03: Chapter 03: Farm Reunion and Family Stories
93 Chapter 93 Farm Reunion and Family Stories
“I didn’t want that kind of life, so just like you, I had sworn off men entirely. Then your father appeared and completely derailed my carefully laid plans.”
Leo dozed off against grandma’s shoulder halfway through dessert. Mom carried him upstairs to tuck him into my old bedroom, then returned to join Dad and me in the living room where we had spent countless evenings talking.
“My girl, Dad whispered against my hair. “Having you both home feels like a miracle,” I felt heat creep up my neck. “Well, there is someone, but the situation is incredibly complicated.”
Chapter 93 Farm Reunion and Family Stories
“Your father wore me down with his persistence, and marrying him turned out to be the best decision I ever made.”
“I absolutely did. When your mother came home and found me sitting in her living room with your grandfather, she looked ready to commit murder. Your grandfather stood up, cleared his throat, and announced in that no–nonsense way of his, ‘Serena, this young man wants to court you properly. But I’m telling you right now – if you’re going to date, you’re dating to Dad’s impression of grandpa made us all laugh.
marry. I won’t tolerate of this modern foolishness.”
“But I do miss home. I miss you both more than
you know.”
My jaw dropped. “Dad, you didn’t really do that!” My parents had never shared the story of how their relationship began.
‘Hazel!” My mother burst through the screen door before I could even knock, tears already streaming down her cheeks as she rushed toward me.
“And where is my precious grandson? Come to grandma, sweet boy!” Mom immediately reached for Leo, who went willingly into her arms. This gave me the perfect opportunity to throw myself into my father’s waiting embrace.
“I was absolutely furious,” Mom jumped in. “I didn’t say a single word to either of them. walked straight to the kitchen, grabbed my broom, marched back into the living oom, and chased your father right out the front door with it.”
93 Chapter 93. Farm Reunion and Family Stories
“Of course, honey, whenever you’re ready to talk,” Dad said, rising from his chair to kiss the top of my head. “Let’s all get some rest. Tomorrow I want to give you and my grandson the grand tour of everything we’ve been working on around here.”
On Friday afternoon, Chloe, Leo, and I boarded our flight to Crestwood. The familiar landscape below made my chest tighten with anticipation as we descended toward home. At the airport, Chloe’s family driver waited by the arrivals gate, just as she had promised. He drove us straight to my parents‘ farm, where I could already see the warm glow of lights in the windows.
Hazel’s POV
Thugged Chloe goodbye at the front gate, and we made plans for her to visit tomorrow. Then I walked up the familiar dirt path, Leo heavy in my arms, my heart racing with
excitement.
“Come on inside before the mosquitoes eat us alive. You can explore the farm properly tomorrow when there’s daylight.” Dad’s enthusiasm about showing off his land was unmistakable in his voice.
–
“Honestly, Dad, it’s been amazing. I’ve built this whole community of friends who have become like family. The city is so different from Crestwood care about your bank account or judge you for your circumstances. I rarely feel the
most people there don’t weight of being a single mother the way I used to here. Sure, there are still some narrow–minded people, but I’ve found my tribe. Leo has gained so many honorary aunts and uncles who adore him.”
Her expression grew serious. “Because marriage terrified me. Your aunt had just gotten married, and her husband was treating her like property. He was controlling and possessive, wouldn’t let her go an
alone, and everyone knew he was running
round with other women. Looking at your father now with his innocent expression, ‘ou’d never guess what a reputation he had back then.” She shot him a playful glare.
But Mom, why did you chase him away?”
smile spread across my face before I could stop it. “Leo absolutely adores him. And ie spoils that little boy rotten.”
Mom leaned forward with that mischievous smile I remembered from my teenage ears. “Now, among all these wonderful new friends, surely there’s been some omance? You’re.
and gorgeous, sweetheart.”
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Dad was laughing so hard he could barely speak. “I was completely smitten, and after that display of fire, I knew without a doubt I was going to marry this fierce woman. And
I did!
Inside, the house smelled exactly like childhood – Mom’s cooking, Dad’s coffee, and that indefinable scent of home. The dining table was already set with our best dishes, laden with all my favorite foods. We settled in for dinner, and I felt the knots in my shoulders finally begin to loosen. This was what I had been missing in the city – this sense of belonging, of being completely known and loved.
Dad reached over and squeezed my hand. “Listen, sweetheart, if this man is good to you and makes you happy, nothing else should matter. Don’t let fear rob you of joy. How does he treat Leo?”
“Of course you do, and that’s natural,” Dad replied. “But you need to build your own life, not live in the shadow of ours.”
‘But it worked out perfectly, didn’t it Mom?”
Mom!” I breathed, letting her wrap me in the embrace I had been craving for months. Dad chuckled and shook his head. “You women always say it’s complicated, even when t’s straightforward. You just overthink everything. Take your mother and me – we vere sneaking around for months, stealing kisses and going to movies, but she refused o make anything official. I was head over heels for her, still am, and I knew I wanted to harry her. So one afternoon, I marched over to her house when she wasn’t home and ad a man–to–man conversation with her father about my intentions.”
Then what exactly is the problem?” Dad pressed gently.
so tell us, sweetheart, how is life treating you in that big city?” Dad leaned back in his orn leather chair, his eyes twinkling with genuine curiosity.
t’s just really complicated, Dad. Can we save this conversation for another time? I’m thausted from traveling.”
‘hat’s beautiful, Hazel,” Mom said softly. “We miss you terribly, but we can both see at you’re thriving there. This isn’t your home anymore, not really.”
know, Dad. Being here feels incredible”
