30

TEDDY

I drove back to the house with the family in tow. The fight with Cassy was still fresh, and I knew we needed to resolve it.

"Got the family with you, huh?" Phin said, eyeing the parents and kids in the truck.

"Yeah, they needed a place," I replied, getting out. "Can you help set them up while Cassy and I talk?"

Phin nodded, a knowing look in his eye. "Sure thing. But listen, you gotta put her in her place, Teddy. She'll love it."

I frowned, not quite sure what he meant. "You think that'll make her take my last name?"

Phin laughed, shaking his head. "Probably not. Nothing will there, frère. But it'll help you get some control of her and help her get control of her emotions a little."

Maybe he was right.

Maybe Cassy needed me to take charge, to show her that I could be the man she needed. I took a deep breath and headed inside.

I found Cassy in the kitchen, her back to me as she stared out the window. "We need to talk," I stated.

She turned, her eyes wary but defiant.