This wasn’t like Jennifer. Where was this coming from? Cassie wanted to tell her sister about Mike, but Jennifer had something on her mind.
“Yes. I do.”
“Hmm,” Jennifer mumbled and took a big bite of pancakes.
“Do you believe in that kind of love?” her sister asked hesitantly.
Jennifer was quiet for a long while. Cassie chewed her food and waited.
“I thought about what you said. About my current husband and how he would leave me too.”
Uh oh. She’d forgotten that. She prepared herself for the sermon she was about to receive.
“I do care for Eric.” Jennifer lowered her eyes to her plate. “I didn’t realize how much until you said what you did.”
“Jennifer, I’m—”
“It got me to thinking. I don’t want to lose him.”
Oh shit.
“Is your marriage in trouble?”
Her gaze shot to meet Cassie’s. “I never thought so. But it’s not what it could be.”
A real conversation, with her sister. Miracles did happen.
“You can work on that.”
“How?”
I can’t believe she’s asking me.
The last twenty-nine years of oppressiveness floated from her shoulders. Jennifer was her sister and this could be the beginning of what Cassie wanted—a new relationship.
“Explore your feelings. Pay more attention to your husband.”
“Are you kidding? He’s never home.”
“When he comes home, what do you do? Do you greet him with warmth? Tell him you’re glad to see him? Fix him a special meal?”
“When he gets home at bedtime?”
“You don’t think he’s having an affair, do you?”
“No. But I wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed at work to avoid me.” Her shoulders slumped and she placed her fork beside her plate. “He says he has to keep me satisfied. And he’s not talking about the first thing you’d think. He means money.”
By her sister’s actions, it was easy enough to believe all Jennifer cared about was money. Diamonds graced each of her fingers, she drove a Porsche and bragged about her possessions to anyone who would listen.
“You can fix that,” she told her sister. “Take notice of what he wants. What he might like. When was the last time you did something for him?”
“I picked up his dry-cleaning for him yesterday.”
“Not that, Jennifer. For him personally. It could be anything from bringing him coffee or—I know. Have a drink ready for him when he walks in the door. If he gets home late, he has to be exhausted. You could take his briefcase or his coat. Give him a drink, lead him to the couch and rub his shoulders.”
“He’d think he was in the wrong house. Or with another woman.”
“Point made,” Cassie said with intensity. “Show him more attention. Give him a reason to come home.”
“I can’t change overnight.”
“But you can try. You’ve already noticed your marriage can be better. You seem willing to do something about it. Why not spruce it up a bit?”
“You want me to get a see-through negligee and lie on the couch naked?”
“If you want.” Cassie shook her head, wondering if her suggestions were pointless. “A simple gesture might go a long way.”
“Where do you get all of your great wisdom?” Jennifer said sarcastically.
Cassie immediately thought of Mike. Her pulse quickened and her face heated.
“I can only tell you how I feel.”
“Oh my God. You have a man in your life?”
“Don’t act so surprised,” Cassie grumbled, then picked up her fork and cut her scrambled eggs, taking her frustration out on them.
Jennifer slammed her palms on the table. “You do. The only reason I’m surprised is because you don’t date. Hardly ever.”
“Well, I do have someone and it’s serious.”
“Really?”
Cassie leveled a glare on her sister. “Really.”
“Tell me about him. How did you meet? Wait. Is he that fireman? Tammy told me about him when she came to pick up the boys.”
“He’s a firefighter. And he’s everything to me.”
Her sister’s fork stopped mid-air and never reached her mouth. “You can’t be serious. You just met the guy.”
“I’m very serious, and if we”—Cassie moved her fork between the two of them—“weren’t so busy fighting, you’d know about him.”
Jennifer stabbed a blueberry. “Tell me about him, then.”
Cassie’s chest squeezed a little. Partly just because she loved Mike and partly because her sister was willing to listen.
Mike knew all her secrets and loved her anyway.
“He’s the most wonderful man I’ve ever met and he loves me.” Saying the words made her believe them even more. Mike did love her.
“For now, anyway.”
Irritation made Cassie’s muscles tense. “Must you always be so discouraging?”
“Do you forget there is a word called divorce? Forever doesn’t mean for- ever,” Jennifer said with a shrug.
“It can. With the right man.”
“Who’s to say there is such a thing as the right man?”
“Can you say you had the same feeling for Ronnie that you claim to have for Eric now? You didn’t love your first husband.”
With a shrug, Jennifer stuffed more pancake into her mouth.
“You’ve mentioned you’d like to fix things with Eric. At the very least, make them better so you don’t lose him.”
A flash of discomfort flickered in Jennifer’s eyes.
“Think about what I said.” Cassie lifted her mug. “You can have forever with Eric if that’s what you want. I want forever. One of these days, I’ll be married.”
Jennifer choked on her food. “What?” she gasped.
“You think you were the only one with marriage plans?” Cassie asked.
“You’re getting married?” Jennifer shouted.
“Lower your voice.” Cassie could feel the stares from the other patrons. “I will one day.”
“How soon?”
“Why? What’s wrong with my wanting to get married?”
“Have you told Mom?”
