Gathering Roses

10.

Tucker's parents were everything Cass knew they would be. His mom fussed over Emmy and his dad accepted them with no judgement in his eyes— just gave a hearty 'hello' and a firm handshake.

"I can't thank you enough, Mr. and Mrs. Jones." Cass tried to smile but had trouble keeping it on her face.

"Oh, please. Frank and Tina." Tucker's mom waved off the formalities and reached for the cookie jar to give Emmy a cookie.

"When Tucker called us and told us what happened, I couldn't believe it. You poor souls! Sometimes it feels like the troubles and struggles in this world don't get spread out too good." She pulled Emmy onto her lap, and Emmy snuggled in without a second thought. Frank started rustling around in the fridge.

"There's some fajita leftovers. You guys should eat." He said, giving a stern look that allowed no alternative answer. Cass mumbled her thanks, avoiding Tucker's eyes. He had caught her staring at him a few times since they had arrived at his parents' two-story brick home, and Cass couldn't stop the rush of heat that flew to her face every time. She was sure Tucker knew her thoughts and was embarrassed to admit anything, even to herself.

"What can I do to help?" Cass said, brushing past Tucker to wash her hands in the sink. He made no effort to move out of the way, and Cass shivered as her shoulder grazed his chest. She tried to remain nonchalant as Frank indicated a cupboard above the counter.

"Plates are up there. Tuck, why don't you grab some iced teas out of the garage?" Tucker nodded and moved to do as his dad instructed.

"I have to admit, we were a little concerned when Tucker didn't come home last night. Usually he calls," Tina said, and Cass could hear the carefully concealed worry in her voice. Cass felt ashamed. She hadn't even considered what their trauma had meant for Tucker and his family. Of course he had people who cared for and worried about him. It had been so long since Cass had thought to check in with anyone that she had forgotten what it was like to keep people updated on your whereabouts.

Upon seeing her downcast look, Tina hurried on. "Oh, don't feel bad, dear. It wasn't your fault at all. Bob and Lisa's cabin has terrible reception. I'm sure you understand a mother's worry." Cass nodded and smiled. Tucker's parents were trying so hard to put her at ease, and she already loved them.

Tucker re-entered the kitchen, his eyes flitting to Cass. She met his gaze and immediately looked away, a small smile on her lips. Neither of his parents noticed. "Okay, eat up." Frank said, bringing the now-sizzling pan of fajitas to the table. Emmy hopped off of Tina's lap and padded over to Cass.

"Oh, now you want me when I'm the one with food." She complained, but tickled Emmy as she picked her up, Emmy's giggles having a ripple effect. Soon everyone was laughing. Frank tickled Tina as he walked back to the stove, and Tucker reached over to tickle Emmy too. He raised his head and looked at Cass, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He reached up, moved closer to her, and—"Whoa, okay, Emmy. Here you go." Cass hurriedly moved away and set Emmy down to eat the plate that Frank had made her of chips and chicken, dodging Tucker's reaching hands. He looked unbothered and smirked as he dished up his plate. Cass' heart pounded in her chest. If this kept going on like this, she'd be having palpitations in no time. Cut it out, she firmly instructed herself.

"This looks delicious. Thank you," She smiled at Frank and sat beside Emmy. "So Cass, what brought you to Lincoln?" Tina asked, joining them at the table with a cup of coffee. Cass knew it wasn't supposed to be a prying question, but she felt herself stiffening. She was so used to being judged for all of her decisions that it stressed her out explaining them, knowing no one would ever fully understand. "We wanted a fresh start." She answered, trying to keep her voice casual. She felt Tucker's eyes on her, watching her reaction.

"Well, Emmy is just the cutest. She's so outgoing with strangers! She must love visiting her family and grandparents'." Tina smiled at Cass, and Tucker cleared his throat.

"Mom." He said, and Tina looked at him, unsure of what she had said. Tucker shook his head.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"

"It's nothing to worry about. Emmy's dad is dead, and we don't visit Emmy's grandparents on a regular basis." Cass tried to smile, but the weight of constantly telling people half-truths combined with the stress of the past few days caught up to her. Her eyes teared up and began to spill tears onto her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry. Please excuse me." She stood up and left the room quickly, ducking into the small sitting area down the hallway. She heard chair legs scrape the floor and waited for Emmy to come running over as she sank onto the small couch, head in her hands.