Page 123 of Risky Move

“Both Andrew and I worry.” Tom looked in the cupboards until he found some instant hot chocolate. “Sorry, no marshmallows.” Cassie watched as he set the tea kettle of water on the stove. “One of us speaks with them every week, and I check in with his caregiver. Though, I didn’t expect to find him that much weaker…Andrew didn’t mention it at Christmas, so I need to compare his observations with mine.”

Cassie saw the shadow cross his face. “That must be hard to watch…Do you think moving them to Tampa could help—even sitting on the pool deck in the middle of winter?”

“Definitely. Andrew and Caryn chose their home specifically because of the apartment. Everything’s accessible, no stairs, and close to family.”

“While maintaining their privacy and some independence,” Cassie added. She pulled back and looked at him. “Have they resisted moving?”

Tom’s wry smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s say that ‘stubbornness’ is genetic in the Chadwick DNA. But this time we may need to play bad cop. Even with a fantastic caregiver, they’re too far away. And you’re right—getting fresh air year-round could do wonders for both of them. Maybe stop the cycle of pneumonia all winter—really nine months out of twelve.” He pressed his lips against the top of her head as the teapot began to whistle. “Andrew and I will come up with a plan and double-team them.”

* * *

Cassie took her hot chocolate upstairs to the loft and relaxed on the love seat. Small snowflakes swirled above the skylight. The forecast on her iPhone showed the changing weather conditions, and she set it aside with a sigh.Could so imagine Tom and me living in a place like this. Very cozy. Maybe even here in Toronto with him to keep me warm. I can see why Caryn loves this home so much. It’s their refuge away from the crazy schedules. Caryn said they hoped to add an addition in the back for bedrooms for Danny and Jenna.

She sipped the last of her hot chocolate as she heard Tom walk up the stairs. “See the snow?” Cassie asked, pointing up to the skylight.

“And much more to come. The pilot says we have a sixty-to-ninety-minute window to leave. Now they’re predicting almost a foot of snow tonight.”

Cassie set her mug on the table and began to strip the sheets from the bed. “Do your parents have everything they need?”

“I checked. My mom informed me that as lifelong Toronto natives, their emergency basket is well-stocked…and to worry about getting ourselves to the airport instead of them.”

Cassie giggled. “Your mom totally has everything under control. What should I do with the sheets? I don’t have time to wash them.”

Tom pointed at the laundry basket. “They have an arrangement with a cleaning service. They’ll come by this week. No perishables, so no rush.” He glanced toward their suitcases. “Just a few things to pack and we’re good to go.” Tom grabbed Cassie and pulled her with him onto the bed. “Guess I owe you a couple of romantic nights in Toronto?”

“As long as it’s in July,” Cassie whispered as she drew his mouth toward hers.

66

Tom listened as Cassie described her campus visit during the flight back to Tampa. “Great campus, good programs, student housing better than expected…I met a communications professor who taught both Lauren and Caryn. That was pretty cool…”

“And?” Tom prompted.

“It’s a new city where I don’t know anyone. That’s the first time I’ve visited Toronto. I’m not like Lauren; she’ll talk to anyone and makes friends easily. Look how long it took for me and Amelie to truly click.”

“So, you worry that you’ll feel isolated?”

“Exactly—and the larger the crowd, the more anxious I get. If Lauren hadn’t graduated from Toronto, I wouldn’t have even applied. Now I wish I hadn’t.”Tom understands…I hope my parents realize that a large university isn’t a good match.

“No one’s forcing you to go. That’s your decision, babe. Large universities aren’t for everyone. You’re comfortable at the Tampa college?”

“Well, I do have a huge security net all around me.” Cassie laughed quietly. “I also want to explore the universities in Fort Myers. Does that make me immature?”

Tom pulled her close to his side. “Immature? Not to me. Self-aware is a better description.” He tucked her under his arm, and she lay her head against his chest. “Now, if Mom and Dad dig in their heels and absolutely refuse to move, I’ll probably apply for a job in Toronto.”

“That’s a giant game-changer. If we’re together, nothing else matters.”

Tom hooked a finger under her chin and lifted her face. “You’re my forever…We’re together until you kick me to the curb.”

“Not happening,” she whispered as his mouth claimed hers. The kiss chased away all thoughts except her love for the incredibly thoughtful, sensitive, romantic—and all hers—hot hockey doc.

* * *

Cassie asked Tom if they could stop by Caryn and Andrew’s before he took her home. She wanted to thank Caryn for arranging their travel on her father’s private jet and the use of her townhome. When he pulled into the driveway, Cassie felt a sudden panic—she had not set foot in the house since the day Daniel almost drowned. Tom grasped her hand as soon as he turned off the car.

“Cassie, I promise you’ll make Caryn very happy.”

She trailed a half step behind him when he entered the front door. “Back from wonderful, snowy Toronto.”

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