“What are you thinking for this one?” Andy leaned over her shoulder, his dark eyes curious as he pointed at a sketch of a summer dress. “Something light?”
“Exactly,” Cassie said, nodding. “A soft cotton, maybe with little floral patterns. Perfect for the warm weather.”
“Sounds lovely,” Andy replied, his interest genuine. He wasn’t a man of many words, but when it came to her work, he always had something encouraging to say.
“Thanks,” she smiled, selecting a bolt of fabric in a delicate shade of blue. “This one will do nicely.”
Outside the window, Andy returned to the vastness of their land, his figure growing smaller as he moved farther away. The sun beat down on his back while he checked the cattle, ensuring they were well-fed and content. His days were long, filled with the tasks required to keep the ranch running—from mending broken fences to mapping out expansion plans.
“Need any help with that fence later?” Cassie called out as Andy passed by the shop again, a toolbox in hand.
“Got it under control, but thanks!” Andy’s voice carried back to her, steady and sure.
“All right then,” she murmured to herself, her hands deftly laying out the pattern pieces onto the fabric, ready to be cut.
CASSIE SET THE DINNERtable with a simple grace, placing utensils next to plates heaped with steaming roasted chicken and fresh vegetables from the garden. The aroma filled the cozy kitchen, promising warmth and nourishment after a day’s hard work. Andy walked in just as she was pouring two glasses of water, his dark hair tousled from the wind outside.
“Something smells heavenly,” Andy said, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the meal.
“Your favorite,” Cassie replied, her blue eyes twinkling. “I figured you’d be famished after wrangling fences all day.”
“Can’t argue with that logic,” he chuckled, taking his seat. They ate in comfortable silence for a few moments, savoring the food and each other’s company.
“Your new dress design,” Andy began, breaking the quiet with genuine curiosity, “how’s it coming along?”
“Better than I hoped,” Cassie answered with a satisfied smile. “I think the ladies in town will adore the lace trimmings.”
“Can’t wait to see it. Maybe you’ll start a fashion revolution out here,” he teased, winking at her.
“Perhaps,” Cassie laughed, shaking her head at the thought. “But only if you manage to turn this ranch into the empire you’re dreaming of.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Andy said, reaching across the table to give her hand a quick squeeze.
Their laughter faded into the soft clinking of cutlery as they finished their meal. When the last bite was taken, they lingered at the table, neither in a rush to return to their separate tasks.
“Speaking of dreams,” Cassie ventured cautiously, “we need to talk about how we’re handling things around here.”
“Sure thing,” Andy nodded, giving her his full attention. “What’s on your mind?”
“Well, I can manage the dressmaking just fine,” Cassie started, “but I want to make sure you don’t feel like I’m neglecting...us.”
“Hey now,” Andy interjected gently, “you took on a big challenge, and you’re doing great. As for me and the ranch,” he said, “we’re holding up just fine. We’re partners, Cassie, remember? In business and in life.”
“Partners,” she said, the word solidifying something deep within her. “So we’re agreed then? You focus on the cattle and the land, and I’ll take care of the dresses and our home.”
“Agreed,” Andy confirmed. “And we help each other out whenever needed. That’s what marriage is about, right?”
“Right,” Cassie affirmed, warmth spreading through her at the solidity of their arrangement.
CASSIE TUGGED AT ANDY’Shand, a fresh breeze playing with the loose strands of her blond hair. “Let’s take a break,” she said, eyes twinkling. “The prairie won’t go anywhere.”
“All right then, if you say so.” Andy replied, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.
They left the hum of the sewing machine and the creaking of the ranch gates behind, stepping into the vast expanse of wildflowers and tall grasses. As they walked, their hands remained intertwined, anchoring them in silent companionship. The sun cast a warm glow on the landscape, turning the distant mountains into silhouettes of pure gold.
“Look there,” Cassie pointed toward a cluster of deer grazing near a stream, her blue eyes reflecting the simple beauty of the moment.
Andy followed her gaze, nodding appreciatively. “This land...it’s something else.”
