by Robyn M Ryan
“I got you, little buddy.” He laughed when Jenna immediately mimicked her brother. “Mind if I get her, too?” he asked Cassie.
“Hey, I know where I land on their order of preferences.” She gently placed Jenna in Tom’s other arm. “They love their Uncle Tommy.”
They all walked to the play area. “Here you go, tigers. Don’t play any tricks on Cassie or Amelie.” He caught Cassie’s eye. “Sleep calls. I’ll catch up with you later. Nice to see you again, Amelie.”
He may have imagined it, but thought he heard Amelie sigh as he walked toward his apartment. He wanted to chat a bit with Cassie, but not with Amelie vying for attention. A beautiful woman, but he preferred the spunky hazel-eyed girl with a rainbow of colors highlighting her hair.
26
Christmas suddenly loomed on the horizon when Cassie’s mother mentioned flying home for the Christmas holidays. She wanted a Christmas with both parents—like they used to enjoy before the divorce. Cassie knew those holidays would never reappear. With her mother in Vancouver and her father taking a Disney Cruise, Cassie didn’t want to choose between her mother and father…again. “I’ll try to figure things out, Mom.” She ended the conversation, then sought Lauren’s input.
“I know I sound like a horrible daughter, but I’d rather just stay here for Christmas, Lauren.” She watched the rain splash from the screen porch, quickly forming running streams outside. “This weather depresses me, and you know how much worse it gets at home.”
“Aren’t Caryn and Andrew flying up to Toronto with the twins?” Lauren asked.
Cassie nodded. “Are you and Dave going to Vancouver? That could change my perspective.”
“We thought about it, but really it’s too much travel for a three-day break. The team plays at home right after the break, so we’d barely have time to drop off presents and head back.” Cassie saw Lauren studying her face. “You know you’re welcome to stay with us. You can help decorate, we can bake Christmas cookies, and stay up late to wait for Santa Claus.”
“But it’s your first Christmas with Dave. I don’t want to crash that.”
“Hush, Cassie, we’ll have time to ourselves. Have you spoken with your dad? Are they doing the Disney Cruise?”
Cassie grinned. “Taylor will so love it! Dad invited me to come with them…” She shrugged as her voice trailed off. “Mom would never forgive me if I chose the cruise over coming home. And ten days is too long to stay away.”
“Divorce is hard, even when you’re an adult child. Are they flying into Orlando? Maybe if they’re not jumping right on the ship, we can meet for dinner.” Lauren paused a moment and then sighed. “I could invite Amanda and Allyson to come here. Maybe that way, you can enjoy time with both your parents separately?”
Cassie made a face. “Why would you want to do that? And what about Dave’s family?”
“We invited his family to visit during the Suns’ bye-week after the All-Star Game.” Lauren shook her head with a laugh. “We’ll have a houseful if everyone comes.”
“You don’t think they will—why not leave Vancouver and warm up in this beautiful Florida sunshine? I sure would.” Cassie watched as the rain continued to pound the roof. Melancholy descended with the rain, though she could not think of a reason.
“Why don’t I ask my sweet husband about inviting Amanda and Allyson? I can tell them it’s too far for any of us to travel for just one full day in town. Then, if they decline, you’re off the hook.” Lauren reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Would that help?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I just hate being in the middle. It never stops.” Cassie tried to read the expression in her aunt’s eyes. “Please don’t do this just for me. It’s time to take myself out of the middle and not visit either. I’d rather celebrate Christmas with you and Dave.”
“Stop worrying, Cass. I’ll talk to him—if he has any reservations, we won’t invite them. Either way, you can’t please both your parents, so don’t fret. It’s not your fault they created this situation.”
Terri and Steve Rogers hosted a traditional American Thanksgiving Meal. They invited any of the Suns who were not celebrating locally to join them for the day. Cassie had forgotten Canada’s Thanksgiving Day until her father called to share holiday wishes. Now she eagerly anticipated experiencing her first American Thanksgiving. She asked so many questions that Terri invited her over when she met with a caterer to plan the meal.
