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“I’m okay now, Dad. Someone rescued me, and I’m with him. I’m safe, and I’m happy. I’m just not coming back.”
He seemed to understand what she wasn’t saying. That she no longer wished to be a part of his world. The old-money, ultra-rich lifestyle had never been for her. It wouldn’t come as a shock to her father. She’d played the game to fit in with her peer group, but had never hidden her dislike for her family’s way of life.
“Do you need money?” Of course, that’s all he’d comment on. Not her happiness or safety, but the money. Though the gesture was more than she’d expected and probably his emotionally stunted way of showing he cared.
“No, Dad, I’m good. I have money from Grandma, and I’m getting a job. I’ll be okay. I’ll be great, actually.” Without having to worry about the Devil’s Tribe searching for her, she should be able to access her financial accounts. Maybe she and Viper could buy a house instead of living in a crappy apartment.
“Dad?”
“Yes?”
“Take care of Marissa and the baby, okay?” Though she still found that situation inexcusable and she had no plan to communicate with her former best friend, she’d always wanted the best for them. Or the best they could get out of such a screwed-up situation.
Her father cleared his throat. “I, uh, I will.”
“Good. Well then, I guess—”
“Cassandra?”
She squeezed the phone. “Yes, Dad?”
“You’re happy?”
Viper pressed a silent kiss to her cheek, and her eyes fell closed.
Her heart pounded in her chest. This was the most fatherly concern he’d shown in years. “Deliriously happy, Dad. I have a great man, and we’re building a great life.”
He cleared his throat again, and part of her would always wonder if he’d been choked up or just uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “Okay, then. Good luck to you.”
The line went dead.
Viper took the phone from her limp hand and hung it on the wall. “You okay?”
She turned into him as his arms closed around her. “You know, I think I am. I feel like we just turned a corner, leaving the clouds behind us. Straight ahead is nothing but clear skies.”
“Don’t forget sex. Clear skies and sex.”
Cassie threw back her head and laughed. Viper might grieve a bit over the next few months, but still, the skies ahead were bright and sunny.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
PRESENT DAY - TENNESSEE
“Mama V, this baby isn’t even born yet and you’re spoiling her already,” Shell said as she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her rounding belly.
“Seriously.” Copper pushed his plate a few inches away. “At least you have an excuse for that third helping you didn’t think we noticed.” The look he shot his wife as he spoke had Cassie’s heart both melting and stinging. Viper had looked at her in much the same way.
For over three decades.
“Hey,” Shell said, placing a hand on Cassie’s where it rested on the table. “You okay.”
With a shake of her head, Cassie smiled as best she could through the pain. Something she’d become an expert at in recent days. “I’m fine, sweetie. Did I hear you refer to that baby as a her?”
Copper grunted which caused Shell to giggle as she shrugged. “I don’t know.” Her hands were on her belly, rubbing circles over the small mound. “Just a feeling.”
“Two girls. Kill me now.” Copper’s gruff tone complaint fooled no one.
“Oh, please,” Cassie said as she rose and reached for Copper’s plate. “You’d love it and you know it. Papa Bear protecting all his little baby girl bears.”
“Hey.” Copper swatted her hands away. “Sit your ass down.”
His mock scowl reminded her so much of Viper’s it was as though her husband spoke through the man. Viper had been Copper’s sponsor when he prospected and the two had an unbreakable bond. If anyone beside her was suffering from the loss, it was Copper.
“You cooked despite my better judgment. No way in hell are you cleaning up. Shell?”
“Hey!” both she and Shell shouted.
Copper held his hands up with a smirk as Cassie lowered back to her chair. “Kidding, kidding. I’ll get it in a bit.” With a boisterous laugh, he dodged a flying napkin Shell tossed his way.
“Mommy!” Beth said, sounding utterly scandalized. “You throwed something at Daddy. He’s gonna put you in time out.” She dropped her voice and leaned toward her mother. “He might even give you a spanking like last time.”
Before Shell had a chance to react beyond turning beet red, Beth turned to Cassie. “The other day Daddy had to give Mommy a spanking for being naughty,” she said. Her little five year-old-face held so much sincerity; Cassie used her napkin to hide her grin.
Shell’s eyes were so wide they were in danger of falling from her face as she shot a death glare to her husband who unfortunately sat with his lips pressed together and shoulders shaking in a pitiful attempt to stem his hilarity.
