Page 29 of Cameron

It was true. He’d never thought this was a good idea.

“You’re right. But someone had to do something or we would soon lose the ranch. Now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s too late. What are you hiding, Edward? Money was never a worry before and suddenly the bills are not getting paid. The food service stopped their delivery, even the employees are starting to whisper that something is wrong. What have you done?”

Grabbing his hat, he shoved it on his head. “Everything is fine. We got a little behind on things, but the spring calving season should take care of that. In the meantime, your wedding business is what’s causing us debt. And I’m putting an end to that as soon as this wedding is over.”

Yanking open the door, he walked out, leaving her staring at the man she no longer recognized. She’d waited too long to confront him. Feeling like danger was imminent, she walked out of the door and went to see Casey.

Her hands shook when she walked in the door to her cousin’s office.

“What’s wrong, Samantha? You look angry,” Casey said.

“I know you’ve been wanting to meet and discuss the books, but this wedding, our first, has taken so much time. Somethinghas come to my attention. I need an audit of the books. I need to know how much cash Edward has pulled out of the ranch and if he owes anyone any money.”

Casey nodded and frowned. “I can tell you I’ve seen a lot of discrepancies. Something is wrong.”

“When can you get me that report?”

Her cousin frowned. “Give me until tomorrow. Let’s plan on meeting before the wedding tomorrow.”

Not great timing, but at least then she would know the truth.

“The banker is coming to visit this afternoon or I would have it then.”

“The banker?”

“Yes,” Casey said.

“But why?”

Her cousin grinned. “We’re kind of seeing one another. We didn’t start out as friends, but now, well, I like him.”

For a moment, there she’d been afraid that Edward had taken out a loan on the property and that the banker was there to collect as well.

Edward owed someone money, but Samantha had no idea who, and from the looks of the character, it wasn’t good.

“I’m happy for you,” she said, her mind wandering to Cameron. She hadn’t seen him since this morning. And she missed him already.

“Thank you,” Casey said. “It’s been unexpected and quick.”

The same could be said for Cameron.

Anna came to the door. “Samantha, I need your help.”

“Sure,” she said, glancing at Casey. “Just get me that report when you can.”

She walked out into the hall with Anna. “What’s wrong?”

“Bridezilla is accusing us of not cleaning the rooms properly. You know I pride myself on how nice the rooms are.”

Maybe Edward was right. Maybe she wasn’t meant to have a wedding venue place. Or maybe she was going to commit murder any second now and Bridezilla would not be walking down the aisle tomorrow.

“Don’t worry about it. I know that you take exceptionally good care of the rooms. Let me handle our FrankenBride.”

Anna reached out and touched her arm. “I’m sorry. I know how much stress you’re under. On Sunday morning, they’ll all be gone.”

“That can’t get here quick enough,” Samantha said.

“Thanks, Samantha,” Anna said and walked away.

---