Page 29 of The Bull Rider & the Wedding Planner

Footsteps sounded on the stairs then there was a soft rap on the door. “Cassie?”

She tugged it open.

Easton grinned. “Mama and Papa came by. With dinner.”

“I knew you didn’t cook.” Relief was tangible. It had been Mama Millie. Not some girlfriend.

“That hurts. I do cook,” he protested. “But nobody whips up a meal as good as Mama.”

“I can agree with that one. I still dream about her banana cream pie.”

He winked and took Presley from her arms and escorted her to the steps. She went down first, finding herself choking up when his parents both turned from the kitchen and beamed ather. Jared looked properly protective of her, as only a father could, and Mama was as angelic as ever.

“Ah, sweet Cassie.” Mama Millie rushed across the wood and carpeted flooring. “I’m so sorry about your mama.”

Cassie hugged the older lady, savoring her kindness, softness, and caring. She didn’t tell her that her mother had never been a ‘mama’ to her. Though she felt sad that her mother was gone, had probably suffered because of Baxter, and there wasn’t hope of a better relationship, it wasn’t devastating as they hadn’t been close since Cassie was a child.

Millie pulled back and Jared was there.

“How are you holding up?” he asked, giving her a gentle side hug.

“Okay.” It was a lie. She was a mess. She didn’t have stability, safety, or love. Easton was here offering all those things. She wanted them, and him, but she didn’t dare let down her guard.

“And here’s the little princess,” Millie said, turning to Easton and Presley. “Aren’t you just an angel, beautiful girl?”

“I am,” Presley nodded. “Is this Mama?” she asked Easton.

“Yes, love,” Mama smiled. “I am.”

“You’re a very nice mama.”

“She is,” Easton and Jared said together.

“Ah, thank you, my dears. I’m happy to meet you, beautiful Presley.”

“Thank you.”

“Now, Cassie.” Mama turned to her. “You are welcome to stay at the main house. My boys fret too much about that awful night. I’m doing just fine.”

Cassie glanced at Jared, and she could see what Clint had said. Mama might be fine, but watching his beloved wife be hurt like that, and thinking they’d lost their son,had done a number on Jared. Cassie longed for a devoted relationship like these two had, years of loving, trusting, and sharing everything. Would she and Easton ever get there? She sadly doubted it. No matter how fabulous he was right now, she didn’t know how to trust him not to cheat again. It wasn’t just her heart wrapped up in him now. Her innocent daughter would be wounded.

“We’ll be comfortable here, Mama,” she said. “But thank you very much for asking. I’ll be busy preparing for the weddings and will have to do it mostly on video chats now, but Easton is fabulous with Presley.”

“I can see that,” Mama said, her eyes soft on her son and Cassie’s daughter. “Now don’t you fret about the weddings; everything is arranged, and you’ve done a beautiful job. We can all take it from here.”

“No.” Cassie shook her head. “I’ve never not seen a job through, and especially not one as important as this one. I’ll keep taking care of everything, but I appreciate you.”

Mama looked at Easton. “What does Clint say about that?”

“He’s confident he’ll catch the perp soon, but if not, we’ll have plenty of security with Aiden Porter coming and bringing some of his people and all of us being there. We can ask Aiden for more help if we need.”

“Okay.” Mama drew in a steadying breath. “Well, I’ve brought dinner over with banana cream pie. I had the crusts all ready for chocolate cream but Easton told me banana is your favorite.”

Cassie could not swallow past the lump in her throat. “Thank you.”

“Of course. You all enjoy and we’ll hopefully see you soon.”

“Thank you, Mama. You’re the best,” Easton said, kissing his mother on the cheek.

---