She was glad Carl felt comfortable enough to make himself at home. Sleep eluded her, but it wasn’t because of the memorial service or financial stress, as per the norm. No, it was guilt, pure and simple. Peter’s smiling face watched her from the framed photo beside the bed. Their time together would always be a pleasant memory, but she needed more. The kids needed more. She’d found herself attracted to Carl today at the park and again tonight as they sat on the swing. He was easy to be with, not demanding or critical. How nice it would be to share her life with someone again. Carl had always been an honorary uncle to her kids. Who better to fill the role of stepfather to her fatherless children? Would Peter approve of her attraction to Carl? The three of them had grown up in an orphanage in Arkansas. Poppy, being petite and pretty, drew the attention of all the boys, but Peter became her protector. He made it known that she was ‘his girl’ and warned the rest to back off.
