Page 79 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

He nodded. “He’ll lead us both, in whatever He wants, if we listen.”

“Amen,” she said softly.

Silence filled the car, the sky’s pink hues deepening to magenta, in one of those glorious sunsets that saw social media inundated with millions of sunset shots. But she didn’t get her phone out, and neither did he. Contentment was here, the chance to breathe, and the car filled with heavenly promise. God was with them. God would guide them. And while she might have zero desire to act again, that was okay. God knew what was in her future, and knowing that, was enough for each day.

* * *

Harrison gripped Cassie’s hand as her two sisters stared at her from across the living room. They’d just finished watching the Netflix adaptation of Persuasion, and like he’d predicted, they needed a moment to recover from the “travesty” as Poppy described it. Jess and Poppy had appeared surprised at first to see Harrison with Cassie, and he’d played it low key until the kiss at the movie’s end made him forget himself and hold Cassie’s hand.

Thank God her parents were understanding, as was Cassie’s brother, even if Franklin had looked like he wanted to play the big brother card when they’d had dinner together a few days ago. At least they’d been supportive. Cassie’s two sisters on the other hand, despite his interactions with both before, he wasn’t sure of yet.

Poppy’s gaze swung from Cassie to Harrison then back again. “Oh my goodness, are you serious?”

Cassie lifted up her hand that Harrison held. “Apparently so.”

Jess said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything,” Harrison said. “Except maybe congratulations.”

At Cassie’s quick swivel to look at him he realized his error. Congratulations? That sounded like a word reserved for big announcements. Like an engagement. Not to announce a man had found a girlfriend at last. But considering this family liked to tease, he didn’t mind seeing how far he could take this.

Jess and Poppy’s eyes had both rounded, like they recognized the significance of that word too. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Jess asked.

Harrison glanced at Cassie then kissed her hand. “That I’m the luckiest guy in the world because she said yes?”

“Cassie!” Poppy’s eyes might fall from their sockets. “You’ve barely known the guy five minutes, and you’re getting married?”

“No! Of course not.”

“Maybe one day,” Harrison added.

Cassie laughed and his heart jolted. That sound. He wanted to hear that sound again. Every day. So every day he’d do what he could to bring joy to her world.

She poked him in the side. “You need to stop saying things like that and scaring my sisters.”

“But it’s fun to scare them.”

“And you’re such a good actor it’s easy to believe what you say,” Jess said.

“Well, this isn’t acting.” He turned to Cassie. “It’s not acting when I say that I think you’re the best woman I’ve ever met, and I’m so grateful that God has brought you into my life.”

Sweetness creased his chest as she smiled that smile that lit up his heart. “You know, I’m almost inclined to believe you,” she teased.

Uncertainty crossed his heart for a second, then he recognized her jest. “You’re going to keep me on my toes, aren’t you?”

“I’ll do my best,” she promised.

And she needed to, especially considering the industry he was in. They would have to keep submitting this relationship to God. Harrison might be a Christian, but he was a new one, and from the conversations they’d had with Ainsley and he’d had with Lincoln, he’d gathered that even Christians struggled in with all of the temptations of Hollywood. But God was faithful and Harrison would trust Him with her heart and with their future.

He dug into his pocket and pulled out his grandmother’s brooch, keeping it covered.

Poppy’s eyes widened again, like she actually thought he’d pulled out a ring. Well, one day he hoped to, but it sure wouldn’t be in front of her sisters while the bad aroma of a dumb movie lingered like day-old popcorn in the air.

He bit back laughter as he turned to Cassie. “Remember when I was last here, and I told you I saw a photograph that reminded me of something that belonged to my grandmother?”

“I remember a lot about that day.” Her voice held wryness. Then her eyes widened as if she too was wondering what he was hiding in his hand.

He didn’t want her misinterpreting, so he quickly unveiled it. “It was this.” He gave it to her.

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