Hannah and Caroline - Nice

Revisiting these two around this time of year is always so special. And I had a lot of enjoyment writing this...

We're officially in the final half of Cassmas!

------------- Hannah and Caroline ------------

The feeling of something being wrong settled inside of Hannah, making a home there and refusing to dissipate.

It was a feeling that always ate at her whenever Abbie was gone for more than a night at a sleepover, admittedly. It had gotten a lot better over the last few years, as she could still remember the first weekend Abbie had spent with her grandparents amidst Hannah and Michael’s divorce.

Nearly four years ago, now, but she remembered it vividly.

She’d felt sick to her stomach, terrified about the implications. Terrified – as the custody agreement was still up in the air – about how she’d be able to cope if things didn’t work out in her favor. And… of course, Caroline Parker had come to her rescue. Keeping Hannah company and taking her mind off of Abbie, off of all of those worst case scenarios that buzzed in the background of her brain.

And that had even been months before they’d even been a possibility in Hannah’s mind.

No, that weekend had been the result of Caroline being… Caroline. Present and thoughtful and sweet and always showing up.

She’d become a little less neurotic about Abbie’s weekends away from her, now. Now that their lives were settled, and she felt secure, and they were happy.

Plus, Abbie was fourteen and had just started high school, and Hannah had to loosen the reins a little bit.

Even so, she always dreaded this weekend.

As of two days ago, Abbie was officially on winter break from school. Hannah, as it was Saturday afternoon, was home and was attempting to get all of the final holiday decoration touches put up and around the house for Abbie’s return in two days. Christmas was in less than a week. And everything should be positively merry.

But this weekend – the one right before Christmas – felt so wrong without Abbie in the house.

Despite the fact that she was a teenager and in high school now, Abbie loved Christmas, still. She might not still believe in Santa, but she believed in holiday magic. And Hannah adored that about her daughter.

This weekend should be spent with them teaming up on Caroline – their adorable, favorite Grinch – and, in Caroline’s words, “shoving Christmas cheer down her throat.”

Instead, as of two years ago and the last time they’d revisited their custody agreement – ergo: the last time Michael had dragged them back to court for it – this weekend was court-mandated time that Abbie had to spend with Michael.

He and his lawyer had argued that given Hannah got Abbie during all major holidays, Michael “deserved” designated time just before Christmas.

Which had been granted.

Hannah only managed to deal with it because Michael’s parents had, for the last couple of years, arranged this weekend as a ski trip up to Vermont. While Hannah was uneasy around the idea of Michael having Abbie for a long weekend out of state alone, she had to admit that Francis and Marina continued to dote on Abbie and she felt – relatively – at-ease if they were also accompanying the ski trip.

However, Francis and Marina had decided at the last minute that they weren’t going to attend the ski trip this year. Hannah and Abbie had only been informed of their change of plans the day before Abbie was set to go.

And thus, Hannah’s unease.

Abbie knew how to ski very well; she’d been going on these sort of trips with Francis and Marina since she’d been a toddler. And she wasn’t concerned that Michael would do anything to Abbie – as far as she’d ever heard or Abbie had reported to her, he generally didn’t even raise his voice to her.

No, she was far more concerned about his neglect, and what Abbie might get up to while she was unsupervised at a giant ski resort in a different state, all alone.

And she knew Michael wasn’t keeping a watchful eye on Abbie. She knew because Michael had never, ever expressed any interest in having a relationship with her, and that sure as hell hadn’t changed in the last few years.

In fact, the older Abbie got – the more she grew and formed into her own, wonderful, opinionated person – the less he cared.

But Hannah also knew that wasn’t really the point about Michael constantly trying to drag them into revisiting custody agreement.

He clearly didn’t give a damn about spending any time with their daughter, and never had. That had been clear to her long, long ago.

That in and of itself ate her up inside, because how dare he not see or care about what an amazing little person his DNA had unfortunately helped create?

But what he did care about was always having some claw of control in her life. Now, the only way he could get any hold in Hannah’s life – the only way he could continue to exert any power over her – was through Abbie, and he made sure to do everything he possibly could, to pull every legal string he was able to, to keep things like “mandatory holiday weekends” in the agreement, despite the fact that he never showed up for Abbie with any consistency or genuine interest in her life.

It was all his way to keep his foothold on their lives, and Hannah… ugh.

She huffed out a sigh, sitting back on her knees as she was sifting through the boxes in the attic.

They’d put up their Christmas tree and decorated it a few weeks ago. They’d hung their stockings over the fireplace. They’d strung up lights over the banister on the stairs, and had hung a garland over the archway into the den.

There was a holiday warmth and décor already established in their home, as Caroline always acquiesced in the face of Hannah and Abbie’s excitement, the weekend after Thanksgiving.

But Hannah was hoping to spruce the house up a bit more – to Caroline’s grudging but loving agreement when Hannah had mentioned it last night in bed – for when Abbie was due to return home in a couple of days. A little surprise for Abbie, which Hannah was positive her daughter would be thrilled about.

Blowing out a deep sigh to push away the stray strands of blonde hair that had fallen in front of her eyes, she dropped her gaze down to her phone. Just to check.

She’d stressed the importance of checking in daily – ideally, multiple times a day – to Abbie when they’d learned her grandparents wouldn’t be joining. Either checking in with her directly or with Caroline or to their group chat.

Abbie hadn’t really needed the reminder, as she’d rolled her eyes and scoffed, “Duh, Mom.”

Hannah couldn’t even gently scold Abbie for the eye roll, not when she’d known it hadn’t been directed at her.

Abbie hadn’t wanted to go on this ski weekend any more than Hannah and Caroline wanted to make her go. As soon as she’d found out her grandparents – with whom her relationship was growing more tenuous as time went on. It was still positive, but far less close than when she was younger – any fortitude Abbie had been able to maintain about the weekend had disappeared.

She’d even asked Caroline if she was sure there was nothing she could do to help her get out of it.

And Caroline – sweetly, adorably, and one of the many reasons Hannah couldn’t wait to marry her for – had looked devastated by the fact that unfortunately, no; if Michael showed up to take her on a court-mandated custody weekend and they denied him, it could possibly have even worse implications.

