by Laura Iding
Andrea Langley hadn’t responded, but Cassie did find a missed call from Ryan.
She stared at the screen in shock. And despite her earlier vow to stay away from him, a warm glow spread through her at the fact that he’d tried to get in touch with her.
Maybe he did want to apologize after all. And if she was honest, she’d admit that Ryan wasn’t the only one with secrets. Maybe they needed to clear the air between them once and for all.
“Hello, Cass, are you listening?” Gloria said in exasperation.
“What? Oh, sorry. What did you say?”
Gloria rolled her eyes. “I asked how our safe-haven baby was doing.”
“She’s had a rough couple of days, but she’s doing better,” Cassie said. She leaned forward and propped her elbows on the table. “Remember I told you how I’m trying to become a foster parent? Turns out I need a two-bedroom place or to get special approval from the administrator, first.”
Gloria’s jaw dropped open. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope, and, worse, the administrator is out of the office until next week. There aren’t any two-bedroom apartments open at our place, so I’ve been scouring websites for potential houses. Right now, there isn’t much out there that I can afford.”
“Maybe you should hold off, Cass,” Gloria said, her eyes reflecting her concern. “Seems drastic to do all this when you don’t know for sure you’ll even have the chance to take care of Emma.”
Cassie frowned, dejected by her friend’s doom-and-gloom attitude. “Important things are never easy,” she said, glancing down at her menu. Ironically, her appetite had returned with a vengeance. “Hmm, the grilled chicken sandwich looks awesome.”
“It sure does. I should have a salad, but what the heck. Let’s go for it.” Gloria shoved her menu aside, as if just looking at it would change her mind.
“Okay. And I can vouch for the homemade chips, they’re amazing.”
“Really?” Gloria raised a brow. “I didn’t realize you’ve eaten here before.”
Cassie blushed, remembering the burger she’d had with Ryan. “Just once,” she said. “Although I’m not sure why we haven’t come here more often. This café is close enough to our apartment building.”
Her phone rang and she pulled it out of her lap, her heart racing when she recognized the number of the Realtor. “Sorry, Gloria, I have to take this,” she said hastily.
“Hello, this is Cassandra Jordan,” she answered, rising to her feet and moving off to the side so she wouldn’t bother anyone.
“Andrea Langley. I understand you’re interested in seeing the townhouse on Lavender Drive?”
“Yes, I am,” Cassie said firmly. “Can we set up a time to view it as soon as possible?”
“Yes. How about three o’clock this afternoon?”
Cassie’s heart sank. “I start work at three. Could we meet at two instead?”
“Sure. I’ll switch things around so I can meet you there at two o’clock.”
“Great, thanks.” Cassie disconnected from the call, tempted to do another little happy dance.
She managed to restrain herself, but as she turned back toward Gloria she caught a glimpse of Lydia, the cane lady.
It was starting to be uncanny the way she kept bumping into this woman, and Cassie headed over with steely determination.
“Hello, Ms. Lydia. How are you doing this afternoon?”
“Oh, I’m fine, just fine.” Lydia looked flustered, although Cassie wasn’t sure why. This woman seemed to be following her, not the other way around.
And suddenly Cassie was tired of playing games.
“Do you want an update on Emma’s condition?” she asked bluntly. “Because I know you’re related to that baby in some way.”
Lydia opened her mouth and then closed it again without saying anything. She looked down at her cane and then dragged her gaze back up to meet Cassie’s. “I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my doctor says that my physical condition is going to deteriorate rapidly over the next year or two.”
Cassie wasn’t sure why this poor woman was telling her this. “I’m sorry, that must have been very difficult to hear. Isn’t there any treatment or medications available that might help?”
Lydia shrugged. “Steroids and anti-inflammatory medications, which I’m already taking. And physical therapy, which I attend three mornings a week.”
“That’s encouraging,” Cassie said, sitting down in the empty chair beside Lydia. “I’ve heard physical therapy can work wonders.”
