Karly and Luke walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. The door opened and Ethan stood there. He hugged Karly and shook hands with Luke.
“How are you feeling sis?” Ethan asked.
“I'm okay,” Karly said.
“Just dealing with the fact that her mom was alive all this time and hiding out across the country for 8 years,” Luke said.
“Mom is still Mom, right?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, I call my mom Mother now,” Karly said.
“Good she deserves it after hiding from you and the bros all these years,” Ethan said.
“Yep,” Karly said.
“Hi honey,” Rick said.
“Hi Dad,” Karly said.
“Hear from your mother today?” Rick asked.
“She came by the agency,” Karly said.
“Any issues?” Rick asked.
“She wanted to catch up on things, but I told her that she should have had Jack keep her in the loop rather than hiding out in Seattle,” Karly said.
“You know I'm here for you,” Rick said. She hugged him. He held her to him.
“I know and thank you,” Karly said.
“Sis!” Alyssa said. Alyssa and Kenny came and hugged her. She hugged Luke while Kenny hugged her.
“Let's go sit down,” Kenny said. They went to the living room and sat down and talked about stuff while dinner was getting finished. Angela came in and hugged them and went back in the kitchen.
“She's worried you won't call her mom anymore since your mom is back,” Kenny said.
“I'm still calling you Mom!” Karly said.
“Thank you honey!” Angela said.
“When can I start at the agency?” Alyssa asked.
“How about tomorrow after school,” Karly said.
“Karly, half day remember?” Luke said.
“I'll nap on the couch while waiting for her,” Karly said.
“All right,” Luke said.
“Dinner's ready!” Angela said. They all went in and sat down at the table and ate.

CHAPTER 142

Karly helped Angela and Alyssa clean up while Luke joined Rick, Ethan, and Kenny in the living room.
“Sorry that Kevin couldn't make it, he got called to help our lawyer with a case,” Karly said.
“It's okay, he's excused this time,” Angela said.
“I can't wait until tomorrow,” Alyssa said.
“I will introduce you around so you can get to know everyone you will be working with,” Karly said.
“When is the next photoshoot?” Alyssa asked.
“Thursday thru Saturday in Hawaii,” Karly said.
“You going?” Alyssa asked.
“No, unable to fly due to pregnancy but Hayley is going and Kevin of course since he's the photographer,” Karly said.
“What clothes are being modeled?” Alyssa asked.
“We work closely with a designer, his name is Henry, he just started a bridal collection,” Karly said.
“Henry Foster?” Alyssa asked.
“Yes,” Karly said.
“I love his clothes, he's gay right?” Alyssa asked.
“Yes, and he is absolutely a great guy and one of my close friends along with his husband David,” Karly said.
“I want to meet him, he is an awesome designer,” Alyssa said.
“I'll let him know,” Karly said. They heard the doorbell ring. They heard a shout.
“What are you doing here?!” Rick said.
“I need to speak with you, about our daughter,” Mom said.
“What about my daughter?” Rick asked.
“I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon,” Mom said.
“Okay?” Rick said.
“Rick, my cancer, it's back,” Mom said.
“What?” Rick said.
“I thought I was all clear after my last checkup but after my scan and blood tests today, they found it in my lymph nodes, they want to try chemo and radiation,” Mom said. Angela hugged Karly. Alyssa joined the hug.
“Oh god Amy,” Rick said.
“I told Austin and Eric, but I can't find Karly and my sons won't tell me where she lives,” Mom said.
“Come in, she and Luke are here,” Rick said. He led her in the kitchen and saw Karly crying.
“And I don't think you have to tell her because she heard it all,” Rick said.
“Are you lying about this, Mother?” Karly asked.
“No honey, cancer is not something to lie about,” Mom said.
“No, it's not but who knows, maybe you lied about it last time,” Karly said.
“No honey, I did have breast cancer, but I beat it when I got to Seattle,” Mom said.
“So, what do you want Mother?” Karly asked.
“I want to spend more time with my daughter and sons before I get too sick from treatment,” Mom said.
“What do you suggest, Mother?” Karly asked.
“Well stop calling me Mother for starters,” Mom said.
“Nope,” Karly said. Luke came into the kitchen and took Karly in his arms.

