Page 128 of Risky Move

Tom stood at the door to her room, watching the pensive expressions cross her face, along with a winsome smile. He didn’t want to disrupt her daydream, but curiosity won. She didn’t notice him, so he tapped lightly on the door. He saw Cassie shake her head, then she looked at him with a guilty smile.

“Doesn’t look like there’s much studying here.” He leaned to kiss her, then flipped pages in her textbook. “You have your Florida History nailed?”

“Kinda. I was just daydreaming.”

“Care to share?”

“Just thinking about my childhood—after the divorce—I promised myself I’d never repeat my parents’ actions and reactions post-divorce.” Cassie looked up at him, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “No one will accuse me of acting like either a Tiger Mom or a Helicopter Parent.”

“Sounds more like a life plan, not a daydream. We’ll compare notes on raising children.” He brushed his hand against her cheek. “Do you have time to take a break?”

“With you? Of course.”

Tom offered his hand. “Let’s get some fresh air. It’s not too hot.”

Cassie looped her arm through his and intertwined their fingers. “You have a game tonight, don’t you?”

“Yep—opening round of the playoffs. Do you want to ride with me?”

Cassie shook her head and bit back a grin. “I’m not going tonight.” Tom raised his eyebrows in question. “Caryn and Andrew asked if I would babysit the twins. How could I say no to a few hours with my love bugs?”

“That’s great—Jen and Danny will be bouncing off the walls with excitement.”

“I may join them.”

Tom saw genuine happiness reflected by her eyes. “Shall I bring dinner when I come back?”

“Like I’d ever refuse a meal with you.”

Cassie suddenly realized they were headed toward their future home. “Do we have a closing date yet?”

Tom shook his head. “Waiting on the inspection report, appraisal, and survey. Usual hoops to jump through, so I hear.”

“I can’t wait to start decorating. Okay, if I work with Lauren and Caryn’s interior designer? I have an idea, but probably need help to execute it.”

“Whatever you need, princess. I wanted to give you a head’s up. Dan asked me to attend a conference in Seattle at the end of April—rehab after TBIs—he wants me to present Andrew’s case.”

“Congratulations! That’s quite an honor. Is Andrew okay with that?” Cassie asked. They stopped across the street from their future home.

“Yes, but I don’t plan to identify him as the patient. Another physician will present long-term effects of childhood concussions.” Tom glanced at Cassie. “The end of April is your exam week, isn’t it?”

Cassie nodded, disappointment flooding her face. “I could see if I can take them early?”

“Highly unlikely any professor would agree to that—hopefully, you’ll be supervising our home makeover.”

“Not so much a makeover, but a new color palette. No knocking down walls, relocating the kitchen, or any of that fun stuff you see on HGTV. The biggest expense’s likely replacing the carpet with wood and tile.” She met his eyes with a bright smile. “Maybe I’ll have samples to choose among when you get back.”

“My goal—in the house by your birthday.”

“Best. Gift. Ever.”

* * *

With the semester winding down, Cassie rechecked the courses she’d selected for the summer session. None appeared difficult, as she’d decided to knock out required core courses—music appreciation, PE, art history, beginning French.Nothing scary; maybe I can practice my French with Amelie. Then I can decide next steps…Early childhood education? Or earn a childcare certification much more quickly than a bachelor’s degree? I’d love to work with children from infants through pre-school. Maybe I could specialize in educating at-risk infants and toddlers? I could always go back for the bachelor’s degree.

She flashed on the disappointment Cassie knew she’d hear in her mother’s voice when she shared her decision. For once, she shrugged it off. As an adult paying for her own education, this decision was hers to make.

Cassie missed Tom and checked off each day he attended the conference. She didn’t know how Lauren, Caryn, and the other hockey wives coped with the constant travel. Even when Tom pulled a double shift, Cassie knew he was just minutes away.

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