Chapter Ten

Cassie finally arrived home, her mind buzzing with the good news Natalie had shared with her earlier. As she stepped through the door, she couldn't shake the excitement that tingled in her veins. The weight of the day's worries seemed to lift off her shoulders, replaced by a buoyant sense of anticipation for what lay ahead. She hurriedly kicked off her shoes and made her way further into the house, eager to share the news with Anderson and bask in the warmth of their shared joy.

Intrigued, Cassie found a box in the parlor. Inside were old letters and photos. She discovered a letter from Anderson's mother, written on his birthday years ago. Tears filled Cassie's eyes as she read the heartfelt words from someone who loved him deeply.

Determined to make this birthday one to remember, Cassie set about decorating the house with balloons and streamers, setting the table with his favorite dishes and pouring his preferred drink. She wanted nothing more than to bring a smile to Anderson's face