by Robyn M Ryan
Cassie had scheduled her campus tour and meeting with the admissions office first thing the following morning. As soon she got through that, she could begin to enjoy the impromptu vacation with Tom. The day was mild for early March—in Toronto. Cassie took a step outside, then added a sweater under her jacket.
“Your blood’s already ‘thinned.’” Tom teased her as he walked with her to the admissions office. Cassie placed her free hand against his cheek. Tom pulled away reflexively, and she laughed when she caught the surprise in his expression.
“I love the way you understate the obvious.” Cassie turned and slipped her hands under his coat. “Notice all the students not even wearing a jacket?”
“You know how it is. After months of snow and below freezing temps, this feels like summer.”
“Snow.” Cassie shuddered. “I didn’t even think to pack gloves. Smart move.”
“We’re almost to the admissions office. We’ll find gloves after your meeting and tour.”
Cassie reluctantly pulled her hands away from the warmth of his body and shoved them in her pockets. “Where do I find you afterward?”
“Just text me. I won’t be that far. I’m meeting a friend from med school at the Hortons down the street.” He walked Cassie up the stairs and opened the door. He hugged her and then nodded toward the admissions office. “Relax and remember that you’re interviewing them.” He kissed her briefly. “No question’s off-limits.”
Cassie swallowed a giggle. “My first is whether they have a heated underground tunnel connecting the buildings.”
Cassie had prepared herself for a boring meeting and did not expect to hear anything that would attract her to the university. After meeting the admissions director and reviewing her acceptance package, she introduced Cassie to the student who’d conduct the tour.
“Marc’s work-study assigned him to our office. You do a bit of everything around here, don’t you?”
Marc looked at Cassie with a warm smile. “You’re work-study, too?” When she nodded, he spoke positively about the experience. “Shall we come back to you after the tour?”
“Just to wrap up. Cassie, speak up if there’s anything special you want to see.”
“The dorms and student union are just across from here. Let’s start there.”
“What year are you? What’s your area of study?” Cassie shoved her hands back inside her pockets, but when the wind didn’t blow, the sun felt warm. Not too bad.
“I’m a senior biology major. I’m waiting to hear if I’m accepted to med school,” Marc said.
“Here?”
“Or McGill. Whichever will have me.” His self-deprecating smile made Cassie feel more comfortable with him.
“My boyfriend graduated from med school here. He’s planning to visit some of his professors while we’re in town.” Cassie looked around as they entered one of the dorms. She liked the option of a two- or four-bedroom suite that shared a kitchen and a large living room. “Do you need to find roommates, or do you just get assigned to an apartment?”
“Both. You can request specific people, or you can complete a survey that will match you with people with similar preferences. Early riser or night owl? Share groceries or maintain your own supply? Need to study in quiet surroundings, or does music help you concentrate? Are you okay with guys visiting? Stuff like that. The computer does a pretty good job matching people, but you have a month to request a change if the roommates don’t work out. For any reason. You can also request a private room, but it’s more expensive and not as easy to meet new people.”
Marc showed a typical four-bedroom apartment, and Cassie was surprised by the large size of all the rooms, plus the private bathrooms. Really is like an apartment except for the shared common areas. Good that it’s a co-ed dorm—but no co-ed apartments.
By the time they toured the food court’s meal opportunities and both the education and communication buildings, Cassie thought she had a good sense of the campus. Wonderful environment, friendly students. Maybe I could see myself here. Perhaps…
When they returned to the admissions office, Cassie asked Marc if he’d like to talk with Tom about medical school. She sent Tom a quick text before her wrap-up meeting with the admissions director.
“Any questions unanswered, Cassie?”
“Marc did a super job as the tour guide. I think I saw everything. If I were to enroll summer semester, when would I need to make a decision?”
“April first, for summer and fall. Summer’s less crowded, so it would allow you to get settled on the campus, make friends, and decide which of the dorms you’d like to choose. Summer has its own atmosphere…more relaxed, outdoor student activities, weekend excursions to places like Montréal, Ottawa.”
