Page 11 of Risky Move

“Safe to open your eyes.” Tom’s voice held a humorous tinge. “However, I must replace you as my sous-chef today.”

Cassie forced a laugh as she looked at him. “Thanks, doctor.” She tried to look around him to see the mess on the counter, but Tom blocked her view.

“Just sit here a few minutes. I’ll take care of the counter.” He handed her a bottle of water. “Why don’t you watch the birds at the feeder while I clean up?”

Cassie heard the tiny gold and black birds chattering nonstop as the goldfinches jockeyed for spots at the feeder. She chuckled as the birds also congregated on the edge of the birdbath, ducking their heads under water and flapping their wings to splash water for a communal bath.

Her head cleared, and she concentrated on her breathing.Much better.“So, are the veggies inedible?”

“No vegetables ruined…other than one zucchini,” Tom reported as he met her eyes with a smile. “All evidence destroyed. Still feeling light-headed?”

“Better. Didn’t realize I have such a weak stomach.”

Tom smiled. “Many people react the same when it’s their own blood. You did just fine.”

“Instead of helping you, I wasted your time and a zucchini.”

“We can spare a zucchini.” Tom nodded toward her bandaged finger. “Throbbing?”

“Just a little. I think I’ll survive.” She met his brown eyes with a smile. “Can I help with anything that doesn’t involve knives?”

She watched as he glanced at the counter space, then nodded toward the romaine lettuce. “It’s rinsed and ready to tear for the salad.” Cassie moved to stand, but Tom’s hand guided her back to her seat. He set the salad bowl on the table and transferred the lettuce within reach. “I’ll chop, you toss the salad and tell me details about today’s anti-bullying kick-off.”

7

Six Weeks Later…

“Spectacular!” Cassie’s eyes widened as she entered the hotel ballroom, transformed into a starry moonlit night. She glanced at Caryn, who laughed as Jenna reached to touch imaginary stars. Daniel, in his father’s arms, appeared entranced by the twinkling lights. Jenna reached for Cassie.

“I’ll take her, Caryn. I knowMrs. Martinis probably looking for you.”

“Let’s get you settled first. Drew, could you check where Lauren would like her Godchildren?”

Andrew nodded as Cassie took Daniel from him. “Just don’t wander off somewhere,” he said with a wink.

“Come here, little man. I bet Aunt Lauren chose a very special place for us.” Cassie loved watching Caryn and Andrew interact.It’s so obvious they love each other and their beautiful twins—they act like newlyweds, even after…four?…five?… years of marriage. So freaking romantic. And now, Lauren and Dave. Can’t believe they got married during their trip to Greece! Was so looking forward to being a bridesmaid…and getting paired with one of Dave’s hunky teammates as a groomsman…maybe even Tom. Talk about missed opportunities.

Plenty of eye candy here.She glanced at Caryn with a smile. “So, can you point out the single guys?”

Caryn shook her head as she laughed. “Cassie, I don’t recognize everyone. Could be friends from the Blues or from Vancouver.”

She kissed the squirming Daniel on his forehead. “Hang in there, champ. We’ll get settled soon, and then you can get down.” She followed Caryn when Andrew approached.

He guided them through the crowded room, greeting several teammates, and then stopped beside a toddler play area. Lauren and Dave had arranged for a plastic ball pit, pint-sized climbing area, dozens of toys, and a deep-cushioned floor that promised soft landings.

“Wonderful!” Cassie stepped over the low sides into the play area. Jenna and Daniel scooted around, grabbing toys and sitting next to each other as they examined them. She waved Caryn and Andrew away. “I’ve got this—go enjoy the party.”

* * *

The afternoon passed swiftly as a steady number of Lauren’s and Caryn’s friends stopped to see the twins or checked to see if Cassie needed anything. Daniel and Jenna threatened to steal the party from the newlyweds’ celebration, but Cassie knew Lauren didn’t care.Never seen her so happy—she wears this dreamy smile ever since they returned from their cruise and announced they’d married. And then everything went fine when they flew to Vancouver to deliver the news to my mother and grandmother, and to Dave’s family. And now, happiness just radiates around them.

When Jenna’s eyes began shifting to half-mast, Cassie placed her in the portable crib Andrew had set up. She covered her with a light blanket and laughed as Jenna’s thumb found its way to her mouth. She was fast asleep within a minute. A short while later, Daniel fussed. Unlike Jenna, he resisted his nap and continued to play with toys while he babbled and whined. Cassie scooped him into her arms and softly hummed a little tune. Most of the time, music calmed him, but in this different environment, nothing made him happy. He let out a frustrated cry.

Cassie rocked him, pressing lightly on his head until it rested on her shoulder. She stepped to the other side of the area, hoping Daniel’s unhappy cries would not wake Jenna. She glanced at the crowd. No one seemed to notice, and she didn’t know whether to feel relieved or panicked. “It’s okay, Danny. Just close your eyes,” she whispered.He’s not hungry, doesn’t need changing—just an unhappy little guy.

“Can I give you a hand?” Cassie whirled around and exhaled in relief when she saw Tom stepping beside her. Cassie kissed Daniel’s head before passing him to Tom.

“Dr. Tom to the rescue,” she said. “Did you just get here?”

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