A New Hope (The Second Chance Series Book 2) by Christina Escue Page B

shouldn’t be a big deal. Why does she want to meet her though?” Andrew wondered.
    “She said something about having something of her mother’s to give to Karla. Apparently it was something Alexander wanted her to hold for Kiara, but she wants Karla to have it instead.”
    “Karla would like that. She treasures the things from her father. Now, what’s the second thing you came here for?” Leslie enquired.
    Bob took a deep breath and looked at the floor for a second before he looked Leslie in the eyes and said, “I got an email from mom this morning and she’s coming to Nashville at the end of the month. Sis, she wants to see us.”
    Leslie looked at her brother in shock. Of all the things he could have said, this was the furthest from her mind. “Why on earth would she come here?”
    “She didn’t say. Let me pull up the email and you can read it for yourself.”
    After tapping on his phone for a minute he handed it to her.
    Bob,
    I will be in Nashville on June 28 th through July 7 th and would like to see you and Les. I hope you can find the time for me.
    Until then, Karen (mom)
    Leslie read it twice and handed the phone back to her brother. “Well, from the straight to the point-ness of that email, I can tell she hasn’t changed any.”
    “Leslie, honey, are you okay?” Andrew asked as he stood from his chair and wrapped his arms around her.
    “I’m not sure Andrew. I haven’t seen her in over thirty years and haven’t heard from her since our wedding day. I don’t even remember what she looks like anymore.” She turned toward Bob and said, “I’m not sure I want to see her. She couldn’t bother to come to either of our high school or college graduations, either of our weddings, be there for the birth of your son or Dad’s funeral. Why does she think we should take time for her when she has never taken time for either of us?”
    “I have no idea, sis. All I know is that if we don’t see her, on our terms, she will probably track us down at home and I really don’t want her to know where Meghan and I live.”
    “She can’t come here. I don’t want her around Karla and Elliot. Those two have been through enough without adding her into the mix.”
    “I agree.” Andrew told them. “Bob, why don’t you email her back and plan a dinner meeting for you, her and Leslie. I’ll stay here with the kids.”
    “That sounds like a good idea. Where should we meet her Leslie?” Bob turned to his sister and asked.
    “How about the Radisson? Their restaurant is great and there is easy access to the exits if the crap gets too deep.”
    Bob smiled a little at her comment and proceeded to email their mother asking what day she would like to meet. When he was finished he turned to Leslie. “I have to get back to work now, but I will call Karla’s aunt and let her know that she’s welcome to come with Kiara and Manuel.”
    “Let her know that we will gladly pay her airfare here and back if she needs us to. I just want to get the adoption finished so we can become Karla’s parents, legally . ” Leslie told him as he opened the office door and stepped out.
    “I will. I will call you when mother emails me back. See you soon, sis.” Bob hugged Leslie and walked out the front door.
    Once he was gone Leslie turned to Andrew. “We need to tell Karla so she isn’t surprised by this.”
    “Tell me what?” Karla asked from the door way to the kitchen. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, I promise. I just came down to get some sodas and happened to hear my name.”
    “It’s okay, honey. Can you go get everyone and we will talk in the kitchen. May as well tell them now, because we know you will as soon as we tell you.” Leslie said with a smile and Karla headed upstairs to get her friends.
    Five minutes later all the kids were seated around the table and Leslie and Andrew were at the bar facing them. “Okay. As you all know Bob was here a little while ago. He came by to tell us that Karla’s aunt