"Oh no. Jamie, it's okay. No, don't cry. Mommy's baby. Oh," Madison whispers.

  The new mother frantically attempts to calm her unhappy infant, as he lies helplessly on his back. She uses one hand to lift his bottom, while sliding a fresh diaper underneath him. James Junior kicks his chubby legs in stubborn protest.

  The cool air within the master bedroom is in sharp contrast to the warm bath water which previously lulled him into silent slumber. Tiny whimpers become a halting, breathless cry. Madison positions the diaper's leg cuffs snuggly on both sides. She secures the Velcro tabs, her other hand gently holding the diaper in place above Jamie's round belly. The newborn is still more than a little upset. The infant's wails grow louder, adopting a slight tremble, and his tiny face reddens.

  "Jamie, honey...Mommy's so sorry. You left a mess for Mommy. I had to get you clean. Oh, don't cry."

  Madison wraps a baby blanket around James Junior and lifts him carefully from the mattress. She strolls out of the room, headed for the kitchen. A pot of hot water is already boiling on the stove. In ten minutes or less, Jamie will be fast asleep again. She hates the idea of giving him formula, but no housework will get done with an infant clinging to her chest.

  A loud knock on the front door interrupts Madison's desperate planning. The young mother stops walking on a dime, turning to peer in the direction of the living room. She crinkles her nose, confusion written on her flushed face.

  "Who can that be? It's a bit early for the mailman. James, is that you? Did you forget your keys? It can't be your lunch. I saw you grab it. I'm coming, Babe."

  Madison repositions Jamie on her left shoulder and strides toward the front door. Peeking through the peephole, Madison emits an excited gasp.

  "What? Oh."

  Unlocking the front door, Madison offers Gabrielle a warm smile. Gabrielle opens her arms wide for a hug.

  "Hello, Friend," Gabrielle exclaims. "Are you surprised to see me? I brought my own car this time. No more getting left behind. Where's that cute lil baby? And that handsome husband you couldn't stop telling me about?"

  Madison looks Gabrielle over, her confusion steadily growing. She searches her brain for a conversation in which she and Gabrielle also exchanged addresses as well as phone numbers.

  "Uh, Gabrielle. How did you...,"

  "There's a thing called reverse lookup, Darling," Gabrielle exclaims, practically dancing past Madison into the living room. "Wow. Nice place. Very comfy looking."

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  Gabrielle continues to study every inch of the room, paying particular attention to the photographs on the walls. She turns to Madison with a wide grin.

  "Nice husband too. He's quite a looker. You make a great pair."

  Madison shuts the front door and crosses to where Gabrielle stands, in the center of the room. Pride swells in Madison's chest. After the night she'd had, why not? She and James do make a great pair.

  "Have you lived here long?" Gabrielle inquires, glancing around.

  "No. I mean, James bought this place...Well, a little over two years ago. Give or take a few months. He has a second home in town. It's a lot nicer. Bigger too. We were thinking about putting the other house back on the market, but James is still a little attached. Memories. We use the other residence for parties, personal vacations, and stuff like that. You know, to get away from everyday life. This...This is home to me. And I like it. It's not fancy. But it's peaceful and quiet. It's home."

  "It's nice. I like it too," Gabrielle says, stroking Jamie's head gently with one hand.

  After a brief pause, Gabrielle meets Madison's gaze. She continues to run her fingers over James Junior's soft dark hair. The woman's voice drops to a very low whisper.

  "How'd she die?"

  "Huh? Who?" Madison asks, a shocked expression on her face.

  "His first wife? How did she die? Was it an accident? Was she a cop too?"

  "No. No. Cancer. It was cancer. James said, she fought it for a long time. In the end, there wasn't much left of her. She died in his arms. Truly sad. I can see that he misses her sometimes. He goes out to the other place when he thinks I don't know. I saw him there one day. I never told him I saw him. It's his own personal pain. He'll have to deal with it. But sometimes...The whole situation makes me feel inadequate. Like I can't quite measure up to a dead woman. I know that sounds horrible. Gosh, I can't believe I even said that out loud. But it's true. I love James. I love him more than anything in this world. Except for our son. Of course. To think that he might not love me the same way...It kills me inside. I wish he'd agree to sell the house. I really want him to move on. Memories can be boxed up. No one is saying he has to sell Samantha's things. Or, we can put them in their own room. A place for just him. It's the only thing about our marriage...I wish I could change. I feel so selfish thinking like that. But I want my husband all to myself. It's enough sharing him with Jamie. I don't want to share him with a ghost."

  Gabrielle nods sympathetically, dropping her hand from Jamie's head.

  "Believe me, Madison. I understand. I really do. That's how I felt with my ex. He was my everything. Not anymore though. So...What are your plans today, Mrs. Mackey? Got any?"

  "Not really. All of my friends are cops. They're usually pretty busy all day. I was a pretty boring person before I met James. I still am. Ha. I spend a lot of time in the garden or with Jamie. Jamie is the highlight of my day."

  "Hmm. Well, today is going to be different, Mrs. Mackey. Today...You and I are going shopping. My treat. It's the least I can do, after all the trouble I put you through yesterday," Gabrielle exclaims. "Get the baby dressed warmly so we can go. Come on. Hop to it. I'm not taking no for an answer."

  "No. I don't think so, Gabrielle. I have a lot of chores to do. I've been putting them off and..."

  "Did I stutter?" Gabrielle demands, one hand on her hip. "I said get the baby dressed. I'll be waiting for you out in the car."

  Gabrielle snaps the fingers of one hand and strolls toward the front door. Opening the door, Gabrielle waves the tips of her other hand at Madison.

  "Hurry up. Come on. No buts. Let's go."