» The Hopper Legacy Chapter 1.6 - A House of Their Own

Ava and Odin named their daughter Beatrice, which means “Bringer of Joy.” Her parents would later tell her that her name was like a prophecy, because her arrival marked the beginning of some of the happiest days of their lives.

The couple soon received a letter with more good news. The judge assigned to their custody case had been appalled by Heather’s treatment of Lizette, and her parental rights were terminated. Ava promptly adopted her beloved Lizzy, and she and Odin took Ava’s last name, uniting them as a legitimate family.

Lizette had to share a room with her “Sissy.” She didn’t mind, except at night, when the baby’s cries woke her and she would begin to cry, too. The noise was unbelievable.

Ava had quit her job at the bistro. Daycare for the two young girls would have cost almost as much as she made working, and she didn’t want someone else to raise her children. She also wanted to focus on her gardening skills, so she went to city hall and registered as a self-employed gardener. She and Odin were saving for a bigger house, and the extra money she earned from selling her produce made a big difference.

The biggest difference, though, came months later, when Odin announced that he’d been promoted! He was now a Line Cook, and that position came with a sizable bonus. The couple agreed to begin the search for a larger home for their young family.

It didn’t take long. The Hoppers soon found a three bedroom home with a large garden area and room to expand. Ava thought it was beautiful. Odin thought it was big, and that was enough for him. The family moved in just weeks before Christmas.