The Long-Awaited Granddaughter Natalie Mayhew couldn’t stop ringing her son, out at sea on his latest voyage. But the connection was still down. “Oh, Michael, look at the mess you’ve made!” she sighed anxiously, dialling his number again. Call or not, the signal wouldn’t come back until he reached the next port—and that could be ages yet. And now, of all times! For a second night, Natalie Mayhew couldn’t sleep—what a situation her son had gotten into! * * * This story had begun years earlier, before Michael had ever dreamed of working long-haul shifts on ships. Her son was already a man, but things never seemed to work out with women—according to him, none were ever quite right! Natalie Mayhew watched with heartache as his promising relationships with perfectly decent and even attractive girls all collapsed in turn. “You’re impossible to please!” she told him. “What sort of woman could ever measure up to your impossibly high standards?” “I don’t see your point, Mum. You want a daughter-in-law so much you don’t even care what kind of person she is?” “Of course I care! I want someone who’ll love you, someone decent.” Michael would just shrug in silence, which—as any mother knows—only made her more frustrated. Really, which one of them was supposed to be the elder here? “What was wrong with Natalie, then?” she’d snap, when he dismissed another girl. “I’ve explained.” “Fine… so maybe she wasn’t honest—but I still don’t really understand…” “Mum! I don’t think we should discuss the details. Natalie just isn’t the person I want to spend my life with.” “And Kate?” “Kate either,” he’d answer evenly. “And Sophie? She was lovely, that one. Quiet, homey, helpful—always asking what she could do around the house. Are you sure?” “Yes, she was very sweet. But then it turned out she never really loved me.” “And you didn’t love her either?” “Probably not.” “And Darina?” “Mum!” “Oh, what ‘Mum’? You’re impossible to please! You’re turning into a real ladies’ man instead of settling down with a family and having kids!” “Let’s drop this pointless conversation!” Michael would finally snap, storming out. “Just like his father,” Natalie thought, both annoyed and bemused. Years went by. The women came and went, but Natalie’s cherished hope—seeing her son happily married and finally having grandchildren to spoil—remained just out of reach. Then Michael changed careers altogether. He met an old friend, got offered a job on the ships, and accepted. Natalie did her best to talk him out of it. “Oh, Mum, it’s a great opportunity! Do you know how much seafarers make? We’ll want for nothing!” “I don’t care about your money if it means I never see you. I’d rather you started a family!” “But a family has to be provided for! When the kids come along, I’ll have to quit the sea and help raise them. So for now I’ll earn as much as I can!” Michael really did make good money. He renovated the flat after his first voyage, set up a savings account after the second, handing Natalie the card. “So you’ll never want for anything!” “I’m not wanting for anything—except grandchildren, and time is marching on. I’m already old!” “Don’t talk nonsense! You’ve years before you’re anywhere near old age,” Michael laughed. Natalie never touched the money. She had her own modest wage from her job at the high street chemist, enough for her simple needs. “Let it accumulate. Michael never even checks the balance—one day he’ll be shocked by what a thrifty mother he’s got!” she thought. So the years slipped by. Michael would come home between voyages and fit a whole month’s worth of living into a few days—seeing mates, going out late, meeting girls he no longer even introduced to his mother. When Natalie once reproached him, she got a thankless reply: “It’s so you don’t get attached or fret when I don’t marry them. I’m not looking for that, Mum!” She was hurt—especially when Michael said she was too trusting. Just like that: “You see the best in people, Mum. The girls you think of as potential daughters-in-law—well, you only see what they want you to see.” That stung. “Trusting means foolish,” she thought bitterly. Her son had called her naive. But when she later saw him with a new girl, that old fire to see him settled returned. Without shame, she approached the pair—Michael, a grown man, blushed. But a mother is a mother, and he introduced them. Natalie immediately liked Milly. Tall, slim, curly-haired, with a pleasant manner. Seeing such a lovely girl on her son’s arm, Natalie forgot her grievances. “Perhaps he really has just been unlucky all along! Maybe it’s good he dumped the others, or he would never have met this gem,” she thought. The romance with Milly lasted his entire leave—by Natalie’s gentle prodding, Milly visited for tea several times, demonstrated her intelligence, and proved delightful company. When Michael packed for his next voyage, however, Milly vanished. “We’re not in touch anymore, Mum, nor should you see