Page 112 of Risky Move

“Hey, welcome back. Caryn’s fighting a headache, so I suggested she take a nap and leave the dinner to me.”

“Need some help?”

Andrew picked up the plates for Tom to view. “These two eat everything.”

“Except peas.” Tom tried to hold back a smug expression.

“That’s on Caryn. Says she hated peas, so it looks like it’s genetic.” Andrew set the plates on the trays, then prepared their sippy cups.

“Caryn fighting a migraine?”

“I hope not. She’s had so few since these rug rats joined the family, I almost forgot about them.” Tom saw Andrew look at him, but his brother didn’t bother to hide his smirk. “You look like you’ve spent a week on a beach.”

“Sanibel’s perfect. Highly recommend it for a get-away. How’d you like St. John’s?”

“Very different from our other tropical trips, that’s for sure. The island and beach—beyond my expectations. Trying to work in activities during the twins’ schedule? Not so easy. But we enjoyed family togetherness—much needed since our schedule’s crazy the rest of this season.”

“Yeah, the league makes you pay for that bye-week.” Tom caught Daniel’s cup when he dropped it with excited chatter. “Before I go, could you check on Caryn—just in case she has a migraine brewing?”

“Sure, just watch where you stand if you don’t want to change your clothes.” Andrew took the sippy cup and placed it on the counter. “Not now,” he said to Daniel’s indignant protest.

Tom chuckled as father and son adopted the same facial expression. “You have your hands full with my boy.”

* * *

Lauren spotted Cassie’s new ring immediately after her “welcome home” hug. She held Cassie’s arm and her other hand grasped her ring finger. Cassie saw the knowing smile cross Lauren's lips.

“So, you came home with a ring? That’s stunning.”

“I love it. Wait until you see all the colors it reflects.”

“Am I correct in assuming that’s a gift from Tom?” Lauren raised her eyebrows expectantly.

“Correct. I guess you’d call it a commitment ring.”

“A commitment, as in love?”

Cassie tried to keep her neck and face from turning a splotchy rose. “Yes…I mean we love each other—and we…eh…said we want a forever love. But Lauren, you know I worry something will change ‘forever’ to heartbreak.”

Lauren laughed. “Don’t overthink it like I did with Marty. Just let the feelings wash over you. I’m happy for you, Cassie. I told you Tom’s a keeper.”

“He asked me to move in with him.” When Cassie saw Lauren’s momentary frown, she added. “He mentioned looking for something close to the hospital and the campus.”

“He’s moving out of the guest apartment?”

“Maybe. I don’t know the time frame.” Cassie shrugged. “I can’t stay at Andrew and Caryn’s home, and Tom wants us to spend more time together.”

“I can understand that.” Lauren’s eyes gleamed mischievously. “You’ll hear no objections from me.” She paused a moment, then changed the subject. “Just so you know, Caryn misses you…a lot. I got the impression that she’s apprehensive about the next road trip. Kelly, Terri, and I will rotate helping her, but it’s not like having you right there.”

“I wish I could help her, but you heard Andrew, Lauren. I can’t go over there knowing Andrew doesn’t trust me or want me near Jenna and Daniel.” Cassie pinched the bridge of her nose. “Is she looking for someone new? Or thinking about Amelie?”

“Not that I know of.” Lauren shrugged. “They’re hardly back in town, and the road trip’s not until next week. They’ll work things out.”

“It’s not like Tom and I talked about moving tomorrow. We haven’t even looked for a place.” Cassie glanced out the window and watched a few birds perch on a feeder. “Besides, he may change his mind now that he’s home. Especially if Caryn needs his help.”

From the corner of her eye, Cassie caught Lauren’s frown.

“Remember, no overthinking, Cass.”

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