Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4
S o far, they had only experienced minor glitches with the wedding party. Little things that she’d quickly taken care of. Their guests seemed to be enjoying themselves and she hoped that tonight they’d love decorating the big tree in the barn.
It just seemed like a very Christmasy thing to do, and she had even set up the speaker system to play carols while they decorated. For tomorrow afternoon, Tara had arranged a sleigh ride and after that night there would be a Christmas movie with hot chocolate and popcorn.
When this week was over, she was bringing in a masseuse for all the female employees for working so hard to make this a success.
It was dinnertime and she walked through the dining room smiling at their guests.
When she reached the bride- and groom-to-be, she stopped. “Congratulations, you two. We’re so excited for you.”
“Samantha, you promised me that everything would be set up when we arrived,” the bridezilla said lifting her glass of wine and scowling.
If all brides acted like she did, they would be out of business in no time.
“The altar has been made exactly like you requested. If you want to see it tomorrow, I’m sure Tara would love to show it to you, but we didn’t want it sitting in the barn where everyone could see it. Saturday afternoon before you take your wedding photos, it will be set up in the barn. But until then, it’s behind closed doors so no one will see it until the right time.”
The woman blinked, a frown appearing on her face. Was that not what she wanted?
“Oh, that sounds good. It will be a surprise for everyone,” she said.
“Yes,” Samantha said. “If you want to see it, ask Tara.”
“I’ll do that,” she said with a decisive nod.
“Enjoy your evening,” she said, hoping to escape before she complained about something else.
“We’re decorating the Christmas tree? That’s the adult activity you planned?”
Who didn’t enjoy decorating for Christmas?
“Yes, we thought all of you would enjoy decorating the tree that will be where your wedding will be held.”
“I don’t want a bunch of crappy decorations. No paper streamers that kids cut out.”
Did the woman think she was a total idiot? “Of course not. We choose very high-end decorations. Ones with a bride and a groom and then other white and silver balls. We even have white lace bows so that it looks like a tree decorated for a bride and groom.”
“Oh,” she said. “My colors are pink and white. Did you include any pink decorations?”
Tara had worked so hard to find the perfect decorations.
“Of course,” she said, wondering if the woman was going to be difficult all weekend long. But then again, she’d been difficult from the time they took her on as a client.
She stood there waiting to see if there was anything else.
“Tonight we’re going to serve cookies with your name and wedding date on them,” she told her.
That at least brought a smile to her face. As long as everything was centered around her, things would go well.
“Have a great evening,” she said and rushed away. The next time she saw Tara, they would need to have a talk about how difficult their bride was going to be. They needed her to leave happy and she wasn’t certain that was going to be possible. And even worse, she felt sorry for her groom, who had watched her and she saw him roll his eyes.
This couple could have some serious problems in their future.
When walking around the tables, she saw him.
Cameron.
At the sight of his handsome face, her heart gave an extra little beat. What was it about him that attracted her so?
“Good evening,” he said.
“Hello,” she replied. “How was dinner?”
“Excellent,” he replied. “You’re going to be lucky I don’t try to steal your cook and sneak her off to the Burnett Dude Ranch. Our cook is excellent, but she’s pregnant.”
Why did that ranch sound familiar? Then she remembered when she was researching ways to earn additional money, she’d seen their website. A big spread down in Texas where families could spend time riding horses, fishing, skeet shooting, and even participating in a rodeo.
She grinned. “Oh no, you don’t. I just found Emily eight months ago and I’m not about to give her up. She’s very good.””
“Well, I don’t think my cousin’s wife would like sharing her kitchen with anyone, but she does have a baby about ten months old and I’ve heard rumors that baby number two will be arriving in the summer.”
Someday she wanted a husband and children of her own. Someday, after she’d helped to save the ranch.
“Congratulations,” she said.
“Yes, and that’s why I worry about us needing another cook,” he said.
“I’d love to hear more about the Burnett Ranch,” she replied.
It was odd that Francesca had not held her wedding at Cameron’s ranch since he was her friend.
“Sit down,” he said.
There was an empty chair on the other side of him. She glanced around to make certain everything was going as planned. Dinner was over and the tables were being cleared by the staff.
