Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Cassandra’s POV

"That's wonderful news aunt Caroline. I'm so glad that Avery's expecting. You should go and look after her," I told her, holding her hand reassuringly. I was genuinely happy for Avery. Although we didn't get much time to catch up with each other these days, she was still my best friend. In fact, ever since I moved in here, Aunt Caroline and Avery was my family. Aunt Caroline glanced at Julian briefly as if she knew that I wouldn't mind her going away.

"I don't want to leave you alone and struggling with Max, dear," she said in a concerned voice. I smiled at her warmly knowing that I wouldn't be alone at all. I would now definitely move in with Julian and was looking forward to it in fact.

"Don't worry about me. I'll manage," I said reassuringly but she shook her head. She knew that I had to go to work and I needed someone to take care of Max all day. With my limited pay, keeping him in a creche was not even an option for me. I couldn't afford it.

"With your hectic schedule, how will you live here all alone?" She asked, her face full of worry. I sighed and before I could come up with a solution, Julian cleared his throat and we both turned to look at him.

"She and Max can move in with me," said Julian, his face brightening up suddenly and he grinned at me. I was stunned at the ease with which he could just say what was on our minds for so long. I was too shy and tongue-tied to tell Aunt Caroline. Thankfully the job was done and I looked at aunt Caroline expectantly, my face coloring a little with embarrassment.

"That's a fantastic idea. Yes, please, Cassie and Max should move into your house immediately. Then I will feel relieved and can go to Avery's house without feeling worried," aunt Caroline said smiling happily. I released the breath that I had been unconsciously holding, relieved that aunt Caroline had given me her permission. Although I didn't show much yet in my heart I had been wanting to stay with Julian. Ever since our outing, I had been missing him extremely and I knew that Max had too.

"Okay, but after Anna's wedding," I said to Julian as he nodded. I smiled and sat back, relaxing a little now. Julian winked at me when aunt Caroline glanced at Max who was playing with a toy train set.

"Will we take Max also to the wedding?" Julian asked as Max went to him and sat down on his lap with his toy train. Julian stroked his hair away from his face absent-mindedly and I felt a pull at my heartstrings at his gesture. I looked at aunt Caroline, not knowing what to do. I loved Max and would love to take him along but I was afraid of the judgemental remarks that people threw at us.

"Max can stay with me and Avery if you want," offered Aunt Caroline. I smiled with relief knowing that Max loved Avery as well as aunt Caroline. He would be happier there than amongst strangers at the wedding. I couldn't avoid the wedding because of Julian but I would take Max along only after having a talk with Julian's parents.

"Are you sure you won't be taking him along? It's three days, how will he stay without Cassie for three days?" asked Julian concerned.

"I want to take him along, but I don't want your extended family to judge me at the wedding and embarrass mom and dad," I said as Julian thought for a moment. He seemed to understand that I did have a point.

"In that case, I can ask my housekeeper Nora to look after Max and stay with you at Avery's house, so that you can be free to take care of Avery too, aunt Caroline," Julian told aunt Caroline as she nodded her head. It made me feel relieved that aunt Caroline wouldn't be overloaded with Avery as well as Max to take care of.

"That would be great, I can do with a little help. My sister's granddaughter would also be visiting, so he can play with her," she said as I contemplated whether leaving Max would be a good idea. This is the last time I would leave him. I would talk to Julian's family after the wedding. I was sure they would accept Max just like mom, dad and gran did. I sighed, still feeling guilty.

"Just this once aunt Caroline. After the wedding I will talk to everyone, and tell them about Max," I said with tears in my eyes. I just couldn't accept the fact that I was about to leave my baby and go on a three-day trip. Did that make me a bad mom? Aunt Caroline seemed to understand my mental battle. Ever since Max had been born, I had never left him alone apart from going to work. I didn't go to parties, I didn't have any friends.

"It's alright honey, I can always look after Max. What are grandmothers for? Don't you know how attached he is to me? He wouldn't even miss you, I can give you my word. So relax and for the first time, live a little," She said as she smiled widely at me. She silently communicated to Julian about something I failed to figure out. I nodded at her with a sigh.

"Cheer up. I'm sure Max won't mind if his mom and dad enjoyed it a little. Would you Max?" asked aunt Caroline. Max looked up at her and nodded.

"Yesss," he said, not understanding a word. We all laughed at his innocent ways.

"No, Max, say you won't mind," coaxed aunt Caroline.

"Yessss," squealed Max, making Julian laugh and get up to chase him.

"Say no, else Dad will tickle you," threatened Julian while I chuckled at their antics.

"No, No, Daddy, pwease," said Max, rolling with laughter before Julian could tickle him.