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trying to talk your house into getting a restraining order. He’s no good for you, honey. He doesn’t respect your walls .”
    Mara scowled. “You’re not taking this seriously.”
    “I’m taking this very seriously. It’s important that your house feels safe at night.”
    She gave his chest a playful slap.
    “Okay,” Neil said, grabbing her hand and kissing its back before she could pull it away. “Where does that leave you?”
    “It’s all ridiculously simple. Firstly, I know ghosts don’t exist, so I’m in no danger of succumbing to the mass-delusion effect. I’ll get someone to check for gas leaks and EMF emissions. And time should have fixed any danger of house stalkers.”
    “It’s only been twenty years since the house’s last occupants.”
    “Yeah, but remember it’s been a long-term problem, since the early 1900s. Even if the stalker started when he was a teenager, he’d be dead by now. Or at least way too old to be a serious threat.”
    “So, that’s it, then? It comes down to boiled cabbage, gas, or stalkers?”
    “Exactly. There’s nothing wrong with Blackwood that can’t be fixed with a few simple tools. And it’s mine.” Mara laughed. The reality was starting to sink in, and with it came nearly hysterical excitement and anxiety. “I have a house, Neil. All mine.”
    He beamed at her. “You deserve it. I’m so happy you found a place you like.”
    “That’s the incredible thing. I don’t just like it. I love it. It’s ridiculously big for just one person, though. I’ll probably go insane trying to keep it clean. But there’s actually room for a garden out the back.”
    “Do you like gardening?”
    “I’ve never done it before. But I’d like to.” Mara felt giddy and shoved her half-eaten food to one side.
    Neil offered her his hand, and she took it gratefully. The contact helped centre and focus her. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles fondly.
    “It probably wouldn’t seem too big with another person living there.” Mara was breathless, and she didn’t dare look at Neil’s face. “I mean, you’d fill it up pretty well.”
    “Yeah?”
    “If you wanted.”
    Neil squeezed her hand. “I can’t leave Mum right now—”
    “Oh. Oh yeah, of course.”
    Mara tried to pull her hand back, but Neil tightened his grip. He brought his second hand under her chin to raise her head so that she couldn’t avoid his eyes. “But that isn’t going to be permanent. And then I’d love to help fill up that house. And you know, Jenny was right—it’s the perfect size for a family. If that’s something you want.”
    His smile was one of the most beautiful things Mara had ever seen. She was glad she was sitting; she didn’t think her legs would hold her up. “Yeah.”
    “I love you,” Neil whispered.
    Mara tried to lean forward to kiss him, but the booth’s table stopped her short. He laughed and bent towards her, meeting her in the middle, and her heart flipped as his lips grazed over hers. “Mara,” he whispered, and his hand caressed her cheek and pulled her closer so that he could kiss her properly.
    “All done here?” The waitress’s frosty voice cut through Mara’s daze, and she and Neil broke their kiss and collapsed back into their seats.
    Neil mumbled an apology, but Mara pushed her plates towards the edge of the table. “Actually, can I get some pancakes?”
    The waitress didn’t answer but turned a simpering smile on Neil. “Anything for you, honey?”
    “I’m good, thanks.”
    “Sure thing.” The waitress didn’t take her eyes off him as she scooped the plates up.
    Mara couldn’t fail to notice how much effort the waitress put into sashaying her hips as she returned to the kitchen. “What a jerk.”
    She was used to Neil attracting attention. He had an easy, comforting aura. His strong jaw, captivating smile, and muscles that stood out even under loose clothes certainly didn’t hurt either. Luckily for her, he was almost always oblivious to