“I know,” Cassie said. “But isn’t there—”
“Look Mrs. Jarrett,” Rick interrupted, and pulling her to her feet. “I know you don’t agree what went on here, but you know as well as I do that sometimes things don’t go the way we want them to. And no one says we have to like what we have to do. The point is Greyson House did prove to be helpful.” He gestured toward the staircase. “Now, go say goodbye to your friends and then let’s get the hell out of this place.”
“I’m for that,” Kevin agreed and grinned at Cassie then Rick. “It’ll be nice sleeping in my own bed again. And also, I’m ready to move on with my life.”
Elena smiled and also looked at Cassie. “Can I come with you and can we see the new baby?”
Rick’s mouth twitched when he caught the look on Kevin’s face after Elena’s request. Kevin saw Rick looking at him and quickly walked to the window Martin had been looking out of earlier.
Something’s on his mind, Rick mused. “Go on then, ladies. Martin, you and Steve better go with them to make sure they don’t spend all day up there. And Steve, tell Lori we’re leaving, soon.”
“Don’t you want to see the baby, Rick?” Cassie questioned with a smile on her face. “Kevin thought Natalie’s baby looked—”
“Small,” Kevin interrupted Cassie before she could make her little joke.
With everyone finally out of the room, Rick walked to Kevin. Standing silent next to the young man for a moment, Rick then turned and raised his eyebrows. “Well, aren’t you going to ask if I approve?”
Kevin’s mouth dropped and turned his head quickly toward Rick. They looked at each other for just a second and then both smiled. “You’re not going to try and talk me out of getting myself hitched?”
“He’d better not,” Cassie said joining them at the window.
“Man, she’s getting as sneaky as you are,” Kevin said.
Rick wrapped his arms around the front of Cassie and grinned. “She’s been trained by the best.”
“You better keep your mouth shut.” Kevin shook a finger at Cassie.
“Don’t worry, she’s good at keeping secrets,” Rick volunteered then looked down at his wife. “I thought you were upstairs with the others.”
“They went to get Lori and she’s in Dr. Miller’s office,” Cassie answered softly. “I couldn’t bring myself to go back in there.” An uncomfortable silence took hold of the room momentarily until Cassie piped up and grinned at Kevin. “So, when are you going to pop the question? You can be like Rick and assume you and Elena are in complete agreement. Then you don’t have to actually ask her.”
“It wasn’t quite like that,” Rick defended, but smiled. “I only said what I thought you meant.”
“You two scare me sometimes, what are you talking about?” Kevin asked.
Cassie laughed. “It’s okay, I understand. So, when are you going to ask Elena to be your bride?”
“It’s not polite to ask personal questions, Sass.” Rick squeezed Cassie gently.
“Then you two are perfectly matched,” Kevin said. “Anyway, I’ll find somewhere to get her alone and ask her. I want some privacy just in case…”
“In case what?” Cassie asked. “You don’t honestly think she’ll say no, do you?” Then she laughed. “The way you guys always act so sure of yourselves, when in reality you’re just a couple of milksops.”
“Milksops!” Rick said. “Who taught you that one?”
Cassie cast a sideways glance at her husband. “Daddy.”
The three of them were still laughing when Lori and the others returned. Rick wasted no time. “Let’s move,” he said. Not waiting for an answer, he took Cassie’s hand and walked out the front door.
The rest of the group looked at one another and shrugged at Rick’s departure. One by one, they boarded the van, thus closing the book on the mystery of Greyson House.
Chapter Fifteen
The first thing Rick did when they returned to the city was to take Cassie to the emergency room. Soon, she’d be back visiting her own doctor, but until then he wanted her examined by hospital physicians. Slightly embarrassed, Cassie watched the doctor politely listen to Rick’s suggestions of how she should be cared for. At first it was funny seeing Rick play doctor, but then in taking a good look at him, Cassie realized how scared he really was and had been. She no longer thought the situation funny. She found it touching and sweet and later that night after making love to her husband, she found it made her cry.
