Free Remember When by A. D. Ryan

talked about the upcoming trip. My parents were extremely happy that we'd be participating in another family vacation. However, I knew convincing Cassie to take time off would likely be difficult, but I was hopeful—especially since it was likely our only shot at saving our fast-imploding marriage.
    It was eight o'clock by the time I was ready to head for home. Once my shoes were on, I knelt down and pulled Charlie forward. “You be good for Grandma and Grandpa this weekend. I'll call you tomorrow to say goodnight.” I gave her a quick kiss before standing back up. “Call if there are any problems,” I instructed my parents.
    Mom laughed, placing her hands on Charlie's shoulders, causing her to squirm at the ticklish gesture. “I'm sure Miss Charlie will be on her best behavior. I foresee no problems.”
    After saying our goodnights, I hopped in my car and drove home. When I walked through the door, I removed my shoes and propped my briefcase up against the bench in the entry before making my way toward the kitchen. I poured myself a glass of wine and turned for the living room to watch some television. The sight before me caused me to stop dead in my tracks; Cassie was on the couch with a smile on her face.
    “Well, well, well,” she said, cocking an eyebrow. “Look who's late tonight.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter 5 | Going Back

    C assie laughed softly and winked at me as I stood there in complete shock. I couldn't believe that she was home before me. “Y…you're home,” I blurted out, gaping at her in surprise.
    She nodded happily, but her smiling face quickly transformed into a look of perplexity as she sat forward on the couch and looked behind me. “Where's Charlie?” she asked.
    “Oh,” I started. “My mom wanted to keep her this weekend. I figured that would be okay…I guess I should have checked with you first. I'm sorry.” I shook my head in disbelief. How could I have completely overlooked Cassie's opinion on where our child stayed this weekend? That wasn’t like me or conducive to my partnership with my wife.
    “No, it's fine. She always has fun over there. Plus, this way we can spend some one-on-one time with each other.” She sank back into the plush sofa and tilted her head to the side, silently inviting me to join her. Her posture was more relaxed than I’d seen her in a long time. Would this be the weekend we took the first steps to reconciling all that was wrong with our marriage?
    Smiling at the possibility, I crossed the room and sat down next to her. She bent her legs, tucking her feet underneath her, and turned toward me. “So, how was your day?”
    With a low sigh, I dropped my head to the back of the couch. “It was good,” I replied. “Busy, for the most part.” I paused and looked at her apologetically. “I'm so sorry. Had I known you'd be home early, I wouldn't have stayed out so late.”
    Cassie shook her head and placed her hand on my cheek. “You have no need to apologize…least of all to me. I'm just glad you're here now,” she whispered softly, placing a tender kiss upon my lips before prodding me for more information. “So, tell me more about your day.”
    “You don't want to hear about my day,” I assured her as she ran her fingers through my hair and then down the length of my neck, causing a slight shiver to pass through me.
    “Try me,” she said, her soft voice permeating every fiber of my being.
    My body tingled as her fingers traced lazy designs over my neck. “Well, after delving into the minds of about seven people, I sat around at my desk for an hour looking at old pictures,” I began, lifting my head and turning to face her.
    “Sounds productive,” she teased, her finger tracing the collar of my dress shirt.
    I chuckled. “Oh, it was.” I took a sip of my wine before continuing. “As I was looking at the pictures, I came across one from the summer before Charlie turned three. You remember…when