Page 58 of A Chance to Believe

‘Since before then. I took a flat near the hospital while he was there. Once it looked, when we hoped he might come home, I bought a block of land in the suburbs and built a place that would be fully accessible. I still have it. It’s being rented, as I didn’t want it to stand empty when so many people need a home.’

She’d lived in the house she’d built for her fiancé. Except there would have been no memories for her there because he hadn’t lived to join her. She didn’t need his protection, but he wanted to give it to her all the same. Wanted her to need him.

She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, and guilt pinched at him. He’d put her through the wringer with his questions, but they’d had to have this conversation. They had to understand each other if they were going to make something of this relationship.

‘You should head for bed. It’s been a long day.’

Her smile was more of a grimace. ‘You’re not wrong.’

There was a hesitation. Her mouth parted like she had stopped herself from saying something more and he waited, hoping.

‘Would you come with me?’ She made a dismissive gesture with her hand, a graceful wave that made him wonder what she looked like when she was translating. ‘Never mind. It’s not like I can offer you anything to make it worth your while. It was only, I’d prefer not to be alone right now.’

He pressed his hand on her knee, giving it a squeeze. ‘I’d love to. Let me put these things away in the dishwasher and I’ll follow in a few minutes.’

Her eyes widened and her lashes slowly lowered in a blink. ‘That would be nice.’

Nice.He could think of all kinds of other words. But the one that stuck was progress. That she’d asked, even though she’d doubted his willingness, was a big step for her in his mind. She was so independent, even a minor concession was major. ‘I want to be with you. I’ll try not to push, but I’m not saying no if you give me a chance.’

Cassie nodded and let him help her up, saying goodnight to Barney as she left the room. He stacked the plates and headed for the kitchen, working fast. He didn’t want to give her a chance to second guess her invitation.

It took longer than he’d expected. A message from Kimberley asking if she could stay the night with a friend needed clarification. After the conversation a few weeks ago, the question of the friend’s identity was more important than ever.

The door of the annex was slightly ajar, and he entered after knocking, securing the door behind him. Cassie was in bed, her hair still in the braid and wearing one of the oversized t-shirts she favoured, in a vivid pink that looked great with her dark colouring.

Her eyes lingered on him as he stripped off to his undershorts. He could have kept on the Tee but with two of them in the bed, body heat was going to be a thing. It was something he’d noticed during their time together because he wasn’t used to sharing a bed. Hadn’t ever wanted to until Cassie.

They didn’t speak as they settled together, her wrapping herself over the pregnancy cushion, him wrapping around her, one hand resting against her belly where the twins were moving.

Shayne was surprised they didn’t keep her awake, but almost immediately her breathing steadied. Exhaustion will do that to you. Time slipped away while he enjoyed the closeness, the feel of his children moving under his touch. He was dozing off when his phone buzzed, and he muffled a curse as he reached for it. Fathers didn’t enjoy the luxury of ignoring their phone.

It was Ben, bringing home Samson in the horse float. He’d need a hand, so Shayne slithered out of the bed and yanked on his clothes.

‘Are you leaving?’ Her voice was sleepy, half awake.

‘I’m going to unload Samson and put him in his box.’

She shifted, lifting her head. ‘Will you be back?’

‘Do you want me to come back?’

‘Of course. I always want you.’

His throat tightened at the truth she’d revealed. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I’m done. Go to sleep.’

‘Mmm-hmmm.’

The sigh went straight to his chest, wrapping around his heart. He wanted this chance so much. Once, he’d thought another surprise pregnancy would be the worst thing that could happen. Now his gratitude for the opportunity to be with Cassie jangled through his whole body, clamouring for a future he’d never known he wanted.

Chapter 12

‘So. Any time now.’

Cassie glanced over at Shayne. He sounded so calm, his strong fingers light on the steering wheel of the Lexus as they drove into town from Bialga. Doctor Reece had been pleased with everything, even joking about her not needing him after all. He’d put it down to her new low stress lifestyle, commending Shayne on looking after her.

The two men had taken to each other, Shayne taking the opportunity to ask more questions, especially about the birth. The doctor was probably right. Life at Maidens Hill had been the ultimate relaxation holiday, even with the initial tension with Shayne and his family. She felt two hundred per cent on where she’d been when she first arrived. Still, she felt a touch of resentment at his calm acceptance of the imminent birth.

‘Aren’t you nervous?’

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