Chapter 18 #2
“The only way we’ve found to keep her from running our lives twenty-four seven,” Brooke said as she slipped her fingers into Mack’s.
“I’d say she’s harmless, but that would be a lie.” Mack grinned down at Brooke. “Ready to go home?”
“Absolutely.” Her smile lit the room. “It would be a joy.”
“Pass me another decoration.” Sasha squatted on the tall stool to grab the bright red balloon Charity held up to her. “The place is looking cheerful.”
Charity turned, eyeing the open area of the indoor arena and walkway with a critical expression. “It’s less barn-y than before, and a lot more room than we’d have celebrating Dustin’s birthday in our cottage.”
“Yeah, the family’s gotten too big for everyone to drop in on you anymore.
Especially when you add Cody and Fern to the party.
” Sasha pinned the balloon in place, attached a streamer, then twisted until the bright yellow was looped just right.
One more pin, reaching to the edge of her fingertips, then she dropped to the ground. “All done.”
Charity nodded in approval. “We’ll pop up the tables next, then I can decorate those while you set up the playpens and kids’ area. Sound good?”
“Can do.”
They didn’t have to carry the folding tables far. Dustin had gotten them out of storage earlier in the day and stacked them against the wall nearest to where they were needed.
“I appreciate you giving up your afternoon off to help me decorate,” Charity said as they unfolded legs and snapped the locks into place before flipping the table upright.
“It’s hardly an afternoon off when Tucker only put me on half days this visit to Silver Stone,” Sasha returned.
Charity went silent for a minute as they worked, so when she did speak it was an eye opener.
“You’re going to take on Crooked Creek, aren’t you?”
Sasha stilled. “I haven’t said anything one way or the other—”
“You just told me that you’re working half days this visit to Silver Stone.” Charity curled her arms around her body, head tilted as she considered. “You don’t often misspeak, so I figure you’ve decided and been prepping yourself for the change.”
Sasha sighed. “You’re too smart.”
“Smart enough to kick myself in the butt,” Charity offered in a low tone. Her smile twisted into regret. “I’m the dumbass who pointed out that you were a brilliant solution for the whole heir/family legacy problem.”
A laugh burst free before Sasha could stop it. “Of course you were.”
“But if you’re going, it has to be said. Damn, I’m going to miss you.” Charity rounded the table and caught Sasha in a big hug. “You’re just the right age to be more than a niece. I like doing things with you, and so does Dustin.”
Sasha’s throat tightened. “That’s not going to stop just because I’m taking some new steps forward.” It was her turn to make a face. “Okay, it will change some stuff, but honestly? It’s going to be okay.”
They squeezed each other tightly for another moment then broke apart.
Charity nodded. “It will be okay, and I stand by my original suggestion because I think you’re the right answer. But you better plan on making lots of trips north on a regular basis.”
“Already got that covered,” Sasha promised then wrinkled her nose.
“Or I will, once I officially discuss with the powers that be what I’d like to do.
” She shook a finger at Charity. “So keep your secret-breaking smartness to yourself for a few more hours. I planned to talk to them tonight during the party and then let everyone know in the morning.”
“You didn’t want to interrupt Dustin’s party, but honestly, if you get details squared away sooner, he won’t mind you sharing tonight.
” Charity headed to the next table to resume their work.
“Everyone in the family is waiting to hear what you’ve decided.
It would be an early Christmas present to have the uncertainty put away. ”
“Makes sense.” Sasha lifted and flipped, placing the table firmly on its feet before giving Charity a big smile. “Too bad there’s no good name like Bruncle for you. Sister and auntie don’t combine nearly as well as brother and uncle.”
“Sauntie? Auntsy?” Charity snorted. “Yeah, not good.”
They got the party area set up in plenty of time for Sasha to take a run back to the main ranch house and get dressed up a little. Nothing too fancy, but more festive than showing up in her jeans and work shirt.
She was pulling a brush through her hair and debating leaving it down when Emma flounced into the room. “Yo.”
“Yo-yo,” Sasha twisted to face her. “Need something?”
Emma flopped on the bed, limbs askew in a most unlikely Emma position. “I’m booooored.”
“Ha, don’t let Mom hear you say that.”
Her sister half lifted her head to toss a grin at Sasha then let it fall back again. “That’s why I came here to complain. I’m not silly.”
“Just whiny.”
Emma lifted a hand and raised her middle finger.
It was one of those days, was it? Sasha put down her brush, took a flying run, and landed hard enough on the mattress to make Emma bounce.
“Hey. Watch it,” Emma warned, but it was too late. Sasha had her pinned in place and was tickling her unmercifully.
“Oh my God, not the ribs. Sasha,” Emma’s words vanished into shrieks and uncontrollable laughter.
Her sister gave as good as she got, and by the time the two of them tapped out officially, hands to the mattress three times, Sasha was winded and happy and sad, all at the same time.
They lay on the mattress, side by side, panting as they stared at the ceiling.
Changes were good, weren’t they? Hard, but good, and damn it, she wasn’t going to cry at the thought of leaving Emma and Tyler, behind…
“When you’re gone, it’s like a toothache.” Emma said the words quietly. “It hurts, and then I get used to it. Then I see something that I want to share with you or tell you, and it flares up again.”
Sasha caught her sister’s fingers in her own. “I know.”
Emma twisted her head until she met Sasha’s gaze. “But you need to do this, so I’ll be okay.”
Had everyone figured out Sasha’s plans? Or had they known before she had?
“I’ll be here lots,” Sasha promised. “And you’ll come out to Crooked Creek as well.”
“All summer,” Emma agreed. “And anytime I can.”
“Except not all the time because you need to enjoy the rest of your grade twelve year,” Sasha warned. “And you need to be here for Tyler. And Mom and Dad.”
“I know.” Emma laughed softly. “It’s funny. Thinking about taking care of them seems like such a grown-up thing, and yet it’s right, you know? Like it’s the next thing I’m supposed to learn.”
“I know.” Sasha popped to her feet. “Now I need to go find Dad and Uncle Frank and make it official before the entire family figures out what I’m supposed to do.”
“Slacker,” Emma teased. “Get on that.”
Sasha blew her sister a kiss then marched out to the kitchen, ready to shove her feet into her boots, pull on her coat, and head out to the barn.
Her mom stood at the island, putting the final touches on Dustin’s birthday cake.
Sasha walked up beside her then snickered. “Looks great. The plastic horse looks like Molasses, but green icing for the grass outside the arena is what really makes it.”
“Dustin made a joke about how he missed the themed birthday cakes he used to get, so I thought I’d oblige.” Tamara put down her spatula then unexpectedly enfolded Sasha in a hug. She didn’t say anything, just held on for the longest time, and Sasha’s throat got tight all over again.
“Am I that easy to read?” Sasha forced out.
“No,” Tamara assured her. “And yes.” She pulled back, her own eyes watery. “I’ve been your mom for a long time now. You’ve got tells.”
“Not leaving forever,” Sasha assured her.
“You’re not; I know that.” Tamara wiped at her eyes then smiled softly. “Go talk to your dad and Uncle Frank. You can get this sewn up in the next half hour before the rest of the family arrives for the party.”
“Okay.” Sasha caught her mom for one last hug. “I love you.”