Page 108 of The Island Villa

“This has been a terrible shock for Cassie. I’ve ruined all her illusions about romance.”

“Maybe.” Adeline looked thoughtful. “But maybe it’s not a bad thing to see more clearly. You might have done her a favor. Let’s see.”

Catherine had a feeling that Adeline knew something that she didn’t, but she didn’t press.

“Whatever happens, she’ll have you to talk to, and that’s good.”

Adeline pulled her hand away and smiled. “I don’t think I’m an expert on romance. I leave that to you and Cassie.” She stood up. “You must be exhausted and I know Dad will want to see you again, so I’ll let him come in now and we can talk again later.” She hesitated and then leaned down and kissed her mother lightly on the cheek.

It was the first spontaneous gesture of affection she’d shown her in a long time and Catherine felt something bloom in her chest. Hope.

It was a start, and hopefully it would grow from here.

She reached up and hugged her daughter tightly. “I’m proud of you. I hope you know that. And I know you don’t need a mother,” she said. “You’re too old for that. But I’m hoping you have room in your life for a friend.”

“I’ll always need a mother.” Adeline’s voice was husky and for a moment they stayed like that, each of them adjusting to the shift in emotions. And then they both heard the door opening and there was Andrew standing there with Cassie.

“They say you’ll be able to go home in a couple of hours,” he said to Catherine, “so Cassie and I thought we’d go and grab a coffee, spend a bit of time together, and then come back and pick you up once you’re ready.”

Catherine felt a rush of love and gratitude. She didn’t have to worry about him building a relationship with Cassie because she knew he’d take care of that. And she had an instinct that they’d get on well once that initial awkwardness passed. Cassie might yet find herself with that father figure that had always been missing from her life.

Andrew gave Adeline a meaningful look. “Stefanos is waiting to take you home, Addy.”

Catherine saw her daughter’s cheeks glow pink. Interesting.

“I thought I’d wait with you,” Adeline said.

“No sense in us all waiting around here now that we know your mother will be fine.” He waved a hand dismissively. “Cassie will drive us.”

“If you’re sure.” Adeline walked to the door. “I’ll have my phone on.”

“We won’t be calling. Relax. Have fun.”

Adeline left and Catherine saw Cassie and Andrew exchange a grin, as if they were both in on a secret that no one else shared.

Catherine shifted position, trying to get comfortable. “Have you two been matchmaking?”

“Maybe,” Cassie said. “A little. I’m afraid we were horribly obvious.”

“You were obvious.” Andrew said. “I was subtle.”

“Subtle? You asked him if he could take Adeline home, and then suggested that his place might make a nice change of scene.”

Catherine laughed, enjoying the exchange. “Did you really say that?”

“He really did.” Cassie walked across the room and perched on the edge of the bed. “But Stefanos didn’t seem at all flustered so hopefully we haven’t blown it for her.”

Hopefully not.

Stefanos and Adeline. Maria would be pleased if something happened between them.

But Catherine wasn’t going to comment on it. She wasn’t going to interfere.

She wasn’t in a position to give anyone advice on their love life.

It had taken her this long and a lot of missteps along the way to finally know what she wanted, and now she had it.

Andrew. And her girls.

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