The M.D.'s Unexpected Family

Suzanne’s tense expression softened at the mention of her “girls.” Esther and Ellyn were his parents’ only grandchildren. But something told Tim it wouldn’t be long before his sister and her husband added to that number.

“The moment they hit the front door they made a beeline straight for Miss Priss and the kittens.”

Tim smiled. “And how is Prissy?”

His parents had reluctantly taken in the calico last year when Silas, an elderly neighbor, had moved to a nursing home. The older gentleman had been panicked at the thought of his best friend going to an animal shelter. He’d assured his neighbors that Miss Priss had not only had all her shots but she’d also been spayed.

Six weeks ago, the supposedly neutered cat had given birth to four kittens.

“Prissy is a sweet girl,” Suzanne said with a fond smile. “And an excellent mother.”

From his mother, that was indeed high praise.

“Darn cat is spoiled rotten,” his dad groused. “Do you know she won’t drink from a bowl? Miss Particular will only drink running water from the spigot in the tub.”

His father’s tone said clearly what he thought of that practice.

“Hush, Steve. From what I’ve read about cats, it’s a primal thing.”

Before a parental argument ensued over an animal neither of them had really wanted, Tim changed the subject. “Have you found homes for the babies?”

“For three of them. So far, no takers for the runt,” his mother said with a sigh.

Runt was a mischievous male with a black head, a white body and a raccoon-striped tail. An odd combination to be sure.

Steve fixed his gaze on his son. “Your girls adore the runt.”

At his father’s raised eyebrow and the pointed look that accompanied the comment, Tim lifted his hands, palms out. “One day I’ll get them a pet. Now is not the right time.”

Tim expected his father to come back with some pithy comment. Instead his expression turned thoughtful. “I’ve found the best things are often those that are unexpected.”

If his father’s cryptic remark was intended to make Tim reconsider his decision to punt on kitten number four, the play failed. “I’m not changing my mind.”

He slanted a glance at his mother and found her staring.

She gestured toward his jeans and white polo, frowning slightly. “What made you decide to dress so casually for your date?”

Though Suzanne had made it completely clear she thought the whole bachelor-auction-date thing had been a mistake, obviously in her mind that didn’t negate the fact that her son had an image to uphold in the community.

“It’s Old West Days.” Tim glanced down. “And this isn’t really a date.”

He didn’t know why he’d added the last part. Actually, this was as close as he’d come to a date in the four years since Caro had passed away. While he may have escorted Jayne Connors—a media specialist at the local high school—to various functions over the years, that was because he and Jayne had an understanding. They’d agreed to fill in as each others’ plus-one when needed.

“You’re absolutely right. It’s not a date.” His mother’s lips tipped in approval. “In fact, that’s exactly what I told Paula when she called in a panic.”

Tim knew Paula was Paula Connors, Suzanne’s BFF and Jayne’s mother. The women talked every day. When they weren’t on the phone, they were texting each other. The two friends belonged to the same clubs, volunteered at the hospital and served together on too many-community committees to count.

He’d have thought the women had more important things to discuss than his personal life, which was nonexistent. “Why does Paula care if it’s a date or not?”

“Oh, Tim.” His mother clucked her tongue. “She cares because of Jayne. You know she and I still hope the two of you will get together.”

Tim stifled a groan. He’d walked right into that one. It had been about a year after Caro died that he’d revived his childhood friendship with Jayne. From the start he’d been clear he hadn’t been looking for anything more than friendship. Thankfully, Jayne felt the same way. The only ones who couldn’t seem to get the message were their respective mothers.

“Jayne and I are friends, Mother.” Tim wished he’d recorded those words so he could simply pull out his phone and push Play each time Suzanne put on her matchmaking hat. The thought of how she’d react to that stunt made him grin.

“I’m happy you find this so amusing.” Suzanne took a step forward, her compact body rigid and stiff as any soldier. Though only five foot three, she was definitely a force. It was easy to see how she’d been able to keep classes of rowdy fifth graders under control during her years of teaching. “Well, son, let me tell you what I know.”

His father shot Tim a sympathetic glance before pivoting on his sneakers and retreating around the side of the house.

