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Sarah’s hand comes up and cups my cheek.

“It has,” she agrees. “I have your number. Is it okay to call?”

I can’t keep the smile from my face, knowing that is what I want. I want this. I didn’t realise how much I needed it.

“Most definitely,” I reply.

Mason is waiting for us by the kerb. More hugs and a few more tears and we make it back on the road.

Caleb takes my hand in his.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been run over by a lorry—several times. But I’m on the mend,” I tell him honestly. I’m emotionally drained but in a good way. “Thank you for being here. For having my back,” I say, leaning up and pressing my lips to his.

“I would not have been anywhere else,” he says.

“You surprise me every day,” I tell him honestly.

“Good. That way, you’ll never get bored with me,” he says, pulling me into his arms and deepening our kiss.

CHAPTER 68

APRIL

Moving day.

Samuel, Dan, Caleb, Gabriel, Scarlett, and Seb, with Leah and baby Callum, directing proceedings from the corner. Harper turns up with a moving-in hamper filled with delicious treats and a couple of bottles of champagne.

“What?” she says, looking at her brother. “There are eight of us. One bottle will never be enough.”

Caleb shakes his head, and I laugh at the siblings.

“We’re supposed to be working,” he says, grabbing another box of something and thrusting it into his sister’s arms.

I look around, realising there are a lot of boxes being brought in. Especially seeing I lost everything I owned in the fire.

“Where have all these boxes come from?” I ask, grabbing the scissors and opening the latest one Seb has placed on the side.

Caleb looks at me, his gaze not quite meeting mine. “Caleb?” I say.

“When we went shopping, I made a note of all the thingsyou liked—throws, pillows. And all the things you’d need. Pots, pans, coffee machine.”

I pull open the box and recognise the beautiful faux fur throw I saw when we were shopping. It feels more like a weighted blanket. I did not realise he saw me eyeing it up. Cal had been on his phone.

I drag the blanket out of the box and hug it to me. “It’s…” I stare at the thoughtful man in front of me. “Thank you.”

I’ve learned over the weeks and months to accept his gifts. It’s something he loves to do. I reach up and place a kiss on his lips. “I love it.”

His grin says it all. Twenty more boxes appear, each with their own surprise. Pillows for the sofa, another throw for the enormous bed, Caleb insisted on buying me as it matches his. His argument being he intends to stay over in comfort.

Plates, glasses, cutlery. The list goes on. Kat has sent an enormous bouquet delivered in a beautiful vase.

Enjoy your new home.

I included the vase, as I assumed you wouldn’t have one yet.

Looking forward to your housewarming