“I haven’t told anyone. I haven’t been asked.”
“But you’re thinking about it.”
“Look,” Cassie said, placing her mug on the table and leaning forward. “I’ve fallen in love. I’m crazy about Mike.”
“Mike, is it?” Jennifer leaned back with her cup in her hand.
“Yes, Mike Armstrong. I can’t imagine my life without him.”
“Wow. That’s pretty heavy.”
“I don’t know when or how soon or even if we’re getting married. But he feels the same way I do.”
“In that case, I’d say it won’t be long.”
The way Cassie felt about Mike, she’d marry him today. Since they were on the subject, she might as well get a certain issue out of the way.
“Jennifer, I’d like you to be in my wedding, but you know Tammy will be my Maid of Honor.”
“Are those darling boys going to be in it?”
The storm Cassie had expected did not come. Jennifer had spoken in a reasonable tone and actually seemed to accept the idea. Cassie needed to be sure.
“You’re okay with Tammy being my Maid of Honor?” she asked cautiously.
“Matron of honor,” Jennifer corrected. “It figures. She’s been your best friend forever.”
Cassie released a sigh of relief.
It was nice to have a conversation with her sister without dreading a scene.
Chapter 28
The morning sun rose, shining its light on a brand-new day. Cassie’s spirits soared higher than they had in a long time. She had to be the luckiest woman alive.
She padded to the kitchen, made another pot of coffee and called Tammy. When Cassie mentioned her breakfast with Jennifer yesterday and their big d
iscussion, her friend rushed right over.
“So, Mike is the reason you called Jennifer?”
Cassie placed the coffee pot back on the burner. “Mike and I talked about Jennifer and how much control I’ve allowed her to have over my life. He thought I would feel better if I dealt with her. He told me I should call her and square things.”
Tammy’s eyes flew wide with surprise. “He doesn’t know her.”
“I told him. And he also told me if that didn’t work to tell her to go to hell.”
Tammy hooted. “I like your man.”
“So, do I.” She stared at the third finger on her left hand, imagining a ring there. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I still can’t believe you had a normal conversation with Jennifer. Is she setting you up for a fall?”
“She seemed genuine.” Cassie cut a slice of pound cake to go with their coffee. “Thanks for bringing over the cake.”
“You’re welcome. Is she bipolar?”
Cassie chuckled. “She doesn’t have mood swings. She speaks in the same monotone, snooty voice all the time.”
“How can you be monotone and snooty?”
“Well, just uppity, then. Although, she did act different at Kathy’s.”
“Different how?”
“I don’t know,” Cassie said handing Tammy a fork. “Almost human.”
“Mmm, this is good, if I must say so myself.” Tammy should pat herself on the back. Her cakes were awesome.
“It’s a good thing I don’t bake. I’ve put on ten pounds since I met you.”
“So, are we planning a wedding?” Tammy asked before shoving a bite of cake into her mouth.
“Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse?”
“Just a matter of time,” Tammy replied. “He will ask. I just hope you have the sense to say yes.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Come on, girlfriend. Your insecurities. Thank God he’s just as stubborn as you.”
Cassie waved her comment away and stabbed another fork of cake. “I’m too happy to care. I love him and he loves me and yes, I plan on getting married.”
“To one hot firefighter. I’m happy for you.”
“You’ll be my maid of honor.”
“I better be.” Tammy stared at her for a moment, then surprised Cassie. “You deserve Mike.”
“I wish. He’s everything to me. I didn’t know it was possible to love someone so much.” Only weeks ago, she’d been alone. Content with her teaching during the day and quiet evenings at home. Now she knew she couldn’t face another day without Mike. He made her days brighter. He made her feel alive.
The doorbell rang.
“That’s Mike. We’re going to see my mom. It’s time she met him.” Cassie rose to answer the door, but Tammy grabbed her hand.
“Cassie?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m really happy for you.” Tammy stepped forward and nearly crushed Cassie with a fierce hug.
The doorbell rang again. Cassie broke free and ran to the door. Mike stood there with his cropped black hair and designer shades, looking like sin in his comfy jeans. She struggled to breathe.
“Hello, beautiful.” As had become his habit, Mike grabbed her and sealed her lips with a sensual kiss. She melted into him. He smelled so damn good, she snuggled, wanting to crawl inside his skin.
“Don’t let me interrupt.”
Mike was in no hurry to pull back. He glanced at Tammy. “Hi.”
“Hi yourself.” Tammy smirked, then picked up her purse. “I’m outta here. You kids have fun.”
Cassie tugged Mike inside. Before she could close the door, he spoke.
“If you want me to meet your mom, we better leave right now.”
***
Cassie’s mom had recovered from her surgery and returned home two weeks ago. She’d gone off the pain medication and the soreness in her back grew more tolerable each day. She still needed to take it easy for a while.
A man friend from her church visited regularly and on his first visit he’d brought roses. Cassie suspected a romance brewing there. Even so, her mom did not spend her days alone, which eased Cassie’s mind considerably.
Mike held Cassie’s hand as they stood on the front porch of her mom’s house. The front door opened. “Hi sweetie. Come in, come in.” Mom’s eyes lit up when she saw Mike. “And is this your man?”
