Page 92 of The Rented Bride

No, she couldn’t talk to him.

The call switched to voicemail.

“What’s wrong, Cassandra?” her mother asked. “Why are you here at Sophia’s instead of your home?”

“I was afraid the paparazzi would be waiting at my house. The story broke and I didn’t know where to go.”

“Why are you not with your husband?”

“He returned to Colorado. I’ll see him when I go back.” It wasn’t a lie.

“When are you leaving?”

That she didn’t know. It was becoming a habit of hers, but she’d already missed the flight she’d originally booked. “Tomorrow,” she lied. Guilt heaped higher on her shoulders.

Her mother shook her head. “I don’t understand any of this. You lie to me. You get married to a man you barely know. How can you be so careless with your life? I want to be happy for you, but you need to explain to me why you do these foolish things.”

“It’s my life, Mom.”

Her mother gave an impatient shake of her head. “I know, but you will always be my little girl. A mother worries about her children, but I don’t tell you how to live your life.”

Cassie stared.

“Cassandra, just because I worry you work too hard, or tell you to think about having a family of your own doesn’t mean I interfere.” She smoothed a lock of hair from Cassie’s face. “One day, when you have children, you’ll understand.”

She was right. Her mother had always wanted the best for her children. Cassie was making plenty of mistakes. But she hadn’t had time to listen to good advice. And the situation now didn’t have an easy solution.

“Mom—”

A knock sounded on the door and Sophia stuck her head inside the room. “Leonard just called. Your husband is downstairs and wants to come up.”

“What?” Cassie blurted. “Trent, here? That’s impossible.” Then she knew it wasn’t.

Maryanne.

She knew about Sophia’s apartment and must have told Trent.

Cassie shook her head. “I don’t want to see him. Tell Leonard to tell him I’m not here.”

Her mother rose. “Cassandra, a wife does not lie to her husband.” She headed for the door “Send him up. I have a few things to say to my new son-in-law.”

Cassie jumped from the bed and followed her mother into the living room. “Mom, you just said you respect my right to make my own decisions. I don’t want to see him.”

Her mother shrugged. “Fine. Go back to bed, but I want to meet my new son-in-law.”

“That’s interfering!”

Her mother faced her. “I have the right to meet the man my daughter married, Cassandra.”

Cassie looked at her cousin. “This is your apartment. Don’t let him in. I don’t want to talk to him.”

“What’s he done to you?” Bobby demanded. “If he’s hurt you, I’ll take care of him. I’m going to call Danny.”

“You will not call Danny,” Cassie snapped.

Their mother pointed to Bobby. “The whole family is going to meet him. Call all your brothers, and Leeza, too. She’s out of town, but she’s sure to hear the news that her sister is married.”

“Stop,” Cassie hollered. “Don’t call anyone, and don’t let Trent up.”