her,” said Michael shortly, and left. Natalie puzzled over what had gone wrong, but had nowhere to get answers. * * * A year passed. Michael returned home a few times, always evading her gentle probing about Milly. “For heaven’s sake, what was wrong with this one? What didn’t you like this time?” Natalie finally demanded. “Mum, it’s my business. If I broke up with her, I had a reason. Please don’t interfere!” Natalie was close to tears. “But I worry about you!” “Don’t!” Michael barked. “Don’t talk to Milly and stop getting on at me.” He was off on yet another voyage, leaving Natalie with a torn heart to get on with life until his return. Then, one day at work in Boots, Milly walked in to buy baby formula—pushing a pram with a little girl inside. “Oh, Milly! I’m so glad to see you! Michael told me nothing—he just left again and told me not to pry!” Natalie blurted in delight. “Did he?” Milly glanced down. “Well, that’s how it is.” Natalie grew anxious. “Please, love, what happened between you and Michael? I know my son can be difficult—did he hurt you?” “It doesn’t matter… I’m not upset with him. Anyway, we’ve got to get on—still some shops to hit.” “Pop in and see me some time! Even here at work—I’m on shifts. We could catch up properly!” And Milly did return during Natalie’s next shift—for more baby food. Gradually, Natalie got Milly talking. It emerged Milly was pregnant by Michael, but he said he didn’t want children—he was always away and not looking for a family. Then he disappeared. “Gone to sea again, probably,” Milly shrugged. “But never mind, we’ll manage—just the two of us.” Natalie almost knelt by the pram, gazing at the child. “Wait—does this mean she’s my granddaughter?” “Looks like it,” Milly replied. “Her name’s Annie.” “Annie…” *** Natalie couldn’t rest. She managed to gather that Milly and Annie were struggling. Milly wasn’t local, rented a flat, but without a regular income, things were tough. Milly was thinking of returning to her parents in another part of the country—just the thought of her granddaughter disappearing brought Natalie out in a cold sweat. “Come live with me, Milly—bring Annie! She’s my granddaughter! I’ll help, you’ll find a proper job. Michael sends enough money, I can’t possibly spend it all. Annie will have everything she needs!” “What will Michael say?” “Doesn’t matter! He doesn’t even know he has a daughter—he abandoned you both and left me in the dark! I need to make it right. And when he’s home, I’ll set him straight!” And that’s how they began to live. Natalie doted on her granddaughter, and gave all her time and attention. Milly found work and left Annie with Natalie, coming home late and exhausted. “On my feet all day, the customers were such a handful!” “Never mind! Go rest—I’ll bathe Annie and put her to bed!” Michael’s leave was coming. Natalie imagined meeting him at the door—with Annie in her arms—ready to give him a piece of her mind, while Milly grew more nervous. “Michael’s going to throw us out when he gets back! I should never have moved in. I’ll start looking for a new flat tomorrow.” “Rubbish! No one’s throwing anyone out! I’ll give him what for, don’t you worry!” “Oh, he’ll say I’m after your money, that I only moved in for that. But I want nothing except to thank you for all you’ve done! Still, I should move back to my parents…” “Don’t be silly! This is my flat—I can invite anybody I choose to live here!” Milly argued, but Natalie stood firm. They stayed. “I’ve been thinking,” Natalie announced at dinner, “I should sign this flat over to Annie—just to avoid arguments later. Michael may never settle down, but Annie should have security. Especially since she doesn’t have his surname,” Natalie glanced at Milly, who dropped her eyes. “Sorry—I didn’t know…” “But I understand. Still, we need to get the paperwork sorted.” “That’s not necessary, honestly—my own parents have a flat, too…” “Don’t you talk me out of it!” Natalie insisted. “My mind’s made up.” They went to the solicitor. He refused: “Your son must remove his name from the deeds before you can transfer the flat.” Natalie was annoyed, but Michael was due home any day, and she thought it would all be sorted soon. Meanwhile, Milly was getting increasingly skittish. “Why are you always so late home?” Natalie asked one evening. Milly hesitated. “Just… work. Waiting for an advance, but my boss says no until this job is finished.” “Why do you need an advance? Are you short on money?” Milly said nothing, changing into her house clothes. Natalie followed, noticing some of Milly’s things packed in a big bag hidden by the bed. “Are you going somewhere?” No reply. “Have you decided to rent your own place after all?!” “Natalie, I must leave! Michael’s coming…” “I’m not letting you take my granddaughter anywhere,” Natalie declared. After a moment’s thought, she added, “If you’re short, you know where the money card is and its code. You can take what you need, not run yourself ragged at work. Annie’s going to forget what her mum looks like! If you want Michael to accept you, you need to learn to be practical.” Milly stayed silent. Michael was due in two days. * * * On the morning Michael was due home, Natalie got up early to check on Milly and Annie. But Milly was gone, only Annie slept on. “Where could she be? Six a.m.