“She went out the back to water the garden. I think she wanted to get away from Ian, and you were dealing with him.”
“Does he come here often?”
She shakes her head. “He’s been here a couple of times, but Mum won’t let him in. He’s not very good with the word no.”
My jaw sets. “Well, I laid down the law. I hope he listens.”
“Patrick,” she whispers.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Are you my dad?”
I swallow hard. All this time, the thought has lingered in the back of my head, but I don’t want to voice it so plainly—not yet.
And the last thing I want is for Cassie to think I’m undermining her. “I don't honestly know, Sophie. I hope so.”
“Me too.” She smiles, and I’m sure I see myself in that smile. “You haven’t asked Mum?”
“I didn’t want to put more pressure on her. When we met again, she was dealing with Mark’s illness and I think she’s had enough on her plate this past year, don’t you?”
She nods. “It’s not as bad as it was. When Dad first died, she’d cry when you weren’t here. I think she was trying to be brave for all of us.”
“Doesn’t she do that anymore?”
“Not very often. I think your visits do her good.”
I smile. “I hope so.”
“I like it when you visit. Especially on my birthday.”
Barking out a laugh, I hold up my bag. “Your present is in here, birthday girl. Let me get inside.”
“Come on, then.” She grabs my hand and pulls me into the house.
Cassie walks in the door and smiles. “Did you get pounced on?”
I laugh. “Looks like it.”
After placing my bag on the other end of the couch, I open it and pull out a parcel. “I’m not sure if this is it or not …”
Sophie’s eyes light up. “That’s mine.”
“Is it?”
“You said it was.” She laughs.
“Did I?” I grin.
Cassie rolls her eyes. “You two …”
“Happy Birthday, Sophie.” I hand her the parcel, and she kisses me on the cheek.
I grab Cassie’s hand as she passes and pull her onto the couch with me. Her green eyes flash with amusement.
“I am going to smack you if it’s something expensive.” She laughs.
“Yes, please.” I grin, and she shakes her head.
