by Cindy Kirk
Tim was close to his family. For a relationship to work between them, Suzanne would have to accept her.
Despite Tim’s optimism, Cassidy knew that would be a cold day in hell.
* * *
“I need your help in planning a party for this Friday,” Tim told his mother as they sat on the porch swing while his father played ball with the twins in the front yard.
“That’s not much notice, but I can pull it together.” Suzanne’s heart lifted. She’d been worried she may have caused irreparable harm to her relationship with her son, but having him ask for her help said they were back on solid ground. “What kind of party?”
His gaze met hers. “An engagement party.”
Puzzled, Suzanne inclined her head. She thought of Tim’s friends but couldn’t think of one who might be getting married soon. “Who is this for?”
“For me,” he said. “I’m going to ask Cassidy to marry me. I pray she says yes.”
Despite feeling as if she’d been whacked in the chest with a sledgehammer, Suzanne kept her surging emotions under tight control. She should have seen this coming. The woman was carrying Tim’s baby. Her grandchild.
Odd, how she’d never thought of it that way.
“Of course she’ll accept,” Suzanne said, seizing on a point where they could both agree.
“I’m not so sure. She doesn’t believe I love her,” he said. “Even though I do. Very much.”
Suzanne said nothing, surprised by the intensity of emotion in her son’s voice.
“We’re a perfect match,” he added.
Reminding herself she’d already lost one child and couldn’t afford to alienate her son, Suzanne kept her voice conversational. “Is that right?”
“She’s smart and funny and kind and great with the girls. We both like outdoor sports and share a passion for horror flicks.” Tim’s lips curved up in a smile. “She’s the most upbeat person I know. She brings joy into my life. I can be too serious.”
Suzanne almost argued the point then reluctantly admitted it was a correct assessment. She realized something else, too.
“You have seemed happier since you and Cassidy got together,” she reluctantly conceded.
“Cass doesn’t sweat the small stuff and she’s easygoing.” His expression grew determined. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to take advantage of her generous spirit. I want her to be happy, too. Whatever compromises I need to make, I’ll make them.”
This was a side to Tim that Suzanne hadn’t seen before, not even with Caro. Why had she been so unwilling to accept the woman as a potential mate for her son?
Because her hair was a different color every time she saw her?
Because she dressed differently than most of the women Suzanne knew?
Remembering the things she’d said to Cassidy after the “color party” brought a wash of shame to Suzanne’s cheeks. The young woman probably hated her. Suzanne couldn’t blame her.
“She doesn’t want to come between us,” Tim went on to explain. “That’s why I thought if she knew you’d helped with the party—”
“She told you she didn’t want to come between us?”
“I assured her you’d come around, that when you realized how happy she made me, you’d be glad she was in my life.”
“Get up,” Suzanne ordered.
Tim’s eyes widened. “What?”
“Get up. If we’re going to pull this party together in less than three days, we need to get started.”
“You’re really going to help me?”
The look of startled disbelief on his face made her smile.
“There’s nothing I like more than happy endings.” Suzanne patted his cheek. “Especially when it involves someone I love.”
Chapter Nineteen
“I can’t believe your mother rented out Wally’s Place for your dad’s birthday.” Cassidy glanced over at Tim as they strolled down the sidewalk toward the popular bar. “That must have cost a fortune.”
“I’m not sure how much it cost.” All Tim knew was when he’d mentioned that he’d like to propose to Cassidy in Wally’s where they’d had their first date, his mother had suggested they might as well have the party there...and then insisted on paying for everything.
“How old is your dad today?”
“Ah, sixty-two.” Or, Tim thought, he would be, next month.
“I feel like a schmuck not bringing a gift,” Cassidy said with a slight frown. “I may not be an etiquette queen but it seems a person should bring a present to a birthday party.”
His fingers tightened around her hand as his heart galloped in his chest. He tried to tell himself it wasn’t the end of the world if she turned him down tonight. He would simply soldier on until he convinced her that his feelings were real.
“Tim, did you hear me? Your dad will expect a gift.”
“Give him one next month.”
“Why would I do that?”
“You’re right. That makes no sense.” Tim forced a laugh then redirected the conversation. “You look lovely tonight.”
Cassidy’s quick smile of pleasure had him wanting to kiss her and propose right then and there.
“I wasn’t sure what to wear,” she told him, looking quite serious. “I’ve never been to a birthday party for someone’s dad. But then, it is at Wally’s Place.”
She reminded him of a fairy princess in her white tulle skirt with an enormous pink bow tied around her waist and pink cowboy boots. The blue denim shirt added her unique brand to the outfit.
“The girls are going to be blown away when they see you,” Tim said in admiration. “We’re going to have to go out and buy them boots and skirts to match.”
“I wish they could have ridden with us.” Two lines formed between Cassidy’s brows. “It seems like forever since I’ve seen Esther and Ellyn.”
“My mother thought it’d be nice for us to have some time alone.” Tim nearly groaned aloud. He couldn’t believe he’d brought up his mother. The last thing he wanted was to darken Cassidy’s mood.
