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  Chapter Thirty four - The Land Down Under

  I flung my arms around Maggie Jane’s neck and sobbed. “Oh, Mags…”

  “I’m gonna miss you so much, Shell.”

  “Please tell me I’m doing the right thing, or I might just turn around and go back home.”

  She laughed. “It’s a bit late for that, you’re already at the airport and the house is sold. This is the first step to starting your new life.”

  “I feel like I’m making the biggest mistake.”

  “Well, you’re not, okay. As much as I wanna tell you to stay with me and Hope, I won’t do it, because you deserve every bit of happiness you can find and if that’s you and Carol, together, and living in the sun, who am I to stand in your way?”

  “What about Dillon?”

  “Richie will look after him, don’t you worry, plus he knows where I am.”

  “I feel like I’m abandoning him.”

  “He’s not a kid anymore and made his choice, Shell.”

  “He’s still my son, Mags, and I love him.” I shouldn’t have to tell my only sister, not now she was a mother too; Dillon might drive me to distraction, but I carried him for nine months–my love for him would always be unconditional, even if he was a knob at times.

  Carol checked herself and Jamie in. My heart shrunk, not knowing when I’d see my only child again.

  “I know, and I promise I’ll call him and tell him he’s always welcome at mine if it gets too tough living with Richie and Jemma. Besides, he’s devoted to Hope, so he won’t be away for too long.”

  “If anything, life will be a bed of roses for him without me there.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I cramp his style, fuss too much…”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure about that.”

  “Well I would.”

  “Don’t speak too soon, Shell. Look.” She nodded toward the doors and my breath caught in my throat.

  Dillon walked toward me pulling a suitcase.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, secretly pleased to see him.

  “I don’t want you to go, Mum.”

  “But I-I…” I was gobsmacked. “I’ve got everything sorted so I have to…”

  “I didn’t think you’d change your mind so I asked Dad if I could go with you instead of staying with him.”

  “You did?”

  “He was okay with it and bought me the ticket.”

  “You really want to come with me?”

  “Yeah,” he replied. “If you’ll have me?”

  “Of course I want you to come with me, but what about your friends, college, and leaving your dad behind? You need a visa.”

  “Dad sorted it for me a couple of days ago. He was sure I’d change my mind. It’s only for three months but maybe I can stay out there with you and get a work visa.”

  “I don’t know what to say. What about college?”

  “You’re more important to me than anyone or anything, Mum, and besides, I can fly home whenever I want to see dad, and he said he would come out to visit us.”

  I was floored and pulled him into my arms, crying happy tears I never expected when I arrived at the airport. I really didn’t want to leave my son behind and now I didn’t have to, although we would address his education another time. It wasn’t the end of the matter where I was concerned.

  “Gross,” he complained, wiping his cheek.

  Maggie Jane burst into tears too. “Oh, I love a happy ending.”

  I pulled a face and thought back to Spud. “Do you mind? My child doesn’t need to be corrupted by your dirty mind.”

  “Oi, you, I didn’t mean that sort of happy ending.”

  Thankfully, Dillon appeared oblivious to my sister and her helping hands. “Are you gonna fly out too, Aunty Mags?”

  “Where my gorgeous sister goes, I’m usually right behind her.”

  “I’m gonna miss Hope,” Dillon said

  She chucked him under the chin. “And what about me?”

  “Erm,” he said, his face flushed. “I’ll see you soon.”

  She pulled him into an awkward hug and kissed his cheek. “You’re a good boy, really, and your cousin loves the bones of you.”

  “Where is she?”

  “At day care, but don’t worry, I’ll bring her over to see you soon.”

  “Good. Give her a kiss from me.”

  “I will, now bugger off and go find yourself a sexy Aussie bird.”

  “Don’t encourage him, Mags.”

  “I’m not flying to the other side of the world to find a girlfriend.”

  “I should hope not.” I was immensely proud of Dillon. He was my world, and although Carol occupied a very special place in my heart, family was family, and as mine go, I was luckier than most.

  “Are you ready?” Carol asked.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  I hugged Maggie Jane one more time. “Go,” she ordered, “before my makeup runs and I look a mess.”

  “Too late for that.” She looked an absolute fright, and I was bewildered by how much blusher this woman thought her cheeks needed.

  She pulled a face. “Have you never heard the saying more is definitely more?”

  “Tell that to Miss Piggy.” I was dying to laugh. “I think you stole her look.”

  She did laugh. “Bitch.”

  “Cow,” I snapped back, quick as a flash.

  Tears welled in her eyes. “You’re good, I’ll give you that much.”

  “I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you, Mags.” I loved my sister with my whole heart and was thankful we’d get the opportunity to grow old together, wherever in the world that would be.

  “One last hug, then move your arse, get yourselves settled in because Valerie and I will be there before you know it.”

  “Oh, no!”

  Was Australia ready for the whirlwind that was my sister and Valerie Walker? I didn’t think so. But it was going to be fun finding out.

  THE END

  ‘WHERE MY HEART LIES’

  Buy Link - http://mybook.to/LLheartlies

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  To my wonderful family. I love you all dearly.

  To Carol, Sue, Gloria, Susan, Donna, Maggie Jane & Serena. Thank you for your help in getting this book ready and released. My world is a lot less lonely with you all in it.

  To my fantastic Street Team members;

  Jen, Michelle, Pat, Sharilyn, Shelly & Stephanie. You are all truly wonderful–your help and kindness mean more than you will ever know.

  To my readers. Thank you for supporting me.

  With love and gratitude... Luna x

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Luna Lopez lives in Brighton, England with her five amazing children.

  Being a Mum of five keeps her busy, but she wouldn’t change her life for the world.

  Writing has always been a passion, and it is only recently that she set aside family time to indulge her life-long dream.

  For more information or just to touch base with Luna you will find her at:

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