There was no new notifications from Abbie, though. Which – Hannah reminded herself to stave off the impending concern – made logical sense. Even though Abbie hadn’t sent a message in almost five hours and even though she’d been very active in their family group chat every two-to-three hours since she’d left, her message this morning had informed them that she was going out on the slopes today. So, reasonably, that was where she was.

There was one from Caroline, and Hannah quickly tapped on her screen.

Perhaps having the house completely devoid of her family the weekend before Christmas was really getting to her, in general.

Granted, Caroline wasn’t gone for the entire weekend, like Abbie was.

In fact, Caroline had done an impeccable job at making Hannah forget that she had any real-world concerns last night. Caroline and her sinfully talented mouth had kept her awake until well after midnight. “At the very least, we know there are no eavesdropping ears anywhere in the house,” Caroline had rasped into her ear, at the start of their evening together.

And they had very much taken advantage of that.

To the point that even though Hannah would say she was more of an early riser than Caroline was, she’d been so wrung out from last night, she hadn’t even had time to enjoy a morning coffee with Caroline before she’d needed to go into the office.

Instead, Caroline had gently roused her with a kiss on the forehead, and a steaming hot cup of coffee on the bedside table before she’d left to go to her end of year partner review/wrap-up at the firm.

Greedy for any contact with her family, Hannah read Caroline’s message.

Caroline – 1:31PM
Tell me… why did I become a lawyer, again? Weekend meetings, late nights – where’s the value?

Hannah – 1:34PM
To have been able to build this beautiful home for your family to live in, I suppose?

Caroline – 1:34PM
Yes, but my gorgeous fiancée is now a fully-fledged architect. I’m retiring

Hannah breathed out a laugh, shaking her head.

Hannah – 1:35PM
Well, I’ll do my best to keep you in the lifestyle in which you are accustomed

Though, I guess I should also mention that you became a brilliant, compassionate lawyer in order to help people. Like your fiancée. Whom you never would have met, otherwise

Fiancée.

Hannah’s eyes lingered on the word, and the giddy feeling it invoked hadn’t gotten old or faded at all in the last six weeks.

Caroline – 1:35PM
You make quite a compelling argument. I guess I’ll keep the job. Can’t complain too much, when it brought me the best part of my life

Okay, yes. A dose of Caroline was exactly what she needed right now, and she smiled, enamored, down at her phone.

Hannah – 1:35PM
Yearly review not going well?

She couldn’t imagine that; Caroline – as she’d noted in this very conversation – was amazing at her job.

Caroline – 1:36PM
Nah, it’s going fine. We’re on a break for lunch for another nine minutes, and then jumping into ongoing cases for January. So, hopefully, everything should be wrapped up soon and I can come home

Home to a house that – I hope – will not look like the North Pole…

Hannah cast a look around at the decorations she’d been going through, ready to text back a teasing comment, only for her phone to buzz with a call from an unknown number.

She frowned, instinctively moving her thumb over to cancel the unknown call.

But, with Abbie away, she couldn’t take any chances.

“Hello?” She answered.

“Hi, I’m looking for Hannah Dalton?” An unfamiliar, feminine voice asked.

She frowned even deeper, settling her free hand on her hip. “You’ve found her.”

“Ms. Dalton, this is Remy Hastings, with the Walker Resort. Are you on-site?”

Hannah’s stomach clenched so hard, she thought she was going to be fucking sick. She’d known something was wrong.

Drawing in a deep, calming – as calming as she could manage – breath, she answered, “No, I’m not. But my daughter is there with my ex-husband. What’s going on? Is Abbie all right?”

There was a slight hesitation in Remy’s response, and just like that, Hannah’s knuckles went white with a death grip on her phone. “Your daughter is currently being transported to the hospital; she had an accident while skiing this afternoon. You’re listed here as her emergency contact.”

“What?!” She demanded, unsure as to what she was even demanding an answer for. All she knew was that her thoughts were racing, and her heart was pounding, and, “Is Abbie all right? What happened to her?”

“As a non-medical professional, I’m not really qualified to tell you her medical status. But… as a parent, myself, I’ll tell you that it doesn’t appear to be anything life-threatening,” she hedged, sympathy written all over her voice.

And, fine, Hannah understood there was likely some sort of fucking protocol Remy had to follow, but Hannah didn’t care about protocol.

She hastily stood up, her knees feeling wobbly, as she pressed her fingers to her temple and tried to think clearly. “Michael. Her father. He’s there. Why didn’t he call me? Where is he?”

She needed to get to Vermont. She needed to find her keys. And put on shoes. And call Caroline. Not necessarily in that order.

Again, Remy had that hesitation before answering. “Apologies, Ms. Dalton, but I don’t know. I was contacted by a member of our patrol team who informed me of the incident about twenty minutes ago. A minor, skiing alone, had taken a fall and needed medical transport. I’ve been attempting to get into contact with the first number on file in our system – Michael Dalton – but have been unable to actually make contact.”

Every single muscle in her body was tensed so hard, she ached all over.

“Okay,” she accepted, because what else could she do?

Michael’s location wasn’t her concern right now, anyway. It was Abbie. Who was injured and alone, on the way to a hospital, three hours away, and Hannah was terrified for her.

“I’m on my way now,” she informed Remy, which – would that even do any good? This woman worked for the resort, not the hospital! “What hospital is she being transported to?”

“Valley Memorial. I’ll notify the transport team that I’ve made contact with you. Sorry to have to deliver this news,” Remy’s voice gentled, “Especially right before the holidays.”

The backs of Hannah’s eyes burned with tears and her heart was pounding like a jackhammer against her ribs, and she just – she needed to go.

“Thank you for calling,” she managed, her throat tight, before she hung up the phone.

As soon as she did, she was a flurry of motion. Thankfully she didn’t fall down the attic stairs, herself, in her haste.

She was wearing her joggers and Caroline’s Suffolk Law sweatshirt – what Hannah would absolutely qualify as loungewear, not something she’d typically wear out of the house – but there was no way in hell she was going to take the time to change.

