Chapter 56 Lucy
Everything’s led up to today. The set up went smoothly, tents with red and white stripes dot the area Reese and Mason roped off for the carnival. Booths for ticket sales, a huge tent for the bake sale and silent auction.
Staying on the ranch has been a dream, everything’s within reach, and everyone has been more than welcoming. Driving to the diner wasn’t as inconvenient as I initially thought, especially if I make sure the dough is ready the day before.
Volunteers are flooding in, helping to set the remainder of the smaller games together. The energy is palpable, everyone’s hoping this turns out well. I’ve got to shower and get ready before Indy shows, how I managed to keep her away is a miracle.
“I’m heading to pick up the cakes with Maxine, are you sure you don’t need anythin’ else?” Reese asks, catching me across the waist as I enter the house.
With a sharp squeal, I swat his chest. “I’m sure.”
His kiss lands on my lips and I soak it in, tonight’s going to be amazing and I can’t wait to see what we bring in for the Turner family.
“Are you nervous?” He asks, looking down for any hint that I’m stressed.
“A little,” I admit. “It’s normal, I don’t know how it’s gonna go tonight.”
“You’ve plastered the internet and town with flyers. Plus, I’ve heard chatter at the rodeo, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
His confidence in me sets my nerves at ease.
“I’m takin’ Jare with me, we’re gonna pick up Mama and Yates on the way back,” his smile tugs at my heart. Only a couple months ago I never would have thought they’d be doing things together voluntarily, now look at them.
He kisses me once more before walking out the door and hollering for Jarrett. I move about the house as if I’m a permanent fixture. I know where everything is, how Reese likes his morning coffee, how he eats at the chow house with his crew for almost every meal.
I’ve slowly started placing a few of my things here and there throughout the house, and no one’s seemed to mind. Like I’m meshing with the flow of the household and not disrupting it.
Everything I use is in the shower, and I take my time, running through the list of things I need to do once Indy arrives. I know she’ll be excited, but understandably nervous. This has got to be perfect for her, everything in order, nothing out of place.
After I shower, dry off, and fix my hair, I throw on the dress Reese and I found one day in the city.
We had to pick up the things we couldn’t get locally, and there was a display at the mall with the perfect dress for tonight.
The store didn’t have any more in my size, so Reese, being the perfect fucking man, bought the one right off the mannequin.
It glides over my body, and buttons up the front, the shoulders hang off my shoulders slightly. The cherry print’s cute but minimal. It’s soft and flowy, hitting my knees. I pair it with some red boots I’ve only worn a few times, and wrap a red bandana in my hair.
There’s a knock on the front door at six p.m. sharp.
Indy has perfect manners and is never late.
Running to open the door, she whistles and I do a spin for her.
She’s also dressed up in her finest jeans with no holes, and a new t-shirt with her farm’s logo.
Her hair’s down in its natural pin straight state and I swat her ass as she walks in.
“Look at you lookin’ all spiffy,” I tease.
She rolls her eyes and looks around the house.
It’s pretty simple as far as houses go, but we hardly spend much time inside.
Mostly we’re outside on the back patio, or doing something on the ranch.
Reese has helped me sow seeds in my new garden, and we added a few rows of peony bulbs around the patio.
I think my favorite thing is going to be the new greenhouse he’s talked to Heath about building out here for the flowers I can’t grow all year.
“You ready for tonight?” She asks, worrying the ends of her hair. A nervous habit she’s always had.
Looping my arm in hers, we walk together out the door toward the area where the carnival’s taking place. She eyes everything, her face turning splotchy as tears form.
“Don’t cry, Goose.” I wipe away the tears ready to fall before they can.
“I can’t believe you did all this for us.” She hiccups, pulling me into her arms and squeezing me tight.
“I told you I would make this happen,” I mutter into her shoulder.
“I knew you could… I just… It’s only…” she looks around and wipes at her eyes, lost for thought.
“This is important, and I didn’t want you to stress.”
She takes a big breath and turns back to me. Grabbing my hands, she holds them tight and smiles, “You sure you aren’t into women? Because I’d fight Mr. Rodeo Man for you right now.”
We both fall into a fit of laughter and head further into the crowd.
As we walk around and I explain the things she didn’t know were going to be here, her eyes stay teary, but she doesn’t let them fall.
Reese’s truck rumbles into the field where we’ve designated parking, and I can’t help the wide smile from forming.
“I’m happy for you, Buttercup.”
“Your turn next, Goose.”
Turning to find her staring at me, we laugh and hug before heading over to help unload the sweets. Once they’re ready, we’re officially ready to open and my nerves skyrocket.