Page 51 of Risky Move

“At least that’s the plan,” Andrew added.

“Just remember I’m here if you need me.” Cassie entered the Rogers home, then followed Caryn to the backyard. The festive white tent transformed the lawn, and Cassie marveled at the creative decor, combining traditional fall colors with a splash of the tropics.

“Terri’s an amazing decorator,” Caryn said. “We’ve told her she should become an event planner.”

“I can see that.” Cassie scanned the crowd for people she knew. Lauren waved to get her attention, and Caryn nudged her.

“Go. I’ll find you if we need your help.”

With a murmured thanks, Cassie walked across the lawn and hoped she’d dressed appropriately. She’d chosen linen shorts and a bright floral shirt—just in case she played with the twins. Lauren looked beautiful with an autumn-green sleeveless sheath dress, and Dave…Well, it doesn’t matter what he wears. His eyes capture you, and that smile leaves you breathless.

Lauren greeted her with a hug. “Happy Thanksgiving!”

She chatted with them for a while, and Lauren mentioned that she and Dave had extended an invitation for Cassie’s mother and grandmother to visit at Christmas.

“Amanda wouldn’t commit on the spot, but she’ll let me know as soon as she can so we can get the airfare.” Cassie saw the doubt in her aunt’s eyes. “Either way, you’re off the hook and spending Christmas in Tampa with us.”

“Mom angry?”

“No reason to be. I explained that the break was just three days. You could think about visiting Vancouver during the Suns bye-week. With any luck, you’d split your time between your parents.”

“Yeah, about that…I’ll have to see. Andrew and Caryn asked if I could go to the Virgin Islands with them.” A smile quirked the edges of her lips. “Tough duty, I know, but then they could get out and enjoy some time without the twins.”

“Nice,” Dave commented.

“Hey, you’re an adult, Cassie,” Lauren added. “Make your own decisions and don’t worry about which you choose. If you need to work, you need to work.” Cassie watched Lauren bite back a grin. “Don’t let anyone play the guilt card on you.”

* * *

After dinner, Cassie offered to look after the twins when they awoke from their naps. “I ate enough for three people. I need to chase them around.”

Caryn laughed and placed the monitor in Cassie’s hands. “Still sleeping—Drew just checked on them. Thanks, Cass.”

“I’ll listen for their wake-up babbling. Or maybe just relax in the bedroom and watch them sleep.”

“Crowd overwhelming?”

“I’ve met so many new people, my brain’s scrambled. I’d love some peace.”

Caryn took her hand. “Let me show you where they’re sleeping. I’m sure Terri wouldn’t mind if you’d like to sit out by the pool. Take a glass of lemonade or mimosa and relax.”

After enjoying the quiet and watching her munchkins sleep for about thirty minutes, Cassie decided that she’d get that mimosa Caryn mentioned and enjoy the late afternoon sun.Danny and Jenna won’t wake up for a while,…guess all the people exhausted them. I know the feeling…Wonder if Tom will make it. Got to remember to ask Terri about putting together a meal for him. Special delivery for my hockey doc.

After stopping by one bar for the mimosa, Cassie walked across the lawn toward Terri’s back door. She turned around when she heard her name.Cam? What could he want?

“Happy Thanksgiving. I wondered if you were joining the festivities.” The corners of his mouth hinted at a smile, and she saw the teasing spark in his eyes. “You look beautiful.”

Cassie scrunched her face as she sipped her drink. “Cam, no need to flatter me. Did Amelie come with you? I’ve looked everywhere for her.”

Camden shook his head, his expression suddenly neutral. “She spent the day with Chance.”

“He didn’t want to join the group?”

“That guy’s a loner. Except for my sister, whose company he evidently enjoys.” He shrugged. “I think they were heading to the beach with a picnic lunch.”

“Nice.” Cassie sipped her mimosa again, not inclined to encourage the conversation.

Cam, however, did not notice her reticence. “About that party…I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding. I didn’t mean to embarrass you the next morning.”

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