by Robyn M Ryan
“Not usually. I’m fine, guys. You don’t need to babysit me. I know where to find you if I need help.”
“Maybe we’d like to catch up with you,” Dave retorted with a grin as he sat down in the living area. “We don’t see much of you now that you’re taking classes and spending your free time with our favorite doctor.”
Cassie felt her cheeks flush. “I saw you at the game last week. School has been more difficult than I ever thought. I have to pass algebra before I can take any core classes.”
Lauren made a face. “Feel your pain. Though keep in mind, your Language Arts scores exempted you from some classes and gave you credit for core courses.”
“Which does zero good until I get through algebra. Why do I need algebra to succeed in communications or early childhood education, anyway?”
“Hell, if I know,” Dave said with a grin. “If it’s not too advanced, I can probably help you.”
“Just secondary school algebra. It left my brain as soon as I completed the course. I’ll gladly take any help offered. The quadratic equation is some medieval torture device.”
Both Lauren and Dave laughed. “I’ve never needed to use it, so I’d agree with you, kiddo,” Dave said. “But I can teach you a trick to solve them. I remember when my sister Kimberlee and brother Jake both needed a bit of assistance.”
“If you can help me with that, I think I can test out of the class. I think I did okay until that section.”
“Save a couple hours Sunday afternoon then. Tell your doctor you have a math emergency.”
“I think he’s working, anyway. Thanks, Dave.”
Lauren brought bottles of water from the kitchen. “Why don’t I order a pizza? It may be a while until we hear from Tom.”
Tom tried to shake off his brother’s anger over Dan Forster’s insistence that he stays overnight at the hospital. Dan nailed it when he said that Andrew’s over-reaction and angry outburst just confirm our diagnosis of a minor concussion. If he hadn’t recently recovered from the TBI, Dan would have released Andrew. Once he calms down, he’ll understand. Hope Caryn can work some magic with him.
He recognized Dave’s car in the driveway, so he entered the house through the front door. Cassie greeted him with a sweet kiss and an offer of food.
“Pizza sounds great,” he agreed as he walked toward Lauren and Dave. “Thanks for hanging out here.”
“So, what’s the news?” Dave asked. “Minor concussion, like you thought?”
“I’d say, ‘yes,’ but he’s so angry over having to stay overnight, I might upgrade that to a mild concussion. I told him I’d see him when Dan releases him. He may settle down with just Caryn there.”
“He’s not blaming you?” Cassie asked when she set a warmed pizza on the counter, along with the salad she’d added to the order.
“No, he’s just frustrated. Convenient and safe target.” Tom laughed softly. “Better me than Caryn. I told her not to take any crap from him.”
“Should I go over there?” Dave asked.
“Nah, Peterson’s there with Kelly—back up just in case. Guarantee he’ll be embarrassed about his reaction once he’s feeling normal.”
He perched on a chair by the counter. “My niece and nephew sleeping like angels?”
“Of course,” Cassie said. “What can I get you to drink?”
“No need to serve me. I’ll grab something in a while.” He glanced at Lauren and Dave. “Did you guys eat?”
“Yes, doctor,” Lauren teased. “If you don’t think you will go back to the hospital, we’ll head home.”
“Nope, I’m here and not on call. Dan told me to not set foot in the hospital until Andrew’s released.” He looked at Cassie. “So, you’re stuck with me. Our first overnight assignment with the twins.”
“Under control,” Dave commented as he hugged Cassie and clapped a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Holler if you need anything.”
“Keep us posted,” Lauren whispered as she kissed Cassie’s cheek. “Call if you need us to take a shift.”
Cassie stepped behind Tom and felt the tight muscles in his shoulders. She squeezed them softly. “How about a massage?”
He looked at her over his shoulder. “You offering?” She loved the little smirk that crossed his face.
“That’s the idea, doctor.” She lifted on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Put on something comfortable, and I’ll meet you at the pool. I’ll check on the love bugs while you change.”
“Underwater massage?”
