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  “Probably the best feature of the neighborhood,” Cassidy agreed. “And not a reporter in sight.”

  “You don’t like large crushes, or formal events, do you?”

  “I like my privacy. I don’t hate the events, but I guess I’m still more the girl from the St. Louis suburbs.” They walked along the path while Ryan ran around them.

  “Is that guiding your choices for after Time Trails?”

  “Maybe. I haven’t fielded a lot of offers.”

  “If you’re staying here, I probably shouldn’t go to England.” Brenna paused. “Unless you’d like to come along.” She found herself eagerly considering the idea: a little seclusion, just their families, time alone.

  “Terry mentioned his theater,” Cassidy replied.

  “Or we could do that.”

  “But you should take the British part if you want it.”

  Unwilling to leave Cassidy for the length of time it would take to film that movie, Brenna grudgingly allowed, “I’ll think about it.”

  “With Thomas graduating, you’ve only got James at home.”

  “If I can get him to adjust to us.” Brenna was melancholy. She was dreaming dreams with someone who really mattered to her, and her sons, who mattered as well, were less than happy about it, despite their forced words to the contrary when she confronted them.

  Cassidy caught Brenna’s mood shift. “Have they said anything more about it?”

  “No, that’s just it. They aren’t saying anything.” Brenna sighed. “Thomas told me once he liked being someone I could confide in. But now, he’s more scarce even than James, who just seems to disappear and reappear without explanation.”

  Brenna inhaled and exhaled the fresh air, finding the pine, palm, and pond scents calming.

  “It probably feels to them as if you’ve been keeping secrets from them. You’re different, and they don’t know how to react to that.”

  “Am I different?” Brenna considered that. Inside she felt happier than she could recall in any other time in her life. She guessed maybe it showed outwardly in ways she wasn’t aware. “I guess I am a little different, but I’m still their mother.”

  “I’ve seen them with you. I think they’ll come around.”

  Cassidy and Brenna leaned together on the bench, gazes intent on Ryan, minds mulling over Thomas and James, ears attuned to each other’s quiet heartbeats.

  “It’s really quite nice.”

  “Weekday mornings a vendor has sausage and egg rolls, and coffee. He brings out hot dogs by noon.”

  “So we’re just in time.”

  As if on cue, a vendor, with his supply of hot dogs, rolled his wheeled cart past them, and Ryan’s attention was immediately drawn by the aroma of food.

  The trio walked over to a picnic table near the dock, and Brenna sat with Ryan while Cassidy collected three hot dogs. When she returned to the table, she found Brenna and Ryan with their heads bent close, her son whispering to her lover. “Am I interrupting?”

  Brenna lifted her head and smiled widely. “Not at all. I was just listening to Ryan showing how high he can count.”

  “What was he counting?”

  “Ducks.”

  “How high did you get?” Cassidy asked, sitting down and distributing the hot dogs in their white crenelated carriers.

  “I got to fifteen.”

  “Very good.”

  All of them were silent for a few minutes, consuming the footlong hot dogs. Ryan saved the heel of his bun. “May I go feed the ducks?” he asked when he’d finished the rest of his hot dog.

  “Yes. Wait, though. Someone should go down to the water with you.”

  Brenna swallowed her final bite. “I say we both go.”

  “All right.” Cassidy stood and Brenna took her hand. Ryan took his mother’s other hand, holding the piece of bun in his right.

  About three feet from the water’s edge, Cassidy tugged Ryan to a stop. “Close enough. Try reaching the ducks paddling this way.”

  Ryan tore the bun into pieces and threw a handful of crumbs, most of which landed on the ground in front of him as they caught the air and fluttered down.

  The ducks were undeterred. Long used to being unafraid of humans, they waddled out of the water, long necks stretching this way and that, black beaks snapping up the bits. Ryan had to back up and quickly throw away the remainder as a larger duck realized Ryan was the source of the bounty and lifted his beak in search of more.

  Brenna snatched Ryan out of harm’s way. Startled by the larger person, the ducks squawked in alarm and quickly waddled away.

