Page 20 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

“It’s seasonal, and with the money we outlaid for the new bathrooms and upgraded accommodation last winter, I’ve been counting on the As The Heart Draws payments to cover that.” That, and the fee from the movie that had been cancelled. “It’s a juggle, but we’ll get there.” Cassie shrugged. “And in the meantime, I’ll keep working my long hours until we can justify paying someone else to help with it.”

“I just worry—and I’ve heard Mom say this too—that you’re working too hard. You need a chance to have a break.”

Good thing Mom and Dad weren’t here to hear this conversation. They likely were asleep already. Her parents had long believed in early to bed, early to rise, with the associated benefits of health, wealth and wisdom. She didn’t like to think she was concerning her mom. But saying that aloud would only make it seem more real, so she concentrated on the other part of her sister’s sentence. “A break would be nice, and once the wedding is over, I’m sure we’ll get one.”

“Hmm.”

Cassie didn’t have time for her sister’s doubt-laden hmm-ing. “I should go have a shower. I feel like I’ve lived three days today.”

“I feel like this conversation isn’t done yet.”

“Too bad.” She smirked at Jess.

“Hey, got any more word about this Saturday?”

This Saturday? What was—? Oh. A groan escaped. “Man, I keep forgetting I’m supposed to organize Hannah’s bachelorette party, and I haven’t yet.”

“What can I help with?” Jess asked.

“Everything?”

Jess raised her eyebrows.

“I mean it. All I’ve asked is for people to save the date and given them a start time, but I haven’t booked anything yet. And okay, you may be right and I’m spinning too many plates in life. I don’t know why I said yes to this. I feel like I’m walking through quicksand and life is about to suck me down.”

“Cassie.”

Her sister’s look of compassion drew her throat tight. See, this was why she liked to play pretend as much as any actor. Accidental truth bombs where she admitted she couldn’t do it all only left her feeling emotional and exposed, like she wasn’t good enough, would never be enough. And yeah, maybe over the years she’d shouldered more than her fair share of responsibility to help others live their dreams. They’d all had to sacrifice in various ways when Franklin chased his NHL ambitions, and again when Jess and Poppy pursued their respective goals of veterinary and professional dancing careers. Cassie’s heart had always been for the ranch, but even though she knew ranch-life wasn’t glamorous, it didn’t stop her sometimes feeling less-than, and like she had to work triply hard to prove herself. She swallowed a boulder-sized lump. Except when it ended up proving that she couldn’t.

Jess straightened in her seat. “How many people are we talking?”

“Eight? Ten? Hannah doesn’t have any family—apart from her mom, and Hannah was pretty clear that she didn’t want her there—so Bree Vaughan, some friends from work and church. And us.”

“Did she say what she wanted to do?”

“Nothing too cheesy, or expensive. But just because it’s not expensive doesn’t mean we can do cheap.”

Jess nodded. “Sounds like we should ask Poppy, the party queen, to give us some advice.”

Poppy was staying in Franklin’s apartment in the city, as she and Jess sometimes did while he was away. It made it easier for them to get to work and participate in the social life Poppy enjoyed. Poppy was notorious for late nights, so there was no harm in seeing if she was available to talk now. “Go for it.”

A minute later, Poppy was on FaceTime, and they were tossing around suggestions. Weight was slipping from Cassie’s shoulders as they firmed up a plan. A swim in the creek—warranted by the weekend’s expected heat, and a nice reminder of how Hannah and Franklin had first met—followed by high tea and movies, all of which would guarantee an easy, chilled vibe. It wouldn’t cost too much, would be something relaxing that Hannah would like, and would show off the ranch.

“That sounds so good.” Cassie sighed. “Thanks guys.”

“Hey, three heads are better than one,” Jess said.

“That’s for sure.” Gosh, she loved her sisters. “I really appreciate your help with this.”

“You’ve had a lot on your plate lately,” Jess reminded her.

“You’re doing too much,” Poppy said, direct as always.

“But I’m Hannah’s best friend and maid of honor, so I should be taking care of this.”

“You know Franklin said he was happy to pay for a wedding coordinator,” Poppy reminded her.

“But it wouldn’t have been as personal,” Cassie objected.

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