Stanton Bliss(62)

“I’m going riding,” she announces. She is wearing her full riding kit, jodhpurs, boots, a little hard hat with her two dark plaits hanging down.

Everybody smirks. What next?

“No, you are not. We already went riding this morning,” Joshua tells her.

“Yes, I know. I’m going again. I need to practice to get better, Dad.”

I smirk, like Joshua, Jordy is mad for horses.

“No, you are not. You can go again later,” Joshua replies.

“I am. Max will take me.” She heads out the back door.

“Jordana,” Joshua calls after her. “Come back here now.”

“No!” she yells as she marches down toward the stables.

“This f*cking kid,” Joshua mumbles under his breath, and we all laugh. He takes off after her and we hear them have a full stand up argument on the path.

I smirk and turn the jug on. “You want some tea, boys?” I watch Joshua and Jordy fight on the pathway. His plan for six children could be the very death of him, and he would die if he knew I suspected that I’m pregnant again.

“Yes, please.”

“Jordy still whipping his ass around Willowvale?” Cameron smirks.

I smile. “Trying to.”

Jordana comes marching through the door in tantrum, tears everywhere, followed by Joshua.

“You can go up to your room, thank you,” Joshua says sternly.

She folds her arms in a huff. “I am going to my room,” she cries. “And I’m slamming my door.”

Joshua’s eyes narrow. “Don’t you dare.”

“I am!” she yells as she storms past us.

Cameron and Adrian smile into their tea. It really is fun watching Joshua having stand up arguments with a sweet looking four-year-old girl. Most grown men don’t cross him.

“I can’t f*cking wait until she’s sixteen, man. It is going to be on like Donkey Kong.” Cameron smiles.

Joshua fakes a shiver.

We all laugh. Let the games begin.

Natasha

My eyes flick over to Joshua who stands at the bar with his father, mum, Bridget, Cameron and Stephanie. Stephanie is Joshua’s father’s new girlfriend. She’s beautiful and only four years older than Scott.

Margaret is here to support us, although the invitation didn’t extend to her fiancé, James Brennan. I’m happy that she’s happy, but I will never get over the lies she told. They went on for far too long. I tolerate her for the sake of my children, but who knows what the future will bring? I don’t want them to see me have contempt for my mother-in-law. It’s a daily struggle, one that I would walk away from if I didn’t know how hard we fought to keep the family together. My eyes look around at the opulent ballroom in amazement. This is something out of this world. I am so proud of all that we have accomplished.

We are at the first Stanton Mental Health Institute charity ball and I am flitting around the room with my committee. Nicholas and I have joined forces and we make a mean team.

The voice echoes from the stage. “Can I please welcome to the stage, Natasha Stanton.”

The crowd clap and I make my way through the throes of people, walking nervously up to the stage.

I take my place behind the microphone and I feel my heart swell with pride. This is what I was meant to be doing. This is my calling. I have never felt so strongly about anything as I do about being an advocate for mental health.

I am wearing a heavy lace fitted black dress and my hair is out and full. Adrian has done well with this little number. I feel confident and comfortable.

I smile nervously and give a little wave to the crowd

Everyone laughs softly, and my eyes search the crowd for my man.

“Hello. I would, once again, like to thank you all for coming tonight.”

This is my second speech of the night. The first one I gave had people in tears.

“The Stanton Mental Health Institute has one goal and one goal only. To advocate, care for and create funding for research on mental health. With your help, we can break down the stigmatism and create hope and quality care.”

I open the envelope and smile broadly as I read the next line. Oh my God, is this the true figure?

I look up and find Joshua in the crowd and I feel myself tear up.

“It is my great pleasure to announce that, thanks to your generosity, we have raised eleven point two million dollars tonight.”

The crowd all cheer and I drop my chin to my chest to hide my emotion. The committee and everyone involved have worked so damn hard on this project. Cameron, his father and Joshua have called on every contact they know to make this a success. We are all so proud of this charity.

I can’t do anything but stand and applaud along with the audience for an extended time.

I raise my hand to the committee and the crowd continues to clap.

“From all of us at the Stanton Mental Health Institute, we give you a huge thank you. Tonight’s funding will change so many lives,” I announce through my tears. I bow softly and the crowd clap and cheer and I exit the stage to find my man.

I arrive back with my family and smile with happiness. They are all celebrating the monetary figure.

Cameron kisses my cheek. “Fucking hell, Tash. Eleven million!” he whispers.

Dad shakes Joshua’s hand aggressively. “Well done, son.” He turns and kisses me. “Well done, Natasha.” He smiles.