Chapter Fifteen #2
“We are getting to know the real us…or the real me…it is not the usual getting to know someone. But it’s nice and that’s all you are getting.”
“You can’t leave it at that.”
“Oh yes I can. Because I recall standing in this very kitchen a couple years ago and I did the same thing to you and you did not give me anything. Not fun, is it?”
“What’s not fun?” Matthew entered followed by Cole with a platter of meat patties. He sat it on the cabinet where Cassie indicated.
“Nothing brother,” Tori answered, “but you can take out the condiments while I take the potato salad. Cole, would you keep an eye on the baked beans and tell Cassie when ready? Those tears are from the onions and nothing else by the way. Cassie never did understand how to cut onions.” She and Matthew were gone.
Cole looked at Cassie and she wiped a tear off her cheek. Then they both burst out laughing. “My sister is not very subtle. Sorry about that,” Cassie said.
Cole nodded. “I think I have an uncle like that, too. Are the beans done, do you think?” He peered inside the oven.
She did the same. “I think they’re good. Just set them on the cabinet on that hot pad.” He followed instructions. Cole nodded. “I see the kids are finding something to talk about and they might be teaching Emmie how to play cornhole.”
Cassie joined him at the sink and looked at the group through the window. “It’s nice to see that. I am glad you all could come over. And by the way, the flowers are gorgeous. It was a lovely surprise to arrive and find them waiting. It meant a lot.”
“I’m glad.” And shoulder to shoulder at the sink, he moved in for a kiss and she did not stop him.
Giggles did. They drew apart to find Emmie and Jillie watching from the doorway. “Sorry, Dad,” Emmie spoke up. “But Cassie, could I hold your kitten? Jillie said you had one.”
“Sure, sweetie, she is in her box in the laundry room. But after you both do that, let her rest the remainder of the afternoon. She is just a little one still.”
“Thanks!” They headed for the side porch and the laundry room.
“Busted,” he said, and they both laughed.
“Are we ready to eat?” Matthew stuck his head in the door. “I’m starving.”
“We are bringing out the rest. Make yourself useful and take drink orders,” Cassie instructed.
The afternoon was pretty perfect in her estimation.
It was her first ever dinner party so to speak.
The guests seemed to enjoy themselves and each other.
There was a good combination of talking and laughter and lots of food.
To her disappointment though, Cole and Uncle Joe and Emmie had to leave first. There was a problem with one of the prize bulls and Cole wanted to be there with the foreman and vet.
She walked them to the door, said goodbye and hugged Emmie and Joe.
They headed to the pickup. Cole pulled on his hat and looked none too pleased himself.
“I’m sorry about the problem at the ranch. It seems to worry you a bit.”
“It is a problem, but that is not why I look like this. I hate leaving such a good party.”
She smiled. “Thanks for that. I’m glad it was a hit with you.”
“I hate leaving because of you . You know that or you should. I enjoy being around you. And if you don’t mind the audience watching us from the driveway, I don’t.”
She shook her head. “I don’t mind at all.” He dipped his head and the kiss was worth the wait. Even though it came with an audience.
Cole gave a deep sigh as he stepped away. “I know when I need to be on my way. I’ll call you.”
She waved as the truck pulled out of the drive.
“Yep, I think she’s got it bad.” Her brother made the comment as he brought in the platters of empty dishes.
“I told you so. We might get another wedding before the end of the year here in the garden.”
She threw a shrewd look at her sister. “You both need hobbies other than my personal life.
And that is what each of you have said to me over the years so turnabout is fair play.”
“Want to make a wager to make it interesting?” he asked his eldest sister.
“On a date?” she asked.
“Winner gets breakfast for a week at Miz Sue’s Café.”
“You got it. Shake.” They did.
“You both are childish. I am ignoring you.” She left them to the dishes, but a small smile creased her mouth as the thought was both amusing and oddly pleasant.
Cole liked her. And she had a feeling that it might be more than just a little.
She hoped so because she had only fallen harder than before being with him again… as their real selves.
*
Emmie had gone up to bed. Uncle Joe was headed to the door to go home. Cole walked him out to the porch.
“I’m proud of you, nephew.” The words came as a surprise.
“What brought that up?”
“You took my advice about romance and the words, opening that relationship again. And it does my heart good to see how you both laugh and look at each other when you think no one else is looking. I remember those days with your aunt. And I am thankful I have them again with Katie. You don’t let her get away from you. She’s a keeper. Good night.”
Cole watched the taillights until they disappeared from view.
Seemed everyone was so sure that the future saw them together.
Granted he did, too. Sometimes. He remembered the things she had said.
How she had done her job. How driven she had been in doing the right thing to help people.
And now all of that came to a halt. She enjoyed being in her new job, she said.
And she enjoyed being around her family.
But what happened when that became complacent…
the norm? When things got boring? Would he be enough?
Would Emmie or Uncle Joe or any of them when it came to the adventure and the adrenaline rush?
To see different parts of the country, different people?
How would they measure up? That was the dark cloud he felt building on their horizon.
How could he bring her into their lives…
into Emmie’s life…after all the child had lost already? The night darkened.