Page 23 of Spit Screen

I nod.I’ll try.

CHAPTER FOUR

emma

The kids are alwayson pins and needles when it gets close to time for Addy to come home from a trip. I heard Vicki in Hannah’s room late last night. Usually, I would have intervened and sent them both to bed. But I paused when I overheard Vicki tell her little sister she thought we needed to be closer to therestof our family. I’m confident Vicki enjoys living close to my parents, but I’ve underestimated how much she misses the family that surrounded her when she was little. And I’m also sure she senses Addy and I are a little lonely here. We both enjoy spending time with family. God knows, my family adores Addy. But as much as the feeling is mutual, it is stillmyfamily. Tamara was Addison’s lifeline for years. She’s more like a sister to Addy than a friend.

LaunchingOff Screenwas a significant milestone for Addy, not just in her career but also for us as a couple. It brought new connections into her life, expanding her social circle. As time went on, those friendships grew deeper and stronger. Jeff and Sandra became more than friends; they became our family, even more so than some of our biological relatives.

After overhearing Vicki’s conversation with Hannah, I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned for hours before finallygiving up and calling Sandra. As we talked, my emotions poured out, and so did hers. I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented actors throughout my career. Sandra and I spent countless hours together on and off the set ofOff Screen. Our characters’ relationship was tumultuous yet passionate, and we had to learn to read each other’s emotions to create a believable dynamic between Genevieve and Jack. We held each other on and off set through the best and worst times—through celebrations and loss. She was the first person to feel Vicki’s kick when I was pregnant—something I’ve never told Addy. And I was the person who held her for hours when she found out she was pregnant after our co-star, Dan’s death. It’s amazing how physical distance doesn’t affect that kind of emotional bond. Sandra knew the reason behind my call without me saying a word.

“Mom!”

The pitch to Vicki’s voice is all I need to hear to know Addy is home. I wander to the back door and stand in the doorframe, watching our children run toward the car. As I watch Addy scoop up Noah and accept hugs from our daughters, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are.

“Hey,” Addy says when she reaches the porch. She sets Noah on his feet and kisses me.

“Hi.”

Addy’s brow furrows. “Em? Are you okay?”

“I’m glad you’re home.”

“Me, too.”

“Momma?”

Addison and I both look over at Hannah.

“Yes?” Addy asks.

“Did you stay with Aunt Tam?”

“I did,” Addy says. “You’ll see her in a week.”

“Really?” Hannah asks.

Addy looks at me, silently asking if she’s spoken out of turn. I was waiting for her to come home to tell the kids we’d have company for the long weekend.

Addison leans into my ear. “Did I let the cat out of the bag too soon?”

I chuckle. “No.” I look at three pairs of expectant eyes. “I had thought we’d share this news at dinner,” I begin. “But?—”

“Are we all going to Disney?” Vicki asks.

I force myself not to laugh. Our house is likely to feel a bit like Disneyland next weekend—animated and loud. “No,” I reply. “But Tam and Christie will be here with Daniel.”

“Really?” Vicki asks.

“Really. And Sandra and Jeff will also be here.”

“With Brody?” Vicki asks hopefully.

“And Bailey,” I say.

Hannah jumps up and down. She loves to play with Sandra and Jeff’s daughter, Bailey.

“Okay,” I say. “I know everyone is excited. I’ll bet Momma is tired. She was upreallyearly so she could get home today. So, why don’t you play outside for a bit while I help Momma get her things and get dinner ready?”

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