A few days post Ana’s birthday, Cassie and I make a plan to visit her mom. We’re hoping to unearth some hints about the person Rick sent to approach Ana in the park.
The last encounter we had with Kathleen was when she was being handcuffed, held responsible for the accident that nearly snatched Cassie and Charlie from our lives.
She spent some time behind bars, followed by a court-ordered stint in a drug rehab center. After a year there, she was moved to a group home.
Half a year later, she found her own place, an hour’s drive from us.
She hasn’t made any attempts to reach out to Cassie, and honestly, I’m not upset about it. After the turmoil she caused Cassie and Charlie, we all needed a breather.
Cassie hasn’t tried to connect with her either, but I can see the pain in her eyes. It was there when Selena and Isaiah were born, and it resurfaces during festive times.
Sadie has filled the void left by Kathleen’s absence. She loves Cassie like her own and dotes on our kids like any grandma would.
She even gives my mom a run for her money in spoiling the grandkids, and my mom takes her grandma duties very seriously.
Our folks agreed to babysit while we went to see Kathleen. Sadie and my dad were supportive of our decision, albeit a bit concerned.
Their worry is justified, considering I haven’t spoken to her since the accident. I’m unsure of her reaction, and mine.
They wanted to accompany us, but Ana had other plans for them—a tea party. They couldn’t resist her, and given the circumstances, they didn’t want to leave her side.
While we’re with Kathleen, Evan and Ethan are beefing up security. My brother and Leo are meeting the security team at Ana’s school.
The park where the man approached Ana is adjacent to her school. The kids often play there. We’re hoping the school’s cameras captured the man, and we can get a description.
The banshee crew is doing what they do best—shopping. They claim it’s to distract Ana and Cassie from the ongoing drama.
But it’s just an excuse to spoil Ana and shop for the new baby. I must admit, our kids are blessed to have so many people who love and care for them.
On our way to Kathleen’s, I notice Cassie nervously wringing her hands and biting her lip. I place my hand over hers, trying to soothe her. She gives me a weak smile.
“Are you okay?” I ask. “We don’t have to do this. We can turn around and find another way to get information.” She rests her head on my shoulder.
“I’m fine,” she assures me. “It’s just…” She sighs. I squeeze her hand and bring it to my lips.
“I won’t let her hurt you, Cass,” I promise. She nods and returns the squeeze. I hope I can keep my word.
I’m unsure of Kathleen’s reaction when we arrive. I’m anxious about this visit, but I can’t let Cassie see that. She’s already on edge.
Kathleen’s neighborhood is pleasant. We arrive at the given address, a charming cottage-style house with a garden full of flowers and shrubs.
We approach the door and I ring the bell. Cassie’s grip tightens as we wait.
Soon, we hear the lock turn and the door opens to reveal a healthy, cheerful Kathleen.
“Cassie! Xavier! Welcome!” she greets us warmly. She steps aside to let us in. Her home is as inviting as the exterior. She seems to be doing well.
She guides us to her living room, and we settle on the couch. I notice Kathleen’s eyes welling up as she looks at Cassie.
It’s hard to reconcile this affectionate woman with the one who abandoned her daughter for money and nearly killed her.
“Thank you for seeing us,” Cassie murmurs softly.
“Absolutely,” she responds. “I’ve been longing to see you, but I wasn’t certain if you felt the same. And I wouldn’t hold it against you if you didn’t.”
I sense Cassie beginning to shake slightly. I hold her hand tighter and stroke it with my thumb. “Can I fetch you something to drink? I only have water and juice.”
“Water sounds perfect, thank you,” I reply. She grins and heads to the kitchen. I glance at Cassie, noticing her eyes welling up.
“Are you alright?” I question. She nods, quickly wiping her eyes before any tears escape. Kathleen comes back with three bottles of water, handing two to us.
“Thank you,” Cassie says, managing a smile. “You look well, Mom.” Kathleen returns the smile and gives a small nod.
“I feel well. Rehab and sobriety work wonders,” she admits.
“I need to apologize for all the terrible things I’ve said and done to both of you, especially you, Cassie. And I’m sorry for hiding Charlie’s true identity from you.
“I was in a dark place, and the drugs and alcohol only made it worse.” Cassie’s grip on my hand tightens. “And I know that’s not a valid excuse. I should have been stronger for you.”
She stops to dab her eyes. “I just hope that one day you can forgive me, and we can move beyond this. Maybe we can be a family again?”
Cassie sets her water down and moves to sit next to her mom on the adjacent couch. She reaches out and takes her hands. I watch as both women struggle to hold back their tears—and fail.