“Hadn’t thought of that. We’ll have to see.” Cassie ran her hands over his back. “See you in a few, hockey doc.”
Cassie pulled the light blankets over Jenna and Daniel, smiling at the way Jenna clutched her teddy bear and Daniel slept with his little fist pressed against his mouth. She stopped in her room and grabbed her bottle of lavender oil plus a jar of lotion. A few drops should relax my guy. Never heard Andrew and Tom exchange a harsh word. If Andrew went off on Tom…it must bother him. Can’t imagine Lauren doing that to me, but I’d definitely feel hurt, betrayed…Can Tom step back and see it as a medical thing? Maybe?
She picked up two bottles of water before walking to the pool deck. Tom sat on a chaise lounge and stared at the pool. She couldn’t read his mood, so she opted for a teasing tone.
“You do realize you need to lose that shirt, Tommy?”
“Bossy, much?”
“I can’t use my magic lotion on you.” She perched beside him on the lounge. “You know I love to…explore…your muscles.”
Tom pulled the shirt over his head and faced her with a challenging smile. “Now what, masseuse? You taking your shirt off, too?”
“When you give me a massage. On your stomach now.”
Tom chuckled as he complied. Cassie scooped skin cream into her palm and added a drop of lavender oil. She heard his contented sigh as she smoothed the cream over his shoulders before climbing to straddle his lower back. Now she could lean into her hands as she kneaded his shoulders, alternating firm pressure and feathered brushes.
Neither spoke as Cassie worked the tightness out of Tom’s shoulders. The lavender had a relaxing effect on her as well. She loved the ripple of his muscles beneath her hands and found her thoughts drifting to the little electrical sparks traveling to her core. She shifted slightly, and Tom groaned.
“Do you realize what you’re doing to me?”
“The same thing you’re doing to me? Making me feel all tingly,” Cassie said. Tom carefully turned onto his back, his hand holding her in place.
“Masseuse extraordinaire.” His cinnamon eyes sparked as she shifted again. “You do realize you’re not relaxing me now?”
“Seriously?” Cassie pretended innocence. “The lavender soothes me, makes me feel so…”
Tom cut her off as he pulled her to him and claimed her mouth. “…seductive?” He deepened the kiss. “Have your way with me, Ms. Johnson.”
Cassie ran her fingers against his lips. “Oh, I intend to, Dr. Chadwick.”
They both laughed at the twins’ impeccable sense of timing when Daniel, then Jenna fussed. “Time out,” Tom said.
Cassie slid to her feet and held her hand out. “Just a short rain check.”
42
Cassie awoke before Tom and carefully slipped from the bed and took the monitor with her. She expected the twins to awaken shortly and hoped to shower while she had the time.
Jenna and Daniel sat in their highchairs, tossing Cheerios when Tom emerged from his apartment a while later.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” he asked as he kissed Cassie’s cheek.
“I wanted you to get some extra sleep…at least until I got our munchkins fed.” She handed him the plates with diced bananas and one of Caryn’s muffins. “Please give them this while I get their milk.”
“Don’t we look domestic?” Tom winked after Cassie placed the sippy cups on the trays.
“We survived our first night alone with the twins.”
“Pi
ece of cake. But I’m not telling Caryn,” Tom said. “They could go away some weekend.”
“Highly unlikely. I’m not sure who’s more protective of Danny and Jenna.” Cassie pulled back a chair and sat at the table. “Any news on Andrew?”
“Just spoke with Dan. He’s sending him home but won’t clear Andrew to play until he sees him in forty-eight hours.” Tom opened the refrigerator and looked at the contents.
“So, you can’t clear him?”
“Nope, I’m out of that line of fire. How hungry are you? I can make pancakes. Or an omelet? Scrambled eggs?”
“All the above?” Cassie said with a giggle. “I’ll eat anything you cook.” She caught a chunk of banana Daniel threw at her. “Does Caryn have their car to drive home? Do we need to get it from the arena?”
“Rogers and Peterson took care of that last night. Pretty sure Caryn will check in soon.”
