Page 87 of Risky Move

“Boring. I wish I’d taken my classes seriously last year.” Amelie made a face. “These classes are a joke and a complete waste of money.”

“So, you think you’ll be able to ace them?” Cassie handed another car to Daniel.

“That’s the plan. If I score straight A’s, I’ll reapply to Paris.” She watched Jenna take additional time as her block tower grew taller. “Maybe a future architect here—what do you think?”

“Nothing would surprise me. So, have you heard from Chance?”

“He’s called a few times during this road trip. After he ghosted me while I was in Montréal, things aren’t the same. He doesn’t understand why I ‘expected him’ to contact me.”

Cassie laughed. “Guys just don’t get it, do they?”

“I think your doctor does,” Amelie said with a smirk. “Perfect, right, Cass?”

“I have no complaints.” Cassie’s heart did a little flip whenever she thought about Tom. “Do you mind watching them while I get their lunch warmed up?”

“Not at all. I won’t let either escape.”

* * *

After lunch, Cassie took the twins outside while Amelie worked on her homework on the pool deck.

Daniel had tried to pull Cassie toward the pool when they passed the door on the way outside. She knew he wanted to swim; he was like a little fish in the water.

“Not today, Danny. We’ll swim tomorrow when your daddy’s home.”

“Dadada,” he repeated. Cassie loved the sound of his voice as he tried to say, “daddy.”

“Let’s bounce the big ball on the porch.” Both Jenna and Daniel liked to clutch the beach ball with two hands and bounce if off the ground. If successful, both giggled and clapped their hands. Cassie retrieved the ball, then emphasized whose turn came next. It amazed Cassie how quickly both grasped new concepts—taking turns, sharing.When they choose to cooperate.

When they tossed the ball on the grass, Cassie moved to the lawn and beckoned them to retrieve the toy. She watched them scamper across the yard, shrieking in delight when they lost their balance and plopped down on the grass. She called their names and bounced the beach ball to get their attention. Jen opted to rush toward her using her speed-crawl skills, and Daniel tottered in her direction with a determined expression.Looks so much like Andrew…it’s as if he’s mimicking his father.

After thirty minutes, Cassie herded them back indoors and led them to the play area before fixing each a glass of juice. Daniel slurped his drink eagerly, and Jenna waved the cup around before taking a sip. Cassie glanced at her watch. A bit too early for the afternoon nap, but Cassie hoped to finish up the laundry while they slept.

“You have an amazing mama,” she told Daniel and Jenna. “You keep her running around all day long, and she never gets too tired to play. I hope I can be a mom just like her someday.”

* * *

“Could you watch Jen and Danny for a minute?” Cassie asked Amelia when she came in from the pool deck. “I need to freshen up.”

“Sure, take your time.” Amelie spread out on her side and encouraged both toddlers to climb over her. “I’ll yell, ‘Help!’ if they tie me up.”

“Nothing they do would surprise me.” Cassie glanced over her shoulder as she walked across the room. She loved those children so much. She couldn’t imagine life without her munchkins—or their parents.Someday, I hope Jen and Danny understand how lucky they are to live in a home where both parents love each other and them unconditionally.She wished she’d enjoyed such a peaceful environment. Cassie wondered if she’d have more confidence in her future if she hadn’t been used as a ping pong ball by her parents. She received mixed messages consistently—her mother expected perfection and criticized her study habits each time she fell short. Her dad congratulated every accomplishment, but his expectations demanded that the grades reflect her very best work—even if a score was just “average.”

She thought about her remedial algebra class as she quickly changed her T-shirt. Her mother would express disappointment that she couldn’t test out of a secondary school-level math course. She’d assume Cassie didn’t spend enough time on her studies. Her father would do his best to encourage her but would also expect her to at least pass the test.

Thank God, I’m taking this course on my dime. I won’t feel guilty if I don’t share that information…Why open myself to more criticism and unspoken disappointment?

She knew she’d made the correct decision in enrolling in the community college program in Tampa. With no one looking over her shoulder, Cassie could try new courses, risk exploring different career choices.

Cassie listened to the laughter and excited chatter as she stepped into the bathroom. Amelie constantly surprised her. A few months ago, Cassie could not imagine her sitting on the floor playing with the twins. Now Amelie sought an opportunity to spend time with Jenna and Daniel.She doesn’t care if food lands on her face or if a sippy cup “accidentally” spills its contents on her shirt. Did it take this long for her to feel comfortable with the toddlers? Or maybe it’s because she’s not distracted by her mysterious French hockey player?

Cassie thought about the matching outfits Daniel and Jenna wore—the colorful overalls and the girlie details on Jenna’s.They’ll soon outgrow them. Wonder if this makes Caryn sad or happy to welcome a new stage in their lives?The twins changed so rapidly that Cassie sometimes wanted to capture them in a bubble of time so she could enjoy them just a little longer. Before she knew it, Jenna and Daniel would enter preschool.

Cassie laughed to herself.Now I sound just like Mom. “You’re growing up too fast, Cassandra…just yesterday youentered school. Now time for the university.”

As Cassie walked back to the living area, she listened to Jenna’s babbling and Amelie’s laughter.Danny’s strangely silent. Ready for a nap, maybe?

She chuckled when she saw that Jenna had climbed on Amelie’s back, trying to give her a stuffed animal.

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