Mike’s chuckle eased Cassie’s tension and let her know he liked her mother’s comment.
“Yes, Mom. This is Mike.” Her chest swelled with pride as he took her mother’s hand.
“How wonderful to meet you.”
“It’s my pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Peters.” Mike filled the doorway with a big grin on his handsome face.
“Call me Dorothy, please.”
Cassie leaned in and placed a kiss on her mother’s cheek while Mike closed the door, then he followed them into the living room.
Mom sat in her usual spot, a rose winged-back chair. She smoothed her hands down the sides of her skirt. “A fireman. Oh my. What an impressive profession.”
“It’s just a job,” Mike answered as he settled on the sofa beside Cassie.
“Oh, surely not. It’s an honorable career. Putting out fires. Saving lives.”
“I go where I’m needed. I do what I have to do.” He said it casually, almost embarrassed.
The big strong firefighter who saved lives didn’t like being called a hero. But, he was a hero. Her hero.
“I would say it takes a special individual to be a fireman.”
“It’s firefighter, mom. They say firefighter now.”
“Oh? It’s still a very dangerous occupation.”
“Mrs. Peters, I assure you …”
She waved her hand in a quick motion, brushing his comment away. “I’m sure you are quite capable. And I can see you love my daughter.”
Mike glanced at Cassie with a raised brow. Maybe she should have warned him her mother was not only good at reading people, but also a bit outspoken.
“Why don’t I get us some tea? And then you can tell me all about yourself, other than your job.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Cassie squeezed his hand.
“Come with me, dear.” Her mom rose and turned toward the kitchen. Cassie couldn’t wait to see what her mom thought of Mike.
“I’ll be right back.” She whispered and he gave a nod of understanding.
As soon as they were in the kitchen, her mother started talking. “He’s quite handsome. And quite large.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“For complimenting your man?”
Your man. That’s the second time her mom had referred to him that way. First Tammy and now Mom. Cassie loved the idea. Mike belonging to her.
All she had to do was believe in herself. And in Mike.
“Like the sound of that, do you?”
Cassie glanced to her mom in question.
“Your face lit up like the bright bulbs on a Christmas tree. And you’ve been glowing since you walked through the front door. And no man looks at a woman like that young man in there looks at you, unless he’s been intimate with her.”
Cassie wanted to crawl under the table. She never could hide anything from her mom.
“I’m not a fuddy dutty. I was young once too. Although in my day, marriage came first.” Her mom took three glasses from the cabinet and placed them on the counter, her rebuke as calm as if they were discussing the weather. “Get the ice, will you dear?”
Cassie opened the freezer door, collected the ice and then dropped a few cubes into each glass. She replaced the container and when she turned around, saw her mom braced against the counter with her head down.
“Mom?”
When she looked up, tears glazed her eyes. “I wish your dad could be here.”
“Oh, Mom. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be silly.” She sniffed and focused on pouring the tea. “I just wish your father could meet your
young man. He so loved his baby girl.”
“Me, too,” Cassie said.
Mom’s voice broke. Then she took a deep breath as if she needed it to hold herself together. “He couldn’t give up those darn cigarettes.”
Cassie wrapped her arms around her mother.
“I have something to tell you that will make you feel better.”
Mom took a tissue from her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “More good news?”
“Jennifer and I met at Kathy’s yesterday and had a long talk over pancakes.”
“You did?”
“We talked about a lot of things, Mom. Really talked.”
“Whatever in the world … how … I need to sit down.”
Cassie pulled out a chair for her mom and took the one beside it. Cassie took her hands, giving her comfort.
“I called Jennifer and we went to breakfast. She opened up to me. We talked like we’ve never talked. It was good, Mom.”
Her mother squeezed back. “Cassie. You’ve made me so happy. All I’ve ever wanted was for you and your sister to get along.”
“I know. She’s older and she’s always bossed me around. She married money and brags about it.” Seeing her mother’s expression, Cassie wished she’d not mentioned that part.
“That’s your sister, dear.”
Yeah, that had been her sister all Cassie’s life. She would have liked to kick her ass, but she’d never tell her mother that.
“I love you, Mom. I’ll always be here for you.”
“I know, dear. Enough of that, now.” Her mom swiped at her cheeks and shoved out of her chair. “There’s a handsome young man in there waiting for his tea. Splash some water on your face and let’s go see if I think he’s good enough for my daughter.”
Cassie smiled and her heart lifted at the grin she received from her mother. When she entered the living room, Mike studied her face. One thing she couldn’t hide, her red, puffy eyes.
“I was starting to get a little worried about you two,” he said in a low voice.
“We talked about Jennifer and Dad.”
Concern etched his brow. “Are you okay?”
“Better than okay.” She smiled in assurance.
Seeming to believe her, he nodded. She handed him his iced tea.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” As always, his low hum sent shivers down her spine. She leaned in for a kiss. Her heart did that funny little leap, the one it did every time Mike touched her. She clung to this wonderful man she loved with all her heart. Just as he began to kiss her back, her mother came into the room.
MIKE The Firefighters of Station 8 Page 26