THE FINAL NIGHT
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ONE WEEK LATER
Webb and Cassie were in the study reviewing applications and discussing the people they had met over the course of the past two weeks. What was supposed to have been a week's long arrangement had stretched into two. They couldn't find a single person to suit the needs Webb had. On a positive side, they were becoming comfortable around each other. In the short time Cassie had been there, she and Tatiana became very attached. Cassie's concerns earlier in her stay were almost gone.
"Clay, I can't believe this," Cassie groaned. "They were the best of the lot."
"What do you suggest?" Webb asked.
"You're going to need to broaden the circle." Cassie said. "Let me make some calls. Maybe there are some people willing to relocate."
"I'm open to anything." Webb said. "What did you think of the vet?"
"I liked him," Cassie said. "He worked the circuit for a few years. He's good."
"At least that's taken care of." Webb replied. "I am sorry that I won't be using Dr. Dixon anymore."
"He's a good vet, but not what you need." Cassie said. "He understands that."
"Cassie, I was invited to a friend's home this evening." Webb said. "They asked if you would like to join us."
"Mac and Harm?" Cassie asked.
"No, they work with them." Webb replied. "Their names are Bud and Harriet Roberts."
"They sound nice," Cassie said.
"Is that a yes?" Webb asked.
"That's a hell yes," Cassie smiled. "You're going to leave Tatiana for the night?"
"I have to get her," Webb said suddenly looking at his watch. "Where did the day go?"
"Welcome to the world of horses," Cassie laughed. "May I come with you?"
"If you'd like," Webb said walking to the car.
"I would," Cassie smiled and got in.
They arrived at the day care center, where Tatiana was the only child left.
"I'm sorry I'm late," Webb said.
"It's okay Mr. Webb, but ten more minutes and we were going to call protective services," Nancy teased.
"Hi Tatiana," Cassie said. Tatiana reached for Cassie and not Webb, again to his dismay.
"Mr. Webb, next week we were thinking of moving Tatiana to the older baby group." Nancy said. "I hate to lose her, but at eight months she should be with the other group."
"What ever you think is best," Webb said taking his daughter.
"You're welcome to come and monitor the group if you like." Nancy offered.
"It's fine," Webb said. "I trust your judgment."
"Wonderful," Nancy said. "Oh before I forget. Here is the list of supplies."
"Supplies?" Cassie asked taking the list for Webb.
"They provide the day care. I provide the diapers and clothes." Webb explained.
"I see," Cassie laughed looking at the list. Tatiana again reached for Cassie and almost leaped out of Webb's arms to get to her.
"I think she wants to be with your friend," Nancy said.
"May I?" Cassie said opening her arms.
"I guess so," Webb sighed and handed Tatiana to Cassie.
The three walked out of the day care center and went home. After getting Tatiana settled for the night, Cassie and Webb left for the Roberts'. She was glad she had bought that dress.
ROBERTS' HOME
"Welcome," Bud said as they walked in.
"Lieutenant Bud Roberts, this is Cassie Walker." Webb said.
"Nice to meet you," Cassie said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Bud replied. "Call me Bud."
"Clay, you made it." Harriet said walking over. "I'm Harriet."
"I'm Cassie, you have a beautiful home." Cassie replied.
"Clay, how are you?" Harriet asked. "How's Tatiana?"
"We're fine," Webb replied.
"Uncle Clay," Little AJ said running in and looking at Cassie with confusion. "Is that Tati?"
"No, I'm Cassie, who are you?" Cassie laughed as she crouched down to his level.
"I'm AJ," Little AJ advised. "Do you like to play with planes?"
"Sometimes," Cassie replied. "Do you have planes?"
"My uncle Harm gave me a plane." Little AJ said. "Come and see."
"Ok," Cassie laughed and followed Little AJ.
"Clay, how are you?" AJ asked.
"I'm good," Clay replied.
