Page 64 of Risky Move

“And wear shoes. No running around the yard barefoot.”

“Seriously? That ruins my day—I love going barefoot.” Cassie tried to maintain a straight face, but when Tom raised an eyebrow skeptically, the laugher burst from within her. “Too many of those tiny thorns in the grass, anyway.”

Tom grabbed her as she walked past him, sweeping her into his arms. “You know what I think?” He stepped closer to the edge of the pool.

Cassie looped her arms around his neck. “You’re seriously not thinking about tossing me into that pool?”

“And if I am?”

Cassie tightened her arms around his neck and leaned to kiss him. “I can think of a few dozen better things to do.”

“Oh? Care to enumerate?” Tom murmured against her lips.

Cassie’s response was lost in the sudden burst of chatter from the monitor. Tom shook his head with a wry smile. “I call for a raincheck.”

“Me, too.” Cassie wiggled from his grip and slowly slid to the ground. “We have two munchkins waiting.”

34

Suddenly, it was the day before Christmas Eve. Caryn, Andrew, and the twins got up before dawn to fly to Toronto. Although both told Cassie she didn’t need to see them off, she threw on some clothes and met them in the great room. Caryn frowned at her while she completed her checklist.

“You didn’t need to be up this early, Cassie.”

She shrugged. “I wanted to kiss the twins and wish you all Merry Christmas. I’ll miss my love bugs.” She kneeled beside the two restless toddlers who surfed the edge of the sofa. “You have their winter coats and hats in your carry-on?”

Andrew pointed to the bag on his shoulder. “Next year, we’ll worry about snowsuits.”

“Please take a picture of their reactions to snow.”

“You bet.” Andrew focused on Caryn. “You’re convinced you brought everything you need?”

“Think so.” Caryn didn’t sound too sure.

“Remember, there are plenty of stores in Toronto in the unlikely event you forgot something.”

“You’re right,” she answered with a sigh. “This is one time I’m glad my dad has a private jet. I couldn’t handle the crowds at the airport.”

“Just keep that in mind the next time you feel they’re interfering.” Andrew spoke with a smile.

“Remind me.” Caryn walked to Cassie and hugged her. “Merry Christmas, Cass. We’ll probably look for you seventy times a day, but please just relax and enjoy the holiday with Lauren and Dave. You’ll find a few presents under the tree.”

“Call us if you need anything,” Andrew added.

“Everything will be fine,” Cassie said as Tom joined them. “Enjoy your Christmas.”

“You need help packing the car?” Tom asked.

Andrew looked around. “I think we’ve got most of it…just what you see here.”

“Why don’t you leave Jenna and Daniel with us?” Tom suggested with a straight face. He laughed when he caught the dark look Caryn directed toward him. “That would be a ‘No,’ I presume.”

“Maybe a ‘Hell, no,’ if you consider two sets of angry grandparents,” Andrew said.

“Can we take Jenna and Danny and get them settled in the car seats?” Cassie offered. When Caryn nodded, she gathered Jenna in her arms while Tom picked up Daniel. Cassie showered kisses on the sweet girl as they walked to the car. “I’ll miss you big time.”

Tom opened the back door and strapped Daniel in his car seat, then reached for Jenna. Cassie watched him plant a kiss on each forehead before backing away and making space for her.Didn’t think it would be this hard to say goodbye for three days. Just three days, Cassie…no need to get teary-eyed.

She kissed each a second time while Andrew stowed the stroller in the back of the SUV. She backed away and concentrated on keeping her smile bright.

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