Over the course of the next several days, Cassie and Rick stayed in their apartment. Any matters dealing with Greyson House that Steve or Kevin couldn’t handle, Rick would take care of over the phone. He knew there would be an official inquiry, but like most bureaucratic procedures, it would be a while before he’d have to appear in court. In the meantime he planned to keep constructively busy—first by taking a leave of absence and second by starting construction on the house.
Waking to the sun instilled an inner peace in both Rick and Cassie. The feeling of appreciation for each other increased, although neither thought that possible now that Luther was out of their life for good and they were away from Greyson House.
When Rick awoke, he instantly sat up and stretched before lifting the covers off Cassie to wake her. In playful retaliation she pulled the blanket back attempted to push Rick out of bed with her feet. That was a mistake she wouldn’t make again. With the swiftness of a cat, he had hold of her legs and pulled Cassie gently, yet completely off the bed, leaving her with no blanket.
“It’s warm anyway,” she quipped, “I don’t need the blankets.”
“Then why do you steal them?” Rick asked with a raised eyebrow. “Come on. Shower first, then a walk. I’ll even make some sandwiches for a picnic.”
“That’s not usually what happens after a shower.” She received another raised eyebrow.
Outside, Cassie stopped Rick when he started to get into their truck.
“I thought we were taking a walk,” she said, pointing down the street.
“We are. Just not here. Get in, you’ll figure it out soon enough.”
As they headed in the direction of the river property, Cassie smiled. “I knew this was where we were going. Hey, isn’t it kind of rocky up there for—”
“Your center of gravity being off-center? Actually, some worker bees have been busy while we were gone. There’s a driveway leading up there now and a well’s been dug.”
The truck drove up the long driveway to a large clearing. The position of the house could be any way they chose. They hadn’t talked about the kind of house, only that it would have a bedroom. Laughing at their priorities they held hands and walked the distance of their land.
Early afternoon brought them to their outdoor dining room. As lunch ended an engine rumbled in the distance. A moment later a large truck came into view along with Blake, Steve and Lori sitting in the front seat.
“What the hell?” Rick mumbled under his breath. “This should be good.”
They reached the truck just as its occupants were getting out. All three smiled, but only Blake moved forward as Cassie ran to greet him. He reached for her, and after a hug he pointed at the truck. “How do you like it?”
“Like what?” Cassie’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me you ditched your plane and are now delivering supplies by eighteen-wheeler?”
Blake grinned. “Look inside.” Bowing to Cassie, he moved sideways as Rick nearly knocked him over.
Rick pulled the doors open and found the truck filled with lumber, fixtures and various building supplies.
When Cassie peered inside she gasped. “It’s a house,” she said with excitement and turned to Rick. “At least it will be when you guys get busy.”
Her smile faded at Rick’s expression. He was glaring at Blake.
“What is this all about?” Rick had control of his voice, but not by much.
“Time,” Blake said flatly. “If my grandchild is to have a roof over his head you need to
get building.”
“I agree,” Rick said, “but not this way. I can provide for my family just fine.” He turned to Cassie. “I’m sorry, babe, but he is not giving us a house.”
“You got that right, son,” Blake quipped, slapping a piece of paper against Rick’s chest. “Here’s your bill. Look, Rick, I know how you feel and I’m really not trying to interfere. But I got this stuff at a bargain and if you’ll let me, I’d like to help you build your home.”
Cassie looked from Rick to Blake and then at Steve and Lori. They were smiling. Sure, she thought, it isn’t their father and husband about to engage in battle.
Blake noticed the twitch in Rick’s jaw and handed him a book. “Here, this has more house plans than you’ll know what to do with. And have no fear, they all include bedrooms, I made sure of that before I bought it.” He winked at Cassie. “Like I said, I’m not trying to interfere, but if you don’t start building something soon, you’ll still be in that tiny apartment when the baby comes. There’s enough material in here to build a nice basic house. You can add…” he paused long enough for Rick to look at him, “You can add to your house as you add to your family. What do you say? With three able-bodied men working, you’ll be homeowners in no time.”
