Dragging my eyes from a glowing cat statue with amber gem eyes, I nod with intrigue. “I might just do that.”

Kenzi motions to the cat. “I can’t decide if that’s really cool or really gaudy.”

“I actually like it, but I think Teddy will be terrified of it and howl at it all night.”

Laughing, she throws her head back a little, and I’m struck by how naturally beautiful she is. Like Marilyn Monroe. Her nose is perfect, framed by high cheekbones. Her lips are full like Asher’s, not thin like mine.

Still clutching my cell phone, I ask her if I can take her picture.

“Sure, if you want to.” Her eyebrows scrunch together with curiosity. “Here? By the cat light?”

“Since it’s too weird to buy, at least we’ll have a picture and can laugh about it later.” Holding my phone up, I snap a few quick photos of her as she poses next to the silly lamp. “I love your face,” I say. “You’re so pretty.”

“Aw, thank you. Maybe because I have your amazing eyes and long lashes.” She bats her eyes at me playfully.

It’s still hard for me to believe that Kenzi and her little baby are my very own flesh and blood—a real part of me.

Three hours later, I’ve completed a mad shopping spree. We found the most beautiful bedroom furniture set, with a button-tufted headboard, scrolled ornate molding on all pieces, in an antique champagne finish. It screamed romance the moment I laid eyes on it. Unable to stop there, I had to complete the makeover with a pillow-top mattress, luxurious sheet sets, pillows, and fluffy comforter.

“Do you think Asher will mind?” I ask Kenzi nervously as I check out and set a delivery date. He tends to get attached to things, and I don’t want to inadvertently replace something that has sentimental value to him.

On second thought, in a way, I do.

Kenzi waves my question off with her hand. “Not at all. He doesn’t care about sheets and furniture. Trust me,” she says. “Now, if you were still in the hospital, and someone tried to come in and replace everything, he’d have turned into a rabid animal. But now that he has you, he’s not going to care about material stuff. All that stuff is old, anyway. You deserve to have new things.”

By the end of the day, I have bought a lot of new things. Throw rugs. Silverware. Dinnerware. Blankets. Dog toys. Candles. Clothes.

Who knew shopping could be so exhausting?

It is, though. By the time Kenzi drops me off back home and helps me carry all the stuff into the house, I’m envious of Tia sleeping soundly in her car seat. I could easily do the same right now.

After I say goodbye to Kenzi and take Teddy out in the backyard, I knock on Sarah’s bedroom door.

“Hi,” I say when she opens the door.

“I thought I heard you come in. How was your day?” she asks.

“It was good. I had fun with Kenzi and the baby. She didn’t cry at all. I found so many nice things. I can’t wait for Asher to see everything. I just want to wash the towels and linens and run all the new dishes through the dishwasher. How was Teddy while I was gone?”

“He’s always a good boy. He missed you, though. He stares out the window waiting for you.”

“Aw.” I reach down to pet him, where he’s settled at my feet. “I hope he’s okay for a day or two…”

“He’ll be fine. I promise I’ll take the best care of him and give him lots of love.”

“I know you will. I really appreciate all your help, Sarah. With everything.”

“Anything you need, just let me know. What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

“My friend is picking me up at seven a.m.” I glance at my watch. “I should really get to bed. I’m exhausted.”

“You definitely need your rest. I’ll make sure I’m up so I can see you off before you go. Teddy and I will be here when you get back.” She searches my eyes, concern beginning to etch across her forehead. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”

I nod without hesitating. “Yes, I’m positive. I’m a little nervous, of course, but I’m sure. It feels right.”

She holds her arms out to me for a quick hug. “I understand. I know how hard this has been for you… and for Asher. You have my support. Always.”

I smile gratefully. “You’ve become such a good friend to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“I feel the same, but I do wish you’d talk to Asher first. I don’t like keeping things from him, especially important things concerning you.”

I shake my head vehemently. “I hate it too, and I wish I could tell him, but we both know he’ll just get upset and try to talk me out of it. I need to do this for me, and I need him to accept the decisions I make for myself. It’s my life now. I’m sure he’ll be a little upset at first, but he’ll understand after we talk.”