She didn’t know how much more tension she could stomach. She’d almost bowed out of today’s taping because it involved the children, specifically Lewis. As much as she wanted to support Jacqueline’s Hope, having all of her children on was a deal breaker. Rachel had told Melinda she would walk away from everything (and face whatever lawsuits came as a result) if they wouldn’t let her tape without putting Lewis on. Melinda had reluctantly agreed to tape without Brooklyn and Lewis since they were so young, so Rachel had her stepmother, Brenda, bring the other children in from Houston. They’d gotten in late last night, and since Rachel had a hair appointment before coming to tape, Brenda was just going to meet her here with Nia and Jordan. After taking a moment to freshen up, Rachel inhaled, said a silent prayer for a drama-free day, then made her way back outside. She had just opened the bathroom door when she heard, “Mommmyyyy!” Brooklyn and Nia came racing toward her and threw their arms around her.
