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school; then I can pick up the two younger ones.”
    “That will be fine.”
    He paused for a moment and then glanced back at her.  “We haven’t really discussed a payment for doing the job.  You talk it over with Seth and decide what you think is fair.  I am just thankful you are here.”
    Cassie gawked at him and he almost thought she was looking at someone else.  “You can’t be serious.”
    “I don’t know what a fair price would be.  Scarlett stayed home with the kids, so we didn’t have to pay anyone to watch them.”
    “Thomas, I am not taking money from you.  You guys are like family.  I’m doing this because I want to help you out, not because I expect something in return.”
    “What?  I have to pay you something.”
    Cassie shook her head and turned to look at the kids, whom never really seemed to notice he had arrived at the house.  “There’s something you don’t know.”  Her eyes never looked back at him, but he could see that she was trying to think of the right words to say.  “Years ago, right after Bethany was born, Scarlett and I talked.  She told me that her biggest fear, about having children, was that she would not always be able to protect them.”
    “I’m not following.”
    “She was worried that if she had a child, and then something happened to her, it would leave you to pick up the pieces.  She didn’t want to have to put that burden on you.  I told her that she couldn’t be afraid to live; for fear that she would die.  She loved Bethany so much that she wanted to have another child, but again the fear crept in her mind that if something was to happen to her…you would be the single father.”
    “That’s crazy; why would she worry about that?”
    Cassie laughed and he saw a glistening tear drop in her eye.  “Why did Scarlett do half the things she did?  She was always thinking of the other person.”
    He smirked; that was the truth.  “It didn’t stop her from having 3 more children.”
    Cassie raised her eyebrows and then giggled.  “No, it didn’t.  Anyway; she asked me if anything was to happen to her that I made sure you were taken care of.  I’m just trying to do that.”
    “I don’t need your pity, or someone to take care of me.”  He thought for a moment; then he realized that wasn’t exactly true.  “Okay; I don’t want your pity.  I need someone to take care of me, because I need you to watch my children.”
    “I don’t pity you Thomas; I’m trying to keep an agreement made between friends.  Scarlett was my best friend and by association, so are you.  So, just say thank you and let’s move on.”
    Thomas broke into laughter.  “Thank you; I couldn’t do it without you.”
    “I know, but that’s what friends are for.”  He saw the teasing gleam in her eye.  “So, what’s in store for you now?”
    “We have to find a place to live and I know that we’re welcome as long as we need to stay, but I would feel better knowing that we had a home of our own.”
    “That’s understandable!”
    “Whoa; we actually agree?’
    “There’s a first time for everything.”  She playfully punched him in the arm.  “I will be sure to keep my eyes open for you.”
    “Thank you;” he yawned loudly.  “We better get going.”  Cassie stood up to walk him out.  “Kids, it’s time to leave.”  They moaned; sending a grin to his lips.  “They must be having fun here.”
    “I think so.”  They headed to the front door and he turned to her.  She gave him a hug.  “Everything will be fine Thomas.”
    When he pulled away he nodded.  “I know it will be.  See you tomorrow about 7:30.”
    “Bye!  Hey children; let your father have a good night’s rest tonight.”  They nodded; at least acknowledging that they heard her.  However, he had to admit last night when they had knocked on his door and wanted to spend the night, he didn’t really mind it.  It was the little things you had to think about, and he loved