CHAPTER 23

One night later, Cassiesat with Wade on her loveseat, watching another Alfred Hitchcock movie. But she wasn’t focused on it. In truth, she was barely aware of the movie at all, feeling nervous and a little self-conscious. Ani’s words from the night before had rattled her. She’d said it out loud. The “L” word. The truth that Cassie had been afraid to admit even to herself. Was it really that obvious that she was in love with Wade? More importantly, did he feel the same way?

She stole a glance at him, taking in his handsome profile as he reached to grab a handful of popcorn from the bowl between them. His eyes were glued to the screen, but Cassie could tell he was relaxed. She loved how he always seemed to be at ease around her now, nothing like that stiff formality he’d had during their first encounters. It was like he could finally let his guard down and just be himself.

Cassie sighed inwardly. She’d been so careful for so long, keeping everyone at arm’s length and refusing to let anyone get too close. And now here she was, contemplating the possibility of being in love with this man who may not even feel the same way.

“You okay?” Wade’s voice broke into her thoughts. Cassie jumped a little, startled. She hadn’t realized he was looking at her, concern etched on his face.

“Yeah,” she said, forcing a smile. “Just lost in thought.”

“Anything you want to talk about?” he asked, his tone gentle.

She hesitated, then taking a deep breath, decided to take the plunge. “Actually, there is something.”

Wade turned to face her fully, his whiskey eyes warm and encouraging.

“It’s just... Ani said something to me last night that got me thinking.”

“About what?” he asked.

“About us,” she said, feeling her cheeks flush.

“Us?” he repeated, sounding surprised.

“Yeah,” she said, and took another deep breath. “Ani thinks—”

Just then, her cell phone buzzed.

Saved by the bell,Cassie thought as Ani’s number flashed on her screen.

“Speak of the devil,” Cassie said softly, picking up her phone. “Just a sec.”

Cassie answered it to find Ani crying once again. While Ani ranted, she sat, patiently listening for a long time. But then Ani said something that shocked her. Cassie turned to shoot a venomous look in Wade’s direction, clearly taking him by surprise.

“Please don’t cry, Ani. Please. We’ll figure out something. I promise!” Cassie said before finally disconnecting. Then she turned on him. “What did you do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ani says that due to reports about ‘excessive punishments,’ they’re removing her from Mack and Lila’s home.”

“Good,” he said.

“Good? What do you mean good?”

“The last time I was here, it was clear how upset Ani was. And from what I’ve heard, that couple has no business fostering children. There are plenty of better foster parents out there. Couples like Mark and Rachel,” he pointed out. “Couples who can provide a much better and more loving home for Ani, as well as that other kid. What Mack and Lila are doing goes against state law regarding the discipline techniques for foster parents.”

Cassie stood and put her hands on her hips. “Well, bravo that you know state law regarding this,” her voice dripped with sarcasm. “But we told you before, Ani doesn’t want to move. She doesn’t want to leave her friends.”

“Friends aren’t as important as her well-being,” Wade said, looking up at her. “I decided to do what was best for Ani.”

Cassie felt a deep rage growing inside her, and she clenched her fists tightly at her sides. “You decided? Who are you to decide anything? I’m her sister. I’ve been taking care of her just fine for the past twelve years. You have no business getting involved in this.” Her voice grew dangerously quiet. “You know what, get out.”

“What?” he looked stunned.

“Get. Out.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because I told you I would handle this. Yet you butted in, uninvited, into my life and my relationship with Ani. And now you’ve screwed up everything!” She was shouting now. “You’re so set on following your stupid rules and trying to play Mr. Fix-it that you didn’t even consider Ani’s opinion, or mine, for that matter. Ani is devastated. She has no idea where she’ll end up. But it probably won’t be here in Whispering Pines.”

She marched over to the door and slammed it open, refusing to look at him.

Wade rose from his seat, but didn’t move. “I was only trying to do the right thing, Cassie.”

She looked at him then, her green eyes boring into his.

“Everything isn’t always just black and white, right or wrong, Riley,” she snapped. “And it’s not your job to try and control everything. Ani is my sister and my responsibility. You should have respected that. But you didn’t. Believe it or not, I got along just fine before I ever met you.”

She watched him wince as her next words sliced into him like shards of glass. “I should have stuck with my instincts. I never should have trusted you. I never should have gotten involved with a cop.”

She looked straight ahead again, still holding the door open. He moved slowly toward it in a daze, like he could barely believe this was happening. At the door, he turned, his voice almost a whisper. “Cassie, are you...breaking up with me over this?”

“What do you think?” she said. And slammed the door in his face.