She ran into her and Caroline’s bedroom and shoved her feet into her boots, her thoughts racing, as she had to double-back and grab her wallet.

When she looked back down at her phone, she came to a halting pause. Caroline’s text thread was open, and just seeing her name made Hannah ache with the sharp need to have Caroline here with her.

Without thinking twice, she hit the call icon next to her name as she hurried down the stairs to the first floor.

“… Hannah? Hey? Honey? Did you mean to call me?” Caroline’s voice sounded in her ear as Hannah gripped her keys tightly in her hand, her run to the front door a blur in her mind.

“Caroline,” she whispered, her chin wobbling with it, as she stood, standing blankly at the door in front of her.

Just like that, the gentle teasing from Caroline’s tone disappeared, replaced with an urgent concern. “What’s wrong?”

She drew in a deep, shaking breath, heavily shrugging her shoulders. “I don’t – I don’t even know.” And fuck, that was the worst of it. Sure, Remy had said Abbie didn’t seem to have anything life-threateningly wrong, but that could mean anything!

She hadn’t even been aware of how labored her breathing had become until Caroline’s voice – low but commanding, the tone she used that managed to sharply cut through everything else as she asserted herself into control – sounded through the phone. “Take a deep breath.”

Hannah complied.

“Good,” Caroline encouraged. “Now, another one.”

She did so again, dropping her head down and resting her forehead against the cold glass pane of their front door. The chill of it felt unbelievably soothing.

But breathing with Caroline was working. Helping to make her feel less frantic and unsteady, at the very least.

“Okay,” Caroline’s voice was so soft, and so coaxing. But no less demanding, as she ordered, “Now, honey, tell me what’s going on. Please.”

Taking in another deep breath, Hannah held it for a few beats, and felt her racing heart calm. Just a bit, but enough to focus. “I got a call from the resort Abbie and Michael are at. Apparently, Abbie had an accident?”

She squeezed her eyes closed, tightly, her voice shaking as she spoke the words into existence, herself.

“What?!” All control and soft coaxing fled from Caroline’s exclamation, the panic clear in her voice, now. “Is she all right?”

“She’s on her way to the hospital,” she pushed through, relaying the meager information she had. “The woman I spoke to doesn’t think it’s dangerously serious, but…”

Yeah, she couldn’t give a voice to any of her terrified, worst-case-scenario thoughts right now.

She didn’t need to, because she knew Caroline ran on the same wave-length. “What does that even mean?” She demanded, and Hannah knew Caroline wasn’t demanding the answer from her, but from the universe. It was the exact way Hannah felt. “Where the fuck is Michael? Why wasn’t he the one calling?”

The angry, heated tone in Caroline’s voice ignited Hannah’s all over again. “I don’t know. The woman can’t get a hold of him, yet.”

Caroline’s silence spoke a million words, all of them ones Hannah agreed with.

“I’m coming home,” Caroline said, rather than dive into a Michael-conversation, one they both knew was useless in this moment and would only serve to make them both more upset. “Just – wait for me. I’m coming home, now.”

Hannah shook her head, rubbing firmly over her temple. “No, it’s – you need to finish your review.”

“Hannah, I know you’re upset and not thinking right, but be real right now,” Caroline’s incredulity dripped through the phone, an unmistakable tone of insult mixing in. “I’m going with you to get Abbie. I don’t give a fuck about the yearly review.”

Caroline’s unflinchingly firm insistence and the immediate dismissal of her meeting slid through Hannah’s very soul in a calming balm she desperately needed right now.

And it reminded her of exactly the position she was in, now. Living a life in which she didn’t need to shoulder everything alone, with someone that loved both her and Abbie enough to always put them first without hesitation.

She gripped onto that feeling with everything she had, needing it in this moment.

“I know you don’t care about the review. I’m sorry, I just…”

“I don’t need you to apologize,” Caroline’s tone was so gentle in that moment, it made Hannah want to sink into it. “I understand that you feel crazy terrified right now; I do, too.”

She swallowed thickly, nodding into the words despite Caroline being unable to see it. But this was the power of Caroline. Hannah knew she understood everything she was feeling. And she didn’t doubt for a moment that Caroline felt the same stab of unparalleled fear about Abbie being en route to the hospital.

“But – you can’t drive to Vermont in this state. Especially not by yourself,” Caroline insisted. “Just – you called right as I was about to go into the conference room. Let me go grab my stuff from my office, and I’ll meet you at home, and–”

Hannah – calmer, and able to actually think a logical thought – cut in, softly, “It’s going to take you almost an hour to get home from your office. I…” She released a deep, aching breath, confessing the utter truth, “God, I wish you could come with me. But I just can’t sit here for that long, knowing that Abbie’s alone, and–”

She cut herself off with a trembling breath, her throat tight. Her daughter, hurt and scared, with not even her idiot father as a familiar face, hours away from home.

Caroline’s returning sigh sounded so pained, but she murmured, “Yeah, okay. You’re right. With the traffic getting out of the city the weekend before Christmas, and all of the fucking roadwork near our house…” She swore, desperate and heated, under her breath. “I hate this. But – yeah, you should get to Abbie as soon as possible.”

She felt spurred into motion by Caroline’s words, as if directed on her mission all over again, and she reached for the doorknob.

“But – keep taking the deep breaths, okay? Drive as calmly as possible, because I’m not sure I can handle getting this phone call about both you and Abbie today.”

She sharply snapped the door closed behind her. “Deal.”

“And keep me updated? Call as soon as you hear anything.”

She frowned, agreeing, “Of course.”

After all, she couldn’t even remember at what point she’d called Caroline to tell her about this update, anymore. It was instinctive, now. To turn to Caroline.

Honestly, in this moment, Hannah would give up all of her hard-fought independence and insistence on managing everything on her own that she’d worked through in the beginning of being with Caroline, if it meant Caroline could just… take over.

She’d give anything for Caroline to swoop in and save the day in that way she had right about now.

As it was – she had to do this herself.

***

Though Hannah had followed Caroline’s wise advice, and worked through every calming technique she could think of on the drive, she knew she’d broken about every speeding law in the book on her way here, shaving thirty minutes off of that three hour drive.