“Are you planning to hit the malls for the Black Friday sales?” Caryn grinned when she caught Cassie looking at advertised sales on her iPad.
“Heck, no! There’s no way I’d stand in that crowd to shop in the middle of the night—everything’s probably on sale online, anyway.”
“Well, if you want the authentic American Thanksgiving experience, Black Friday shopping is a must.” Caryn smiled with a wink to show Cassie she was teasing.
“I’ll stick with the meal, thanks.” Cassie turned her iPad off and changed the subject. “Did you and Andrew decide when to celebrate the twins' first birthday?”
“We’re looking at the first Sunday in December when the team’s in town for ten days. We don’t want their birthday to become part of Christmas celebrations. The party may be two weeks early, but I don’t think Jen or Danny will mind.”
“Can I help you with the party? Address invitations, get decorations, really anything,” Cassie said with a chuckle. “I missed out on that with little Taylor—it wasn’t my weekend with my dad, and Mom said I could celebrate when I saw them the following week.”
Cassie felt the warmth from Caryn’s smile. “I’m counting on your help! Promise you’ll stop me from getting OCD about making everything perfect.”
Cassie crossed her fingers and held them up. “Promise.”
Thanksgiving morning, Cassie enjoyed bonding time with Jenna and Daniel. Andrew had morning skate, and Caryn joined Kelly in helping Terri remain calm as the tent, chairs, tables, and a zillion other things descended on the house. She hoped Tom didn’t have to work. He’d mentioned that he wasn’t scheduled for Thanksgiving but would work the following two days. As always, he remained on call.
Haven’t run into Cam since that party. Just hope he doesn’t speak to me…awkward. Every time I think about how close I came to adding my name to his hockey stick…She shivered in disgust and focused her thoughts on the twins. As quickly as they scooted around holding on to the furniture, she saw first steps in the near future. By their birthday? Please let Caryn and Andrew observe their first steps, not me. I’d feel so guilty—that’s a milestone parents should witness. Ditto for first words.
She looked up when she saw Danny squeal in delight and hold out his arms. Tom greeted her and then scooped Daniel into his arms.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Cassie.” His cinnamon-brown eyes met hers, and Cassie felt that little flip in her heart. She noticed he wore a dress shirt and tie.
“Are you on your way to the hospital?”
“Just to check on a few patients.” He tossed Danny slightly in the air, and Cassie laughed at the baby’s delighted giggle. “With luck, I’ll be back for the feast and football.”
“I hope so. You won’t believe Terri’s menu! I’m glad I have these two to help me burn the calories I plan to consume.”
“Save a plate for me if I don’t make it, okay?”
“Don’t even put that thought out for the universe, Tom! I’m sure there’s more than enough food.” She paused and smiled. “I can deliver if you have to stay.”
He winked as he set Daniel on the floor. “That would definitely take the sting out of working. See you soon, I hope.”
27
“Cassie, remember you’re officially off the clock,” Caryn said as the family crossed the street for Terri’s Thanksgiving celebration.
“But what about my munchkins?” Cassie glanced at Andrew, who held the thrashing Daniel. “How do we keep them happy and not on a seek-and-destroy mission? Look, Danny can’t wait to begin.”
Andrew met her eyes with a grin. “I’ll take this squirming bundle of energy. You have a strong son, Cary.”
Caryn winked at Cassie. “My son. With all the people, I think they may crash earlier than usual. Sensory overload, then the constant attention—either it will make them hyper or exhaust them. Remember, Andrew set up the portable cribs this morning in one of the guest rooms.”
“At least that’s the plan,” Andrew added.
“Just remember I’m here if you need me.” Cassie entered the Rogers home, then followed Caryn to the backyard. The festive white tent transformed the lawn, and Cassie marveled at the creative decor, combining traditional fall colors with a splash of the tropics.
“Terri’s an amazing decorator,” Caryn said. “We’ve told her she should become an event planner.”
“I can see that.” Cassie scanned the crowd for people she knew. Lauren waved to get her attention, and Caryn nudged her.
“Go. I’ll find you if we need your help.”
