Page 77 of Eternally London

“I hate this,” she grumbles. “Why can’t I wear a bikini?”

“You can”—I pause, turning Lindi around to look at me—“when you’re in the house.”

She rolls her eyes. “You know that’s not what I meant, Mom.”

I apply the heavy cream to her face with the highest level of SPF available. It might be a tad overkill with the giant brimmed hat she’ll be wearing, but I don’t take any chances. I think Lindi’s swimsuit is adorable. It’s a full bodysuit with long sleeves and leggings. The only skin that shows is her face, hands, and feet—all of which I cover diligently with the best sunscreen available. The bodysuit is fashionable, I think. It’s pink with a cute little skirt that goes around the waist.

“Annie doesn’t have to wear this stupid thing,” she says.

“She wears a bodysuit, too. And a sun hat.”

“Yeah, but at least you can see her knees and elbows in hers. This is stupid. I look like an idiot.” With a pout, she crosses her arms over her chest.

“You do not look like an idiot,” I reassure her. “You look adorable.”

“Sebastian is going to think I look stupid.”

I pull in a sigh. I’m not ready for her to be boy crazy.

She’s only twelve.

We’ve been spending our summers at Loïc’s grandparents’ cottage in Lulworth, England, ever since Lindi was two. She’s grown up with Sebastian, who lives a few cottages down from us. He’s a year older than she is, and the two of them have been best friends since they were toddlers.

“Lin,” I say, my tone serious, “Sebastian has seen you in a swimming suit similar to this one your whole life. He’s not going to think anything of it. He’s your friend because of who you are, not what you wear. I never want you to worry about people judging you because, if they do, then they’re not worth your time. You are perfect just the way you are. Right?”

“Yeah.” She nods.

“Tell me what you are, Lindi Berkeley,” I cheer.

She sighs, and a small smile comes to her face. “I am smart. I am beautiful. I am strong.”

“There’s my girl.” I grin wide. “And, to me, you are perfect.” I kiss the top of her head before putting on her sun hat and tying it in place.

“Mimi upendo daima,” I tell her.

“I love you always, too, Mama.” She smiles.

“Now, go out there and have some fun.”

“Okay.” Lindi starts to run out of the cottage.

“Oh, hey, Lin,” I call out before she’s out the door.

“Yeah, Mom?”

“Please let the twins play with you and Sebastian some.”

“Mom,” Lindi whines.

“Please. It’s not fair to exclude them.”

“Fine, but if Arbor throws sand at me again, that’s it,” she mutters before heading out to the beach.

I finish throwing some drinks and snacks into the cooler, and then I head down the stone path that extends from our cottage to the beach. Summers here are the best. The views of the cove are breathtaking, our family’s own little piece of heaven right here on earth.

The cottage itself is definitely one of my favorite places. We’ve kept it pretty much the way we found it, save for some minor updates here and there over the years. All of the pictures of Loïc and his family are still displayed throughout the rooms, but they are now joined by photos of our family. Our perfect family of five.

I never got to meet Loïc’s parents or his gran, but I feel close to them at our cottage, as if their spirits are here somehow. Their stories are on the walls, displayed in stunning photos. They lived in these rooms and laughed around the dinner table, just as we do. Being here brings joy to our family and allows us to feel connected to Loïc’s heritage. I hope his family is out there somewhere and can see that Loïc’s life is wonderful and that he is truly happy.

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