Page 114 of Growing Into Love

“That’ll be nice, won’t it?”

“It will.” It does feel like kismet, to get to experience all this alongside my best mate.

My phone pings with a message from Theresa on the group thread.

Thanks again for bringing the antihistamine over, Cass! Hoping it helps.

“How is Cass feeling about it all?” Declan asks me.

“She’s been great,” I say. “Better than great. She’s really stepped up. She’s always there when anyone needs anything.”

“That sounds like Cass.” He sips his pint, but his words leave me uncomfortable. It does sound like Cass. She’s always so supportive of everyone.

“She’s going to be a terrific mum,” Declan says softly.

“She says she’ll be the cool aunt,” I say. I think Cass has a hard time considering herself as even a stepmum. I’m happy to call her whatever makes her comfortable.

“Gran’s been telling her stories about our mum, like she asked. It makes me think…” Declan looks down into his drink, his voice uncharacteristically thick with emotion. “I wish Mum were here to meet my kid. To be a gran to me and Autumn’s baby. Dad too. It feels like our family is moving on without them.”

“Oh Dec, no,” I say. “Your family is living onwiththem. This is the new generation of Wrights and they’re just as connected to your mum and dad as you and Virgil and Cass are.”

“Gran’s stories make me remember things,” he says tightly. “Things I’d forgotten. Old memories.” He takes a sharp breath. “She was a really great mum.”

We sip our beers in silence for a moment. Declan’s right—everything at the farmhouse is about to change.

“Oh, did I tell you, Autumn wants to throw a party for Cass’s sanctuary when it’s finished? Because she can’t help herself.”

I chuckle. There’s no occasion Autumn won’t use to throw a do.

“You can invite Craig and Theresa if you want,” he says.

“Thanks, Dec,” I say. “I’m sure they’d love to come.”

“Think Cass will be able to get it all done before the baby arrives?” he asks. “I’ve offered to help but she always snaps at me and insists she can do it herself.”

“Yeah,” I say, remembering her frustration at the fence line. I think I’m beginning to really understand the stress Cass is under. She’s so reliable that I’ve taken it for granted. Her dreams are important too. I know she wants to do this on her own, but there’s no shame in getting support. Fine, she doesn’t want to involve the Oak Hill foundation, but there are other ways to get that fencing.

An idea starts to form in the back of my mind.

“Dec,” I say slowly. “Can you help me with something?”

“Sure,” Declan says. “Whatever you need, Jaz.”

“Hold on,” I say. I take out my phone and text Theresa, not on the group thread this time but privately.

Hey, can I ask for a favor?

A few seconds later, she replies.

Jaz, everything should stay on the group thread.

It’s not about the baby,I say. Then I tell her what I’m planning.

Of course!she replies.Craig and I are happy to help.

I look up at Declan with a big smile on my face.

“What?” he says warily.

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