Page 31 of Marrying the Billboard Cowboy

“Something’s not right, is it?” Cassie’s voice broke through the haze of Kaitlyn’s inner turmoil, gentle yet probing.

Kaitlyn sucked in a breath, and she paused, her gaze anchored to the floor where her boots scuffed the dusting of sawdust. “It’s nothing, really...”

“Kaitlyn.” The name was a soft but firm prompt, inviting honesty over pretense.

She inhaled deeply, the scent of fresh pine and cinnamon from nearby candles wrapping around her like an embrace as she exhaled her fears. “I just... I can’t shake this feeling,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “That maybe people will think—I mean, what if I’m no better than Zeke’s ex?”

Cassie’s brows knit together, her expression etched with concern as she stepped closer, placing a supportive hand on Kaitlyn’s shoulder. “You’re worried about looking like a gold-digger?”

The word hung heavy in the air, a label Kaitlyn feared would stick, tarnishing everything she touched. “Yes,” she admitted, the admission tasting bitter. “I married Zeke to give Stetson a better life, to escape my own mess, but I never stopped to consider how it looks, how it mirrors... her intentions.”

“Kaitlyn, you’re nothing like her,” Cassie assured, her tone imbued with conviction. “But I get why you’re scared. Startingover isn’t easy, and people can be quick to judge without knowing the whole story.”

A surge of gratitude warmed Kaitlyn’s heart, melting away a sliver of her self-doubt. “I just don’t want to let Zeke down,” she said, her dark eyes meeting Cassie’s. “Or have him think...I don’t care about him.”

“Zeke sees you, Kaitlyn—your heart,” Cassie said gently. “He’s not one to make a commitment lightly. He chose you because he wanted to. And he didn’t choose her.”

The weight on Kaitlyn’s chest lightened, even if the shadows of insecurity still lingered at the edges. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe in the possibility of a love that wasn’t measured by wealth or convenience but forged in the quiet moments of shared dreams and silent understandings.

Cassie reached out, her hand resting briefly on Kaitlyn’s arm. “Listen, I’ve seen the way Zeke looks at you and Stetson. He cares,reallycares. It’s not just about providing or feeling obligated. He chose you.”

Kaitlyn’s gaze dropped to the ornament in her hands, the glass cool and delicate beneath her fingers. She traced the painted snowflakes, each one intricate and unique. They reminded her of the careful way Zeke had introduced himself to Stetson, with patience and gentleness, as if understanding the fragility of a scared child’s trust.

“And another thing,” Cassie continued, her voice low, a conspiratorial whisper between friends, “I think maybe you’re holding back more than you realize. You’re trying to ignore some feelings for Zeke. Am I right?”

The question hovered in the space between them, and Kaitlyn could feel her cheeks warm. Was it possible? Her heart had been so guarded, so braced for the next inevitable disappointment. Yet, there was no denying the flutter ofanticipation she felt whenever Zeke entered the room, or the sense of safety his presence brought.

“Perhaps,” Kaitlyn murmured, nearly lost in the thought.

“Let’s take a break,” Cassie suggested, stepping back from the tree to survey their work. “How about we grab some hot cocoa? My feet are telling me it’s time to sit down for a bit.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Kaitlyn replied, her body echoing the sentiment.

Kaitlyn cradled the steaming mug of cocoa between her hands, the warmth seeping into her chilled fingers. The scent of chocolate and the hint of cinnamon mingled in the air.

“Thanks, Cassie,” she said, taking a tentative sip. The sweet liquid was a balm to her weary spirit, and she allowed herself a moment to savor it, to push aside the tangle of worries that so often clouded her thoughts.

Cassie settled beside her on the hay bale, her own cup sending up spirals of steam. “Isn’t this nice? I have to be honest… I don’t have a ton of girlfriends. And I’ve never had a sister “

“More than nice,” Kaitlyn admitted, the corners of her mouth lifting in a genuine smile. It felt rare these days, the ease that came with true friendship.

“Zeke talks about you, you know,” Cassie said softly, breaking into her reverie. “While we’re working. He always has this softer tone when your name comes up. I think he’s more smitten than he lets on.”

Kaitlyn’s heart skipped a beat. She took another sip of cocoa, letting the warmth spread through her. Maybe she wasn’t alone in her growing affection for Zeke—a thought both terrifying and exhilarating.

“Maybe,” Kaitlyn responded, allowing herself to believe, if only for the span of a heartbeat. “But I’m not easy to love.”

“Who says?” Cassie’s voice was gentle yet firm. “You’re strong, Kaitlyn. You’ve been through a lot, but here you are, still standing. Still fighting for a good life for you and Stetson. That’s not just admirable—it’s lovable.”

Her words struck a chord deep within Kaitlyn—a chord long muted by hardship and loss. For so long, she’d worn resilience as armor, never considering it might also be the very thing that could draw others to her.

“Thank you, Cassie,” she murmured, her eyes tracing the contours of the barn. She loved the way the light played across the wooden beams, contrasts of shadow and highlights emphasizing all the textures.

“You got it, sis,” Cassie replied with a soft chuckle, bumping Kaitlyn’s shoulder playfully. “Now, let’s finish that tree. We have a dance to prepare for, and I want it to be perfect—for everyone.”

Setting down their empty cups, they rose together, the sense of camaraderie wrapping around Kaitlyn like a warm blanket. In this moment, with Cassie’s friendship and the unexpected possibility of love on the horizon, Redemption Ridge felt less like a place and more like a beginning.

15

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