Page 47 of Risky Move

Comfortable? Can I see her interacting with my love bugs…or am I just worried she’ll start flirting with Tom if he’s around? Selfish much, Cass? Remember who kept you from driving after that party…

“Okay,” she answered finally. “I have some reservations, but as long as you’re home, we can try it.”

“Cassie.” Caryn waited until Cassie looked at her. “I have no problem playing Mama Grizzly. Take that off your worry list.”

Cassie giggled at the thought. “I hope you never go Mama Grizzly on me! Okay, sure, why not? I’ll try to share Jenna and Danny.”

“How much you share’s totally up to you, Cassie. The twins may raise their own objections. The pediatrician said they may start rejecting new faces—common at their age. I’ll call her back and set a few ground rules. First and most important, she needs to clear it with me before dropping in. Neither Drew, nor I want anything to distract you when you’re running after two stubborn speed-crawlers!”

This time Cassie hugged Caryn. “I agree, definitely. Thank you—you’re the best, Caryn.”

“Blame me if it ever comes up.” Caryn met Cassie’s eyes. “You know, I always wished for a large family—brothers and sisters. Lauren’s been a sister for a long time. Now I feel I have two with you.”

Cassie blinked back the sudden tears. “I’ve always wanted a sister. Thank you.”

* * *

Daniel and Jenna had mastered crawling and now darted across the floor in a flash. They both pulled themselves to a standing position and then cruised along the side of the couch. Cassie enjoyed the determination on both of their faces and tried to comfort them when they lost their balance and plopped to the floor. Caryn told Cassie that their stubbornness and determination was all Andrew and warned that impatience would soon follow.

Those thoughts ran through Cassie’s mind as she played on the floor with the twins the next day. Unusually active—even for them—both kept her busy, giggling when they tried to venture past their play area. When they began crawling in separate directions, Cassie suspected they’d invented a new game. She almost called Caryn to watch but remembered the conference call that had started an hour earlier. Her office door remained closed, indicating the call had continued longer than expected.

Cassie spread out on the floor, enticing the escape artists to use her as a climbing wall. It didn’t take long for them to discover how to make Cassie laugh, and the three giggled so hard no one heard the quiet knock on the door. Suddenly Amelie joined them on the floor.

“What are you doing, Cassie?”

“Trying to distract them. Danny and Jenna learned some new escape skills this morning. They’re a hoot. How are you, Amie?”

“Good. I hate these road trips. Really miss my guy.”

“How is Mr. Gagné?” Cassie asked as she grabbed Daniel before he could make a break for the kitchen.

“God, I miss him, Cass. We talk every day, but it’s not the same. Although, FaceTime’s providing some interesting evenings.” Amelie grinned, watching Cassie’s attempt to corral the twins.

“Can you hand me that box of teething biscuits on the counter? That should settle them in one place for a while.” Cassie glanced at Amelie once Jenna and Daniel sat quietly, gnawing on the thick biscuits. “So, you say FaceTime’s entertained you?”

Amelie leaned back against the couch. “Chance is just as sexy and gets my body responding just listening to him.Almostas good as having him right beside me.”

“Sexting?” Cassie guessed.

“OMG, yes! When he tells me to do something…it’s like he’s the one touching me.”

Cassie laughed and slipped her hands over Jenna’s ears. “TMI! Don’t corrupt my little angels.”

“I doubt they understand a word.”

“Still, G-rated around them, please! I don’t want their first word to be ‘sexting.’”

Amelie laughed, shaking her head. “You’re nuts, you know that?” Without waiting for an answer, she nodded toward then pool. “Mind if I catch some rays by the pool?”

“Help yourself. I need to feed these guys lunch.”

“So maybe you can join me when they nap?”

“Maybe.” Cassie got each squirming baby settled and strapped safely in a highchair and then gave each a handful of Cheerios to keep them happy while she prepared the lunch. Caryn joined her shortly and began assisting her.

“Where’s your extra set of hands?”

Cassie nodded toward the lanai. “Working on her tan.”

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