“It’s strange, I’ve never done anything like it before – but Auntie Em has inspired me. I can’t stop now.”
“I’m pleased for you. I do miss you, you know.”
“I miss you too, but I still meant what I said. I don’t want to grow old alone. If your work’s more important, then so be it. I love you too, but I don’t want to sit alone all the time, while you’re out of town.”
“I know, Cassie. It won’t be that way much longer. They’ve hired a couple of new people. When they’ve completed their training, my hours won’t be quite as long, and I won’t have as many trips out of town. We’ll have more time together, Cassie. We’ll be able to go anywhere you’d like. I want to travel, but not alone. I want you to share it with me.”
She blinked back tears. Share, that’s what it was all about. “I’ll be back in a week. I love you too, Sean, but right now, my mind is up here, where I don’t have to concentrate on anything except my book.”
“Okay, but I do mean what I said. I want us to be together, and stay together. I’m sorry it took me so long to realize how much I need you.”
“I’ll see you next week, Sean,” she whispered, and hung up.
*
Two days passed and Cassandra hadn’t been able to sleep well. Since the phone call from Sean, she was both excited and nervous about seeing him. So much so, that she’d been unable to continue with her writing.
She’d given up for the night and decided to watch a movie. Even though she’d already seen it many times, Love Story with Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw was still one of her favorites. She was glad she brought the CD along. Grabbing a bag of chips and a can of cola from the kitchen, she settled down on the couch with Mandy by her side.
Suddenly, she heard a noise outside and the security lights glared on. She muted the volume on the television and sat very still. She held onto Mandy’s collar, and signaled for her to be quiet. Soon the noise stopped and the security lights shut off again.
Mandy curled up and fell back to sleep.
Cassandra continued to watch the movie. It ended at eleven o’clock, and she stood to turn the television off.
Mandy roused herself and followed her into the bedroom.
When she was ready for bed, she grabbed another book to read, Home At Last, by Jerri Corgiat, one of her favorite authors. She’d only reached the fifth chapter when Mandy’s head snapped up abruptly, her ears alert.
“Damn it,” Cassandra whispered. She turned off the table lamp and quietly climbed from her bed. She was tired of this and needed to find out for the last time who’d been prowling around the cabin now and then for the past week.
She crept slowly toward the window while she held her hand up to Mandy for her to remain quiet. She moved up alongside the curtain. Her hands were shaking when she reached for the shade. Putting her head up close, she moved the edge of it slightly, just enough to peek outside. She saw a bulky movement alongside the cabin. It looked like a big man, bent over and creeping along in the shadow beneath the overhang.
Her heart hammering, she jumped back and let the shade fall against the window ledge.
Mandy let out a low growl.
Abruptly, she slammed the base of her fist against the cabin wall. She hoped that she’d frightened the intruder away. She again peeked out along the edge of the window, then suddenly burst out laughing and opened the shade a bit further. She’d frightened him, all right. He headed for the woods in a clumsy gallop, which caused her to laugh even harder. Mandy danced around the floor, wagging her tail, and wondering what had caused her mistress so much excitement.
Cassandra sat on the floor with Mandy and told her, “It was just a bear, not a polar bear, but a prowler bear.”
Mandy danced in circles, as if she thought Cassandra wanted to play a game.
She laughed again and then stood and reached for the light switch.
Evidently, the bear had been searching for food and the noise they’d heard must have been from the garbage can.
She climbed back into bed with a sigh of relief. As long as she was indoors, there’d be no harm from a bear. She was thankful it wasn’t a prowler. It must have been a bear last week also. She laughed then turned off the light.
Chapter Thirty-six
Happy to be home, Cassandra had just finished washing her last load of laundry. She was coming up the basement stairs when she heard a knock at the back door. With her arms full of folded clothes, she looked out the kitchen window and saw Shannon standing at the door.
“Come on in,” she called.
