“Children, we are lucky to have treats provided today by Mark and Todd Matthews.” Mrs. Roman gestured toward the surprised-looking twins. “Come up front and help serve.”
As planned, sturdy paper plates were stacked on the table beside Mrs. Roman’s desk. The still-startled twins stared at Cassie for a moment, then at the huge platter of nachos she held out to Mark. It was a far cry from the ordinary cupcakes and cookies the other mothers had brought. Mrs. Roman filled Todd’s hands with plates. Then the teacher called up a few other kids to help, having them dispense mock margaritas from the huge drink cooler into stemmed plastic cocktail glasses already sitting on the table.
“Cool!”
“Hey, it’s not Kool-Aid.”
Those and other assorted comments filled the air as the kids eagerly scooped nachos onto their plates and tasted the delicious, grown-up-appearing drinks.
As she’d worked out beforehand with Mrs. Roman, while the kids were eating their nachos, Cassie, with Maria’s help, removed her casseroles of homemade enchiladas from the school’s oven. The twins’ eyes widened as they saw the steaming casseroles.
Amid the curious, excited chatter of the children, Mrs. Roman recaptured their attention. “Mark and Todd have a surprise for us. For teacher appreciation week, their family has brought lunch for us today. No cafeteria food.”
Cheers greeted her words. Together, Cassie and Mrs. Roman served the enchiladas, with plenty of eager volunteers willing to pass the plates. Cassie glanced at her watch. As they’d prearranged, Maria had disappeared as soon as she brought in the casserole dishes, heading for the kitchen. Cassie hadn’t wanted it to look as though the Matthewses’ staff were preparing lunch, and after a tactful discussion with Maria, they’d agreed that she would keep a low profile. With only Cassie’s presence, she hoped it would seem more as if a mother figure were providing lunch.
And now Maria was busy with dessert. The understanding Mrs. Roman had coaxed the school’s dietitian into allowing them to use the huge deep fryer. Seeing that the children were busy digging into the enchiladas, Cassie slipped out, meeting Maria in the kitchen. Like a well-oiled assembly line, they formed the sopapillas, put them in frying baskets, set the timer and then dusted the fragrant drained triangles of golden fried dough with a generous amount of powdered sugar.
When she had a full platter, Cassie left Maria to busily cook more as she took in the initial batch. The kids, now fully into party mode, greeted the still-warm sopapillas with enthusiasm. While they were eating the popular dessert, Cassie ducked back into the kitchen, saw that Maria had just finished the last of the sopapillas, then dashed back to the classroom with the newly filled platter. As the children finished eating, she then retrieved the pièce de resistance.
Cassie took her last surprise into the large, empty room that was used for everything from indoor rec on badweather days to parent-teacher conferences.
Hurrying, she made sure the chairs were all folded and stacked against the wall, so that they wouldn’t get in the way. She picked up one to stand on, removing a potted fern from a hook on the ceiling. As she took the plant down, she couldn’t stop a shake of her head. Only in the big city could schools afford to decorate. Still, she was glad the hook was secured to the ceiling. Especially as she tied her surprise in place.
A piñata.
For a moment, she hesitated, wondering whether this was too much. She hoped the sophisticated city kids wouldn’t think it was stupid. But then, she’d been worried about how they would accept the entire concept, and so far, so good.
Crossing her fingers, Cassie placed the baseball bat she’d brought on the small stage and dashed back to the classroom. As she walked inside, Mrs. Roman was instructing the kids to put their lunch things in the trash can at the front of the room. Seeing Cassie, she sent her a conspiratorial smile.
“And after you put your plates, forks and cups into the trash can, I want you to line up at the door. We’re going—quietly—to the all-purpose room for the remainder of Todd and Mark’s presentation.”
As the children chattered, then whispered among themselves, Cassie spotted Todd and Mark, who were both staring at her in trepidation. They were probably wondering whether she planned to present something à la “The Beverly Hillbillies” that would embarrass them.
She sent them a reassuring smile, hoping she’d guessed right. Recrossing her fingers for luck, Cassie accompanied the line of curious children.
