From the Ruins (Winds of Change Book 1) by Kristen M. Fraser

Author:Kristen M. Fraser [Fraser, Kristen M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-09-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

The aroma of garlic rose from the frypan on the stove. Sandra added a dash of pepper and stirred the creamy sauce once more.

“I still can’t believe you’re going so soon.” Brad sat at the bench, nursing a bottle of beer between his hands.

“Why’s that?” Sandra glanced over her shoulder.

“I just never thought you’d go through with doing something so adventurous.”

“It’s not like I’m climbing Mount Everest, Brad. I’m just going on a driving holiday. Besides, you’ve all encouraged me to go, to step out of my comfort zone. What were your words? What have I got to lose?”

“Except it’s with a man we don’t really know,” he remarked before taking a swig from the bottle.

You’d be more worried if you knew about Damien’s past, Sandra thought.

“Stop hassling her, Brad.” Abigail slapped her brother’s shoulder as she breezed into the kitchen. “Mum is doing something most other women her age would be too afraid to do. Besides, what have you done lately that’s been adventurous?” Her perfectly shaped brow formed an arch. Brad narrowed his eyes and stood, pushing past Abigail as he wandered to the living room.

Abigail huffed and murmured something unintelligible under her breath.

“Leave him be, Abby.” Sandra flicked off the stove and carried a pot of steaming pasta to the bench. “Don’t goad him. I really don’t want world war three in my house tonight.”

Abigail slid onto a stool and folded her arms on the bench. “He can’t keep holding onto the past, Mum. Dad’s been gone for some time now.”

“I know, sweetheart.” Boy, did she know. Waking up every morning in an empty bed was a constant reminder that Greg was no longer with them.

“I just wish he’d allow himself to move on. And allow you to as well.”

“Grief takes time, Abby. I don’t think we ever completely get over it. We change and learn to adapt to our new normal. But your father will always have a place in my heart.” Sandra stirred the creamy carbonara sauce through the pasta. “It was only a few months ago I was wondering how I was ever going to adapt to being here, but I have. And I love it, now.”

And she did. She could say it without any qualms. Sure, there were still things she missed, but life wasn’t stagnant. She was thankful God had been with her each and every day, providing her with strength to see each day and the faith to take risks.

“Hi, Mum.” Sandra glanced across to the living room as Sophie’s voice rang through the house. “I hope you don’t mind, but I brought a friend along tonight. Everyone, this is Rick.”

Sandra eyed the lanky man standing next to her youngest daughter. Tattoos were visible beneath his short-sleeved black t-shirt. His shaggy black hair nudged his collar, and he had ear expanders in both lobes. Sandra had held her tongue at every phase Sophie went through during high school, hoping it was just that – a phase, and she would grow out of it.

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