“Make that four able-bodied men,” Lori said quietly.
The comment drew everyone’s attention, but Lori only smiled innocently and started humming.
“Lori!” Rick shouted.
“All right,” Lori said. “Just remember, don’t shoot the messenger.” She turned to Cassie. “You’re getting more help for your house building.” Now she turned to Rick and grinned. “Three guesses who and the first two don’t count, Ricky.”
Rick closed his eyes. “Why is Kevin coming? That man can’t build a dream. He uses a wrench to hammer in screws.”
“Kevin still feels bad about what almost happened to you and Cassie,” Steve explained. “So he wants to help with the house.”
Exchanging looks of concern with Rick, Cassie shook her head. “Poor Kev. We’ll keep him busy with house building though, right Rick?”
Rick observed Cassie stealing glances at the contents of the truck. Finally, he nodded. “Okay, Grandpa. You got yourself a deal.” Catching Cassie as she flung herself in his arms, Rick grinned at Blake. “I’ll have my accountant send you a check.”
* * * * *
Rick and Cassie chose the most basic house they could find in the planning book. As Blake pointed out, they could add on in the future. The house as planned now would have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and the standard kitchen, living and dining room. The only addition they insisted on including right away was a smaller version of the safe house’s tower room, complete with the same bed they’d first made love in. The need for a place of their own in their own place outweighed any additional cost involved.
In spite of an unusual amount of storms plaguing the area, construction on the house was completed in record time, and as the last building inspector left the premises the Jarrett family moved in.
To some, the sparsely furnished house would hardly be considered livable, but for Rick it was not only his home, it was his heart. His footsteps echoing on the hardwood floors, he passed through every room. In the living room the small couch that had served him for so long stood carefully placed in front of the fireplace, an old trunk posing as a coffee table at its side. The kitchen had four chairs and a table, though the dining room remained empty. Two of the three bedrooms were completely vacant, yet the third room held everything.
When he entered the master bedroom, Rick smiled. The usual bed and dressers were present, but it was the two unusual items that made Rick beam. In one corner, placed lovingly near the bed, was the cradle he’d given Cassie. In the other corner, where the stairs to the tower room had been slated to go, were stairs, all right—a pink spiral staircase. The pink spiral staircase both he and Cassie had fallen in love with and climbed to their destiny on. Rick had wanted that design for their tower room as a surprise for Cassie, not knowing that she had already arranged for it.
Now standing at the top of that staircase, Rick watched Cassie staring out the window. The moment was reminiscent of the first time he’d found her in the original tower room. The same place he first knew he loved her. It still amazed him how so many things reminded him of that night.
“Happy?” he asked, moving to wrap his arms around her.
To his surprise she answered, “No.”
In slow motion he turned her around expecting a smile or tears. He got neither. Her eyes only gazed up at him.
“It isn’t enough,” Cassie murmured. “Fulfilled, redeemed, content, inspired. Happy just isn’t enough of a word to describe me.” Now she cried.
“Yes it is, Cassandra.” Rick pulled her to him. “If all of those words are your happiness, then I’m what you are and we are one.”
Bathed in moonlight and caressed by love, one kiss followed by another and another led them gently and passionately to their hearts’ desire.
* * * * *
Rick lay on the bed with his hands folded behind his head. Week two in our own house, could life get any better? He looked at Cassie and chuckled. For nearly five minutes he’d been watching Cassie doing her best to wiggle into an oversized nightgown.
“Why do you bother?” he asked. Cassie’s glare over her shoulder amused him.
“Because I feel thinner when I wear this tent!” she snipped. “Rick, I can’t see my feet anymore. You must feel you’re married to a—”
“A pregnant woman,” Rick finished her sentence and got up off the bed. Crossing to her, he helped the nightgown over her shoulders, though not in the direction Cassie had been placing the garment. Another chuckle escaped him. “Cassie, you couldn’t ever be thought of as big enough to wear a tent even if you were carrying twins.”