When Mrs. Roman opened the door and shepherded them inside, it was immediately clear that the piñata was a success. Laughing and chattering, the kids jockeyed for places in line as Cassie retrieved the baseball bat. She tried to hand it to the teacher, but Mrs. Roman waved her away with a smile. “This is your show. Go ahead.”
Having enlisted Maria’s help in its creation, Cassie knew the piñata was of exceptional quality, lasting through each child’s attempt to break it open, which just upped the excitement. Whacking it with all their might, each kid was determined to be the one to bust the piñata. Mark picked up the bat when it was his second turn. Swinging at the colorful crepe-paper-covered donkey, he screwed his face into a mask of concentration and let go. With a huge crack, the piñata burst, spilling candy and prizes to scatter over the floor. As it broke, Mark sent Cassie a dazzling grin.
Abandoning their line, the kids dived for the contents, acting as though they were scrabbling for expensive items, rather than trinkets. As the other kids excitedly battled over the loot, Mark and Todd glanced at one another, and finally turned to Cassie. And then they smiled, sweet nine-year-old genuine little-boy smiles, causing another hitch in her heart.
CASSIE HUMMED as she filled the rattan tray with condiments, checking to make sure she had everything. Since Blake was returning today, she wanted to serve an all-American meal. And she wanted it in a more special setting—something that didn’t scream, “Eat fast and then escape to a briefcase full of work!” Seeing that she needed to add pickles, she turned to the refrigerator, just as Kevin ambled into the kitchen.
“What’s this stuff for?” he asked, looking suspiciously at the tray that held mustard, ketchup, and other picniclike items. “You’re not planning another fun family outing, are you?”
Cassie steeled herself to not react to the sarcasm in his voice as she turned from the refrigerator. “We’re having hamburgers outside on the grill.”
“Then what?”
She lifted one shoulder in a casual shrug. “Then, if you’ve finished your homework, you’ve got a free evening.”
Kevin mumbled something under his breath as he turned to leave.
“Kevin, would you grab the fire extinguisher and take it outside, please?”
“What for?”
She called on her patience. “So we’re prepared. Probably won’t need it, but it’s better to have it close by.”
Rolling his eyes, Kevin retrieved the fire extinguisher from the rack inside the pantry and headed outside, muttering again, just low enough that she couldn’t make out the words.
He was the difficult one. But Cassie couldn’t find it in herself to be angry about his attitude. Being the oldest, he’d had the most years with their mother, and no doubt he missed her terribly. And because Kevin was a “cool” teenager, he tried to act tough. Her attempts at reaching him had been unsuccessful so far. The only one who really seemed to relate to him was Katherine Ann, which was unexpected, since she was more interested in intellectual pursuits than in the latest rock icons, as Kevin was.
The door opened again, and Cassie was surprised to see Blake. After his trip, she’d expected him to be late. Instantly she remembered their phone conversations—the overtones in his last call. She fought the fluttering in her stomach as she tried to sound casual. “Hey, you’re early.”
“The plane got in before schedule. We had a good tailwind.” Blake scanned the tray. “You up for another try on the family picnic?” He unsuccessfully tried to hide his grin. “I’m not sure you can whip up an earthquake t
his fast.”
She quirked her brow as she lifted one side of her mouth in a mocking half smile. “We’re just cooking burgers outside, to keep things simple.”
“Don’t think we’ll blow up the grill?” he teased.
Before she could answer, the twins pounded down the stairs and burst into the kitchen. “Hey, Dad!” they chorused.
“Can we have something to eat?” Todd asked.
“Yeah, we’re starving,” Mark added as they converged on Cassie and the refrigerator.
She held up her hands. “Whoa! We’re having hamburgers outside. You help carry everything outside, and we’ll eat sooner.”
“Cool!” Mark whooped, grabbing the rattan tray as Todd reached for the package of buns.
As they disappeared, Blake gave her a smug, pointed look. “See, they’re already back to normal. I told you there was nothing to worry about.”