CHAPTER 143

Karly stood there in Luke's arms. She couldn't believe it. Her mother's cancer was back.
“Okay so you are doing chemo and radiation?” Karly asked.
“Yes,” Mom said.
“Who's taking you?” Karly asked.
“Austin and Eric are going to alternate times, they don't want you to have to do anything, they want you to rest and they will keep you informed,” Mom said.
“It's nice that they asked my opinion,” Karly said.
“Honey, your babies are more important than taking care of me, none of us want anything to happen to them,” Mom said.
“She's right sweetheart,” Rick said.
“If you want me to, I can help Eric and Austin in your place,” Luke said.
“Okay as long as Kev is with me,” Karly said.
“I'll make sure of it,” Luke said.
“So, you don't mind her being around Kevin?” Mom asked.
“No because I trust him and he's become a friend and told me he would never want to be responsible for destroying a marriage,” Luke said.
“Mom, stop trying to get me with Kevin okay, he and I are best friends and nothing more, I am married to Luke and staying married to him,” Karly said.
“I know honey, I didn't imply that,” Mom said.
“So, what were you trying to say Mother?” Karly asked.
“Kevin is your ex and I wanted to make sure nothing would happen to him,” Mom said.
“So, you think that Luke would hurt him, is that it,” Karly said. “Karly,” Mom said.
“No Mom, Luke knows that I care about Kevin, he wouldn't hurt him because that would hurt me and hurting me would kill him,” Karly said.
“I understand that, Karly, I'm trying to say that I am glad Luke and Kevin get along, that you have a lot of people around who love and care for you and that you are not alone,” Mom said.
“Like he wanted me to be,” Karly said.
“Yes,” Mom said.
“I'm glad he's dead,” Luke said.
“Me too, Luke, me too,” Mom said.
“When is your first chemo?” Rick asked.
“Tomorrow at ten,” Mom said.
“Who is taking you?” Karly asked.
“I was going by myself to see how it goes,” Mom said.
“Babe?” Karly asked.
“I'll take you, Amy, to be on the safe side,” Luke said.
“All right, probably a good idea, I have no idea how it will go this time, I guess better safe than sorry,” Mom said.
“Baby you ready to go?” Luke asked.
“Yeah I'm tired,” Karly said. Her mom said bye and left. Luke and Karly hugged everyone and left and went home and went to bed.

CHAPTER 144

The next day Luke left to take her mom to her chemo, so Kevin took Karly to work.
“I have to tell you something,” Karly said.
“What is it, K?” Kevin asked. She preceded to tell him about the conversation she and her mom had.
“She wants us together,” Kevin said.
“I think in a way she implied that, but she realized that things have changed, and you are in my life still so it's all good,” Karly said.
“Okay because I would rather die than lose you from my life,” Kevin said.
“Same goes for me, Kev,” Karly said.
“I can still call you beautiful, right?” Kevin asked.
“Of course, handsome,” Karly said.
“Shouldn't you call your hubby that?” Kevin asked.
“I do,” Karly said.
“Probably shouldn't call me that,” Kevin said.
“He doesn't mind,” Karly said.
“Yeah okay,” Kevin said. They walked into the office and sat down. Hayley came in and closed the door.
“Hey so what is going to happen with the agency now that your mom is back,” Hayley said.
“Nothing, it stays as is,” Karly said.
“But your mom left it in her will but she's alive,” Hayley said.
“Amy Davis is dead, legally dead, she has to go by the name Amy Williams now, so she has no legal claim over the agency and she now has a new cancer battle to focus on,” Karly said.
“Where's my brother?” Hayley asked.
“Took my mom to chemo,” Karly said.
“Oh boy I wonder how that will go,” Hayley said.
“I'm sure it will be fine,” Karly said.
“Is there a package for me?” Kevin asked.
“Yeah be right back,” Hayley said. She went out and came back with it and he smiled and opened it up.
“What is it?” Karly asked.
“Something special for you, boss,” Kevin said. He handed her a box and she opened it and saw a charm bracelet. It had a charm from Miami on there, along with New York, LA, and Boston.
“Kev?” Karly asked.
“I know you can't go with us to Hawaii so I got you this so I can get you charms from places we go that you can't because of the babies,” Kevin said.
“But I went to Boston and live in New York and went to Miami,” Karly said.
“You didn't go to LA because you were holding down the fort here, we met in Boston, we reconnected in Miami and we live and work together in New York City, this is a friendship charm bracelet,” Kevin said.
“Oh, Kev thank you so much, it's beautiful,” Karly said.
“I got you one too, Hayley,” Kevin said. He handed it to her, and she looked at it and saw a charm from New York, LA, and Hawaii.
“Thanks Kev,” Hayley said. They put them on and looked at them.
“They’re beautiful,” Hayley said.
“Yes, they are, thanks,” Karly said. She hugged him.

