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Four.
Dakota had little time to think or got anxious before arriving at Peggy Sue’s farmhouse. When Marge turned to drive the last five hundred meters towards the house, she could only look at her surroundings.
It was beautiful! There were trees on both sides of the path and they were exploding with fruit: pears, peaches, apples.
She saw there were berries, too. And pumpkins, and calves, and ducks. Chicken. A horse. Wow.
The house itself was like a classic photograph of the west: a wooden cottage in white and blue, and there were flowers everywhere.
“This is amazing!”
“Peggy Sue has lived here for thirty years, honey. She and his husband bought this land when there was nothing except an old barn. They built the house, planted the trees, and worked hard. When her beloved died, she sold half of the land, but worked harder. She is fierce. Come on, it’s time for both of you to know each other.”
Dakota followed Marge and stood quietly two meters behind. The lady knocked on the door loudly, and then she shouted,
“Peggy Sue, I brought you the biggest gift, dear. Where are you?”
“Coming!” Dakota held her breath when she heard the voice, and then she moved her head to see.
Peggy Sue was a short lady with a lot of wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, and her white hair was short.
Dakota saw the same green of hers staring back. She was cleaning her hands using the apron she had on when opened the door.
“Hello, Marge! Nice to see you! I was hoping you will visit me. Hello there!” She moved to wave at Dakota, a welcoming smile widening her mouth.
“I intended to pass yesterday, but I’m having a rough week. But I had to come today. You’ll see… Aren’t you going to let us inside, dear?”
“Oh, of course, silly me!” The old lady giggled, but her stare was glued to Dakota. “I’m sorry, dear, what’s your name? Do I know you?”
“Dakota, Madam. I’m sorry if we disturb you. I asked Marge about you, and she…”
“Nonsense, sweetie. I love visitors. I am rather lonely these days. I have Sam, but he doesn’t talk too much. Men,” she rolled her eyes.
“Sam is the man who helps with farm chores,” Marge said.
“Bless him,” Peggy Sue said. “Can I get you a tea, honey?”
“That… That would be nice,” Dakota said, now sitting on a comfortable couch. She didn’t know what to say, or how to ask what she was here to know.
What if it was too much for the old woman? She looked fragile, in a way. Dakota knew nothing about her, except Marge said she would love to have her here. But what if Marge was wrong?
“I will handle the tea. Peggy Sue… This is important, my dear. This is what you have been waiting for.” Marge caressed the old lady’s hand, and Dakota moved on her seat.
Peggy Sue opened her mouth, shut it, and stared at her in awe, her lower lip trembling. Then she put her hands on her face and tears exploded in her eyes. Dakota widened her eyes.
“You’re Fiona’s daughter, aren’t you?” Dakota nodded, and then Peggy Sue stood and came to her of a sudden, and hugged her tightly, sobbing.
Her soft hands, small and a little stiffed, caressed Dakota’s cheeks. That was when Dakota realized she was crying, too.
“I’m… I’m Dakota,” she stuttered. “I… I think I’m your granddaughter, but…”
“Of course, you are, my dear,” the old lady said fiercely, nodding and pulling Dakota to her chest. “You’re the best gift this old lady could have received ever. My child, I had lost all hope.”
“I didn’t know you existed till I found a letter two weeks ago. My mother… She died two years ago. She never… She didn’t…”
“Of course, she didn’t tell you, dear. Fiona swore she had no family when she left. She was alone, hurt, and pregnant. She had lost every motive to stay or trust my son, or even me. It’s a sad, sad story, Dakota.” The green eyes were shiny and lost in the past, but then Peggy Sue shook her head. “But you’re here now. You came.”
“I had to. I found out about you in the worst moment of my life, and it gave me hope for a new beginning.”
