Ranger's Apprentice - The Afterwards

Ch. 10

   Horace paced the sitting room. Cassandra sat with her legs draped over the arm if her chair. Will sat with his head in his hands on the couch.
   "You're sure?" Horace asked for the third time.
   "Yes, Horace! I know what I saw!" Will snapped.
   Horace just couldn't believe it. His daughter had actually kissed Jason. Of course, he knew the day would come when Maddie would find her other half and he'd take her away to be his wife. It even occurred to Horace that he had done the same with Cassandra.
   But this was still overwhelming. The day was here, and Horace wasn't ready yet.
   "Boys," Cassandra said, rather amused. "You're overreacting. It's a kiss! Horace, you and I kiss all the time!"
   "Cassandra, you and I are married!" Horace retorted. Will suddenly stood up.
   "This is getting us nowhere. Do you want something done about this or not!" He said.
   "Yes!" Horace replied.
   "No!" Cassandra said right after Horace.
   Will looked from Horace to Cassandra, then back again. Finally, he made a decision.
   "Sorry, Horace." Will sat back down. Horace stared indignantly at his friend. Next to him, Cassandra smirked.
   "Horace," she said, standing to put her hands on his arms. He looked at her beautiful eyes. "Maddie is growing up. You can't slow that down. She may have found a very special guy for herself. And you like him, you just won't admit it. Jason is a good guy. He won't hurt Maddie. He loves her. Give them a chance."
   She stood on her toes to kiss Horace. Then she left the room for bed. Horace sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Then he looked Will in the eyes.
   "Keep watching her," he said. "Make sure she isn't hurt. But don't let her know you're there."
   With that, he followed his wife to the room.