Cassie hid her smile as she retrieved the hamburger, using the refrigerator as a shield for her disbelieving expression. “I guess you’re right.”
“Well, I have known them a little longer.”
Cassie smiled to herself as she formed the patties. “Yes, you have.”
“My boys are tough.”
“Hmm. Well, as you said, you know them best.” She picked up a tray heaped with hamburger patties. “I’ll go check the grill.”
“And I’ll go change,” Blake replied, loosening his tie.
She nodded, then headed outside as the twins flanked him.
“How was the trip, Dad?” Mark asked.
“Yeah, did you bring us anything cool?” Todd chimed in.
“Nope, just me,” Blake replied, glad to see the positive change in them.
“That’s okay. It’s better having you home, anyway,” Todd told him, offering Blake some of his chips.
Automatically Blake took a few as he looked in surprise at his son. It wasn’t a typical comment for him to make. “How did things go while I was gone? Anything special?”
“Gosh, Dad. You should have seen what Cassie did!” Todd announced.
“Yeah, Dad,” Mark added. “It was way cool.”
“Fill me in,” Blake urged, watching their happy faces.
They eagerly gave him a detailed description, not hiding any of their enthusiasm. He was stunned by the amount of trouble Cassie had gone to. She could have simply baked cupcakes or cookies, but she’d gone beyond the expected, to make sure that the twins felt special—that they didn’t lack what the other kids had.
It was clear that Cassie had transformed them from sullen, dejected kids to happy ones by showing them how much she cared for them. Yet she hadn’t let on to him for a second.
Blake cringed inwardly, remembering his flippant remark. She had remarkable control, not to have given him a big “I told you so.” Impulsively he reached out to hug his sons, and was rewarded with answering hugs.
“We’re glad you’re home, Dad,” Mark spoke first.
“Yeah.”
Blake glanced outside, toward the patio. “Me too, guys. Me too.”
OUTSIDE AT THE GRILL, Cassie shook her head, remembering Blake’s simple male logic concerning his children. But all that mattered was that the boys were happy—she didn’t need any other praise. Their smiles were her accolades.
Cassie checked the patties, turning them. One burger stuck to the grill, and she wrestled with it, not wanting it to tear apart and fall through the grid. Abandoning the spatula, she reached with her fingers to unstick the stubborn meat. Miscalculating, she grabbed part of the grill, as well.
“Yow!” she yelped, holding her stinging finger, looking around for water or ice, then remembering she hadn’t brought out the drinks yet.
“What’d you do?” Kevin asked.
“Burned myself. I’d better put something on it.”
When she spun around, Kevin stood directly in front of her, pointing the fire extinguisher at her. Before she could protest, Kevin squirted the fast-flowing foam over her hands, legs, torso and face.
Spluttering, she wiped layers of foam from her face.
“Kevin!” Blake’s voice thundered across the patio.
“Uh-oh,” Kevin muttered, hearing the anger in his father’s voice.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Blake demanded.
“She burned herself, Dad.”
Blake whirled around, reaching out to grab her arms. “Are you all right, Cassie? Do you need to go to the emergency room?”
Reluctantly she held up her burned finger. “I think I’ll live.”
Blake turned again to Kevin. “You did all this because of a burned finger?”
Kevin gulped. “I wasn’t sure exactly what she’d burned.”
Seeing that Blake was about to explode, Cassie spoke up. “I don’t think I said exactly what I’d burned.”
“That’s generous of you, Cassie, but I think this is more than overkill.”
“Why don’t you have Kevin finish cooking dinner and bring everything else outside that we need? I can change, and we’ll eat.”
Blake glanced between his stricken but hopeful-looking son and his drenched nanny. He wasn’t sure why Cassie wanted to let Kevin off the hook, but she was the one who’d been doused with foam. “Since Cassie’s in charge of you guys, I’ll let her make the call. But don’t let me catch you doing anything like this again.”
“Okay.” Kevin took the reprieve and ran, scooting inside before his father could change his mind.
