The Last Waltz

Chapter 21

They hadn't heard from Chester or Glynda in almost a month and had been lulled into a sense of false security. It was mid-October when Isaac told her that it was time to call in her army because he had been served with a custody lawsuit.

They hadn't told the children because they didn't want to worry them, so they sent them on a camping trip with Boyd while she and Isaac headed to Kent to meet up with her family. Breaking the news that she was married, had two children, and was now in a custody battle was something that she felt needed to be dealt with in person.

When they arrived at the estate in Kent, it was after dark. It had been over a nine-hour drive, and they were both exhausted, but the hard part was just beginning. If there was a way she could sneak into the house and meet them all in the morning, she would have gladly done it.

Isaac offered to stay in a hotel for the night and drive to the house in the morning, but Poppy knew she wouldn't sleep and would stay up and worry.

At their last stop, they had traded places, and Poppy was driving since she knew the way. As they crested the drive, the massive house came into view, and Poppy stopped, gathering her nerves. The stone mansion was lit up, with most of the windows burning bright, and even though she was nervous, it was a welcoming site.

"This is where you grew up?" Isaac asked with a shake of his head.

"Says the man who grew up in a castle," Poppy snorted.

"This is much more spectacular than the castle," he admitted.

"I feel the opposite. I think the castle has an atmosphere that this house doesn't. The castle feels more like home." Poppy smiled as she thought of the castle's drafty rooms and fun hiding places. "I'm not afraid of ruining or breaking anything there; here, I feel as if everything has to stay in its place."

Poppy stepped on the accelerator and pulled into the house's driveway. Immediately, Jackson, the family butler, came out to greet them and take the keys.

"Jackson, this is my husband, Isaac Harrison. Isaac, this is Jackson. He keeps us all in line." Poppy introduced Reva, the housekeeper, as she joined them.

"We'll put you in your old room, Miss Poppy, since the house is full right now, but first, I think you will want to see your family."

Reva led the way up the front steps into the great hall, which was a massive three-stories with stairs at one end. Two of the four stories had galleries running the length of the building.

"A housekeeper and butler?" Isaac hissed.

"As I said, it's not very homey," Poppy hissed back.

Reva knocked on the door, and Uncle Bryce called for whomever it was to enter. His stern voice made Poppy reach for Isaac's hand, and she felt better when he didn't pull away. Whatever awaited them they would weather together.

"Poppy!" Grace greeted her as she stood to give Poppy a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Reva, will you go and find Mason and Cassie? I think they would like to know that their daughter has come to visit."

Poppy's eyes grew large as she looked at Grace. "Mom and Dad are here?" Poppy asked nervously. She guessed they might be there with everyone, but sometimes plans changed, and she hoped this was one of those times.

"Isn't that why you came?" Bryce asked as he eyed the man behind Poppy, and to his credit, Isaac eyed him right back.

"No, I wanted to talk with Uncle Bryce and Alistair about a few things. It's business."

An awkward silence descended as they all looked at each other. Poppy knew she was handling this all wrong, but it wasn't every day that she introduced a husband.