Page 38 of Cass

TREVOR

I walk into the office on Tuesday morning. “Good morning, Donna.”

“Good morning, Trevor. You look a little tired. Big date last night?”

I smile at her. I know she’s a meddler. I have no problem feeding into her gossipy tendencies. “As a matter of fact, yes. A verybigdate. A veryhotdate. Not as hot as you though, Donna. You just let me know when you’re ready to leave William. I’ll be there waiting for you.” I wink at her and she giggles. She knows she’s like a grandmother to us.

“You had a date last night?” I turn around and see Hayden. He’s standing with Dad and Payton.

Dad looks at me. “Are you seeing someone?”

“As a matter of fact, I am. I’mextremelyinto her.”

Dad smiles. “That’s great. We’d love to meet her. Feel free to bring her to Darian’s surprise party on Saturday.”

Hayden shakes his head. “No. There’s no way you’re seeing someone. You just moved back and you haven’t brought anyone home with you. I’d know.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Hayden, but you don’t know everything about me. Perhaps I’ve been at her place. You know I likematurewomen. Maybe I’ve been hanging at my sugar momma’s place.”

Dad laughs, but Hayden looks at me skeptically. He knows something is off.

I give Hayden an equally skeptical look. “Why are you here, Hayden? Have you finally given up on medical school? Did you fail out because you’re spending too much time in supply closets?”

“I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to deflect. I came by to talk with the three of you.” He looks at Dad. “Can the four of us talk?”

Dad nods at Hayden. “Of course. Let’s go to my office.”

Donna smiles at Dad. “Do you need me in there to take notes?”

Dad laughs. “Nice try, Donna.” She smiles innocently.

Dad ushers us all into his office and then closes the door. “What’s up?”

Hayden smiles. “I’m going to ask Jess to marry me.”

Dad claps his hands in happiness and hugs Hayden. “Congratulations. You two are great together. I’m so happy for you.”

I elbow Hayden. “Don’t congratulate him yet, Dad. She could say no.”

Payton pushes me. “Don’t pay any attention to him, Hayden. He’s just jealous because someone loves you, and no one loves him.” I’m pretty sure he’s wrong about that, but I’ll keep it to myself for now.

Dad nods. “I agree with Payton. Hayden, let me know if you need help paying for a ring. You’re just a medical school student. I’m more than happy to help.”

The three of us start laughing at Dad. He looks at us in question. I shake my head. “Dad, the trust funds you set up for us basically mean we never have to work a day in our lives. Not that any of us would do that, but do you really think he needs help with a ring? Besides, Hayden and I already shopped for the ring.”

Dad grumbles. “Oh, right.” I swear he forgets sometimes just how much money he’s made. It’s not important to him. His family is what’s important to him. I love him for that.

He looks sad. “I would have gone with you, Hayden.”

“I’m sorry, Dad. But why don’t you help me plan how I’m going to propose? I really want it to be special. I want you all to be a part of it.”

I laugh. “Do you want it in a stadium full of people on national television?”

He shakes his head. “No, I’ll pass on that. I think this family is set on that proposal.”

I put my arm around him. “I’ve got an idea. Let’s call Harley.”

CHAPTEREIGHT

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