Blake turned to Cassie, instinctively reaching out to wipe away some of the remaining foam on her face. His fingers lingered on her cheek, and he realized her skin was like warm velvet. Her eyes, seeming larger as the wet hair framed her face, focused on his.
Abruptly he withdrew his hand. “I guess you’d better get changed. That goop must feel pretty miserable.” His gaze drifted over her once again. Then, turning on his heel, he left, but he headed away from the house, down toward the gardens.
Cassie stared after him for a moment as she reached to touch the spot where his fingers had lingered. The warmth remained, as did the flutter of awareness he’d caused.
Chapter Eleven
Cassie handed Mark’s vocabulary page back to him. “I think you’ve got them down now.”
“Yeah. Uh, thanks.”
“Sure, Mark. Now you guys can go to your Cub Scout meeting and not have to worry about homework when you get back.”
“We better go put our uniforms on,” D.J. added.
As they cleared out of the breakfast room, Kevin, Jimmy Ray and Katherine Ann came in from school. “Snacks are on the counter. How’d the college prep testing go, Katherine Ann?”
“A cinch. You’d have to have butter beans for brains not to ace the test.”
Cassie watched a flash of hurt pass over Kevin’s face.
“I’m glad you did well. How about you guys? How’d your day go?”
Jim shrugged. “Computer network was down. It was kind of boring.”
Kevin remained conspicuously quiet. Since he’d had an English test that day, she didn’t press, not wanting him to have to reveal how he’d fared in front of the others.
Katherine Ann took a cup of yogurt and one of the miniature veggie pizzas Cassie had prepared. “I’m going to take this outside, if it’s okay, Mama. Then I’ll swim for a while. No homework, since the test took all day.”
Cassie knew she didn’t have to worry about her daughter blowing off homework. Katherine Ann loved the accelerated classes she’d been placed in, and she was excelling in them. “Sure. Don’t get too much sun.”
“You put enough sunblock in the cabana for the whole neighborhood.”
“Then use it,” Cassie replied with a smile.
Katherine took her snack and headed outside.
“I want to go to the computer lab at the library, Mama,” Jim added. “Albert said he wouldn’t mind taking me.”
She glanced between the boys. “Maybe Kevin would like to go with you.”
K
evin rolled his eyes, and Jim looked pained.
Cassie took the hint. “Of course, Kevin might have plans of his own.”
Relieved, Jim picked up an apple. “I won’t be late, Mama.”
As he left, Cassie smiled at Kevin. “Looks like you’ve got the house to yourself. The twins and D.J. are headed for Scouts. Guess you can do what you want.”
“I’ve been thinking about yesterday—the fire extinguisher—and I thought I ought to do something to make it up to you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Yeah...well, I was thinking we could fix the faucet in your bathroom. I know you’ve been trying to get a plumber.”
Cassie blinked. “I didn’t realize you knew how to work on plumbing.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t take a genius.”
Remembering his pain at Katherine Ann’s casual remark, she softened. Even if he wasn’t an expert at plumbing, what could it hurt? Perhaps he needed this chance to shine. Still, she hesitated. “Are you sure you can handle this?”
“I might need you to help.”
“That wouldn’t be a problem. Sure, I’d love to have the faucet fixed. We’ll have to round up the toots—”
“Why don’t you let me do that? I’ll get everything and meet you upstairs.”
She glanced at the kitchen counter. “I should put things away—”
“Good... I mean, okay. I’ll have everything in the bathroom by the time you’re done. Just ring me on the intercom when you’re ready to come up.”
Still surprised, Cassie straightened up the kitchen, clearing the table and counters. Pleased that Kevin was taking a step in her direction, she realized it would be worth an afternoon wrestling with the plumbing.
Upstairs, she saw that Kevin had gathered the tools, an impressive display. She hoped he knew which ones to use. “I’m ready if you are.”
“Looks like I’ll need your help. If you could hold the faucet while I loosen it....”
Obligingly Cassie walked over to the tub, then reached for the faucet. Gripping her hands around the smooth metal surface, she held on as Kevin slowly maneuvred the wrench.
His-And-Hers Family Page 13