“We’ll have to make that happen soon.”
35
CASSIE
The past few weeks have been hectic.
Our offer was snapped up for the house, and the owners wanted a fast settlement date as they’re leaving the country.
We weren’t saying no to that.
My plan to rent out Gran’s place is going ahead. We’re leaving it partially furnished so we don’t have to move everything—besides, we bought new things for the new house like beds and a lounge suite.
The movers emptied the house today, but the way we’ve organised things mean we’ve got beds to sleep in tonight.
Tomorrow we start our new life, and it’s been a long time since I’ve been so happy.
Patrick slides his arm around me, becoming the big spoon and I settle back against his hard chest.
“I love you, Cassie,” he whispers.
“I love you too.”
I’m so tired from packing that it’s not long before I’m drifting off.
Mark’s always in the back of my mind. We’ll always have the memories of the years we lived here, but this was where his journey ended.
And I’m okay with that.
Mark walks toward me with open arms, and I fall into them.
“I've missed you,” I whisper.
“I love you. But you need to wake up and get out.”
“No. I don’t want to leave you.”
He smiles, and it’s soft and loving. “You belong with Patrick. You know that. I’ll never stop loving you, Cassie, but you need to go.”
A screeching sound pierces my hearing.
My eyes fly open.
Smoke fills the room, and I look to my left. Patrick’s only a second behind me, springing up and out of bed.
“We’ve got to get out of here,” he yells.
“Sophie.”
“I’m here, Mum.” Sophie’s voice comes from the hallway, and without another thought, we all run through the living room to the front door.
The sound of sirens fills the air—someone must have noticed and called them already—and when we run onto front lawn, I turn and press my hand to my chest.
My grandmother’s house is on fire.
I don’t even realise I’m shivering until the warmth of a blanket is draped over my shoulders. Mrs McIntyre stands behind me with another in her hands for Sophie.
“Someone was in your backyard. I called the police. ThenI saw flames and called the fire service. Sounds like they’re on their way.”
