Later that evening, Naomi and her new husband joined the Rose family and Ford for dinner. The girls played on the beach while the adults talked. Piper’s mom was in good spirits and strong and she even had been out of her chair a few times playing with the girls on the beach.
Naomi and Piper helped her to the water as the sun was setting so she could let her toes touch the sand and waves on her feet.
“Girls, I’m tired.”
“Mom, do you want to sit down? I can have Ford carry you up the steps if you’re too weak to walk.”
“No honey,” she said, patting her daughter’s hand, “I’m fine. I’m dying, but not yet.”
The kids ran in front of them, splashing and playing, splashing the woman and making Piper’s mom laugh joyfully.
Naomi scolded,” Girls! Be careful around Mrs. Rose.”
“They’re fine. It’
