Page 29 of Marrying the Billboard Cowboy

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“Hey, Kaitlyn!” Cassie called out from atop a wooden ladder, tinsel in one hand and an ornament in the other. She balanced herself with natural grace, her laughter echoing through the rafters.

Kaitlyn’s eyes widened at the sight before her—the event barn of Redemption Ridge Ranch was being transformed into a wonderland of festive cheer.

Kaitlyn let out a breath, and her boots echoed on the worn floorboards as she approached. “Need a hand?”

“Sure do.” Cassie grinned, descending with care. “We’ve got a whole forest worth of Christmas to set up here.”

The tree stood tall, its branches reaching toward the high ceiling, demanding to be adorned. Kaitlyn reached for a box of ornaments, fingers brushing against the delicate glass.

“Think we can make this the best-dressed tree in Colorado?” Cassie asked, her voice warm like the homemade quilts back at the lodge.

A small smile cracked Kaitlyn’s guarded demeanor. “I think we could give it a shot.”

Together, they wove thick, gold ribbon around the tree, their arms occasionally brushing as they ducked under each other. The scent of pine filled Kaitlyn’s senses, carrying her away from recent memories of cold car seats and unforgiving shelter beds.

“Are you excited about the dance?” Cassie asked, her tone casual as she clipped a giant cowboy boot ornament to a sturdy branch.

“I suppose.” Kaitlyn’s heart fluttered with a touch of anxiety at the thought of the large event, but she kept her focus on the task, hooking a sparkling star onto the next available twig. “Zeke only mentioned it last night.”

“Of course he did.” Cassie chuckled, stepping back to admire their work. “My brother is stingier with words than a rattlesnake is with apologies.”

“You won’t hear me disagreeing.”

“Well, let me fill you in on what my lug of a brother probably didn’t say. First off, you’ll want to wear a dress. The guys wear nice jeans, but you know how it is. Maybe I could lend you one?”

Kaitlyn’s cheeks heated. Yeah, she definitely didn’t have a fancy dress. “That’s okay. I’m sure I have something.”

Lies. She’d get something, though. Maybe the secondhand store in town had something that would work. She definitely didn’t think any of Cassie’s dresses would fit her.

“Let me know if you change your mind.” Then Cassie looked up from the half-strung garland in her hands, her face breaking into a wide smile.

“Hey, hon!” she called out, as Jason strode confidently across the wooden floor.

“Couldn’t resist coming to see my favorite lady,” Jason said, wrapping his arms around Cassie’s waist and pulling her close.His eyes sparkled with mischief, and he planted a gentle kiss on her nose, eliciting a soft giggle from her.

Kaitlyn watched from the ladder where she was adjusting the height of the star topper, feeling a pang of envy at their easy affection.

“Y’all are making this place look beautiful,” Jason murmured, taking a step back but keeping one hand intertwined with Cassie’s.

“Thanks to Kaitlyn here. She’s got an eye for detail.” Cassie beamed up at her, gratitude clear in her gaze.

“It’s nice of you to help out, Kaitlyn,” Jason added, tipping his hat in her direction with a respectful nod.

“Happy to,” Kaitlyn replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She climbed down the ladder, her movements deliberate, trying to bury the longing that surged within her.

“Jason, we should get back to work. You’re distracting me,” Cassie teased, playfully pushing him away.

“All right, all right. I’ll see you ladies later.” Jason flashed a grin and sauntered off, whistling a Christmas tune that melded with the barn’s rustic ambience.

They worked a bit longer, rearranging the ornaments to perfect the tree.

Cassie turned to Kaitlyn, tilting her head slightly in concern. “You okay? You seem...quiet.”

Kaitlyn hesitated, biting her lip. “It’s nothing, really. It’s just…” Her words trailed off as she tried to gather her thoughts without revealing too much of her bruised heart.

“Kaitlyn?” Cassie pressed gently, her hand reaching out to rest on Kaitlyn’s arm with a feather-light touch.

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