CHAPTER 145

An hour later, she was lying on the couch taking a nap when Matt and Dana came in.
“Hey guys,” Kevin said whispering as he motioned to be quiet pointing to Karly who was asleep.
“We came to talk to you about something,” Matt said whispering.
“We are in the middle of planning our wedding and we want to ask if you would be the photographer,” Dana said whispering.
“He will,” Karly said as she woke up.
“Karly,” Kevin said.
“They want the best and that's you, Kev,” Karly said.
“She's right, we will pay you,” Matt said.
“Just name your price,” Dana said.
“$400,” Karly said.
“Done,” Matt said.
“Karly, that's a lot of money,” Kevin said.
“They are paying for pictures, your time, film, your equipment,” Karly said.
“My equipment is paid off,” Kevin said.
“For the use of it,” Karly said.
“Kevin, it's okay, we would have probably paid more to someone else,” Dana said.
“Money is no object, our parents are paying,” Matt said.
“We have already found some good deals that save money, so it isn't too expensive,” Dana said.
“But still will be our dream wedding,” Matt said.
“But we want to wait until you have the babies,” Dana said.
“We are planning now for this time next year,” Matt said.
“We want your babies in the wedding,” Dana said.
“If that's okay?” Matt asked.
“All right I'll talk to Luke and see if he's okay with it,” Karly said.
“Okay with what?” Luke asked. He came in and kissed her forehead.
“Matt and Dana are planning their wedding, they asked Kevin to be the photographer and they want to wait until after the babies are born so they can be in the wedding,” Karly said.
“We will give you an answer when we know what they are,” Luke said.
“Yeah we don't know if they are boys or girls or a boy and a girl,” Karly said.
“Okay we have plenty of time, but we know we want them in it,” Dana said.
“Neither one of us has nieces or nephews,” Matt said.
“None of our friends have kids yet,” Dana said.
“Okay we will let you know,” Karly said.
“How did it go with Amy?” Kevin asked.
“Well not so well,” Luke said.
“What happened?” Karly asked.
“They can't do chemo or radiation,” Luke said.
“Why not?” Kevin asked.
“Don't tell me she lied about the cancer,” Karly said.
“Oh, she didn't lie about that,” Luke said.
“What is it man,” Kevin said.
“She's getting everyone here,” Luke said. Hayley came in. Matt and Dana left the office. Eric, Austin, Abby, Rick, Angela, Ethan, Kenny, and Alyssa came in. Karly saw her mom come in and look at all of them.

