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Maxwell was finishing up some chores as Trista gathered eggs. She was talking to the chickens as she happily gathered up the goods. She was busy working through dialogue and some story ideas in her head, whistling the entire time. So engrossed was she, and her head in the clouds she didn’t notice him leaning against the fence at first.
“Do you think she realizes we are here?” Annalise’s voice cut into her thoughts and finally garnered Trista’s ideas.
“Sorry,” Trista said, turning to them with a basket fully laden with eggs. “I was caught up in structuring storylines in my head, along with a robust conversation with those chatty chickens,” she said, moving outside the gate and turning to ensure it locked behind her.
“It sounded like they were enjoying the conversation just as much as you were,” Annalise said with a grin. “How did you enjoy the bonfire last night?”
“It was great. I told a few Treena stories, Daisy played with Phoebe and Emma, and it was entertaining,” she said. “I wanted to talk to the two of you, though.” She said, pulling off her gloves and putting them on top of the fence.
“Oh no,” Maxwell said, looking as if he was bracing for the worst. “Am I going to hate this?”
“Actually, I will be trying to become a foster parent to ensure that should anything happen to Hunter, I could take Daisy. Also, he won’t have any other concerns with me watching her every night when he works if I’m fully certified. I put you down as a reference, so I was hoping when they called, you weren’t caught off guard.”
Maxwell’s mouth dropped open. “You are staying? For good?”
“I’m sorry, I thought that would be okay,” Trista said as her heart started beating heavily, as Maxwell’s shocked expression took hold.
“Maxwell,” Annalise said, hitting him lightly in the stomach. “Talk!”
“Oh, no, I’m beyond happy,” he said, lunging forward and embracing Trista in a huge hug. “Mom is going to be ecstatic.”
“OH,” Trista said, releasing the breath she had been holding. “I’m so glad to hear that. I have been working hard to get through my underlying issues with sessions at Living River. Also, with Daisy now, I’m loving getting to be part of something so much bigger than me. I enjoy spending time with mom and both of you. And, I want to see if I can get this novel written and possibly published.”
“And we would love to be here for every step of your journey,” Annalise said, moving forward to hug Trista.
“We will definitely give you a rave review,” Maxwell said. “You are caring, hardworking, and I would be honored to help in any way needed.”
“Thank you. Now, I have a few goats that need milking,” Trista said with a grin.
“I do have some new horses headed in today,” she said, checking her watch. “I just didn’t want you caught off guard.”
“Appreciate it,” Trista said. “I am going to head into town for lunch with Daisy at school.”
“How is she adjusting?”
“It is hard, she is quite a bit behind, but man, she works her little heart out. Also, I read with her, as does Hunter almost every evening. I have faith, that probably by next year, she will catch up.”
“Trista, I would advise that you don’t get overly attached. What happens if they return here or find her family?”
“Honestly, I’m okay with it. I will be sad, but it’s just about making sure that little girl feels loved, wanted, and has a safe place. I realize we could lose her to some family as this investigation continues, but I can’t wait to engage until we know for sure. She needs help, love, and support now.”
“We are here, no matter what you need,” Maxwell said. “Also, mom might want to tag along to town. She was talking about needing more yarn,” he said with a roll of his eyes.
“Luckily, she hasn’t moved on to ugly sweaters or other wearable items, or we all are in trouble,” Annalise teased.
“Agreed,” Trista chuckled. “I will check-in and be sure to take her with me, when I head in for errands.”
Trista turned away from Annalise and Maxwell, inhaling, and turning her face toward the heavens. She loved the sun on her face, and right at this moment, everything seemed perfect. She wished Treena could see this; and somehow, rooted in her soul, she felt her sister could see her. “I hope you are happy that we are all back together,” she whispered to the universe. “We miss you, but it gets better. Hope you and dad are together and happy yourselves.”
Trista rolled her shoulders and lowered her face. She stared directly at the goat pen ahead and took off to finish the chores. This was a simple, beautiful life. She refused to take for granted.