“Surprised she hasn’t.” Cassie laughed as she looked at the assortment of foods that peppered the floor. “Hope she doesn’t walk in before I can clean the floor. She manages breakfast so much better than me.”
“You mean ‘us,’” Tom corrected. “Takes two of us to do what she does.” He cracked eggs into a bowl. “But between you and me, I think we’ll have everything ship-shape before they get back.”
Tom heard Caryn and Andrew’s return home as he prepared to go to work. Tempted to walk out his private entrance rather than risk another confrontation, he grabbed his keys and walked to the main living area. He heard Caryn laughing in the nursery with Cassie as the twins babbled excitedly. Andrew leaned against the counter, his eyes shut against the bright sunlight streaming through the windows.
“You want to sit?”
Andrew shook his head, then rubbed his hand across his face. Tom guessed that he hadn’t slept and was most likely dealing with a significant headache.
“Can I get you anything?”
Andrew glanced at him, his eyes revealing nothing. “I’m good.”
Tom thought Andrew’s smile seemed forced when the twins reached for him as soon as they spotted their dad. Caryn laughed and nodded at Daniel.
“Do you hear what your son’s saying?” She sat Daniel on the counter between them and waited until Andrew deciphered the babbling.
“Da…dadada…dada…da!”
Tom caught Cassie’s eyes when Andrew’s expression softened. “His first word…that we recognize,” Caryn laughed. “You called it, Drew.”
“You’re Daddy’s little man, aren’t you, peanut?” Andrew lifted Daniel into his arms as he sat on the counter chair.
“Cassie, we have to double down with Jenna now.” Caryn reached for her daughter. “Mama…ma…ma…” she quietly prompted.
“You won’t let your mama down, will you, pretty girl?” Cassie kissed Jenna’s forehead before moving toward Tom. “You heading to work?”
He nodded as he stepped beside her. “Call you later.”
“Tom, thanks so much for helping last night,” Caryn said. “With you and Cassie here, we had no worries.”
Tom pulled Cassie against his side. “It was all Cass. All I did was sweep up Cheerios this morning.” He pressed his lips against her forehead.
“Not true,” Cassie added. “Jenna and Danny love their Uncle Tommy.”
“When do we see you next?” Caryn asked while trying to keep Jenna from grabbing a handful of hair.
“At or after the game Thursday. Did Dan give you any indication when he plans to clear you to play?”
Andrew met his eyes, and Tom read the lingering anger. “Imagine you’ll know before I do.”
“That’s between you and Dan. He’s your admitting physician.”
“But, you’re quick to decide who leaves a game.”
“Drew…” Caryn whispered.
“I’ll always err on the side of caution if there’s a chance of a head injury.” Tom kept his tone soft and even. “You two get some rest,” he said as he grasped Cassie’s hand. “Walk me out?”
Cassie didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until they stepped outside. “Tense much?” She looked at Tom’s eyes for a hint of his thoughts.
“Take nothing Andrew says personally. He’s pissed and frustrated—but that’s an effect of the concussion. Normal and expected…Caryn knows how to deal with this.”
“It doesn’t bother you?”
“That he’s angry with me? Not a bit. Maybe disappointed since he knows what he went through before—I’ll give him a pass. If he wants to direct his anger my way, fine. Better me than anyone else.”
Cassie searched his expression before sliding her arms around his neck and urging him closer for a kiss. “I’ll miss my personal physician. You spoiled me last night.”
Tom chuckled as he pulled her against him. “I intend to spoil you every chance I get. I hope you have a quiet afternoon with the twins so Andrew and Caryn can rest. If you need back-up, remember Kelly and Terri are just a text away. Lauren, too. Take care of yourself, okay?” He punctuated his instructions with a soft kiss. “Call me if you need anything.”
Her heart fluttered when he kissed her again before walking to his car. She blew a kiss to him as he backed out of the driveway, her mind and body buzzing with emotions that continued to strengthen. If this is a dream, please never let me wake up.