“You and Jayne are perfect for each other. She’s a good person. While this Cassidy creature—”

“Not. One. More. Word.” The steel in Tim’s voice brought his mother up short. He didn’t want to be a hard-ass, but on this matter, he’d brook no argument. Up to this point, he’d tried to ignore his mother’s subtle digs against Cassidy, but he’d had enough. “Cassidy Kaye is a well-respected businesswoman in this community. I won’t allow you to disparage her character.”

Suzanne blinked. She opened her mouth but when her eyes met his steely ones, she appeared to reconsider and closed it without speaking.

Seizing the blessed moment of silence, Tim changed the subject. “Are you certain keeping the girls overnight isn’t a problem? I don’t anticipate being out late. I can easily swing by and pick them up.”

“No, no.” Suzanne waved a dismissive hand, regaining her composure. “They’ve been looking forward to a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa.”

“Okay, then.” He thought about going inside to tell his daughters goodbye, but knew it wasn’t necessary. This was their second home. “Thanks again.”

Tim was almost to the car when his mother called his name. He turned, cocked a brow.

Suzanne hesitated, chewed on her lip. “I hope you have a wonderful evening.”

Tim accepted the olive branch she’d offered with a smile. “I’m sure I will.”

* * *

Cassidy took a bite of the Philly steak pizza and nearly groaned in ecstasy. “Oh-my-gosh.”

Across from her in the booth, Tim grinned and picked up a slice. “That good, huh?”

“Positively sinful. Take a bite. You’ll see.” She let the flavors linger on her tongue. Even as she savored, she watched Tim from beneath lowered lashes, eager for his reaction.

When she’d asked what kind of pizza he liked, he said anything that didn’t have anchovies, while admitting hamburger was a particular favorite.

She’d nearly grimaced, stopping herself in the nick of time. Hamburger pizza? Boring with a capital B.

Then she noticed that Perfect Pizza—a popular eatery in downtown Jackson—had added a Philly steak option. She’d immediately known that was the one she wanted them to share on this special night out. He’d been agreeable and it now sat on the table between them, a gooey mass of cheese and perfectly spiced meat.

“Wow.” Tim’s eyes met hers. “This is good.”

She shot him a wink. “Told you.”

As he chewed, he glanced around. Following the direction of his gaze, she took in the dining room area. Even though it was only a few minutes past four, the place was packed.

“I can’t believe all the people that are here in the middle of the day.” His voice reflected the surprise in his eyes.

Cassidy decided the man really needed to get out more. Anyone who ate out with any regularity knew Perfect Pizza was always busy. “In an hour it’ll be standing room only.”

“Good call on coming early.” He took a sip of soda. “Are you going to tell me now what’s on the agenda for the rest of the evening? Or is that still a secret?”

Cassidy picked up her slice of pizza, her lips slightly curving as she took a bite. Tim was a planner, a busy OB doctor who scheduled his personal life with the same precision he used in his medical practice.

When she’d told him she’d chosen the Saturday of Old West Days for their date, he’d fished for a detailed outline of the evening. She’d deliberately been vague, hoping the uncertainty would keep his thoughts on the evening...and on her.

Of course, she had no illusions anything would develop between them. They were from two different worlds. Even back in high school, she’d known her crush on him would go nowhere. Guys like him didn’t date girls like her.

The pizza caught for a moment in her throat before she determinedly swallowed it down. Only one thing mattered. Tonight, he was hers and they would have fun. She’d make sure of it.

“Cassidy.”

Startled, she blinked away thoughts of her past and looked up to find him staring. At her. More specifically, at her bright pink lips.

Her heart played hopscotch in her chest as Tim leaned forward, reaching out to her, carefully avoiding the pizza that sat between them.

Cassidy held her breath.

“You have a piece of—” the side of his finger brushed her mouth and sent heat shooting through her blood “—cheese.”

She gave a shaky laugh. “Guess you can’t take me anywhere.”

He smiled, but there was a strange heat in his eyes. Or perhaps she’d simply imagined it, because a second later it had vanished. “You look lovely tonight.”

“Thank you. I wanted to do something in honor of Old West Days.” Though Cassidy loved flashy dresses and short skirts, for today’s festivities she’d chosen a pair of jeggings that hugged her long, slender legs like a second skin. She’d topped the tight pants with a bandanna tee in lime green. A bright blue belt cinched the shirt tight around her waist. Cowboy boots completed the ensemble.

