“If I have to.” He gives my forearms a squeeze. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family. See you on Friday.”
I wrap my arms around myself when he drives away. And I stay on the driveway until he disappears into the distance.
I’m scared, but I’m in love with Patrick Cross all over again.
Sophie’s waiting inside when I walk in the door.
“Are we moving to Auckland?”
I raise my eyebrows. “We just had a whole weekend talking about everything, and now you’re asking?”
She shrugs. “You never said we definitely were. I didn’t want to ask in front of Dad in case you didn’t agree.”
I take a step toward her. “What do you want?”
She chews the inside of her cheek for a moment. “I want us to all be together. I love this house, but Dad died here. It makes me sad.”
I nod. “That’s how I feel. You know Patrick would move in with us if we wanted him to, though?”
“Maybe. But I think I’d like to try living in Auckland.”
Smiling, I cover the distance between us and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “I think I’d like to try too.”
“So let’s do it.” She beams that beautiful smile at me.
“Okay.”
33
CASSIE
Patrick’s looking at houses this weekend.
He’s over the moon that Sophie and I have agreed to move to be with him.
His apartment isn’t big enough for the three of us, but when he asked me if I wanted to join him, I told him I had to work.
Mr Smedley was delighted when I told him what I was up to.
I thought he’d be sad I was thinking of leaving, but he’s been good to me so I thought I’d be honest with him.
“You have to go and live your life, Cassie. It’ll be tough to replace you, but you and your girl deserve to be happy.”
I could have kissed him.
Drawing in a deep breath, I dial Patrick.
It’s midmorning, so I fully expect to have to leave him a voicemail.Maybe I should have just sent a text.Oh, who am I kidding? I need to hear his voice.
He’s probably working anyway.
“Babe,” he answers the phone, a smile in his voice.
“Oh. Hi. I wasn’t sure if you’d answer.”
“I’m on a break, and I always have time for you. What’s going on?”
“I wondered if you might want a visitor for a few days.” I smile.
