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natural. You know how Derek has always said he wasn’t sure if there even was a God. But last night, he actually acknowledged that there was someone bigger than us, someone in control. It wasn’t the all-out change we’ve been praying for, but I was thrilled.”
    “Kim, that’s great. How are the twins doing? Has Luke’s diabetes changed things at home?”
    “Everything.” Kim studied her children as they paddled around among the others in the swim area. “Sometimes I feel the way I did when they were toddlers—unwilling to take my eyes off them for a second.”
    “I can’t imagine how hard it must be.”
    “Until the diagnosis, I was comfortable leaving the twins home alone for a few hours after school. I used to let them ride their bikes unaccompanied. And they were free to go down to the lake anytime they wanted.”
    “They’re strong swimmers,” Brenda said. “Unlike some people we know. Luke and Lydia remind me so much of my three. They stayed tan and healthy every summer from the sunshine and exercise they got living here at Deepwater Cove.”
    “Derek and I thought it was the perfect place to raise children. Until diabetes.” As Kim spoke, she realized she had come to view the disease as a monster that hovered over her family, lurking and watching, waiting for the first slipup before pouncing on Luke.
    “The doctor told me to treat it as a normal part of living,” Kim told her friend, “but I just can’t shrug it off like that. It threatens my son’s life.”
    “I know,” Brenda said in a hushed voice.
    “And even though I have Derek, I still see myself as Luke’s main protector.”
    “That’s understandable.” Brenda nodded.
    “I dread the thought of going back to work, but I have no choice. Dr. Groene needs me. And … well … I know I should be grateful but … Derek’s mother is coming for a visit. Miranda is supposed to get here later this evening. She’ll look after the kids while I’m out during the day.”
    “I can’t remember meeting her. What’s she like?”
    “Perfect.”
    “You two should get along great then.”
    “Ha, ha,” Kim said dryly.
    “I mean it. You’re so organized, and the twins always look great. You and Derek love each other. You’re supportive of his work. He’s happy. You have a nice, tidy home—all the good things. To my way of thinking, you’re perfect.”
    “That’s a stretch, Brenda. I’m keeping up with the house, but other than that, I’m just functioning. And since Luke’s diagnosis … barely. Now I’m adding my job at Dr. Groene’s office and a guest to my workload.”
    “How long will your mother-in-law be here?”
    “Who knows? It could be a while. With her husband gone, she doesn’t have much to hold her in St. Louis. She worries constantly about Derek. When she finds out about all the extra work the drowning has caused him, she’ll be really uptight.”
    “And she’s concerned about the twins, too, of course.”
    “Luke and Lydia are not really her grandchildren, you know. Stepgrandchildren. Miranda reminds me of that now and then, just in case I forget. I’m sure she cares about them, but in the past I’ve felt that … well, that they get on her nerves.”
    “What kid doesn’t? That’s part of their job description.”
    “I guess so.” Kim leaned back on her elbows and pointed her toes out toward the water. If she could just stay calm and relaxed while Derek’s mother was visiting, then things would be so much easier. She had to trust Miranda Finley with her children; there was no other option.
    “Want some chocolate cake? We brought plates and forks, too.”
    Kim turned to find Cody and Steve holding out their newly frosted sheet cake. And behind them stood Miranda Finley—blonde, tan, fit—with a paper plate of chocolate cake in her hand.
    “Hey, there!” she greeted Kim. “No, don’t get up!”
    “Miranda!” Kim got to her feet anyway and embraced her mother-in-law. “I’m sorry I didn’t hear