Page 122 of Risky Move

“Let’s just call that a major fail, Dad. I think you figured out what we were up to even before the school called.” He looked at Cassie. “We were maybe nine and ten. He made sure we were assigned to the after-school maintenance crew for at least a month. Only the beginning of hockey practice lifted that sentence.”

“And you never skipped school again?”

Tom raised his eyebrows but kept his expression neutral.

“So, you never got caught?” Cassie guessed. She looked at Jean. “They must have kept you on your toes.”

“You have no idea, Cassie. But we have to agree they left childhood as responsible and respectful adults.”

* * *

When Tom noticed his father beginning to tire, he exchanged a glance with his mother and then reached for Cassie’s hand. “Shall we head back to the townhome? Maybe sneak in a nap?” When she nodded, he stood and offered his hand to assist. “We’ve had a long couple of days.”

“I don’t know how Tom manages those long shifts,” Cassie said. “Thank you for spending the afternoon with us. I’m so happy to meet you—and I loved the stories of the not-so-angelic childhood.”

“You cannot repeat them, Cassie.” Tom pretended to adopt a stern tone.

“Ruin your image as the perfect doctor?”

“Well, yeah, besides not setting a good example for the twins.” He winked at his father. “Payback’s hell, don’t you agree?”

“Hush, don’t speak about our grandchildren like that,” Jean said. “They were perfect angels at Christmas.”

“That’s before Demo Danny emerged. Fearless and a force to be reckoned with. Andrew’s going to have his hands full down the road.” He squeezed Cassie’s shoulders, and then both said their goodbyes.

Jean hugged Cassie one last time before they walked out the door. “I do hope you’ll visit again soon. With or without your doctor.”

* * *

“So once again, I’m yesterday’s news—or whatever you call it.” Tom teased Cassie as they walked to the car. “Feel colder to you?”

“I’m freezing. It smells like snow.” Cassie looked at the sky as she climbed up into the passenger seat. “Much cloudier now.”

Tom started the car and switched on the heated seats. “We’ll check the forecast when we get to the townhome. As much as I’d love to get snowed in with you, I can’t afford to get stranded in Toronto due to the weather.”

“Très romantic,” Cassie said. “Fireplace, hot chocolate, and major cuddling.”

“We could always pretend at home—turn the AC way down, close the shutters, and light candles in lieu of a fireplace.”

“Cuddling with you anywhere works for me.”

By the time they returned to the townhome, and Tom adjusted the heat setting in the garage, the wind shifted, blowing briskly from the Northwest and bringing pellets of sleet.

“Your prediction of snow looks more likely now. Let’s check the forecast, then I’ll call Caryn to see if we should book a commercial flight home.” Tom kissed Cassie’s cheek as he helped remove her coat. “I wanted to take you to a couple of our favorite restaurants and clubs, so hopefully, it’s a passing sleet shower.”

Cassie watched as Tom pulled his phone from his jacket and opened a weather app. He frowned and shook his head, then selected a second app.

“Bad news?”

“More like no news or updates to the forecast. Would you mind checking the TV while I call Caryn?”

By the time Cassie located the remote and navigated to the weather station, Tom stood beside her in the cozy living room. “Well, at least they’re predicting the same forecast as Caryn had received from our pilot. She gave him my number. He’ll call once he contacts the crew, and the forecast looks more definite.” He kissed her temple. “I hate that our weekend may wind up a twenty-four-hour turnaround.”

“Maybe a snow-check?” Cassie smiled and put her arms around Tom’s chest. “I’m glad I met your parents. You and Andrew don’t know what a blessing you had growing up. They’re wonderful.”

“We may not have realized it at the time, but looking back, we did have it pretty good—tough love and all.” Cassie watched his smile spread to his eyes. “We did test the limits.”

“I can’t imagine.” Cassie rolled her eyes, then grew serious. “How do you handle living so far away…your father’s condition must worry you constantly?”

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