—she’s never left for work this early!” Natalie started preparing Michael’s favourite meals, determined to meet him with Annie and make him apologise to Milly on her return. The doorbell finally rang. Michael stepped into the hall, frozen at the sight of his mother holding a little girl. “Hi, Mum. Whose child is that? What did I miss this time?” “You should know the answer to that!” “I don’t follow,” Michael said, taking off his boots. “What sort of adventures have you gotten into while I was gone?” “Adventures? Well, I found my granddaughter, Annie! That’s the adventure!” “What granddaughter? Do I have siblings I never knew about?” Michael joked. “Stop fooling around! Milly told me everything! I didn’t raise you for this! I’m ashamed!” “Milly? Wait—first, I asked you not to talk to her. Second, what does she have to do with this child?” Natalie, now indignant, poured out the whole story, complete with reproaches. Michael put his head in his hands. “Really, Mum!” “What, are you calling me stupid again? Well, fine, but I…” she said, head held high. “She’s not my child, Mum! Milly tricked you—she was only after the money, I realised that ages ago… What did she take?” “Nothing! How dare you…?” “Mum! Check your savings—she could be halfway across the country by now!” “She went to work!” Natalie insisted. They argued, and finally Michael agreed to wait for Milly to return and sort everything out. They waited late into the night. Natalie told the full story of her meeting Milly, how they’d lived together, her plans to give Annie the flat. Michael calmly repeated that she’d been conned, but… “I don’t believe you! Milly is a wonderful girl…” “A wonderful con artist, more like. And you fell for it, easy as anything!” “Stop it! She’ll be back, and you’ll see! Shame on you. For now I’ll be with my granddaughter.” “She’s not your granddaughter!” Natalie glared. “We’ll settle it with a DNA test,” Michael added. “Exactly what we’ll do! And you’ll be ashamed!” Night fell, then the next day. Milly didn’t come. Her phone rang dead. Natalie went to the address Milly had given for her work—with Annie in tow—but no one there had ever heard of Milly. No one recognised her photo. Natalie hurried home to check her savings as Michael advised. The money and bank card were gone; so were Milly’s things—only Annie’s remained. Only then did Natalie realise she’d been deceived. “How could I have been so naive? She wouldn’t leave Annie, would she?” “She would, and worse,” Michael answered darkly. “The lads warned me about her… And then Freddie told me she’d stolen from him… But I was dating her, brought her here… then she turned up pregnant—who knows by whom. She said it was mine. Sure. The lads had already told me she’d been with nearly everyone.” “I’m such a fool!” Natalie cried. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “I didn’t want to upset you, Mum. You always see the best in people…” “What do we do now?” “Call the police! Good thing you couldn’t sign over the flat, or you’d be out on the street.” They filed a report. Milly was never found—vanished without trace. As for the card, only a little had been taken; Michael, on learning the truth, blocked the account. The card turned up later at a distant train station. Until Milly could be found, Annie was allowed to stay with Natalie, who had to give up her job for the child. Luckily Michael’s wages covered things. A DNA test proved Annie was not Michael’s. But Natalie had grown to love the girl as her own. After much discussion, she and Michael decided to raise Annie as their own daughter. Milly was eventually stripped of her parental rights in absentia. It took months to arrange guardianship—Michael was refused, so Natalie had to find a job, enrol Annie in nursery, and jump through endless hoops. But at last, life settled. And then, a year later, Michael came home from sea with… “A wife?” Natalie exclaimed in surprise. “Meet Sonia, Mum. We’re living together now.” “But what about…”—she glanced towards Annie’s room, unsure if Michael had told Sonia everything. But Sonia smiled gently: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs Mayhew! Misha’s told me everything—and honestly, I think you did something extraordinary. If you’ll let me, I’d love to help bring up Annie…” “Yes, I’m coming off the ships—and Sonia and I will adopt Annie officially. This time, I know the process will go smoothly!” Natalie beamed, tears of happiness in her eyes. “Well, what joy! Come on in—dinner’s ready and I’ve cooked enough to feed a small army. Let’s all get to know each other. I’m so happy!”

