Chapter 8 Tommy
Tommy
“Yes, Mom, I promise. You’ll be the first to know, as soon as we do. Are you sure you can do what I want for the wedding?”
For the last thirty minutes, I’ve been sitting outside Cassie’s doctor’s office, waiting for her to arrive for her appointment. And in that time, I’ve been planning our wedding with my mom to ensure it’s truly special for Cassie because she deserves the world.
“I got it, sweetheart, don’t you worry about a thing!” She’s excited to be doing so much for us, and I think also relieved that I’ve stopped fighting what’s been fated since the day Cassie and I met.
“Great, I’ll talk to you when you guys get into town tomorrow.”
Hanging up, I grab the note I wrote for Cassie and plan to slip it into her purse before we leave here. Afterwards, I have an interview with the DA, who wants to hire me, then I’m taking Cassie out for a pre-Valentine’s Day dinner.
As I stuff the note in the soft pink envelope decorated with little hearts that I found at a stationery store this morning, Cassie pulls in next to me.
I get out and lean against my new Chevy Tahoe High Country, with all the bells and whistles.
Not only was I thinking about work when I purchased it this morning, but I also considered the room it gives us for kids, too.
“Fancy.” Cassie whistles as she gets out of her car and smiles. “I see how you spent your morning.”
Walking over to her, I don’t hesitate to draw her into my arms, meeting her lips as she pushes up to me.
“Did a few things.” Winking, I leave my hand on her back and guide her into the office building, following her lead to the doctor’s office.
“Like what else?” Her sparkling emerald gaze lands on mine, mischief twinkling back at me.
“Things,” I respond, grinning when she pouts as we stroll to the reception desk to get her checked in.
After we take a seat and wait to be called back, Cassie eyes me like a hawk before asking, “Are you going to share?”
“Nope.”
She huffs and crosses her arms, but I know my girl, and she loves a surprise, even if she’s dying to know what it is.
“Cassie Jones?” Getting to our feet, we follow the nurse back to the exam rooms. I slip my note into Cassie’s bag just before we enter.
Left alone, she slides up onto the exam table, and I take a seat on an empty chair, where we sit in a stare-off. “You really want to know?”
Chewing her lip, she shakes her head just as the doctor enters.
“Cassie! How good to see you. I was surprised when you’d cancelled your insemination appointment, and can I presume he’s the reason why?”
“Dr. Carol, this is Tommy Drapper.” Cassie’s Cheshire grin tells me they’ve spent some time talking about me in the past.
“Well, I guess that explains it. Can I assume you took advantage…?” Cassie nods at the open question, her smile somehow more radiant.
“Perfect. I’d like to have you back in a few weeks, and we’ll do some tests to see if it worked.
If not, then we’ll talk next steps. In the meantime, here’s a requisition for bloodwork.
I’d like you to do it about three days before your next appointment. Otherwise, you’re feeling good?”
“I do. No side effects from the treatment, so I’ve got all my fingers and toes crossed that the next time I see you, you’ll be telling me the bloodwork says I’m carrying Tommy’s baby.”
Their level of comfort with each other indicates that they’ve built a good relationship, and I’m glad she’s had someone to care for her like this.
“Thanks, doc. We appreciate your time today,” I say, standing and shaking the woman’s hand while Cassie slips off the table and into my side.
“See you two soon.” Carol winks at Cassie and leaves.
“I like her.”
“Me, too. We clicked as soon as we met.” We walk to the front to schedule the next appointment and grab the labwork form. “You still have the interview, right?” she asks while looking back at me as I hold the door, and we exit the building.
“I do. Then I’ll pick you up for dinner.” Her brows raise in question. “When you get home, look in your purse, then head up to our bedroom.”
“You know I love a surprise, but anticipation might kill me.”
I plant a kiss on her temple and open her car door.
“Drive safe, my love.” Wrapping her up in my arms, I take the more intimate kiss that I’ve wanted since she pulled in. Licking inside her mouth, she tastes like candy apples and cream soda, one of her favorite soft drinks. “Always delicious.”