“I still say twins would be good,” she said, trying to grab the nightgown. “Then we could each name a baby. Lori also thought it was a good idea.”
“Nice of Mrs. Travis to help solve our problem of baby names,” Rick said. He held the nightgown behind his back. “It’s late, let’s go to bed.”
“Then give me my tent if you want to go to sleep,” Cassie insisted.
“I said bed.” Bending to obtain a kiss, he added, “Not sleep.”
Meeting Cassie’s fake scowl with his own, Rick handed her the nightgown and got back into bed. Knowing the look she’d get when she turned around, Cassie dropped the gown to the floor and followed her husband. As she snuggled under the covers, Rick reached for her.
“I want to talk baby names,” she said, pushing him back.
Rick groaned and rolled on his back. “I thought we agreed to wait until the baby’s here so we know boy or girl.” He returned to his side and touched his finger to Cassie’s nose. “Okay, Mama, what are your thoughts?”
“If it’s a boy, I want Richard Blake,” she said quickly.
After a long pause Rick sighed heavily. “I really don’t want a little Ricky running around. I’m sorry, Sass. Look, we still have a few weeks. Let’s stick to our plan and name the baby when we hold him or her, all right? That was our plan from the start.”
Though disappointed, Cassie smiled. “A good plan it is,” she whispered. “Got any others, Mr. Jarrett?”
“Lots,” Rick answered, moving forward.
And he did have plans, but none of them had anything to do with naming a baby.
Waking to find himself alone in bed, Rick showered then headed for the kitchen. As he approached he heard voices. Entering, he found Cassie seated at the table along with Blake and his new bride, Maggie. Family. No real surprise they’re here. But what the hell is Kevin doing standing at the window?
“Morning, Rick,” Kevin said. He grinned as the man brushed past him toward the coffeepot. “Better make it a double.”
More of Kevin’s humor at work, Rick thought. When he spied Cassie, Blake and Maggie looking intently at the breakfast table, Rick knew something was u
p. He would ignore it.
“Have you decided on what kind of furniture you want?” he asked Cassie.
Cassie glanced sideways at Kevin, then back to Rick. “I think we can decide that when we get back.” Bracing herself for Rick’s incoming look that said, Now what the hell are you talking about, she nibbled on a peach.
As expected, Rick only stood quietly and waited for his wife to update him on the current events he had obviously missed while sleeping.
Knowing she wouldn’t get the privacy she wanted by the others leaving, Cassie sighed. “Rick, we’re going back to Greyson House to help some couples get to a place up north.”
There, she thought, I that said and point-blank, he couldn’t have misunderstood. She thought wrong. Rick’s body language told her to continue and to make it good.
“All right,” she said, pointing to the chair next to her. “Sit down and shut up and I’ll tell you.” He sat and for the moment, he was quiet. Cassie inhaled and after looking back to Kevin’s smiling face, she continued. “Steve called this morning. You know those original kids you gave a ride to the highway? The ones who told you about something odd going on at the house in the first place?”
“His name was Rob,” Rick said. “I never did know the girl’s name.” Brow creased, he looked at Cassie. “What about them?”
“Well,” she continued. “According to Steve, after this kid Rob and his girlfriend had their scare at Greyson House, they decided to go back to their hometown. After coming clean with their families about what happened and all, the kid’s dad was actually very supportive. He decided to help create a place similar to Greyson House. But this one will be for couples only. The thought is that since the single mothers have no one, they’re better off with other single mothers. But since the couples have each other, they feel that they can work together and build a community. And that’s where we come in.”
Rick leaned back and sighed heavily. “Cassandra, I haven’t liked the word we since I met you because it usually means you intend to do something I won’t want you to do. What are you trying to avoid telling me?” Looking at Blake, his eyes narrowed. “You’re awfully quiet this morning, Daddy.”
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