When they reached Wally’s, he pushed open the saloon-like doors then stepped aside to let Cassidy enter. She’d barely set both feet onto the rough floorboards when she inhaled sharply and gaped. “It’s—it’s gorgeous.”
The rugged cowboy bar known for its no-nonsense atmosphere and decor—including peanut shells on the floor—was awash in color. Streamers of purple tulle had been strung from rugged beams. Tables with glittering emerald tablecloths had been topped with centerpieces of purple hydrangeas. White lights gave the bar a festive flair.
“Tim. Cassidy.” Suzanne hurried up, casually chic in black pants with heels and a lacy white shirt.
After giving her son a hug, she turned to Cassidy and gave her one as well.
“I’m so happy you’re both here.”
Cassidy eyed Tim’s mother warily. Though she didn’t smell alcohol on Suzanne’s breath, the woman was definitely acting strangely.
Suzanne stepped back and took Cassidy’s arm, then shifted her attention to Tim. “I was wondering if I could speak with Cassidy privately. I promise not to keep her long.”
Beside her, Tim stiffened. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Tim.” Suzanne’s voice was low and filled with an emotion Cassidy couldn’t identify. “Please.”
Tim glanced at Cassidy.
She lifted a shoulder in a slight shrug.
“Okay,” he said reluctantly, giving Cassidy’s hand a squeeze before he released her. “Don’t keep her long.”
“Thank you.” Suzanne exhaled, almost as if she’d been holding her breath. She smiled brightly at Cassidy. “Let’s step over here, if you don’t mind.”
The last thing Cassidy wanted was a private con
versation with Suzanne, but at this point it didn’t appear she had much choice.
“What’s on your mind?” she asked when Suzanne pulled her aside.
“An apology.” The woman’s lips trembled slightly before she brought them under control. “I’ve been horrid to you. The things I’ve said are inexcusable.”
Cassidy remained silent, not sure how to respond. Was this some sort of joke? But the tears in Suzanne’s eyes appeared very real.
“Why the change of heart?” Cassidy gestured to her outfit. “Nothing has changed with me. I’m still white trash.”
Tim’s mother flinched as if she’d been slapped. But she quickly recovered.
“You are not and never have been anything but an intelligent, successful woman who came from nothing and has made something of herself.” Suzanne met Cassidy’s gaze. “Yes, you march to the beat of your own drummer. What’s wrong with that? The world would be a boring place if we were all the same.”
Cassidy’s heart swelled but she fought hard to contain the emotion. “Did Tim put you up to this?”
“My son made it clear to me that he loves you,” Suzanne said simply. “In listening to him extol your virtues, seeing how happy he is with you, well, it made me realize I’ve been wrong about so many things. There is no excuse for how I acted, for all the horrid things I said. But I’d appreciate it very much if you could find it in your heart to forgive me and we could start fresh.”
Silence filled the air between them for one heartbeat, then two.
“Ah, sure,” Cassidy said finally. The halfhearted acceptance was the best she could muster at the moment.
“Thank you.” Suzanne squeezed her arm, blinking rapidly. She cleared her throat. “I’ll be calling this week to set up a time for you and me and the twins to have one of those color parties they can’t quit talking about.”
Cassidy simply nodded. She wondered just when she’d stepped into the alternate universe, a strange world inhabited by Suzanne-the-Sweetie-Pie.
“Time’s up.” Tim appeared at her side and took her arm. “Cassidy and I have important business.”
It was an odd excuse to extricate her from his mother’s clutches but Cassidy was grateful he’d pulled her away before Suzanne insisted on a group hug. The way the woman was acting, that was a distinct possibility.
“Your mother is acting very strange,” she said when they were out of earshot.
Tim stiffened. “Why? What did she say?”
Cassidy wasn’t sure how to properly convey what had just occurred. “Long story short—she wants us to be friends.”
“What do you think about that possibility?” He spoke slowly as if carefully choosing each word.
Cassidy thought for a moment. “Better than having her as an enemy.”
Tim exhaled an audible breath. “I believe in time the two of you will be good friends.”
She rolled her eyes but doubted Tim saw the gesture. He was too busy maneuvering them through the crowd, past good friends, without stopping.
“Your father seems to know most of the people we do,” she observed. “Where are we going? And why are you in such a hurry?”
He finally stopped beside the mechanical bull.
Suddenly she understood. The bull was available and he wanted to ensure they got a ride before there was a line. “You want to go first? Or can I?”
In answer, he put his arms on her waist and sat her up on the bull. When she started to swing a leg over, he stopped her. “Just give me a minute. There’s something I need to say.”
“Wow. This seems to be a night for conversations.” Despite her teasing words, she smiled encouragingly then frowned when she saw the perspiration dotting his brow. “Is something wrong?”
“No.” He took her hand, kissed her fingers. “Everything is absolutely right.”
She blinked as he dropped to one knee before her and pulled out a sparkly emerald-cut yellow diamond.
