Chapter 32: Another plan

Edward was polite to Cassandra, but he was also quiet. She had a window seat on the plane, so she turned her head to look out the window. Edward passed the time by reading the newspaper.

Edward said he wanted to stop at the gift shop after they landed and got their bags to get something for their daughter.

"You're trying to spoil her," she said to him.

"No, I was trying to give her what I can give to her since have a few years to make up and become a good father for her," he replied as Cassandra stayed silent, feeling guilty for him. Edward chose a stuffed ponytail and sparkly hair clips with butterfly designs in them that she liked to wear.

"I know that you want to show your fatherly love for her. But spoiling her is not good, Edward," she said but Edward just ignored her.

~

They walked home, barely speaking. After two hours of traveling they finally got home they were greeted by Akia, who dashed into her mother's arms. She went to Edward, who scooped her up in his arms after hugs and kisses.

She then asked as her eyes widened as she looked down at the bag on the floor and then at her father. "What's in the bag, daddy?" her little head tilted over his shoulders, her gaze fixed on it.

"Tell me first if were you a good girl while we were gone?" he inquired, kissing his daughter on the cheek.

"Oh yes, daddy, you can ask Maria and Granny," she says, shaking her head, her gaze returning to the bags on the floor, curious about what was inside.

"Well, since you've been a good girl, we got you something," Edward said as he wiggled out of his arms, and Akia hurriedly opened the bag, removing the stuffed ponytail and hair clips.

"Wow, thanks Daddy, can I show it to Grandma?" Akia asked.

"Sure honey," Edward said as he laughed, seeing Akia running off excitedly.

Akia runs to Mrs. Consuelo's reading spot. She then dropped her book as she noticed the couple.

When the old lady saw them, she was disappointed as she noticed that they were tactful to one another, but their body language told her they had not had a romantic encounter, which disappointed her. "Was the trip a success?" Mrs. Consuelo inquired.

"Yes, Mom, Cassandra chose a house, and they can move in next week," he said, looking at Cassandra with sadness in his eyes.

"He really wants me out of his sight now," she thought to herself.

"A week?" Mrs. Consuelo wondered. That it would be so soon surprised and disappointed her. Her brain began to work overtime as she realized she needed to do something about it.

Cassandra rose to her feet as she felt the awkwardness between them. "I think I'll go tidy up now before lunch; come with me, Akia, and keep me company," she said.

Mrs. Consuelo stood alone, staring at her son. He appeared distracted as if his mind was on something else, and he appeared sad. "Is there anything wrong, Edward?" she inquired.

"Nothing, why do you ask, mom?"

"Do you and Cassandra have any tension?"

Edward then exhaled a sigh. "We had a little misunderstanding no it's a worse misunderstanding, but don't worry about this Mom," he said trying to hide his sadness.

"I thought it would have worked," the older woman muttered under her breath.

When Edward heard what she said, his head snapped towards her. "You thought what would have worked?" he asked, suspiciously looking at her.

"Mom? tell me did you plan all of this?" Edward asked, surprised, as the elderly woman nodded in response.

Mrs. Consuelo had no idea she had said it aloud.

"Yes, my dear, you got me. I see the attraction between you and Cassandra, and I was just wondering if anything happened while you were gone. Did it? tell me, my dear," the elderly woman inquired.

Edward frowned as he looked at her.

"Yeah, I already proposed to her and she said yes." Mrs. Consuelo's face then brightens in happiness when she heard it but it was just a second when Edward says, "Until she found Sofie in my room."

"Sofie? As in your crazy ex-girlfriend, who was stalking you and becoming paranoid about whoever you were with? What was she doing there, and why were you with her? "

"Mom, calm down. I wasn't with Sofie. We just happened to be staying at the same hotel," Edward explained, surprised by his mother's outburst.

"Then, how come she was in your room?" Mrs. Consuelo demanded.

"I was taking a shower, and when I came out, Sofie was already in my room half-naked in my bed, which is when Cassandra came in and saw us, but Mom, I swear nothing happened between us, but Cassandra won't believe me."

"You're almost there son, so just keep trying to convince her of that Edward," Mrs. Consuelo advised his son.

"No, I'm done," he said as he walked out of the reign while Maria was reading and hearing everything, and knowing Mrs. Consuelo as well as she did, she had to ask. "What are you going to do now?" Maria asked.

The elderly lady smiled. "I know that boy isn't finished yet, especially since Cassandra has already said yes; he just needs a little push."

"How so?" Maria inquired.

"Let's say we need another man to pay attention to Cassandra making Edward jealous," Mrs. Consuelo said as she smirk at Maria.

"You are one cunning lady, Mrs. Consuelo; so, what is your plan?" Maria asked excitedly.

Mrs. Consuelo grinned, excited about her plans. "Go, get the invitations out Maria, we're having a party 14 days from now."

"But she's leaving after a week, and Cassandra and Akia aren't coming for sure," Maria exclaimed.

Mrs. Consuelo burst out laughing. "All right, let me handle that; now hand me the phone; I need to call my good friend, Mr. Robel," she said.