Page 129 of Risky Move

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The conference wrapped up with an optional breakfast on the final day. Tom stopped in briefly to say goodbye to a few friends, then drove up to Vancouver. Cassie had no idea that he had arranged to meet her father and mother—separately. Tom wanted to make face-to-face contact and answer any questions either may have.Like my intentions toward their daughter?He also hoped they’d see him as a responsible, mature person and understand that his plans were the result of a friendship that grew into love. Cassie didn’t know about these meetings, but Tom thought she’d appreciate his reasoning later.

Lunch with Cassie’s father began with Trevor greeting Tom like an old friend. “Thanks for driving up to meet with me. I feel like I already know you from talking with Cassie. You’re a frequent topic.”

The next hour passed quickly. Tom answered every question Trevor posed—his profession, whether he planned to remain in Tampa, and how was he attracted to a younger woman, unsure of her goals?

The conversation flowed naturally bonded by their mutual love for Cassie. Tom looked at Trevor. “I want to tell you my intentions regarding your daughter.”

Trevor nodded, a smile crossing his face. “Yes,thequestion. Whatareyour intentions?”

“I love Cassie and everything about her. I realize there’s an age difference and that I’m settled in my profession while she’s deciding what she wants to do. I will never discourage her from chasing a dream, even if she decides to study in Paris for the next three years. She knows I will wait for her.”

“Cassie’s seriously considering Paris?”

Tom shook his head with a chuckle. “She hasn’t mentioned it. Her friend studied there for two years and may return. But, even if her dreams take her away from Tampa, we’ll see each other as often as possible. She knows I’ll work to make a long-distance relationship flourish.”

“From what she tells me, she has no desire to leave Tampa. She’s enrolled in what they call a community college?” After Tom nodded, Trevor continued, “When we talk, she’s happier than I’ve ever seen her—even more than when she received my blessing for this gap year.”

“She’s an incredibly responsible and mature woman. It’s like she has blossomed in the past eleven months,” Tom said. “I love her, and I hope to spend my life with her. She fills a void I never realized existed. I want to propose on her birthday, and I’m asking for your blessing.”

Trevor locked eyes with Tom. “You’re not concerned that proposing could be a risky move considering everything we’ve discussed?”

“When Cassie says she loves me, I believe her. I know what makes her happy, sad, or frightened. Other than with my brother, I have not experienced that depth in a relationship. She knows me better than life-long friends. Cassie tells me that I know her deepest secrets—which I’ll never divulge.”

“Do you plan to marry soon?”

“Not in the immediate future. I think we’ll both know when it’s time.” Tom paused a moment. “Full disclosure—I’m buying a home and Cassie’s planning to move in.”

“You’ll propose before she moves in?”

“Yes, sir, and I pray she says, ‘Yes.’”

Trevor stood, a smile on his face. “I’ll let you sweat that out, doctor.”

As they walked outside, Trevor met Tom’s gaze. “Are you meeting with Amanda?”

“Next stop.”

“Final piece of advice. Make crystal clear to Amanda and her mother that this is a surprise for Cassie.” He clapped a hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Thank you. I will be proud to have you join our family.”

69

Amanda did not answer the door when Tom knocked. He double-checked the address before trying again. He knew he had arrived on time, but maybe something had come up. Tom waited in his car for a half-hour before deciding to drive back to Seattle.No way I’m missing that flight. My girl’s waiting for me.

He opened a notepad he’d received at the conference and penned a short note to Cassie’s mother, putting the mix-up on his shoulders. He wrote in all caps—“CASSIE DOESN’T KNOW I’M HERE—Planning a surprise for her birthday. Please don’t mention anything. I hope we can meet soon.”

He folded it and slipped it through the letter slot on the door. He also sent Trevor a quick text explaining he had not spoken to Amanda. As he drove south toward the border, Tom felt that all things considered, he’d had a productive trip.

* * *

Tom asked Andrew to come with him to choose an engagement ring.

“Did you get her ring size from Lauren? Any idea what you’re looking for?”

“Yes, to the first,” Tom answered. “Definitely not a cookie-cutter diamond ring. It needs to reflect Cassie’s spirit—an original.”

“There’s a family-owned jeweler who’s a huge Suns fan. I’ve seen some of his designs—they’re all custom created. I saw an anniversary bracelet for one of the guy’s wife. I’m thinking of doing something for our fifth anniversary.” Andrew shook his head. “Jenna and Daniel also need to give her jewelry for Mother’s Day.”

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