Love Me Tender by Susan Fox Read Free Book Online Page A

attend to.”
    â€œYou’re an accountant?”
    â€œInvestment counselor, but I do handle the accounts for Boots.”
    â€œHe’s the money guy,” Robin said, swinging lightly into the saddle. “When Mom and I want to spend money, he tells us we can’t. Right, Evan?”
    â€œSomeone’s got to keep this place in the black,” he joked back. “Have a good ride and have fun at your grandparents’ tonight. Say hi to Sheila and Ken for me.” He patted her leg, then stepped back. “Want a leg up, Cassidy?”
    â€œI wouldn’t say no.” Rarely used muscles were tightening up. It was a good feeling, though, for an active person like her.
    He boosted her into the saddle, then untied the reins and handed them to her. “I’ll see you again soon, I’m sure. Maybe tomorrow night at the Wild Rose, if you’re working then.”
    Remembering the Wild Rose’s schedule, she asked, “For the line dancing?”
    â€œIf we can get a sitter for Alex, our baby.”
    â€œMe!” Robin said. “You can bring him up to Dad’s and my apartment and I’ll look after him. Gramma Brooke and Jake could bring Nicki too.”
    â€œThanks, Robin. I’ll talk to your mom and gramma, and let you know.”
    Dave had untied his palomino and swung into the saddle. “Hope to see you then.”
    As Cassidy rode out of the stable yard between Robin and Dave, with Merlin trailing them, she tried to sort out the family relationships. “Sheila and Ken are your parents, Dave?”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    Robin spoke up. “I have three sets of grandparents. It’s cool!”
    â€œI guess you do. Your dad’s parents, your mom’s parents, and Evan’s parents.”
    â€œYeah, except that Evan’s mom, Gramma Brooke, isn’t married to his dad.”
    A common-law relationship? She wasn’t about to ask.
    Dave said, “Evan’s father’s been out of the picture for a long time. Brooke remarried last year. Her husband, Jake, is in charge of the Caribou Crossing RCMP detachment. He works with Karen MacLean, who you met earlier this afternoon, Cassidy.”
    â€œAnd Gramma Brooke is a beauty consultant at Beauty Is You,” Robin said.
    â€œI’ve seen that salon.”
    â€œIf you need a haircut, go there,” the girl told her. “She’s the best.”
    As the three horses left the dirt track and headed onto a long stretch of rolling grassland, Robin went on. “Gramma Brooke and Jake have this adorable baby girl, Nicki.”
    Cassidy wrinkled her brow. “Your mom and Evan have a baby, and his mom and Jake have a baby?”
    â€œIsn’t it cool?” The girl’s face was bright with excitement. “Except that it’s pretty weird that Nicki’s my aunt. I’m her babysitter!”
    â€œWhen Nicki’s older,” Cassidy said, “if she ever tries to lord it over you that she’s your aunt, remind her that you used to change her diapers.”
    â€œGreat idea! You’re smart, Cassidy. I’m really glad you came riding. Aren’t you, Dad?”
    â€œWay to put your dad on the spot,” Cassidy teased. “It’s okay, Dave, you don’t have to answer that.” But she glanced at his face to read his reaction.
    He met her gaze and lifted his hand to the brim of his hat in a gesture of acknowledgment. “I’m glad.” Yet his expression wasn’t so much pleased as uncertain.
    Apparently Robin heard—or chose to hear—only the words themselves, because she said, “Cassidy, you should come to dinner with us. Meet Grandma Sheila and Grandpa Ken and the rest of Dad’s family. It’ll be barbecue, and my cousins will be there, and the dogs all play together, and it’s so much fun!”
    â€œThat’s really nice of you, Robin, but . . .” But you should have asked your