Epilogue 2 - Natalie
Five years later
“When’s Daddy home, Mommy?” Willow has been asking this question every hour or so since Lucas went on his business trip.
“Real soon, sweetie. Go get your basket and we’ll pick the strawberries we need for the dessert.” I watch as she runs out of the room.
Willow does everything either one hundred percent or not at all. Like her Dad, she has the courage of her convictions.
I’d be lying to say my thoughts hadn’t turned back to him again and again. I think it’s because we’re such a tight unit; Lucas, Zoe, Willow and I spend so much time up here together that it’s like a piece of the puzzle is missing when Lucas has to travel.
Logan’s at college now, but he comes back home when he’s on vacation.
Lucas and he have had some intense discussions about how we’re using the land up here.
I didn’t know anyone could be as stubborn as Lucas, but Logan certainly gives him a run for his money.
It makes me smile, since they’re so similar but neither of them can see it.
I glance up at the carved wooden clock above the stove, which was a wedding present made for us by Magnus from Snowflake Falls wood. Zoe’s taken a ride down with Alexis and her kids to pick up Logan from the station, and they should be back soon.
Willow runs back into the room with her basket, her little legs going as fast as they can. I grab her sun hat and we step outside onto the porch. It’s a beautiful day, with a clear blue cloudless sky and the sun streaming down. Willow sees a ladybug and crouches down to inspect it.
My cell rings.
“Nat, it’s me.” It’s my younger sister Paige. She lives in the city, where she’s been making a name for herself writing for websites and magazines once she finished her journalism studies.
“Hey there! How’s it going?” I follow behind Willow as she walks towards the strawberry patch, stopping every once in a while to inspect another ladybird or sniff a flower.
“Okay. Well, not okay but existing. City life is wearing me out. I’m feeling homesick for the Falls.” Paige sighs. There’s the sound of sirens behind her and the hum of busy traffic. It’s a world away from the peace of our garden.
“I’m not trying to be the bossy older sister, but don’t you think it’s time to come take a look at your cabin? Uncle Patrick would be rolling over in his grave to think your cabin was standing there unloved for over a year.” I shade my eyes as Willow runs on ahead.
“Nice one, sis. Uncle Patrick had so many dilapidated properties that he forgot where they were. It was like hoarding, but with cabins tucked into the most remote corners of the woods. Anyway, you’re just sore because you inherited that spooky apartment on Sleekton Drive.
” She laughs and I hear her keys turning as she goes into her place.
“Well, that spooky old place is going to start turning a profit, since we’re going to fix it up and start renting it out.
It’s not ready to stay in yet, though. But you can always come and stay here, Paige.
Sounds like you really need a break.” I watch as Willow starts picking fruit, eating one strawberry first and then carefully putting one in her basket.
“I’m thinking of an article about burnout caused by city life and how getting back to nature can help your mental health, so maybe I’ll take you up on that.
Or I might go straight to the cabin and rough it, to get the full experience.
You’re right though, Nat, something needs to change.
There’s no reason for me to be here when I’m freelancing.
” She sighs again. There’s a muffled thumping sound that I can’t put my finger on.
“What’s that noise?” I ask, crouching down to help Willow with the strawberries.
“The guy upstairs has got a drum kit. He’s meant to only play between certain hours, but he just plays all the time anyway and smokes weed. And ignores the doorbell, if I try to tell him to be quiet. My lease runs out in a couple of weeks, I’m not going to renew it. This isn’t a great area anyway.”
“Sounds like Snowflake is your best bet right now. I know I’m always saying how great it is here, but you have to be here to understand.” I can’t resist trying one of the strawberries. It’s super sweet and juicy, the best of an excellent crop this year.
“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll give you a call when I’m further along in my plans. Has Lucas figured out about the party yet?”
“No. And Willow’s managed to keep it a secret too. Mainly because he’s been away for a night and I only told her this morning.” I smile down at her and she smiles back, her mouth smeared with strawberry juice.
“Well, you have a great time. Give all the cousins my love and tell them I’ll be back soon. Big hugs to all of you.”
“You too Paige.” I end the call and concentrate on filling the basket with strawberries.
A couple of hours later, the table is laden with food that Taylor and I have made, Zoe’s filled two huge pitchers with iced tea and lemonade, Logan is chatting with Taylor’s husband Miles about life in the military while my cousin Neva and her husband Elden, Alexis and her husband Dax sit on the porch watching all of our kids playing in the yard.
Bette, her husband Edward and their kids are in Barbados but they’ll FaceTime us later on.
My cell buzzes with a text. It’s Magnus.
Action stations. He still has no idea.
I clap my hands together. “They’re at the station everybody! Get in the hiding spot!”
Suddenly it’s chaos as all the kids and adults rush into the kitchen.
Willow is so excited she’s making little squeaky noises and clutching onto my hand.
I watch from the window as Magnus’s car turns down our long driveway and a hush falls over everyone.
They park outside and Lucas steps out. He’s so tall and handsome in the bright sunshine that I almost feel like spoiling everything by running out to grab him in a huge hug.
Magnus looks inscrutable as he shades his eyes. “Where is Natalie? Very quiet at your house today.”
Lucas strides towards the door. “Well, I hope she’s remembered it’s my birthday.” He’s smiling and looks happy to be back home.
As he opens the kitchen door, there’s a silence for a second as he stares at the huge throng of people. Then we all shout “Surprise!” and Willow runs up and hugs his legs. His eyes sparkle as he scoops her up.
“I thought it was a little too silent around here.” He walks over to me and laughs. “I’m impressed with you guys keeping this quiet. For a second I thought you’d forgotten.” He presses his lips against mine as Willow hugs us both.
“Nope. Just wanted to give you a surprise. You’ve been working so hard, you can take some time off to enjoy yourself now.” I squeeze his waist. He keeps his arm around me as we watch my relatives descend on the picnic table.
It’s perfect: we’re surrounded by family and friends, with all our children here at the house in the height of a beautiful summer, ready to enjoy some good food together.
It’s the simple things that count.