CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE - OUTSMARTED BY A THREE-YEAR OLD

Cassy POV

I saw my mother’s pupils dilate as her eyes widened in shock when she saw me kneeling on the floor and resting my hands on her lap.

I used to do this when I was a kid.

I was a recalcitrant child, often disobeying my mother when she wanted me to act like a girl, insisting that I should be one of the boys and following after my big brother, much to our mother’s horror and dismay.

Ellen Burke wanted a lady for a daughter, but what can I do?

I love being with my brother and his friends. We often climb trees, play in the sun, and hose each other down to cool off on hot summer days.

She finally gave up when I was often lonely, spending time alone in our mansion.

“Sorry, Mrs. Burke.” I heard Caleb say.

To my astonishment, Caleb joined me. He knelt beside me with a pleading expression on his face.

He squeezed my hand, assuring me that we were both in this together.

“What are you two doing?”

Ellen Burke gathered herself and exclaimed in shock. She wanted to leave her seat, b