property I’d just inherited and rolled his eyes at his twin. Skylar was my sensitive one where Emmie was the responsible one of my three kids and Greyson was hotheaded. “Stop sucking up. Mom isn’t going to fly you out to England every time you’re home sick.”
My head started throbbing with the familiar argument. Emmie had been away at college for two years, but the twins just started. And being my sensitive one, Skylar came home nearly every weekend. The three-hour drive didn’t faze her at all where Greyson almost always remained on campus. By remaining in England, I will be taking that choice from them all.
I am a horrible mother because leaving my kids without their home base close by didn’t make me change my mind. Every fiber of my being screamed this was where I was meant to be. I’ve lived the past twenty-two years for someone else. Now was my time.
I wrapped one arm around Greyson and the other around Skylar. “What have I always told you, Grey? It’s your job to take care of your sisters. They do enough for you. I expect you to make time for her as we all adjust to this new set up.”
Greyson’s head dipped and he took a deep breath. “Sorry, mom. You’re right. I won’t get lost in myself.”
“I won’t let you,” Emmie added. “I never thought I’d be happy to move back in with you nutjobs, but I’m actually excited.”
Dust billowed into the air as the car I arranged to take them to the airport turned down my dirt drive. Emotion clogged my throat and my eyes burned with tears. I’d lost so much in my life, it felt like I was losing them now, too. “I’m going to miss you guys.”
Skylar squeezed me tighter. “We will miss you, too, but this isn’t forever. You never know. We might decide to move back here after college.”
I released the twins and embraced Emmie next. “Now, remember you guys are closing on your house before term begins. The agent will be contacting you, Emmie to set up the date and time, but all three of you need to be there.”
The second I stepped foot onto the property I called a real estate agent in Salisbury and arranged to sell my house. I swear the Gods are on my side because it sold before the week was out. Emmie was all too happy to find a house for her to move into with the twins. In no time the three found exactly what they wanted. Using the money from the sale of my house, I put in an offer for the kids on the one close to their campus.
“I’ve got it handled, mom. Don’t worry about us. We will be back next summer.”
“If you need anything call me.” I hugged them each once more then sent them on their way.
Turning around, I took in my new home. Pymm’s Pondside was the name for the white cottage. When I visited as a kid, I thought it was neat that they named their homes here. But to call it a cottage was misleading. The thing was nearly as big as my house in Salisbury, but it had charm coming out of the eaves.
The brown roof reminded her of a thatch design. Every angle was rounded, creating a soft, inviting look to the five-bedroom home. The shutters on the windows matched the brown of the roof and the ivy growing up one side was idealic.
To the left of the structure was the family cemetery. Yeah, it’s super creepy but also pretty neat. I mean, I had my own graveyard. I have always loved cemeteries, especially the old ones with mausoleums.
In front of that the garden I had spent days wondering if I should remove. I’m starting a new life now. I have no desire to weed the damn thing. I was reluctant to actually pull the plants up. They’re a part of the place’s charm.
I headed to the pond and smiled as I looked at the large watering hole. I’ve seen deer, rabbits and small bears drinking late at night or in the early morning. The entire property was surrounded by woods. The area was lush given the rainy weather in Northern England.
Opening the small gate in the fence around the garden, I went in search of some basil to add to my tomato sandwich for lunch. There were so many herbs and plants and I knew what maybe a third of them were.