“I’m glad you’re improving, Mom. I truly am,” Cassie tells her. “I’m going to need some time, though.” Kathleen nods, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “But I’m willing to try if you are.”
Kathleen grins and clings to Cassie’s hands.
“Thank you, sweetheart,” she says. Then she turns to me, and I notice a slight hesitation before she speaks.
“And I owe you an apology as well. I’m genuinely happy that you and Cassie found each other. I can’t imagine two people more suited for each other than you two.”
“Thank you, Kathleen,” I respond with a smile. I glance at Cassie, and I can see some of the pain she usually carries in her eyes about her mother beginning to fade.
I hope this isn’t a trick and that Kathleen is sincere about reconciling with Cassie. She’s missing out on being involved in her daughter’s and grandchildren’s lives, and they’re missing out on having her in theirs.
“So, you mentioned you wanted to ask me something?” Kathleen inquires.
“Um, it’s about Rick,” Cassie reveals.
“What about him?” Kathleen questions.
“Um, do you know if he had any close family or friends that he still keeps in contact with?” Cassie asks. Kathleen looks at her, a mix of confusion and worry on her face.
“I’m not certain. Why do you ask?”
“Well, he’s claiming to be Ana’s biological father and is contesting our adoption of her. He sent someone to try and abduct Ana from the park the other day,” I explain.
Kathleen looks genuinely shocked when I tell her about the letter and what Ana disclosed to us.
“Oh my god!” Kathleen exclaims, rising to her feet and beginning to pace. “I’m so sorry I introduced him into your life, Cassie. He’s not a good man. He never was and probably never will be.”
“Mom, it’s ok,” Cassie reassures her from the couch. “What’s done is done. We need to figure out what to do now about him and whoever is aiding him.” Kathleen stops pacing and looks at both of us.
“The only person I can think of who he might still be in touch with is a guy he used to scam with. I can’t recall his name exactly. Something like Mike or Mitch or some other ‘M’ name.”
Kathleen quickly sits back down next to Cassie and takes her hands. “He’s bad news, Cassie. Really bad news.”
She then turns to me. “You have to ensure he doesn’t get near them, Xavier. This guy makes Rick look like a saint.”
That doesn’t exactly soothe my nerves. I excuse myself, heading to the kitchen to dial Ethan and relay everything Kathleen has shared with us.
I steal a glance into the living room and the sight that greets me is heartwarming. Kathleen and Cassie are nestled on the couch, sharing a tender moment.
A moment that only a mother and daughter can share. When I rejoin them in the living room, I take a seat next to Cassie on the couch.
“Kathleen, we appreciate your help. We’ll do our best to locate this guy,” I assure her. “By the way, do you have a security system?”
“Why do you ask?” She looks puzzled.
“I plan on having one installed. And I’m considering assigning a bodyguard to you, if that’s okay,” I explain. Cassie turns to me, her expression mirroring her mother’s confusion.
“It’s a precaution, in case Rick or his accomplice targets you to get to Cassie and Ana.”
“Would he really go that far?” Cassie questions. Before I can respond, Kathleen beats me to it.
“He would,” she confirms. Cassie glances at her, and I can see the worry etched on her face for her mother’s safety.
“Xavier’s right. We need to be cautious. I warned you, Cass, this guy is dangerous. I’ve already caused you enough pain. I couldn’t bear it if they used me to harm you or Ana.”
She turns to me, a smile gracing her lips. “Thank you, Xavier. I know you’re doing this primarily for Cassie and Ana, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
“Of course,” I respond, reaching for her hand. “We’re family.” My words bring tears to both Cassie’s and Kathleen’s eyes. Cassie leans in, planting a soft kiss on my lips before turning back to her mother with a smile.
“Would you like to meet your grandchildren?” Kathleen’s eyes sparkle as she nods enthusiastically.
“I’d love that! Thank you!” she exclaims.
Cassie retrieves her phone, showing her mother all the pictures and videos of Selena and Isaiah. I retreat to the kitchen to arrange for the installation of the security system and assign guards to Kathleen.
After another hour or so, we bid Kathleen goodbye and head home. As we drive, I glance at Cassie. She’s sitting there with a faint smile playing on her lips.
Seeing her smile, especially amidst the current chaos, warms my heart. I reach over, placing my hand on her belly. Cassie gently covers my hand with hers, looking at me.
“Are you happy?” I ask.
“I am,” she replies. “I love you, Xavier.”
“I love you too, Cassie.” She rests her head on my shoulder, drifting off to sleep. As I drive us home, one thought dominates my mind.
Mike or Mitch, whatever your name is... I’m coming for you.
