Page 89 of Risky Move

“We know Dr. Chadwick. We’ll make sure he’s contacted when we arrive.”

“Thank you. Is Daniel going to be all right?” Cassie wrapped her arms around herself, hoping to stop the trembling.

“His signs are good. Luckily, he wasn’t under water longer than a few seconds. He’ll get a complete assessment at the hospital.”

Cassie nodded, unable to speak and trying to contain the urge to cry. “Thank you,” she whispered. She watched the ambulance until it disappeared from sight, and only then allowed tears to escape.

48

Cassie fought to keep her emotions at bay while she calmed Jenna. Once she’d changed Jenna’s clothes, Cassie took her to her bedroom, and sat Jenna on the floor near the dresser. Cassie tossed her wet clothing into the bathroom sink and wrapped a towel around her.

Her love bug watched as Cassie dressed and squealed her approval when Cassie showed Jenna the shirt she planned to wear. She babbled something only Daniel would understand, and when Cassie swept her into her arms. Jenna patted the brightly flowered fabric.

“You like that, little angel? You love flowers, don’t you? Just like your mom.”

Jenna cooed in response. Cassie carried her to the nursery and sat on the rocker. She forced her worries aside and concentrated only on the precious child she held. The rocking motion soothed her nerves, and she watched as Jenna closed her eyes in contentment. Cassie continued to rock, long after Jenna had fallen asleep, her mind drifting to the haunting vision of little Daniel falling into the pool.

Caryn’s greatest fear and it happened on my watch. The door to the pool is always locked. How could I not notice? Why did I leave both of them with Amie—I could have taken Danny with me to “freshen up?” Or put both of them in their cribs like I usually do. It’s hard enough chasing one, much less two of these bundles of energy...Now Daniel’s in the ambulance, probably terrified because I got distracted.

* * *

After looking at her phone for what felt like the hundredth time, Cassie slipped it into her pocket.Two hours already. She willed Tom to send her a text, a voice message, anything to let her know Daniel’s condition. Tempted to call, she didn’t want to interrupt him.He’ll call as soon as he can.Unless he’s angry with me, disappointed that I allowed Daniel to fall into the pool or blames me for Daniel’s condition.

Why hadn’t she locked the door or double-checked it like Caryn always did? Amelie must have accidentally left it open after she’d completed her coursework. But it was Cassie’s responsibility to ensure that the door was always locked; she hadn’t even noticed that it was open. Cassie had failed her most important duty—keep the twins safe—and she couldn’t imagine the fear, disappointment, and anger that Caryn felt.

She walked to the pool deck and picked up the discarded towels. She saw the residue from the regurgitated water, so after throwing the towels in the wash, she cleaned the area. The spot where Daniel tumbled into the pool seized her gaze, and a rush of icy dread spread through her. What if she’d checked the kitchen first? Or if she hadn’t been so close when Danny fell? What if he hadn’t responded to her rescue breathing?

She flicked the tears aside and swallowed the sob that threatened. She checked again that her phone battery showed fully charged; that she hadn’t missed a call or a text. Not knowing anything weighed on her mind, and as time passed, Cassie’s anxiety morphed to panic.

Finally, she heard a light rapping on the front door, and Lauren and Dave entered before Cassie could reach it. As Lauren hugged her, Cassie felt her control slip and tears streamed from her eyes.

“How’s Danny?”

“Stable when we left,” Lauren said. “Tom said his doctor will admit Daniel to monitor him. He also said the paramedics told him you’d saved his life; you kept calm and knew exactly what to do.”

“It’s my fault it even happened. My carelessness could have cost his life.”

“The important thing is that Dannywillrecover,” Dave said. Cassie turned toward him and saw the empathy in his eyes.

“If I’d done my job, he wouldn’t be at the hospital. I didn’t even notice the pool door was wide open.”

“You can’t change what happened,” Dave said. “This was an accident, nothing more. Everyone knows how much you love the twins. And you saved Daniel’s life.”

Cassie’s gaze moved from Dave to Lauren. “How’s Caryn?”

“Pretty shaken up. Thankful as soon as she saw Danny.” Lauren squeezed her hand. “Now that Andrew’s arrived, she’ll calm.”

Cassie walked to the play area and began picking up the blocks and toy cars. It felt like days had passed since she’d watched them interact with her friend. Amelie’s iPhone lay on the floor amongst the toys, and the memory of Amelie setting it aside flickered in her mind.What was she doing with her phone? Shopping? Texting? Posting on Instagram?“Did you see Amelie at the spa?”

“Yes, I’m not sure where she went after that.” Lauren met her eyes. “Was she here today?”

Cassie nodded. “She stopped by to help. Caryn okayed it—but reminded me about distractions. I welcomed the help today. She’s been a different person since Christmas. Jenna loves her—she always reaches for her.” She attempted a tight smile. “Amie no longer cares if she gets mauled with sticky hands.”

“Sounds like she’s done a one-eighty with her attitude.” Lauren stepped in front of Cassie and gently grasped her arms. “Why don’t you sit down, Cassie? You’re going to wear a path on the hardwood if you keep pacing.” Lauren guided her to the sofa. “And you look like you’ll collapse at any moment.”

“Have you eaten?” Dave asked.

“Not hungry.”

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