“Auntie Cassie’s is the best, I think,” June said as Cassie put the cap back on the marker.
“I think so too,” I said as I turned the boot from side to side, studying Cassie’s drawing.
“I’m sure you do,” she mumbled, tossing the marker into my lap.
“These drawings kind of remind me of the drawings on your arm, Uncle J,” June said, pointing at my tattoos.
I extended my arm, admiring the sleeve of tattoos I had recently finished.
“They’re pretty close, huh, June Bug.”
“When did you get all those done anyways?” Cassie asked, looking them over.
“I started about two years ago, and just finished it about a month ago. My buddy recommended this guy in Great Falls. I just added to it little by little.”
“I want a tattoo,” June announced.
Cassie’s and my eyes went wide, looking at Colt and Ellie.
“Alright, that’s enough,” Ellie said, directing June to put away her art supplies and get ready for a trip to town to run errands.
“Can you take me to my truck, Colt? It’s still parked downtown,” I said, standing slowly, careful not to lose my balance.
“Yeah, I need to go to the feed store anyways,” Colt said, grabbing his hat and jacket off the hook by the front door.
I waddled to the door, pulling my jacket on as Colt opened it, a cool breeze rushing in.
Cassie snickered behind me as I waddled.
I turned quickly, wondering what was so funny.
She covered her mouth, trying her best to hide her laughter.
“What’s so funny, sugar?”
“Nothing,” she said, trying to keep a straight face.
“I’m waddling because of you, you know.” I shot her a look.
“I know. And I feel bad, I really do. It’s just funny seeing a tall cowboy with tattoos waddle around like a penguin.”
“So you like the tattoos, huh?” I winked at her.
“Get out,” she said, ushering me through the door, then closing it on me as I tipped my hat at her with a smoldering look.
Cassie Blake was going to be the death of me. Maybe figurativelyandliterally. Only time would tell.
Chapter 5 – Cassie
Fall in Silver Creek was my absolute favorite time of the year. Everything was so pretty. It made the Daily Grind even cozier than it normally was. When the retro coffee shop vibes I’d created blended with the cozy flannels and warm oranges of fall, it was absolute perfection.
This time of year was about to get even more special, because Colt and Ellie were getting married at the end of the month, and I was going to be the maid of honor. The only downside was that Jace was the best man, so we would have to walk down the aisle together. When Ellie broke the news to me, I told her I’d do anything she needed me to as long as Jace played nice. If he didn’t, I would kick him in the balls.
One of my favorite things to do in fall was paint the coffee shop windows with seasonal drawings.
For October, I liked to draw cute ghosts, candy corn, and witches with big eyes and smiles.
I changed it up a bit for November and drew pumpkins along the bottom of the windows with vines weaving in and out of them.
