by Robyn M Ryan
Cassie met his eyes. “I’m not ready to commit to…” She held up her hand to keep Tom from interrupting. “Two dogs? Two cats? Seriously, doctor? Jump in the deep end without checking if there’s water in the pool. Maybe consider starting with one pet?” She giggled as Tom laughed in relief.
“Definitely negotiable. Now tell me which of the houses you liked best, Princess Cassie.”
“First, you pick your favorite.” Cassie’s hazel eyes challenged him.
“I liked all the homes. Definitely not the condos—the noise factor you pointed out. So, four or five bedrooms? Pool, screen porch, or both? Do we need a formal dining room? Media room…”
“You mean Man Cave,” Cassie corrected with a smug expression. “I like the backyard here—if we fence it in, we could plant our own garden. You definitely need a lap pool—would this one be large enough? I may never leave some of the master suites we’ve seen. Four bedrooms? Five? I wished I’d had a sister to share my bedroom. So, any ‘rug rats’ in our future may share space.”
“Can you see yourself in this house?”
“Can I? Holy guacamole, Tom, look around—it’s more than I could have ever envisioned. Who wouldn’t want to live here?”
“Suitable castle for my princess?”
Cassie swatted his chest. “If you promise we can create a cozy space just for us?”
“Easy promise to keep.”
68
April felt like a sprint toward an unknown destination. With finals approaching, Cassie didn’t even think about her upcoming birthday. Lauren had not mentioned whether either of her parents had scheduled a trip to celebrate as a family. Disappointed? Not really. Family celebrations were just memories of a happy childhood cut short. Cassie resolved to give her future children positive family memories. She’d try her best to avoid the helicopter mom syndrome. She definitely would not create a cocoon of bubble wrap to prevent children from experiencing life—the positives as well as the negatives.
She thought Tom would share the same philosophy. Their children would experience both success and falling short of expectations; they would learn that victory comes with defeat—and how to deal with disappointment. Most of all, she longed to give their children the extended family she never had. She hoped their children would grow up with cousins, aunts and uncles, and of course, doting grandparents.
Cassie laughed to herself, thinking how Lauren would react if she only knew how many Martin cousins she wanted–expected! Caryn and Andrew, too.
Tom stood at the door to her room, watching the pensive expressions cross her face, along with a winsome smile. He didn’t want to disrupt her daydream, but curiosity won. She didn’t notice him, so he tapped lightly on the door. He saw Cassie shake her head, then she looked at him with a guilty smile.
“Doesn’t look like there’s much studying here.” He leaned to kiss her, then flipped pages in her textbook. “You have your Florida History nailed?”
“Kinda. I was just daydreaming.”
“Care to share?”
“Just thinking about my childhood—after the divorce—I promised myself I’d never repeat my parents’ actions and reactions post-divorce.” Cassie looked up at him, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “No one will accuse me of acting like either a Tiger Mom or a Helicopter Parent.”
“Sounds more like a life plan, not a daydream. We’ll compare notes on raising children.” He brushed his hand against her cheek. “Do you have time to take a break?”
“With you? Of course.”
Tom offered his hand. “Let’s get some fresh air. It’s not too hot.”
Cassie looped her arm through his and intertwined their fingers. “You have a game tonight, don’t you?”
“Yep—opening round of the playoffs. Do you want to ride with me?”
Cassie shook her head and bit back a grin. “I’m not going tonight.” Tom raised his eyebrows in question. “Caryn and Andrew asked if I would babysit the twins. How could I say no to a few hours with my love bugs?”
“That’s great—Jen and Danny will be bouncing off the walls with excitement.”
“I may join them.”
Tom saw genuine happiness reflected by her eyes. “Shall I bring dinner when I come back?”
“Like I’d ever refuse a meal with you.”
Cassie suddenly realized they were headed toward their future home. “Do we have a closing date yet?”
Tom shook his head. “Waiting on the inspection report, appraisal, and survey. Usual hoops to jump through, so I hear.”
