Page 135 of Risky Move

Tom glanced about the room and caught Andrew’s eye. His brother nodded, confirming that all the guests had received champagne. He lightly tapped a spoon against the crystal and stood. He caught Cassie’s eye and winked before he spoke.

“Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate an exceptional woman who has captured the love of many new friends. Cassie knew Lauren and Dave before moving to Tampa, but almost a year later she’s managed to wiggle her way into the hearts of everyone here. First, let’s raise a toast to Cassie on her twenty-first birthday—she’s brought sunshine and joy into our lives. Happy birthday, Cass!” He clicked his glass against hers, their eyes locked as they each took a sip. Tom waited until the room quieted and stepped closer to Cassie, guiding her to stand beside him.

“The day we met, you had beautiful pink highlights in your hair. I can see you now, navigating the crowded terminal at the airport looking for Lauren. Remember, I had to convince you I wasn’t a serial killer before you’d leave with me?” He heard Cassie’s laugh, and the warmth of love filled his body.

“I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you that day, Cassie. I stayed in denial because I didn’t want to explain to your aunt, my brother and sister, and ultimately your parents how I fell for my best friend’s younger niece, my brother’s nanny, and a beautiful girl just beginning her journey as an adult. That’s the stuff you read in romance novels—and that’s a general ‘you’ because I haven’t read any of those books. But many of you have taken the time to remind me of those facts.”

He stopped a moment for a sip of champagne. If her eyes strayed anywhere but his face, she’d see the anticipation on many expressions. “Once I explained that I’m not ‘really old’—actually Andrew’syounger brother—we first became friends. Sometime during the past year, we realized that our friendship had grown into something much more profound. Cassie, you’re my best friend, my confidant, my sunshine when it rains, and the woman I want to hold when I come home after a double shift. You’ve changed my life in the best possible way.” Tom touched her cheek when Cassie closed her eyes against the tears that gathered.

When she opened them, he’d taken one knee and grasped both her hands. “Cassie Johnson, I love everything about you. You’ve claimed a huge chunk of my soul—and you are my future.”

Cassie covered her mouth and choked back a sob when Tom reached in his pocket and pulled out a tiny box. “Will you join me on a lifetime of adventures? Will you marry me?”

Tom may have been the only person to hear her response, but there was no mistaking her intent when Cassie launched herself into Tom’s arms, crying and laughing at the same time.

Tom gathered her close. “She said, ‘Yes.’” Cassie bobbed her head in the affirmative, then Tom slipped the ring on her finger. Cassie placed her hands on his face and pulled him into a kiss that erased any doubts.

Neither appeared aware of the applause, whistles—or anything except the kiss, the love they shared, and the promise of a lifetime of adventures they’d explore together.

Epilogue

Cassie gazed at the Gulf as it brightened in the predawn glow. Her wedding day. The two-year engagement sometimes felt like an eternity. Still, the images of her twenty-first birthday celebration and Tom's proposal flowed through her mind as clearly as that night.

Earning her certification in early childhood education opened a vast array of opportunities. But when Tom mentioned he noticed that the hospital’s on-site Child Learning Center for employees had several job opportunities, Cassie applied. She’d begun training in May, but after the wedding and honeymoon would accept a managerial position. She loved the prospect of traveling to work with Tom, when their schedules meshed—added opportunities for lunch or break time together.

First, she would cherish every minute of this beautiful dawn. She yearned to share the moment with Tom, but after deciding to include a few customs, they agreed not to see each other after the rehearsal dinner until the sunset wedding ceremony.Tom even has a suite in a distant section of the resort—shared with Caryn, Andrew, and the twins. Dave and Lauren share my suite…I know Lauren will steady my nerves…but if I could see Tom for one minute.She needed another of the kisses that snatched her heart. When they parted late last night—early morning—she had to blink away tears.

Lauren scheduled an active day…beginning with a bridesmaid brunch. As Cassie’s Matron of Honor, Lauren hosted the meal at a shady outside terrace overlooking the Gulf. Caryn, plus both mothers, Tanya, and Cassie’s grandmother comprised the rest of the guests. Then an afternoon at the spa for “the works,” as Lauren called it. Mani-pedi, facial, massage, makeup, and hair. Then back to the resort for dressing and finally the ceremony.

Lauren also vowed to run interference with Cassie's parents. Cassie cringed at the thought of her mom and grandmother seated in the first row, and her dad sitting directly behind them with his wife and son.A disaster waiting to materialize. Though Lauren and Dave monopolized my mom and grandmother at the rehearsal dinner by seating them at their dinner table. Trevor, Tanya, and Tyler joined Tom’s parents, along with Andrew and Caryn and the twins. Now, if we can make it through the day with no drama.

* * *

Cassie knew that as Tom’s Best Man, Andrew had organized activities for the guys in the wedding party. Those arrangements wereTop Secret—no doubt to ensure that Tom’s and Cassie’s paths never crossed.

She glanced up with a grin as Dave stepped on the veranda, carrying a Coke for her and a cappuccino for himself. “May I?”

“Yes! Thank you—exactly what I need.” She sipped her cola. “Where are you headed this morning?”

Her honorary brother shrugged. “Heck if I know. Just that we’re to meet in about an hour.”

Cassie feigned indifference. “Where are you guys meeting?”

She caught the smile that turned into a smirk as Dave chuckled. “That’s on a Need-to-Know basis.”

Cassie pretended to sulk. “You’re no fun, Dave.”

“He won’t even tell me,” Lauren added as she joined them. “Just like he wouldn’t say anything about the Bachelor Party. Ignorance is bliss, right, Cass?”

“Um…I guess so?” She cut her eyes toward Dave. “Just so my doctor’s not hung over today.”

“Are you?” he challenged.

“Didn’t drink last night. Alcohol doesn’t mix properly with my nerves.”

“No need to fret about Dr. Tom,” Dave said.

* * *

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