excited her mom was. She was definitely expecting a huge red carpet welcome because that is who her mom was.

“Seems like no one is home” Joseph stated as they got the bags from the trunk.

“Jeez, I didn’t notice” Kara responded

The kids came around, “Is grandma not home?”

“She should be but she’s a nurse and emergencies happen”

“Oh okay,” and they walked towards the house. She unlocked the door and then “Surprise!”

The lights were turned on. Everyone that was important to them was there.

“Oh my goodness! A surprise party! I love those!” Avery said excitedly.

“I’m so glad,” Elena said coming to embrace them

“Welcome to your new home and family,” Kitty said

“This is definitely your idea,” Kara said to Kitty

“Guilty” she smiled and enveloped her in a hug.

The spent the rest of the time introducing them to everyone and getting acquainted. Later when everyone had left save for Kitty, Mr Wilson and Joseph, Kara showed them their rooms which they loved immensely.

The weeks after were great. It started off with the anniversary event which was a huge success. Especially the performance by Kara and Paul when the couple took to the dance floor. That event had such a huge impact on Carla’s Events that Carla suggested they become business partners which she agreed. Her career was taking off, her family was good and now that Paul was no longer a client, she seemed to be having a love life. Life was definitely good.

She was smiling to herself overlooking the new view her new office afforded her when her phone rang.

“Hello mom”

“Kara,” her mom said with her voice laced with panic

“What is it?”

“Get to the hospital now!

And this was how her perfect life was thrown into chaos yet again.