Page 75 of Tears of Gold

I won’t let Eli be the only one who fights, and I won’t have another woman sit across from me at my own kitchen table and tell me what I need to do.

I send Eli a quick message as I run down the stairs: Eta?

Flinging the front door open, I smile widely at Abi and Adam as little Charlotte throws herself into my arms. “Aunty Faith.”

“Hello, beautiful.” I kiss the top of her head, inhaling her scent. Her dark curls tickle the tip of my nose. “I’ve missed you.”

“You don’t come play.”

“I know. I can play here though. Want to see what I’ve got you?”

Charlotte's face lights up and warmth floods my chest cavity. “Pwesents?”

“Maybe.” I grin. “Have you been a good girl for mummy and daddy?”

“Awlways.”

I chuckle and squeeze her tight before Adam takes her from my arms. “Charlotte, you are too big for Aunty Faith to hold.” I scrunch my face into a frown but let him take her from me. Charlotte giggles and it sounds amazing echoing in the vast hallway. Roger, who’s a year and a bit younger than Charlotte is asleep in his buggy.

“Do you guys want to put him straight in the cot? I got a travel cot for him.”

Adam steps up and kisses me on the cheek. He smells familiar, fond memories of sunny evenings and cigarettes. “You look beautiful, Faith.”

“Oh, why thank you.”

Abi, "Humphs,” as she walks over the threshold, manoeuvring the buggy with skills that all too easily explain why she’s never learnt to drive. “You didn’t tell me it was a dressy thing.”

I grin. “On purpose. Come on, let’s get Roger down; I’ve got a treat for you all.”

Adam picks up the sleeping three-year-old from the buggy without waking him, and it looks like a useful trick to learn. I wave that they should all follow me up the wide staircase. Charlotte runs and holds my hands, but I put my finger to my lips, so she doesn’t chatter too loud and wake up her brother before Abi and Adam get a chance to enjoy themselves.

“Your room.” I push open the door furthest from Eli and mine's bedroom and wave them in. Miss Beesley did a good job in the short time I gave her. The bedlinen matches the dark green curtains and there’s an array of toiletries on the dresser, with clean towels folded on top of an Ottoman chest. In front of the window there’s a travel cot with a mobile attached. Not that Roger needs a cot mobile, but it was too damn cute for me not to buy.

“Where am I sleeping?” Charlotte pouts and it’s damn adorable.

“Shh.” I motion to where Adam is sliding Roger into his cot. “Come with me.”

I push on the next door and open it wide letting Charlotte go through. Her screech says it all. A giant princess bed sits against one wall, and against the other is a huge wooden play castle in pink and purples.

It’s amazing what you can buy and get delivered when you have a credit card without a limit at your disposal.

“Is this for me?” Her eyes are as large as saucers.

“Are there are any other princesses around?”

She shakes her head, her curls bouncing. It’s impossible not to laugh as she launches herself onto the bed. “I’m a princess!”

Adam comes in and stops in surprise. “Faith, this is too much. She’ll expect it at home, too.”

I snort. “Maybe she’ll want to come stay with me more, give you guys a break.” I’ve never suggested this before. As much as I love her, I’ve never been brave enough to offer.

“She’ll love it.”

“Great, so will I.”

Adam’s brown eyes meet mine. “I’m glad to see you happy, Faith.” He squeezes my arm affectionately.

His words sink in. I am starting to get there. Slowly fighting my way through.