Chapter 30
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After a hectic week, Natalie had nearly gathered all the gear for hand sewing, and Sherry had rounded up the fabrics and kicked off the production.
With the handcrafting phase looming and Sherry’s prep work still pending, Natalie figured it was the perfect time to swing by her hometown with the twins.
She’d bolted years ago without a proper goodbye, and with the kids in tow, she hadn’t set foot back since. This was her chance to visit her grandfather’s grave.
That night, Natalie turned to Sherry and said, “Sherry, my hometown’s near Janisburg. We’ve got a bit of a breather before we dive into the sewing, so I’m thinking of taking Zayn and Emma for a visit.”
“Sure thing, Nat. Can you manage both on your own? Want me to tag along?” Sherry was taken aback to learn Natalie’s roots were so close to Janisburg.
“I’ve got this. I’ll be back in a jiffy, and you’ll be the boss here while I’m away,” Natalie said with a resolute nod.
“Alrighty, just ring me up if you need a hand.” Sherry mulled over the significance of the dresses they were crafting and decided not to join Natalie.
Then Natalie retreated to her room, whipped out her phone to snag the tickets, and geared up to bathe Zayn and Emma.
But Zayn beat her to it, dashed in, and shut the bathroom door behind him. “Mom, I’m taking a bath solo today. I’m a big boy
“Alright, just be careful,” Natalie replied with an amused smile, respecting his need for independence.
About thirty minutes later, Zayn emerged from the bathroom, clad in his PJs. “All set, Mom. Your turn with Emma.”
“Great job, Zayn. Get under the covers to keep warm. We don’t want you catching a cold,” Natalie instructed, guiding him.
Natalie had the beds all made up. Then she took Emma’s hand, ready to lead her to bathe.
“Mom, I’m big, too, and I want to wash up by myself,” Emma pouted.
now. I’ve
got this.”
“Sweetie, let’s get you cleaned up now,” Natalie said with a gentle smile, reaching for the towel. “Once summer’s here and the days can have your own bath time, deal?”
“Deal, Emma agreed, a tad miffed that she couldn’t wash like Zayn and eager to match his independence.
However, the moment she spotted the bathtub, she smiled, thrilled to soak in her beloved bathtub.
Once they were all clean, the trio snuggled up together in bed.
“Zayn, Emma, tomorrow we’re going to my hometown to pay respects at Kevin’s grave,” Natalie said with a soft smile.
“Mom, where’s your hometown, and who’s Kevin?” Emma inquired, all wide–eyed innocence.
My hometown is where I was a little girl like you, and Kevin is my grandpa, your great–grandpa,” Natalie explained with patience.
“Has Kevin been gone for a long time?” Zayn probed.
“Yeah, and he was my only family.” Natalie’s voice dipped with a touch of sorrow as she spoke of Kevin.
are warm, you
“It’s okay, Mom. You’ve got us as your family now,” Zayn said softly, noticing the sadness in Natalie’s eyes as she mentioned her grandfather.
“That’s right. You’ve got us, Mommy,” Emma chimed in, hugging Natalie to cheer her up.
I’m just so lucky to have you two little angels in my life,” Natalie said, pulling Zayn and Emma into a tight hug. “Thank you for choosing me to be your mom.”
“Let’s sleep early. We’ll pack in the morning and roll out at noon. Nighty–night.” Natalie pecked Zayn and Emma on the cheek, ready to sleep.
“Nighty–night, Mom,” the twins echoed, kissing their mother back.
The next day at noon, Natalie and the twins stepped off the plane and slid into a taxi that sped them toward town.
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1:27 PM
Chapter 30
Natalie peered out the window, astonished by the changes. The roads were newly blacktopped, and houses wore fresh coats of paint. Tourism had taken off, and many had turned their homes into inviting farm stays.
As evening fell, the road glowed with bright lights, strung with vibrant flags, and every home was brightly lit.
Natalie was thrilled to see her hometown flourishing. But with her old house likely not fit to stay in, she opted for a farm stay for the next two days.
Luckily, it was the slow season, and vacancies were plenty. She approached the reception desk of a B&B to ask for a large room and was met by a familiar face.
“Nat, is that really you?” Giselle, the owner, was full of surprise.
Natalie looked up, puzzled. “Yes, and you are?”
“I knew it! It’s been years. I’m Giselle, your great aunt Dora’s daughter–in–law. You probably don’t remember me; Phil and I weren’t around much. Dora was always the one here. Last time I saw you, you were just a kid,” Giselle explained.
Giselle’s eyes softened as she noticed Zayn and Emma. “Oh, these must be your children. When your grandfather passed, I heard you’d moved to Janisburg. Time flies; they’ve grown so much.”
Natalie’s eyes lit up with recognition as Giselle mentioned Dora and Phil. “So Phil’s back in town, huh?” she asked, with a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
“Yeah. James has been a powerhouse behind the tourism push. Lots of young folks have returned. Some run restaurants, others B&Bs, and there’s a bustling market for local goods,” Giselle said.
“Tourism is booming, and everyone’s business is thriving. We can take care of our own family at the same time, and life is getting better. We have James to thank for that!” Giselle added with a blend of joy and pride.
“Great, James really is something,” Natalie agreed, her voice sincere.
“Did you come back alone? I didn’t see your husband,” Giselle asked casually, her curiosity palpable.
“I’m on my own this trip,” Natalie replied, avoiding details. The reality of being a divorced single mother was still a tender topic.
“Well, get yourselves settled. You must be starved. I’ll throw something together in the kitchen. Come join us for dinner when you’re ready,” Giselle offered warmly.
“Thank you so much, Giselle,” Natalie said, appreciating the hospitality.
“No trouble at all. We’re family. It’s just about setting the table a bit longer. You all must be tired from your journey. Here’s your room key–the first one on the left. Rest up, and I’ll give you a shout when dinner’s ready,” Giselle said, already heading toward the kitchen.
“Thanks, Giselle,” Natalie said with a smile.
Then Natalie guided Zayn and Emma to their room. It was spacious and spotless, with a grand view of the farm right outside their window. As they opened the window, they spotted a handful of stars twinkling in the dark sky.
“Mom, this place is amazing!” Zayn and Emma exclaimed together, their eyes wide with wonder at the view.
“It really is,” Natalie smiled at them.
“Tomorrow, I’ll show you the house where I grew up, and we’ll pay our respects to your great–grandfather, Kevin,” she added gently,
“Okay,” the twins said in unison.
As Natalie gazed up at the familiar night sky, she whispered to herself, “Grandpa, I’m home,”
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