Chapter 5
Humiliation scorched Cassie’s cheeks as she drove home. She who prided herself on doing things well had messed up. Harrison Woods might be an oaf of a man, but he was right. She should have ensured the lights were set to automatic sensor mode, but had gotten distracted in the myriad of tasks requiring her attention. And with the film crew here all day, the only time she had available to attend to the chapel was at night. Somehow, she’d forgotten that Harrison would be using the room and might appreciate being able to see. And while it had been funny to see what had happened to him, all amusement fled when she realized just how dangerous the situation could have been.
By the time she got home, her stomach was churning at her mistake.
Her sister recognized her pressure when she walked through the door. “Cass?”
She sighed, slumping onto the sofa in front of the TV where a movie was paused.
“What are you doing home so late?” Jess asked.
“I needed to double check the chapel.”
“For the wedding?”
“Mm-hm. I had to measure some things, and make sure it was all fine.”
“And is it?”
“It will be.” Please God, let it all go smoothly.
“They’re not using it for the filming?”
“They’ve agreed to wait until after the wedding, so that’s something.”
Jess eyed her. “Are you doing okay? You look a little stressed.”
“I’m fine.”
Jess smirked. “Yeah, sorry sis, but that’s not the face of fine.”
“Rude.” She found a smile.
Jess had no corresponding one. “It’s honest, which is more than what I think you’re being. Come on, Cassie. I don’t understand how you keep up with all you are doing. Helping dad with running the ranch—”
Yeah, she’d hardly be helping with that lately.
“—and all this stuff with the show and the western town, and now organizing a wedding. You’re taking on too much.”
“I’m coping.” Barely.
Jess folded her arms. “I don’t think you really are. Can you get some helpers with the western town?”
“I could if I could afford to pay them.”
Jess winced. “It’s not making money yet?”
“It’s seasonal, and with the money we outlaid for the new bathrooms and upgraded accommodation last winter, I’ve been counting on the As The Heart Draws payments to cover that.” That, and the fee from the movie that had been cancelled. “It’s a juggle, but we’ll get there.” Cassie shrugged. “And in the meantime, I’ll keep working my long hours until we can justify paying someone else to help with it.”
“I just worry—and I’ve heard Mom say this too—that you’re working too hard. You need a chance to have a break.”
Good thing Mom and Dad weren’t here to hear this conversation. They likely were asleep already. Her parents had long believed in early to bed, early to rise, with the associated benefits of health, wealth and wisdom. She didn’t like to think she was concerning her mom. But saying that aloud would only make it seem more real, so she concentrated on the other part of her sister’s sentence. “A break would be nice, and once the wedding is over, I’m sure we’ll get one.”
“Hmm.”
Cassie didn’t have time for her sister’s doubt-laden hmm-ing. “I should go have a shower. I feel like I’ve lived three days today.”
“I feel like this conversation isn’t done yet.”
“Too bad.” She smirked at Jess.
“Hey, got any more word about this Saturday?”
This Saturday? What was—? Oh. A groan escaped. “Man, I keep forgetting I’m supposed to organize Hannah’s bachelorette party, and I haven’t yet.”
“What can I help with?” Jess asked.
“Everything?”
Jess raised her eyebrows.
“I mean it. All I’ve asked is for people to save the date and given them a start time, but I haven’t booked anything yet. And okay, you may be right and I’m spinning too many plates in life. I don’t know why I said yes to this. I feel like I’m walking through quicksand and life is about to suck me down.”
“Cassie.”
Her sister’s look of compassion drew her throat tight. See, this was why she liked to play pretend as much as any actor. Accidental truth bombs where she admitted she couldn’t do it all only left her feeling emotional and exposed, like she wasn’t good enough, would never be enough. And yeah, maybe over the years she’d shouldered more than her fair share of responsibility to help others live their dreams. They’d all had to sacrifice in various ways when Franklin chased his NHL ambitions, and again when Jess and Poppy pursued their respective goals of veterinary and professional dancing careers. Cassie’s heart had always been for the ranch, but even though she knew ranch-life wasn’t glamorous, it didn’t stop her sometimes feeling less-than, and like she had to work triply hard to prove herself. She swallowed a boulder-sized lump. Except when it ended up proving that she couldn’t.
Jess straightened in her seat. “How many people are we talking?”
