The next year was the hardest, but also the most wonderful year they’d ever had. Todd was really getting the hang of the whole daddy job although Madeline took care of all the hard stuff. Every evening, when Todd came home from work or school, the first thing he did was grab up his baby girl. He took care of all the playing while Madeline handled most of the diapers and feedings. Madeline loved being able to stay home and raise their daughter. They both loved that little girl more than life itself.



Before they knew it, it was Hope’s first birthday. They had a small party for her at home with cake and ice cream. Todd sat back with Madeline watching Hope eat her first cake and ice cream. “Where does the time go, Madeline?” He asked, holding her hand in his lap. She smiled as she leaned over and gave him a kiss.
They had so much fun with their little girl. After she learned to walk, the would take her to the park every Sunday. Todd would push her on the toddler swing while Madeline took photos.
One Sunday afternoon they were walking through the park as usual when Todd suddenly stopped. They had come to the pond and picnic table where he and Madeline had their first date. He stared at the water, thinking about how he had felt that day, dreaming of a life just like this with her and thinking it would never happen. Now here he was, living his dream, and it was more wonderful than he ever imagined.
Madeline put her hand on his shoulder. “What ya thinking about?” she asked. She looked over to the pond where Todd was staring. “Oh.” She said, smiling. “I remember that day.”
Todd turned to her and hugged her, looking at their little girl in the stroller beside her. “I love you so much, Madeline.” He said, with a serious tone.
“I love you too, Todd. Forever.”



Not long after Hope turned two years old, Todd graduated Culinary school. He knew he should take his education and move on to bigger things but he just couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Londoste. He’d gotten so close with everyone there that it almost felt like his second home.
A week later he was still pondering what to do with his degree when he was approached by Tracy at work. “Todd, I’m getting old.” she said.
Todd laughed. “You said it, not me.” Tracy playfully smacked his arm. “Ha ha. No, I mean I’m getting too old to be running this whole restaurant by myself.”
Todd looked at her. “I think you’re doing a damn good job, Tracy. The place is looking great and the profits are higher than they’ve ever been.”
Tracy grinned. “I didn’t say I wasn’t doing a good job.” her face got serious as she looked at Todd. “Todd, let’s sit down.” They found an empty table near the back of the restaurant. Todd was a little nervous about what she had to say. “What I’m trying to say is, I want you and I to become partners.”
Todd looked confused. “Partners?”
Tracy nodded her head. “Which means half of this is yours. Half the restaurant, half the profit, but also half the work.” she said. Todd loved how she was always right to the point. She had become almost like a big sister to him.
She continued. “I want you to be the head cook, and make sure that everything is run right in the kitchen. I also want you to incorporate some of your own recipes into the menu. This place is in need of a change.”
Todd couldn’t believe it. It was perfect, exactly what he wanted. “Are you serious?” He asked, excitedly.
“I’m dead serious, Todd. What do ya say?”
Todd smiled huge. “I say hell yes!”
Tracy smiled, stood up, and reached out her hand to shake his. He grabbed her hand but instead of shaking, he pulled her into a hug. Tracy laughed. “What did I tell you about the hugging, Todd.”
He squeezed her tighter. “I don’t care.” he joked. She hugged him back, laughing.



Todd had been partners at Londoste for just over a month now. Things were going great under his management. The profits continued to rise as they gained new customers. Everyone loved Todd’s new recipes. His hours were getting longer and his paycheck was getting bigger.
One evening after work, Todd sat in the living room watching Hope play with her toys. Madeline finished up the dinner dishes and walked into the room, stepping over scattered toys and dog bones on the floor.
“Oh wow, what a mess.” she said, smiling. “There’s just nowhere to put any of this stuff.”
Todd starting thinking, watching his daughter play. “You know, our family’s getting bigger and it seems like this trailer is getting smaller.” he said.
Madeline walked to the window and looked outside. “Yeah, I guess it is, huh. Maybe we should add on another room?” she suggested. Todd stood up and walked over to her. He put his arms around her waist. “Yeah, we could do that.” he held her tight. “Or we could just buy a new house.”
Madeline laughed. Todd turned her around to face him. “I’m serious. I’ve been thinking about this and I think it’s time for us to buy a real house.” he said.
Madeline stopped smiling. “Really? But you love this trailer! We practically built it ourselves! Could we really leave?” She looked down at Hope.
Todd turned and looked at her too. “I think we need to give her a real home, one she can grow up in. A place we can raise her… and maybe a brother or sister… a solid home like neither of us ever had.”
Madeline’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to his words. “We could be grandparents one day,” she laughed through her tears. “Old folks sitting on the front porch watching our grandkids in the yard.” she hugged Todd. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have a nice house out in the country, just like the ones you see on TV.” she said.
Todd combed his fingers through her hair. He turned her face to his. “I want to make that dream a reality for you. I’m making plenty of money now, we can afford it. I can take off work early tomorrow and we’ll drive out to the country and go house hunting for the perfect home.” he said.
Madeline wiped her eyes. “Oh my gosh, Todd. That would be perfect. You are way too good to me.” She smiled brightly at him. He gave her a soft kiss. “Tomorrow, then. We’ll find our home.”