CHAPTER 146

“Mom?” Eric asked.
“What is it,” Austin said.
“Amy?” Rick asked.
“Are we late?” Peter said as he and Barbara came in.
“No, you are on time, I haven't said anything yet,” Mom said.
“Mother?” Karly asked.
“Before I could start with chemo or radiation, they had to do more tests,” Mom said.
“Mom?” Austin asked.
“Chemo and radiation won't work,” Mom said.
“It's terminal?” Kevin asked.
“Yes, there is nothing they can do,” Mom said.
“You said they were going to do chemo and radiation and now you are saying they can't, what is going on,” Karly said.
“Baby, I asked the same question, since I'm her son-in-law, the doctor showed me the results,” Luke said.
“So, it's legit, terminal cancer,” Karly said.
“Amy, I hope you aren't lying to your sons and daughter about this,” Rick said.
“I have no reason to hide this time, no one to get away from,” Mom said.
“How long, Mom?” Eric asked.
“Doc said two months,” Mom said.
“Oh god!” Karly said. Luke took her in his arms. Abby held Austin while Hayley held Eric. Rick and Angela hugged Amy.
“Rick, Angela, Peter, Barbara, I know you all stepped up as parents to Karly, Austin, and Eric and I want to thank you for being there for them and I hope that never changes,” Mom said.
“It won't, Karly is my daughter and Austin and Eric are sons to me, Angela and I have five sons and four daughters,” Rick said.
“Barbara and I have three sons and three daughters,” Peter said.
Karly, Austin, and Eric hugged their mother at once. She cried with them.
“Come on, Mom, let's go home,” Austin said.
“Okay, bye everyone,” Mom said. She hugged Karly, Luke, Eric, and Hayley before leaving with Austin and Abby. Karly sat down on the couch. Eric sat with her and hugged her.
“We are losing her all over again,” Karly said.
“I know sis, we just got her back,” Eric said.
“Alyssa, how about that tour,” Karly said.
“It's okay if you don't feel up to it,” Alyssa said.
“No, it's fine, come on,” Karly said. She led Alyssa around the office and introduced her to the other models.
“And this is Matt and Dana, they are our top models and assistants to me, Kevin, and Hayley, they are also engaged and planning their wedding, guys this is my sister, Alyssa, she's joining the agency as a model, I want you all to treat her as one of you and take care of her and look after her, okay, treat her with respect and kindness, okay?” Karly asked. They all nodded.
“Has something happened before?” Alyssa asked.
“Yes, Faith was the last model to join us here and we kind of went overboard with a few things, but it didn't chase her off, but we sure got in trouble with Karly,” Dana said.
“But we won't do anything to you, we promise, you are our boss's sister, so we know better plus we have learned our lesson,” Matt said.
“Is she going to Hawaii with us?” Dana asked.
“No, she has school,” Karly said.
“I could get excused from it,” Alyssa said.
“No, you will not, school comes first, honey,” Angela said.
“When I was modeling, any photoshoot I was in was done on the weekend, my mom scheduled it that way and never let me miss school, getting an education is more important than modeling, I didn't get where I am today by skipping school for a photoshoot, I worked here at the agency and went to school and I was valedictorian of my high school class,” Karly said.
“Okay, I will stick with school, but I still want to be here,” Alyssa said.
“I will see about scheduling some photoshoots over a weekend soon,” Karly said.
“We better get going,” Rick said.
“Okay, so back here tomorrow after school Alyssa and Matt and Dana will show you the ropes,” Karly said. They nodded and everyone left the office. Luke and Kevin went home with Karly.

CHAPTER 147

Two months later, Karly, Luke, Austin, Abby, Eric, Hayley, Rick, Angela, Ethan, Kenny, Alyssa, and Kevin were gathered at Austin and Abby's house with Mom. She had gotten weaker as the weeks went on and Austin called in hospice the week before and now, they were saying it was time.
“I am grateful for you all letting me back in your lives when it was easier just to turn your backs to me,” Mom said.
“You are our mother, you gave us life, we couldn't turn our back completely, we hated what you did but we still love you,” Austin said. Karly sat there rubbing her five-month belly. Luke sat with her with his hands on her stomach.
“I won't get to see my grandbabies, but I know they will have a lot of love here, two sets of grandparents for the twins and Hayley and Eric's baby, and three for Austin and Abby's,” Mom said.
“We will make sure they know about you,” Rick said.
“They will know they have a grandma watching over them as their own special angel,” Angela said.
“Luke, Kevin, take care of my baby girl and the little angels growing inside her,” Mom said.
“We will, Amy, Karly named me godfather to the twins and Hayley is their godmother,” Kevin said.
“Karly and Luke are godparents to our baby and the next baby
will have Eric and Hayley as godparents,” Abby said.
“Eric and I picked our godparents for this first baby, Austin and Abby and for the next baby it will be Luke and Karly,” Hayley said.
“I know the twins probably won't be our only children, the next child we have, Ethan, Kenny, will you two share the title of godfather?” Karly asked.
“Yes!” Ethan said.
“Of course!” Kenny said.
“Alyssa, godmother?” Karly asked.
“Yes, of course!” Alyssa said.
“Mom?” Austin asked. They all looked at her and her eyes were closed.
“Mom?” Eric asked.
“Mom?” Karly asked. The hospice nurse checked her and felt her chest and shook her head. Karly turned in Luke's arms and cried in his chest. Kevin came over and she reached out her hand to him and he held it. Abby hugged Austin as he cried. He buried his face in her neck. Eric did the same with Hayley. Angela held Rick with Ethan, Kenny, and Alyssa with them.
“I'll start to make arrangements,” Kevin said.
“I'll help you, Kevin,” Angela said. They went to make calls. Rick went to Karly. She looked up at her father. Luke moved and Karly fell into his arms.
“I'm here, sweetheart, I'm here for you,” Rick said. She cried against him.
“Oh god Dad!” Karly said. Rick hugged her close. Austin and Eric came over to them and Rick pulled them into the hug.

