Single Man Meets Single Mom

“After the race tomorrow, go on home.” Tessa reached in the bag and offered Cassie another chocolate, but Cassie wasn’t in the mood anymore. “Nash and I will make sure everything is handled and taken care of. Take the truck Nash brought, and he and I can take the trailer and other truck.”

Cassie bit her lip when tears threatened. “I don’t want him to ruin this, Tessa. We’ve worked too hard, come too far, and we’re both retiring after this season. I can’t let him destroy our dreams of going out on top.”

Reaching between them to take Cassie’s hand, Tessa smiled. “Derek won’t destroy anything. You won’t give him that power. He’s a jerk and he’ll probably be gone when we get back because you weren’t falling all over yourself to take him back when he appeared on your doorstep.”

“He’s threatening to file for custody,” Cassie whispered.

Tessa let out a string of words that would’ve made their mother’s face turn red. “He’s an ass, Cassie. No judge will let him take Emily.”

“What about joint custody?”

With a shrug, Tessa shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know, but the man has been gone almost a year, so I would certainly hope no judge would allow someone so restless to help raise a child.”

Cassie had the same thoughts, but life and the legal system weren’t always fair.

Flinging herself onto the bed, Cassie crossed her arms over her head. “I just never thought I’d be in this situation, you know? I mean, I married Derek thinking we’d be together forever. Then when we had Emily I really thought my family was complete and we were happy. Derek leaving was a bomb I hadn’t expected, but now that he’s back, I don’t want him. I feel nothing but anger and resentment.”

Tessa lay on her back next to Cassie and sighed. “You know, between me, Dad, Grant, Linda and Ian, Derek doesn’t stand a chance. There’s no way we’d let him just take Emily without a fight. If the man wants to play daddy, he’ll have to actually stick around and prove he can man up.”

“I agree,” Cassie told her, lacing her fingers behind her head and staring up at the ceiling. “I won’t deny my daughter the chance of knowing her father if I truly believe he won’t desert her in a year just when she’s getting used to him. I will do everything in my power to protect her heart from him.”

And wasn’t that just the saddest statement? Protecting a little girl’s heart from her own father. But Derek had given her little choice.

“So, you want to tell me what you and Ian are doing?” Tessa asked. “Because I’m pretty sure the two of you are much more than a fling.”

Cassie laughed. “Yeah, we’re definitely much more than a fling.”

“Who knew when you got locked in that attic the man of your dreams would come to your rescue?”

“Technically he didn’t rescue me,” Cassie clarified.

Tessa glanced over, patted Cassie’s leg and smiled. “Oh, honey. He’s rescued you—you just might not see it yet.”

She was right. Ian had come along at a time in her life when the last thing she’d wanted was a man. But he’d shown her love, shown her daughter love. He’d shown her what true intimacy was all about. When she’d been sick he hadn’t thought twice about taking Emily, even though he knew next to nothing about babies.

He made Cassie’s life better.

There was no way that she could not fight for what they had. Maybe she should look into a riding school in California. With her income and her knowledge, she technically could start it anywhere.

She had to deal with Derek first; then she would figure out how being far away from her family would work.

Tessa’s brows lifted. “I know that look,” she said. “You’re plotting something. Share or I’ll take my chocolates back to my room.”

“Just thinking of the future,” Cassie replied with a smile. “Thinking of my school. I’ve already started putting the wheels in motion for Stony Ridge, but who’s to say that’s where it has to be?”

Tessa hugged her. “I was so afraid this is what you’d do. Damn, I’m going to miss you if you move.”

“Don’t go tearing up on me,” Cassie ordered. “Ian hasn’t asked me, but if he did, I can’t say that I would tell him no. On the other hand, Grant has a home out in L.A., too, so I’m sure you’d spend time out there.”

“It wouldn’t be the same.” Tessa sniffed, blinked back tears. “But I want you happy and this is truly the happiest I’ve seen you in your entire life. I’ll support any decision you make.”