Chapter 104

“Bobby’s asking to meet,” Allena said, sighing and keeping her voice low so that Cassie wouldn’t pick up on the strain in her tone.

“Are you having second thoughts?”

She shrugged. “Second and third, and fourth,” she admitted. “I just want to be sure I’m doing the right thing. I mean, you know what I mean—”

“I know, and I guess there are no guarantees in any relationship,” Tess added. “But you’ll never know unless you take the chance.”

“So,” she queried, her voice quiet. “You think I should do it?”

“You know what I think,” Tess replied gently.

Tell Justin how she felt. Oh God, I can't.

“I can’t,” she whispered.

Tess got to her feet. “I’m here for you, whatever you decide. And now I think I’ll go and make coffee for you and tea for me,” her sister said, and then called Cassie’s name, asking her if she wanted milk and cookies.

Cassie was on her feet in a microsecond, and Allena continued to cradle Charlie after they left the room. Alone, with her thoughts and the sleepy baby in her arms,