“Eight? Ten? Hannah doesn’t have any family—apart from her mom, and Hannah was pretty clear that she didn’t want her there—so Bree Vaughan, some friends from work and church. And us.”
“Did she say what she wanted to do?”
“Nothing too cheesy, or expensive. But just because it’s not expensive doesn’t mean we can do cheap.”
Jess nodded. “Sounds like we should ask Poppy, the party queen, to give us some advice.”
Poppy was staying in Franklin’s apartment in the city, as she and Jess sometimes did while he was away. It made it easier for them to get to work and participate in the social life Poppy enjoyed. Poppy was notorious for late nights, so there was no harm in seeing if she was available to talk now. “Go for it.”
A minute later, Poppy was on FaceTime, and they were tossing around suggestions. Weight was slipping from Cassie’s shoulders as they firmed up a plan. A swim in the creek—warranted by the weekend’s expected heat, and a nice reminder of how Hannah and Franklin had first met—followed by high tea and movies, all of which would guarantee an easy, chilled vibe. It wouldn’t cost too much, would be something relaxing that Hannah would like, and would show off the ranch.
“That sounds so good.” Cassie sighed. “Thanks guys.”
“Hey, three heads are better than one,” Jess said.
“That’s for sure.” Gosh, she loved her sisters. “I really appreciate your help with this.”
“You’ve had a lot on your plate lately,” Jess reminded her.
“You’re doing too much,” Poppy said, direct as always.
“But I’m Hannah’s best friend and maid of honor, so I should be taking care of this.”
“You know Franklin said he was happy to pay for a wedding coordinator,” Poppy reminded her.
“But it wouldn’t have been as personal,” Cassie objected.
“It wouldn’t have stressed you out as much,” Jess said.
True. “I just didn’t expect the start of this season to be so much busier than the last.”
Jess’s brows rose. “So what’s different this year?”
A certain somebody who didn’t like mice, for starters.
“What’s that look for?” Poppy asked. “Is there an actor who’s hit on you?”
“Ha! Try just the opposite.”
“Deets, please.”
“No, nothing like that.” She still couldn’t admit to the identity of the show’s new leading man. “Let’s just say that God is reminding me that I’m supposed to be gracious.”
“Ooh, intriguing!”
No, it wasn’t. It was disturbing how much that man had the power to disconcert her. She’d dealt with other guys who’d hit on her effectively, dampening pretensions with a well-executed arch of eyebrow or well-timed remark, or when God had reminded her to turn the other cheek. And while she didn’t expect Harrison Woods to ever hit on her, she didn’t like feeling she was someone he wanted to avoid. They might have agreed to avoid each other, but that now felt stupidly petty. And the fact she was still thinking about this proved she’d given him entirely too much power in her mind.
“Hey, do you have that accommodation thing happening yet?” Poppy asked.
She nodded. “That’s part of it.” She explained about the trailer and the mouse, and the last-minute change of accommodation, internally high-fiving herself at not naming names.
“What kind of man is scared of a mouse?” Jess asked. “At least he didn’t kill it.”
“I hope your props are okay,” Poppy said.
“Me too. I took Miranda today and she seemed to think it was all good.”
“You need a break.”
She sure did. But even with the promise of an afternoon off this Saturday to celebrate Hannah’s soon-to-end single status, the wedding itself loomed just the weekend after. Maybe after that she could finally relax.
* * *
The best night’ssleep of his life had been followed by three days of filming where he’d been so busy it was all he could do to eat his meal with the cast at night before he tumbled into bed. But finally, it felt like he was fitting in. He was remembering names, and more importantly, remembering his lines, and he got the impression that Mal didn’t think employing Harrison was such a mistake anymore. The scenes he’d been shooting had involved everything from time with his Mountie colleagues to scenes shot with Ainsley where they first met.
He liked when a production schedule allowed for a more natural chemistry to develop between people. He’d shot some movies where the shooting schedule meant he’d had to film a scene and grieve a character he hadn’t actually met yet. Here, where the actors all knew each other and had spent time together, really made it feel like a family. And the fact he didn’t have much of a family himself—his grandmother had basically raised him, after his parents proved they couldn’t—meant he was starting to relax into the rhythms of this cast.
And now, they were eating lunch on Friday, the weekend beckoned, and he felt like he had a chance to breathe.
