Sarah woke tired but refreshed. Last night had been amazing. It was almost laughable she had been so nervous. Seeing Ava and Tracy again and catching up with them made her feel satisfied and happy. She couldn’t believe Tracy had finally gotten engaged. And seeing Ava, hearing about the kids and knowing another was on the way Sarah couldn’t be happier for her. Ava always wanted a large family and she certainly had it now.
The only dark spot had been Madeline’s appearance but even that hadn’t been as terrifying as she imagined. At first she froze her mind going back to all her painful, lonely nights only to be greeted by Madeline’s morning texts the next day. The shame hit her like a slap to the face.
Luckily Silas stepped in not only buying her time to recover but also reminding her she had nothing to fear from the likes of Madeline. While Madeline chased after a man wanting him to take care of her Sarah forged her own path and made her own life.
That’s right.
She bought her own home, started a business and raised her daughter on her own all the while continuing to write her books. No one helped her or did it for her. Sarah was her own person and everything she had been four years ago was gone. She was stronger than Madeline could ever know and stronger than anyone there could imagine. She could stand on her own.
“It’s all right, Si.”
She had never called him by his nickname before but it suddenly felt right. In fact he even seemed just as surprised by it as she was but he merely nodded and allowed her to handle the situation.
And it felt so good!
She stood up to her tormenter on her own two feet. The look on Madeline’s face was priceless and Sarah felt her tension melting away. This was her catharsis. She walked back to Ruth in triumph and it truly was a triumph based on Ruth’s reaction alone but she needed another moment to process it so she accepted the suggestion to sit. Their little group retreated to a table and the rest of the night had gone like a dream. It was a perfect night.
As she lay processing it her bedroom door opened followed by the patter of feet and the jingle of dog tags. Her mattress shifted as a small form climbed onto the edge of the bed. Sarah pretended to sleep but she could feel eyes on her. Suddenly she snorted a deep snore causing giggles. Sarah waited for quiet again and felt the bed shift as the little body moved closer before she snored again for more giggles.
“Mommy, are you awake?”
Sarah finally opened her eyes to see the eager face of her daughter staring at her with bright greenish eyes. She smiled and Zoe lay beside her cuddling close as she usually did.
“Did you have a good time, mommy?”
“Yes. I did. I saw your Auntie Tracy and Auntie Ava last night.”
“You did?”
“I did and I told them all about you. They really want to meet you and so do all your cousins.”
“Yeah! Really! How many cousins do I have?”
“Well, let’s see…There is Sean, Alexis, Theo, Isaac and Ben.”
“That’s a lot!”
“And Auntie Ava is having another one too.”
“Really?”
“Oh yes. And we mustn’t forget your Auntie Macey. You have a bunch of cousins there too.”
“I have a lot of cousins!” Zoe declared.
“Yes. You do.” Sarah chuckled.
“Will I get to meet them today?”
“No, probably not.”
“Ah.”
“I thought you wanted to go to Central Park and the Statue of Liberty today?”
“Oh…Yeah! Let’s do that!”
“Well, let’s get dressed and have breakfast first. What do you think?”
“Okay!”
Zoe scurried off the bed and back to the floor to join the anxious Daisy who hadn’t been able to hop on the bed. Sarah chuckled to herself before rising out of bed. She certainly couldn’t keep the three-year-old waiting.
They washed their faces and brushed their teeth before getting dressed. For an outing that promised to make a long day Sarah dressed simply. There was no need to draw attention as she enjoyed the day with her daughter. By the time they were done a patient Daisy whined alerting them the pup was desperate for relief.
They headed out quickly taking it for a brief walk and letting it do its business. Zoe giggled as her mother bagged up the pup’s poop to throw it away. The process fascinated her as it wasn’t something her mother normally did at home. Returning inside they went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.
It seemed word had gotten around there was a VIP with a corgi staying so they received very little hassle for bringing Daisy with them as long as she stayed on the floor under the table. Despite the looks they received it was an enjoyable breakfast.
“Did you like spending time with Grandpa Tailor?” Sarah asked.
