Page 47 of Letting Go of Yesterday

‘This is so yummy,’ Theo announced as he swallowed another bite. ‘Please can I have a cake like this for my birthday, Mum?’

‘Of course you can, sweetheart.’ Rowan stroked Nathalia’s cheek as she spoke, the baby’s eyelids flickering in response.

‘And I already know exactly what I’m going to wish for.’ Theo speared another piece of cake with his fork.

‘Don’t tell us what it is, or it won’t come true.’ Heather smiled at the boys. ‘That’s what I told you, wasn’t it, Leo?’

‘Yes, and that definitely works, ’cos I think my wish has already come true.’ He shot a look towards where Rowan was sitting, with Nathan’s arm draped around her shoulders.

‘Already?’ Will tilted his head to one side. ‘That is impressive. So are you going to tell us what it was now then?’

‘When you said I was getting a sister, it wasn’t really what I wanted.’ Leo wrinkled his nose.

‘But she’s so cute.’ Heather looked a little bit crestfallen, but then Leo nodded.

‘She is and I’m really glad we’ve got her now, but I still kind of wanted a brother. But then I thought if I can’t have a brother, maybe I could have a cousin.’ Leo shot another look at his uncle. ‘Except a baby wouldn’t be that much fun to play with, not like Theo and I thought maybe he could be my cousin, if Uncle Nathan marries his mum. So that’s what I wished for.’

Everyone laughed and Will ruffled his son’s hair. ‘Well, I wouldn’t say that’s quite come true yet, but there’s definitely progress. Good work, buddy.’

‘I think I might change what I’m going to wish for.’ Theo exchanged a knowing look with his best friend, making them all laugh again.

‘As it happens, it’s my birthday next month too.’ Nathan trailed his fingers down Rowan’s arm and she let out a small sigh of contentment. Sitting in the heart of this cosy kitchen, amongst so many people she cared about, she suddenly felt enveloped in love. It might be far too soon to be thinking about forever, but she knew without a shadow of a doubt that this was the best second chance any of them could have asked for and she couldn’t wait to find out just how many wishes might come true.

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