Page 49 of Risky Move

“Staying one step ahead of my munchkins,” Cassie said. “Hey, Amelie, did you and Cam have that secret twin language? I swear Danny and Jenny are communicating.” She told Tom about their sudden “escape” plan.

“We do, actually. Sometimes it’s more like I tune into Cam’s thoughts and vice versa. That wasnothelpful in secondary school,” Amelie said and laughed. “Even in Paris, he always knew when I was having a rough day, homesick, or out with a hot guy.” She shook her head. “I didnotappreciate him jumping into my head whenever I kissed someone. Major mood destroyer.”

Cassie joined her in laughing. “Is he still bugging your mind here in Tampa?”

Amelie smiled coyly. “I found if I just jump into his head once or twice, he’s ready for a truce. I know it sounds bizarre, but it’s hard to explain.”

Cassie looked at Tom. “I think your nephew and niece have that gift. Watch out.”

He smiled at the animated sparkle in her hazel eyes when she talked about the twins.Anyone can see she loves them like her own—and the feeling’s definitely mutual.

On cue, two squawks sounded on the monitor. Cassie jumped up. “I need to get them before they disturb Caryn’s conference call.”

“Need a hand?” Amelie asked.

Tom watched as Cassie hid her surprise. “Come on.”

He stood to clear the table. It didn’t take long, and after he’d put everything away, he returned with a cloth to wipe the table. He moved the monitor, pausing for a moment to listen to Jenna babble.Wonder who will speak first? And that first word? “Dad,” if Andrew has anything to say about it.He’d caught his brother frequently trying to coach them. Not at all embarrassed, Andrew had shrugged with a grin. “You don’t think Caryn does the same thing?”

Amelie’s voice caught his attention. “Cassie, before we take them out, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“Tom—is he…”

Tom quickly muted the monitor, not wanting to eavesdrop, hear the question, or Cassie’s answer. He placed the monitor back on the table and returned inside the house.Just give Jenna and Danny a kiss and catch up on sleep.He pretended not to notice Cassie’s flushed cheeks and took Daniel from Amelie when he held his hands out toward his uncle and squealed.

“I got you, little buddy.” He laughed when Jenna immediately mimicked her brother. “Mind if I get her, too?” he asked Cassie.

“Hey, I know where I land on their order of preferences.” She gently placed Jenna in Tom’s other arm. “They love their Uncle Tommy.”

They all walked to the play area. “Here you go, tigers. Don’t play any tricks on Cassie or Amelie.” He caught Cassie’s eye. “Sleep calls. I’ll catch up with you later. Nice to see you again, Amelie.”

He may have imagined it, but thought he heard Amelie sigh as he walked toward his apartment. He wanted to chat a bit with Cassie, but not with Amelie vying for attention. A beautiful woman, but he preferred the spunky hazel-eyed girl with a rainbow of colors highlighting her hair.

26

Christmas suddenly loomed on the horizon when Cassie’s mother mentioned flying home for the Christmas holidays. She wanted a Christmas with both parents—like they used to enjoy before the divorce. Cassie knew those holidays would never reappear. With her mother in Vancouver and her father taking a Disney Cruise, Cassie didn’t want to choose between her mother and father…again. “I’ll try to figure things out, Mom.” She ended the conversation, then sought Lauren’s input.

“I know I sound like a horrible daughter, but I’d rather just stay here for Christmas, Lauren.” She watched the rain splash from the screen porch, quickly forming running streams outside. “This weather depresses me, and you know how much worse it gets at home.”

“Aren’t Caryn and Andrew flying up to Toronto with the twins?” Lauren asked.

Cassie nodded. “Are you and Dave going to Vancouver? That could change my perspective.”

“We thought about it, but really it’s too much travel for a three-day break. The team plays at home right after the break, so we’d barely have time to drop off presents and head back.” Cassie saw Lauren studying her face. “You know you’re welcome to stay with us. You can help decorate, we can bake Christmas cookies, and stay up late to wait for Santa Claus.”

“But it’s your first Christmas with Dave. I don’t want to crash that.”

“Hush, Cassie, we’ll have time to ourselves. Have you spoken with your dad? Are they doing the Disney Cruise?”

Cassie grinned. “Taylor will so love it! Dad invited me to come with them…” She shrugged as her voice trailed off. “Mom would never forgive me if I chose the cruise over coming home. And ten days is too long to stay away.”

“Divorce is hard, even when you’re an adult child. Are they flying into Orlando? Maybe if they’re not jumping right on the ship, we can meet for dinner.” Lauren paused a moment and then sighed. “I could invite Amanda and Allyson to come here. Maybe that way, you can enjoy time with both your parents separately?”

Cassie made a face. “Why would you want to do that? And what about Dave’s family?”

“We invited his family to visit during the Suns’ bye-week after the All-Star Game.” Lauren shook her head with a laugh. “We’ll have a houseful if everyone comes.”

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