“I’ve already got pre-approval from the bank even without your money. I did that first, so I knew roughly how much.”
“We can make an offer?”
He slips his arms around my waist. “We can make an offer.”
When we’re out in the car, he gives me a tentative look. “I thought we could go and see my parents this afternoon. I haven’t told them anything about your parents. I thought we’d do it all together.”
My chest tightens. I hate talking about them, but I understand why he’s held back. Talking about it might help Mrs Cross understand everything I’ve been through.
We’ll have to tell them why we broke up and about Sophie.
Oh, Sophie.
Telling the Crosses still makes me nervous. I’m not sure how I’d feel if someone turned up years after the fact and announced they’d given birth to my grandchild.
“What do you think? We don’t have to, but I think the sooner we rip off the band-aid the better.”
I nod. “Let’s get this over with.”
The drive out there is long but scenic. I hate traveling, but I do like being out in the country with the fresh air and seeing the green fields.
He pulls down the driveway of a beautiful country house.
Anxiety builds in my chest, but Patrick reaches across and takes my hand in his. “It’ll be fine, Cassie. Trust me?”
“I trust you. I just don’t know …”
Mrs Cross is out the front of the house, on her knees in the garden. She looks up as we exit the car and it takes her about a second to clock me.
“Patrick.” She smiles warmly at him, barely giving me a glance.
He walks around to my side of the car, slipping his arm around my waist. It’s a simple act of solidarity, but with it, I steel my spine.
“Mum, you remember Cassie?”
“Of course I do,” she snaps.
He gives my waist a squeeze. “We have some news.”
She rolls her eyes before turning and walking toward the house. “Come on. I’ll put on the jug. Your father’s inside.”
We trail along behind her, stopping only to take off our shoes on the mat outside.
Inside the house is lovely.
They’re obviously very proud of Patrick, the entranceway walls covered with photos and Patrick’s achievements.
Maybe this was a mistake, but it’s too late now.
“Cassie.” Patrick’s father, Brian, opens his arms and I give him a brief hug before stepping back. I don’t miss Jane glaring at him, but I keep my focus on his warm smile. “How have you been, love? Keeping well?”
“Not too bad. Thanks for asking.”
“And how are your mum and dad?”
I knew that they didn’t know about my parents, but the question still hits me like a sledgehammer. My eyes well with tears.
Brian frowns. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