Shannon entered, bringing a nippy breeze along with her. “It’s awfully chilly out there,” she said when she shut the door behind her. She pulled off her jacket and rubbed her hands together. “Oh, you look really truly beautiful.” She walked a complete circle around her. “I like it – excellent job.”
“Pour yourself some coffee, if you’d like. I’ll be right back. I have to put these clothes away.” She hurried to the bedroom.
“It sure feels like winter is going to be here early this year,” Shannon said when she returned.
“I know. It would be nice to take a long vacation down south, but it just wouldn’t be the same without the kids along.”
“I feel the same way, but you know darn well, that they’re on their own now.”
“Oh, I know; I just have a hard time getting used to them not being around.”
“I know what you mean. We’ll just have to give it some time. They haven’t been gone very long. By the way, have you heard from Sean yet?”
“I just got back last night. I told him I’d call him. I’m waiting until tonight. He’d probably be working anyway.” She sat at the table and picked up her cup of coffee.
“So what does Nick’s wife look like?”
Unconsciously, her brow crumpled as she stared off in deep concentration.
“What’s on your mind, honey?” Shannon asked, and looked up from her cup, while she took a sip. “Are you sorry you let Nick go?”
“No, I was just thinking of how beautiful she is. He’d never mentioned anything about her, and he told me they’d met about a year ago. If he cared that much about her, you’d think he would have mentioned her to me.”
“Well, it looks to me like he’d been hoping for you, and when you walked away from him, she was waiting with open arms.”
“I guess. It seemed to be an awfully hasty marriage, though.”
“Maybe not; he may have been seeing her now and then. You’d been keeping your distance from him, remember?”
“I know, and I do love Sean, you know that. I guess deep down, I always hoped that he’d return someday.”
“Well, I’d better get home. Thanks for the coffee. Oh, before I forget, would you like to have Thanksgiving at our house again?”
“Sure, that was a lot of fun last year, although it won’t be the same without Auntie Em.”
“That’s why I don’t want you and the twins to be alone. You could also invite Sean, if you’d like.”
“We’ll see, I’ll mention it to him.”
“Okay, give me a call tomorrow.” She frowned as she slipped her jacket back on. “I’m definitely not looking forward to winter, having to dress so warmly just to get from my house to yours.” She groaned, and then hurried out the door.
*
When Cassandra spoke to Sean, he told her he had tonight and tomorrow off work.
“I’d like to see you, Cassie. Is it okay if I come over? We have a lot to discuss.”
“I’ll be waiting. When will you be here?”
“In a couple of hours; I love you, Cassie.”
After she took Mandy for a walk, she fed her, then quickly showered, and put on one of the new outfits she’d purchased. She stood in front of the mirror, and liked what she saw: a pair of royal blue dress slacks and a blue and white turtleneck.
When she returned to the living room, she put on some romantic music by Kenny G, then sat and waited for him to arrive. She notic
ed when his car pulled into the driveway, and hurried to the door and stood behind it. When he rang the doorbell, she slowly opened the door, and remained hidden when he entered. She quietly pushed the door closed, and when he turned and saw her, he drew in a deep breath of intense pleasure. He took her face in his hands and held it gently, then swept her into his arms and buried his face in her soft hair.
“Oh, Cassie, you are so beautiful,” he whispered, and his lips were surprisingly gentle when they brushed against hers. “I missed you. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am.”
Standing on tiptoe, she touched her lips to his. It had been so long since they’d been together. Feeling the sensation of his lips against her neck, she slowly led him into the bedroom.
Aroused, she drew herself close to him. She unbuckled his belt with trembling fingers while he removed her blouse. His hands roamed intimately over her body. His tongue traced the full softness of her lips, and his kiss sent new spirals of ecstasy through her, leaving her mouth burning with desire. She returned his kiss with reckless abandon while his tongue made a path down her ribs to her stomach. He paused to kiss her, whispering his love for each part of her body.
Moving their bodies in beautiful harmony with one another, they soared higher and higher until they reached the peak of ecstasy, and she couldn’t control the outcry of delight.