Heart in her throat, she burst into the room she’d been directed to in the emergency room –

“Mom! You came,” Abbie’s big, blue eyes were wide and tired, but she looked undeniably happy to see Hannah.

Her foot was propped up at the foot of the bed, and she had some scratches along the right side of her face and neck, her right arm in a sling.

Hot tears sprung to her eyes as she rushed over, barely able to hold herself back from pulling Abbie into a hug, her mindful gaze trained on her sling, and the way Abbie was sitting up with unusually good posture, looking so uncomfortable.

She knew from having spoken with Abbie’s doctor on the phone on her way here – she’d had to give her consent for Abbie to receive medical care, given that Michael was still missing in action – what her injuries were. Fractured ankle that – thankfully – didn’t need surgery, as well as a fractured collarbone, as well as some superficial lacerations and bruising.

Keeping that in mind, she lightly stroked her hands through Abbie’s soft, blonde hair, relishing in the reaffirming touch.

“Of course I came,” Hannah breathed, swallowing tightly, keeping her fingers so, so gentle as she slid them down and cupped her daughter’s face. “Sweetheart, I’ll always come to you when you need me.”

Abbie was okay. Clearly, she was not in tip-top shape, but she was okay. She was awake and alert and blinking up at Hannah as her mouth pulled into a wobbly frown, a prelude to the tears that started falling from her eyes.

“Oh, honey,” Hannah sighed, her heart aching, as she used her thumbs to wipe away the tear tracks.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” Abbie whispered, hiccupping through the words. “It really – really sucked, being here alone.”

That raw vulnerability that rasped through Abbie’s tone gripped tightly inside of Hannah. “I know; I got here as soon as I could.”

Abbie nodded, leaning into her touch and closing her eyes as she asked, “Is Caroline here?”

Her lips tugged into the smallest of smiles – but of course, one of the first things Abbie would ask about was Caroline. “No, honey, I’m sorry. She was at the office when I got the call, and she wanted to race home, but we both agreed I should get to you as soon as possible.”

Abbie sighed, nodding again. “Good call,” she glumly agreed. “Caroline would have probably driven over the sidewalk or something insane to get home faster.”

She breathed out a laugh in agreement before sitting down on the edge of the bed, careful to avoid jostling Abbie or bumping into her in any way. “What happened today?”

Hannah had spent long stretches of her drive trying to paint the picture in her mind of how they’d ended up in this situation, and was still coming up with a lot of blanks.

Abbie lifted her head up to look at her, shrugging heavily. “I went out skiing, like I told you I was going to.”

Hannah nodded, encouraging her to go on.

“And I had some good runs. But then these two guys zoomed right by me, and one of them clipped my ski, and I…” She mimicked a rolling tumble with her free hand, before snapping her fingers. “Then – Abbie, meet tree.”

Hannah grimaced, lightly tracing her fingertips over the scratches Abbie’s face. “I presume that’s collarbone injury?”

Abbie hummed in agreement. “Yeah. I think my ankle got hurt in my fall, ’cause when I tried to get up after, I couldn’t. So, I had to wait until someone else came down and saw me, so they could call for the emergency patrol.” Her expression grew even sadder, and deeply apologetic as she met Hannah’s eyes with her own. “I lost my phone somewhere along the way, so I couldn’t get help, myself. Or call you and Caroline. I’m sorry.”

Gently, but urgently, she cupped Abbie’s chin and tilted her head up. “None of this is your fault. A phone is just a phone.”

Abbie scoffed, and something about that flooded Hannah with a deep, settled feeling that everything really was going to be okay.

“Speaking of phones…” Hannah’s was buzzing from where it was nestled in her back pocket, and she reached back to fish it out, knowing even before seeing that it was Caroline. Who was requesting a FaceTime.

Unsurprisingly, because Hannah had texted Caroline a few minutes ago, letting her know she’d arrived.

She showed the screen to Abbie. “Are you feeling up to–”

Before she could properly ask the question, Abbie’s uninjured arm had reached out so she could grab Hannah’s phone and answer the call within moments.

 “Abbacado!” Caroline greeted, and the relief that slid over her face even though the screen was so obvious, as she stared intently – as intently as she could, over the phone – at Abbie. “You’re all right? You seem like you’re still kicking?”

Even with the gentle teasing in her voice, Hannah could hear the undertone of that deep panic that she knew Caroline had felt, just like she had.

Abbie’s bottom lip poked out in a pout. “Not really kicking, since my ankle’s busted.”

Caroline grimaced. “I heard that might be the case. How do you feel?”

“Like I hit a tree,” Abbie responded, smartly.

Hannah chuckled, as did Caroline, and… yes. Okay. She was able to breathe normally, again.

Abbie was beat up, but she was okay. And, what do you know, all it took was getting Caroline on the phone for her to make some jokes.

“Listen, that’s a great story to have in your back pocket. Especially for a fun fact about what you did on winter break,” Caroline said. “No one else is going to have that same story. They’re all going to be like, oh, I got a new iPad for Christmas. But you – kiddo, you’re going to steal the show.”

Abbie’s lips – for the first time since Hannah came into the room – pulled into a grin. “I guess you’re right about that.”

“Yes, I am,” Caroline affirmed, so easily.

“Sorry I couldn’t call you; I lost my phone,” Abbie explained to Caroline. “And I’d taken a ton of videos for you, like you’d asked. But… I can’t show them to you, now.”

“Your phone being lost on the mountain is infinitely better than you being lost on the mountain,” Caroline dismissed the apology, the love in her tone so apparent.

Hannah closed her eyes at the sound of it, for just a second.

Only to open them again when Abbie asked, “Even though it’s not in the custody agreement, can I come home tonight? I don’t want to be here anymore.”

The question was directed at Caroline, and so earnest, Hannah’s heart ached all over again.

Caroline’s perfect, giving mouth tightened to a firm line, as she assured Abbie, “Absolutely yes. You’re coming home, and you will never have to go on a weekend away with Michael again, if you don’t want to.”

Abbie perked up, a spark of sheer joy flashing over her face. “Really?!”