Lydia scowled down at her tea. “I haven’t been impressed, considering I’m going to have to give up my cane for a walker soon. I’ve already fallen once. If I have another fall, I’m stuck with the stupid walker.”
“I’m sorry,” Cassie said helplessly. She truly did feel bad for this woman. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to know what physical limitations one was facing.
“None of that is the point,” Lydia said in a feisty tone. Cassie had to give the woman credit for not letting her bleak prognosis get her down. “You asked me before if I knew Emma’s mother, and I lied to you. I do know her. Emma’s mother is my niece. My sister died several years ago and Avery—well, let’s just say she’s made a lot of bad decisions over the past few years.”
Cassie didn’t interrupt, silently encouraging the woman to talk.
“You see, Avery delivered in the hospital, but then left the very next day, without any support other than her boyfriend. And then she drove up here to ask for my help in raising the baby. But she also made it clear she wasn’t going to stick around.” Lydia’s anguish was etched on her features. “It almost killed me, but as much as I wanted to take care of little Emma, I’m not physically able to. So I encouraged Avery to drop her off at the hospital. Giving Emma up as a safe-haven baby was the only option.”
Cassie reached over and took Lydia’s hand in hers. “You and Avery made the right decision,” she said softly. “Emma is going to be fine. The doctor is hoping to take her breathing tube out soon, maybe even today. She’s going to find a home with a lucky family one day soon, I promise.”
“Thank you,” Lydia said, tears welling in her eyes. “Thank you for taking such good care of my great-niece.”
Cassie battled tears, too. “I’m taking good care of Emma. In fact, I’m hoping to become her foster mother, so I can take care of her, forever.”
Saying the words out loud made them seem all the more real. But she didn’t regret telling Lydia her dream.
She hoped the news would give the older woman some peace.
CHAPTER TWELVE
RYAN HEADED DOWN the highway that hugged the coastline of Lake Michigan, trying to talk himself out of going back to the Sunshine Café, but it was no use. He couldn’t find it in him to stay away.
He desperately wanted to talk to Cassie, to apologize for leaving. And to tell her the truth, so that she knew everything about him, once and for all.
He made a U-turn so he could head back to Cedar Bluff. Maybe Cassie had moved on. Maybe she didn’t need him the way he needed her. Maybe he was only doing this for himself, but he knew he wouldn’t be able to move forward until he’d apologized. He parked his car a couple of blocks down and walked along the café’s outdoor seating area. When he caught sight of Cassie talking to Lydia, he quickened his pace.
“Take care, Ms. Lydia,” Cassie said, rising to her feet. “Remember, you have my phone number now, so call if you need something.”
“I will, dear, thank you.”
He approached, glancing warily between them. It seemed as if their conversation was amicable, but what had changed? “Hi, Cassie. Is everything okay?”
Her smile didn’t quite meet her eyes. “Absolutely. Ms. Lydia, you remember Dr. Murphy? He’s one of the doctors caring for Emma.”
“Yes, of course. How are you, Dr. Murphy?” Lydia held out her hand to Ryan. “Forgive me for not standing up, but my old bones are a bit achy today.”
“Please, sit an
d relax,” Ryan said, raising a curious eyebrow toward Cassie. He couldn’t imagine what had changed since the last time they’d tried to speak to the woman.
“Ms. Lydia was just telling me that she’s Emma’s great-aunt,” Cassie said, answering his unspoken question. “Her niece, Avery, has had some trouble and it was Ms. Lydia who told her to bring Emma to the hospital as a safe-haven baby.”
“I see,” Ryan murmured, turning back toward Lydia. “That was a wonderful thing you and Avery did. Thank you so much for giving Emma a chance at a better life.”
“I would have kept Emma myself if not for this stupid rheumatoid arthritis,” Lydia said with real regret in her eyes. “But I’m glad to hear Emma is doing okay. I’ve been so worried about the baby.”
Ryan suspected Lydia knew more about Avery’s history and he took the seat next to the older woman, choosing his words carefully. “I believe your niece might have a prescription drug addiction,” he said, keeping his tone gentle. “I know you don’t want her to get into any trouble, but at the same time it’s important that Avery gets help before something bad happens to her.”
