Page 5 of A Triple C Ranch Christmas Wedding
“But it’s a private place, right?”
“It is. Won’t hurt to ask them though. The worst they can do is say no.” He winked at her, and she realized he went about the world differently than she did.
Instead of holding back, as Lucy sometimes did, worrying about upsetting people, Jack boldly moved ahead.
Which wasn’t a bad thing at all.
He was right. There was no harm in asking. Maybe they would say yes.
* * *
Jack had flown to L.A.,after promising to let Lucy share their news first with everyone. Lucy drove to Eagle Rock to see Sadie Patterson at her and Hank’s ranch.
Sadie would be the first to hear their news, and Lucy couldn’t wait to tell her. She rang the doorbell.
“Lucy, what a nice surprise,” Sadie said as she opened the door.
“I have big news,” Lucy said, unable to keep her secret one minute longer, and to keep a huge smile from beaming out.
“And you’re about to bust with it,” Sadie said, smiling as she waved her inside. “So, what’s up?”
“We’re getting married,” Lucy blurted, a huge grin spreading across her face, her joy unable to be contained, even had she wanted to. “Jack asked me before he flew to L.A.”
“Congratulations,” Sadie said, giving her a big hug. “I’m happy for you both.”
“Thanks,” Lucy said, moving back. “So,” she tipped her head to peer closely at her friend, “will you be my matron of honor?”
Sadie grinned. “I would love to be your matron of honor, if you’re sure you want me.”
“Of course, I do,” Lucy said. “My cousin is waffling on whether she is coming or not, and my best friend from high school is expecting a baby and due any day and isn’t allowed to travel so far, right now. You are the closest friend I have on this side of the country.”
The two women had known each other in Hollywood, briefly, and had become friends after Jack had saved Lucy from a stalker obsessed with her. Plus, Sadie showed off her purchases of Lucy’s jewelry to anyone who showed the least bit of interest and had been introducing Lucy around Bozeman and Eagle Rock to help Lucy get sales.
In short, she’d been a better friend to Lucy than anyone Lucy had known since high school. Sadie was also the nicest actress Lucy had ever met. Her fame had not gone to her head.
“Well,” Sadie said, taking Lucy’s hand and giving it a squeeze. “I would be honored to be your matron of honor and will do everything I can to help you with the wedding.”
“Thank you,” Lucy said. “Wait until you see the sketches of my dress,” Lucy tapped the portfolio she’d brought with her. “I’ve had my wedding dress design in mind for years.”
“I’ll bet you have,” Sadie said. “And I’m sure it’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to see it.”
Everyone knew Lucy had wanted to be a costume designer in Hollywood and had been designing jewelry for her online Etsy store and trying to get her business off the ground. Thanks to introductions by Sadie, who knew all the local shopkeepers, Lucy now sold her creations in several stores in the area and online.
Lucy started opening her portfolio and pulling the designs out.
Sadie stood. “Let me make us some tea and cookies while you get those out, and then we can settle in and start planning.”
“You’re baking cookies?” That was the scent in the air, which Lucy hadn’t really noticed, until now. They smelled delicious.
Lucy realized she’d showed up without notice and may have interrupted her friend in the middle of something. It was so unlike her to pop in on anyone, and she wished now that she hadn’t been so intent on surprising her friend with her good news.
“Oh, there’s just one more tray to put in, and then they’re done,” Sadie moved toward the kitchen. “And I’m glad you surprised me. This is going to be a great day.”
That went a long way toward making Lucy feel better about popping in, but she told herself she wasn’t ever going to do that again. It could have been a bad time to come by, and she didn’t want to be like her old boss, Angelica, thinking only of herself.
She texted Jack while she waited on Sadie to come back with the cookies and tea.
Sadie said yes to being my maid of honor. Now, we are wedding planning.
