“I think so too. And he’s a good man.” I kiss her temple. “When you’re ready, I’ll help you up so you can feed this little one and then if you want I’ll take you upstairs to have a shower.”
“That sounds like bliss.” She smiles, and love overwhelms me.
It used to be that all I had was work, but now my life is so full that it’s a lot to take in.
And it’s all thanks to Cassie.
EPILOGUE
CASSIE
My life is so full.
Today’s our first wedding anniversary.
Our girls are with Patrick’s mother and for the first time since Charlotte was born, we get a whole night alone.
I’m so grateful for this life with Patrick’s parents being a close part of our family.
Since we’ve been back together, Jane has stepped in as a surrogate mother to me. I didn’t realise how much I’ve missed that figure in my life—I haven’t had anyone in the position since Gran died.
But she loves our girls fiercely, as does Brian, and any opportunity they get to spend time with them, they grab with both hands.
Sophie loves having her grandparents around. They spoil her rotten, but she’s still the same grounded girl that I raised for all those years. I’m so very proud of her.
We see lots of Lauren as well. She’s had her struggles, butshe lives with Ethan now and she’s happier than I’ve seen her in a very long time. Mark’s death hit her very hard, but I’m confident that she will be stronger as a result.
Ethan adores her, and she might just finally end up with the family she always wanted.
“Happy anniversary, babe.” Patrick kisses me softly. He hands me a large envelope.
I open it and pull a large brochure out. “An Auckland University Prospectus? What’s this for?”
He smiles. “Applications open soon for the next medical intake. I think you should apply.”
“I think I’m a little bit too old to go back to school.”
Patrick shakes his head. “I want you to live your dream. I got the career I wanted, and now it’s your turn.”
I shake my head. “But Charlotte and Sophie …”
“Will be fine. You missed out on so much, and it’s not fair.”
“Patrick.” Tears well in my eyes. “I never thought I’d get the chance.”
He runs his thumb down my cheek. “Whatever you need, I’ll do it. I want you to be able to spread your wings.”
I place the Prospectus on the coffee table. “I’ll think about it. Now, aren’t you taking me out somewhere nice for dinner?”
He grins. “I had other ideas.”
“I know what your ideas are like. I want to go out for dinner instead of cooking.”
Patrick laughs. “We’re going out. But I thought we might replicate our first date.”
I frown. “Replicate our first date? We didn’t really go anywhere. You kind of just invited me into your bed.”
“Not that first date. Ourfirstfirst date. Burger and a movie. I believe that Marvel have a new movie out.”