“I can’t wait to start decorating. Okay, if I work with Lauren and Caryn’s interior designer? I have an idea, but probably need help to execute it.”
“Whatever you need, princess. I wanted to give you a head’s up. Dan asked me to attend a conference in Seattle at the end of April—rehab after TBIs—he wants me to present Andrew’s case.”
“Congratulations! That’s quite an honor. Is Andrew okay with that?” Cassie asked. They stopped across the street from their future home.
“Yes, but I don’t plan to identify him as the patient. Another physician will present long-term effects of childhood concussions.” Tom glanced at Cassie. “The end of April is your exam week, isn’t it?”
Cassie nodded, disappointment flooding her face. “I could see if I can take them early?”
“Highly unlikely any professor would agree to that—hopefully, you’ll be supervising our home makeover.”
“Not so much a makeover, but a new color palette. No knocking down walls, relocating the kitchen, or any of that fun stuff you see on HGTV. The biggest expense’s likely replacing the carpet with wood and tile.” She met his eyes with a bright smile. “Maybe I’ll have samples to choose among when you get back.”
“My goal—in the house by your birthday.”
“Best. Gift. Ever.”
With the semester winding down, Cassie rechecked the courses she’d selected for the summer session. None appeared difficult, as she’d decided to knock out required core courses—music appreciation, PE, art history, beginning French. Nothing scary; maybe I can practice my French with Amelie. Then I can decide next steps…Early childhood education? Or earn a childcare certification much more quickly than a bachelor’s degree? I’d love to work with children from infants through pre-school. Maybe I could specialize in educating at-risk infants and toddlers? I could always go back for the bachelor’s degree.
She flashed on the disappointment Cassie knew she’d hear in her mother’s voice when she shared her decision. For once, she shrugged it off. As an adult paying for her own education, this decision was hers to make.
Cassie missed Tom and checked off each day he attended the conference. She didn’t know how Lauren, Caryn, and the other hockey wives coped with the constant travel. Even when Tom pulled a double shift, Cassie knew he was just minutes away.
The conference wrapped up with an optional breakfast on the final day. Tom stopped in briefly to say goodbye to a few friends, then drove up to Vancouver. Cassie had no idea that he had arranged to meet her father and mother—separately. Tom wanted to make face-to-face contact and answer any questions either may have. Like my intentions toward their daughter? He also hoped they’d see him as a responsible, mature person and understand that his plans were the result of a friendship that grew into love. Cassie didn’t know about these meetings, but Tom thought she’d appreciate his reasoning later.
Lunch with Cassie’s father began with Trevor greeting Tom like an old friend. “Thanks for driving up to meet with me. I feel like I already know you from talking with Cassie. You’re a frequent topic.”
The next hour passed quickly. Tom answered every question Trevor posed—his profession, whether he planned to remain in Tampa, and how was he attracted to a younger woman, unsure of her goals?
The conversation flowed naturally bonded by their mutual love for Cassie. Tom looked at Trevor. “I want to tell you my intentions regarding your daughter.”
Trevo
r nodded, a smile crossing his face. “Yes, the question. What are your intentions?”
“I love Cassie and everything about her. I realize there’s an age difference and that I’m settled in my profession while she’s deciding what she wants to do. I will never discourage her from chasing a dream, even if she decides to study in Paris for the next three years. She knows I will wait for her.”
“Cassie’s seriously considering Paris?”
Tom shook his head with a chuckle. “She hasn’t mentioned it. Her friend studied there for two years and may return. But, even if her dreams take her away from Tampa, we’ll see each other as often as possible. She knows I’ll work to make a long-distance relationship flourish.”
“From what she tells me, she has no desire to leave Tampa. She’s enrolled in what they call a community college?” After Tom nodded, Trevor continued, “When we talk, she’s happier than I’ve ever seen her—even more than when she received my blessing for this gap year.”
