Reclaiming her ( Forgotten Sons book 1)

Chapter 3

Lacey

A little over eight hours later, and we are pulling into the driveway of my childhood home. The moving truck is already here, and the two guys have already unpacked half of the truck. I'm guessing they didn't make as many stops as my over excited, nine year old needed.

Looking at my daughter, who is asleep in the back-seat, I can't help but smile. " Wakey wakey, Cass, we are here." I say as I gently shake her leg to wake her. Blinking a few times, Cass looks around before opening her door and jumping out impatiently. " Come on, ma, I want to see my room! Pleeaase." She drags the last word out as she makes a begging gesture with her hands. Laughing at how dramatic my daughter can be, I open my door and step out of my car. A strange feeling washes over me as I look at the white, two storey home which holds so many memories for me, some good and some bad.

Pushing my emotions aside, I grab my daughters hand as we make our way up the front steps and into the place that we now call home. The large entry hall is mostly empty except for some of the moving boxes. Continuing on, I show my daughter the lounge, kitchen, and dining room and tell her how we are going shopping for furniture tomorrow, to the nine year old delight.

I had decided to have my parents' things put into storage as I wanted Cassidy and I to make this house our own and not feel like we are just living in my parents' old house. Leading Cassidy up the stairs, I show her the two spare bedrooms first before leading her to my old room. Turning the handle and opening the door, a wave of memories hit me.

Sneaking out to see him.

Trying to be quiet so my parents didn't wake up.

Laying in this very room thinking of him as I did my homework.

Bringing myself back to reality, I look at my little girl, who is now standing in my old room with the biggest smile on her face.

" What do you think?" I ask as she eyes the white and purple walls.

" I love it! This is really my room?" She asks, and I nod.

Living with my aunt, we had our own rooms, but they were very small in comparison to the ones in my parents' house. This room is at least double the size of Cass' old room, which is why I wanted her to have it. " I'm so glad, baby. We can decorate however you like too." I say as she throws her arms around me.

I smile down at my daughter, her green eyes and black hair, making my thoughts drift back to her father. I wonder if he still lives in Blackwater? I wonder if he has a family of his own now? He probably wouldn't even remember me. I mean, girls used to always try to get the bad boys' attention. Surely, after I disappeared, he moved on with someone else. I doubt he would want to know about Cassidy now, not if he had his own wife and kids, a surprise child would just cause problems. I need to forget about him and the fact he could still live here and focus on me and my daughter.

Pushing the negative thoughts down again, I make my way towards the master bedroom, leaving Cass to start unpacking her belongings. Stepping inside the room, which my parents once shared, I am relieved to see everything gone and my bed now the only thing in there. I stand there for a moment before a knock on the door grabs my attention. " Miss Sinclair?" The gruff mover calls from my bedroom door. " We are done and just about to head out. If you could, please just sign here." The man says as he hands me a clipboard and pen. Walking the man out, I thank him and his co-worker before heading back inside.

Looking at the time, I decided to order a pizza, knowing it's too late to go food shopping tonight. Twenty minutes later and our dinner arrived. Sitting on the lounge room floor, Cass and I eat our dinner like a picnic while watching our favourite talent competition on television. Between contestants, we talk about what furniture we want to buy tomorrow. I'm not sure I agree with her idea of a rainbow couch, but I probably would have wanted the same thing at her age.

Once the food is gone and the show has finished, I tell Cass to get ready for bed while I tidy up. Quickly, I throw the pizza box in the trash before washing the few dishes and cups we used, setting them on the drying rack once I'm done.

Pulling out my phone, I sent a text message to my friend Tara, who has always stayed in contact with me over the years. To check, she is still happy to come with us tomorrow. When I had originally told her we were moving back, she was so happy and offered to come furniture shopping with us.

Tara replies almost immediately, saying she can't wait and will be here at nine so that we can drive there in one car. Putting my phone back into my pocket, I head upstairs to see if my girl is ready for bed. Opening the door to her room, I find Cassidy already laying in bed, ready for me to tuck her in. Sitting next to her, I pull the covers up before kissing her forehead gently. Stroking her hair, I sing the same song that I do every night, the sound of Cass snoring echoing round the room before I've even finished the first line. All the excitement of the move clearly catching up on her. Finishing the song, I give her one last kiss before tiptoeing out of her room, hoping she doesn't wake up.

Once I'm safely in my room, I make my way into the ensuite and turn on the shower while I get undressed. Stepping under the hot water, I let the day wash away before hopping out and getting dry. Walking back into my room, I pull out an oversized t shirt and put it on. Climbing into bed, I let the tiredness take over as I close my eyes, drifting off into a peaceful slumber.