  Cassidy wrapped her arms around Brenna and Ryan and laughed away her anxiety. Brenna had been closer and had taken care of the situation without a moment’s thought or outward alarm, but Cassidy’s heart had been in her throat when she realized what was happening.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I think it’s time to go home, though.” Brenna nodded at Ryan snuggling against her chest. “I think someone’s tired.”

  “It’s nap time.” Cassidy took Ryan from Brenna and the women walked back with more speed and purpose in their stride than during the slow amble to the park. In ten minutes they were back inside Cassidy’s home and pulling Ryan’s shoes off as he drooped sleepily on the edge of his bed.

  As she and Cassidy retired to the couch and snuggled together, Brenna realized it was almost one-thirty. “All things considered,” she observed aloud, “it’s been a wonderful day.”

  “Anytime you want to come over, just come,” Cassidy said.

  The breath whispering through her hair sent tingles of pleasure down Brenna’s spine which then lodged warmly in her abdomen. She squirmed in response and lifted her head, knowing she needed to go instead of dallying here. For now.

  “I’ve got to get my sons adjusted. I’d like to have you and Ryan over to my place again, especially when the weather warms up and I open the pool.”

  “Now that school’s back in session, the sense that your boys have their own things to do may help.”

  “I hope so.” Brenna’s breath sighed against Cassidy’s collarbone. “I want everything with you. It’s been a long time since I felt as if I had a friend and a lover in the same person. I want to wake up with you every morning. I can’t do that until Thomas and James understand that their silent treatment, or even outright anger, is not going to change my mind.”

  “Thomas’ and James’ opinions matter, Bren. I wouldn’t want them not to.” Cassidy wrapped her arms around her lover, letting their curves fit together.

  “I won’t let Thomas or James push us apart.”

  “All right. So, what now?”

  “What would you say to going in to work together on Monday?”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Thomas and James can get themselves to school. I’m sure they’d prefer it. I’ll come here, and take you and Ryan in my car.”

  “I’ve got Ryan’s car seat.”

  “I’ll move it to my car,” Brenna suggested. “It’s not a major display, but it’s a half hour drive back and forth, time that we could be together.”

  Cassidy grasped Brenna’s hands earnestly. “Not yet. It’s too soon. Let’s try smaller things first.”

  Brenna was reluctant to agree. “Why?”

  “Do you really want your sons inundated by the press before they are comfortable? And what about the détente you reached with Kevin?”

  Brenna sat up. “It isn’t fair that we have to hide.”

  “No, it’s not,” Cassidy agreed. When Brenna got up from the couch, Cassidy followed. “Are you all right?”

  “I haven’t even left yet, and I miss you already.” Brenna snuggled into Cassidy’s embrace.

  As she wrapped her arms around her lover, Cassidy couldn’t help thinking the same thing. Putting other people’s feelings first, when she’d been used to ignoring her own for so long, was frustrating.

  “I’ll be waiting when you get to the set Monday.”
/>   “Maybe I can find more time to get away this week.”

  “Take some time with Thomas and James. Maybe they just need a little attention from Mom.”

  “Maybe.” Brenna’s lips turned down at the corners. “I offered to make Chicago deep dish tonight, their favorite. I finally got Thomas to promise to be home. James, who knows where he’ll be.”

  “It will work out, Bren.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.” They shared one last lingering kiss before they reached the front door.

  Chapter 2

  Cassidy smiled as she and Ryan entered the surroundings of the Time Trails soundstage on the Pinnacle Studios lot. The whole of it — with the crew scrambling hither and yon, unrolling cables, testing boom mikes, everyone smiling — provided a wonderful sense of familiarity.

  Sean Durham, Time Trail's Jeremy Dewitt, gave her a wave, his sandy blond hair mostly hidden under a blue baseball cap flipped backwards on his head.

  "Good morning," she offered.

  "Sure is." He tapped the end of a ball point pen against the neon orange clipboard in his left hand. "Hey, brought the little man today. Did you have a good break?" He dropped his foot from a director's sling chair and approached her.

  Cassidy nodded. "Did you?"

  "Went to see some family out of state," he said. In the next moment they were both distracted by the door opening behind him.

