Page 29 of Finding Forgiveness

Cassie falls into his embrace, and he hugs her tight. For some reason, their reunion has a lump rising to the back of my throat. I’m happy for her and relieved to know she has at least one decent parent, but I’m still going to blame my emotional reaction on sleep deprivation.

“What are you doing here?” she asks.

“I flew home as soon as I got the news. I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner; I had no idea you were in the hospital.”

“You know how Mum gets sometimes.”

“I do. Her constant need to control the narrative can be a bit much at times. I’m sure in her own way, she thought she was doing the right thing. My job is important to me, but it’s not as important as you are. I hope you know that, baby girl. I know I’ve been absent from your life a lot, but if I knew things were as bad as they were between the two of you, I would’ve checked in on you more often.” He draws back and looks down at her. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she says, nodding.

“And being here is what you want?”

“Yes.”

I release the breath I didn’t realise I was holding when she answers him.

He nods once. “Okay. I packed up some more of your things just in case,” he says, pointing to the suitcases his driver wheeled up to the porch.

“Thank you.”

“I can have the rest brought over at a later date.”

“I’m moving to Sydney,” she tells him. “I’m flying out later today.”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll support you. I just want you to be happy.”

For some reason, Cassie’s eyes dart to me before she focuses back on her father. “I am,” is all she says.

“That’s all I needed to know. Will you keep in contact with me?”

“I will. Mum took my phone, but once I get on my feet, I’ll buy a new one and send you the number.”

“That reminds me,” he says, reaching into the pocket of his suit jacket. He pulls out her phone and hands it to her. “You might need to block your mother’s number until things settle down a bit.”

“I will.”

He then reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulls out an envelope. “Here.”

“What’s that?”

“Just some money to tide you over. Open up a new bank account when you get to Sydney and send me your details and I’ll wire you some more.”

“Actually,” she says, pushing the envelope back towards him. “I’m almost twenty-two and I think it’s about time I start to stand on my own two feet. I’m going to look for a job when I get to Sydney.”

Both her father and I smile at that. I honestly think it will do her the world of good. “Take it, pumpkin, please. I’ll feel better knowing you have money if you need it. What about your car?”

“I’ll buy a new one when I can afford it.”

“That will take some time. You’ll need to be able to get around … especially if you’re working. I’ll have the car changed into your name and get it shipped to you.”

“But—”

“It’s your car. I bought it for you. If it will make you feel better you can pay for the insurance and registration going forward … although, I’m more than happy to do it.”

“Mum won’t be happy about that.”

“Leave her to me.”