She could spare a few moments, and besides, she wanted to learn more about Cameron.
“I can only stay a few moments. Tara is in charge of the tree decorating tonight and I need to help her.”
“Tree decorating?”
“Yes, the wedding party is going to decorate the tree that will be near the altar for their wedding. Why didn’t Francesca have her wedding at your ranch? You’re friends after all.”
The man smiled at her and warmth filled her.
“She wanted a white wedding with snow on the ground. We couldn’t guarantee her snow, so she looked elsewhere.”
“We have plenty of snow this time of year,” she said. “But tell me about the Burnett Ranch. I think our families probably started their spreads about the same time.”
“Yes, we were started in, I think, 1876.”
“My great-great-great-great-grandfather laid claim to this land before Montana was a state,” she said, an ache building in her heart. What if they lost the ranch?
She could barely stop the tears welled in her eyes. “This place means a lot to me,” she said.
Reaching out, he took her hand and her pulse jumped. She liked the way he made her feel.
“Yes, I understand the feeling. Is it just you and your brother? No cousins?”
“No, it’s just us and my cousin who is the bookkeeper,” she said. “Most of the family didn’t want to continue ranching, but I can’t imagine living any other way.”
A big grin spread across his face and he leaned in close to her. “Me either. I’ve lived in the city and I always go home to the ranch as soon as possible.”
Samantha thought of her years away at school and she realized he was right.
“Me too. When I’m here, I’m at peace. It’s like this is where I belong. My father always thought I’d marry and move away, but I don’t know. Every day I doubt that more and more.”
His thumb rubbed the back of her hand caressing her flesh and it was soothing.
“Our ranch is run by a board of directors that consists of all my cousins. There are twelve of us and we’re closer than most brothers and sisters. And then I have two brothers. Aunt Rose is the director and she runs a tight ship. You don’t mess with the captain unless you want to get burned.”
How nice to have family to help make the right decisions. Her father had always been the captain of their ship and until two years before his death things had been fine.
“Your aunt sounds like she’s a real character,” she said.
“You have no idea. She never married and she knows where every penny is spent on that ranch,” he said.
Had her father been like that? There was so much she didn’t know about their accounting and her brother was not one to tell them unless it was bad news. Lately it had only been bad news.
“What’s it like running a dude ranch?”
He gave a little laugh. “We do very well. But the summers are busy. The guests can be tiring, and well, I’d like to expand into something more for adults. I like the idea of a place where couples can get away. A place where they can ride horses, get massages, quiet dinners, and time for them to spend together.”
That sounded wonderful. She’d like to go there as soon as this wedding was over.
“The Burnett Ranch doesn’t offer that?”
“No, we’re a family-oriented place,” he said. “But I’m building my own business. I’m looking for ranches with little cottages or even homes for couples. I’ve already bought one and now I’m looking at some other properties that would work.”
A trickle of alarm spread through her.
“Well, we’re not for sale,” she said. “Besides, we’re getting into weddings to help pay the bills.”
He glanced down at their hands that were still joined.
“I better go. I need to help Tara set up the Christmas tree decorating,” she said, pulling her hand from his and rising from the chair. “Before the wedding, I’d like to talk to you some more about how the Burnett Dude Ranch is successful. What are your plans for tomorrow?”
With a shrug, he gazed up at her. “I think I’m going horseback riding.”
“Be careful, Mr. Burnett,” she said. “Riding in the snow is much different from riding in Texas. Don’t go too far. Besides, we are expecting a storm in the next few days.”
“I’ll be careful,” he said. “Please call me, Cameron.”
It was better that she called him Mr. Burnett. It kept a wall between them, but she really didn’t want that wall there.
“Cameron, take one of the hands with you,” she replied. “That way you won’t get lost. Everything looks the same when it’s covered in snow.”
“Of course,” he said. “And let’s talk again. We obviously share a common love for our ranches.”
Maybe that was what drew her to him. Because she loved the Mistletoe Ranch. She’d do everything in her power to save this land she loved.
“I’d like that,” she replied as she walked away.
Glancing about the room, she didn’t see her brother. Where was Edward? This was the most important week of their life and yet, she seldom saw him helping. And tonight he was nowhere in the room. Once again, he’d disappeared.