But this one was different.
The moment we stood on the street in Cobble Hill and looked at the stretch of newly developing homes surrounded by tall trees and open sky, it felt right. It reminded me of Cowichan Bay, but it also carried the promise of something new.
A new beginning.
A clean start for both of us.
Exactly what we needed.
Jiya had been especially drawn to the idea of building a new house instead of moving into one already filled with someoneelse’s memories. She had told me that a fresh house felt symbolic.
I could not have agreed more.
I love you, Cole.
I had finally heard the most precious words from her, and the next morning, she agreed to move into the new house with me.
Even now, the memory of her saying she loved me stayed with me, as vivid and overwhelming as the moment itself.
I hadn’t been fully asleep when she said them. I had felt her arm draped across me and heard the soft whisper meant only for the darkness. I had stayed still, barely breathing, not wanting to break the honesty of that moment. It had felt too rare, too precious, to interrupt.
Now, as we stood together on the empty lot where our future house would eventually rise, the cool breeze brushed against us as construction crews worked on nearby properties.
“Are you sure about this?” Jiya asked me, her voice thoughtful as she studied the plans in her hands. “It will take another eight months to get ready.”
I looked at her and smiled. “I’m happy if you are. I’m in no rush at all.” Leaning down, I kissed her cheek.
Eight months did not feel like a long time when I thought about what we were building together.
Later that evening, we gathered everyone in the living room and spread the house plans across the table so the children and Geeta could see them.
Lucas leaned over the drawings immediately, his curious eyes examining every detail.
Emma sat beside him, mostly fascinated by the colourful shapes and lines rather than understanding what they meant.
Geeta stood behind them, smiling quietly as she listened to us explain.
“This will be the kitchen,” I said, pointing to the layout. “And over here is the backyard.”
Lucas’s eyes widened. “Will I have to change my school, Mama?” he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Jiya reached over and gently rubbed his shoulder. “No, honey,” she said reassuringly. “You won’t have to do that.”
Lucas looked at the plans again before breaking into a huge grin. “Then it’s perfect, Mama!”
Before either of us could react, he threw his arms around both of us, squeezing tightly.
I wrapped one arm around him while Jiya held him close on the other side.
The idea of the future no longer felt uncertain.
It felt like home.
“I want to sell the apartment,”I said, a week later.
Jiya looked up at me immediately. “I thought you wanted to move together into the new house?”
“I do,” I replied, walking toward her slowly. “But I thought I’d practice in this house first.” I stopped in front of her. “What do you think?”