  Rachelle Cheron, Time Trail's Luria Dewitt, entered the soundstage through a door held by Brenna Lanigan. Rachelle was walking backward elaborating on a story, her hands flying rapidly through the air. Brenna, Time Trail's Commander Susan Jakes, brushed her fingers through her short-styled auburn hair. Her blue eyes twinkled when they caught Cassidy's gaze past Rachelle's head.

  "...and he didn't believe me!" Rachelle finished.

  "I can't imagine why your brother didn't believe you," Brenna commiserated, though her tone was amused. She shifted her eyes away from Rachelle to Cassidy again.

  Rachelle spun around. The cocoa-skinned woman was clearly agitated, her dark skin unable to hide the high color in her cheeks. "Oh, hey, Sean, Cass." Without preamble, the small woman threw her arms around Sean's neck and kissed him soundly.

  He returned the affection. "Your brother didn't believe you about what?" he asked.

  "That Rose's school had already taught her basic colors and numbers and was beginning on letters."

  "I thought your brother had kids," Sean said.

  "He apparently pays no attention at all to their education," Rachelle huffed.

  "So, tell me everything." Sean slipped an arm around the diminutive woman and led her away, Rachelle launching anew into her story.

  For Cassidy, the conversation quickly faded into the general din as she feasted on Brenna's appearance. A warm smile and the deepening blue of her eyes hinted at the fiery and passionate nature Cassidy knew was hidden within. Today Brenna wore a maroon wool pullover, the white cambric shirt underneath visible at her wrists and collar. Drawn to Brenna's hands, Cassidy watched them move forward, reaching toward her, and then awkwardly try to hide away in the pockets of her tight, designer denim jeans. Following the arm back up to Brenna's face, she broke the silence as their gazes met. "I...hi." Brenna's smile made Cassidy's stomach flip.

  "Good morning."

  Cassidy's heart raced at the warm tone, its smoky resonances blocking out all other sound.

  "Good morning," she returned with more assurance. Brenna's hand slid over Cassidy's forearm, just below the three-quarter sleeve of Cassidy's pale blue, stretch cotton blouse. The contact caused a tingling deep in Cassidy's chest.

  "How are you?"

  Cassidy let Brenna take Ryan from her arms, amused briefly by the small grunt the woman made as Ryan's full weight settled against her.

  "Why don't we take Ryan to Karen's together?" Brenna suggested.

  "I'd like that," she replied.

  As they crossed through the soundstage area, Cassidy stuck close to Brenna's side. She wanted to reach out, put her hand on Brenna's back, but each time she came close, a rigger, or other tech, appeared from somewhere.

  Once they stepped outside, Cassidy rested one hand on Brenna's back and the other on Ryan's, and leaned in very close. "I've been waiting for you."

  Brenna's scent, warm and spicy, assailed her. Helpless to resist, she nuzzled Brenna's hair, feeling the woman lean into her. Looking around and finding themselves in shadows and alone, she nudged Brenna's back, causing the woman to lift her chin to see what Cassidy wanted. Perfectly positioned, she thought. She smiled and brought her lips to Brenna's, intending a chaste and quick kiss.

  Brenna's moan made her throb, and Cassidy reached for Brenna's shoulder to turn the woman more fully into her body. With Ryan nestled against both their shoulders, she wrapped her arms around the two people she loved most.

  When they parted, Cassidy stroked Brenna's hair lightly.

  "I missed you so much," Brenna murmured. "I should have found more time away. One day since New Year's wasn't nearly enough time together."

  "We will work all this out," Cassidy promised.

  Ryan lifted his head and looked at Brenna. "Did you miss me?"

  "I missed you too," Brenna answered him seriously, sincerity clear in her voice.

  With Ryan awake, Brenna stood him on his feet. He put himself squarely between the two women, taking hold of a hand from each. "Where are we going?"

  "To see Miss Karen," Cassidy replied.

  He grinned and bounced their arms with his excited arm swinging. They let go of his hands, linking their own, as he ran around them, up and down the sidewalk, as the trio picked up the pace to the childcare trailer.

