Page 69 of A Chance to Believe

‘I can deal with my mother.’

‘I know. I also know she only wants what is best for her children. I can understand that so much more now I’m a parent.’

‘What do you think is best for our children?’

‘A supportive family, and where possible, all parents involved in their lives. They could have that here.’

‘You’ll stay?’

‘Not only that, but I’m also prepared to make Dawn happy and marry you. If you still want me.’

His skin prickled with moisture as his heart galloped, hammering against his ribs. ‘If … It’s what I’ve wanted from the start. I didn’t want to compromise your choices. That’s the only reason I backed off. What made you change your mind?’

‘I love you. It doesn’t really matter what format it takes. In the end, I want to be with you. Only with you.’ She gave a little snort. ‘And Kimberley, our Freddie and Aaron, your parents and grandmother, uncles and aunts and cousins who’ll be reckoned by the dozen. And Parker. He’s a big plus in the equation.’

A lightness settled in his aching chest. ‘You’re marrying me for Parker?’

‘Food is very important to me.’

‘I’ll give him a raise.’ Aaron nuzzled at Cassie’s breast, expelling little bubbles of sound. ‘Seems like you aren’t the only one interested in food.’

She glanced at the clock. ‘He’s going to be the picky eater.’

‘Do you want me to leave?’

‘No.’ She reached out to touch his knee. ‘Stay.’

‘Always.’

Epilogue

Cassie looked across at the Maidens Hill swimming pool, full of people. She’d been surprised that the children had wanted to swim, despite it being heated. The evenings were cooling off fast and the sun was dropping already.

Even as the thought crossed her mind, Shayne was ordering everyone out. He looked so adorable, with six-week-old Aaron in a pouch on his chest. She knew he loved both twins, but somehow the weaker Aaron had brought out the nurturer in him.

She’d seen fathers who went into denial if their child was less than perfect. Shayne had gone full on, taking the lead with the extra time Aaron needed. In those first few days, there’d been talk of taking him to Brisbane, but under Shayne’s unremitting care, he’d rallied. The doctors had done their part, of course. But Shayne had barely left the hospital in those early days. He’d talked to him, touched him with gentle fingers, as if reassuring him he wasn’t alone. He’d been the one who’d found the pouch so there could be skin to skin touch when Cassie was busy with Freddie. Now it was a guaranteed way to help him settle.

Freddie had been ready to come home after only a week, but Aaron had needed longer. He hadn’t come home until almost the original birth date. Not that they’d come back to Maidens Hill until his discharge. Dawn had opened her home to them so they could be five minutes away from the hospital at all times.

Cassie had been nervous at first, staying with her parents-in-law, but it had given her a new appreciation of Dawn’s capabilities.

Becca stretched on the lounger beside her, smothering a yawn. ‘You must be pleased to be home?’

Cassie nodded, giving Freddie in the bouncer a small nudge to keep him rocking gently. He’d not long been fed, so he was sated, lying like a frog with a smear of milk at the corner of his rosebud mouth.

‘It seemed like forever, but Dawn finished the renovations in super-fast time, so it was easy.’

Becca was sitting at ease, sipping a cup of tea. Her older children had taken charge of little Sam and she’d collapsed on the chair with a groan. ‘I don’t know how I ever managed with two. One is exhausting enough.’

‘I’m only getting used to having the two at the same time now. It was weird having Freddie with me all the time and having to spend time at the hospital with Aaron. We did it in shifts, but it felt all sorts of wrong.’

‘I remember. Edward was the tricky one out of our pair. I ended up alone in Brisbane for weeks and hated it.’

‘Shayne was so determined we were going to stay here without splitting up the family. He put Doctor Reece on the spot, but they came to a compromise.’

Becca laughed. ‘I heard the hospital scored some new equipment.’

‘It wasn’t really bribery. The hospital will use it for any preemies or sick babies in the future.’

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