“Yes! Grandpa Tailor is so funny! We made faces like fishes!”
“That does sound funny,” Sarah chuckled.
She remembered Tailor doing the same thing with her when she was little. Her brother thought it was silly and a waste of time but she enjoyed it. Tailor never tired of telling his fishing stories which seemed to grow even more outrageous as the years wore on. She no longer knew if any of his stories were true but perhaps that’s where her love of storytelling began.
Adding a generous tip to the bill Sarah led the way to the ballroom where the Publisher’s Fair had been set up. At first she had been concerned about the location given she and Zoe were staying at the same hotel but that was to be expected. Of course Ruth would want them to stay close to the action. She was, if nothing else, very efficient.
“Wow mommy! It’s just like the Farmer’s Market!” Zoe exclaimed as soon as they reached the doorway.
Sarah could only nod. It was her first time attending this event so she hadn’t realized how big it actually was. Her grip tightened on Zoe’s hand.
“Stay close, all right?” Sarah instructed. “No wandering off.”
“Okay,” Zoe agreed eager to explore this new kind of market.
They wandered through the first half letting their attention go where it wanted. There were publishers of all kinds: children, teen, adult, science fiction, fantasy, romance, erotic, historical, biography, nonfiction…It seemed to go on forever. The booths displayed posters of upcoming books along with release dates. They were handing out brochures, bookmarks, pens and other small items to whet the appetite of their readers for the titles they offered. Some even had advance chapters available in small, bound paperbacks to encourage readers and make them long for more.
On the phone Ruth downplayed the Fair much to Sarah’s chagrin. Maybe her friend was afraid to scare Sarah off knowing she wasn’t a huge fan of crowds. It was a bit overwhelming but Sarah told herself this was her new beginning. She wasn’t going to be intimidated.
Briarwood wasn’t difficult to find. As a major publisher their booth was naturally a dominant size with a large backdrop showcasing their publishing schedule. And of course Rosemary was at the center. It made Sarah blush but at the same time filled her with pride.
She felt Zoe tug on her hand straining toward a neighboring booth, “Zoe?”
“I want to see that book!”
Sarah looked to see Zoe had spotted a children’s publisher. One of the books featured a little girl and her dog so naturally Zoe’s interest was piqued.
“We’ll look at that later. Let’s go say hi to Auntie Ruth.”
“But mommy, please? I’ll come right back! You can see me the whole time!”
Sarah grimaced. She wondered if this was typical of three-year-olds. Were they always so independent? Didn’t kids wait until they were teens to rebel?
Looking up Sarah saw Ruth had spotted them. With a sigh Sarah looked down at the eager Zoe, “All right. Grab a brochure and come right back. I’ll be watching.”
“Kay!” Zoe squealed happily hurrying to the children’s stand with the dog poster. Daisy followed along happily.
Sarah chuckled heading Briarwood’s stand.
“What am I chopped liver?” Ruth asked witnessing the exchange.
“Face it Ruth, you are nothing compared to anything with fur.”
“Well…there are worse things.”
“How’s it going?”
“Are you kidding? Fantastic! I had to send Derek back to the office to print more flyers. We’re running low. Here, check it out!”
Ruth proudly handed her the Rosemary flyer. On it was the cover but in place of the title it read: Who is Rosemary? Sarah glanced through it. The flyer included a blurb about the new book and hinted at the mystery anchoring the plot. Alongside it were several old photos Sarah took for previous books dressed as Rosemary. On the back was a large advertisement for the book’s launch party. In addition to being a formal affair it was a masquerade and everyone was encouraged to wear a mask. At the end of the night Rosemary would reveal herself to the world.
“Wow, you really went all out, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did! It’s going to be the event of the year!”
Sarah couldn’t help but laugh at Ruth’s certainty. Surely it couldn’t be that big of a deal but maybe she was underestimating the appeal of meeting the author. Every now and again she checked forums devoted to Rosemary, trying to figure out who she was. Over the years she had seen some pretty outlandish theories but she hadn’t given it much thought. Perhaps she should have paid more attention.
“Mommy! Mommy!”
