Page 17 of Risky Move

“No, but I will receive an offer from the hospital. Dan said to decide where I’d prefer to work, but I enjoy rotating through the departments. I like the variety.”

“Congratulations, doctor. So, you’d moonlight as the concussion specialist?” Andrew nodded toward Daniel, whose tears had turned into giggles.

“Not moonlight.” Tom checked to see if Jenna still slept, her little hand pressed against her mouth as she relaxed against his shoulder. “Dan said he’d work my schedule around games, just a little supplemental pay for forty to sixty games. And only for home games. I would like a regular schedule as much as possible.”

“So, you’d get paid to watch us play. Tough job.”

“Someone has to do it. So, you have no reservations? None?”

“Of all people, I will not question if you think someone needs to leave the ice. If anyone has a problem, I’ll share my experience dealing with the mother of all concussions.”

10

“Shall we try the pool today?” Cassie asked as she and Caryn ate lunch with the twins. “Perfect day. Not too hot…and no direct sunlight on the shallow end.”

Caryn bit back a wry smile when she glanced at Cassie. “Might as well get over my pool phobia. We can surprise Drew when he gets back in town. With the exhibition schedule wrapping up, this is my chance to get over the anxiety I have about the pool—so I don’t drive him crazy.”

Cassie touched Caryn’s arm. “Not that we’ll need it, but just remember I passed those CPR and lifeguard courses at the hospital and the Y.”

Caryn’s laughed, sounding only a bit forced. “That’s my insurance policy that we’ll never need them.” Her eyes fell on Jenna, then Daniel. “Why not? I think I can take it more slowly with you. Drew would probably want to take them underwater first thing.”

“Have you thought about swimming lessons?”

“I have. I found a company that will send someone to your home for lessons, and they have a certified instructor for infant lessons. Guess I should get on the waiting list?”

“When you’re comfortable,” Cassie said. “We can just try getting their toes wet today.”

“I think I can handle that.” Caryn lifted Daniel from his seat. “I’ll get the swim diapers while Miss Jenna finishes her lunch.”

Afraid she might miss something, Jenna squawked when Caryn and Daniel disappeared around the corner. She shook her head and clamped her mouth shut, refusing more food.

“No peaches today, Jen?” Cassie teased her lips with the spoon. “I promise you won’t miss out on anything.” After trying several times, Cassie set the food aside and cleaned her face. “Okay, sweets, we’ll go find your brother.”

* * *

An hour later, Lauren, and their friends Kelly Peterson and Terri Rogers joined them at the pool, all wishing to document the twins’ first swim with photos and videos.

“Does Andrew know you’re taking the plunge today?” Kelly tried to ask with a straight face that soon dissolved into laughter.

“No way. Big surprise if we’re successful. No need to know if we’re not.”

“Could I take Daniel?” Terri asked. “You’re the official photographer, Cassie, aren’t you?”

“Sure.” She sat on the side of the pool and dipped her feet into the water. “Perfect temperature, Caryn.”

“Remember, you’re the lifeguard if anything goes wrong.”

Lauren and Kelly sat beside Cassie. “Nothing’s going wrong,” Lauren teased Caryn. “This is one of those days you’ll always remember.” She nudged Cassie. “Where’s your whistle and emergency float?”

Cassie laughed and then glanced behind her. “We need some emergency supplies. I’ll look through the materials the Y gave me. I’m surprised Tom hasn’t already covered this.” She held her phone to record the milestone. As soon as her feet touched the water, Jenna jerked back. She wanted nothing to do with it. Daniel, however, squealed in delight—kicking his feet, then splashing with his hands as Terri walked a few steps away from the edge. Cassie bit back a grin as Jenna turned to see why Daniel giggled, and suddenly she squirmed in Caryn’s arms until she submerged her feet. She mimicked Daniel’s kicking, as she learned to splash water.

Caryn visibly relaxed as the twins enjoyed the water. Terri dipped lower until Daniel’s belly sank below the surface, and he expressed further delight in the sensation.

“I take it this one loves his baths?” Terri laughed.

“Not this much,” Caryn replied as she brought Jenna to Daniel’s side. Soon, Jenna shrieked and giggled when the water lapped against her tummy. Cassie stopped the video and caught Caryn’s eyes.

“I think they’re ready for swimming lessons.”

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