“Are you okay? You’ve been staring at that cup of coffee for at least ten minutes.”

Lily’s voice knocks me out of my stupor, and I look up and smile at her.

“I’m fine. Just got a lot on my mind.”

“Do you want me to get Adam? I know he’s in the middle of an engine rebuild, but I’m pretty sure his brother is more important than that.”

I shake my head. “Nah. I came to have coffee with my favourite sister-in-law, and I’m sorry if I’m flaking out.”

She leans over, grasping my hand. It’s funny how things change so quickly. Three weeks ago, my body would have reacted to her touch.

It’s actually a relief for her hand on mine to not affect me.

“What’s going on?” Her blue eyes search mine as she releases my hand.

I swore to do everything I could to protect Constance, but I know I can trust Lily. For years, we’ve confided in each other as friends. “I’ve met someone.”

A smile spreads across Lily’s face. “Is that good? Bad? You’re so hard to read sometimes.”

“I think it’s good.” I avert my gaze. “It is good.” Reaching out, I take a sip of my coffee.

“Tell me about her.”

I can’t help but smile thinking about Constance. “She’s feisty. She gives as good as she gets. And she’s sweet. Really sweet.”

“Sounds lovely,” Lily says.

“She is. We haven’t known each other that long, but I really like her.” I take another sip of coffee. “She’s younger than me, only twenty-two, which worries me a bit, but the heart wants what it wants, right?”

Lily grins. “How long have you known her? You haven’t mentioned her before.”

“About three weeks.”

Her eyebrows creep up. “Three weeks?”

“How long was it that you and Adam knew? You were kids, but you were practically tied to each other as soon as you met.”

She laughs. “I guess you’re right.”

“I just have to keep her safe.”

“What do you mean?”

I sigh. “She’s from next door.”

Lily’s eyes widen. “You mean …?”

“She came through the fence one night about three weeks ago with nothing but the clothes she was wearing.”

Lily’s mouth falls open. “What did the police say?”

“I haven’t told them.”

She sits back in her seat. “Corey. She could help them put Ash Harris away.”

“Maybe, but I don’t want her interrogated. There’s not a lot she knows about whatever Ash is up to.”

Lily nods. “I’m not surprised. But there might be something she does know that could help. You have to tell Graham about her. Why isn’t she with you?”

“She hasn’t left the house yet. Well, she has, but she had a fall and hurt her ankle.”

“So she’s been stuck in your house for three weeks?”

I nod. “She’s happy. I think she’s scared that if she goes out, Ash will see her, and he’ll try something.”

“She must be terrified.”

I sigh. “I can see the fear in her face when she talks about it. I promised her I’d keep her safe.”

“You can’t let her live like this.” She lets out a loud breath. “Tell you what. I’ll get some of my clothes together so she’s got something to wear, and I’ll drive her to Carlstown to get new clothes myself.”

“That might be a lot for Constance to deal with.”

Lily cocks her head. “I know you want to protect her, but you can’t smother her while you do it. She’s never been free to dress the way she wants, to live her life the way she needs to.”

“You’re telling me I have to let go of her, aren’t you?”

She shakes her head. “No. But I am telling you that she’ll need more than to be trapped inside your house wearing your things. She needs to find herself to live a full life.”

“How’d you get to be so wise?”

“It wasn’t until I came here with Adam that I felt free. Maybe before then I had all the freedom to do what I wanted, but for many years I struggled. I was trapped in a world I couldn’t see my way out of.” She licks her lips. “My circumstances might have been different to Constance’s, but I think I can relate to her. And she’s so much younger than I am.”

I fist my hands under the table to squeeze out the stress. I can’t pretend that the age gap between Constance and me hasn’t played on my mind. But at the same time, we seem to be bridging it just fine.

“If she’s okay with it, you can come over and take her shopping. I’ll give you some money.”

Lily nods.

“She’s got nothing. Literally just the dress and boots she wore when she arrived. She had to leave in a hurry, and she had nothing planned on the other side. So, I’m it.”

With a sigh, she nods. “I really feel for her. We’ll shop for some bargains and get as much value for money as we can. Might as well grab her as many things as we can while you’re paying.”

I chuckle. “Whatever you ladies decide is best. I just want her to be happy.”

“You really do like her.” Her eyes shine with joy.

“It’s a bit more than that. No. A lot more than that. But she’s been through so much.”

“Want my advice?”

“Please.”

“Let her come to you. I know you’re not patient at the best of times, but if she shares your feelings, she’ll tell you when she’s brave enough. Or she’ll give you a sign. Just pay attention.”

Nodding, I reach for her hand. “Thank you. I really don’t know what I’d do without having you to talk to.”

“You’d work it out. You are the second smartest Campbell boy, after all.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Who’s the smartest?”

She grins. “Adam, of course. He picked me.”

I laugh as she gives my hand a squeeze and lets go. “I’m sure you’re right.”

The whole way home, all I can think about is what Lily said. Maybe I need to let Constance come to me.

Maybe I need to let her go and hope to hell she comes back.