Lydia pursed her lips for a moment and then nodded. “Yes, I know. I’m doing my best, but she’s been running wild since my sister passed away. Unfortunately, Avery was in the car crash that killed my sister and she’s has been suffering terrible back pain ever since. You’re right about the prescription drugs, that’s the reason she didn’t stay very long in the hospital. But I’m not sure how to get her off them. Especially when she refuses to stay here and live with me. Apparently, she’d rather shack up with that worthless boyfriend of hers.”
Knowing his instincts were right didn’t make him feel any better. Helping people with addictions wasn’t easy. Would he have been able to help Victoria if he’d known the truth? He wasn’t sure. “I know it’s hard, but when you do see her, please keep encouraging her to get help.”
The older woman flashed him a tremulous smile. “I will.”
Ryan carefully shook her hand and then stood up and followed Cassie back to the table where Gloria was waiting rather impatiently.
“Sorry about that, Gloria,” Cassie said, as she took her seat. “I didn’t mean to leave you here alone.”
Gloria shrugged and put her phone away. She glanced up at Ryan. “Hi, Dr. Ryan. Do you want to join us?” she offered.
He absolutely did, but he glanced at Cassie, trying to read the impassive expression on her face. He sensed she wasn’t thrilled to have him there, but at the same time he didn’t want to leave without talking to her.
Although he’d rather not bare his soul in front of Gloria.
“I don’t want to intrude. I’ll sit somewhere else, but I would like to talk to you, Cassie. Maybe we could talk after you’ve finished your lunch?”
Cassie hesitated. “I may not have time,” she said slowly. “I have an appointment at two o’clock.”
Gloria seemed impervious to the tension between them. “It’s silly of you to sit somewhere else. Cass, you don’t mind if he joins us, do you?”
“No, of course not.” Finally she met his gaze with a weak smile. “We’ve already placed our order so you may need to flag down the server.”
Since she didn’t seem too upset with him, he pulled out one of the empty chairs and sat down. He was hungry but was willing to forgo eating if it meant getting a chance to talk to Cassie. “Thank you,” he murmured.
“Cass, what’s your two o’clock appointment?” Gloria asked, taking a sip of her lemonade.
Cassie shrugged but he noticed that there was an excited glint in her eyes. “I found a townhouse for sale that happens to be close to my budget. I’m meeting the Realtor there this afternoon.”
Ryan glanced at her in surprise. “Really?”
She nodded. “There aren’t any two-bedroom units available so this is my best chance of getting Mr. Davies’s approval to keep moving forward with the fostering process.”
Was this why she’d looked so happy? Was it possible she didn’t hate him for the way he left her so abruptly last night? “I’m glad to hear it. I could tag along if you like. I might be able to spot any problem areas.”
She hesitated again, and he mentally kicked himself for pushing so hard. “I guess that would work.” She surprised him by agreeing. “I don’t know much about buying a house and need all the help I can get.”
He was ridiculously pleased that she’d agreed to let him come along. “Thanks,” he murmured.
Gloria cleared her throat loudly. “Do you two want me to leave?” she asked. “It seems like you have a lot to discuss.”
“No, of course not,” he said, wincing a little at the fact that he’d made Gloria feel like a third wheel. “Let me know when you spot the server. I wouldn’t mind having another one of their burgers. The last one I had was excellent.”
Gloria snickered and raised an eyebrow toward Cassie, who blushed and stared down at her plate for a long moment.
He didn’t understand the private joke but kept the conversation casual as the two women enjoyed their meal. Gloria updated him on her brother’s progress and he was relieved to hear Trey had woken up and seemed to be doing okay. The server was so busy he didn’t bother asking for a burger. Cassie insisted he share part of her lunch, so he helped himself to the smaller half of her sandwich and a handful of chips.
When the server returned with the bill, he quickly nabbed it and pulled out his wallet, ignoring Gloria and Cassie’s loud protests.
