Ally tied on her apron, stuck her order pad in her pocket, added her two favorite pens, and pulled her hair up into an efficient bun. The sigh that had been a daily companion for the last four years, two months and three days didn't tag along. Lighter somehow, she shoved open the swinging doors to the kitchen and stepped out into the maelstrom. It was like being hit by a massive wall of sounds all echoing off one another, and as always, Ally was surprised at how much she enjoyed it.

"Hey pretty lady," an old man said with a toothy grin.

"Hey yourself, Mr. Gainer." Ally leaned into the hug the man offered. "Does Mrs. Gainer know you're down here making eyes at me?"

He laughed and Ally heard the rattle in his chest. "Well, since you're here, let me get you a pint on me."

"Ah, now there's a woman who knows how to treat a man." Mr. Gainer kissed her cheek and Ally put in an order for his favorite Samuel Adams lager.

Ally put in orders, took food to hungry families, held a baby who was overtired from the misery of teething, and laughed until her sides hurt. "I'm out for the night, George," she called, ignoring the way her feet were begging to be rid of the demon shoes she was wearing.

"See you tomorrow, Allycat. Be sure to have Sam walk you out."

"Will do."

Sam, the muscle-y bouncer, stood up when she approached. "You look ready to drop."

"Nah," Ally smiled. "This is how I always look. Don't you like it?"

Sam grinned. "Girl, go home, open a good bottle of wine and sleep until your shift tomorrow."

"Wish I could, but mothering duty calls."

"Let them sleep until your shift tomorrow too."

Ally laughed. "My fondest dream."

Two hours later, Ally finally had her last child tucked into bed. She didn't open a bottle of wine, but she did take a hot shower and crawl into bed. Then she pulled the extra pillow close and breathed in the familiar scent of her husband's deoderant. The tears that had flooded his pillow in the beginning trickled out now. "I miss you Davey."

Ally woke up the next morning to find her youngest daughter curled up next to her.

"Mommy?" Alice said, in a quiet voice.

Ally sat up and picked her up. "Hmm?"

"Do you think Daddy's in Heaven?"

"Yes."

Ally carried Alice out of the room into the living room, where all her children sat, Amia, her eldest daughter having a civilized fight with, Elimore, her eldest son, Ozzy, her second oldest daughter, writing with, Mia, her third oldest daughter, Elase, her forth oldest daughter having an eye-contest with, Dasly, her youngest son, then, in her arms, on her hip, Alice sat.

"Morning," Ally said to all her kids.

Mia sprang up from her chair and ran over to her mother to hug her and Alice. "Good morning, Mama!"

Alice wiggled her way out of Ally and Mia's hold.

"Hello Millie," Ally said to Mia, who she would always call Millie.

Elimore looked away from Amia and waved to his mom.

They spent the day together and tried on costumes for Halloween.