“This is good, huh?” He motioned to the salad the caterers provided.
Ainsley smiled. “I don’t mind admitting I ask them to make chicken Caesar salad every Friday. It gives me the boost to finish the week well.”
“I think people underestimate how much food can make or break a production.”
“Right? And when it’s healthy but still tastes nice, it’s even better.”
“Amen.” Part of the double standard of filming: women were far more likely to hear murmurs of needing to “watch your calorie intake” than a man, with everything from costume fittings to proposed methods of transport potentially affected by an additional few pounds. A man had it easier, with none of the waist-cinching corsets and clothes that were deemed historically accurate, when an hourglass figure was a legit goal. Moments like that made him extra thankful to be a man.
Ainsley’s head had tilted, and she was studying him, a small smile on her dial.
“What is it?” he asked.
“I was just wondering, do you mean that?”
“Mean what?”
“Amen.”
He shrugged. “It’s what you say when you agree with someone.”
“I know. But I just wondered if it meant you were a…”
“A what?”
Her voice lowered. “A believer.”
“A believer?”
Her face shadowed. “I guess that’s my answer.”
“You mean a Christian?”
She nodded, her look hopeful once again.
He was about to answer, and probably dial that look of hers back to nothing, when Jerry, one of the lead writers, interrupted with an apology and stole Ainsley’s attention.
He looked back over his lines, committing them to memory, imagining the scene as it would play out.
Ainsley’s smile and patience with the crew continued as that conversation was immediately followed by one with Glenda, the chief costume fitter, who wanted to check with her about something else. Man, Ainsley sure was patient. He’d noticed it on display each day she’d been on set.
“Sorry about that,” Ainsley said, when Glenda had gone.
He studied her. “Why are you so nice all the time?”
“Nice?” Ainsley’s brows knit, like she wasn’t sure whether he’d meant that as a compliment or a sneer.
“It’s a compliment, Ainsley. You’re so patient. Like, all the time. How do you do it?”
Her mouth pulled to one side. “Well, I certainly don’t feel patient all the time. There are some things I’ve been waiting on for what feels like forever.” She tucked her long dark hair behind her ear. “But I’ve learned that people don’t need my impatience or my attitude when things don’t go my way. We need more kindness in this world, don’t you think?”
“Yeah.”
“I think patience is a byproduct of kindness, which stems from love, and realizing that we all can do with more love.”
Was that an invitation to find out if she meant she wanted a relationship? “Am I hearing you say you want someone to love you?”
“No.” Her cheeks pinked, as she looked directly at him. “I know I’m loved. And I’m not talking about needing a man to love, but knowing we are all loved by God. That’s what ultimately motivates me in how I treat others.”
Huh. So Ainsley Beckett was a Christian, and one of those rare ones who actually tried to live out what they believed.
But he didn’t need that. He needed distraction, but not by believing in invisible people. Maybe once upon a time he’d thought the whole God thing was true, but he’d soon learned it wasn’t.
And he was relieved when a production assistant called out that it was time to resume.
Saturday’s filmingschedule saw him released at lunch. Ainsley had new scenes to shoot, but he’d gotten the afternoon off. And while part of him was tempted to drive into the city and steal a few hours of sanity in the real world, the fact that he didn’t really have friends around here made him hesitate. Truth be told, Ainsley and Dustin were about the only cast members he’d consider friends. Dana was more like one to avoid, and he’d already turned down her invitation to dinner at Steak and Majors, Calgary’s premium steakhouse, fearing it would only fuel gossip about him he really didn’t need.
But staying on-site made him itchy. And given today’s heat, he didn’t want to stay inside. Perhaps he could practice his riding by using one of the horses.
Thirty minutes later, he was astride a horse named Buddy, one of the horses owned by a nearby ranch. The horse wrangler, Ted, was mounted on his own horse, Nancy, and was giving him tips as he rode around the corral.
“You’re doing nicely,” Ted called. “Try not to move up and down too much, even it out a little.”
Harrison tried to follow the instructions, but his legs were getting sore. Not that he’d admit that. No way did he want a reputation for complaining any more than he already did. He grasped the horse’s sides with his knees, and Buddy slowed.
“Man.”
“I don’t know about you, but I think Buddy might be getting a little bored in here. Want to hit some trails?”
“You mean we can go further afield?”