Though she’d momentarily considered pulling her hair up in a stylish tail, at the last second she’d decided to let it tumble loose around her shoulders, better to show off several thin streaks of lime near the front.

Cassidy knew she looked her best. She’d made sure of it. But she wasn’t the only hottie in the room. “Allow me to say, Dr. Duggan, that you look übersexy this evening.”

Her gaze lingered on his white polo and sun-bronzed, muscular arms.

Tim laughed a bit self-consciously.

“No lie. Jeans, white shirt and buff bod do it for me every time.”

He laughed. “Now it’s my turn to thank you. I can’t remember the last time anyone told me I was sexy.”

“You’ve obviously been hanging around the wrong women.”

He only grinned and moved the conversation to her business, something Cassidy could talk about for hours. In addition to her hair salon, Clippety Do Dah—that happened to be doing a rockin’ business—last year she’d expanded into hair, makeup and nails for special events.

“Is Hailey still helping you out?” Tim asked.

Speech therapist Hailey Ferris was a genius with makeup. For the past couple of years she’d been helping Cassidy with special events.

“Not anymore. Too much on her plate. Wife to Winn, mother to Cameron and now being pregnant...” Cassidy lifted her hands and let them drop. “That’s not even taking into account her speech therapy clients.”

“I forgot that she’s part of that multi-therapy clinic Meg Lassiter started,” he said, referring to another of their friends.

“Her plate totally runneth over.” Cassidy took another bite of pizza. She was happy for Hailey, truly she was, but Cassidy really needed the help. “She told me she’ll fill in when I’m desperate, but knowing her situation I won’t ask.”

“Do you have a replacement in mind?”

She shook her head. “I’ve been beating the bushes and coming up empty. If you know anyone—”

“I may.”

Cassidy vowed if he said Jayne Connors, she was going to slug him. Or throw up. Or maybe both.

“Jewel Lucas.”

The slice of pizza hovered an inch from Cassidy’s lips as an image of the dark-haired woman with the vivid green eyes came into focus. “I thought she worked for the paper?”

“She does special features, but it’s not anywhere near full-time.” Tim relaxed against the back of the wooden booth. “I ran into her at the grocery store last week and she mentioned she was looking for another part-time job. Kids are expensive. And she’s a single parent.”

Jewel had given birth shortly after high school graduation. Supposedly the father could have been any one of a number of guys. The pretty brunette had always marched to the beat of her own drummer. Something she and Cassidy had in common. “What makes you think she’s qualified?”

“Caro used to say Jewel had a way with makeup.” He looked sheepish. “Forget I said anything.”

“No. No. Thank you.” Cassidy paused. “How old is her son now?”

“I believe Cullen is in middle school.”

Another positive, Cassidy thought. “I’ll definitely keep her in mind.”

The subject switched again and Tim found himself telling Cassidy little anecdotes about his daughters. To his surprise, her eyes didn’t glaze over and she seemed genuinely interested, especially when he got to the part about their fascination with the kittens.

“I always wanted a pet when I was growing up.” A shadow passed across Cassidy’s pretty face. “There were some feral strays around the neighborhood. I’d feed them when I could. Still, they rarely got tame enough to pet. It’s hard to trust when you’ve been burned.”

Silence hung between them for several moments.

“My mother still has an available kitten.”

“You should take it,” she urged, which wasn’t at all the point he’d been trying to make.

He shook his head. “Pets are a lot of work.”

Tim couldn’t help recalling Caro’s long-ago response when he’d once mentioned the possibility of getting a dog or a cat.

“And messy,” he added. “I know my mother is always sweeping up hair.”

“A little hair on the floor isn’t such a big thing.” She flashed a smile. “Speaking of hair, you’re due for a trim.”

“I’ll give you a call next week and set something up.” Tim hesitated, realizing he wanted to see her again and not just for a haircut.

He wanted to chat with her over dinner about her job and his practice, about kids and pets and mutual friends. He felt comfortable with her. And, as he’d discovered this evening, if he didn’t want to talk, she was more than willing to take the conversational ball and run with it.