Hannah, too, perked up, turning an inquisitive look to Caroline through the camera. She knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Caroline wouldn’t make such a promise to Abbie unless she was one-hundred percent positive it was true.

She locked onto Caroline’s gaze for a moment, noting the serious look in those dark eyes, before Caroline promised, “Yes, really. If anyone has a problem with that, direct them to take it up with your legal counsel.”

“Okay!” Abbie agreed, grinning so brightly that Hannah…

Well, Hannah couldn’t help but grin, too. She supposed there was, bare minimum, a positive lens to try to look through this with.

Less than an hour later, Hannah felt marginally better. Able to breathe. Steadier.

Abbie was being taken down to get a final X-Ray, before they’d be casting her ankle. Her doctor had assured Hannah – and Caroline, who’d asked, as of course she did, for Hannah to conference call her in when Abbie’s doctor returned – that he was comfortable to discharge her after that. Even Abbie’s spirits were lifted, after he’d affirmed that he believed she’d be out of her cast in six weeks, and would likely be able to still partake in the spring soccer season.

Her baby was okay. She would take her home tonight, and things were going to be fine.

Hannah – 5:57PM
Things are winding down. We should be out of here soon, and back home to you before it’s too late tonight

Just as she sent Caroline the message, the door to the room opened, and Hannah looked up in confusion – she’d been told not to expect Abbie back for at least another fifteen or twenty minutes.

In an instant, her vision went hazy and tinged on the edges with red. She’d never actually seen red before, but – honestly, yeah, she was now.

His hurried steps came to an abrupt halt, as he looked from Abbie’s now empty bed, to her. “Hannah? What are you doing here?”

Hannah swore she heard a snap in the back of her mind, a switch flipped, and she jumped up from her seat, unable to hold herself down. “What am I doing here?” She echoed in utter disbelief. “What am I doing here!” She shouted, and she knew she was in a hospital and she should be mindful about that, but she couldn’t help it! “Are you fucking kidding me?”

She’d never shouted at Michael like this, with this raw, primal anger that welled up from a place she didn’t recognize. Michael clearly didn’t recognize it, either, as he blanched, and stepped back from her. Which had never happened before.

Satisfaction filtered through her at it, and she clenched her fists tightly, forcing herself to keep her hands at her sides when all she wanted to do was pummel him. Even after everything she’d been through with Michael, she’d never had the need to be violent. But she did right now.

“Hannah, look–” Michael held his hands out, as if he was about to offer an explanation that was reasonable in any way.

“Don’t you dare try to defend yourself right now,” she hissed out, sharply, swiftly cutting him off. “My daughter–”

“Oh, your daughter? Did you grow her all by yourself, then?” He asked with that snotty tone he was able to summon so easily.

And Hannah didn’t know it was possible for her anger to burn even brighter. White hot.

“My. Daughter. Sat by herself in the hospital with a fractured ankle and collarbone, scared and alone, because her “father” was nowhere to be found.” She grit her teeth so hard, it actually hurt. “I don’t even need an answer to where you are – because there is no excuse. The only reason you shouldn’t have been with her this entire time is because you, too, were injured and being kept in a different hospital room. Which I can see was not the case.”

Hannah couldn’t think of another reason she wouldn’t have been by Abbie’s side during this. Even then, she’d have pestered the hospital staff so much to bring her to see her daughter.

“She’s fourteen; I don’t need to babysit her the entire weekend,” Michael cut in. “I didn’t know–”

“I said I didn’t care!” She cut him off, her voice echoing around the white walls. “I don’t care where you were or what excuse you have or whatever woman you were spending time with. The beauty of not being married to you is that I don’t have to care about what you get up to. I need to care that in the limited time my daughter is in your care, that you actually… hmm, I don’t know… are caring for her.”

He sighed that put-upon sigh, as if he were somehow, in any way, the victim in this situation.

“There’s no need for you to be here, now; Abbie doesn’t want to see you. I sure as hell don’t want to, either. She’s getting discharged shortly, and I’m taking her home.”

He narrowed his eyes, and she knew what was coming before he even spoke. “It’s still, legally, my weekend.”

Because Michael would always be Michael, and he’d make that comment even if they both knew that the last thing he would want to do was be responsible for looking after Abbie while she was injured.

“And? Legally, I’m the one that’s filled out all of her paperwork, and whose care the hospital will be discharging her to. Because even though I was three hours away, I was here before you were.” She managed to take in a deep breath through her nose, counting backwards from ten. “For the record? This mandatory trip that you strong-armed into the custody agreement? Done. It’s gone. I hope whatever – or whoever – you were busy with was worth it enough for you to lost that element of control in our lives.”

He scoffed, crossing his arms. “Just because you say it’s out of the custody agreement doesn’t make it so,” he haughtily shot back.

“No,” she agreed, readily. “But Caroline will make it so. In fact, she’s already started the process.”

She deliberately tapped on her phone, where Caroline had – after they’d hung up the FaceTime call – informed Hannah that she was already starting the process of filing a petition to modify their custody order.

Michael’s gaze landed on her hand that she’d used to tap on her phone, and in doing so, his gaze sharpened. Staring, rather intently, as his eyes narrowed to slits.

Hannah was baffled by his expression, before she glanced down as well.

And her own eyes landed on her engagement ring.

“What the fuck is that?” He asked, darkly.

But the days where that tone – or the menacing look in his eye – had the power to intimidate her. She deliberately lifted her hand and wiggled her fingers slightly, letting the light glint from the stone. “I think you know exactly what it is.”

That vein in his forehead throbbed, his face turning red in that way like he was about to explode. “And you didn’t think it was relevant to tell me you’re getting fucking married? To her?”

Hannah didn’t know if it made her more satisfied or angry, the way he often shied away from saying Caroline’s name. As if it pained him to do so – that was the satisfaction – but there was no denying that it felt utterly disrespectful.

Setting her jaw, she explained, “Why would I tell you? So that your terrible response would bleed into Abbie’s mandatory time with you? So you could hound our teenage daughter about it?” She tapped her chin in faux-thought, before dropping her hand and shaking her head. “Yeah, no. I didn’t think it was relevant.”

