Free Following Your Heart (Love Conquers All) by Cheryl Persons Page A

everyone to form an opinion about Chad.”
    “You felt at ease to tell me...”
    “We're sisters and friends and I know that you are concerned about me, but you will leave me to make my decision.”
    “Cassie...” Courtney began, “do me a favor?”
    “Okay.” 
    “Keep your options open.  You said it yourself; you never know what will happen.”
    Cassie cocked her head, “Are you sure you're okay?”
    Courtney smiled, “Just promise me.”
    “I promise Court, but you're getting all philosophical with me and I don't like it.”  Cassie laughed to show she was teasing.
    “It's nothing, just a sister being overprotective.”
    “Courtney, I'm the older one and I should be protective over you.  So, if there's anything you need to say...you can.”
    “I know, but there's nothing.”  Courtney smiled and went back to what she was doing.  Cassie wished she believed that, but she had a nagging sensation that something was going on and it definitely worried her.
    ____________________
    Cassie arrived at Scarlett's house 6:00 on the dot.  When Thomas answered the door, his smile was welcoming.  “Cassie, it's so good to see you.  Come in.”  He helped her with her jacket and then hugged her.  “When Scarlett said you were coming, I tried to remember how long it has been.”
    “2 years,” Cassie replied with a smile.  “Scarlett was pregnant with child number 3.”
    “Has it been that long?  Then you haven't met Frankie or Joey yet?”
    Cassie shook her head, “I haven't and Bethany and Kari were both young when I saw them.  I am dying to see them all.”
    “They are all playing upstairs.  I'll take over the cooking and let Scarlett lead the way.”
    “Thanks Thomas, ” it was only a moment before Scarlett came out to the foyer.
    “I am so glad you came Cass.”  They briefly hugged and then she pulled away.  “You want to go see everyone?”
    “Of course.”  Cassie replied as they headed upstairs.  They stopped at the bigger of the bedrooms; the one where Cassie remembered was Bethany's. 
    The door was closed and Scarlett stopped and knocked.  “She may only be 9, but she has an adult mindset.  She hates being interrupted.
    “Come in.”  Scarlett opened the door and Cassie was taken aback by the room.  It looked like the room of a teenager, there were boys band posters lining on the walls and a desk full of makeup and perfume.
    Bethany looked up and smiled.  “Aunt Cassie,” she jumped up and Cassie pulled her into a hug.  “I've missed you.”
    Cassie could feel her eyes get moist as Bethany stepped back.  “You have gotten so big.  I didn't know if you would remember me.”
    “Mom talks about you all the time,” she laughed.  “How could I not?”
    Cassie looked over at Scarlett, “Guilty as charged.”  Thomas and Scarlett was the other half of Seth and Cassie's foursome.  They would go everywhere together and sometimes it pained Cassie that that was no longer an option.
    Cassie laughed, “Well, it's great to be back here.  You are all grown up.”
    “Thanks Aunt Cassie.”  She turned to Scarlett, “Mom, can Lily come over for Supper?”
    “I suppose so, but hurry up...it will be ready in a few minutes.”
    “Thank you,” they hugged and Bethany ran out of the room.
    “Scarlett, I really do feel old.  She seems so mature for her age.”
    “I suppose she feels she has to be.  She really helps out with the younger ones.  Which is why she may appear spoiled, but I tend to reward her for her help.  Thomas works such long hours at the Police station and I am just so tired sometimes, but Bethany is there for me.  Come on, you have three more kids to see.”  Cassie sensed sadness, but she couldn't imagine what she would have to be sad about.  They went to the next room and she saw Kari sitting on her floor, her dolls sitting in rows, it appeared she was the teacher and they were the pupils.  She tried to hide her smile, but she remembered many days in