The Cowboy Lassoes a Bride by Kate Pearce (free ebook reader txt) 📕

“Sure.” HW stepped back as Sam went by him and marched up the stairs. He touched Cam’s shoulder. “Are you sure everything is all right?”

Her smile was about as genuine as Sam’s. “Absolutely! Nothing to worry about at all!”

HW walked down the hall to the kitchen, and sat at the table where his grandma was reading the local newspaper and sipping tea.

“What’s wrong?” Ruth asked from behind the paper.

“I didn’t say anything was wrong,” HW objected.

“You’re sighing like someone let all the air out of your tires.” Ruth studied him over the top of the newspaper. “Is something up with Sam?”

“Ah, the million-dollar question,” HW muttered. “When isn’t there something wrong with Sam? She’s acting weird, and I don’t like it.”

“Have you asked her what’s going on?”

“Of course I have.” HW scowled at his grandma. “I’m not a complete idiot.”

“Could’ve fooled me.” Ruth set the paper aside. “Do you want me to talk to her?”

“No! Because then she’d know I was worried, and that would just make things worse. It always does.”

Ruth shook her head and tutted. “Why do you boys always make everything so complicated? Maybe she’s just a bit nervous about the wedding tomorrow.”

“It’s more than that,” HW said slowly. “I feel it in my gut.”

“Maybe you’re the one who is nervous and you’re overreacting?” Ruth met his gaze. “Getting married is a big commitment for both of you.”

HW let out another sigh. “I suppose Sam will let me know one way or the other at some point what the heck is going on.”

“I’m sure she will.” Ruth reached over and patted his hand. “She loves you very much, HW. Don’t forget that.”

* * *

“Hey, Sam!” January grinned as Sam and Cam came into her bedroom. She was sitting in a rocking chair close to the window nursing her son and looked so happy that Sam had to smile back at her. “Hope you don’t mind me feeding Chase William. The dress is hanging up in the bathroom. I washed and ironed it last night when no one was around, so feel free to try it on again.”

“Thanks.” Sam gestured at Cam, who was smiling fondly at the baby. “Why don’t you two chat about baby things while I put on the dress?”

“Okay, but give me a shout if you need any help with the fastenings,” Cam said.

“Will do.”

January had also put out the fancy petticoat that went under the dress, so Sam put that on first, and then the dress. She was a little taller than January so the length was perfect for her. She checked herself out in the full-length mirror on the back of the closet door. The dress fitted her nicely, it didn’t drag on the floor, it was white, and it would do just fine. She wasn’t going to waste another second bemoaning the fate of her first choice, which had actually been her second choice, because she was being practical and frugal.

“Come and show us!” January called out.

“Okay.” Sam walked out into the sitting area where her two friends awaited her. “Ta-da!”

“It’s very nice, Sam.” January nodded. “You look better in it than I did. Your coloring is much more striking in white.”

“Thanks.” Sam took a few experimental steps. She had left her boots downstairs but guessed the tips would just show beneath the skirt, which suited her just fine.

“HW is going to be blown away,” January said happily.

“I hope not,” Sam cracked back. “Can I leave the dress here with you, and come and get changed in here tomorrow?”

“I was just going to suggest the exact same thing.” January beamed at her as she expertly patted the baby’s back, impressing Sam with the loudness of Chase William’s burp. She wasn’t used to being around babies and would now be an official auntie to this one, and to BB’s teenage daughter, Maria. “This is the biggest room, so we can all get changed in here.”

Sam carefully hung the dress back on the hanger and stepped out of the petticoat, mentally reviewing all the other things she needed to bring with her before she married HW. Avery had arranged for someone to come in and do the hair and makeup, and Daisy was bringing the flowers. Was there anything else she’d forgotten?

“My parents!” Sam shrieked, startling the baby and making his lower lip quiver.

“What about them?” Cam asked.

“They’ll be arriving here at the ranch around four o’clock, and I haven’t checked in with them!”

January handed the baby off to Cam and came over to pat Sam’s back. “It’s all good. I spoke to them this morning. They have directions, they are on their way, and looking forward to seeing you.”

“Thank goodness for that,” Sam exhaled. “With all the drama over the dress I completely forgot about my family.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” January joked. “I coordinate things. We’re hosting a dinner over at the guest center tonight for all the guests who are staying at the ranch. You are coming, right?”

“Of course!” Sam nodded as though she hadn’t completely forgotten about that as well. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“We can run through our plans for the actual wedding at the dinner, make sure everyone knows what time the ceremony and reception are taking place, and where they are sitting.”

January sounded so calm and competent that Sam wanted to hug her, so she did.

“Thanks for doing all this.”

“You’re going to be part of our family.” January hugged her back. “We love you. And don’t forget to bring everything with you tonight so you and Cam can sleep over in one of the guest cabins.”

“I’ll get her organized, don’t worry,” Cam chimed in as she handed the baby back to his mother.

Sam smiled dubiously at Chase William and received a toothless grin in return. From what she had seen, he was a very happy baby who didn’t cry much, but that might be because so many helpful pairs of hands and so much love surrounded him.

“Did