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“Yes. I’m here. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been though. It breaks my heart. I wish I was there to help you.”

It’s silent. “Can I ask you something, Cassandra?”

She sighs. “Trevor, I think you’ve already asked enough for tonight.”

“One last thing. Cassandra, did you get the opportunity to mourn Scott?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“I mean, he wasn’t just Darian’s husband. He wasn’t just Harley, Reagan and Skylar’s father. He was the father you never had. He was the brother you never had. I don’t know exactly what went down with your father yet, and you don’t need to tell me tonight, but I’m gathering that Scott was basically the only positive male figure you’ve ever had in your life. He loved you, and you loved him. Did you take the time to mourn him, or did you just worry about helping Darian and the girls through it?”

“He was her husband, and their father. They were heartbroken.” She’s heartbroken too. She doesn’t even realize it.

“You slept with her every night for a year, right?”

“I did. She struggled without him in her bed. She needed the warm body.”

“You were a mother to the girls during that time, right?”

“I gave them the advice and support that she couldn’t. I don’t think you realize just how bad it was for her. She was a mess, Trevor. She barely got out of bed for two years, and barely left the house for another year after that. It wasn’t until she met Jackson that she came back to life. Your father saved her.”

“No, Cassandra. You did.”

CHAPTERFIVE

CASSANDRA

I’m sitting in my office looking out the window. I can’t believe I told Trevor about Roman the other night. I’m not sure why I did it. He’s always gotten me to open up in ways I never have before. He sees me in a way that no man has, with the possible exception of Scott.

Oddly enough, Trevor reminds me so much of Scott. He’s so kind, loving and thoughtful. Just like Scott was.

I’ve been thinking about what he said regarding me and Scott. To some extent, Trevor’s right. Scott did have a special role in my life. I’m not sure if it was fatherly or brotherly, but it was special to me. He was always good to me.

I was so consumed with the loss being suffered by Darian and the girls, that I’ve never really thought about what it meant to me. I guess he’s right. I lost the most important man in my life too. I’m not sure it really matters anymore.

A knock on my office door breaks me out of my thoughts. I look up and see Steven standing there. “Cassandra, do you have a minute?”

“Sure, Steven. What’s up?”

“We have two promising new associates joining our firm. I thought that maybe you could take one of them under your wing. If they’re compatible, perhaps that person can eventually join your team.”

“Okay. Who are they?”

“One is a man and one is a woman.” He gives me a knowing smile.

I love when new women come to work here. He knows it. “I’d be happy to showherthe ropes.” Steven smiles again. “I could use the help. Alexandra is completely overworked right now. When does she start?”

“Today, actually.”

“Thanks for the notice, Steven.” I smile. “Is she fresh meat from law school, or does she have a little experience?”

If they’ve had good experience, then it’s helpful. If they’ve had bad experience, then I’d rather a new kid straight out of law school with a clean slate.

“She has a handful of years of experience at Lincoln and Lynnfield.” That’s a good firm. One of the best.

“Poaching from our chief competitor, Steven?”

He laughs as he holds his hands up in surrender. “No, she came to us. I swear. But it certainly doesn’t upset me to take one of their best and brightest.”

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