Page 58 of Cade

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Cass took off running toward Cade as he stopped, smiling, prepared to lift her in his arms. He swung her around, kissing her.

“I missed you,” she smiled against his lip. “Like, really, really missed you.” He laughed, nodding.

“I really, really missed you too, babe,” he said, setting her down again. “I need a shower, and then we can talk about how much you missed me.”

Cade looked up to see Mama Irene, Matthew, Ruby, George, and Mary walking toward them. But it wasn’t the five usual elders he was staring at. It was the six-foot-seven giant behind them. His hair was totally gray, his beard almost full white, but he was undeniably recognizable.

“Pops,” he whispered. He walked toward the older man, pulling him for a back-breaking hug. “Pops, how did you know where to come?”

“Well, this nice lady here called me,” he said, pointing to Mary. “She said that my son was getting married soon, and I might want to come down and get to know everyone. Then this nice gentleman flew up and picked me up. Can you believe that? I had a plane all to myself.”

“I can believe it, Pop,” laughed Cade. Bodhi saw his father and smiled. Hugging the older man, he stared at his father’s weathered face. He was still tall, strong, and built like a Mack truck. Cassidy walked up, smiling.

“Pop, this is Cassidy Pechkin, my fiancée. Cass, this is my father, Sven Norgenson.”

Cassidy stuck out her hand, but Sven looked down at the young woman, shaking his head. He lifted her in the air, holding her gently against his chest.

“I am so happy to meet the woman that has made my son happy,” he said with an emotional crack in his voice.

“Oh, sir,” sniffed Cass, hugging the older man.

“Pop, put my girl down, please,” said Cade. Sven set the young woman down, wiping his eyes.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked, suddenly fearful.

“No, sir. You made me feel loved, and I can always use some of that. Your son makes me feel the same way.”

“How long can you stay, Pop?” asked Bodhi.

“Well, I have retired now from Uncle Cristoffer’s business. He sold it to his sons, and the boys are taking over now. I still have the cabin, but I was getting lonely.”

“Then you should stay,” smirked Ruby, sliding her hand into his elbow. “Maybe I could show you around.”

“I would love that,” smiled Sven. “I will see you boys later.”

“Uh, wait, Pop…”

“Don’t,” grinned Cass. “Ruby is a good woman, and your father would be lucky to have her as a friend. With benefits or not.”

“Ewww,” said Bodhi and Cade at the same time.

“My God, you’re children!” laughed Cass. “Well, I guess we have a wedding to plan.”

“Not tonight,” said Cade, shaking his head. “Tonight, I get you all to myself, in my – our cottage. Tomorrow, everything gets moved into it, and we’ll start planning the wedding. Tonight, I just want you, my sweet baby girl.”

He leaned forward, kissing her sweetly, and Bodhi grinned at his brother and future sister-in-law. Over their shoulders, he saw the woman he’d been thinking about. It was time to let her know how he truly felt.

He wove through the throngs of people, seeing her standing on the other side of the grove. She wore jeans and a tight sweater. Her voluptuous curves making his body heat to a danger point. When he was just steps away, he stopped, and she frowned.

“Are you really here?” he asked. Vivienne smiled, nodding.

“I’m really here, Bodhi, and I’m not leaving,” she said.

Bodhi took two long steps and bent slightly, lifting Vivienne in his arms. His big forearms crossed over her buttocks, holding her tightly as she wound her arms around his neck.

“I should have come for you sooner,” he said.

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