It wouldn’t take long to pack. She’d begin now, because they wouldn’t return this summer. It would be too confusing for Poppy, too much upheaval, and she worried it was going to be hard enough for Poppy, and for herself, to leave without needing to do it twice.
With a heavy heart, she messaged Michael to let him know the change of plans.
As quietly as she could, although Poppy tended to sleep through anything, Carrie began to collect up everything of theirs that was around the sitting room and kitchen, making a pile of it ready to be put in a box in the morning, while she planned in herhead all she needed to get done . . . And just how she was going to explain their departure to her daughter.
* * *
Carrie broke the news to Poppy the next morning over breakfast.
“Now that Auntie Mary’s back to take over with the shop, it’s time for us to go home to see Daddy!”
“Is Daddy back from Germany?”
“He is, but only for a few days this time, so we need to get back to London so you can see him on Thursday.”
“But what about Layla’s birthday party? That’s on Friday.”
“I know. I’m very sorry. We’ll have to give her card and presents early.”
Seeing Poppy’s face drop, Carrie said, “Layla will be so busy during her party, it’ll be much more fun to give her her things when she’s got time to look at them.”
Poppy didn’t look convinced. “Daddy will think of something really fun to do with you,” Carrie continued, “and he’s so looking forward to seeing you. How about you finish off Layla’s card now and we’ll wrap her presents?”
“Can I still go out with Granny today?” Poppy asked.
“Of course,” said Carrie. “You’ll have a great time.”
Carrie packed up as much as she could while getting ready for work.
Mary and Ellen arrived before the shop opened and when Carrie and Poppy were checking everything was ready for the day.
Poppy opened the door to them. “Hello, Granny, hello, Auntie Mary! We’re going back to London today.”
“You are?” asked Ellen as she gave her granddaughter a hug.
“Yes,” Carrie said. “Auntie Mary’s back now and I’d like some time to get organised before school starts up.”
“I’m going to see Daddy,” said Poppy. “Mummy said he’s back from Germany.”
Ellen and Mary glanced at Carrie inquisitively.
“He’s back for a few days and wants to see Poppy,” Carrie explained.
She didn’t miss the look that passed between the two women.
“That’ll be lovely for you, Poppy,” said Carrie’s mum, brightly. “Are you ready to go on our adventures today?”
“Yep!” said Poppy. “Mummy, I will get to say goodbye to Monty and Tabitha and the kittens, won’t I?”
“Of course,” said Carrie. “I’ll make sure you do.”
Ellen and Poppy went off, hand in hand, and a moment later Michael came in with a tray of drinks from The First Sip balanced on one hand.
“I thought you two could probably do with a caffeinated beverage this morning,” he said, cheerfully.
“Thank you,” Carrie said, accepting her drink.
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Michael,” Aunt Mary declared. “Carrie, have you told Michael that you’re leaving this evening?”
