Page 62 of Back in the Saddle

Did she have to be so condescending?

I looped my arm through Isabelle’s. “Isabelle likes shopping at op shops. She often finds things you can’t get anywhere else.”

Mum followed behind. “I think what you’re wearing now came from here, didn’t it, Isabelle?”

Isabelle nodded. The skirt and top she was wearing were a sweet, flowing boho style. It matched her hair, which was haphazardly braided. I had no idea how you could make hair look so messy but perfect.

“Oh yes, that’s lovely,” Mary said.

By the time we’d finished at the third op shop, Isabelle had two dresses and a few other things. She’d chosen a dress for me that she declared her father would love because it was an olive green like the hat I wore the day we met. Mary neither agreed nor disagreed, although she had an almost imperceptible sneer. She didn’t buy anything on the premise that her suitcase was full already.

We finished off our outing with a late lunch of sandwiches at a local park. Although we hadn’t spent much at the op shops, I didn’t want to spend what we could save. A simple lunch was our best option. In good years, we would have gone to a local winery, but this was not a good year. Mary didn’t say anything; although I had the feeling she was less than impressed.

Well, she could stay that way. I wasn’t here to impress her. I was here to rebuild my relationship with the man I loved and the children who were my everything. I hung on to Patrick’s words about not letting Mary take our future away from us. Ciaron had been strong enough over twenty years ago, and I would be strong enough now.

23

Ciaron

As soon as I opened the front door, the smell of Ireland hit me in the face. My mouth watered. I’d recognise the smell of Dublin coddle anywhere. It was a staple meal I made for my brothers when I was a kid. Cheap and easy was always my go to when making us food.

“Ciaron, my boy,” Mam called from the kitchen. “I’ve made your favourite.”

“Thanks, Mam.”

She beamed at me as I walked into the kitchen and looked into the pot of roughly sliced pork sausages, sliced bacon, onions and chunky potatoes in broth. Some people might say it looked unappetising, but they have no idea what they’re talking about.

“I browned the sausage and bacon just the way you like it,” she said. “And made you some soda bread.”

I smiled. I loved the dense texture and tangy flavour of soda bread.

Taylor was watching us from the lounge room where she was folding washing with the kids.

Mam cupped my cheek. “Nothing is too much for my favourite son.”

Taylor looked down at the clothes in the basket.

“We need to keep the Irish traditions strong in my grandchildren. These Australians don’t understand tradition. They eat anything.” She shook her head. “Spag bol.”

What was she even talking about? Irish people ate Italian food all the time. Lasagne was great comfort food.

“I’m going to get changed. Isabelle, Callum, can you help Mamo set the table, please?”

“No need. They have been helpingTaylorall afternoon. Let them rest.” Mum ushered them out of the lounge room and to the dining table, leaving Taylor to finish folding the washing. Taylor said nothing as Mam spoke to them quietly while setting the table. It was nice that Taylor let them have this time together.

When I came back out, the table was set, and the food served.

Mamo patted the chair next to her. “How was your day today?” she asked. “Tell me all about it.”

My heart lifted knowing that she was interested in what I was doing. Before she arrived in Australia, the conversation revolved around her or how I could help her. This was a welcome change. Perhaps being here, she could see how involved working on our farm was.

When I finished telling her about the day, she patted my hand. “Good, good. It sounds like your day was busy as usual and you didn’t need to do much extra because Taylor was away.”

In my peripheral vision, Taylor shifted in her seat.

“We were able to share the extra work around,” I said.

“I think what your mam means is that you pick up most of the load already, so a few extra tasks won’t mean much,” Taylor said.

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