Read Online Betrayal by Nancy Ann Healy - Free Book Online Page A

One.”
    “Thank you,” Cassidy said, completely unsure of what was appropriate to say to the woman before her.
    “Cassidy, you don’t need to worry. I didn’t ask you here to confront you about John.” She let out a slight chuckle. “I know it was not a love affair. Though, I know that he held you in very high regard.”
    “Mrs…
    “Cassidy, Jane. For goodness sake, I told you, Alex is family. You are family. Dylan is family.” The tall, attractive woman sighed and motioned for Cassidy to come to the window. She pointed to where Dylan had begun to sprint across the lawn, still holding Stephanie’s hand and she laughed. “John always wanted to be a pilot,” she said softly. Cassidy smiled at the sight of her son and then looked at the woman beside her curiously. “Oh, there were many things he wanted, Cassidy.” She paused and shook her head as she watched Alex finally catch up to the group and lift Dylan onto her hip. “I am glad she found you. You know, he loved her. Truly loved her.”
    “Jane…”
    “Oh, it’s all right. John and I, well, our marriage was not so much a choice. It was more given to us.”
    “I don’t…”
    Jane laughed at Dylan’s wiggling and Alex’s playful nature with the boy. “He is something.”
    “Yes, he is,” Cassidy said proudly. “He doesn’t let her out of his sight.”
    “Mm,” Jane turned her attention to Cassidy. “John and I knew each other almost from birth; you know.”
    “I didn’t know that.”
    “Well, publicly the story has always been that we met through our fathers in high school. But, our fathers worked together since before either one of us was even a thought. We knew very early on what the expectation was.” Cassidy was surprised at the woman’s candor. “I guess somewhere along the road I fell in love with him, or at least I learned to love him as a wife. He was my best friend and I was his. That never changed. But, for John, that is what it always was. When he met Alex. Well…”
    “Jane…I…”
    “Cassidy, let me finish.” Cassidy nodded. “I was hurt, for a long time. Alex became such a good friend to me. I think she loved him more like a brother, you know? But, she did lovehim. He just became so distant for so long. Part of it was Alex, but there was more.” She shook her head. “He never wanted to run for the senate, for any office.”
    “Then why?” Cassidy asked.
    “Oh, I don’t know. People pushed him. He was an Army brat. The son of a decorated officer. He followed as much as he led. When he decided to kick off the campaign for president, well…he was never home. When he was, he would lock himself in his office. He didn’t sleep. He tried to spend time with the girls, but...” Jane stopped and looked at Cassidy. “I know how you must feel, standing here with me.” She shook her head. “Then...that time was…I did the unthinkable. I was angry and lonely. I found someone.”
    “Jane, you don’t have to….”
    “Yes, I do. It was his best friend. Funny. They are so different and so alike. I wanted to hurt him. I did.”
    “What happened, between John and me, it was…”
    Jane put her hand on Cassidy’s and motioned out the window. Alex was standing in the doorway of the helicopter and even in the distance her wide smile was visible. “She is very happy with you,” Jane smiled. “I know what it was and what it wasn’t. I wanted you to know why he told me about that night.”
    “I’m sorry,” Cassidy said softly. “I am surprised.”
    “Yes. Well, he was my best friend, and when he found out you were pregnant; when Chris told him; I think his heart broke a little. That’s when he told me about that night. Can I speak honestly?”
    “Of course,” Cassidy said.
    “He didn’t like your husband much.” Cassidy couldn’t help but laugh. “He wondered. Watching Dylan…Well, we both knew.” Cassidy had no idea what to say as Jane walked across the room and came back holding a folded flag. “I want