  Cassidy wanted Brenna next to her but the other woman hung back as Ryan ran ahead inside the trailer, leaving her standing on the stoop talking with Karen Grinaldi, the studio's tutor and caregiver.

  "Anything special I should know?"

  "No." Cassidy shook her head, but then a glance at Brenna gave her an idea. "Wait, yes. I'd like to make sure that Brenna can come pick him up, if need be."

  "So you want to list her as an alternate?"

  Out of the corner of her eye, Cassidy saw Brenna start up the steps, looking upset. "Yes, I would. We work odd hours. It might come in useful."

  "Well, step inside here and we'll sign the paperwork."

  "Thank you." Cassidy held the door for Brenna and put a light hand on her back to encourage her ahead, following Karen inside the trailer.

  Brenna said, "I...shouldn't."

  Cassidy shook her head. "Most nights we'll leave about the same time, but there could be late calls. For either of us."

  Karen fished in her desk for the proper form, coming up with it quickly. "Are you rooming together?"

  Brenna looked at Cassidy. "I...no. But..." She hesitated. "You're sure?"

  "Yes." Cassidy watched as Brenna mulled over the situation, pleased to see how seriously she was taking it.

  "It won't happen a lot, I'm sure," Brenna said aloud, clearly convincing herself that this was a small thing.

  "It would make me feel a lot easier, knowing he's with you." Cassidy waited for her answer.

  "I guess it's all right," Brenna finally said slowly, her words sounding more confident with each syllable.

  Karen smiled. "Then sign and print your name and contact information right here." She pointed to a place on the form.

  Brenna said nothing more until they were outside the trailer headed back to the set. "Cass, was that a wise idea?"

  Cassidy leaned close and held Brenna captive with her gaze. "It makes me feel pretty wonderful."

  "Me too," Brenna answered in a low whisper, their hands overlapping on the door panel as Cassidy reached for it.

  Cassidy held the door as they reentered the soundstage. "It's a very early day today. Would you like to do something after work tonight?" she whispered.

  Brenna's shiver of pleasure did not go unnoticed, and Cassidy smiled.

 
"Your place, or mine?"

  "Mine," Cassidy said, and it sounded more like she was claiming Brenna rather than simply stating her preference of location for their third official date.

  Will Chapman, Time Trail's Mark Raycreek, drew the attention of both women as they stepped out from the shadowed corner where they had been speaking. "Are you ready to get to work?"

  "Ready," Brenna answered with a smile. Trailing behind Will, each woman grabbed a bottle of filtered water as they passed the small catering table.

  "Bren. Cass." Already seated, Rich Paulson grinned at Cassidy and Brenna as they appeared around the edge of the set wall. "Looks like vacation was good to you."

  Cassidy blushed. A quick glance to her right saw Brenna was doing the same. Smiling brightly back at Rich, Cassidy nodded. "Ryan and I stayed in town for most of it."

  Rich puzzled, "No family?"

  Cassidy felt Brenna's reassuring touch on her back as the woman passed behind her to get to her seat. Cassidy wrapped her hands around the back of her own chair. Catching Brenna's nod out of the corner of her eye, Cassidy turned back to Rich with a steadier gaze. "A little."

  "Something the matter?" Rich asked.

  "No. We hadn't spent a holiday here in the city before, is all. What did you and Linda do?"

  "We spent a week in the Pocono Mountains," he said. "Perfect snuggling weather."

  Recalling the breakfast in bed that Brenna had brought her as a surprise, Cassidy smiled. "Yes, it was."

  "Cass?"

  Cassidy blinked, embarrassed that she had "checked out" on her colleague. As she was debating what to say next, she felt a large presence move behind her. Cassidy stepped aside as Will Chapman brushed past. He seemed quite distracted.

  "Is there news on your sister, Will?" she asked politely.

  Uncharacteristically, he grinned widely and expansively spread his arms. "I'm an uncle! Christmas Day. Seven pounds, eight ounces."

  "Congratulations! Boy or girl?" Rachelle asked.

  "Oh? Um..." Will was clearly flustered as several others in the cast pounded his back congenially. "It's a girl. My sister's doing great, too."