Sarah turned scooping up Zoe as she proudly waved the flier in her hand. Laughing Sarah blew raspberries against her cheek before looking at the advertisement in her daughter’s hand. Apparently Zoe’s wish list was growing.
“Hello, sweetie,” Ruth cooed. “Did you find a good book?”
“Yes! It’s about a mommy and a girl and her doggy!”
“That does sound like a good one!” Ruth laughed. “So what do you have planned today?”
“We’re going to the park!” Zoe declared. “We still get to go, right mommy?”
“Of course, I promised,” Sarah laughed. “And I have a special surprise waiting for you too.”
“Yeah!”
“Well, you two have fun. I’ll just be here…working.”
“Yeah, working,” Sarah rolled her eyes.
“Poor Auntie Ruth,” Zoe intoned. “I’ll have two ice creams just for you!”
Sarah and Ruth erupted into laughter. Shaking her head Sarah said, “That’s not how it works baby. Come on, let’s go. See you later, Ruth.”
“Later. Ooo! Dinner yes?”
“Right.”
Sarah agreed carrying Zoe out of the ballroom less she see any more books. Daisy trotted along on her leash excited to leave the crowded area picking up her pace when she realized they were headed outside.
Setting Zoe on her feet Sarah held her hand as they walked. The hotel was some five blocks away from their goal making for a decent walk and she hoped Zoe wouldn’t exhaust herself just getting to their destination. Even if she did the surprise Sarah prepared would be worth it.
“Mommy, what did Auntie Ruth give you?”
Sarah had tucked both flyers into her pocket before starting out and hadn’t thought Zoe noticed but her daughter’s observational skills were as keen as ever. It was the reason Sarah never attempted to host a surprise party. It simply wouldn’t work on the three-year-old as long as she was in the same state.
“Oh, it’s a flyer for a party she’s holding for Rosemary’s new book.”
“Really? There’s going to be a party?”
“Yep. A masquerade.”
“What’s that?”
“Well, everyone wears a mask.”
“Like Halloween masks?”
“No,” Sarah laughed. “You remember that picture I took with Auntie Aubrey at Mardi Gras and we were wearing masks?”
“Ah-huh,” Zoe nodded. The picture sat on the mantel back home.
“Masks like that.”
“Oh!” Zoe suddenly became even more excited.
The masks were fancy covering only half their faces and were decorated in purple, green and gold sequins, feathers and lined with beads. In fact Sarah still had her mask prominently displayed on the wall near the picture. Zoe sometimes asked to wear it.
“Do I get to wear a mask too?”
“Of course. We’ll go shopping so you can pick out a special mask. It can be anything you want.”
“I want to have a mask like yours.”
“Then we’ll get matching masks. How’s that?”
“Yeah!”
Zoe gamely kept up with her mother as they walked on and eventually reached the park. As Sarah feared Zoe was getting tired. She could easily tell by how quiet the little one became but as they reached the entrance to the zoo Zoe perked up especially at the sight of a horse-drawn carriage.
“Ooo! Mommy, a horsey!”
“I know, let’s go say hi,” Sarah smiled.
“Hello, there,” the driver nodded as they approached.
“Hello, I really like your horsey!” Zoe greeted.
“Well, thank you little lady. You wouldn’t happen to be Zoe, would you?”
“How did you know?”
“Because I’ve been waiting for you.”
“You have?”
“Yes, according to your mom you like horses and would love to have a carriage ride through the park. Is she right?”
“Yes!” Zoe bounced up and down. “We get to ride in the carriage?”
“That’s right,” the man smiled pleased at her joy. “Big Red and I will take care of everything else.”
“Big Red?” Zoe asked. “Is that the horsey?”
“That’s right.”
“Can I pet him?”
“Of course.”
He chuckled even as Sarah scooped Zoe up and brought her closer to the large chestnut. Zoe giggled as she stroked the large stripe running down the horse’s face. Sarah handed the driver her phone and he snapped a quick picture for them before helping them into the carriage. Zoe bounced in the seat as the driver climbed aboard and clicked his tongue cuing Big Red to move ahead on what was a familiar route for the equine.