Ted nodded. “One of the reasons we love this place so much is that the ranch owners basically give us license to use the surrounding acres. And we’re talking thousands of acres.”
“Imagine being that rich.”
Ted shrugged. “I like that it’s a family business, and the Three Creek Ranch has been in the same family for generations. It’s not one of these corporations that buy up ranches like what often happens these days.”
Yeah, he supposed that was a good thing. “So, where do you want to go?”
“There’s a stream not too far away. I bet Buddy would like the chance to stretch his legs, and it’ll give you somewhere new to see.”
“We can just go there?”
“As long as if we open any gates we close them behind us, then the owners are happy for us to use the land. It’s not like the cattle aren’t used to people on horseback, either. And I think the James family don’t mind us keeping an eye on things to make sure their stock is safe too. Come on. It’ll be fun. More fun than baking to a crisp hanging around here in the sun.”
“Sounds good.”
A short time later he was cantering across the long grass, beyond the western town. Judging from the tree shadows this direction was north. He wondered how long it would take to ride to the main road, then wondered about who maintained all this land. It was one thing to have thousands of acres, but it must take a huge team to mend fences and keep livestock safe.
But he could appreciate why they hadn’t sold their land. The vistas here were amazing, the view to the Rockies like a cowboy’s dream. He reined in Buddy and drank it in, before a faint sound drew his attention. He glanced to the side, cocking his ear.
Ted turned Nancy back and drew alongside. “All good?”
“I thought I heard something.”
Ted grinned. “That’d be the sound of enjoyment. Go on, you can tell me. You’re enjoying riding, aren’t you?”
“It’s not as bad as I remember.”
“I’m counting that as a win.”
“And I do appreciate the trouble you’re taking with me.”
“Oh, yeah, it’s a real hardship going for a ride in this beautiful area. Such a chore.” Ted pulled out his phone, read a message, winced. “I gotta go. One of the horses is sick. Now you remember which way we came?”
“That way?” He pointed in the direction he thought they came.
“Good. I’ll see you there soon. Take it easy and you’ll be fine, okay?”
Ted took off, not waiting for an answer, but something held Harrison back. He didn’t want to speed home—Ted was clearly in a hurry, and Harrison would only slow him down—and he was still curious about the sound he’d heard before. It had sounded like a shout, like someone was hurt, and if that was the case, then he couldn’t leave whoever it was here. Memories flashed of his mom, her cries of pain, while he’d hidden under the bed.
He shook his head, trying to free himself of the memories. It wouldn’t be that bad, surely. Although, while Ted had assured that there weren’t bears around here, how could the man be sure? This ranch was huge, and what exactly was stopping a bear, or bear posse, from moving down from the mountains to get themselves a nice meal of prime beef? He’d seen the cattle around here. They were huge, and looked like just the right sort of animal to tempt a hungry bear to a snack. And it wouldn’t take much longer for the bear to find the injured human and be persuaded to snack on them instead. So it was only right that he check on the source of the sound and make sure all was okay.
He stayed still, waiting. Then the cry came again. There! From the right.
“Come on, Bud.” He patted the horse’s neck. “Let’s go find out who’s in trouble.”
His heart beat faster as he steered Buddy down the hill, near the rocks where he was fairly sure the sound had originated. After all his recent misses, this was his chance to be a hero. It was just a shame that certain people—okay, a certain cowgirl—wouldn’t be around to witness it. But that was okay. Ted might find it in his heart to subtly tell people how Harrison had saved the day, and he’d just need to look humble. And he could do humble. He could do humble very well, thank you very much.
He smirked as Buddy trotted around a large rock, situated on what looked like an embankment. In fact, he could act like the humblest person ever in the history of the world, and—
“Whoa!”
He pulled Buddy to a stop, and stared at the scene below.
Below, where in a small river, several swimsuit-clad women were lying on large floating mattresses—was that a pink flamingo?—and obviously not in any trouble at all.
But he sure would be, as soon as any of them looked up here and noticed him, and said—
“Hey!”
He glanced across, and his jaw dropped. No way.
Cowgirl Cassie might not be wearing her white hat, but he’d recognize that look of contempt anywhere. Although, he swallowed, he hadn’t exactly expected that figure under the jeans and long-sleeve shirt.
She crossed her arms, and he hefted his gaze up to meet her eyes. Her stormy eyes. “What are you doing?”
