Page 54 of Coveting Catherine

Taco laughed out loud, “Everyone grab your boots; it's getting pretty deep in here. You have Miss Edie visiting once a month, and I know your entire deep freeze contains homemade casseroles, bread, muffins, and complete individual meals.”

Saint scowled at his big-mouthed friend, “Those aren't for me. Mama makes them for Miya to try new things.”

Shadow rolled his eyes. “Saint, I don't think Mama Edie thinks Miya eats four pork chops at a time, and some of those platters have your name written on them with a little x’s and o’s.”

Saint smiled widely as the team laughed at the new information, “Ya'll just be jealous because this man's mama loves him. You sure don't mind when I pull those packages out.”

Everyone agreed. Between Miss Edie, Maddie, Bryanna, and the women, no one on the mountain complained of hunger or lack of food. Bryanna’s daily baskets spoiled Victoria's men to the point they started placing orders for their favorites, much to the baker's delight. She used them as her Guinea pigs for new recipes.

“Alright, let's get some business out of the way. After much deliberation, Catherine decided to cremate Ash and have a quiet ceremony for him. He doesn't have family, and although I can't say I like anything he did, he saved my woman, and I'm grateful. I don't expect you to come, it's not mandatory. Catherine asked me to leave the decision up to each of you. I'm doing it for her, not Ash,” Leo announced.

The team sat silently as they sifted through their own feelings concerning Ash. Taco leaned in, and his hand reached the table's middle. “For Catherine's life.”

The pride welled up for his men as each man sitting at the table covered Taco's hand and said, “For Catherine.”

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

Kassie dialed Chase's phone, then Maddie's and Joe's. Melody stood patiently playing tug with Rollo and Emma while she tried to reach anyone to take Melody to Catherine for her daily visit.

“It seems Uncle Taco hurt his leg, and the team must all be helping him. Let me grab my shoes, and I'll take you to see your mama.” Kassie smiled at the girls when butterflies roiled up her stomach.

The girls jumped into their seats and buckled up while Kassie grabbed the freshly baked muffins and a bouquet of fresh flowers, she purchased for Chase to take to Catherine. Driving the girls around the mountain, her anxiety kicked higher. Weeks passed, and Catherine didn't call to ask her to visit. Things remained weird between them since Kassie left her in the farmhouse.

She pulled up in the drive and helped the girls down. Kassie knocked and let the girls go in first. Catherine squealed as she gathered the girls for an onslaught of kisses and hugs. Leo set the guestroom up as a playroom for Melody, and she grabbed Emma's hand to show her the new paints and art desk.

Kassie stood by the door. “I'll leave the muffins on the counter. Michael said Melody's cast is ready to come off. I didn't know if you wanted to take Melody or have your mom go. If you tire out, text, and I'll come and pick Melody up. I hope you’re feeling better.”

“That's it?” Catherine asked.

“I'm trying to respect your boundaries, Catherine. If it weren’t for me saving Melody, you’d still be angry with me. We fell back into our old friendship because of the desperate situation we experienced. I know how you feel about me, and I understand why you can't be my friend. You're hurt, and Melody needed a place to stay.”

Catherine sighed. “Kassie, we've made a mess out of things. Let's talk.”

“Yeah, we did. I'm sorry, Catherine, for causing you pain. Losing you and Samantha made me realize I don't know as much about friendship as I thought. For the record, I don't appreciate the reference about me acting as a princess unless Chase calls me by my nickname. I never wanted to become a queen. Money doesn't buy anything important. If it did, I’d return it to have my sister and parents with me. But then again, I wouldn’t have met you or be here with Chase and Emma. I'm only here because you meddled, and I'll always be grateful to you for saving us.” Kassie's voice wavered as she said her peace.

“Oh, Kassie. I didn't mean any of it. I was angry and lashed out to hurt you. I see I hit the mark. I'm sorry, too.” Catherine struggled to get her crutches and hobbled her way over to Kassie.

Tears ran down each woman's face as they hugged and held onto each other.

Catherine pulled back and steadied herself. “Kassie, seriously, I never felt that way. I literally stayed up at night trying to find things to hate about you. I love you the way you are. You use the money to help other people. You built a hospital, for Pete's sake, and you'll be saving lives.”

“I hoped I’d do it with my husband and best friend.” Kassie helped Catherine back to the couch. “It will open next week, and we're having a party. Ya wanna come?” Kassie asked hesitantly.

“Absolutely, did you hire enough staff? I hope you didn't bring in the blonde with the fake boobs. Can you picture the slobber in the hallways?” Catherine laughed.

“No, she hit on Chase the next day when she returned for a second interview. I tried to stay objective. I'm an equal-opportunity employer until it comes to nurses hitting on my husband. I mean, he is hot. She tried to rub herself all over his arm after pretending she stumbled. It took everything in me not to grab the scalpel and pop one of those babies.” Kassie giggled, and Catherine joined in.

Melody and Emma stood in the doorway. “I guess Uncle Saint won. Mama, what does streaking mean?” Emma asked.

Kassie and Samantha's heads turned at the same time.

“Where did you hear that word, Emma?” Kassie guessed but wanted to hear where the little ears heard it.

“Uncle Shadow said Uncle Saint needed to do it if you and Mama made up,” Melody offered.

“Oh, where were Uncle Chase and Uncle Leo?” Catherine started to put two and two together.

“Daddy said it was a bad idea but said he was in, and Uncle Leo said to call it PITA times two,” Emma added.

---