“She’s an incredibly responsible and mature woman. It’s like she has blossomed in the past eleven months,” Tom said. “I love her, and I hope to spend my life with her. She fills a void I never realized existed. I want to propose on her birthday, and I’m asking for your blessing.”
Trevor locked eyes with Tom. “You’re not concerned that proposing could be a risky move considering everything we’ve discussed?”
“When Cassie says she loves me, I believe her. I know what makes her happy, sad, or frightened. Other than with my brother, I have not experienced that depth in a relationship. She knows me better than life-long friends. Cassie tells me that I know her deepest secrets—which I’ll never divulge.”
“Do you plan to marry soon?”
“Not in the immediate future. I think we’ll both know when it’s time.” Tom paused a moment. “Full disclosure—I’m buying a home and Cassie’s planning to move in.”
“You’ll propose before she moves in?”
“Yes, sir, and I pray she says, ‘Yes.’”
Trevor stood, a smile on his face. “I’ll let you sweat that out, doctor.”
As they walked outside, Trevor met Tom’s gaze. “Are you meeting with Amanda?”
“Next stop.”
“Final piece of advice. Make crystal clear to Amanda and her mother that this is a surprise for Cassie.” He clapped a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Thank you. I will be proud to have you join our family.”
69
Amanda did not answer the door when Tom knocked. He double-checked the address before trying again. He knew he had arrived on time, but maybe something had come up. Tom waited in his car for a half-hour before deciding to drive back to Seattle. No way I’m missing that flight. My girl’s waiting for me.
He opened a notepad he’d received at the conference and penned a short note to Cassie’s mother, putting the mix-up on his shoulders. He wrote in all caps—“CASSIE DOESN’T KNOW I’M HERE—Planning a surprise for her birthday. Please don’t mention anything. I hope we can meet soon.”
He folded it and slipped it through the letter slot on the door. He also sent Trevor a quick text explaining he had not spoken to Amanda. As he drove south toward the border, Tom felt that all things considered, he’d had a productive trip.
Tom asked Andrew to come with him to choose an engagement ring.
“Did you get her ring size from Lauren? Any idea what you’re looking for?”
“Yes, to the first,” Tom answered. “Definitely not a cookie-cutter diamond ring. It needs to reflect Cassie’s spirit—an original.”
“There’s a family-owned jeweler who’s a huge Suns fan. I’ve seen some of his designs—they’re all custom created. I saw an anniversary bracelet for one of the guy’s wife. I’m thinking of doing something for our fifth anniversary.” Andrew shook his head. “Jenna and Daniel also need to give her jewelry for Mother’s Day.”
“Hope you left your credit card at home,” Tom said. “Helping me look for a ring could turn into an expensive trip for you.”
Tom flipped through a binder featuring custom engagement rings. So many choices…gold, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum. I’m supposed to pick one? He remembered the first time they met at the airport—Cassie’s hair featured pink highlights. He also thought of the many times she used a rose-gold tint.
Andrew introduced him to the owner/craftsman, Marcus Vallejo, who chatted with Tom while Andrew wandered around to look at displays.
“Describe your Cassie’s personality. Does she prefer classic styles? Or does she embrace the contemporary look or something totally original?”
“A little of each, but leaning toward something original. She paints different color subtle highlights in her hair—I never know which color she’ll select. She reminds me of a butterfly—pastels and brilliant colors.” He shrugged as Marcus took notes, then began sketching ideas for a ring.
“Was there anything that caught your eye in our portfolio?”
“One ring had a diamond in the middle, then somehow looked like a butterfly. Another was the heart-shaped diamond with smaller stones outlining the diamond and continuing around the band.”
“Yes, I know both rings. Very beautiful, and we can custom choose the size of the diamond, the color or colors of the smaller stones. I think platinum will make the colors pop.” He quickly sketched the rings. “Or you could go with a braided band and focus attention on the heart-shaped diamond and surrounding stones. Do you know her birthstone?”