“When I was trying to think of the perfect place to formally propose, this came to mind. Although it’s not a conventional location, our relationship isn’t conventional, so it seemed perfect.” His gaze met hers. “It was here, on our very first date, that I realized you were truly someone special.”
“I—” Cassidy opened her mouth then closed it.
He caressed the top of her hand with his thumb. “I didn’t think I was ready for a relationship, but being with you made me realize that I’d been living my life on an even keel. It was pleasant, comfortable. But once you came into my life, it was no longer enough.”
Cassidy forced herself to breathe, her gaze riveted to his face.
“While I never expected to fall in love again, that’s exactly what happened. I want to marry you, Cassidy. I want to raise children with you, to grow old with you. Though love wasn’t in my plans, I’m glad it happened. I’m glad you happened. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
The emotion she’d been trying so hard to contain swamped her. Tears slipped down her cheeks.
“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you be a mother to Esther and Ellyn and any other children we will have?”
The love was there in his eyes, so clear she wondered how she’d missed seeing it before. Had Hailey been right? Had she simply not felt worthy? It scarcely mattered now.
Cassidy took a deep breath. “I love you, Tim. And Esther and Ellyn and our baby, too. I can’t imagine anything better than going through life with someone I love who loves me. So yes, I will marry you. Yes, yes, yes.”
No longer able to contain herself, Cassidy flung herself forward into his arms, sending them both sprawling, laughing as they rolled back on the cushioned mat.
Before she could sit up, Tim slipped the ring on her finger and kissed her soundly.
“She said yes,” someone, who sounded an awful lot like Suzanne, called out in a joyous voice.
Applause filled the saloon and a second later the girls joined them. For an instant, Cassidy expected Domino to appear and jump into the fray. That was just how wonderfully crazy the moment felt.
Even when they were back on their feet, accepting congratulations, Tim kept her close. Standing there beside the man she loved, surrounded by friends and family, Cassidy knew there was nowhere else she would rather be. Not only for now, but for eternity.
Epilogue
Last week when her due date had come—and gone—Cassidy had waited a few days then declared the “bun” had cooked long enough and was ready to come out of the oven. But it seemed her pregnant-mama intuition wasn’t considered a good enough reason for her doctor to induce. Tim said nothing, probably knowing this wasn’t an argument he could win. Her mother-in-law, however, sympathized.
Suzanne had stopped over today with another gift for the baby. Cassidy suspected Tim had asked his mother to check in on her. She’d worked until her due date, expecting she’d soon have a baby to keep her busy. But the bun was still cooking and with the twins in school and Tim at the hospital, Cassidy was going stir-crazy.
“These bright colors will work whether you have a boy or girl.” Suzanne added a bright purple, gold and blue plush elephant to the mountain of other stuffed creatures decorating the colorful nursery.
“Esi and Elle are convinced they’re getting a sister.” Cassidy brought a hand to her back, hoping to still the ache. “Tim thinks the baby is a boy.”
“I can’t wait to meet my new grandchild.” Suzanne hesitated. “Would you...would you like some help after you come home with the baby? I understand if you prefer not—”
“I’d love it.” Cassidy breathed a sigh of relief. This baby was a first for her. Despite the parenting classes she and Tim had attended, she didn’t feel at all confident in her ability to care for a tiny being smaller than Domino.
Speaking of the cat...
“Have you seen Dom?”
“Out of my sight is just how I like him.” Suzanne swiped a dismissive hand in the air. “When you and Tim said you wanted to give the cat to the girls as a wedding present, I wanted to kiss you both.”
“The twins adore him.” Cassidy smiled. “Tim and I like him well enough.”
“Meow.”
Cassidy glanced around and finally spotted the fat black-and-white cat perched on top of the open nursery door. “There he is.”
Suzanne rolled her eyes and patted Cassidy’s arm. “Once again, thank you.”
Cassidy laughed. Ever since the engagement party—she’d discovered Tim’s father wouldn’t have a birthday for another month—her relationship with Suzanne had been on the upswing.
Though the woman was still bossy at times, Cassidy found she rather enjoyed Suzanne’s outspokenness. And somehow, in the five months since Cassidy and Tim had married, Suzanne had become the mother she’d never had.
A pain ripped through her midsection, nearly bringing Cassidy to her knees. She gasped and reached out, steadying herself against the crib.
Suzanne whirled, then immediately hurried to her daughter-in-law’s side. With gentle hands she helped Cassidy to the nearby rocking chair.
“It hurts.” Cassidy squeezed her eyes shut. “So much.”
Whining was such an unattractive quality but this time it couldn’t be helped.
She tried to focus on the breathing techniques she’d learned but couldn’t concentrate. The pain seemed to ebb only to build again seconds later.
Suzanne crouched down, took her hand. “When did the pains start?”
“I’ve been having them all day,” Cassidy admitted then gasped as another contraction squeezed like a vise. “In the past couple of hours they’ve become more frequent.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to ruin the afternoon.”