Should he ask her out for real? The moment the thought crossed his mind he remembered his daughters and the responsibility he carried. There was no way he could toss dating into the mix when his free time was already so limited.

For now, he would enjoy this evening.

Tomorrow was soon enough to return to the real world.

Chapter Three

“If I get on the bull, you have to get on it, too.” Cassidy pinned Tim with her gaze and he heard the challenge in her tone.

After sending their saturated-fat levels into the stratosphere with the Philly steak pizza, Cassidy suggested they stop at Wally’s Place, a popular local saloon, for an after-dinner drink and dessert.

For Caro, the perfect after-dinner drink and dessert had always been a glass of Sauternes and crème brûlée.

For Cassidy, the drink of choice appeared to be Corona straight from the bottle and one of Wally’s famous “salted peanut chews.” She popped the last bite of the bar into her mouth and slanted another glance in the bull’s direction.

A red-faced tourist was slowly pulling himself up from the padded floor next to the mechanical bull.

“There’s no line.” Cassidy’s tone held an excited edge. In one fluid motion she stood and shoved back her chair. “This is our chance.”

Seeing no good way out, Tim slowly rose to his feet. “You really want to do this?”

“Do leopards have spots?”

Though he was pretty sure they didn’t, he took the response as confirmation. The appealing way her tight-fitting jeans hugged her backside kept his mind occupied as he followed her to the other side of the bar.

“Do you want to go first?” She paused by the bull, slapping one hand on the side, as if staking a claim. “Or can I?”

Can I? She spoke as if being first up was something to be prized.

Tim gazed at the mechanical contraption. He’d been in Wally’s many times over the years, but had paid little attention to the ride. Right now, the doctor in him couldn’t help but think of all the ways Cassidy could get hurt.

If she was determined to do this—and it appeared she was—he would go first. That way she could witness the danger up front and close.

From the time he’d been small, Tim had been a thinker. Unlike his two sisters, he’d never been impulsive. Normally his caution served him well. But this time he hesitated too long. While he was pondering the situation, Cassidy scrambled onto the bull. She now sat, listening intently as the man in charge gave her pointers.

When the operator paused to take a breath, Cassidy slanted a glance in his direction and winked. The impact of the flirtatious gaze had him sucking in a quick breath. For whatever reason, her smile did the craziest things to his insides.

Refocusing on the bull, Cassidy wrapped the reins tightly around one hand. In a surprisingly graceful gesture, she lifted the other hand high in the air.

The operator, a bald guy with a Fu Manchu mustache and an easy smile, dropped a cowboy hat onto her head. “Ready to ride?”

This was wrong. Reckless. Crazy.

Fear sluiced through him. She could be seriously hurt.

“Cassidy, don’t—”

“Let ’er rip,” she called out and immediately the bull began to move slowly up and down.

She made an engaging sight in her tight jeans and the green tee that showed off her curves to full advantage. The cowboy hat perched on her blond curls only added to her charm. Though he recalled vividly how soft she’d felt against him when they’d kissed, Tim saw muscle definition in the arm holding the reins and in the long legs gripping the bull as it picked up speed and began to buck.

A whistle from between the teeth of a gangly cowboy split the air. Within seconds a slew of men gathered around, cheering her on.

Tim was powerless to do anything but watch and admire. The look of pure joy on her face as she and the bull moved as one held him transfixed.

Finally the ride ended. Cassidy emitted a loud whoop and hopped off. After handing the hat back to Fu Manchu, she waved cheerily to her “fans” then sidled up to Tim.

“It’s a real kick.” Her breath came in excited puffs and her cheeks were an enticing pink. “You’re going to love it.”

Though Tim seriously doubted that, he wouldn’t back out. A deal was a deal.

He strode over to the bull with a confidence he didn’t feel, secured the reins and wished—for the first time—he’d at least tried rodeo club in high school.

“Don’t force it,” Cassidy murmured in a low undertone meant for his ears only. “Relax and move with the bull.”

Moving with the bull wasn’t difficult, not at first. Then, just as Tim thought he might be getting the hang of it, the blasted animal went loco. It shifted side to side before pitching radically forward, nearly sending him toppling. But he held on and—remembering Cassidy’s words—did his best to relax and stay loose.

