Lauren squealed at the sight of Cassie. She seemed to have exploded with baby overnight, and had that pregnant waddle going on.
"Don't you dare laugh," she said.
"Where on earth did that come from? I only saw you a few weeks ago."
"Tell me about it. It wasn't that long ago Patrick said I was just starting to show, now I just feel like 90 per cent baby with three months to go."
Lauren laughed. "I hope you're getting lots of rest then. Makes me feel guilty about calling you."
"Don't ever feel that way," Cassie said, shaking her head. "I am always glad to see you. When are you moving, so I can spend more time with you?"
"Actually, I don't know if I'll be going back again. Not for any length of time. I nearly screwed up everything, Cassie. For some reason, Ethan still wants me."
Cassie hugged her. "He wants you because you're awesome. I'm glad he sees what I see. Maybe you'll listen to him."
Lauren led Cassie through the house and out to the backyard where they could sit and have a coffee. It was beautiful at this time of year: the trees had golden leaves and there was a cool breeze wafting through on an otherwise warm day.
"It's lovely out here. I've been here a few times now, but not really out the back. It looks like our yard with the children's play equipment."
Lauren laughed. "I think it's cute Ethan kept it here. His kids used it, and now the grandkids. They're still a little young, but I can see them playing out here more as they get older."
"I'm looking forward to that with this one." Cassie laughed. "I remember Sophie tricking Mark into buying her a swing set. I was so angry that she'd lied to get what she wanted. He would have done anything for her."
"You know I teased him about that. How he might break even on the work he did for you if he stopped buying things like that."
Cassie looked at her coffee cup. "I still think about him a lot. It's so hard not to now I’m pregnant. Mark wanted a baby so much, but it wasn’t meant to be."
"He is still a big part of my thoughts, too. Somehow I think he would approve of what I'm doing, and of Ethan. Don't you dare tell him, but I think Doctor Stone might just be the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Your secret is safe with me," Cassie said laughing. She grimaced.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, the baby is kicking. That was a big one."
Lauren grinned. "Can I feel?"
Cassie nodded. Lauren placed her hand on Cassie's belly, and Cassie guided her to where she could feel the kicks. They sat still for a moment, and when it happened again, Lauren pulled her hand away in fright.
"That is so cool," she said.
"It is now. I'll be sick of it by the time the baby is due. I remember that with Sophie."
"I don't think I'd ever get sick of that," said Lauren.
"You might think that now, but believe me, when you finally fall asleep and you get a kick in the ribs, you'll know all about it."
Lauren laughed. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to belittle your discomfort."
"Maybe one day you'll have one of your own."
"I want a baby. I want a baby so much. Not yet; Ethan and I still have to work through so much and just have time together, but I want a baby of my own, Cassie."
"Talk to Ethan; tell him what you want. He loves you so much."
She nodded. "I will. Oh God, I didn't realise how much I wanted this until now. We're nowhere near ready. We've just gotten back together."
Cassie laughed. "You don't have to tell him you want one now. I just meant that he needs to know it's part of the long-term plan, if that's what you want."
"I do. I really do."
Calling Brad was hard. All those years he'd invested in her made Lauren feel guilty for what she was about to do. Apart from returning to pack her things, she had no intention of going back home for any period of time now. This was her home, where she was removed from all those triggers.
When he answered, she nearly hung up the phone before closing her eyes. This had to be done.
"Hey Brad, it's Lauren."
He sounded surprised. "Uh, hi. Are you okay?"
"I am now." She sighed. "Listen, there's something we need to talk about."
"You're not coming back this time, are you?"
She stared at the wall. How did he know?
"That's right, I'm not. I'm so sorry, Brad. I don't want to let you down."
"Are you safe?"
She struggled to find a response. What kind of question was that?
"Very safe. I'm in Auckland, and with my boyfriend."
"As long as you're safe. You're my friend, and that's what's important. You know I've been worried about you, and that has to come first."
Lauren fought back the tears that were trying to push their way through. "Thank you. I was so worried you'd be angry with me."
"I can't deny finding another you will be a big challenge. We'd all gotten used to each other, and I'll miss seeing that smile in the mornings. But we both knew this day was coming, and if you ever need anything, you call me."
"Okay," she whispered.
In the distance, she heard the front door open as Ethan returned home. Her heart felt as if it were in her throat at the thought of him coming home to her.
"I'll let you go, but we'll talk some more in a few days. Get all the paperwork out of the way so you can start your new life. Good luck. You're an amazing woman. Don't forget, you can do anything."
"Thank you, Brad."
She looked up to see Ethan standing in the doorway, smiling at her. His brow furrowed as he saw the tears in her eyes, and she took a deep breath as she put down the phone.
"I just resigned. I think."
He moved across the room, taking her in his arms.
"I know it's not easy. I know you loved that job."
She nodded. "I did, but I can't be anywhere else right now."
"We'll get there, Lauren. We just have to take each day as it comes."