Sarah smiled loving Zoe’s excitement and glad she had booked this reservation. They followed Center Drive making a slow circuit through the southeastern end of the park. Their route took them past Wollman Rink and the Chess and Checker House where several people gathered to play in the fresh air. Zoe eagerly pointed out the Carousel and Sarah made a mental note to bring her back once the carriage ride was over. They skirted Central Park Zoo and circled the Pond before passing the Plaza Hotel on their way back to the starting point of the ride. All told it was a pleasant twenty-five minute ride allowing Sarah to relax while also amusing the three-year-old.
Saying good-bye to the driver and giving Big Red a treat they set off on their own walk through the park. The ride had refreshed Zoe and she was eager to explore the sights they had seen from the carriage. Sarah took her to the Carousel first and let her ride before they continued onto a large open field called Sheep Meadow. Giggling Zoe ran ahead before lying down and rolling down a slope. Sarah laughed snapping pictures while Daisy barked happily. The ride refreshed the canine as well.
“Where are we going now, mommy?”
“Well, there is something I wanted to show you,” Sarah said. “And I think you’ll like it. Shall we?”
“Kay.”
They followed the trails enjoying the fresh air and relative quiet free from the noise and bustle of the city around them. Zoe was happiest among trees and natural settings. They paused only when Daisy stopped to relieve herself. Much to Zoe’s amusement her mother had a roll of plastic bags in her pocket with which she stooped to pick up the dog’s leavings tossing it into a convenient garbage can.
Zoe giggled watching it a second time before asking, “Mommy, why do you do that?”
“These are public trails. A lot of people use them so we have to keep them clean.”
“You don’t do that at home.”
“That’s because the woods we normally walk in are on our private property.”
“Oh. Mommy did you use to ride Applejack here?”
“I did,” Sarah said. “I boarded him at a stable and I took him out on the trails at least once a week.”
“Did you pick up his poop too?”
Sarah snorted a laugh, “Aren’t you full of questions.”
She stooped down tickling Zoe until she was shrieking with laughter. Daisy spun circles barking and wanting to join in.
“Come on, we’re almost to the surprise I wanted to show you,” Sarah straightened.
Central Park had a number of famous statues scattered throughout and though Sarah thought Zoe would enjoy the Alice in Wonderland statue it was a little far for the three-year-old to walk. There was a closer one she knew Zoe would love. Eventually they reached their destination. This statue was of a proud sled dog standing on a rocky outcropping.
“Here it is!”
“A doggy!” Zoe exclaimed running up to the statue with Daisy in tow.
Sarah laughed kneeling beside her, “Don’t you recognize it?”
Zoe gave her a curious look. She had never been to the city before so how could she have seen it? On the other hand it did look familiar…A smile spread on Zoe’s face and she suddenly exclaimed, “Balto!”
“That’s right,” Sarah laughed reading the statue’s inscription, “Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin six hundred miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through Arctic blizzards from Nenana to the relief of stricken Nome in the Winter of 1925.”
“It’s real!” Zoe giggled recalling the very same scene from one of her favorite movies.
“Yes, it really is,” Sarah said. Zoe loved everything about dogs. She had an entire movie collection devoted to canines from Balto to Lady and the Tramp to Homeward Bound. The only movie Sarah had not introduced her to yet was Old Yeller thinking it would be too traumatic for her daughter. “Should we take a picture?”
“Yes!”
Zoe danced in place as they stood with their backs to the statue. Sarah took out her phone holding it out so the statue could be seen behind them as they smiled and snapped a picture. Zoe giggled looking at the image.
“So what do you want to do next?” Sarah asked.
“The zoo! Then the Statue of Liberty then…”
“Wait, wait, wait. I don’t think we can do all of it today.”
Zoe frowned.
“How about we take Daisy back to the hotel and then we can choose either the zoo or the Statue of Liberty for today?”
Zoe thought about it before deciding, “The zoo!”
“All right. Let’s go,” Sarah stood taking her hand and leading her back they way they came.