She’d planned to drop the bomb on him come January, when there was a decent chance he wouldn’t be seeing Abbie for several weeks after.

She could see the way his hand flexed then clenched at his side, as he worked his jaw, staring down at her ring as though it personally offended him.

Then again, knowing Michael, it likely did.

“You can’t be surprised by this,” she couldn’t help but comment in disbelief. “We’ve been together for years.”

“And have never gotten married,” he immediately shot back, his gaze narrowing into a glare as he dragged his eyes up and locked onto hers. Did she finally wear you down, then?”

There was disdainfulness in his tone, something so… upset by her engagement. And Hannah could only stare for several beats as she tried to wrap her mind around it. Around Michael Dalton.

Because the thing was, she knew he wasn’t in love with her. She knew he wasn’t pining over her. Hell, even for the majority of their marriage, he hadn’t ever acted like he truly wanted to be with her.

And she just… couldn’t understand.

“It burns you up inside,” she murmured, studying him as if a scientific specimen. “Not only that I’m engaged, but that it’s to Caroline Parker. That she makes me – and Abbie – truly happy.”

His eyes glinted back at her, but he didn’t deny it. At least, not soon enough to dispel that it was the truth.

She shook her head. “And I think it really upsets you because… you’ve never been happy. Not really.”

Hannah hadn’t even been aware of what she’d been going to say before she’d said it, but now that she had, she felt so certain that she’d cracked the code.

Michael resented her happiness, especially when she found it with someone else. Especially when that person was Caroline.

He scoffed, but Hannah pushed forward.

“For no reason I can fathom, you’ve never been actually happy. Not the entire time I’ve known you.”

Which, insanely, was going on sixteen years.

And even back in their origin, when he’d been so charming and had acted so happy about their life together… none of it had been meaningful or lasting. Whenever he’d entered into new relationships afterwards or when he got promotions at work – even those accomplishments never seemed to bring him any sense of lasting joy, she thought for the first time, as she dragged her gaze over her, as if seeing him for the first time for what he truly was.

The man that had once made her life a living nightmare – when all was said and done – was, at the core, a pathetic person that wanted to drag everyone else down to his level.

That realization washed over her.

“It’s baffling, really, because you have everything a person could ostensibly want. You were born into a family with more money than could be spent in a lifetime. It pains me to say it, but you’re incredibly attractive and intelligent. Charismatic, when you want to be. You have two parents that are still alive and can’t – or won’t – ever see you for who you truly are, still thinking that you are god’s gift on earth.” She rolled her lips, crossing her arms over her chest. “And for years of my life, I tried to understand why. Why you can’t seem to find whatever it is you’re looking for – or even figure out what that is. And I wanted it, so much. For you to just… settle into life. To realize that you had a life almost anyone would kill for.”

“Well–” Something on his face brightened, and she cut it off at the knees, disgusted by it.

“I don’t feel that way, anymore.” She scoffed a quiet, humorless laugh. “Because all you care about in pursing your own fleeting joys is yourself, and you don’t give a damn about the damage in the wake you leave behind. Not when that damage was me, not when it’s Abbie. And even now, you still can’t let us be in peace.”

“What profound psychological insight, Hannah,” he spit, angrily.

But she could see how uncharacteristically flustered he was.

“What, do you want me to throw a party for you to celebrate your engagement to the woman you left me for? Parker wanted you from the moment she met you, and–”

She snapped her hand up, the anger inside of her that had slowed to a simmer switching back to a boil in a second. “Don’t. Do not try to re-write history in your delusional mind. I left you because of you, and not for anyone else. You’ve hated Caroline since you met her, long before she and I were a possibility, let alone a reality. And I think it’s because you recognize that she shares the best parts you have. She’s gorgeous, brilliant, capable, charismatic – and none of it was handed to her. And it has always eaten you up inside that she’s better than you are.”

Before he could say of the vitriolic words she was positive were bubbling up, she continued. Because she knew she was fucking right, and she knew – on some level that Michael would never vocalize – that he knew it, too.

“And, for the record? I proposed to Caroline, not the other way around.”

They both startled when there was a gentle knock on the door – which was still slightly open – and the nurse that had come to take Abbie’s vitals prior to her going to X-Ray popped in.

She glanced between them, before settling her eyes on Hannah. “I just wanted to let you know that Abbie’s being brought to plaster to get her cast. I can show you where to go.”

She nodded, managing to give the woman a tight smile. “Thank you.”

She turned and quickly gathered their belongings from the room. She’d already tucked everything of Abbie’s into the bag she’d brought in from the car, and she pulled it over her shoulder.

She brushed by Michael, who hadn’t moved from where he seemed rooted to the spot.

As she reached the doorway, she turned around, needing to voice this final thought. Because this was the moment. She’d never before had this with Michael.

When they’d been married, she’d become such… a shell of a person, under his thumb. And it had taken years even after leaving him to regain her sense of self. Right now, she felt a thrill rush through her.

Because Michael held no power over her anymore. In this moment, she felt – for the first time – like she had the true upper-hand. And she was going to take advantage of it.

“Oh, also? For your information, whether Caroline wanted me the first time we met is irrelevant. What is relevant to think about is… I can’t remember the first time I saw you, or our first interaction.” No, the early days with Michael were all very much a blur to her, and had been for a long time. She waited for him to turn to look at her, needing to deliver her final comment while they were eye-to-eye.

“But I remember the first time I saw her. Because even if I didn’t register it until after I’d left you? I wanted her.”

She relished in the way his eyes widened in shock, before she turned on her heel and strode away from him.

No, she’d never have wished for this to happen. She wouldn’t ever choose for Abbie to have gotten hurt or for her to be alone and afraid in a hospital room. But damn, saying those words to Michael… that felt good.

***

“Mom, you don’t have to hover right behind me. I’m not going to fall backwards down the stairs,” Abbie’s voice was tinged with exasperation and amusement, as they slowly climbed the stairs to enter their house.

“Honey, you’re already using crutches and have your arm splinted for your collarbone.” Though, she would admit that Abbie was managing to walk even with her ailments with a grace Hannah wasn’t sure she could replicate.

