Page 8 of Cameron

“Enjoy your evening,” she said, hoping to escape before she complained about something else.

“We’re decorating the Christmas tree? That’s the adult activity you planned?”

Who didn’t enjoy decorating for Christmas?

“Yes, we thought all of you would enjoy decorating the tree that will be where your wedding will be held.”

“I don’t want a bunch of crappy decorations. No paper streamers that kids cut out.”

Did the woman think she was a total idiot? “Of course not. We choose very high-end decorations. Ones with a bride and a groom and then other white and silver balls. We even have white lace bows so that it looks like a tree decorated for a bride and groom.”

“Oh,” she said. “My colors are pink and white. Did you include any pink decorations?”

Tara had worked so hard to find the perfect decorations.

“Of course,” she said, wondering if the woman was going to be difficult all weekend long. But then again, she’d been difficult from the time they took her on as a client.

She stood there waiting to see if there was anything else.

“Tonight we’re going to serve cookies with your name and wedding date on them,” she told her.

That at least brought a smile to her face. As long as everything was centered around her, things would go well.

“Have a great evening,” she said and rushed away. The next time she saw Tara, they would need to have a talk about how difficult their bride was going to be. They needed her to leave happy and she wasn’t certain that was going to be possible. And even worse, she felt sorry for her groom, who had watched her and she saw him roll his eyes.

This couple could have some serious problems in their future.

When walking around the tables, she saw him.

Cameron.

At the sight of his handsome face, her heart gave an extra little beat. What was it about him that attracted her so?

“Good evening,” he said.

“Hello,” she replied. “How was dinner?”

“Excellent,” he replied. “You’re going to be lucky I don’t try to steal your cook and sneak her off to the Burnett Dude Ranch. Our cook is excellent, but she’s pregnant.”

Why did that ranch sound familiar? Then she remembered when she was researching ways to earn additional money, she’d seen their website. A big spread down in Texas where families could spend time riding horses, fishing, skeet shooting, and even participating in a rodeo.

She grinned. “Oh no, you don’t. I just found Emily eight months ago and I’m not about to give her up. She’s very good.””

“Well, I don’t think my cousin’s wife would like sharing her kitchen with anyone, but she does have a baby about ten months old and I’ve heard rumors that baby number two will be arriving in the summer.”

Someday she wanted a husband and children of her own. Someday, after she’d helped to save the ranch.

“Congratulations,” she said.

“Yes, and that’s why I worry about us needing another cook,” he said.

“I’d love to hear more about the Burnett Ranch,” she replied.

It was odd that Francesca had not held her wedding at Cameron’s ranch since he was her friend.

“Sit down,” he said.

There was an empty chair on the other side of him. She glanced around to make certain everything was going as planned. Dinner was over and the tables were being cleared by the staff.

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