Author Wanda MirandaReading 15 minViews 2

The Long-Awaited Granddaughter

Monday

Ive lost count of how many times Ive rung my son Henrys phone this week. Hes off somewhere in the Atlantic on yet another merchant run, and theres still no sign of him getting into port. It drives me mad. Only Henry could cause me such bother!

Ive hardly slept a wink these past two nightsall because of my son.

* * *

If Im honest, this all started several years back, before Henry ever considered a life at sea. By then, he was a proper grown man, but love was never easy for him. Every girl he brought home was not quite right, so he claimed. Id watch, aching inside, as perfectly decent and delightful English women drifted in and out of his life.

Youre impossible, Henry! Id scold. Nothings ever good enough for you! What woman could possibly meet your standards?

Hed just look at me and say, Mum, why are you complaining? Do you just want a daughter-in-law, regardless of what shes like?

No, of course not, Id huff. I just want her to love you, thats all. I want her to be a good sort.

And there hed sit, silent and unreadable, which only wound me up further. How could my own sonwho Id raised, who came to me for every scraped knee and heartbreaknow act as if he knew better than me? Who was the adult here?

What about Alice, then? Id press, my patience wearing thin.

Ive told you before, Mum.

Fine Maybe Alice wasnt the best example, Id admit, but I refused to give up the fight. You said she wasnt honest with you, but I still cant see it myself.

Mum, lets not go into it. She just wasnt the one for me.

And Charlotte?

No, not Charlotte either, hed answer calmly.

Oh, and what about Emily? Such a lovely girlquiet, homely, always asking what she could do around the house. Good with her hands, too.

She was sweet, Mum, but she didnt love me. Truth is, I didnt really love her either.

Id sigh and move on to the next name. And what about Daisy?

Mum!

What? Youre so hard to please! Why cant you just settle down, start a family, give me some grandchildren?

Eventually, Henry would get fed up and storm off. Lets drop this, Mum. Its pointless.

Hes just like his father, Id grumble inside, all stubborn pride and fussiness.

The years passed, girls came and went, but my dream remained: to see my son settled, to play with my grandkids. Then, all of a sudden, Henry switched pathsran into an old mate, and took up merchant sailing. I tried to dissuade him.

Mum, its a smashing gig! hed argue. They earn loads. Well never have to worry again.

I dont care about your wages if youre forever abroad! Id rather have you here, and a family under the roof!

Families need providing for, Mum. Once Ive made enough, Ill leave the sea, find a proper job, and we can get on with things.

He did all right for himself, truth be told. After his first trip, the flat got a fresh coat of paint. After his second, he handed me a bank card. Use it whenever you like.

I dont need anything, Henry, Id say. Its grandchildren I want, not money. Im getting on now.

Hed just laugh and tease, You? Old? Dont make me laughstill years till you get your pension!

I never did use the cardmy job as a chemist in the local pharmacy more than paid my way. Let it sit there, Id think. One day hell check and see just how thrifty his old mum is!

So, thats how life went. Whenever Henry was back on dry land, he made up for lost time: nights out with mates, occasional drinks, meeting new girlsbut never bringing them home for tea. When I mentioned it, he snapped, Thats so you wont get attached, Mum. Im not marrying just anyone!

That stung more than Id admit, especially when he called me too trusting. He claimed Id never really known these so-called fiancées because theyd always acted a part around me.

That comment cut deep. He was calling me naïvedaft, even. To him, trusting meant foolish. Was that how he saw his own mother?

Still, when I caught him out with Abigail, my meddling instincts flared. Without shame, I made him introduce us. He flushed crimsoneven at his age! But a mothers a mother.

To my delight, I liked Abigail instantly. Tall, slender, a mass of fair curls, and all the easy manners you could wish for. Watching them together, I almost forgot my frustrations.

Maybe this is fate, I mused. If hed settled down earlier, hed never have met a treasure like her.

Henry and Abigails romance filled his entire leave. I got her round a few times, and for once, conversations brightened up the house. She was clever and quick-witted. But as soon as Henry sailed off again, she vanished.

