LADIES SHOPPING DAY

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TYSON'S CORNER MALL

"Since you need everything, this is the best place to go.  They have everything." Mac said as she parked the car.

"Works for me," Cassie laughed. "So how long have you been married?"

"One year, six days and 15 hours," Mac laughed.

"Not that your counting," Cassie teased.

"It was a long time in coming." Mac replied. "We're going to have a baby in seven months."

"Wow, you look amazing," Cassie said.

"Thanks," Mac laughed. "I'm still running every day for now. I guess it's the marine in me."

"That's right. Clay introduced you as a colonel." Cassie said.

"Are you married?" Mac asked.

"I was," Cassie sighed. "My husband was in the army.  He was killed in Afghanistan last year."

"The war took a lot of good people," Mac said quietly.

"My Michael really was a good one," Cassie said, "A graduate of West Point."

"Don't tell Harm that," Mac smiled. "He went to Annapolis. We'll have a whole Army/Navy game debate."

"Oh please, don't remind me.  One of my brothers was in the Navy for a few years and it was impossible that weekend." Cassie laughed.

"Mac, look." Cassie said pointing to a store. "We have to go in there."

"I agree," Mac laughed and the ladies walked into The Pea in the Pod.

Twenty minutes later they emerged with assorted baby clothes.

"I'm not even showing yet," Mac laughed. "We were supposed to come here for you."

"Hey do you think that would look good on Tatiana?" Cassie asked looking back in the window.

"That is so adorable," Mac said. "But it's not necessary."

"I know, but there is something about that little girl that just got to me." Cassie said.

"She does have that effect on people." Mac said. "Her mother was the same way. You couldn't help but like her."

"What happened to Clay's wife?" Cassie asked.

"It's not something I can really discuss," Mac said.

"He told me she died." Cassie stated.

"He told you?" Mac asked in shock.

"Well, that's all he said." Cassie replied.

"I could get myself into a lot of trouble for this," Mac sighed. "What I tell you must be kept in the strictest confidence."

"Now you've got me curious," Cassie said. "How about I buy that little dress and then we go for lunch?"

"I never say no to a meal," Mac replied.

RUBY TUESDAYS RESTAURANT

"So, tell me." Cassie said as she took a bite of her burger.  Mac began to tell Cassie about Zoya.

"So that's why he got so quiet when I mentioned I studied in England." Cassie said making the connection.  "How did they meet?"

"Clay used to work for the government as did Zoya." Mac began.  "We were all in Russia investigating a situation.  There was a bomb explosion and they were caught in the blast.  Tatiana was delivered prematurely and then Zoya died about a week later from an embolism."

"That poor little girl," Cassie said, "That poor man."

"It is tragic. I think Zoya Nassar was the one love of Clay's life." Mac said sadly.

"That is so sad," Cassie said. "What did Clay do for the government? Was he in the military as well?"

"Clay worked for the CIA," Mac said.

"He was a spy?" Cassie said with wide eyes.

"Cassie, I've said too much already." Mac stated. "You're leaving at the end of the week. Let's leave this conversation here."

"You got it," Cassie said.

They chatted some more and after they finished their lunches, then went to pick up some things for Cassie.  As they shopped, they talked about Mac and Harm's crazy relationship and Cassie told Mac all about her Michael.

Cassie purchased a few pairs of jeans, some tops and lingerie.  She then saw a simple dress and decided to get that as well.

"I don't need this," Cassie laughed. "But it's so nice.  I can't leave it in the store."

"I understand that," Mac said. "You should get a pair of shoes to match."

"I like your style," Cassie replied and they went in search of shoes.

WEBB ESTATE

"So how much did you buy?" Harm asked when they returned five hours later.

"Just a few necessities," Mac laughed.

"Thank god the stores are opened on Sundays here," Cassie said. "Mac thank you so much, you'll have to come to Kentucky so I can return the favor."

"That sounds like fun," Mac laughed.

"You guys should really come out during Derby week, it's a blast." Cassie stated.

"We may just take you up on that." Harm said.

"Where's Clay?" Cassie asked.

"He's upstairs putting Tatiana down for a nap," Harm said. "She was getting cranky."

"You think it would be okay if I went up?" Cassie asked.

"I don't see why not." Mac replied. "You can give her the dress."

"I'll be back," Cassie said.

