The Baker

Chapter 55

"I can't fucking believe this," Ben said, as he stood next to Cassie at the window. They were watching her mom and Kelly get out of a cab...along with Uncle Bob. Cassie was wondering why her mom sounded so nervous over the phone only an hour ago and now she knew. 

Julie had called to tell them they landed, but that she wanted to catch a cab as to not "put her and Ben out of their way". Now she knows it's because Cassie would have caused a huge scene at the airport if she had seen Bob walk off that plane. 

"This was supposed to be the four of us, not five," Ben continued. "I swear to God, if he says one ill word to you, he'll be out on his arse so fast, I don't care what your mother says." Cassie looked over at him and smiled. He's so protective, but it was incredibly sweet. 

She took his hand and he looked over at her. His face softened at her smile and he returned the gesture. He squeezed her hand and took a deep breath, before saying, "Come on." He gently pulled her along to the front door and opened it just in time for Julie, Kelly, and Bob to be walking up. 

"Cassie!" Kelly shouted, before sprinting to her older sister. Her and Cassie collided in a huge hug, laughing and giggling like sisters do. Ben chuckled and greeted Kelly, as well, before they all turned to Julie and Bob. 

Ben took a deep breath to calm himself, as he watched Bob look around the yard in awe. Julie came up and tightly hugged Cassie. "Oh, sweetie, it's been so long!" She gushed. "Oh! Let me see that ring of yours!" 

Kelly and Julie were all over the engagement ring, but Cassie couldn't focus on anything except the fact that a man who was trying to replace her father was just mere inches away from her. Ben noticed she was uncomfortable and decided to step in. 

Before Bob could reach her, Ben got in front of him and said, "Bob. It's a...pleasure." They shook hands and Bob and his stupidly heavy country accent said, "Benny boy, it's good to finally meet you!" Ben had to suppress every urge to roll his eyes at the ridiculous nickname he had been given.

"Right," Ben loudly sighed, "why don't we all head inside? Cassie made a lovely breakfast for you all." He smiled at Kelly's very enthusiastic "yessss" and ushered everyone inside. He pulled Cassie close to him when Bob started walking up to her and led her quickly inside. 

"You don't have to speak to him, darling," he assured her. "If you need time, you need time." Cassie sighed and shook her head. "The man is going to be staying with us for a week and a half," she said through gritted teeth; the idea maddening her to an unbelievable extent. "I can't avoid him. Just do me a favor and keep him distracted for a few minutes." 

Once they walked in, Cassie told her mom and Kelly, "I'll show you guys your rooms." She walked them down the hallway to their spacious rooms. "Holy shit, this is awesome," Kelly gasped. She immediately jumped on her bed and let out an "awe". 

Cassie laughed and shook her head. After a moment, she started heading into Julie's room. She was just starting to unpack some clothes, when Cassie came in and shut the door behind her. Julie jumped a bit and turned to Cassie. She smiled widely and said, "Hey, sweetie! You and Ben have got some place here!" 

Cassie simply scoffed. "Seriously?" She sharply asked. "You brought him here without telling us! Why?! He wasn't invited!" Julie sighed and sat down on the bed. "I knew you would say no," she told Cassie. "Bob really wanted to come see you and make things right. He's been trying so hard to be forgiven, Cass." 

"No shit, I would say no!" Cassie shouted. "This is my house, I don't want him here! If I could, I would send his ass back to Texas where he should have stayed in the first place!" Julie quickly stood up and shouted back, "Will you just give him a chance?!"