But, that was her girl. Resilient as hell, even if Hannah wished she never had to be.

“Humor me,” she finished, as she absolutely hovered behind Abbie with every step they took.

It was after nine o’clock, and now that they were within feet of the safety of their home, Hannah finally felt her adrenaline start to ebb away. She’d felt like it had been injected into her veins from the moment she’d gotten that call, and had been running on it ever since.

Abbie had managed to sleep – on and off, but mostly on – for the majority of their drive back, which was great, because she’d looked utterly exhausted when they’d left the hospital. And now, she seemed to be finding some pep in her step as well.

Hannah suspected that even if Abbie was incredibly unhappy with how today had played out that a part of her was happy to be home.

As soon as they reached the porch, Hannah carefully, quickly rushed around Abbie to open the front door for her to enter the house. And, again, hovered as she did so.

They walked slowly through the mudroom, as Hannah carefully set down the bag that held Abbie’s winter gear, and walked through the archway into the house.

Only for them both to come to a simultaneous, abrupt stop.

For the first time in hours, Hannah’s thoughts didn’t revolve around Abbie or her injury or Michael – because all she could think about was what was in front of her.

And, she blinked, widely, unsure of where to settle her gaze, as her eyes darted around to take in every possible thing she could see.

“What happened in here?” Abbie asked, her shock and confusion written all over her tone as well as her face.

Hannah, silently, shook her head in response.

“It looks like we’re in the north pole,” Abbie breathed, excitement creeping into her words as her mouth pulled into an exuberant smile.

And, again, Hannah silently nodded in agreement.

Because that was precisely what it looked like.

The light, tasteful touches of Christmas they’d had up for weeks were no more.

Well – they were still here.

But the scene in front of them was no muted, tasteful holiday décor.

Not only was there a garland wrapped around the banister on the stairs, but twinkly Christmas tree lights were wrapped around every single spindle going up the steps as well.

Every archway was adorned with garlands, there was an ornate wreath hung up on the hall closet, mistletoe hanging in the doorway to the den.

If she craned her head and looked into the large, open living room, she could see that there was a… was that a whole Christmas village set up by the windows? On top of the fireplace was a set up of cute, small wooden Christmas trees and –

“Do you hear a train?” Abbie asked, tilting her head.

Now that she mentioned it… “Yes. I do,” Hannah haltingly agreed after a moment.

But, sure enough, there was the faintest sound of a train whistle. Where the hell was that coming from?!

“Did you do this when I left?” Abbie asked in excitement as she finally turned to look at Hannah, and her big, blue eyes were so wide. For the first time since she’d seen Abbie – understandably – she looked truly happy. As if she, for the first time all day, wasn’t thinking about her unfortunate turn of events.

Hannah found herself just as wide-eyed, though as she shook her head. “No,” she answered in wonder. “I… didn’t even have time to take the decorations out of the attic and go through them.”

And though there were some more decorations in the attic than they’d put out, they certainly didn’t have all of this tucked away upstairs!

“You’re home!” Caroline’s voice came from their left, as she emerged from the open sliding barn door that led to the den.

In her hands was a string of fairy lights, and she was wearing a bright red Satan hat, complete with the fluffy ball at the end of it that rested against Caroline’s tousled, dark hair.

Immediately, Caroline tossed the lights to hang at the end of the banister, before she rushed toward Abbie. She slowed as soon as she stood in front of them, clearly opening her arms for a hug before she hesitated. Much like Hannah had done in the hospital.

Abbie, though, took the initiative and leaned forward. Her movements were a bit stiff, but she pressed into Caroline’s embrace and rested her head on Caroline’s shoulder, and from Hannah’s vantage point, she could see the way Abbie tightly closed her eyes. Clearly taking in comfort from Caroline.

Her heart fluttered from it, the feeling doubling when she watched how Caroline slowly and carefully reached up to stroke up and down Abbie’s back, her touch visibly light.

“Hey, kiddo,” Caroline whispered, her voice tight with emotion that Hannah felt echo through her. “Welcome home.”

After another moment, Abbie pulled back and gestured with her crutch around them. “Home?! Is that where I am?”

Caroline’s perfect lips quirked into a smile as she held her arms up. “Is it too much?”

“No!” Abbie immediately affirmed, gleefully. “It’s awesome!”

“Well, I figured I should put myself to good use, since I couldn’t come with your mom to get you.” There was an apology written all over Caroline’s tone.

Abbie immediately shook her head. “This is way better.”

“It’s amazing,” Hannah affirmed, and Caroline’s gaze slid to her, locking on. Caroline’s smile turned, adorably, sheepish. “You are amazing.”

“I’m not even gonna comment for you two to get a room or anything, because you are amazing!” Abbie agreed.

Caroline slid her stare back to Abbie, arching her a look. “Uh, I’m fairly certain that comment counts?”

“Give me a break! I’m injured,” Abbie shot back with a pout, gesturing with her crutch at herself. “And – on top of that – none of my friends are even around this weekend to hang out with.”

She’d lamented about this to Hannah on the ride home, that she’d had to turn down multiple plans with friends for the last weekend before Christmas, because of this ski trip. And now that she was going to be stuck around the house for most of the break, no one was going to be available to keep her company.

“Are you sure about that?” Caroline asked, her lips pulling into an exaggerated frown. “What about Norah?”

Abbie sighed, obviously disappointed. “No, remember? She went with Uncle Brian and his family to his wife’s parents’ house for the weekend.”

Brian’s wife’s parents had a house about an hour away on the water, and they were hosting a big holiday extravaganza this weekend. One that they’d very kindly invited all of the children in Caroline’s family to, despite not having a DNA tie to, and the invitation had been extended to Abbie, too. But she’d had to turn it down.

“Ahhh, right.” Caroline nodded, before tilting her head. “Only… there’s a big possibility that she might be on loan to us for the next couple of days.”

Abbie gasped with delighted surprise. “What?!”

Caroline’s expression melted into a grin as she whispered, “She’s waiting for you in the den. Along with some new comfy pajamas and – possibly – the newest iPhone for you to set up.”

