Page 92 of Mr. B

“I wanted to bring you these before you left for breakfast.” She handed Cassandra the crutches. “Morning, Mr. B. I think you need these more than I do.”

Cassandra glanced back at Wes. “Are you sure you’re okay without them?”

“Yes, Robby made me this cool walking stick.”

“Robby made it for you?”

Bailey cocked her head. “He’s graduating from college this year. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in him.”

“Of course not.”

Wes smiled at Bailey. “Thank you, Bailey. I wasn’t looking forward to hobbling to the mess hall this morning.”

“I know the kids will all want you to be there.”

“I’ll be there.”

Bailey backed out the door. “I’ll see you soon then.”

Cassandra closed the door and leaned against it. “She totally knows.”

“She doesn’t know.”

“I’m a terrible role model for my daughter.”

Wes held out his hand. “Come here.”

Cassandra pushed away from the door and went to sit on the bed next to Wes. He took her hand. “You’re not a terrible role model. Bailey loves you.”

She shook her head. “I dated two men at the same time in college, lost the good one, got pregnant, married the wrong one, and got divorced. How is that not bad?”

“You also finished school, earned a doctorate, and ran a successful practice, all while raising Bailey virtually on your own.”

“I guess that’s something.”

“It’s huge.”

She blew out a breath. “Do you think she knows?”

“No. I think it’s something she doesn’t want to know, even though the signs are all there. She wasn’t acting weird or embarrassed. She was just being Bailey, your sweet, thoughtful daughter.”

“Okay, you’re right.” She kissed him, then stood. “We should get ready for breakfast.”

“Can I snag your morning shower time?”

“Of course. You went through a traumatic experience last night.”

“It wasn’t that traumatic. If Lester hadn’t shown up, then maybe it would’ve gotten to that point.”

“Do you have pants that will fit over your swollen knee?”

“Um…I brought a pair of cargo pants. They should work.”

“Can I get them for you?”

“Yes. Also, the polo that’s in there and some underwear.”

She went to his bag and took out the items. “While you shower, I’ll get my stuff packed up. When do the parents start arriving?”