His heart pounded. Sweat dotted his brow. Adrenaline zipped like a lightning bolt through his veins. Tim heard himself whoop like Cassidy had only minutes before. Holding tight to the reins with one hand, the other sliced the air.

“Ride ’em, cowboy,” Cassidy called out.

He grinned as another hard lurch nearly sent him toppling. But he didn’t panic—panicking wasn’t in his nature—and stayed loose.

It felt as if he’d just gotten into the groove when the bull slowed then stopped. Even before Tim’s feet were back on solid ground, he was shocked to find himself wishing the ride had lasted longer.

The thought had barely crossed his mind when Cassidy let out a squeal and flung her arms around his neck. The momentum of her body slamming against his sent him staggering back. Quickly regaining his footing, he swung her around.

When they stopped twirling, he kept his arms around her, his gaze on her laughing face. Mesmerized by Cassidy’s luscious hot-pink lips, eyes that almost looked violet in the dim light and the intoxicating, sultry scent of her perfume, he couldn’t bring himself to look away.

Seriously tempted to kiss her right then and there, Tim didn’t know what to think when she stepped back, grabbed his hand and tugged him straight through the doors of the saloon.

While perplexed, he couldn’t help but feel that leaving was a good thing. When she’d first gotten off the bull, he’d noticed how many of the men stared as if she was a piece of meat and they hadn’t eaten in a week. No, Tim had zero qualms about leaving the bar.

Finally pausing once they reached the boardwalk, Cassidy grinned up at him. “That was a blast. I had so much fun.”

Was? Had? Immediately picking up on the change in tense, Tim fought a surge of disappointment and forced a light tone. “Are you telling me the date is over?”

For a second she simply stared. Then she wagged a finger at him, blue eyes laughing and a little too bright. “You’re not getting off that easy, Doctor. I have an entire night of debauchery planned. Trust me, we’re just getting started.”

* * *

A stagecoach ride couldn’t by any stretch of the imagination be considered debauchery. Still, Cassidy had always wanted to check out this Old West Days attraction and this “date” with Tim seemed the perfect opportunity.

“Last year the girls begged me to take them on a stagecoach ride,” Tim informed Cassidy as the old-fashioned coach, painted in vivid shades of red and green, creaked its way through town with them inside. “But the line was so long we gave up and got cotton candy instead.”

Cotton candy.

Cassidy smiled. Something else on her list for tonight. “The rainbow kind is my favorite.”

“Then I shall buy you some.” His gentlemanly tone reminded her of the guys in the old movies Cassidy watched when she had trouble falling asleep.

She loved this teasing, relaxed side of Tim. Since his wife died, he’d seemed so somber.

One of her goals tonight was to show him how much fun life could be, if you didn’t take it—or yourself—too seriously. By the smile on his lips, her plan appeared to be bearing fruit.

Cassidy relaxed against the back of the tufted leather seat, wishing Tim would loosen up even more and put an arm around her shoulders. She could picture the scene now. Picture herself resting her head against his broad chest, playing with the buttons on his shirt—

Without warning, the stagecoach jerked, propelling Cassidy forward. With the lightning-fast reflexes of a former high school wide receiver, Tim pulled her against his chest as if she was a ball sent his way in a Hail Mary.

“What happened?” She knew her slightly breathless delivery had little to do with the sudden jolt and everything to do with the thrill of having his arms finally around her.

“I’d say we hit a buffalo. Or a rut.” He chuckled. “One of the perils of traveling down a dirt road to add authenticity to the ride.”

“Oh.” Cassidy expelled a shaky breath but didn’t move a muscle, afraid if she did he might release her. And that she couldn’t abide. Not when she was finally right where she wanted to be.

“You’re okay.” His tone was soft and soothing, his hand stroking her arm in a gesture that was obviously meant to be reassuring.

Obviously he’d concluded her labored breathing was due to nearly planting her face in the rustic floorboards. The truth was, his nearness, his arms around her, was stoking the fire that had burned in her belly since he’d arrived at her apartment door.

After a moment, he shifted uncomfortably.

Cassidy lifted her gaze and found him staring. From the predatory gleam, she wasn’t the only one experiencing the effects of the closeness. Slowly, with her eyes firmly fixed on his face, she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue.