Two weeks later, Shane and Jenny were done with the room addition and Ryan came to live with them. It was a big adjustment period for everyone at first, but he seemed really happy. In fact I think he took less time to adjust than anyone else did, he fit in right away. Charlie showed a little jealousy when his favorite aunt had someone new to spend time with, but eventually he got over that and followed Ryan around like a puppy.

We were really happy. We watched our kids get bigger all the time and spent as much time with them as we could. Our friends were doing well and our careers were solid, so we had time to enjoy our lives without constantly worrying about money. We got along well with our friends and despite a few small tiffs here and there, we didn’t have any real arguments to speak of.

It was nice. My family and Lenore were really involved in the kids’ lives too, and it really made a difference to us and to the kids as well. They’d come into town for any of Kallie’s school programs and to watch both her and Charlie quite often. They took them to zoos and museums and other educational activities and we really appreciated it.

I was startled out of my reverie by the ringing of my cell phone. It was Shane, wondering if I was ready to leave yet. I glanced at the clock and was startled to see that it was close to four in the afternoon. Ryan’s plane was supposed to touch down at five. I sat staring at the clock for a few minutes after I’d hung up, wondering if I’d fallen asleep and assuming that I had, for a little while at least.

Tina was in the room with Alice when we got to the hospital, and Al looked happy to have her there. Shane and I didn’t stay long because of this, although Shane told Tina that she’d have someone bring some food from the Planet for her in a little while. Tina told us to tell Ryan he could come over anytime, and Shane and I kissed Alice and left.

We got to the airport a little early, but it was fine since Ryan’s plane was ahead of schedule. He looked good and was obviously really happy to be home. He kissed my cheek and said he was sorry about Alice, and I thanked him. We planned for him to go back with us tomorrow, but for tonight we all wanted to rest. Shane offered to stop and get me some food on the way home, but I refused since I knew they’d gotten me groceries. We agreed to see each other tomorrow and they left me at the door.