"Barb and some of the girls in wardrobe were talking to Cameron about it. They wanted to have a little wrap party. And we got two scenes yesterday, so we'll be finishing up today. We're only working with a small crew, but I think they're inviting others. Cameron said she called some of the other cast. Judd said they're buying food and drinks for eighty."
"Whoa."
"Yeah. I wasn't planning on it, but the crew here wants it. We still have some scenes to film in California, so I didn't even consider a wrap party, but yeah, I think the Sutters wanted to see us off, too. We'll build a fire and… anyway, I know you were planning on coming this afternoon either way. I just wanted to let you know that'll be going on."
"Well, tell Cameron to text me if she forgets anything at the store. I'll bring it with me. I'll probably leave here at about three. Do you want me to mention it to Audrey?"
"I'm glad you said that. I was going to tell you to tell Audrey and Lu about it. Cameron has Audrey's number. She may have let her know already. Is she in the back?"
"No, it was her day off. I'm proud of her. She read to Lu for an hour before bed last night, I think I told you that. But then she planned a hike for them this morning. They were so cute with their little backpacks. I'm happy for them."
"That's amazing. Make sure she knows about tonight, if she's not too tired from the hike. Lu can come, too."
"Yep, I'll tell her. I'm sure she'll want to come."
***
The series would be six episodes long, and four and a half of those episodes were filmed in Montana. A lot had happened in the last two months. I had been working part-time with my sister while helping Lu adjust to being back home.
Alex's project was a tremendous undertaking, and it was amazing to witness it coming together. I went to the ranch quite a bit and did anything I could to help them out while he filmed. Cameron put me to work whenever I went onto the set. I had become close with both her and Judd, and I could now understand why Alex gave them so much credit. They were both good artists who brought their skills selflessly to Alex's project.
Relationships had been developed. I loved all of these people now. I especially loved Alex. Everyone here loved each other. New friendships sprang up all over the place, and there were even a few other relationships besides Alex and me that had blossomed. I had heard things and seen enough light PDA on set to know that Alex and I were not alone. I had seen a bit of it just a second ago, on my left.
We were sitting at the campfire now. We ate a meal together, and now everyone was gathered around, hanging out and telling stories.
"Give us a speech, Alex!" Judd said from across the way.
My gaze shifted to the group, and I noticed that they agreed, staring and nodding at Alex, who was sitting on my right.
"Speech, speech, speech!"
The chant only went on for a few seconds before Alex nodded and stood up.
"I can't believe you guys can stand the sound of my voice anymore after the last two months." There were whistles and hollers, and I bit my lip to hide a smile because I knew they loved Alex. "I know I've said it to you all as individuals, but it's good to be able to stand here and look at you all so I can say it again. Thank you. I am humbled and honored that you would all give of your time and resources to be here and help with this. It's so much bigger than me. I could never, ever have done this without you guys. You should all be proud of what we've done here. I'm pumped about finishing it, and I'm just so thankful for the amazing work we've done here. You guys are my family. It feels like it after these weeks together. Thank you so much. I have amazing footage to go through. Here's to Paths Crossing!"
"To Paths Crossing!" everyone said back to him.
Judd stood up and interjected before anyone could toast, and he gave a short speech about what an honor it had been to be a part of the project.
Everyone repeated,"To Alex!"after Judd said it, and then we lifted our cups and drank.
The sound of the voices combined, the unity of it all, had hot tears springing to my eyes.
We were at the campfire for another half-hour or so, talking and laughing with everyone.
Eventually, my sister came up behind me, and I turned to talk to her.
"I'm going to head back home in twenty minutes," she said.
I rode with her since we both had work in the morning. Alex had asked me to spend the night earlier, but I had no clothes with me and I had to work. I told him I would head back with Audrey and Lu when they left for home. I didn't want to leave, but I knew we needed to. Alex turned to me and put his hand on my leg after she walked away.
"Let's go in Wagon One for a second," he said, speaking quietly enough that I was the only one to hear.
I gave him a nod and followed his lead when he stood up. I heard him say something to Cameron and the others about going to get something for me before I leave, but I thought he was just making an excuse.
"I'm giving you that fabric you wanted out of Wagon One," he said to me as we walked.
"Oh, no, it's okay."