Once she’s tucked away inside her car, I hop in mine, more grateful now that I allowed my parents to help me invest my Army money, so that when I got out, I’d have a nice cushion.
While it’s sooner than any of us expected, I have enough to start a good life with Cassie and, hopefully, our baby soon enough.
Arriving early for my interview, I spend a minute confirming dinner reservations and making sure the candy bouquet I ordered from a specialty store will be ready and delivered to the restaurant before we arrive tonight.
“Tomas Drapper?” A man in his late forties approaches me at the entrance of the prosecutor’s building downtown, hand outstretched. “I’m Allan Late, thanks for meeting me so quickly.”
“Not a problem, I was happy to get your call.” Following him inside and through security, he outlines a few of the particulars I’ll need for the job, including additional training, security checks, and a weapons license.
“Now, the last thing I’ll need is your final psych evaluation from your medical discharge. Will that be a problem?” he asks as we enter his office.
“Holding up the envelope I’d been carrying, I hand it over. “Medical and psychological documents are in here as well as recommendations from my superiors.”
“I like a well-prepared man.” Allan grins as he places it into a safe behind his desk.
“Hale told me a bit of what to expect and things I should be prepared for, so I figured I’d have those on hand.” After offering me a water, we get into discussing the duties and expectations for the job.
All in all, I think I’ve got it, and I’m excited to get started because even though I’d be happy to spend the rest of my days catering to Cassie’s every whim, I also want to provide for her financially. This is the perfect way to do so while retaining mostly regular hours.
By the time the meeting ends, there’s still an hour before our reservation at Chart House, where our table will have a view of the St. Johns River.
I’ll have enough time to get home, change, appreciate how gorgeous my bride is for a few minutes, then we’ll leave for the restaurant where my gifts will be delivered.
Parking in front of the house, Clide gives a hearty wave, a bright smile on his face, pleased that I’m sticking around. The guy is nice, maybe a little lonely, and I hope he’ll be as welcoming to our child when he or she arrives.
Calling out, “I’m home!” as I enter, Cassie is just coming down the stairs, wearing a tube dress in the same gorgeous emerald green as her eyes.
It’s form-fitting and lands halfway down her thighs.
Her black heels are in her hands, and her caramel brown hair hangs in loose curls around her face and shoulders.
“Damn.” My dick twitches as she steps to the floor, staring up at me, and appearing slightly self-conscious.
“You like it?” Her hand rubs down her side, peach-colored nails catching my attention.
“Did you get your nails done for me?”
A matching blush creeps up her chest and neck and blooms into her cheeks like a reluctant flower. She wiggles her toes for me to see. “I had a little time.”
“How are you so damn perfect?” I mutter and walk up to her, wrapping a hand around her back and neck, stopping just shy of her lips. I don’t mess up her coral lipstick that looks perfectly painted on. “Even these lips look good enough to eat.”
“Mmm, I hope so.” She lifts a hand between us and gives a slight nudge. “But later. I’m famished and looking forward to dinner.”
“Right.” My eyes wander up and down her body again, enjoying the view before rushing upstairs. “Back in a minute.”
I quickly change into a pair of dark grey slacks and a casual charcoal button-up shirt, leaving the top three buttons undone, rolling up the sleeves, and double-checking my hair before slipping into a black pair of dress shoes.
“Don’t you clean up nice,” Cassie teases as she eats me up like a fresh piece of meat.
“Good enough to eat?” I ask. She chews on her lip before nodding. “How about I feed you first, then I’ll take my time exploring every crevice and curve of your luscious body.”
She whimpers low in her throat before slipping her shoes on and grabbing something off the entry table as we head out.
“I haven’t read your note yet, so I thought I would do it on the way to dinner?” She sways her hips a little more emphatically as she walks towards the Tahoe. “Evening, Clide!”
“Lovebirds off to dinner?” He grins while picking weeds from one of the flower beds.
“Early Valentine’s dinner so we can avoid the madness of the crowds.” Cassie laughs lightly. “See you later!”
She darts out of my reach before I grab onto her hip. The woman has captured me in ways I never could have dreamed of.