Page 80 of Risky Move

Tom thought Andrew’s smile seemed forced when the twins reached for him as soon as they spotted their dad. Caryn laughed and nodded at Daniel.

“Do you hear what your son’s saying?” She sat Daniel on the counter between them and waited until Andrew deciphered the babbling.

“Da…dadada…dada…da!”

Tom caught Cassie’s eyes when Andrew’s expression softened. “His first word…that we recognize,” Caryn laughed. “You called it, Drew.”

“You’re Daddy’s little man, aren’t you, peanut?” Andrew lifted Daniel into his arms as he sat on the counter chair.

“Cassie, we have to double down with Jenna now.” Caryn reached for her daughter. “Mama…ma…ma…” she quietly prompted.

“You won’t let your mama down, will you, pretty girl?” Cassie kissed Jenna’s forehead before moving toward Tom. “You heading to work?”

He nodded as he stepped beside her. “Call you later.”

“Tom, thanks so much for helping last night,” Caryn said. “With you and Cassie here, we had no worries.”

Tom pulled Cassie against his side. “It was all Cass. All I did was sweep up Cheerios this morning.” He pressed his lips against her forehead.

“Not true,” Cassie added. “Jenna and Danny love their Uncle Tommy.”

“When do we see you next?” Caryn asked while trying to keep Jenna from grabbing a handful of hair.

“At or after the game Thursday. Did Dan give you any indication when he plans to clear you to play?”

Andrew met his eyes, and Tom read the lingering anger. “Imagine you’ll know before I do.”

“That’s between you and Dan. He’s your admitting physician.”

“But, you’re quick to decide who leaves a game.”

“Drew…” Caryn whispered.

“I’ll always err on the side of caution if there’s a chance of a head injury.” Tom kept his tone soft and even. “You two get some rest,” he said as he grasped Cassie’s hand. “Walk me out?”

* * *

Cassie didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until they stepped outside. “Tense much?” She looked at Tom’s eyes for a hint of his thoughts.

“Take nothing Andrew says personally. He’s pissed and frustrated—but that’s an effect of the concussion. Normal and expected…Caryn knows how to deal with this.”

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“That he’s angry with me? Not a bit. Maybe disappointed since he knows what he went through before—I’ll give him a pass. If he wants to direct his anger my way, fine. Better me than anyone else.”

Cassie searched his expression before sliding her arms around his neck and urging him closer for a kiss. “I’ll miss my personal physician. You spoiled me last night.”

Tom chuckled as he pulled her against him. “I intend to spoil you every chance I get. I hope you have a quiet afternoon with the twins so Andrew and Caryn can rest. If you need back-up, remember Kelly and Terri are just a text away. Lauren, too. Take care of yourself, okay?” He punctuated his instructions with a soft kiss. “Call me if you need anything.”

Her heart fluttered when he kissed her again before walking to his car. She blew a kiss to him as he backed out of the driveway, her mind and body buzzing with emotions that continued to strengthen.If this is a dream, please never let me wake up.

* * *

Andrew kept to himself during the following two days. He spent most of the day in the bedroom with the blinds shut. Caryn explained the sensitivity to light and loud noises, so Cassie did her best to keep the twins occupied and quiet. They loved the outdoors, so Cassie took them on long walks in their stroller at least once a day. Lauren invited them to spend some time at their home—Cassie felt Caryn’s relief and was quick to accept the invitation. She accompanied Cassie and the twins on the short walk to the house.

“You can’t know how much I appreciate you going above and beyond to keep the house quiet. He’d never admit it, but I know loud or high-pitched sounds trigger migraine-like headaches. Thank you for picking up on that…it’s been a long couple of days.”

“When does Andrew see the doctor again?”

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