Her Guardians Lost(90)
“And you’re all my tomorrows,” I said, smiling.
Chapter 23
Stretching, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I felt a new lease on life today, and I knew the reason was because of Stephen. My phone chimed next to me and my smile grew wider as my uncle’s name popped up on the screen.
“Good morning, and Merry Christmas,” I chirped.
“Well, I never would have thought you would answer the phone in such a chipper mood.”
If Billy could see me now, he’d have a hernia. I had the biggest grin I think I have ever mustered in my life. “I have a reason to be chipper. Two people I love are getting married today. I can’t believe it’s in a phone box, of all places…but, hey, whatever.”
“You were the one who suggested it, Cassie.”
It still bewildered me how Billy and Chris could have taken me so seriously. “I know I did, but I said it as a joke. I never thought you would take it literally.”
“We like the element of surprise.”
Still grinning, I sighed. “Well, you’ve certainly surprised me.”
“Stop deviating from my observation. Spill it. Why are you so damned cheery?”
I wanted to tell him. I really did. But I didn’t think today was the day to reveal everything. It was Billy and Chris’ day, and I didn’t want anything to ruin it. “I told you. I have a wedding to attend, and—”
“I know, but that’s not it. There’s something different about you. I can hear it in your voice.”
“Billy, it’s not about me today. It’s about you, and—”
“Stop beating around the bush and tell me, woman!”
Chuckling in the phone, I couldn’t help the euphoria. I was on cloud nine, and was stupid to think I could keep something as huge as this to myself. “I opened the door, Uncle Billy. I know who I am. It means Stephen can come back.”
I heard his intake of breath as he screeched into the phone. “Oh, my god, Cassie! I’m so happy for you. Do you think he’ll come to the wedding? I really hope he comes to the wedding.”
Laughing, I thought how much I would want that more than anything. He asked me to be patient, though, so I’d have to be patient.
“I don’t know, Billy. I hope so.”
“Well, at least you’ve got Simeon with you until then.”
My heart lurched into my throat. I felt the nausea burn my stomach as I frantically swallowed over and over again to keep it from piling up.
“Cassie?”
“Yes, sorry. Just felt a bit queasy then.” Closing my eyes, I remembered the feeling of having Simeon’s hands all over me.
“Oh, so we haven’t completely escaped the drinking wrath?”
Hearing Billy’s voice snapped me out of it. “No, I haven’t. What about you?”
“I’m fine. I sobered up pretty quickly when I had my niece to worry about. I wondered whether to call and see if you were okay. You seemed convinced that Simeon was Stephen.”
His name was like a battering ram to my head. I wouldn’t care if I never heard that name again. Hopefully, he is back there now and hopefully, my father will give him the suitable punishment he sorely needs.
“I’m fine. Honestly. He’s not here anymore, Billy. I sent him away.”
“He didn’t hurt you, did he? He promised me he would take care of you.”
Unlike Stephen’s promises, Simeon liked to break his. He did hurt me, more than anyone would know, but if it wasn’t for the cataclysmic events of last night, I may never have remembered.
“I’m fine, Billy. He’s gone and I’m happy. What I want to do now is concentrate on your day. Let’s see to it that we make it as special as we can.”
“I’m sure it will be, Cassie.”
I felt my heart swell with absolute pride. “I’m sure it will be, too.”
“When will you come over?”
It couldn’t be soon enough because I was eager to see my uncle. “As soon as I get off the phone with you, I will hop in the shower and get ready. Once I’m done, I will be right over.”
“Good because, frankly, I’m a bundle of nerves.”
Feeling guilty, I closed my eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because talking about you helped ease it a little. It was a bit selfish of me, really.”
“You could never be that. I need to go because the sooner I get ready, the sooner I can be there to hold your hand.” And I truly meant it. It was almost like I had had my engine replaced with a brand new one and I was just raring to go.
“Good. I think I need your calming presence now. You always know how to make people calm.” I thought about the feeling I get whenever I’m around an angel.