Page 18 of Cass

“It’s about time. Mom said it should have happened two years ago.” I laugh. It figures Darian would say that. She’s always been my biggest cheerleader.

“Should we go home and tell her?”

“She said not to come home until 3:00. Dad won’t be home with Skylar and Reagan until then, and she needs to study.”

“She’s going to ace the bar exam.”

Harley rolls her eyes. “Obviously. She’s a genius. At least that’s what Dad says.”

I smile. “He’s right. Okay, let’s go out for lunch now. Then I’ll finish up a few things here, and we’ll get you home by 3:00. We can tell your mom the good news then.”

“Okay, Aunt Cass.”

* * *

I havea wonderful lunch and day with Harley. She tells me about all the boys at school who pick on her. I remind her that it’s because they have crushes on her. She scrunches her nose at that.

I know she doesn’t want to hear it, but Harley is a gorgeous little girl. She’s like a mini-Darian. I imagine every little boy has a crush on her.

It’s her intelligence that shines through the most though. I can’t imagine there being another kid her age as smart as she is. Her IQ has to be off the charts. She’s articulate and highly opinionated. I love everything about her.

I got pulled into a call with a client, so we walk into their house a little after 4:00. Their house is always warm, and full of noise and laughter. I truly enjoy spending time here. It’s my home away from home. I actually feel more comfortable here than in my own home.

“Aunt Cass!” Reagan runs up to me for a big hug, followed shortly thereafter by Skylar. I hug them both.

“How did you two future presidents like the zoo today?”

Reagan peeks at Scott and giggles. She looks back at me with mischief in her eyes. This one is going to be trouble. She’s a mini-me in that regard. “It’s mating season for the monkeys. They were doing some crazy things. Dad had to cover our eyes and carry us out of there.” She and Skylar fall on the floor in a fit of giggles.

I look up at Scott. He closes his eyes. “It was the most traumatic moment of my life.”

Harley puts her hands on her hips. “Dad, mating is normal for all mammals. It’s part of the circle of life. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Everyone does it. We will too one day.”

Scott widens his eyes as he looks at her. “You’re grounded until you’re thirty.”

I join Reagan and Skylar in their fit of giggles. These kids kill me.

Darian walks out of her study. “I like that sound. What’s so funny?”

Harley gives Darian a hug. “Dad is embarrassed by sex, Mom. I don’t think he likes it.”

Darian smirks at Scott. “I assure you that’s not the case.”

He pulls her into an embrace. “How is the studying going, baby? Ready for tomorrow?”

She buries her head in his chest, and wraps her arms around him. “I hope so. Ready or not, this day is finally here.”

He looks at Harley, Skylar and Reagan. “Girls, you know Mommy is the smartest person in the world, right?” They all nod.

“See, you’ll be fine. This test is nothing for someone like you. You’ll be running the world one day, baby.” That is what a supportive husband is supposed to look like.

Harley interrupts their moment. “Speaking of ruling the world, Aunt Cass was asked to be a partner in her law firm today by some condescending jerk who told me that I’m pretty.” Harley also has a ridiculous vocabulary for a kid her age.

Darian looks at me and I nod. “It’s about damn time. Congratulations. I’m so proud of you.” She walks over to embrace me. “You deserve this.”

I see Scott go to the refrigerator. He pulls out a bottle of champagne. “I think we need to celebrate this great news.” He pops open the champagne and pours three glasses. He also pours three glasses of apple juice for the girls. He even gives it to them in champagne glasses. They seem extremely excited about it.

Scott puts his arms around both Darian and me, as he looks to the girls. “Ladies, lift up your glasses.” The five of us do. “Cheers to my favorite five brilliant women. Good luck to Mommy tomorrow. And congratulations to Aunt Cass for being a bad ass.”

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