In the reflection of the mirror she saw Tam walking in, glancing around the room. "Can I keep this stuff?" She looked around and grinned when she spotted the shelf of stuffed toys.
"Sure. Keep what you want and ditch the rest." Rooney walked over and patted the bed, sitting down on the floral cover she had loved as a teenager. "Once we get settled we might be able to change things for you. You know, put up fresh wall paper and get you a new bedspread if that's what you want."
"I kind of like it how it is. For now anyway." Tam looked at her mother expectantly. "Can I go down to the kitchen and get a biscuit. I'm hungry and thirsty and she said I could."
"Sure, but her name is Essie and remember your manners."
She watched the child skip out of the room and listened as the footsteps sounded all the way down to the bottom before standing up. Rooney wiped her palms on the legs of her jeans and walked to the door. She walked out into the hallway and took slow steps toward her mother's room, pausing outside the door before lifting her hand. The door knob was cool to the touch and Rooney turned it, waiting for the small click just before it gave. With determination, she pushed the door open and looked inside from where she stood.
The lingering scent of old fashioned roses hit her first. The perfume brought back a rush of memories that threatened to drop her to her knees. Rooney grabbed hold of the door frame and gripped it with one hand, the other closing over her mouth to stop the whimpers rising in her throat from slipping out.
"Hey kid, it's okay." A hand dropped on her shoulder and she jumped, swinging around ready to hit out.
Cade grabbed her hand before her open palm made contact with his cheek. "Shit, calm down. I didn't mean to scare you like that."
"Hell, I'm so sorry." She hiccupped and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "It kind of got me, the smell and the memories."
He reached for Rooney and pulled her against his shoulder. "I don't know why Essie put you in there. Do you want my room instead?"
She gazed at him, grateful he understood her panic. "No, it's okay, really. I got a bit overwhelmed. I'll be okay." To prove it more to herself than her brother, she took a step inside the room. It was impersonal now apart from the smell. Her mother's belongings had been packed up and moved, probably into storage. She wondered who had done it, was it Dad or Essie.
The furnishings weren't the same as the last time she’d stood in this room. A new bedspread graced her mother's four-poster. The only personal thing left was the smell, and that Rooney could learn to live with.
"Did I hear my niece clomping down the stairs before?" Cade walked in the room behind her.
"Yeah, she's a bit scared of everything but I think Essie has her won over with fresh biscuits. Want to come down and meet her?" Rooney walked over and tucked her arm through Cade’s. "Where are your crutches?"
"Don't mother hen me. They're in my room. I keep tripping over so, when I'm in the house, I use the wall for support and hop around. Works for me, so don't start nagging." He gave her his trademark grin and she forgot her nerves. "I've had enough from Doctor Russ. Now, let me go and meet the kid."
He turned and hopped out of the room. Rooney took one more glance around the room before she followed, keeping close as he worked his way down the stairs. When they pushed through the kitchen door, it was to hear the chatter of Tamara talking excitedly. stalled when she spotted Cade.
"Tam, this is your Uncle Cade. Cade, my daughter Tamara."
"Hey, Squirt, nice to meet you."
Rooney watched him work his charm on the girl and glanced over at Essie, sharing looks over the expanse of the kitchen. Could it be her brother had a heart after all? She had yet to see it but if anyone could change her brother’s arsehole attitude it would be Tam.
Chapter 14
Cade held back his surprise as he looked at his niece. There was no mistaking who her father was, even if he hadn't known the truth. The thick black hair framing her face was enough of a giveaway without the piercing blue eyes that looked up at him. Where Rooney was almost white-blonde with pale blue eyes, Tam was the spitting image of her father.
A cough behind him made him glance up. He’d been staring, and Tam had sidled over to her mother. "So, Squirt. How old are you?" Cade rested on the stool and leaned his elbows on the island counter. He glanced quickly at his sister and noticed the discomfort on her face.
"I'm going to be eight this year. What did you do to your leg?" She came closer and lifted the large cookie in her hand, taking a bite.
"Football accident."
"Are you busted now?"
"I hope not. Guess I'll find out next week." He looked over at Rooney and put on his best smile. "Fancy passing me a beer?"
"No, but I'll make us a coffee." She turned and walked to the coffee machine. Taking two mugs from the top, she placed them under the spout before putting a pod slot and pushing the start button. Rooney turned to watch him while the machine dribbled out fresh coffee.
"What are you going to do if you're busted?" Tam walked closer and looked into his eyes with the honesty of a child. "You could work for my mum.