CHAPTER 148

Karly sat there on her bed looking at a picture of her mom and her that was taken at the opening of the agency. Luke came in and sat down next to her and saw the picture. He wrapped his arms around her.
“You were beautiful then and now you are even more beautiful,” Luke said.
“We lost eight years with her and only got two months after she came home and now, we lost her for good,” Karly said.
“Baby I'm here for you,” Luke said.
“I know you are, and I couldn't get through this without you,” Karly said. He rested his chin on her shoulder and rested his hands on her stomach.
“I'm not leaving your side for anything,” Luke said.
“What about the club, they finally got you cleared to sort through the office, but you haven't been,” Karly said.
“Drew and Sam are working on it with James, they got it covered and Greg is handling things at the warehouse, my place is by your side,” Luke said.
“How is Ginger?” Karly asked.
“Doing good according to Hayley,” Luke said.
“Abby is due in a couple of months,” Karly said.
“Do they know what they are having?” Luke asked.
“Crap, Austin wanted me to plan the gender reveal party,” Karly said.
“But instead we are planning your mom's funeral,” Luke said.
“Well Kev and Mom are,” Karly said.
“Okay so what do we need to plan for the party,” Luke said.
“They gave me the envelope with the gender in it so I would be the only one who knows,” Karly said.
“How can I help, baby?” Luke asked.
“We need balloons, food, tables set up, drinks, a balloon filled with pink confetti and a balloon filled with blue confetti and label them so that I can grab the one for them to pop,” Karly said.
“Okay I will get to work on that,” Luke said.
“Thanks baby,” Karly said.
“Now you get some rest okay,” Luke said.
“All right,” Karly said. She laid down and closed her eyes. He kissed her forehead and went downstairs and made some calls. He ordered stuff and was on the phone when Kevin came in.
“Hey man,” Kevin said.
“Yes, thank you bye, hey Kev,” Luke said.
“How's Karly?” Kevin asked.
“Resting, I have to plan Abby and Austin's gender reveal party for her,” Luke said.
“Need help?” Kevin asked.
“Can you go to the store that has the party supplies and get blue balloons and pink balloon and blue and pink confetti and a couple of black balloons, and party supplies like plates, cups, napkins, stuff like that, hopefully there is items like is it a boy or is it a girl,” Luke said.
“Got it, I will go right now,” Kevin said. Kevin left and came back an hour later with all of the stuff needed and they got to work.
“When is the party?” Kevin asked.
“Probably wait until after the funeral,” Luke said.
“Okay, that way there is something to look forward to,” Kevin said.
“Yeah so we won't do the balloons until the day of the party so they won't lose air or anything, we just need to get everything sorted and ready to set up for the day of the party,” Luke said.
“I got some shirts for Austin and Abby to wear too,” Kevin said.
“Okay good,” Luke said. They continued working on everything to get ready to set up for the day of the party, but they knew they had to get through the funeral first.