With a murmured thanks, Cassie walked across the lawn and hoped she’d dressed appropriately. She’d chosen linen shorts and a bright floral shirt—just in case she played with the twins. Lauren looked beautiful with an autumn-green sleeveless sheath dress, and Dave…Well, it doesn’t matter what he wears. His eyes capture you, and that smile leaves you breathless.
Lauren greeted her with a hug. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
She chatted with them for a while, and Lauren mentioned that she and Dave had extended an invitation for Cassie’s mother and grandmother to visit at Christmas.
“Amanda wouldn’t commit on the spot, but she’ll let me know as soon as she can so we can get the airfare.” Cassie saw the doubt in her aunt’s eyes. “Either way, you’re off the hook and spending Christmas in Tampa with us.”
“Mom angry?”
“No reason to be. I explained that the break was just three days. You could think about visiting Vancouver during the Suns bye-week. With any luck, you’d split your time between your parents.”
“Yeah, about that…I’ll have to see. Andrew and Caryn asked if I could go to the Virgin Islands with them.” A smile quirked the edges of her lips. “Tough duty, I know, but then they could get out and enjoy some time without the twins.”
“Nice,” Dave commented.
“Hey, you’re an adult, Cassie,” Lauren added. “Make your own decisions and don’t worry about which you choose. If you need to work, you need to work.” Cassie watched Lauren bite back a grin. “Don’t let anyone play the guilt card on you.”
After dinner, Cassie offered to look after the twins when they awoke from their naps. “I ate enough for three people. I need to chase them around.”
Caryn laughed and placed the monitor in Cassie’s hands. “Still sleeping—Drew just checked on them. Thanks, Cass.”
“I’ll listen for their wake-up babbling. Or maybe just relax in the bedroom and watch them sleep.”
“Crowd overwhelming?”
“I’ve met so many new people, my brain’s scrambled. I’d love some peace.”
Caryn took her hand. “Let me show you where they’re sleeping. I’m sure Terri wouldn’t mind if you’d like to sit out by the pool. Take a glass of lemonade or mimosa and relax.”
After enjoying the quiet and watching her munchkins sleep for about thirty minutes, Cassie decided that she’d get that mimosa Caryn mentioned and enjoy the late afternoon sun. Danny and Jenna won’t wake up for a while,…guess all the people exhausted them. I know the feeling…Wonder if Tom will make it. Got to remember to ask Terri about putting together a meal for him. Special delivery for my hockey doc.
After stopping by one bar for the mimosa, Cassie walked across the lawn toward Terri’s back door. She turned around when she heard her name. Cam? What could he want?
“Happy Thanksgiving. I wondered if you were joining the festivities.” The corners of his mouth hinted at a smile, and she saw the teasing spark in his eyes. “You look beautiful.”
Cassie scrunched her face as she sipped her drink. “Cam, no need to flatter me. Did Amelie come with you? I’ve looked everywhere for her.”
Camden shook his head, his expression suddenly neutral. “She spent the day with Chance.”
“He didn’t want to join the group?”
“That guy’s a loner. Except for my sister, whose company he evidently enjoys.” He shrugged. “I think they were heading to the beach with a picnic lunch.”
“Nice.” Cassie sipped her mimosa again, not inclined to encourage the conversation.
Cam, however, did not notice her reticence. “About that party…I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding. I didn’t mean to embarrass you the next morning.”
“Misunderstanding? Is that what you call it? You tried to take advantage of me, Cam…I told you not to talk to me. I have no reason to feel embarrassed.”
“How about we start fresh? We both had a bit too much to drink. I know I made some stupid decisions.”
“Don’t give it another thought. I haven’t.”
She saw the spark in his eyes. “You’ll give us a chance for a fresh start?”
“Eh…no.”
“You can’t deny you’re attracted to me? I thought we connected.” Cam’s eyes darkened.
