Leaving the farm in the capable hands of their two teenage children, Virginia and Daniel took the trip down to Britechester as fast as they could. Ida’s letter had been so exciting to them. Their first grandchild!

Ida introduced them both to little George, who was sleeping when they came in, but woke up later that afternoon.

Both of George’s grandparents got a chance to hold him. They immediately fell in love with his sweet face and gentle temperament, and hoped they’d be able to see him again soon.

As they were leaving a few days later, Daniel implored Ida to come visit them back at home once George was old enough to travel. He missed his eldest daughter and wanted his grandchild to be able to meet Anna and Tommy as well.

The only thing Tommy did miss about attending school was seeing friends. Luckily, the path his friend Ella took to and from school each day lead right by the Fitzpatrick farm. After her classes were done, she'd often stand at the fence and chat with Thomas while he worked.

She kept him informed on all the things happening with the kids he used to go to school with. Sometimes they'd talk about their families, how Tommy loved his and would do anything for them, and how Ella felt weighed down by the expectations hers put on her.

Sometimes, their conversations would go so long that Tommy would be finished with what he had to do on the farm, and he would just sit on the fence to keep talking with Ella.

Happy Birthday, Anna! Welcome to childhood!

Alberta was so happy to have her sister back home with her. They spent many hours catching up around the dining room table.

Ida was quickly enamored with her aunt. Alberta found that the toddler was following her around like a puppy, always intrigued by what the young woman was doing. She found it endearing and was pleased that she was able to spend plenty of time with her young niece.

Even Daniel, who Alberta had never been close to, found ways to bond with the teen. He set up his woodworking table in the garden, near her outdoor easel. They didn't have long, emotional conversations, but they found camaraderie in working side by side like this.

Each of the Fitzpatricks were adjusting to their new home as best they could. Daniel made quick work of setting up some farmable land on a plot in the back of the Evans' property. It was much bigger than his farm on their previous lot.

Though Ida was still a little young to fully understand what had happened, she was so happy to have a room of her own! One that could fit a much larger dollhouse (a hand-me-down from Virginia and Alberta's childhoods).

Having grown up there, Virginia was much more familiar with the home. She did miss their little farmhouse, but leaving was worth it if it meant she could be with her little sister. The house was big enough to have a large family, something she didn't grow up with but always wanted.

It wasn't long after the death of their father Clyde that the Evans' mother, Anna, also passed. Virginia returned home, once again in funeral black, to comfort her sister. The young Alberta was despondent, completely unaware of what to do now that she was all alone.

Sitting together on Alberta's bed, Virginia had an idea. "What if we moved in with you, here? Daniel and Ida and I?" She asked. "There's land in the back of the property that Daniel could set up a farm on, room for animals too." Alberta looked intrigued by the proposal, so Virginia continued. "This large house will be so empty with just you in it, my dear. It pains me to imagine you all alone here, wandering these halls. Please do consider the offer."

It didn't take long for Alberta to nod enthusiastically. "Oh, Virginia, would you really come back?" She asked. When her sister began to nod, Alberta threw her arms around her.

"Thank you, my dearest sister," she cried, though now her tears were a mix of joy and sadness. "I look forward to your return."