Page 50 of The Un-Apparent Heir

Natalie snickered. “Okay, okay. But in a few weeks? I miss you desperately. Or maybe later in the autumn, you can bring the beasties down to Wales?”

“I would love to. I’d love to go back to London forever,” Lucy said. “But… it’s good for the children up here.”

“What is good for their mother is good for them,” Natalie said. “Winston can journey back and forth, as his mother always did. You shouldn’t take it upon yourself?—”

“You know it’s more complicated than that, Natalie.”

“I know.”

“Me being home and Winston being close is what the boys need. And I remind myself it’s not forever. It’s the childhood I wish I could have had. It’s so important that they get everything from me.”

“Understood.” Natalie dropped the rope.

It was more important that she listen to Lucy and take her lead.

The truth was, she worried for Lucy. Her friend was always a city girl. She worried for Lucy’s mental health. She was so depressed after Malcolm. Natalie admitted that Lucy looked much better this time. She knew what early motherhood looked like, perhaps? Natalie still fretted. Her friend was isolated. Unlike Natalie who thrived in the countryside, Lucy didn’t love the slower pace. While Natalie had the same concerns about Ed moving to Wales, he was happy with a backyard pool.

“Always know if you need me to knock some sense into Winston on your behalf, you can ring me and I will drop everything, alright?”

“I know,” Lucy laughed. “You are good for that. And if you won’t, Rita probably will.”

“At least your mother-in-law has your back. Lean on her. She’s a good person. Let her take Malcolm and bond with Niall. Wall yourself off as much as you want. Last time, you worried about that. Know that we all support you, Luce.”

“I know. Thanks for reminding me, though. Please promise me you’ll call me every week.”

“I will call you daily if you want,” Natalie said. “I have missed you so much. Thank you for being patient with me, friend.”

“I love you forever,” Lucy said. “I cannot quit you. Thanks for being there when I need you.”

Natalie was grateful for her friend’s patience. If there was one thing Lucy was good for, it was that and loyalty. She remained friends with George after all they’d been through. She stuck by Natalie in her time of need. They always joked that after their husband died, they’d live to be a hundred together. Perhaps, theirs was a great love story on its own?

Sanne and Paul found parenthood downright idyllic until their families left them to manage a newborn alone. Even with Paul’s amazing dedication, it was rough. Sanne wondered how the fuck they managed to pull off the charade of being grown enough to manage a newborn. And, what was worse, she was more homesick than ever on no sleep.

Then, something terrible happened.

At three AM, Sanne’s phone buzzed. She side-lay while nursing Keir for his second evening wakeup. It was only nine there, but odd she would ring at this hour.

“Linny, hey,” Sanne whispered. “Sorry, I’m up with the baby but Paul’s asleep.”

“Sanne, I need you to come home. I know you just had the baby, but I need you here.”

“What happened?” Sanne’s heart nearly stopped.

Her sister’s tone of voice was frantic. She was never like this.

“Mom… Mom was in an accident. And… she’s just… she is barely alive, and I don’t know if she will stay alive and…” Linny started sobbing. “I need you here. Now. I wouldn’t ask if?—”

“Oh, okay.” Sanne was shocked. “Let me wake Paul. We will try to get there as soon as possible, okay?”

“Okay. Please, Sanne. I am so sorry.”

“No, sweetheart, I’m sorry I’m so far away. I promise to get there soon. Tell Mom to stay strong and promise Mamma I’m on my way.”

“Oh-okay.”

Sanne hung up. She sat up, angering Keir, who screamed for the out-of-reach nipple. Instinctively now, Sanne picked him up and latched him back on as Paul stirred.

“Does he need a change?” Paul murmured.

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