“Sleeping like a lamb,” she said, a chuckle escaping her lips.
“Good, good.” Andy leaned back, his hands clasping behind his neck. “What’s on your mind, Cass?”
Cassie hesitated, tracing the grain of the wood with her finger. “Andy, I’ve been thinking...about my sewing.”
“Uh-huh?” He tilted his head, listening.
“I love making dresses, you know that,” she started, her eyes not leaving the cradle. “But Daisy, she needs me.”
“Of course, she does,” he agreed softly.
“So, I’m thinking...maybe I should take just a few special orders. That way, I can sew when I find the time, but mostly, I’ll be here for her.”
Andy nodded slowly. “Sounds sensible. You should do what feels right for you and Daisy.”
“Really?” A wave of relief washed over her.
“Absolutely.” He reached out, covering her hand with his. “We’ll manage. Might even be a blessing in disguise, gives you more time to enjoy her growing up.”
Cassie’s heart swelled at his support. “And what about the ranch? We still need to make ends meet.”
“Ah, the ranch...” Andy’s eyes gleamed with determination. “I’ve been turning things over in my head. I think we can expand the herd next spring, maybe even break some new land for grazing.”
“Can we afford it?” Cassie asked.
“Sure we can.” His confidence was infectious. “We tighten our belts a bit, and I’ll work dawn till dusk if I have to. We’ll make it work, Cass.”
He watched as Cassie picked the baby up from her cradle, nuzzling her cheek.
“Hard to believe it’s been a week already,” Andy said, his eyes fixed on the tiny bundle of life that had so completely changed their world.
“Time flies when you’re knee-deep in diapers and feedings,” Cassie replied, a hint of mirth in her voice.
“Speaking of time flying...” Andy said. “Do you ever think about having more? Babies, I mean.”
Cassie paused, considering the question as she gazed down at Daisy, whose little hand now clutched one of Cassie’s fingers. “I love her more than I ever thought possible,” she confessed. “And if more babies meant more of this kind of love...” Her voice trailed off, filled with wonder.
Andy chuckled. “She sure has cast a spell on us, hasn’t she?”
“Spell or not, I’d be just as happy if it’s only Daisy we’re blessed with,” Cassie said, her blue eyes lifting to meet Andy’s gaze. “Because honestly, how do you improve on perfection?”
“Well, I think we could try our hand at it,” Andy teased, winking. “Or we could count our blessings every single day with this little lady.”
“Either way,” Cassie replied, her heart light and full, “we’ve got everything we need right here.”
