513 Life Without Barriers

(Winona)

The moment I step into the farmhouse, the scent of lavender and woodland spice welcomes me like an old friend. I know it's one of Klara's aromatherapy concoctions that I love. Lisa has given me a ride home to save Jayden the trip into the city as he's here with the kids.

The kids are buzzing around like a small tornado, their excitement obvious. It's a stark contrast to the opulence of Brussels high-end estate or Jayden's Penthouse here. This place is different. It's ours.

Once I have the renovations done, it will still be luxurious, of course-heated floors, state-of-the-art kitchen, and furnishings you'd see in a design magazine-but not excessive.

It's cozy, warm, and every inch of it feels lived-in. It's like the cottage in a way. A family home but this place has something the cottage didn't have. A history in its walls of previous families. It feels like home in a way nowhere else I've ever lived has. Even my townhouse, which was perfect for me at the time, pales in comparison at how this place just feels right for me and my family.

Abbey comes charging toward me the moment she spots me. Her dark curls bounce as she throws herself into my arms, her little hands gripping me tightly. "Mommy! You're home!"

"I am, sweetheart," I say, bending carefully to scoop Henry up without straining my healing head wound and slightly sore body. "I missed you all so much."

I kiss Abbey on the cheek.

"You have to see what we've done, Mom!" Bobby's voice cuts through the chatter as he strides into the room, his face alight with pride. I swear he's a foot taller in a week.

Henry giggles and reaches his arms out to Bobby. Bobby grins at him and takes him off me. "Let me take this chubster while we go check it all out."

"We've been very busy, Mommy," Sarah chimes in, grabbing my hand. "I love my room, and I've cleaned out the old stable."

I see the hopefulness in her eyes. Having a pony of her own has been what she's wanted since she helped in the stables at Brussels. "Ponies are a lot of work."

"I know. I learned in Brussels, remember?" Her bright eyes shine.

different. How about we talk with your dad, and see what he

Sarah beams. "Okay."

"No promises though."

stuff outside!" Abbey interrupts enthusiastically.

"I'm the real MVP here. Supervising these monkeys is a full-time job. You owe me wine and a massage. Actually, just the massage, wine

head out of the kitchen, her hands dusted with flour. "You'll want to check out the backyard first," she says with a smile. "Bobby's been working on a little project out there. Stay out of the kitchen for now, it's like a flour bomb hit it." "I'm sure it's perfectly fine, Anne. I

call

Anne." I follow the kids outside, Lisa trailing behind

is a testament to their

vibrant herbs and vegetables. A sleek swing set gleams under the shade of an old oak tree. There's even

know weren't here before.

on the path!" Bobby says proudly, gesturing toward the intricate arrangement of stones. "The landscapers in Brussels showed me how to set the base and

that?" I ask, genuinely impressed. "Bobby, it's amazing.

Dad helped

of him yet." I ruffle his

says, nudging him playfully. "That's

very proud

beams, his chest puffing out a little. He puts Henry down and he runs towards the gazebo in the entertaining area further down the

sure of it and

a sigh of relief. I hug Bobby and he hugs me back in his stiff teen-boy

a dish towel. "The kids have been fantastic. They all have their chores, and

in. "I'm in charge of the

and help Nanny Anne with dinner," Abbey adds, her voice full

"Great work, Sweetie."

army camp

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