Page 100 of Risky Move

“Thanks, buddy,” Tom greeted as he entered the room. “Decided to contain the damage?” He smiled when Caryn met his eyes.

“They really need a playroom. This should do, don’t you think?”

“What? No toys strewn all over the great room?” Tom picked up Daniel when he reached for him. “You like your truck, Danny?” He squatted to give it to him and then looked at Caryn. “He looks great. Would never know…”

“Yes, I agree with you,” Caryn interrupted.

“Have you gotten any sleep?”

“While they napped, but not a deep sleep. Everything’s still crashing together in my mind.” Caryn picked up Jenna when she objected to Tom holding Daniel. “Tonight should be better.”

“It will. I don’t think you need to worry about Daniel. He’s not showing any after-effects at all.”

“That’s what all our doctors said.” Caryn kissed Jenna’s forehead, then laughed softly. “In fact, someone wanted to swim today, believe it or not. He pitched a bit of a tantrum when I told him no.”

“I believe that absolutely. I’d say Danny has a lot of his dad’s personality in him.”

Caryn agreed with a laugh, then sobered. “How’s Cassie?”

“Not good…repentant, assumes responsibility, overwhelmed by guilt. She’s having difficulty trying to process everything.”

“Does Cassie accept it was just an accident? I certainly don’t blame her. Does she know that?”

Tom thought for a long moment. “She blames herself…Nothing I say changes her mind.”

“I need to see her, preferably with the twins. I will eternally be grateful to her for saving Danny’s life.” Caryn’s eyes filled with tears. “The house feels so empty without her.”

Tom started to respond but stopped when his brother entered the room.

“Nice job, Caryn,” he said. “Perfect idea to make this a playroom.” Andrew turned to Tom. “I know I haven’t thanked you, but I can’t tell you how much it meant that you coordinated everything once Danny arrived in the ER.”

Tom shrugged. “You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you guys. I’m thankful Daniel doesn’t appear to have any lingering effects.”

“Not even coughing,” Caryn added. “He wants back in the pool, Drew. Don’t know how I feel about that.”

“We’ll double up on the swim lessons. I’m more concerned he’ll be afraid of the water.” Andrew glanced at a backpack he held. “Here are some textbooks and notes Cassie left. Will you get them to her?” he asked Tom.

“Of course.” Tom gently returned the squirming toddler to the floor before he accepted the bag. He set it on top of the toy shelves and pulled out the top book.Calculus?He opened the cover, looking for a name.Nothing. He set that text aside and looked at the next.Basics of Accounting. Obviously not Cassie’s books.

“Anything wrong?” Caryn asked.

“These aren’t Cassie’s. There’s no name, but I know she’s not taking either of these courses.”

“Don’t worry about that now. I’ll look at the books later,” Caryn said, stifling a yawn. “Are you working tomorrow?”

“Short shift. What did you decide about the All-Star Game and your bye-week plans?”

“We’ll keep our plans unless the pediatrician doesn’t want Daniel to travel,” Andrew replied. “We have an appointment in the morning.”

Caryn’s voice sounded wistful. “I was so looking forward to you and Cassie traveling with us.” Tom saw her glance at Andrew, who maintained a neutral expression.

“Yeah, that resort sounds amazing. I’m glad you’re sticking to your plans. Take a week and just decompress,” Tom said. “Why not leave Danny and Jenna with me? Then you can truly relax.”

“Why don’t you just come with us?” Andrew asked.

Tom shook his head.Was that a challenge in his tone? Does he really think I’ll go alone when Cassie was included in the original plans?“Sorry, brother. A week in paradise sounds tempting, but I can’t do that to Cassie.”

“Of course not,” Caryn replied. “We’ll enjoy just having our peanuts with us, Drew. A family vacation. But now it’s bedtime—for Danny, Jenna,andme.”

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