"I was thinking of coming over next weekend and seeing my granddaughter." AJ said. "Now that she's in day care, she's too tired at night for visitors."
"Any time," Clay replied.
"Hi Mac," Cassie said walking over. "Is that Clay's father?"
"No," Mac said. "How are you?"
"I'm good, it that Zoya's father?" Cassie asked.
"That's Admiral AJ Chegwidden; he was a good friend of Zoya's." Mac whispered. "You haven't said anything to Clay have you?"
"No," Cassie replied.
"Good to see you Cassie," Harm said walking over.
"Hi Harm," Cassie smiled. "How are you?"
"I'm good." Harm replied. "So when are you going back?"
"Tomorrow," Cassie said.
"Well, I'm glad we got to see you once again." Harm said. "Oh, this is Commander Sturgis Turner and Congresswoman Bobbie Latham."
"It's nice to meet you both." Cassie said.
"Mac told me you raise horses," Bobbie said.
"Been around them all my life," Cassie replied.
"It must be fascinating," Sturgis said.
"It's a lot of fun, but I am sure Clay can now tell you, it's a lot of work." Cassie replied.
They all chatted amicably and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. As the night ended, everyone said their farewells and left for their respective homes.
"Thank you," Cassie said. "This was really nice."
"You were invited," Webb said.
"You didn't have to tell me." Cassie laughed.
"You've worked hard, and since you aren't taking payment, I figured it was the least I could do." Webb said. "I'm sure it's been rather boring for you all week."
"I experienced worse," Cassie replied.
"Thanks," Webb said sarcastically.
"From the conversations, it sounded like your wife was very special." Cassie said.
"She was," Webb sighed. "But we never got married."
"You didn't," Cassie stated, that was a detail Mac omitted. "You don't want to talk about this do you?"
"Not really," Webb said.
The remainder of the ride was in silence. When they returned home, they went to their rooms without as much as a good night.
Cassie woke at 4am and went to the stables. She wanted some private time with Tsar before she left. She brushed him down and hugged him. Webb was sitting on the balcony when he noticed the lights on in the stables. He immediately got dressed and went down there. As he walked in, he heard Cassie's voice.
"This time it's really it. I'm leaving today. You be good and don't forget me. You are so special." Cassie said. "Thank you for getting me through the worst time in my life. Remember help this man. I think he needs your help. I love you old boy." She took a deep breath and continued. "I hope I am doing the right thing here. Know that selling Tsar doesn't mean I am forgetting you. I could never forget you. I love you my Michael."
"Cassie," Webb said quietly.
"Clay, did I wake you?" Cassie asked.
"I saw the lights on," Webb replied. "I was awake."
"At this hour?" Cassie asked.
"You're awake," Webb said.
"This is normal for me," Cassie said.
"Cassie, are you sure you want to part with Tsar?" Webb asked.
"Yeah," Cassie replied. "I have to."
"I meant it when I said you are welcome to come back and visit," Webb stated.
"Thanks, but I've said my good byes." Cassie replied. "I better go and pack my things."
"Your flight doesn't leave for 5 hours," Webb said.
"I know, but I like to be early," Cassie said as they walked back to the house.
"Thank you for all your help," Webb stated.
"It was my pleasure," Cassie replied. "At least we got you some staff."
"I'll let you know who I eventually hire," Webb said.
"I'd like that," Cassie smiled. "Clay, I'd also like to hear how Tatiana is doing."
"We'll keep in touch," Webb replied.
"Well, this is my door. Mr. Webb, it's been real." Cassie said shaking his hand. "Give that little angel a hug for me."
"If you wait, she will be up soon." Webb said.
"I think I'll say my good byes here." Cassie stated. "Please give my best to your mother and thank her for the hospitality."
"Will do," Webb nodded.
Cassie went into the bedroom and gathered her things, while Webb went back to the balcony. She then went down stairs and into the waiting taxi. A few hours later she was back in Kentucky.