After this very long awaited intimate evening, they held one another, their bodies naked and moist. She snuggled against him as their legs intertwined and his hand caressed the skin of her thigh. “I love you so much,” he said.
Long into the night, they quietly discussed their lives they’d led without each other and now their life together. Happiness filled them as they talked about the future, their future. Caught up in his enthusiasm, her heart danced with excitement. She found herself studying his profile, thinking how he made her feel so good, and she was glad to be with him. He fingered a lock of her hair and caressed it.
“Cassie…”
She’d always felt that certain tingle when he said her name, and she couldn’t take her eyes away from his.
“I love you, Cassie.”
“I love you too, Sean.” She rested her chin on his chest with a sigh, and smiled with contentment.
“How would you like to take a trip in March or April, somewhere warm?” he asked.
Suddenly, she giggled.
“What?” He looked at her and a grin played at the corners of his mouth.
“I was just telling Shannon today that I’d love to go somewhere south, where it would be warm.”
“I thought we’d head down to Texas, maybe Amarillo, and then over to New Mexico, and on to Arizona. I have a three-week vacation coming. I think it would be fun.”
“That does sound nice.”
“I’d like to visit places we’ve never been to, where we might like to retire someday.” He searched her face, and she looked up at him, her heart filled with hope.
“Yes, let’s do it,” she said. “The twins will be in Colorado and won’t be out until the end of May. They’d mentioned earlier that they might not be home for spring break. They both found jobs last month. They’ll be home in a week for Thanksgiving, and for Christmas. Any time after that would be good.”
“Okay, I’ll find out when I can take the three weeks off, and I’ll let you know.” He ran his hand gently up and down her arm. She curled into the curve of his body, and with his arms wrapped around her, they both drifted into a peaceful sleep.
*
Cassandra awakened to the sunlight that appeared through the partially opened curtain. When she reached over for Sean, she felt nothing but an empty bed. When she sat up, she detected the aroma of coffee as it drifted through the open doorway. She climbed out of bed, pulled on her robe, and wandered barefoot down the hallway to the kitchen. He stood at the stove, clothed only in his jeans, frying strips of bacon. He looks so sexy.
He glanced up with a smile when he noticed her quietly observing him from the doorway. His gaze fixed on her face, and then moved slowly over her body, and the air around her seemed electrified. She entered the kitchen and sat down at the table where he’d placed a cup of coffee for her.
“I can’t believe you did this for me.” She spoke in a broken whisper, moisture building in her eyes.
“Why wouldn’t I?” He smiled, and his eyes searched her face.
“Jeff would never have gotten up to fix breakfast for me,” she said.
He set the plate of bacon on the counter and walked over to her. He knelt down and wrapped his arms around her, wiped a tear from her cheek.
“I’m not Jeff, Cassie. I’m nothing like him, and you know that. I’m doing this because I love you. I want to make you smile. I want to make you happy.” His last words were smothered on her lips. His fingers lightly traced a path across her cheeks, and then he took her in his arms and rocked her gently back and forth. He kissed her on top of her head. “Are you okay?”
She nodded and smiled.
“Okay, now how would you like your eggs, over easy?”
“I can’t believe after all these years, you’ve remembered just how I like my breakfast,” she remarked with a grin. “Eggs over easy, and you even remembered my extra crispy bacon.”
“You better believe it, Cass. I haven’t forgotten anything about you,” he said with a mischievous look in his sparkling blue eyes. “Now drink your coffee. We have to get moving. I want to head to the mall and pick up some maps for our trip.” He placed their breakfast on the table and sat down beside her.
Chapter Thirty-seven
“I’ll bring the pumpkin pies, Shannon, and yes, Sean will be coming.” She twirled the phone cord in her fingers. “Is there anything else I can bring?”
“No, I have it all under control. I can’t wait to meet him, honey. You’ve told me so much about him, and he’s put such a glow on your face. It’s about time we’re able to meet the man who has changed your life.”
