Page 39 of Bluffed By the Offense

Emberleigh nods. “It’s going to be crazy having two under two! But we’re so excited.”

The room fills with squeals as we all jump up and rush her for congratulatory hugs.

Once we’ve asked Emberleigh a thousand questions and thoroughly gushed over her news, we settle in again. I think we’re going to dig into the book, but sometimes we just need to catch up.

Daisy asks me, “How are things going at the real estate office? And how’s Porch Light? I’m beyond excited that you got the approval.”

I hold off from my urge to call my day “crudtastic.” That’s the word I used when Winona asked me when I first came through the door this evening.

“Marcus Delaney, of all people, is buying Seventeen Cherry Hill,” I say.

“What?” Daisy says. “The Queen Anne?”

“Yes. My dream house,” I confirm.

“Oh, Cass,” Daisy says.

“Well … It’s not like we were moving in there anytime soon,” Winona says.

“I know. I want someone to buy it,” I say. “That home deserves to be well loved.”

“I’m sure Marcus will take good care of it,” Sydney says.

“I bet he will,” Daisy says. “And since you two seem to be … whatever you are … that could be good for you down the road, right?”

I don’t correct her. Marcus and I are supposed to let the rumors ride for a while. I don’t know if the PR plan applies to my inner circle, but I don’t correct Daisy just in case.

All I say is, “We only had a photo shoot and one dinner at the Fork and Fiddle. We’re not making five-year plans.”

And we’re not buying a house together. That’s for certain. Not now or ever.

Chapter 9

Cass

Can we… talk about something else? Please

~ Donna Hill, Everything is You

The following day I’m smiling to myself as I pull into a parking spot in Downtown Waterford. I grab my messenger bag full of flyers and my iPad off the passenger seat. Jim gave me some hours out of the office to drum up volunteers for my first Porch Light project.

I’m buzzing with excitement. This is really happening. After all these months of planning and dreaming, submitting permits, and waiting on the town council, I’m finally canvassing businesses. Porch Light is no longer a dream. It’s a reality as of today.

My first stop is at the fire station. When our firefighters show up for an event, people come out. If I can get them on board for some of the early projects I have in mind, it will be a big draw.

Dustin’s out front of the station washing down the truck.

“Hey, Cass! What’s up?” He lowers the hose and turns a lever to stop the flow of water.

“Well, first of all, congratulations on baby number two!” I say.

“Yeah,” he beams. “Emberleigh told you last night at book club?”

“Yes! You two are already amazing parents. This baby is hitting the family jackpot.”

“Emberleigh’s an amazing mom,” he says, his face practically glowing.

“And you’re the most fun dad.”