“You’re delusional.” Cassie’s tone was flippant. “If I ever felt any attraction for you, it disappeared after you served me supposedly light margaritas. Don’t waste either of our time. You have plenty of other girls waiting to go out with you.” She turned to leave and took a step toward the house. The hand on her shoulder stopped her abruptly, and her drink splashed against her shirt. She whirled around, confronting him angrily. “I said, ‘not interested,’ Cam.” She jerked away when he grasped her arm.
“Just talk to me, Cassie. I really want to make things right with you. Give us a chance to see if anything develops.” Cassie stifled a laugh at the sincere expression Cam projected. How stupid does he think I am? She glared as his hand brushed against her cheek and quickly stepped back.
“Don’t touch me, Cam.”
“I’m just trying to…”
Cassie shook her head, “Don’t bother.”
She felt a hand press against her lower back and glanced to see who had stepped beside her. Tom. She saw his brown eyes flash and heard the harsh tone. “I believe she said, ‘No.’”
Cam looked at Cassie, then Tom. “You could have just told me you’re in a relationship. I wouldn’t have wasted my time.”
Cassie knew her face and neck had erupted in red splotches. She poured the rest of her mimosa onto the grass, not looking at Tom.
“You okay?” he asked quietly.
She nodded. “Fine. Thanks for the backup.”
Tom hooked a finger under her chin and coaxed her eyes to look at him. “Can I get you another drink? What did you have?”
Very much aware of the heat generated by his hand pressed against her lower back, Cassie took a deep breath. She pointed at her soaked shirt. “Thanks, but I already look like I’ve had more than enough to drink.” She attempted a small laugh.
“Why not grab a fresh shirt at home? Then you can enjoy your…”
“Mimosa,” Cassie supplied. “It’s okay. I’m just listening for my munchkins to wake up—they’ve had a long nap.”
Tom held his hand out for the monitor. “Show me where they’re sleeping, and I’ll cover for you.”
“You need to enjoy some of this feast,” Cassie protested.
She saw the hint of a smirk on his face. “Not as much as you need to change.” He dropped his hand from her back but leaned to press his lips against the top of her head. “Besides, I can manage both. Just don’t take too long.” His smile prompted her heart to skip a beat. “I’ll watch for you.”
28
Cassie reminded herself not to read anything into Tom’s actions. He’s just looking out for me. She smiled at the memory of his hand pressed against her back, and the no-nonsense tone he directed at Cam. He’d do that
for anyone. Like Lauren says, Tom’s one of the good guys. Not a big deal…but he made me feel so secure…so safe…and he didn’t seem to worry about anyone watching us.
Hope this doesn’t cause any problems for Tom with the Suns. Cam could be a jerk about it…but I doubt he’d want to explain himself to Dave or Andrew. Wish he’d just stay out of my way—or I may smack that smirk off his face.
Cassie silently cursed Cam as she changed clothes, noticing that her shorts also received a good dousing of orange juice. She took a minute to freshen up and brush her hair, wondering if Tom had noticed the fall colors she’d chosen for highlights. A swipe of lip gloss and Cassie was ready to go. She shoved her clothes into the washer and started the small load, hoping that orange juice with champagne didn’t leave stains.
Tom sat with his brother and Caryn after he’d filled his plate with the mouth-watering feast. Caryn noticed the monitor he set on the table.
“Did Cassie leave?”
He shook his head as he decided which food to try first. “She spilled her drink, and I told her I’d listen for my niece and nephew if she wanted to change.”
Andrew caught his eye. “I saw Cam following her when she left the tent. Did he have anything to do with the drink spilling?”
Tom shrugged, wondering what exactly Andrew had witnessed. “I didn’t see how the drink ended up on her clothes.”
The unmistakable sound of the twins babbling came through the speaker. Tom began to stand, but Caryn placed her hand on his arm. “I’ll get them. Eat your dinner.”
“I’ll help you in a minute,” Andrew told her.
“Don’t worry. I saw Kelly go up to the house. I’ll call you if I need you.” Caryn brushed her lips against Andrew’s cheek. “Keep your brother company.”
Andrew waited until Caryn was out of earshot before he said. “I saw you…shall we say…have a conversation with Cam. What’s that all about?”