CHAPTER 149

Karly stood in front of the mirror looking at her dress. It was the day of her mother's funeral. Luke came up behind her and hugged her. He pressed his hands on her stomach.
“I love you baby,” Luke said.
“I love you too, please don't let me go today,” Karly said.
“I promise to stay by your side,” Luke said.
“Let's get this over with,” Karly said. They went downstairs where Kevin was waiting. They went to the church. They walked in and saw Austin, Abby, Eric, Hayley, Peter, and Barbara there.
“Karly, honey,” Barbara said. She came and hugged her.
“Hi Mom,” Barbara said.
“Sis,” Austin said.
“Hey sis,” Eric said. Karly hugged her brothers. Luke hugged his mom and Hayley.
“Karly, Austin, Eric,” Rick said.
“Dad!” Karly said. She went into his arms. Austin and Eric joined the hug. Angela joined in. Karly moved and hugged Ethan and Kenny.
“We're here for you sis,” Ethan said.
“We love you,” Kenny said.
“Love you guys,” Karly said.
“Sis,” Alyssa said. Karly and Alyssa hugged. Austin and Eric hugged Ethan and Kenny. Alyssa hugged them.
“Karly, Luke, we sit up front, Kevin, you too, you are family,” Austin said. Austin, Abby, Eric, Hayley, Karly, Luke, and Kevin sat in front. Karly sat between Luke and Kevin and they held her hands. Rick, Angela, Ethan, Kenny, Alyssa, Peter, and Barbara sat behind them. All the staff and models from the agency were there. Jack was there with his wife and his sister and her husband and kids. The reverend began the service. After the service, they went to the cemetery where she was buried in her own plot away from her husband. They went back to the church.
“Want me to fix you a plate, baby?” Luke asked.
“I'm not hungry,” Karly said.
“Baby, you need to eat something, the babies must be hungry,” Luke said.
“Oh yeah, sorry, yes, food sounds good,” Karly said. He hugged her to him. She cried against his chest.
“I love you baby,” Luke said.
“I love you too,” Karly said. Kevin sat down with his plate and Luke helped her sit down beside him and went to get food for him and her.
“Hang in there, beautiful,” Kevin said.
“I'm trying,” Karly said. Ethan, Kenny, Austin, and Eric sat across from them.

CHAPTER 150

“Oh Austin, got started planning the gender reveal, Saturday, spread the word,” Karly said.
“Where do you plan on having it?” Austin asked.
“Our house if that's okay, I got people coming to set up Saturday,” Luke said.
“Luke and I got everything ready to set up for it,” Kevin said.
“You and Luke?” Austin asked.
“I gave directions on what to get and all that, Austin, I'm five months pregnant with twins, did you expect me to work my butt of on planning the party or is it okay if I have help or was I supposed to do it by myself!” Karly said. She got up and went out the door. Angela went after her with Alyssa.
“Seriously Austin?!” Luke said.
“Crap, I didn't mean anything by it, it's okay if you guys are helping, I certainly didn't want her doing it alone and if she is at least giving directions then it's all good, I know she needs to rest more,” Austin said.
“Go talk to her bro,” Ethan said. Karly came back in and sat down.
“I'm sorry sis, I don't want you overdoing it, I want you resting as much as possible,” Austin said.
“I'm just hormonal right now,” Karly said.
“I googled how to do gender reveal parties, it's pretty simple,” Kevin said.
“I will spread the word about the party Saturday, what time?” Austin asked.
“3pm,” Karly said.
“And I will have my camera for pictures of the whole thing,” Kevin said.
“Thanks bro,” Austin said.
“Kevin, can you teach me about being a photographer?” Kenny asked.
“Sure,” Kevin said.
“Okay, babe, I'm tired,” Karly said.
“Okay, ready Kev?” Luke asked.
“Yep,” Kevin said. They hugged everyone and went home. She went upstairs and changed and got into bed. Luke came in and sat on the bed and kissed her forehead.
“I love you,” Luke said.
“I love you,” Karly said.
“Get some rest, baby,” Luke said. She closed her eyes and went to sleep.