Page 35 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

“I agree. No pretense, just reality. Think we can do this again?”

She grinned to match his. “I think your odds are pretty good on that. You have my number.

And you do have an invite for next Sunday, so think about it and let me know.”

He stood for a moment wanting to think of something memorable to say. But he didn’t have to do so. She reached up and placed a kiss on his lips before he could register a response. For a moment he could have sworn he saw a hint of DeeDee lurking in that mischievous grin. Then she was inside, and he was still standing on the porch.

All he could do once he made it back to his vehicle was smile all the way home. There was hope. She had kissed him. And there were plans for more dates. He suddenly felt more alive than he could ever remember. All because a girl named Cassie had kissed him.

*

Of course, UncleJoe and Emmie were onboard with the plans to go to Cassie’s home the following weekend. Any chance of a meeting between Cole and her had to wait as Cassie was sent to a training in Dallas, until Friday of that week. Sunday dawned and she was excited. She had gotten home to find that flowers had been delivered and her brother had placed them in her kitchen. They were a wonderful way to be greeted back home. The name on the card…simply saidCole.

Her sister, Tori, arrived first along with her husband Cade, carrying in their new bundle, Cade Ethan Junior. His proud sister beamed over him. Matthew arrived with Jilliebean and a dessert she had worked on to surprise them all with. The doorbell rang and Cassie almost ran to answer it from the kitchen, something duly noted by her brother and sister who shared a knowing smile. Cassie saw it but she chose to ignore. Nothing would dim her pleasure at seeing people she had missed so much.

“Welcome! Come in all of you,” she greeted with a wide smile and was immediately enfolded in Emmie’s arms, and she hugged back as good as she received. Next came Uncle Joe and he gave her a warm hug. Cole brought up the rear. He had called earlier, and Marcella wanted to send along some of her homemade chili for those who might like that on their burgers. He had the container in his hands. She stepped aside so he could enter and Matthew was right there to show him into the kitchen. Cade made sure everyone was comfortable either around one of the tables or in the rockers along the back porch and patio. Matthew went to his duties at the grill after taking everyone’s meat request…he offered raw, burnt, or somewhere in between. They generally opted for somewhere in between. He made no promises.

Cade and Uncle Joe were catching up on the latest fishing reports. Cole kept Matthew company. Tori and Cassie stayed busy in the kitchen getting trays ready with condiments and the potato salad and baked beans that would soon join the buffet set up outside.

“Well, he is quite good-looking,” Tori began.

“I won. Matthew and I had a bet on how long it would be before you brought up Cole and I won. He is buying me breakfast next week. Thanks, sis.” Cassie continued to slice tomatoes.

“Very amusing, now tell me what is going on with you two.”

“We are getting to know the real us…or the real me…it is not the usual getting to know someone. But it’s nice and that’s all you are getting.”

“You can’t leave it at that.”

“Oh yes I can. Because I recall standing in this very kitchen a couple years ago and I did the same thing to you and you did not give me anything. Not fun, is it?”

“What’s not fun?” Matthew entered followed by Cole with a platter of meat patties. He sat it on the cabinet where Cassie indicated.

“Nothing brother,” Tori answered, “but you can take out the condiments while I take the potato salad. Cole, would you keep an eye on the baked beans and tell Cassie when ready? Those tears are from the onions and nothing else by the way. Cassie never did understand how to cut onions.” She and Matthew were gone.

Cole looked at Cassie and she wiped a tear off her cheek. Then they both burst out laughing. “My sister is not very subtle. Sorry about that,” Cassie said.

Cole nodded. “I think I have an uncle like that, too. Are the beans done, do you think?” He peered inside the oven.

She did the same. “I think they’re good. Just set them on the cabinet on that hot pad.” He followed instructions. Cole nodded. “I see the kids are finding something to talk about and they might be teaching Emmie how to play cornhole.”

Cassie joined him at the sink and looked at the group through the window. “It’s nice to see that. I am glad you all could come over. And by the way, the flowers are gorgeous. It was a lovely surprise to arrive and find them waiting. It meant a lot.”

“I’m glad.” And shoulder to shoulder at the sink, he moved in for a kiss and she did not stop him.

Giggles did. They drew apart to find Emmie and Jillie watching from the doorway. “Sorry, Dad,” Emmie spoke up. “But Cassie, could I hold your kitten? Jillie said you had one.”

“Sure, sweetie, she is in her box in the laundry room. But after you both do that, let her rest the remainder of the afternoon. She is just a little one still.”

“Thanks!” They headed for the side porch and the laundry room.

“Busted,” he said, and they both laughed.

“Are we ready to eat?” Matthew stuck his head in the door. “I’m starving.”

“We are bringing out the rest. Make yourself useful and take drink orders,” Cassie instructed.

The afternoon was pretty perfect in her estimation. It was her first ever dinner party so to speak. The guests seemed to enjoy themselves and each other. There was a good combination of talking and laughter and lots of food. To her disappointment though, Cole and Uncle Joe and Emmie had to leave first. There was a problem with one of the prize bulls and Cole wanted to be there with the foreman and vet. She walked them to the door, said goodbye and hugged Emmie and Joe. They headed to the pickup. Cole pulled on his hat and looked none too pleased himself.

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