“Thanks so much,” Cassie said. “So much to consider, but I will contact you before the deadline. The scholarship and work-study are very generous and definitely will play a huge role in my consideration.” They shook hands, and Cassie walked outside to find Tom chatting with Marc.
“So, you didn’t need me for introductions.” She sent a teasing smile Tom’s way.
“I have class across campus, so I asked all the questions I could,” Marc said. “Thanks, both of you.”
“And thank you for the tour.”
Tom pulled his wallet from his pocket and handed Marc a business card. “That’s my direct line—the cell phone on the back. Give me a call if you think of any more questions or if I can help you.”
65
After a quick lunch and ducking into a shop to buy a pair of gloves, Cassie readily agreed to visit Tom’s parents.
“I’m looking forward to meeting them. Your mom and dad must be exceptional to raise two such amazing and successful sons.” Cassie caught the smirk that hinted at the corners of Tom’s mouth.
“Suck up,” he lobbed back at her.
“Would you rather I use ‘two such smug and scorching hot sons?’”
Tom grabbed her by the waist and held her face-to-face. “How ‘bout we not comment on either?”
Cassie shrugged, then slipped her arms around his neck. “You could persuade me.”
“I could, but we’d never make it to my parents. Trust me for a rain-check?”
“I suppose.” Cassie tried to contain a giggle. Tom’s mouth caught hers, and the kiss threatened to delay their departure.
“Consider this a small down payment.”
Cassie followed Tom across the courtyard to the garage, where Andrew kept a car for use when either visited Toronto. “This is the spare car?”
Tom chuckled as he unlocked the Range Rover. “Much more practical for Toronto winters. He decided it would be overkill for Tampa.” He helped Cassie climb into the car.
“I can’t imagine driving this in Tampa traffic. Too big!”
“But it conquers snow like a tank. And it’s built like one too.” Tom opened the garage door and allowed the car to warm up. “You know the car I drive?”
“The Beemer?”
“Yeah, that was Andrew’s first purchase when he signed with the Leafs. Not practical in Toronto, but awesome in Tampa.” He shook his head. “Caryn drove it until she became pregnant, then only a Volvo would satisfy Andrew.”
“So, you inherited the BMW?”
“Yeah, tough, right?”
Cassie watched a smattering of snow as they drove outside the downtown area. “I hope we don’t see more snowflakes.”
“Not in the forecast—at least last time I checked. Hopefully, no surprise arctic freezes.”
Cassie knew that Tom and Andrew’s father suffered an injury many years ago as an electrician. A live wire threw him off the equipment he used, and he landed on concrete, many meters below. Although he’d survived thanks to the quick response of paramedics, his back had broken, and the spinal cord damaged below his chest.
Although needing a wheelchair, his dad and mom attended every hockey game—peewee to the NHL. They made an effort to continue to enjoy the city’s many cultura
l activities, but as the years passed, his strength sapped, and now he required live-in help. Tom mentioned how Andrew had had to play the guilt card before his mother accepted the help.
“He told her that since we both were in Tampa, she needed to allow us to provide live-in help—or one of us would move back to Toronto, no matter what it took. Dad finally took our side, so the guys outnumbered her. Now she says she doesn’t know how she’d coped without the help.”
“Both your parents sound remarkable. Your father has problems with pneumonia?” Cassie asked. “Caryn mentioned it one day.”
“Yes, his ability to breathe deeply has deteriorated over the past several years, so he’s prone to infections, especially during the winter months. Vicious cycle—get rid of the pneumonia, then back under treatment in a couple weeks. We’ve had a few scares.”
Cassie touched his arm and reached to kiss his cheek. “That’s very hard for you, isn’t it?”
“Watching him deteriorate and knowing there’s nothing I can do to stop it? Yeah, that pretty much describes hell.”
“You’re a good son, Tom. Your parents must be so proud of you and Andrew.”
