Page 39 of Risky Move

“Tonight? Don’t you guys leave town tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. Really, this is a casual gathering, nothing special.”

Cassie hesitated, “I don’t know if Caryn and Andrew have plans.”

“It’s last-minute and spur of the moment, but that’s the way we roll.” He paused a moment. “I think you’ll enjoy the evening.”

That voice—sounds so persuasive…but sincere? Should I give him a chance? Do I even want to? What if Tom’s not working tonight? I’d rather see him…

“I’m not sure, Cam. It’s last-minute…I need to check with Caryn. Can I call you or Amelie back? What time does this start?”

“We’re flexible. Come early and beat the traffic, or late and miss the traffic. Everyone else lives in this area,” Cam said. “Or, I could pick you up. Amelie wants to see you.”

“If this works out, what can I bring?”

“Just yourself.”

“Okay. Let me talk with Caryn. I’ll let you know.” Cassie ended the call and thought about the unexpected invitation. Her mind took her back to the day she met Cam at the kickoff for the anti-bullying campaign.Can’t deny the instant attraction. Then no contact for six-seven weeks until the wedding reception. Said he’d call…Then radio silence until now. Do I even want to go to his party?

Cassie wandered to the pool deck to watch the twins’ swim lesson. She laughed quietly as Danny resisted Andrew when he tried to steer him back toward the steps.No fear in that boy. Jenna doesn’t allow Caryn to step one foot away from her.Even with the life vests providing plenty of support, Jenna clung to Caryn’s arm and resisted putting her face in the water. Danny had mastered blowing bubbles in one lesson. The instructor had predicted he’d swim like a fish before long.Maybe this week?

She snapped some photos with her phone after she sat on the edge of the pool. She AirDropped an adorable shot of Andrew and Danny to Caryn. Mr. Stubborn resisted all efforts to return to the steps until Andrew whisked him out of the water and held him like an airplane as he walked back to the sloped entry. Danny laughed and demanded more, pointing toward the water.

“Not now, bud. Swim lesson’s over.”

Cassie scrambled to her feet, grabbed a towel, and reached for Daniel. “I can take him. He’s a little fish, isn’t he?”

Andrew shook his head with a smirk. “More like a baby shark.”

Wow, he looks so much like Tom with that smile. Makes my heart beat more quickly, just thinking about Tom. Do I really want to go to a party when I might see him?She wrapped the towel around Daniel, containing his attempts to resist and avoiding the kicks from his chubby legs.

“Hey, tiger, you don’t want to hurt Miss Cassie.” Andrew wrapped a towel around his waist and took the squirming bundle from her. “Did he kick you?”

“No, I’m learning his moves. Though, you may have a future martial artist on your hands.”

Caryn laughed slightly as she carried Jenna from the water. “That, we don’t need.”

Cassie reached for a towel for Jenna and wrapped it around her as Caryn spoke with the swim instructor. Cassie pressed her lips against the cheeks peeking from within the fluffy wrap. “Did you have fun, Jen? Let’s get you changed while Mommy’s busy.” She glanced at Andrew as she walked past him. “Give me a few minutes, and I can give him a quick bath along with Jenna.”

22

“What would I do without you?” Caryn asked fifteen minutes later after Jenna and Daniel settled in for their later-than-normal afternoon nap.

“They’re adorable. The difference in their strength is noticeable now—especially over these last few weeks.”

“He’s more than compensated for being the runt at birth. Can you believe Jenna weighed a pound heavier than Danny at birth? Their next checkup should be interesting. I think he’ll jump to the ninetieth percentile in both weight and height, while Jenna remains around the sixtieth.” Caryn chuckled as they walked from the darkened room. “And I worried Danny would always be smaller.”

“No worries now, that’s for sure. Takes after his dad, I think.”

“Let’s hope so.” Caryn glanced at Cassie. “Did you make plans with Lauren or Amelie tonight? Take advantage of the last quiet evening before the road trip begins tomorrow?”

“Not yet. Surprise—Cam called a little while ago and mentioned a party at his place. That was unexpected.”

“Do you want to go?” They walked toward the kitchen as they spoke.

Cassie shrugged. “Not sure. I said I needed to check with you. Actually, I hope I can take the twins, and you and Andrew can plan a romantic evening?” A teasing smile crossed her face. “Is this that long road trip?”

“Five games. We’re not going anywhere tonight, Cassie. Andrew wants to spend as much time as possible with our love bugs,” Caryn said. “When you’re married a few years and add children to the mix, a quiet evening at home together is our idea of romantic. So, make some plans.”

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