Were not in touch anymore, Mum, and neither should you be, he said, then left.

For weeks I turned it over in my mind, trying to guess what had gone wrong.

* * *

A year rolled by. Henry made a few brief stops home, but every mention of Abigail earned curt, cold replies.

Oh for heavens sake, what was wrong with this one? She seemed perfect! I eventually burst out.

Mum, pleaselet it be. Its my life and Ill handle it. If we broke up, its for a reason.

That nearly brought me to tears. But Henry, I worry about you!

Dont! he barked. And dont try to talk to Abigail, either. Stop meddling!

He left on another voyage, and I went back to my usual, quiet routinethough my heart ached over it all.

One ordinary afternoon at work, a young woman popped into the pharmacy. She had a little girl, all bundled up in a pram beside her. I recognised Abigail at once.

Abigail! Goodness, its lovely to see you! Henrys never told me why things ended. You just disappeared!

She looked away, sadness clouding her face. Is that right? Well, there you are.

Nervous, I pressed, What happened between you? My Henry can be so difficult. Did hedid he hurt you in any way?

She shook her head. Doesnt matter. Really, no hard feelings. Anyway, we should be going. Still got to pop to the shops.

Come visit me here anytime! Im usually working alternate days. It would do my heart good to catch up.

She did come again, picking up more baby supplies. Bit by bit, she opened up. Shed fallen pregnant with Henrys child, but hed told her flatly he wasnt interestedhe had his career at sea, wasnt ready for a family, and promptly vanished from her life.

Were not looking to impose on anyone, she shrugged. Its just us now, and thats that.

My heart lurched as I knelt beside the pram to see the little one up close.

So this ismy granddaughter?

She nodded quietly. Her names Anna.

Anna

* * *

I couldnt sit still after that. Eventually, Abigail admitted she was struggling to get by. Shed been renting a small place, but with a baby and no steady income, things were difficult, and she was thinking about moving back to her parents in the north. The idea that my granddaughter could be taken away from meI could barely stand it.

Why not move in with me, love? Both of you! Ill help in any way I can. Henry sends home more money than I need. Anna will want for nothing.

What would Henry say?

To hell with what Henry says! He left his child and never said a word to me. Let me do some good, at least. When hes back, Ill have words with him, make no mistake!

So, thats how it happened. I spent happily on little Anna, and made sure I worked fewer hours to be home more. Abigail found a job and could leave Anna with me. She worked long days and often came home late, obviously exhausted.

Clients were rotten today, shed sigh. I think theyd complain about the weather if it suited them.

Never mind, darling. Go have a restIll bathe Anna and put her to bed.

Henrys return was approaching fast, and I pictured the confrontation Id have with him. Abigail, meanwhile, grew anxious, worried shed be thrown out as soon as he set foot inside. Id just wave her worries away, determined to protect them both.

Im sure hell want us out! I never shouldve moved in, she fretted one evening. Best start looking for a place tomorrow.

He wont dare! I own this flat, and I say who stays. If Henry has anything to say about it, he can take it up with me.

She was still uncertain. Hell just say Ive done all this for your money. I dont want anything from you. Youve been wonderful, but perhaps Id best go back home.

Youre not going anywhere, I insisted. This flat is mine. I choose whos welcome.

No amount of protest changed my mindI let nothing budge me.

Im thinking, I suggested over tea, we ought to put this flat in Annas name, just to set things straight for the future. Henrys never likely to settle down, so at least Anna will have something. And since Henrys not listed as her dad, it makes sense.

Abigail flushed and whispered an apology, admitting her fears.

I understand, love. But better to protect Annas future. Well see to it tomorrow.

We tried, but the solicitor refusedsaid Henry would have to relinquish his claim first.

No matter. With Henry due back any day, I took comfort in the thought that itd soon be sorted. However, Abigail always seemed to have somewhere else to be.

Where have you been all evening? I asked, noticing her bags were packed, half-hidden under her bed.

I Ive got to go. When Henry returns, its best if Im not in the way.

You are not leaving with my granddaughter! I snapped. Thinking it over, I added, Abigail, if you need anything, you have the bank card. Take what you need, but dont overwork. Anna barely sees her mum! If you want Henry to accept you, youll have to learn to manage at home a bit more.

Abigail said nothing. Two days later, Henry was due back.