“Emerald.”
“And yours?”
“Sapphire.”
“Lovely combination. I can create several designs—similar to costume jewelry? I could have them ready in a few days—if you don’t like any of them, we’ll keep talking. Figure two weeks once you decide on a design.”
Tom pulled a card from his wallet and circled his email address and personal phone number. “Just let me know when you have the designs. I may need to make an after-hours appointment, depending on my schedule.”
Marcus stapled the card to the design sheet. “That will not pose a problem, Dr. Chadwick.”
Between finals, supervising the few renovations in the new home, and choosing furniture, Cassie lost track of time. She only remembered her birthday when Tom mentioned taking her out for dinner.
“What an airhead—I completely forgot! Of course, I’d love to go anywhere with you.”
Tom stifled a laugh by kissing her forehead. “Since you only turn twenty-one once, I’m taking you to an elegant restaurant.”
“So…I need to dress up?”
“Yes, my princess. But remember, so do I. No takeout or late dinner on the couch this time, babe.” Tom closed his arms around her. “I promise an evening you will not forget.”
She nestled against his chest, tucking her head against his shoulder. If she were a kitten, she’d purr contentedly. “I can’t wait.”
“Before we get side-tracked, I’ll pick you up at seven. This Saturday,” he emphasized.
“I won’t forget.” She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled his face toward her for a kiss. “And the house should be move-in ready next week.”
“Guess we need to start looking at furniture. You have time this weekend?”
“Always. The master bedroom set came today—I hope you like where everything’s placed.”
“The bed has a mattress?” Tom couldn’t resist the smirk.
“Yes. Sheets, too.”
“Perfect.” Tom teased his fingers across her cheek.
“And I’ve ordered linens and towels online. Some kitchen items. I’m storing everything in the garage until the work’s complete. I’ll show you the order confirmation—I probably forgot something essential.”
“That’s why Walmart’s open twenty-four-seven. Or we know several neighbors who can loan us anything we can’t live without. Don’t sweat it.” Cassie caught the self-satisfied smile. “Any work underway on the pool deck?”
“It’s finished. I hope you like the floo
ring—we can test our pool if you have time,” Cassie offered.
“What time does the contractor close shop for the day?”
Cassie couldn’t resist Tom’s tone and wink. She glanced at her watch. “About thirty minutes ago. Shall we check it out?”
“Grab your bikini of the day and a towel,” He paused for a moment. “Damn, I forgot about the privacy fence. I’ll have it installed next week. PG-only swimming until then.”
Caryn proposed that she and Andrew host the birthday celebration along with Lauren and Dave. Tom gratefully accepted the offer.
“Only if you hire an event coordinator and caterer. I want you both to enjoy the party, not worry about anything.” Tom looked at each of them until they nodded. “And use the debit card I gave you, Caryn.”
“You still want Jenna and Daniel there? We can manipulate their naps, so they crash early,” Caryn said.
“Cassie would insist they join us if she knew. Don’t disappoint my girl.” His smile softened the warning. “Speaking of disappointment, I haven’t spoken with Cassie’s mother. I don’t know what else I can say to get a call back.”
“I’ll call her,” Lauren said. “If she knows Trevor’s committed to coming, she may do a one-eighty. One will stay with Kelly, the other with Terri.” She rolled her eyes. “Whoever gets stuck with Amanda and Allyssa gets a case of wine.” She squeezed Tom’s arm. “Don’t worry about her—she’s disappointed Cassie so many times that it won’t faze her if only Trevor attends.”
Lauren offered her wardrobe to Cassie. “No need to buy a dress. Some of these should actually live in your closet. Pick some and try them on—there’s a turquoise sequin sheath that suits your personality more than mine. Only worn once.”
Lauren pulled the dress from the garment bag and handed it to Cassie.
“How could you only wear this once? It’s beautiful!” Cassie held the dress in front of her and looked in the full-length mirror.