Abbie gasped again – louder, almost a squeal, and Hannah’s mouth fell open in surprise as well. “Are you serious?!”

Caroline shrugged with such a sweet warmth in her eyes as she tilted her head toward the den. “Why don’t you see for yourself?”

As quickly as Abbie could manage – which, when she was motivated, was very quickly – she made her way into the den.

Hannah followed behind her. Not even for hovering purposes, now, but just because… she was as bowled over by everything as Abbie was right now! And she needed to see it, herself.

She was taken aback once more as she glanced into the den.

Their tree had already been decorated, yes. But it was now complete with a mini trainset – explained the sound of the train! – running around it on a small track.

Norah, indeed, was waiting for Abbie, and she sprung to her feet to run toward her as soon as they came in.

Abbie’s excitement, her happiness, was palpable, as she and Norah immediately fell into fast conversation, telling Norah all about her experience today.

Caroline had, indeed, set out new pajamas and a bag from the Apple store – Hannah would be shocked if all that was in there was a new phone – on the table. She’d neglected to say that she’d also set up the large sectional couch with pillows and blankets, and had made a snack tray and –

“Is that a mini fridge?” She asked, mostly to herself, as she squinted at the other side of the room.

“Yeah,” Caroline answered for her, quietly. “I mean, I figured Abbie can just claim the den for a while, rather than have to go up and down the stairs all of the time. And I put water and Gatorade and some snacks in the mini fridge for her, so she doesn’t have to go back and forth to the kitchen.”

Hannah’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding – faster and harder – in her chest.

Sending one more glance toward Abbie, who was now totally caught up in conversation with Norah, Hannah blindly reached down to take Caroline’s hand in hers, lacing their fingers together.

Caroline squeezed her hand back.

But – though Hannah loved this easy, comforting hold – this was not all she was looking for.

She turned on her heel and quickly walked back out to the foyer, tugging Caroline along with her.

“I know I should have gotten your okay about the new phone. And the mini-fridge. And maybe even the decorations,” Caroline started, keeping her voice low, as she willingly followed Hannah. “I know I might have gone a bit… over the top, but I just – I felt sick to my stomach as soon as I got home today, thinking about Abbie. And I couldn’t just sit here and–”

Blood rushing through her ears, Hannah turned and wordlessly pushed Caroline back against the wall, before pushing herself against her, and capturing Caroline’s lips with her own.

Any of the potential words Caroline had been about to ramble out fell back down her throat, as she sighed – hummed, really – into Hannah’s mouth.

Her lips tingled with the vibration of it, and the feeling shot through her entire body. This time, when she felt heated from the inside out, it was for a very different reason than earlier this afternoon.

She slid her hands down Caroline’s sides, slowly. Taking in her curves, the feel of her body, just – everything about her.

As Caroline wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her in tighter, and slid her other hand into Hannah’s hair, their kiss intensified, and that was all Hannah could feel. Intense. Everything felt so, so intense.

And her love for Caroline might be the most intense feeling of all, sweeping her up and away with it. She growled into Caroline’s mouth as she stroked her tongue along Caroline’s, tasting her.

When Caroline’s hand tightened in her hair, she shivered. A full-bodied, needy shiver.

Only for Caroline to use that hold in her hair to gently tug Hannah’s head back, until their kiss broke. They breathed against one another for several seconds, Caroline’s dark eyes staring into Hannah’s.

Before she whispered, “I guess you’re not upset about my going overboard?”

That hesitance in Caroline’s tone broke into the heated urgency that had pulsed through Hannah, and she shook her head softly. “No. I’m not upset. You can buy Abbie whatever you want, you know that.”

Though she’d been reluctant in the beginning of their relationship to totally share the responsibilities when it came to her daughter, she’d long accepted – and welcomed – Caroline to co-parent Abbie. It was the only way that their relationship could ever thrive, and she knew Caroline knew that.

Still, Caroline shrugged. “Yes, but neither of us ever makes that kind of big purchase without chatting about it.”

Which… was fair. Still Hannah shook her head. “Today was an extenuating circumstance. And you, Caroline Parker, are… perfect.”

As she said the words, and the sentiment behind them resonated through her, the backs of her eyes burned with unexpected tears.

God, today truly had been a whirlwind from start to finish, and Hannah swore she felt every emotion, magnified. Which included this heady, demanding adoration for the woman in her arms.

Caroline’s gaze held hers intently, her still kiss-swollen lips pulled into a gentle smile. Until Hannah felt one of her tears fall down her cheek.

Then, that small smile on Caroline’s face was replaced with a concerned frown, as she slid the hand she’d still had toying with Hannah’s hair down, swiping the tear away.

“Today has been a real monster,” she whispered, a sweet understanding in her voice. Something so warm and soft, it made Hannah ache to go up and curl up in bed with Caroline, wrapped up in her.

But Hannah shook her head.

Only, to pause, and nod, instead, as she breathed out a tremulous laugh.

“Yes, it has. But – I’m not crying because of that.” Not totally, anyway.

Taking in a deep breath, she reached up and swiped her sleeve over her eyes. She wanted to be able to see Caroline clearly right now.

“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and to Abbie. And I’m… I’m crying because I’m happy,” she confessed, softly, “Because I went from being married to the worst person I’ve ever met, and swearing I’d never get married again, to being with the most incredible, thoughtful person in the world. Who I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with.”

Caroline’s breath hitched, as she released a shaky breath. “Hannah–”

“You know that we have to decorate the house like this every year from now on, right?!” Abbie called to them from the den. “You can’t do this just because I’m injured and then never again!”

She and Caroline locked eyes, that intense, emotional connection lingering, even as they shared an amused smile.

“I know,” Caroline admitted right back.

Stroking her thumb over the curve of Caroline’s waist, she joked, “From the Grinch to Santa in under five years… how does it feel?”

“How does it feel that you’re going to be Mrs. Claus?” Caroline shot back, immediately.

And even though she could see the light, teasing smile on Caroline’s lips, she didn’t feel an echo of that teasing, at all.

No, Hannah felt very, very serious. “It feels like the most right thing in the world.”

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