Chapter 8

"I try and get in five miles three or four times a week. I used to do more but slowed down a bit after I retired."

"Good heavens! That's really impressive."

"Thank you. Have you seen your mother yet this morning?"

"Yep," she laughed. "She's right behind you," Grace reported.

Cassie had come in quietly as the two were talking. She was really pleased that the two of them were getting along so well.

AJ turned to face her, putting his glass in the sink.

"Good morning AJ," she said before he could speak.

"You look lovely this morning," he told her.

"Thank you. It looks like you were up bright and early this morning."

"Mom did you know tht he runs five miles three to four times a week?!"

"I had no idea. Maybe I could join you one of these days," she offered.

"I'd like that, but right now I'm going upstairs to get a shower so I don't miss breakfast."

When they were alone Grace asked, "You really like him don't you mom?"

"Yes I do. How do you feel about that Grace?"

"I think it's fine mom. I just want you to be happy and if AJ does that for you then he is okay with me."

"Do you really mean that Grace? Because I really think AJ and I could have a future."

Hugging her mother Grace told her, "That's great mom! I like him and I like the way he makes you smile."

"Thank you sweetie. I really should get breakfast started. I was thinking about French toast this morning."

"You know I LOVE French toast mom!"

"I do know that," she grinned and turned to get the bread out. "That was why I wanted to make it. Thanks for starting the coffee for me. Would you pour me a cup?"

"Sure mom," Grace told her and after pouring the coffee for her mom began to help make breakfast.

By the time AJ came back downstairs several others were also gathering for breakfast. Going into the kitchen he grabbed a spatula and started flipping sausage patties while Cassie did the same to the French toast.

When no one else was paying attention to them AJ leaned close to Cassie and whispered in her ear, "Do you know that you filled my dreams last night?"

Her smile warmed his heart but then she turned up the heat when she told him, "And you starred in mine as well AJ. What do you think we should do about that?" she questioned with a teasing grin.

"I wish I knew," he sighed. "Do you have a suggestion?"

"Well if we were together there would be no need to dream about each other."

"Cassie are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"If you think I am inviting you to my room tonight then I am saying what you think I am saying."

"That was what I thought you meant."

"We might have one problem though."

"What would that be?"

"Well we hadn't talked about more children or not and I haven't needed any birth control since my husband died."

"Grace is fourteen, do you want more children?"

"I honestly hadn't thought about it. Maybe we should use precautions until we can have a longer discussion on the subject?"

"Then I will make a trip into town this afternoon and make a purchase."

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all Cassie."

They had to end then conversation because breakfast was ready and the others had come into the kitchen to eat. Later that afternoon Jen and Jason Tiner headed for the airport so they could return to their daughter. Harriett got all emotional at that thought and talked Bud into changing their tickets and they returned home as well.

On the way home from taking them to the airport AJ stopped at a drug store and bought a box of condoms. At the counter the teenage boy looked at his purchase and then back at AJ and said, "Way to go man!"

AJ said the only thing he could think of as he paid the young man, "Thank you." He did make one other stop before heading back to Grayhouse.

To Be Continued…