Read Online The Wildwood Sisters by Mandy Magro - Free Book Online Page A

the home—the large galley-style kitchen—Renee switched on the lights and got to making herself a cup of tea, halting to admire her nan’s pride and joy, a classic AGA oven. So many mouth-watering meals and gloriously moreish cakes, scones and biscuits had been baked within its cast-iron doors. At the centre of the kitchen sat a lengthy island bench with bar stools lined down one side of it, the timber top worn beautifully over the years from her nan’s passion for cooking. Near the huge double window, with a scenic view to die for, was an eight-seater dining table, the same table she and Scarlet used to sit at with Mum and Dad. In a book stand, open to a page with a recipe for raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, sat a Country Women’s Association cookbook. Above this, a myriad of well-used copper pots hung from a reclaimed-timber pot hanger, and off to the side of the kitchen was shelving that housed at least a hundred other cookbooks. Her nan loved getting cookbooks for presents, and they had added up over the years—Renee religiously buying her one every birthday and Christmas.
    While waiting for the kettle to boil, she wandered into the walk-in pantry, her mouth watering at the sight of the endless delectable goodies on its shelves. Jams, relishes and every type of pickled vegetable sat waiting to be devoured, and the herb and spice rack was something to be envious of. Licking her lips, she spotted her nan’s old biscuit tin in the exact same place it had always been.
    She smiled to herself. Not a lot had changed around here, and that in itself was extremely comforting—she needed familiar comforts to ease her through her first few days. Grabbing the tin, she popped open the lid, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree upon discovering it was filled with her favourites—homemade macadamia shortbreads. She eagerly took two to enjoy with her tea. Not the healthiest of breakfasts, but yummy all the same.
    Cuppa and bickies in hand, Renee wandered through the warm and welcoming lounge room which smelt a little of leather from the laundry-cum-tack-room beside it, and towards the back door, admiring the big open fireplace along the way. It didn’t get used much, the weather on the Atherton Tablelands usually warm enough without it, but when they did have the occasional cold snap her pa was always keen to stoke it up. She and Scarlet had spent many a night by the fire with their grandparents over the years, toasting marshmallows, sharing yarns and telling jokes. Those were the kind of memories she would be forever grateful for.
    Stepping outside, the view stole her breath instantly. She paused as the screen door closed softly behind her, unable to move, her eyes filling with happy tears, the beauty of Wildwood Acres somehow otherworldly. Her hand fluttered to her chest and she shook her head in wonder. How had she survived staying away from such a heavenly place so long?
    She wandered dreamily to the swing chair and eased herself down, completely captured by what was unfolding before her. The atmosphere felt acutely alive, the energy around her filling her spirit with the kind of vitality she’d been craving. A slight mist lingered above the lush green grass, the sky partly cloudy with patches of powdery blue peeking teasingly through. Off in the distance, a stand of ghost gums and a slowly revolving windmill stood like towering shadows contrasted against the first rays of light as, like a chivalrous bow, night began to give way to day. Like the burning red and orange embers of a fire, the sun rose slowly amongst the coal grey clouds, sending hues of pink and auburn throughout the blue. It was like watching a well-choreographed dance as the elements of the earth came together in a spectacular show worthy of a standing ovation. And stand she did.
    The horses in the paddock opposite the homestead whinnied and snorted as they, too, welcomed the new day. Renee’s heart sang at the