“You had hardly anything to eat,” Cassie said with exasperation. “Why should you pay?”
“Because I’m the one who interrupted your meal, forcing you to give up half your sandwich.” He quickly stuffed cash into the plastic billfold and handed it back to the server. “Trust me, this is the least I can do.”
Cassie sighed but didn’t say anything more as she rose to her feet. He stood and followed her, longing for the easy camaraderie they’d once shared.
“I have a few errands to run,” Gloria said. “I’ll talk to you later, Cass, okay?”
“Sure. I’ll check in on Trey during my dinner break,” Cassie promised.
Ryan was grateful that Gloria had taken it upon herself to leave them alone. He felt a little guilty for interrupting their girl time, but thankfully Cassie didn’t seem to mind.
“We have thirty minutes until we need to meet your Realtor,” he said. “Would you like to take a drive in the convertible?”
She shook her head. “No, as much as I love your convertible, I need to stop by my apartment so I can pick up my scrubs and my stethoscope. I plan to head to work as soon as we’re finished at the townhouse.”
“No problem.” He wondered if she regretted inviting him to go along. “I’ll drive you over.”
Stopping at Cassie’s apartment didn’t take long. When she came back out to his car with her bag over her shoulder, he wanted nothing more than to pull her close and kiss her.
But he forced himself to concentrate on telling her the truth first. “Cassie, I owe you an apology,” he began, but she shook her head.
“Actually, there’s no need for you to apologize. I have something I need to tell you,” she said, cutting him off. “I think you should know why having Emma is so important to me.”
He nodded, waiting for her to slide into the passenger seat of his convertible. “Okay.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I told you that my ex-husband cheated on me, but I didn’t tell you everything.”
He was surprised that she’d kept something back from him, too, although the tortured expression in her eyes didn’t make him feel any better. “I’m listening,” he encouraged.
“I suffered two miscarriages,” she admitted. “Both at about twenty weeks’ gestation.”
His heart twisted in his chest. One was bad enough, but two? “I’m so sorry,” he murmured.
“The worst part was that I had to be in the hospital after the second miscarriage because I wouldn’t stop
bleeding.” Cassie turned in her seat to face him. “I heard my husband on the phone with his lover, telling her how glad he was that I’d lost the baby because now getting a divorce would be easier.”
He curled his fingers into fists, wishing he could punch her ex right between the eyes. “I can’t imagine how awful that must have been.”
She dropped her gaze again. “I was getting ready to be taken into surgery for a D&C and told Evan to get out. I practically screamed at him that I wouldn’t contest his stinking divorce.”
Ryan wanted to pull her into his arms, and he must have reached toward her because she held up a hand.
“There’s more. After surgery, the doctor told me that there was something wrong with my uterus, which was why I’d had the two miscarriages. There was some sort of tissue barrier making it smaller than normal. He told me that I needed to have another surgery before even trying to get pregnant again. And even then, the scar tissue might be too much to overcome.”
“Cassie, I’m so sorry,” he said tucking a strand of her dark hair behind her ear. “I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.”
Her attempt at a smile was pathetic. “Thanks, but there isn’t anything you can do, although I appreciate your support. This is my burden to bear. I’ve always dreamed of having a family of my own, which is probably why I rushed into marriage with Evan.”
“Just so you know, that loser is not worth a single tear,” Ryan told her.
This time her smile looked real. “Thanks. I just wanted you to know that my chances of having a baby of my own are probably less than thirty percent. So now you know why I’m such an emotional wreck about being able to be a foster mother to Emma. And why this townhouse is so important to me.”
“I do understand,” he said slowly. “But, Cassie, you have to know that there are so many options available these days. The strides in reproductive medicine have been amazing. Even if you can’t have children of your own, you can still have the family you’ve always dreamed of.”
“Maybe,” she admitted, although she looked far from convinced.
Ryan’s desire to share the truth about losing his unborn son died on his tongue. Cassie was excited about seeing the townhouse and he didn’t want to bring her down.