Page 10 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

Cassie didn’t know what to do but glare at him. This was escalating out of control and of course Easton was to blame. How could she keep her and Presley’s hearts intact? How would she survive in the same town as him?

Chapter

Four

Easton wasgrateful at least Presley was on his side. He was the one who should have a chip the size of Texas on his shoulder, but Cassie was acting likeshedid.

He was stunned that he’d sung to Presley. Cassie had stolen his songs six years ago when she dumped him. Were they back in his heart? Was she? He knew she’d never really left his heart even if she’d left him.

When they got inside and he took his hat off, Cassie’s eyes flicked to the scars and then away. Did she hate them like he did?

The dinner was loud, with some of his family and the Lillywhites gathered either around their large dining room table or a couple temporary tables set up in the kitchen. He was able to stay by Cassie’s side and of course impress her with his rizz but wasn’t able to get her alone to talk things out.

After she had shot him down outside the store, he’d told himself he wasn’t going to fall for her again, but all his resolvehad gone out the window the moment those teal-blue eyes met his. She was the woman he was meant to be with; he’d known it since he was sixteen. Why didn’t she seem to agree? He turned on the charm, but only Presley appeared to be glazed by him.

His mama and Mama Ivy had both warmly welcomed Cassie and Presley and now the best moms on earth were sitting close together and watching him and Cassie like mother hens. He focused on Presley. She’d only left his arms to eat her dinner and dessert but now she was back, cuddled against his chest, her head in the crook of his neck.

He’d never thought much about being a father, but this little princess made him instantly long for the title. She was hilarious and smart and obviously smitten with him, which no cap only proved her superior intellect at such a young age. If only her mother would join their bussin’ party.

“I need to get Presley in bed,” Cassie announced, glancing over at Presley cuddled in his arms. Her cheeks turned pink and her teal-blue eyes warmed.

“Not tired,” Presley protested.

“You look tired,” Cassie told her, gesturing with her chin to Presley’s position in Easton’s arms. “And it’s bedtime.”

“No.” The little girl buried her face in Easton’s shirt. “Me stay with Easton.”

Easton grinned but wiped it away quickly when he saw Cassie’s eyes narrow. He stood and told her, “I’ll carry her over to Lily’s for you.”

Cassie’s mouth dropped open as if she’d protest, but Easton turned to Mama Ivy, ignoring his families’ interested gazes.

“Thank you for dinner, Mama Ivy. This little one is worn out.” He liked this feeling of … responsibility. He’d never really tried it much before. He’d only worried about himself, his immediate family, bull riding, firefighting, and protection details for the past six years, but taking care of Presley felt natural and rewarding.

“Not tired,” Presley insisted.

Cassie was at his elbow, brushing against him. Fire lit inside him at the simple touch. Would she slap him if he wrapped her up tight?

“Come on now, sweetie. Come to Mama.” She held out her arms.

“No.” Presley burrowed into Easton and looked up at him. Those teal-blue eyes touched his heart. “Me stay with you.”

“I’ll carry you home and sing you some songs,” he offered, knowing she couldn’t stay with him, even if Cassie approved, which she didn’t. His Papa and Mama exchanged a look.

The little girl sighed heavily. “Otay.”

“Appreciate you all,” Easton said to the group in general, nodding to his mama and Mama Ivy.

“Thank you,” Cassie said.

Everyone around the table was watching them with speculation in their eyes. He was going to catch flak from Walker and Clint later. They would be concerned about him getting hurt again. He didn’t care what they said. They had their perfect women on their arms. It was his turn. If he could get Cassie to stop acting like he’d scalped her kitten.

“Of course, my dears,” Mama Ivy said. “Goodnight.”

“Night,” Easton and Cassie said together. Like a couple. Like they should be. Everybody echoed the goodnights.

Easton kept Presley cuddled in one arm and rested his other hand on Cassie’s lower back, escorting her out of the living area and to the front entry. He could only imagine how this looked to his family and the Lillywhites. He savored the feeling of being afamily … with Cassie and Presley. Unfortunately, it wasn’t true. He and Cassie had no relationship any longer. He was ready to forgive and forget, accept her apologies and her glazing of him, resurrect the love they’d shared, and savor a lot more with her. Was Cassie even interested in him any longer?

He helped Presley into her coat and slung his own flannel and hat on. Cassie had her coat on. He held the door for her. She mumbled her thanks and they walked out into the stinging night air. He felt alive and on top of the world as he shut the door and then wrapped his left arm around Cassie as sweet Presley cuddled into the crook of his right arm.

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