Page 43 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

“Yes, Em, I love you very much. I know I will never be your blood relation, but I feel just as close to you as if we were. I hope you can do the same.”

“But I do,” she spoke up. “you’re the real mom in my mind. My real one never really cared or wanted me. I know that. I just pretended so Dad’s feelings wouldn’t be hurt. But you are the mom I always wished I could have.”

“Nothing would be a better wedding gift than to have you want me in that role. I am here for you forever. I love you just as I would my own little girl. Never forget that.”

Cassie forgot the rule about wrinkles and wrapped her arms around the girl. “There is that amazing smile of yours. I missed it. Now I guess we better go and put your dad out of his misery. He might think we ran away.”

One final check before going down. Cassie hoped Cole would like her choice. It was a slim-fitting light ivory silk skirt that flared a bit at the hem to trail behind her on the floor as she moved. The strapless bodice was form fitted and had a short shrug jacket that made it very classy. A pearl and flower hair clip held her upswept hairdo in place. Timeless was the name of the gown. And it was perfect in her mind.

Tori handed over the fall flowers in the bouquet with long gold satin ribbons trailing down the skirt’s length.

Music had begun and she could hear the murmur of guests seated outside in the garden and patio areas. Cole would be waiting under the gazebo at the end of the aisle and she couldn’t wait to race down it and say ‘I do.’.

Thomas escorted her half way and then Matthew stepped up to take her the remainder of the way to the altar. Cole took her hand in his and all was perfect in her mind. The pastor intoned the prayer and then Cole spoke the words he had for his vows. And at the end, she became aware that there were some stifled chuckles in the group. Then something caught her eye.

Peaches had decided to take a leisurely stroll down the aisle, almost as if she were greeting her guests as she went. She had grown into a teenager and even had a rhinestone collar for the occasion thanks to Jillie, but no one expected her to take center stage. She finally reached the altar and looking first at Cole and then at Cassie, she moved a bit and took her spot, next to Cole’s boot. The expression on her face was almost ‘I’m here, you may begin.’

Cassie looked at Cole and he had to smile, then winked and squeezed her hand.Perfect.Her dream was perfect. Cole was the one who waited in her dreams until it was time to step out and into reality. He was strong of body and spirit, and she knew that theirs would be a glorious adventure all the days of their lives.

Cake cutting, photos, handshakes and hugs, were all a blur. Until the music began for their dance and Cole took her in his arms. And the world faded away. It was just her and Cole dancing in her garden under a jumbo harvest moon to the strains of ‘Unforgettable.’ The title said it all.

Hours later, the moon was high in the sky, and night sounds replaced music. Before flying off the next day to their honeymoon destination in a much warmer climate, they were spending their first night alone at the ranch. Being held in her husband’s arms, safe and feeling infinitely loved, Cassie knew there was a hand in bringing her there to find him and finding the home she had always sought. She smiled. She had found home, and it was even better than in her dreams.

Because it was real, and it was indeedperfect.

The End