Eighty-One

Isobelle

I hurried out into the chilly air to greet my parents. I was nervous at first, but the moment I locked eyes with my father, I saw nothing but love staring back at me. Mum was tearful, hugging me, then held my face and told me she loved me.

“Your tummy really has four babies in it,” Mum squealed, sounding amazed at how big I was. “I’ve missed you so much,” she uttered between planting kisses on my cheek. “You look good, doesn’t she, Arron? She’s glowing,” Mum beamed.

“Come in and meet the Bennetts,” I insisted. “They’re wonderful people. You’ll like them.”

My smile contorted into a pained grimace. I tried to recover it, but the flinch I saw in my mum’s eyes told me it hadn’t slipped past her.

“You need to get back inside and sit down.” She guided me in through the door and gave Lynn a welcoming smile. “Hello,” Mum acknowledged. “You must be Lynn? I’m Fiona.”

Alex took the suitcases into the freshly decorated guest bedroom. Mum and Dad seemed impressed by the cabin. Our home wa