“Let us help,” Deborah replied with a serene certainty that seemed to quiet some of Cassie’s fears. “We’re family, and that’s what families do.”
IN THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED, Deborah took action. She gathered their sisters together, each of them brimming with the kind of enthusiasm that could light up the darkest of nights.
“Girls,” Deborah said, “Cassie needs us. Let’s throw a party for her and the baby—a real celebration of new beginnings.”
One by one, the sisters offered up their talents. Amy baked her famous pies despite Cassie’s protestations—she may hate to bake, but she never said no to a slice of apple pie. Brenda’s knack for organization meant invitations were sent out quicker than a jackrabbit. Erna, always the life of the party, plotted games that had everyone chuckling just at the thought.
“Judy can help me with the sewing,” Cassie suggested, feeling her spirits lift with each passing moment.
“Of course she can,” said Deborah. “And we’ll make sure everything’s perfect.”
As preparations for the party unfolded, the house buzzed with the warmth of shared effort and laughter. Cassie found herself swept up in the joy, her worries easing as she saw the love her sisters poured into every detail.
“Looks like you’re getting your wish,” Deborah whispered to her during a quiet moment, both sisters watching as Hannah tied ribbons along the porch railings. “A family and a business.”
Cassie linked her arm through Deborah’s, squeezing gently. “Thanks to you all, I think I just might.”
As Cassie greeted guests and accepted well-wishes, she knew that with her sisters by her side, she could indeed have it all—a family, a business, and a community that felt like home.
CASSIE STOOD IN THEdoorway, her hand resting on the small swell of her belly, watching as a room once empty now brimmed with love and anticipation. The nursery was ready thanks to her sisters’ tireless work during the party. Each corner held traces of their affection; a quilt sewn by Amy, stuffed animals crafted by Hannah, and a mobile of carved wooden birds that Erna had whittled during long winter evenings.
“Looks like this little one’s going to be well looked after,” Brenda said, gesturing around the room with a grin. Cassie’s heart swelled with gratitude, her eyes misting over.
“Y’all have done so much already,” Cassie replied, her voice thick with emotion.
“Stuff and nonsense,” Imogene chimed in from behind, her hands firmly planted on her hips. “You’re our sister, Cassie. This is what family does.”
“Besides,” Jane added, carrying a basket filled with colorful spools of thread, “we’re not finished yet. We’re all pitching in with the dresses. You’ll meet your orders with time to spare.”
“Really?” Cassie’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“Absolutely,” Deborah confirmed with a nod. “We’ve got your back, Cassie.”
“Thank you,” Cassie whispered, her words barely audible but heavy with sincerity.
The clatter of wood on wood drew Cassie’s attention to the porch the next morning. She stepped outside, the cool March air nipping at her cheeks, to find a beautifully crafted cradle sitting right there by her doorstep. Its sturdy oak frame was polished to a shine, and atop it fluttered a sky-blue ribbon that caught the early sunlight.
Gail’s handiwork, no doubt. Cassie didn’t even need to see the familiar bold strokes of Gail’s knife on the wood or the way the cradle was engineered to rock just right. It was all Gail—practical and made to last a lifetime.
“Isn’t it just wonderful?” breathed Faith, who had come up beside her.
“It’s perfect,” Cassie murmured, reaching out to let the ribbon tickle her fingers. “Gail’s outdone herself.”
“Always does,” Faith agreed with a smile.
“Tell her...tell her it’s the best gift I could’ve received,” Cassie said, knowing her words would make their way back to her sister.
“I will,” Faith promised, wrapping an arm around Cassie’s shoulders. “But she already knows.”
As they turned back toward the house, Cassie felt a deep sense of peace settling within her. Her business, her child, her life—it was all coming together.
CASSIE SAT AT HER BELOVEDsewing machine, the rhythmic hum of its needle merging with the chirping of birds outside herwindow. Spring was breathing new life into the world, and it seemed to be doing the same for her. As she stitched the hem of a lavender gown, her mind wandered not to the seams and fabric before her, but to the tiny life growing within her. She paused, resting a hand on her rounded belly, a smile playing on her lips.
“Slowing down might not be so bad,” she mused aloud.
The door creaked open and Andy stepped in, his boots leaving traces of the ranch’s earth on her clean floors. His face was drawn with the weariness of long days overseeing the birthing of calves.
“Looks like you’re deep in thought,” he said, leaning against the doorframe.