Cassie’s nerves over meeting Tom’s parents disappeared the moment Jean Chadwick enveloped her in a hug.
“We’re so happy to meet you! I feel like I know you—Tom’s told us so much about you.”
“Thank you. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time—you have two incredibly amazing sons.”
Tom’s father, Jim, had Andrew’s blue eyes and Tom’s knowing smirk when he grasped Cassie’s hand. “We almost lost hope he’d bring a girl to meet us.” His voice sounded raspy and it took a moment before he could continue. “Instead, suddenly, he’s introducing us to a beautiful young woman.”
Cassie’s throat suddenly constricted, and she had to flick away a couple tears. “Thank you.”
Tom slipped his arm around her waist, and Cassie pressed against his side. “Don’t start using that blue-eyed charm on my girl, Dad.” That same smirk hinted on Tom’s face.
“Guilty as charged,” Jim Chadwick replied.
Cassie helped Tom’s mother prepare a tray of snacks and drinks. The afternoon passed quickly—his father delighted in reminding Tom of the antics he and Andrew had attempted. Tom shook his head when Jim started to tell the tale of The Day They Skipped School.
“Let’s just call that a major fail, Dad. I think you figured out what we were up to even before the school called.” He looked at Cassie. “We were maybe nine and ten. He made sure we were assigned to the after-school maintenance crew for at least a month. Only the beginning of hockey practice lifted that sentence.”
“And you never skipped school again?”
Tom raised his eyebrows but kept his expression neutral.
“So, you never got caught?” Cassie guessed. She looked at Jean. “They must have kept you on your toes.”
“You have no idea, Cassie. But we have to agree they left childhood as responsible and respectful adults.”
When Tom noticed his father beginning to tire, he exchanged a glance with his mother and then reached for Cassie’s hand. “Shall we head back to the townhome? Maybe sneak in a nap?” When she nodded, he stood and offered his hand to assist. “We’ve had a long couple of days.”
“I don’t know how Tom manages those long shifts,” Cassie said. “Thank you for spending the afternoon with us. I’m so happy to meet you—and I loved the stories of the not-so-angelic childhood.”
“You cannot repeat them, Cassie.” Tom pretended to adopt a stern tone.
“Ruin your image as the perfect doctor?”
“Well, yeah, besides not setting a good example for the twins.” He winked at his father. “Payback’s hell, don’t you agree?”
“Hush, don’t speak about our grandchildren like that,” Jean said. “They were perfect angels at Christmas.”
“That’s before Demo Danny emerged. Fearless and a force to be reckoned with. Andrew’s going to have his hands full down the road.” He squeezed Cassie’s shoulders, and then both said their goodbyes.
Jean hugged Cassie one last time before they walked out the door. “I do hope you’ll visit again soon. With or without your doctor.”
“So once again, I’m yesterday’s news—or whatever you call it.” Tom teased Cassie as they walked to the car. “Feel colder to you?”
“I’m freezing. It smells like snow.” Cassie looked at the sky as she climbed up into the passenger seat. “Much cloudier now.”
Tom started the car and switched on the heated seats. “We’ll check the forecast when we get to the townhome. As much as I’d love to get snowed in with you, I can’t afford to get stranded in Toronto due to the weather.”
“Très romantic,” Cassie said. “Fireplace, hot chocolate, and major cuddling.”
“We could always pretend at home—turn the AC way down, close the shutters, and light candles in lieu of a fireplace.”
“Cuddling with you anywhere works for me.”
By the time they returned to the townhome, and Tom adjusted the heat setting in the garage, the wind shifted, blowing briskly from the Northwest and bringing pellets of sleet.
“Your prediction of snow looks more likely now. Let’s check the forecast, then I’ll call Caryn to see if we should book a commercial flight home.” Tom kissed Cassie’s cheek as he helped remove her coat. “I wanted to take you to a couple of our favorite restaurants and clubs, so hopefully, it’s a passing sleet shower.”