“I’m just about ready to head for the airport to pick up the kids. Are you all set to go?”
“Of course I am. I’ve been ready for an hour. If Dan hadn’t had to work today, he’d have driven us.”
“That’s okay, we’ll have fun. When we get to the Twin Cities, we can have lunch before heading to the airport. I’ll pick you up in twenty minutes.”
Cassandra hung up, and hurried to change clothes and check her hair. She had it redone a few days ago for the holidays. The twins will certainly be surprised. She fed Mandy and let her out. They were leaving early; it was only eight o’clock in the morning and the plane won’t arrive until three-thirty in the afternoon. That should give them plenty of time to have lunch, shop, and still arrive at the airport with an hour to spare.
Cassandra and Shannon were not only excited to pick up the kids, but also to spend the day together. They hadn’t been able to enjoy a day like this in quite awhile.
She let Mandy back into the house, threw on her coat and grabbed her purse. “You be a good girl, Mandy. Kyle and Kayla will be home today.” She patted her head on the way out.
*
They arrived at the airport early and located a coffee shop where they’d wait. At the arrival announcement, they both jumped up and hurried to the walkway where they’d see their children coming.
Kyle and Kayla stopped in their tracks when they set eyes on her. Then, with their duffle bags over their shoulders, they both walked as quickly as they could, with bright smiles on their faces.
“Wow, Mom, I love your hair!” the twins said in unison. Even at the age of eighteen, they still said the exact same words, at the same time. Cassandra laughed, and then hugged them both.
The kids were so excited to update their moms on everything that had been happening on campus. The time flew by and they arrived home by seven o’clock. The minute they stepped in the door, Mandy did her usual dance in circles. She was so excited to have them home.
Unpacking their clothes and hanging them in their closets had everyone
exhausted. Cassandra grabbed some pop and chips from the kitchen.
“I’m glad Thanksgiving will be at the Millers’ again, Mom,” Kayla said, when they sat down in the living room.
“Yes, I am too. Sean will be coming also.” They were both fond of Sean and excited to see him as well.
Cassandra sat on the couch, with Kayla beside her. Kyle was on the floor next to the dog.
“I sure wish we had more than the four-day weekend,” Kyle said, “but we all have to be back to work. We’ll be able to stay for two weeks at Christmas time, though.”
Cassandra noticed them grinning at each other.
“Well, should we tell her now, Kayla?”
She nodded with a smile.
“Tell me what?”
“Well,” Kyle said, “I found a girlfriend, Mom. Her name is Carrie Cooper.”
“That’s wonderful, Kyle. Did you bring a picture of her?”
He nodded and grinned at Kayla. “Go ahead and tell her.”
Cassandra looked over at Kayla.
“I found a boyfriend, Mom. His name is Corey.”
“Well, you two have always done everything together.” She laughed. “Let’s see some pictures.”
Kyle reached in his back pocket for his wallet. He pulled out a picture of Carrie and handed it to her.
“Oh, honey, she’s beautiful.” She smiled at Kyle.
“Do you have one of Corey?” she asked Kayla.
Kayla pulled a photo from her purse and handed it to her.
“What a good looking young man, Kayla.” Suddenly she noticed them grinning at each other. “Okay, you two, what’s so funny?”
“Look at the pictures again, Mom,” Kyle said. Then Kayla pulled another picture from her purse and handed it to her. It was a photo of the four of them, taken just last week.
She stared at each photo of Carrie and Corey. Holding them side by side, she said, “My goodness, they sure do look alike. Are they brother and sister?” She looked up at them and they laughed.
“Mom, they’re twins,” Kyle said, and they both laughed.
“Oh my God, my twins are dating twins,” she said and laughed along with them. “I’d just been thinking to myself that the two of you still do the same things together.” She chuckled. “And now you’re dating a set of twins. How did you meet?”
The Sunny Side of the Mountain Page 19