TATIANA'S NURSERY

"Clay," Cassie said quietly.

"You're back," Webb stated.

"You're friends are great," Cassie said. "I like Mac a lot."

"She's the best," Webb said. "Did you get everything you needed?"

"Yeah, I did." Cassie said. "I hope you don't mind, I saw this and thought of Tatiana."

"That was very considerate of you, but not necessary." Webb said looking at the little dress.

"A little girl can never have too many dresses," Cassie laughed.

"So I've heard," Webb smiled.

"Clay…" Cassie said cautiously.

"Yes?" Webb replied.

"Nothing," Cassie said shaking her head. "I'm going to go down to the stables."

Cassie went to the stables and Webb returned to the porch.

THE STABLES

While Webb, Harm and Mac sat on the porch chatting.  Cassie was down at the stables making a list of the things that needed to be done.  When she finished she had a long list of changes and improvements that needed to be made.  She wasn't sure if Webb would agree to them but if he wanted to be successful, they would have to be done.

THE PORCH

"Cassie said that she went to school in England." Mac said carefully.

"She mentioned that," Webb said. "I really didn't ask her about it."

"Clay what do you know about this woman?" Harm asked.

"She's fine," Webb said. "She's an expert in breeding.  Her family has produced more winners than any other stables in the country."

"You had her checked out," Mac laughed.

"Of course I did," Webb replied.

"Excuse me Mr. Webb, your mother would like to know how many will be having dinner this evening." Geoffrey said.

"Will you stay?" Webb asked.

"Okay," Harm said.

"There will be three," Webb replied.

"What about Cassie?" Mac asked.

"Geoffrey, check with Ms. Walker and see if she will be joining us for dinner." Webb instructed.

"Yes Sir," Geoffrey replied. "Excuse me Sir, where is Ms. Walker?"

"She said she was going to the stables." Webb replied.

"Very good Sir," Geoffrey replied and left.

"Clay don't you think you should ask her to join us?" Harm asked.

"She's an employee, not a date," Webb replied.

"She's also a very nice person." Mac said.

"If she chooses to join us, it is her decision." Webb responded.

They got up and went into the dining room where Porter was already seated.

"Welcome," Porter smiled. "Will Ms. Walker be joining us?"

"No, ma'am," Geoffrey answered. "Ms. Walker said she was going to town to as she put it, grab a bite after she tended to the horses."

"Very well," Porter replied. "She does love that horse."

"I think they help her deal with losing her husband." Mac said.

"What did she tell you?" Webb asked.

"Michael was a West Point graduate.  He was killed in action about a year ago in Afghanistan." Mac said.

"She never mentioned that," Webb stated. "She just said her husband died."

"Well, did you tell her about Zoya?" Harm asked.

"No," Webb said quickly. "It's none of her business."

"Clayton how long will Cassie be here?" Porter asked.

"Just until I get a staff hired," Webb replied. "No more than a week."

"That's good, because she didn't buy more than enough to last longer." Mac said.

Just then Cassie walked past the dining room.

"Cassie, would you care to join us for coffee?" Porter asked.

"No thank you, Mrs. Webb." Cassie replied. "I have to be up rather early."

"If you need anything, please let us know." Porter said.

"Thank you," Cassie smiled. "Mac thanks again. Clay, I'll be down in the stables around five. You may want to join me. Harm, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"I'll see you in the morning." Webb said.

"Nice meeting you as well," Harm replied.

"Take care, Cassie," Mac said.

Cassie went up to her room and got ready for bed.  She wasn't sure why she didn't join them.  All of a sudden, she was not comfortable around Webb and was beginning to regret her decision to stay.  She should have said her good byes and returned to Kentucky and the safety of the farm.  It was too late now, she had agreed to help.  She changed into the nightgown and slipped into bed.  She slept for a few hours and woke at three.  She put on her robe and went out onto the balcony.

"Michael, this is so strange.  I don't know why but all of a sudden I need you now more than ever.  I sold Tsar.  He was my last link to you.  The day you picked him out from the auction is so clear right now.  It feels like it was yesterday.  I feel like letting him go is forgetting you. I miss you my Michael.  I love you my darling." Cassie said and retuned to her bed.

Unbeknownst to Cassie, Webb was sitting on his balcony at the very moment she was talking to Michael.