CSI Texas

Chapter Five

“Wow, great!” Samantha exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.
To their surprise, a shimmering swimming pool sparkled in the garden, reflecting the soft afternoon sun. Victoria smiled quietly to herself. She could already picture Samantha spending hours out here. Her daughter’s love of swimming was well known, and now, between the school pool and this one in their own backyard, she’d be in heaven.
“This is amazing,” Samantha said, walking toward the edge. “Seriously, Mom — between this and the school pool, I might turn into a fish.”
Victoria chuckled. “Just promise me you won’t track wet footprints into the kitchen.”
As they strolled around the garden, Victoria mentally took notes. She imagined a small rattan lounge area by the pool, a towel cupboard, and maybe even a few lanterns or hanging plants for ambiance. It could become a little oasis for them both.
“I think we’re going to be really happy here, Sammy,” she said, looking over at her daughter.
Samantha smiled and nodded, her earlier resistance continuing to fade. “Yeah. I actually think so too.” She took a slow, deep breath of the warm, fragrant air. “It already feels more like home than I expected.”

They headed back inside, passing through the sunlit living room and up the stairs.
“I like my room,” Samantha said with a grin, already halfway up.
She had claimed it the moment she saw it — a cozy corner room with soft green walls and the best view in the house, overlooking the winding river. Victoria had been happy to let her have it; seeing Samantha excited had been worth more than holding onto any preference.
“I’m glad you didn’t change your mind,” Victoria called as she followed her up.
“I’d be crazy to!” Samantha replied, already stepping inside and pulling open a box marked POSTERS + STUFFED ANIMALS.
Victoria peeked in. The sunlight poured through the wide window, bathing the space in a golden glow. Samantha had already started personalizing it — books lined up, a few of her swimming medals on the desk, and a pile of throw pillows near the headboard.
“This room’s going to be so you,” Victoria said, leaning in the doorway.
“Totally,” Samantha replied. “I’m gonna hang my fairy lights up tonight. And I might ask you to help me repaint.”
“You got it. But no black walls.”
“Dark teal?”
“We’ll talk,” Victoria said with a smirk.
Next door, Victoria had her own room — apricot-colored walls, a view of the park, and just enough space for her desk and a double wardrobe. The ensuite was a quiet retreat she was already imagining with lavender soap and fluffy towels.

Downstairs, the movers were wrapping up. The last few boxes thudded onto the porch, and Victoria stepped out to thank them.
“Thanks again for everything,” she said, brushing dust from her hands.
One of the movers, a tall man in his forties with broad shoulders and a calm demeanor, handed her a business card. “If you need help again, just call. Ian Johnson and Co.”
Victoria glanced down. The card was plain, just a name and a number.
“I’m usually the one picking up calls, either cell or office,” Ian added. “Anything comes up — repairs, heavy lifting, even odd jobs — just let us know.”
She appreciated his directness. There was something steady about him, the kind of person who didn’t overpromise. For a brief second, she noticed how easy it was to smile at him — but quickly pulled herself back. This wasn’t the time for distractions. There was too much to do.
“Thanks, I will,” she replied, tucking the card into her back pocket.
As the moving truck pulled away, Victoria stood in the doorway for a moment, listening to the rustling and laughter from upstairs. Samantha was already asking where her string lights were. It sounded like home.
Victoria stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
They had landed. And now, finally, they could begin.