He reaches for me and gives me another hug. “I couldn’t be anywhere else. You’re all safe, and that’s all that matters.”
I look around the room. This is it. I can see us living here and making a life.
“And then we find my dad?” Noah’s voice is full of hope.
I nod. “Then we find your father and I’ll tell him about you.”
His brow furrows. “Do you think he’ll want to get to know me?”
God, I hope so.
Reaching up, I cup his cheek. “Of course he will. How could he not? I’m ready for him to be angry at me, but you have the chance to get to know him.”
“I can’t wait.” He pecks me on the forehead. “We should get out of here and grab the kids. Do you want to tell them about the house?”
“You can if you want.”
Noah grins. “You know me too well.”
“I know you love your sisters and brother, and the four of you can work out which rooms belong to who. That’s if you’re staying with us?”
“Do you really think I’d abandon you?”
I shake my head. “It’s long past the time you should have gone and lived your life. It’s not that I don’t want you around. There’ll always be a room for you to come home to.”
He gives me another quick hug. “We should get out of here. Candace is waiting.”
“Let’s get going. Once we’re home, I’ll give the lawyer a call and talk to him about it.”
“This is so exciting, Mum.”
“I’m just glad I get to share it with you.” I tilt my head toward the door. “Come on.”
When we reach the front door, Candace is standing just outside. She smiles a tentative smile at me.
“What do you think?” she asks.
“I’d like to make an offer.”
She beams. “Great. It’s such a big, beautiful house.”
“I’ll be in touch later this afternoon. I have to go and pick up my kids from school. It’s their first day.”
Candace holds her hand out and I give it a shake. “Sounds good. I’ll hear from you.”
“Thank you.”
And as we walk back to the car, a wave of pride hits me.
I did it.
I’ve sold the home that held so much pain and found a much cheaper, bigger house that will be our forever home.
Our future is so bright.
Six
Emma
