Among the Stars ✔️ [Completed] [book three]

Chapter 64

"It's none of my business..." my Mom speaks with her usual tone that informs me immediately that even though whatever she wants to say is none of her business, she has every intention of letting me know her opinion in any event.

"But..." I raise my eyebrows when I look up at her from my office chair. The sheer amount of decisions that we have to make has threatened to overwhelm us while we are still sleep deprived with the twins. Even though I feel like snapping at her, I desperately try to keep my tone even so I don't upset her.

Mom stands in the doorway to my office rolling her hands in front of her. "You had twins eight weeks ago, Lizzie. Although I'm very proud of what you are doing, and the speed you are doing it at... I can't help but feel.... Erm... that you need to bloody well slow down! With the date for Ed's trial being set this week, the interviews you and Daniel have done, setting up the charity... Daniel about to abandon you to finish filming!! Well, it's all too much! I don't know how you are keeping going at the moment!" Mom takes a great big gulp of air when she has finished speaking as somehow she managed to say everything in one single breath.

In return, I make sure to take a deep breath. The persistent urge to snap at her would only make everything ten times worse. "Firstly, Daniel is not abandoning me! He has to fulfil his contract, and he's only going to be away a few days. Secondly, there is not a lot I can do about Ed's trial being set. All I've been told is that his solicitor was due to sit down with him this week to discuss the evidence and my interview." I shrug with my face neutral, ensuring I keep my voice steady. I don't want another fight about taking on too much. "Thirdly, we are going to employ a team of people to develop the charity. Neither myself or Daniel have a clue about the logistics of making it a reality, so Chris and Helen have been kind enough to agree to put together a shortlist of candidates that we can then interview to help us. We know we can't do it all, Mom. We're aware that we are out of our depth with the never ending list of things to do. But, soon there will be a very competent team in place to make sure our charity is a success. I promise things will slow down."

Her expression alters to one of relief that I'm not trying to take everything on alone, while having babies at home. "Well, that does sound like a very good plan."

As if sensing that an argument has been avoided, Daniel appears behind my Mom. "I've got to get going if I'm going to make the flight." His voice is full of sadness and regret.

Frowning, I wonder whether he's heard my Mom's misplaced accusation of him leaving us. "OK." I respond brightly, trying not to show how nervous I am of him leaving when it is likely we will find out the date of Ed's trial.

"I'll leave you to it." Mom says quietly before she pats Daniel on the arm like a silent apology just in case he heard her.

Once she is gone, I walk around my desk to stand before him. Standing on my tiptoes, I kiss him softly. "Please hurry home." I practically whisper, not trusting my voice not to break.

He wraps his arms around me without a second's pause. "I will. I promise you." He presses his nose into my hair and breathes deeply. "The babies are asleep. I've kissed them both goodbye and told them to be good for Mommy while Daddy is away." He sighs loudly. "This is going to be so hard!"

"Well, don't worry about us. You just focus on getting these last takes done as fast as you can." I lean back to look up at him, but I don't release him from my embrace. "Although I wanted to do this on my own, Mom and Dad are staying in the guest house. They've promised to give me my space, but they're there if I need them." I roll my eyes remembering her dogged determination to stay here while Daniel is away for the first time.

"She wants to help... and to be honest... I'm glad you will have help these next few days. You've got a lot on your plate." He steps back, but kisses my hand before he lets go.