Page 96 of Risky Move

Lauren sat beside her. “You didn’t eat much last night. I have blueberry pancakes ready to cook for you. Can I entice you to leave your room?”

“Daniel’s home?”

“Not yet. Tom said it’s just precautionary, but he’ll stay another day.” She paused a moment. “He’s here. He said he’s tried to reach you since yesterday.”

“I found my phone, but not the charger. It’s in the kitchen right now—I turned it off, so I don’t have to talk to Mom just yet.” Cassie pulled her hair back into a high ponytail. “Why does Tom want to see me?”

“Worried about you? Maybe to reassure you that Daniel’s okay? I definitely know he doesn’t want you to blame yourself.” Lauren tried to soothe her niece.

“Why not? I know I didn’t protect Danny. Tom has to feel as furious as Andrew.”

“You don’t know that. Don’t you think you should give him the time to talk with you?”

Cassie shrugged. “I guess I owe him the opportunity to vent his anger.”

“Give him a chance.” Lauren hugged her, then offered her hand for Cassie to stand. “Have you heard from Amelie? I hope she does the right thing and explains what happened.”

“Danny was my responsibility, no matter what Amie did or didn’t do.”

Lauren stopped walking and grasped her arm. She spoke softly. “Just think about it—you’re not the person who lost track of Daniel.”

“I’m not throwing her under the bus. I should never have asked her to watch both twins.” Cassie saw Lauren’s expression. “Please don’t mention it, Lauren.”

“Cassie, I won't promise either way on that. Trust me not to say anything—unless I need to intervene.”

* * *

Tom checked his emails while he hoped Lauren could persuade Cassie to leave her bedroom.Just want to hug her and tell her Daniel’s okay. Hope she’s not overwhelmed with guilt. Caryn doesn’t blame her—Andrew will come around in time. They both know how much Cassie loves Jenna and Daniel.

He looked up when he heard Lauren’s voice. Leaving his phone on the counter, he met Cassie halfway across the room. His rainbow girl appeared defeated, her eyes dull, and exhaustion reflected by her entire persona. Without speaking, he pulled her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He felt her tremble and pressed his lips against her head. “I’ve worried about you since I got Amelie’s message yesterday.”

“Danny will be all right?”

“At this moment, he’s sleeping peacefully. Give him a couple of days and ‘Demo Danny’ will return full force.”

“Thank God. Danny shouldn’t suffer because of my stupidity.”

“Accidents happen. I see them every day in the ER.” Tom brushed his hand over her head. “You’re my hero for staying calm and remembering your training.”

She shook her head. “I’m no hero.”

“You don’t get to choose my heroes.”

“Have you eaten, Tom?” Lauren asked. “Blueberry pancakes on the menu.”

“Dave actually left some?” Cassie asked with a small smile.

“I made two batches of batter. I’ve learned not to underestimate his appetite before a practice.”

Tom guided Cassie to a seat in the breakfast nook. “Orange juice, coffee, water, Coke?”

She looked at him with a ghost of a smile. “Sit. You’re the guest. I’ll get the drinks.” Cassie took the pitcher of juice from Lauren. “What would you prefer, doctor?”

“OJ sounds good.”

Tom watched as Cassie quickly set the table.Maybe she needs to keep busy?He pulled a chair back for her and leaned over for a kiss when she sat beside him.

* * *

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