The Plan Read Online Free PDF Page B

climbed up onto Claire and snuggled into her mother’s chest. Even though already six, Lily was tiny for her age, barely the size of most four-year-olds. Claire had heard that was often common with twins. Ella wasn’t quite as small and, at about a half a head taller than Lily, appeared to tower over her sister. Rarely did people realize the girls were twins. With their identical blonde hair and blue eyes, it was easy to see they were sisters. But, twins? No. Ella easily looked two years older than Lily.
    And, as different as their height were their personalities. Ella was a spitfire. Feisty and funny and always up for a new adventure. She was the child who loved to go snowboarding and waterskiing with Jack and was constantly in search of a new challenge. She was already the star of her soccer team and relished all of the attention playing so well brought her. Never without a smile, you just couldn’t help but marvel at her confidence. Claire rarely worried about Ella. Whether it was a new school or a birthday party where she didn’t know any of the other kids, Ella would jump in, feet first, and thrive.
    But Lily? Lily was different. She was quiet and shy and prone to tears if she became too uncomfortable in a situation. Though on the soccer team with her sister, she tended to avoid the ball and, if it happened to come her way, was likely to duck. Never wanting to be too far away from Claire, Lily was the child who, while the others were off skiing with Jack, would stay back at the lodge with her mom, enjoying every moment of snuggling in front of the fire as much asClaire did. She still slept with her favorite blankie, and Claire had fears that someday she’d take that ratty old thing on her honeymoon with her. Yet, despite her timid nature, Claire’d been pleasantly surprised when Lily had started kindergarten last year and had done exceptionally well. She might not be as bold as her sister, but she was certainly every bit as smart. Both girls had been incredibly successful in kindergarten and now, halfway through first grade, were some of the brightest kids in the class.
    â€œI love you,” Claire whispered in Lily’s ear as the girl snuggled closer. “Are you having a fun trip?”
    â€œYes,” Lily said softly. “But I want to sit with you in the car.”
    â€œOh, baby,” Claire said, resting her head on Lily’s crown and rocking her gently. “You know you have to sit in your booster seat in the back and I have to sit up front with Daddy so I can help him with the driving. But how about this? When we get to Grandma’s house, you can fall asleep in bed with me. Does that sound like a plan?”
    Lily nodded. She loved to sleep with Claire. And, though her daughter was getting a bit too old to do it regularly, Claire tended to overlook the fact that, most mornings when she’d wake, Lily was pressed up against her in bed. Claire was never sure when the child snuck into the room, and always told her when she woke that, from that point on, she needed to sleep in her own bed all night. But, truth be told, Claire secretly enjoyed the few quiet moments, each morning, when she held onto her baby girl and listened to her breathe deeply in her sleep. She knew, someday, none of her kids would want to get in bed and cuddle with her and so she’d better cherish each one of these moments before they were gone.
    When their food came, Claire told Lily to get back into her chair and eat dinner.
    â€œI don’t want to hear anyone tell me they’re hungry from this point on!” she said firmly. “Eat!”
    And eat they did. And laugh. And enjoy time as a family, something that, with all of the kids’ activities and sports and practices, was getting harder and harder to find time for these days. Before children, Claire hadn’t understood why people would say it was so hard to sit down for a family dinner. “Make time for it,”