Cassie watched as Tom pulled his phone from his jacket and opened a weather app. He frowned and shook his head, then selected a second app.
“Bad news?”
“More like no news or updates to the forecast. Would you mind checking the TV while I call Caryn?”
By the time Cassie located the remote and navigated to the weather station, Tom stood beside her in the cozy living room. “Well, at least they’re predicting the same forecast as Caryn had received from our pilot. She gave him my number. He’ll call once he contacts the crew, and the forecast looks more definite.” He kissed her temple. “I hate that our weekend may wind up a twenty-four-hour turnaround.”
“Maybe a snow-check?” Cassie smiled and put her arms around Tom’s chest. “I’m glad I met your parents. You and Andrew don’t know what a blessing you had growing up. They’re wonderful.”
“We may not have realized it at the time, but looking back, we did have it pretty good—tough love and all.” Cassie watched his smile spread to his eyes. “We did test the limits.”
“I can’t imagine.” Cassie rolled her eyes, then grew serious. “How do you handle living so far away…your father’s condition must worry you constantly?”
“Both Andrew and I worry.” Tom looked in the cupboards until he found some instant hot chocolate. “Sorry, no marshmallows.” Cassie watched as he set the tea kettle of water on the stove. “One of us speaks with them every week, and I check in with his caregiver. Though, I didn’t expect to find him that much weaker…Andrew didn’t mention it at Christmas, so I need to compare his observations with mine.”
Cassie saw the shadow cross his face. “That must be hard to watch…Do you think moving them to Tampa could help—even sitting on the pool deck in the middle of winter?”
“Definitely. Andrew and Caryn chose their home specifically because of the apartment. Everything’s accessible, no stairs, and close to family.”
“While maintaining their privacy and some independence,” Cassie added. She pulled back and looked at him. “Have they resisted moving?”
Tom’s wry smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s say that ‘stubbornness’ is genetic in the Chadwick DNA. But this time we may need to play bad cop. Even with a fantastic caregiver, they’re too far away. And you’re right—getting fresh air year-round could do wonders for both of them. Maybe stop the cycle of pneumonia all winter—really nine months out of twelve.” He pressed his lips against the top of her head as the teapot began to whistle. “An
drew and I will come up with a plan and double-team them.”
Cassie took her hot chocolate upstairs to the loft and relaxed on the love seat. Small snowflakes swirled above the skylight. The forecast on her iPhone showed the changing weather conditions, and she set it aside with a sigh. Could so imagine Tom and me living in a place like this. Very cozy. Maybe even here in Toronto with him to keep me warm. I can see why Caryn loves this home so much. It’s their refuge away from the crazy schedules. Caryn said they hoped to add an addition in the back for bedrooms for Danny and Jenna.
She sipped the last of her hot chocolate as she heard Tom walk up the stairs. “See the snow?” Cassie asked, pointing up to the skylight.
“And much more to come. The pilot says we have a sixty-to-ninety-minute window to leave. Now they’re predicting almost a foot of snow tonight.”
Cassie set her mug on the table and began to strip the sheets from the bed. “Do your parents have everything they need?”
“I checked. My mom informed me that as lifelong Toronto natives, their emergency basket is well-stocked…and to worry about getting ourselves to the airport instead of them.”
Cassie giggled. “Your mom totally has everything under control. What should I do with the sheets? I don’t have time to wash them.”
Tom pointed at the laundry basket. “They have an arrangement with a cleaning service. They’ll come by this week. No perishables, so no rush.” He glanced toward their suitcases. “Just a few things to pack and we’re good to go.” Tom grabbed Cassie and pulled her with him onto the bed. “Guess I owe you a couple of romantic nights in Toronto?”
“As long as it’s in July,” Cassie whispered as she drew his mouth toward hers.
66
Tom listened as Cassie described her campus visit during the flight back to Tampa. “Great campus, good programs, student housing better than expected…I met a communications professor who taught both Lauren and Caryn. That was pretty cool…”