* * *

I woke early the morning of Henrys return and popped my head into Abigail and Annas room. Abigail was gone, but Anna slumbered quietly. How odd, I thoughtshed never left so early before.

I went off to the kitchen to get ready for Henry, busying myself with his favourite treats, bracing myself for the showdown Id been rehearsing.

Finally, the doorbell rang.

Henry walked in and froze at the sight of me with Anna in my arms.

Mum whose child is this? Whats gone on while Ive been away?

You ought to know full well!

I dont follow Henry muttered as he shucked off his shoes. Just fill me in, Mum. Whats the story?

Story? Well, Ive found my granddaughter, thats the story, and her name is Anna!

Granddaughter? Have you suddenly had other children I know nothing about? he scoffed.

Stop this nonsense, Henry! Abigail explained everything! Im ashamed of you.

Abigail? Mum, I told you not to get involved with her! For one, this isnt my concern. For anotherwhat does she or this child have to do with me?

Infuriated, I explained everything, letting him have it, giving him a piece of my mind. Henry groaned and grasped his head.

Mum, honestly

What, are you calling me daft again? Go on, say itIm too trusting, thats what you think!

Mum, she lied. Thats not my child! Abigails just after your money, I suspected it from the startwhats she taken?

Nothing! Youre impossible

Mum, check your savings! Shes probably long gone!

Shes just gone to work! I insisted.

We argued late into the day, until Henry conceded to wait until Abigail came back to clear things up.

It grew dark, then late. I told Henry the entire storyhow wed found each other, how wed all lived together, and my plan to leave the flat to Anna. He kept telling me Abigail had tricked me. But I wouldnt have it.

Shes a wonderful girl

Shes a proper fraud, Mum, and you swallowed it whole!

Dont you dare! Shell be home soon and youll see for yourself. Ill spend time with my granddaughter in the meantime.

Shes not your granddaughter!

I glared at Henry. Well do a DNA testsee for ourselves.

Fine by me, Henry muttered as I left the room, proud as ever.

Evening slipped into night. Abigail never returned. Nor the next day. Her phone was dead. I went to the address where she claimed to work but no one had ever heard of her. I showed photos around, desperate. Nothing.

Rushed home, I checked on the money. Gone. Card missing too. Her things were cleared awayonly Annas remained. Thats when I finally understood: Id been deceived.

How could this be? She couldnt have just run off and left Anna behind!

She couldand did, Henry scowled. Why didnt I see it coming? Friends warned me about hershe did the same to Fred, stole from him She told me she was pregnant, said it was mine. But everyone knew she was seeing other men, too. Word got around.

I burst into tears. Why didnt you tell me any of this, Henry?

I didnt want to worry you, Mum. Youre always so quick to believe the best in people.

So what now?

We report her to the police. Good thing you didnt sign the flat over! You might have been on the street now.

We did just that, but Abigail had vanished without a trace. Months passed, no word. Henry quickly blocked the card before she could take much. It later turned up at a station miles away.

While the search went on, Anna was allowed to stay with me. I even took time off work to care for herthank heavens Henrys savings could keep us going. A DNA test confirmed Henry wasnt the father. But by then, Anna felt like my own granddaughter, and I couldnt let her go. Henry agreed: wed raise Anna as our own. With Abigail untraceable, the courts revoked her parental rights in absentia. There were endless hoops to jump through: I had to return to work for income, find her a good nursery, and work out all the legalities. Henry couldnt be her guardian, but I was granted a foster arrangement. We managed. Life went on.

A year later, Henry came back from sea with someone new.

Mum, meet Sophiemy wife. Shes moving in with us.

I was taken aback at first, gesturing to the nursery. Had he told Sophie everything?

But Sophie smiled warmly. Its lovely to meet you, Mrs. Carter. Henrys already told me about Anna and everything youve done. Im honestly in awe of you! If youll have me, Id love to help raise Anna too. In fact, she glanced at Henry, We hope to adopt her together. Henrys given up the sea, and we want to make Anna ours for good.

I felt my eyes sting with tears as happiness swelled in my heart.

Come in, both of you! The kettles on, Ive cooked up a storm. Lets sit and get to know each other. Ive waited so long for a moment like this.

And as I wiped the tears from my cheek, I realised something: Love doesnt always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes family finds you in the most unexpected places. And above all, trust is a giftI just need to make sure I keep it, but give it wisely.