Page 10 of Cass

“What do you mean?”

I motion for her to sit. We both do. “What happened in her marriages? I know she was married three times, but I don’t know why they ended. Why doesn’t she have kids? It’s pretty rare these days for a woman her age to not have any kids.”

“Well, her first and third marriages were impulsive. One was a drunken trip to Atlantic City on my wedding night, and the other wasn’t terribly different. They were both short lived, terrible mistakes. Neither guy was remotely right for her. I’m more than confident that she never wanted to have kids with either of them.”

I nod. I didn’t know any of that. “What about her second marriage?”

She looks pained. “Honestly, it’s not really my business to discuss, but he did a number on her. She definitely loved him, but he didn’t treat her very well. I certainly never cared for him. That’s all I’m going to say though. If she wants to share more, she can do it herself.”

“Oh, I see. It sounds like it’s probably better that she didn’t have kids with him.”

“I suppose.” She pauses for a moment in thought.

“I know she loves my girls, and of course they love her, but I do think a part of her regrets that she’s missed out on something special by not having children of her own. I don’t know that she would ever admit that to anyone, but I know her well enough to see that pain in her. There was a time that she really wanted to be a mother. I think she even froze a few eggs around fifteen years ago just in case the right situation ever arose for her. Unfortunately, it never did.”

For some reason, that surprises me. “Really? I didn’t realize that she wanted kids so badly. She’s never mentioned it. She seems content without.”

“There was a time that she did desperately want children of her own, and regretted that she wasn’t with anyone to make it happen. As time went on, I think she just gave up on it. I’m happy for the special relationships she has with my girls. I know all three of them mean a lot to her. She’s always been there for them. Even when I went through a period where I wasn’t a great mother to them, she picked up the slack.”

She gives me a sad smile. “They love her too. They embrace her significant role in their lives.”

I’m about to ask a few more follow-up questions, but a bunch of people arrive all at once, effectively ending our conversation.

Reagan, Skylar, Skylar’s boyfriend Jason, Brody, and Scotty come through the patio doors. Darian practically sprints to get to Scotty. Brody hands him to her and smirks down at her. “Darian, why aren’t you as excited to see me as you are to see him?”

She kisses Brody’s cheek. “I’m always happy to see you Brody. Now get to work, and keep making me gorgeous grandkids.”

He laughs. “Gladly.”

Payton, Kylie, and their daughter Paisley arrive. Darian grabs Paisley too. I appreciate that Darian treats Paisley and Scotty no differently. She adores them both, and showers them with love. The same goes for Dad.

Hayden and Jess come in next, walking hand in hand. They’re actually cute together. It’s hard for me to make fun of him, but I always manage to find ways to piss him off. It’s second nature to me at this point.

“Jess, are you ready to sample the better half of this utero duo yet?”

Hayden scowls at me. Jess laughs. “Trevor, I’m more than confident that I already have.” She wraps her arms around Hayden’s neck and kisses him. He flips me the bird behind her back.

Reagan shouts from across the pool. “She’s too young for you, Trevor. She doesn’t have her AARP card yet.” I laugh.

Darian has some sort of dual floating device, and takes both Scott and Paisley into the pool. Dad is with them, and of course his hands and lips are all over Darian. It never fails. Even while playing with their grandkids.

Skylar and Jason are in the pool too. He has his arms around her as they talk.

Brody enjoys the break, while lounging on a chair with a drink. Harley eventually walks in, still wearing her scrubs. She takes one look at Brody laying there, and smiles. She walks over and collapses on top of him, kissing and then laying her head on his bare chest.

She moans in content as he wraps his arms around her. He gives her a tight squeeze. “Rough surgery, baby?”

“No, it went well. I’m just completely exhausted. My body feels like it’s going to give out.” He looks down at her and smiles. They both reach for one another and kiss.

After they’re done, she rubs his chin. “You taste good, Dr. Cooper.”

He gives her a look. “I assure you thatyoutaste better.” He then whispers something in her ear, and she smiles. Their hands are all over one another.

I’m legitimately surrounded by people in love, who don’t care about PDAs. I’m not even allowed to look at the person I care about. It’s so damn frustrating.

Brody stands, with Harley still wrapped around him. “Why don’t I help you get changed into your bathing suit.” They look to the pool to ensure that Scotty’s taken care of, and then they go inside. I’m confident we won’t see them for a long while.

As they open the door to walk into the house, I see Cassandra walking out into the backyard. I have a huge smile on my face at the sight of her. I’ve missed her the past few weeks. Everything about her makes me happy.

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