Page 127 of Risky Move

Cassie swatted his chest and pretended to look through the properties for sale. She handed one to Tom. “Did we see this one? I don’t remember.”

“I don’t think so. Looks like a smaller footprint, but larger front and back yards.” She saw the teasing glint in his cinnamon brown eyes. “Nice size pool; perfect for laps…and skinny dipping.”

“If there’s a privacy fence.”

“Understood. Let’s take a look.” He looked at the community map and located the lot—it was about a block away from Dave and Lauren’s home. Tom texted the agent as they walked in that direction. He slipped the phone into his pocket and pulled Cassie against his side. “Last house today—promise.”

* * *

Tom glanced at Cassie’s expression and knew this house checked all the right boxes. Not small by any sense of the word—except in this community—the home featured an open concept floor plan. Cassie commented on the two large islands in the kitchen. One contained a cooktop and plenty of counter space while the second island comfortably accommodated eight people.

“I like this better than a breakfast nook,” she mentioned. “Look, you can see the entire living area from the kitchen.”

“Makes it easier to keep track of rug rats.”

“You’re calling my love bugs ‘rug rats’ now?” Cassie accused.

“No, I’m saying ‘rug rats’ in general. I might like three or four running around.” Tom waited for Caryn’s reaction.

“You ‘might?’ Is that a decision you plan to make on your own?” Cassie cut her hazel eyes toward him.

“Of course not. But if my wife wants six kids, we’re looking at the wrong house.” Tom watched as Cassie took her time before replying.

“Your wife, you say? Shouldn’tshebe the one looking at these homes with you?”

“Hypothetical wife.” Tom suppressed a chuckle. “I told you that you’re my forever…and to me that means the entire package: life partner, children, maybe a dog or two. Or even a couple cats. Fair warning. If your vision of forever is different, let’s talk.”

He watched Cassie think about his statements.Too much too soon? She may not want that or want to consider it right now. Maybe walk it back?

Cassie met his eyes. “I’m not ready to commit to…” She held up her hand to keep Tom from interrupting. “Two dogs? Two cats? Seriously, doctor? Jump in the deep end without checking if there’s water in the pool. Maybe consider starting withonepet?” She giggled as Tom laughed in relief.

“Definitely negotiable. Now tell me which of the houses you liked best, Princess Cassie.”

“First, you pick your favorite.” Cassie’s hazel eyes challenged him.

“I liked all the homes. Definitely not the condos—the noise factor you pointed out. So, four or five bedrooms? Pool, screen porch, or both? Do we need a formal dining room? Media room…”

“You mean Man Cave,” Cassie corrected with a smug expression. “I like the backyard here—if we fence it in, we could plant our own garden. You definitely need a lap pool—would this one be large enough? I may never leave some of the master suites we’ve seen. Four bedrooms? Five? I wished I’d had a sister to share my bedroom. So, any ‘rug rats’ in our future may share space.”

“Can you see yourself in this house?”

“Can I? Holy guacamole, Tom, look around—it’s more than I could have ever envisioned. Who wouldn’t want to live here?”

“Suitable castle for my princess?”

Cassie swatted his chest. “If you promise we can create a cozy space just for us?”

“Easy promise to keep.”

68

April felt like a sprint toward an unknown destination. With finals approaching, Cassie didn’t even think about her upcoming birthday. Lauren had not mentioned whether either of her parents had scheduled a trip to celebrate as a family.Disappointed? Not really. Family celebrations were just memories of a happy childhood cut short.Cassie resolved to give her future children positive family memories. She’d try her best to avoid the helicopter mom syndrome. She definitely would not create a cocoon of bubble wrap to prevent children from experiencing life—the positives as well as the negatives.

She thought Tom would share the same philosophy. Their children would experience both success and falling short of expectations; they would learn that victory comes with defeat—and how to deal with disappointment. Most of all, she longed to give their children the extended family she never had. She hoped their children would grow up with cousins, aunts and uncles, and of course, doting grandparents.

Cassie laughed to herself, thinking how Lauren would react if she only knew how many Martin cousins she wanted–expected!Caryn and Andrew, too.

* * *

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