“Whoa! I didn’t think you’d arrange a stripper, Cassie!” one of the women called.
A what?
“Oh my gosh,” Cassie mumbled, before shouting, “I didn’t, and he’s leaving!” She turned to him. “Go away.”
“Gladly.” He didn’t know what was going on but he had no wish for more of the cowgirl’s disdain. He wasn’t feeling that brave.
“No, don’t make him go,” the voice from earlier said. “It was just getting interesting.”
“Hurry up,” Cassie growled at him.
“Come on, Bud.” He nudged his horse.
“Aww, handsome guy, don’t run away,” the woman from below pleaded.
He peered at them, then raised his hand. “Sorry ladies, I’m gonna have to love you and leave you.”
“You don’t have to!”
“Yes, you do,” Cassie said. “Go.”
He glanced back at her, that earlier moment of wishing to flee departing. “What happens if I don’t?”
Her eyes narrowed. “You know you’re trespassing.”
“Am I? I was told this was land that was available to be used by all the cast and crew.”
“Who told you that?”
“Ted.”
“Hmph. Well, this side is.” She then pointed to the creek. “That side isn’t.”
“So, excuse me for being dumb, but why are you and your friends on that side?”
Her eyes narrowed further, but before she could answer, another of the bikini-clad women drew alongside her. This one looked younger, obviously not body conscious, unlike Cassie who still looked like she wanted to wrap herself in an invisibility cloak and disappear.
She shaded her eyes as she glanced from Cassie up to himself, still in the saddle. “Who are you?”
“Harrison. And you?”
“Poppy.” She glanced at Cassie again. “You two know each other?”
“Hardly.”
“What she means to say is that ‘she would like to know me more, but is afraid of the sheer amount of animal magnetism I possess’,” he said, quoting one of his lines from an obscure indie movie he’d done several years ago.
“The sheer amount of something you possess,” Cassie muttered.
Poppy laughed, then her eyes widened. “Wait. You’re not that actor, are you?”
“It depends.”
Cassie sighed. “Don’t encourage him, Poppy. He needs to go.”
“And you’re here because you’re one of the actors on set, aren’t you?” Poppy gasped. “Does this mean you’ve taken Tanner’s role on As The Heart Draws?”
“Ah…” How was he supposed to explain that?
“Oh no!”
Okay. Not the reaction he’d expected.
Cassie sighed. “Poppy, can you please leave the man alone? He needs to go.” She stepped closer and hissed up at him, “See? You need to scram. You’re making things difficult.”
“No! He needs to stay.” Poppy’s chin tilted. “I have questions.”
“Save them for another day.” Cassie looked up at him. “Please leave. This is awkward enough already, and you staying is just making things worse.”
“But nobody is embarrassed except you,” Poppy said, before gesturing to where the half dozen other women were watching them. All they needed was popcorn. “Look, even Hannah is cool.”
But it was clear that Cassie wasn’t. Her lips compressed more tightly, even as Poppy called out “Hannah!” which elicited a wave from one of the women below.
He peered at her. Something about her face was familiar. “Wait—is that the sports reporter?”
“Hannah Wade.” Poppy slung an arm around Cassie’s shoulder. “Soon to be our sister-in-law.”
“Our?” He glanced back at Cassie. She ducked her head, her shoulders slumping. “No way. Is Franklin James—the hockey player for the Flames—is he your brother?”
“The one and the same,” a third woman, a brunette, joined them. “I’m Jess.”
“Harrison,” he said automatically, recognizing the similar features shared by the three women.
Jess peered at her sister then back at him. “Aha.”
Uh oh. That kind of look never boded well. “What has she said?”
“Nothing,” Cassie snapped, at the same time Jess said, “Nothing.”
“Ooh, but there’s definitely something.” Poppy smirked at Jess. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“One hundred percent.”
Cassie huffed out a breath. “Fine. Stay. Go. I don’t care what you do. But you should probably get Buddy out of the sun. It’s too hot and he’ll need a drink.”
“He could have a drink here.” He nudged Buddy to move forward.
“It’s too steep,” Cassie warned. “You need to be careful.”
Then, as if her words had lit a match, Buddy lowered his head to drink from the creek, and Harrison’s inattention triggered his clumsy genes again, and he tumbled off and landed in the creek with a splash.