Andrew kept to himself during the following two days. He spent most of the day in the bedroom with the blinds shut. Caryn explained the sensitivity to light and loud noises, so Cassie did her best to keep the twins occupied and quiet. They loved the outdoors, so Cassie took them on long walks in their stroller at least once a day. Lauren invited them to spend some time at their home—Cassie felt Caryn’s relief and was quick to accept the invitation. She accompanied Cassie and the twins on the short walk to the house.
“You can’t know how much I appreciate you going above and beyond to keep the house quiet. He’d never admit it, but I know loud or high-pitched sounds trigger migraine-like headaches. Thank you for picking up on that…it’s been a long couple of days.”
“When does Andrew see the doctor again?”
“In a few hours. Say a prayer he’s cleared to play when we see the doctor this afternoon. I can handle a few days of this, but, please, no more.” She met Cassie’s eyes with a small smile. “I hope Drew’s okayed for the game before he sees Tom. I’ve never seen them argue, much less experience Drew’s attitude. He’ll apologize once he’s feeling ‘normal’ again.”
“Tom said he doesn’t let it bother him…just part of the concussion effect. But I hate the tension between them. Never expected that.”
“Fingers crossed he’s back on the ice next game…we’ll know later today.” Caryn looked at Cassie as they approached Lauren’s front door. “I’ll call to let you know if it’s ‘safe’ to turn the kids loose at home.”
43
Within a week, Andrew had returned to the first line, and everything appeared normal between the brothers. When Cassie saw Tom, he assured her they had worked through their issues. Tom joked that he’d told Andrew he’d rat him out to their parents if he ever gave him that attitude again.
“So, he doesn’t want to disappoint them?”
“Never—nor does he want to listen to a lecture from Mom.” Tom smiled when he met her eyes. “He’s the golden son who can do no wrong. If he ever disappointed her…well, she’d never let him forget it. She always said that we were each other’s best friend…no matter what, we could count on that. We grew up with that expectation. So, besides being my brother, Andrew’s my best friend. Neither of us ever wants to disappoint her.”
Cassie chuckled. “My mom expects me to disappoint her. Low expectations.”
“I’m sure she’s proud of you.”
“She’d have preferred I never grew up.”
“Well, you accomplished that spectacularly. You’re working full-time, taking classes, and keeping everything organized. That’s what I call exceeding high expectations.”
&n
bsp; Cassie hugged him. “Thank you for believing in me…that means more than I can explain. So, will you leave for the game soon?”
Tom glanced at his watch. “Yes, and I’ll bring dinner home if you can wait?”
“Wait for you? Do you need to ask?”
Cassie’s comment about her mother’s low expectations gnawed at the back of Tom’s mind. Did her mother really expect her to fail? Wanting Cassie to remain a child could show that she wished to keep Cassie dependent and under her control. Twisted thinking either way. Can’t imagine growing up in a divided household, absorbing her mother’s negativity and hostility toward men. From what Lauren’s said, her sister embraced the belief that their mother had set in motion. But Lauren had escaped her past. Her mother’s attitude could be the source of Cassie’s low self-esteem. If only she could see herself the way I do, and everyone who knows her does.
Tom vowed to help mend her self-esteem. He applauded her accomplishments and supported her desire to prove her independence and ability to make her own life decisions. Things most of us take for granted.
He loved her optimistic nature and the hint of rebellion she sometimes displayed…a free spirit who chose positivity and whose empathy extended to everyone she encountered. Like the ever-changing rainbow highlights in her hair, Cassie brought sunshine wherever she traveled.
Tom acknowledged the sense of guilt that lurked in the back of his mind. He’d completed his education and had settled into his profession, but Cassie had just begun exploring her options. Could he convince her they’d make it work, no matter where her studies took her?
He knew that Andrew and Caryn had dealt with a similar scenario. Just as their love blossomed, Andrew was traded to St. Louis from Toronto. Caryn had at least another year before she graduated from the university in Toronto. They made it work, long-distance relationship and all. Tom remembered the challenges they faced and the mutual determination that their love would guide them through those months.
