Page 121 of Risky Move

“I could, but we’d never make it to my parents. Trust me for a rain-check?”

“I suppose.” Cassie tried to contain a giggle. Tom’s mouth caught hers, and the kiss threatened to delay their departure.

“Consider this a small down payment.”

Cassie followed Tom across the courtyard to the garage, where Andrew kept a car for use when either visited Toronto. “This is thesparecar?”

Tom chuckled as he unlocked the Range Rover. “Much more practical for Toronto winters. He decided it would be overkill for Tampa.” He helped Cassie climb into the car.

“I can’t imagine driving this in Tampa traffic. Too big!”

“But it conquers snow like a tank. And it’s built like one too.” Tom opened the garage door and allowed the car to warm up. “You know the car I drive?”

“The Beemer?”

“Yeah, that was Andrew’s first purchase when he signed with the Leafs. Not practical in Toronto, but awesome in Tampa.” He shook his head. “Caryn drove it until she became pregnant, then only a Volvo would satisfy Andrew.”

“So, you inherited the BMW?”

“Yeah, tough, right?”

Cassie watched a smattering of snow as they drove outside the downtown area. “I hope we don’t see more snowflakes.”

“Not in the forecast—at least last time I checked. Hopefully, no surprise arctic freezes.”

Cassie knew that Tom and Andrew’s father suffered an injury many years ago as an electrician. A live wire threw him off the equipment he used, and he landed on concrete, many meters below. Although he’d survived thanks to the quick response of paramedics, his back had broken, and the spinal cord damaged below his chest.

Although needing a wheelchair, his dad and mom attended every hockey game—peewee to the NHL. They made an effort to continue to enjoy the city’s many cultural activities, but as the years passed, his strength sapped, and now he required live-in help. Tom mentioned how Andrew had had to play the guilt card before his mother accepted the help.

“He told her that since we both were in Tampa, she needed to allow us to provide live-in help—or one of us would move back to Toronto, no matter what it took. Dad finally took our side, so the guys outnumbered her. Now she says she doesn’t know how she’d coped without the help.”

“Both your parents sound remarkable. Your father has problems with pneumonia?” Cassie asked. “Caryn mentioned it one day.”

“Yes, his ability to breathe deeply has deteriorated over the past several years, so he’s prone to infections, especially during the winter months. Vicious cycle—get rid of the pneumonia, then back under treatment in a couple weeks. We’ve had a few scares.”

Cassie touched his arm and reached to kiss his cheek. “That’s very hard for you, isn’t it?”

“Watching him deteriorate and knowing there’s nothing I can do to stop it? Yeah, that pretty much describes hell.”

“You’re a good son, Tom. Your parents must be so proud of you and Andrew.”

* * *

Cassie’s nerves over meeting Tom’s parents disappeared the moment Jean Chadwick enveloped her in a hug.

“We’re so happy to meet you! I feel like I know you—Tom’s told us so much about you.”

“Thank you. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time—you have two incredibly amazing sons.”

Tom’s father, Jim, had Andrew’s blue eyes and Tom’s knowing smirk when he grasped Cassie’s hand. “We almost lost hope he’d bring a girl to meet us.” His voice sounded raspy and it took a moment before he could continue. “Instead, suddenly, he’s introducing us to a beautiful young woman.”

Cassie’s throat suddenly constricted, and she had to flick away a couple tears. “Thank you.”

Tom slipped his arm around her waist, and Cassie pressed against his side. “Don’t start using that blue-eyed charm on my girl, Dad.” That same smirk hinted on Tom’s face.

“Guilty as charged,” Jim Chadwick replied.

Cassie helped Tom’s mother prepare a tray of snacks and drinks. The afternoon passed quickly—his father delighted in reminding Tom of the antics he and Andrew had attempted. Tom shook his head when Jim started to tell the tale ofThe Day They Skipped School.

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