Page 30 of Lily, Unwritten

“I’m sorry too,” I said. “I wasn’t trying to mislead you.”

“I know. I shouldn’t have asked you to give up like that. I know what these cases are like, it doesn’t matter who the other side is. Just… please promise me you’ll speak to me if anything is wrong?” Zack asked, his eyes soft.

“I promise. Same for you.” I wanted him to feel the trust between us. “This house looks amazing. I’m excited!”

He grinned. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one. Let’s go.”

Half an hour later we stood in the amazing open plan kitchen, looking up at the skylights which slid open when the wall switch was pressed. The estate agent had slunk away to let us talk and explore.

I wrapped my arms around Zack’s waist. “It’s scarily perfect.”

“I agree.” He kissed the top of my head.

“This could be our forever home.”

“Are you ready for forever?”

I placed a kiss on Zack’s lips. “Trust me to work on this case. I know my job isn’t as big as yours, but it means a lot to me. Trust me on this, and I’ll tell Cassie the egg donation is a no. Then as soon as we’re married, those eggs are all yours, I promise. If that doesn’t sound gross?” I giggled with nerves.

Zack smiled at me; his face relaxing. “Well, if we bought this house, we don’t need to view all those others at the weekend, which, means we could concentrate on wedding plans.”

I closed my eyes as I rested my head against him. “Definitely. Let’s do it.”

Zack lifted me up and kissed my neck, making me laugh. “I’ll go find the agent.”

I wandered around the house while they talked, taking it all in. It was perfect, Edwardian, and beautifully maintained. The four bedrooms were all bright and airy, and it would be a perfect place for entertaining family and friends. I smiled to myself as I pictured a large Christmas tree in the wide hall, real of course, spreading the smell of pine throughout the downstairs. The kitchen was huge and had a double oven. I imagined myself baking bigger and better cakes, double batches of brownies, rocky road…

We could definitely do forever here.

After negotiation back and forth, our offer was accepted; totally at the top end of our budget, but we knew this was a place we could stay forever. Well, for three kids at least!

Zack was desperate to go to the football with his dad on Saturday, which made this a good time to go and talk to Cassie. I was, however, dreading hurting her with the finality of this decision. Although she already knew it was more than likely a no, this was the final no.

She kissed me on the lips when she opened her front door, taking me by complete surprise as I burst into laughter. “Your house is gorgeous,” she screeched. “I can’t wait to come round.”

“It’ll take a couple of months, but yeah, it’s incredible.” I handed her the wine I’d brought with me. “I need to drive back, it’s all yours.”

“Have one with me then I’ll make you all the coffee you desire.” I followed her through to the garden, and we sat in the sunshine.

“Where are Guy and the kids?” I asked.

“They’ll be back soon, gone to visit his mum. I was far more interested in seeing you.” She moved forwards in her seat, and I knew what she wanted to discuss.

“Why didn’t you tell me Luke had a girlfriend?” I blurted it out without warning. That wasn’t even what I’d intended to say next.

“How do you… Doesn’t matter. I just didn’t think you’d want to know. Not the kind of news I’m going to ring and tell you while you’re eating lunch with Zack, is it? I don’t know how serious they are.”

I shrugged. “I want him to be happy, so it’s good news, I guess…”

Cassie took hold of my hand. “Sweetheart, you’ve got the fanciest engagement ring I ever saw, you’re buying an amazing house, and Zack literally worships you. Just enjoy it. Don’t waste all this happiness.”

“I’m not. Some times are just harder than others. There’s something I need to tell you.”

Cassie swallowed back her emotions. “I’m expecting it, don’t worry.”

“He just… He doesn’t get it, and I need to respect what he wants. If I was the only option in the world, it might be different, but there’s lots of places to try. And I’ll help you every step of the way.”

Cassie burst into tears, and I pulled her into a tight hug. I felt like the worst friend in the world. “I’m sorry, Cassie,” I said, as I kissed the top of her head. Her fine, blonde hair tickled at my face.

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