I laugh “You’re being ridiculous”

“Momma It’s true.  I don’t see how you never noticed”

“Me neither honestly.  But I do have a confession and now that you are older I am going to tell you”. I pause and take a breath hoping Maddie will not be angry at me “I did start having feelings for Tina when we were still in California.  Your Mom and I were fighting a lot and she was there just being the Tina we loved you know.  I just started seeing her differently and I got scared”

“Is that why we moved back to Pennsylvania “ she interrupted

I sigh and nod “I wanted to make my marriage work and keep us together as a family and I shouldn’t be wanting another woman.  Especially a woman that was like a sister to me.  I shouldn’t have been having those thoughts”

She reached over and placed her hand over mine

“Momma it’s ok.  You’re human.  You didn’t do anything wrong.  You can’t decide how your heart loves or who it wants  You did the honorable thing at the time.  You have morals. And loyalty and you are committed.  You have nothing to feel ashamed of.  Especially your feelings.  I know you loved Mom and would never hurt her like that”

Wow.  She had left me speechless.  My Maddie is all grown up and so much wiser than me it seemed

“When did you get so wise kiddo?”

She rolls her eyes and my 19 year old daughter reappeared again

“Look I want you to be happy Momma.  You and Mom.  So go and be happy” she says like it was the simplest thing in the world.

“I love you Maddie.  Never forget that ok”

She smiles “I love you too”

Meanwhile in Nevada

Tina’s POV

“Are you all packed Tina..Bryan can take you to the airport!” I hear Skylar yell at me from her bedroom.  She had just gotten home from having Tristan a few days ago and was currently trying to breastfeed him

“Yes..I’m ready!” I yell back from the spare bedroom and chuckle when I hear her fuss about trying to get Tristan to latch on to her nipple

“Oh this is frustrating” she says exasperated