“She’s already asleep.” I cradle my drink in my hands. “Oh, Lauren. I keep thinking about how I could have lost her tonight. Or Patrick. Or both.”
“Thank God you’re all safe. I know you were heading to Auckland tomorrow, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need to.”
I nod absently. “Mark was looking out for us tonight.”
Her brows knit. “What do you mean?”
“I dreamed of him. That’s happened a couple of times since he died, but it felt like a warning. The alarms woke me, but he was telling me in my dream to get out.”
She nods. “That would be so him. He really loved you and Sophie. I don’t know what I would have done if anything had happened to you.”
“I just can’t believe it. Some jealous young woman trying to warn me away from Patrick. Even if we can rebuild, the house will never be the same.”
Lauren moves closer and lays her hand on my forearm. “I know dealing with the house is an added complication, but maybe it is a sign that you’re doing the right thing—getting a fresh start away from here.”
“You should come with us. This place is no good for you.”
She sighs. “Sometimes I feel like the memories will drown me.”
“When we’re settled, come and stay. Look around and see if there’s something for you.”
“I don’t want to impose when you’re starting a new life as a family.”
“Youarefamily, Lauren. You’re the sister I never had.”
I place my mug on the table, and she does the same.
She reaches for me, and I pull her into a hug. “Sophie and I love you so much. Please take care of yourself.”
“I’m trying,” she whispers.
“Then think about coming to see us. We’d love to have you. Maybe this is your chance for a fresh start too.”
“Okay.”
We just sit for a while, and I’m so grateful for this woman coming into my life. She was the bonus that arrived with Mark, and I’m not going to let her go any time soon.
We’re tied together for life.
“I should get some sleep,” I finally say. “I don’t know when Patrick will get here.”
“I’ll stay here and mind the fort.” She smiles. “I won’t sleep until you’re all under this roof anyway.”
“Are you sure?”
Lauren nods. “Go to bed, Cassie. I’ll send him up when he gets here.”
I mount the stairs, weariness in every step, and climb into bed beside my daughter.
For a few minutes, I study her in her sleep.
We’ve been through so much, and I couldn’t be more proud of how brave and strong she is.
I close my eyes, but sleep eludes me.
I’m not sure how long it is before Patrick slips into the room and gets into bed behind me. He smells fresh from the shower, and I breathe a sigh of relief as his arm reaches over me and Sophie.
He kisses the back of my neck.
