Cassie

Rating: PG.

Disclaimer: no one besides Cassie and her family belong to me, no infringement intended.

AN: All righty, sorry this last update has taken so long! Thanks for being ever so patient! Also this story has taken a different turn than first intended. Thanks so much to those who reviewed!

My apologies for any grammatical mistakes and colourful spelling errors.

Thanks to: Cougar! Who got me started writing this story again and who helped me write it! Thanks again to those who reviewed!

~*~

Cassie tucked her bonnet under her arm before leaving the general store. Her mother had sent her to town for Becca's new dress.

Cassie quickly crossed the street to the bank and pulled open the door. She heard Meg's laughter she saw her two best friends, Meg behind the counter and Zee learning across.

"-I remember that," Zee nodded, "some European girl with a mustache."

"Bob said she was a man."

Cassie who had been just about to walk over froze. Meg who had started working at the bank three years after her fathers death was holding a stamp. The two girls hadn't noticed Cassie yet.

"Hope Cole didn't hear him say that," the two laughed again.

"Cassie's good for Cole," Meg said, "better than those...girls."

Becca's new dress fell to the floor, Meg looked up startled her eyes widened. "Cassie."

Zee turned around and saw Cassie pick up her package, she shot a look at Meg.

Cassie straightened and forced a smile, "hi."

"New dress?"

"For Becca."

A silence fell over the three girls and Meg grabbed a pile of papers and began to stamp them quickly.

"Listen Cassie, what we were talking about, it's not what you think."

"Yeah," Meg cut in, "besides, that was a long time ago."

"Right." Cassie replied, "listen, I best get back, I'll see both of you on Tuesday."

That Tuesday they boys were supposed to get back to town and everyone was heading over to the Miller's farm for a Potluck.

Cassie found her father in the hardware store.

"I'm ready Pa," she said and Mr. Weston smiled.

When they got home Cassie went upstairs to her and Becca's room, glad to find it empty. She knew she shouldn't be upset after all it wasn't like Cole's reputation with the lady's was a secret.

"Cassie?" Becca stepped into their room, she saw the look on her sisters face. "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Ma wants us to hang the wash."

"All right, just let me change."

Cassie sighed at her reflection in the mirror, she smoothed down her dress and ran a comb through her hair, she felt like a fool but her Mama had insisted.

"You look beautiful," Mrs. Weston smiled, "now, you best get going or you're gonna be late."

When Cassie arrived at the Miller's the party was already in full swing, a table was in the backyard. Lined up with all sorts of salads, stews and pies.

"There's Abby," Becca grinned and ran off to her friend.

"Hey Cassie," Meg grinned and pulled her into a quick hug.

"Cassandra," Roberta Miller said, "thanks so much for coming, help yourself to anything you like."

"Thank you."

Meg shook her head, "you're still not thinking about what we said are you?"

"No," Cassie replied, "of course not."

"Well..." Meg said slowly, she knew Cassie better than that and knew full well that's exactly what she was thinking about. "Let's get something to eat." Cassie and Meg made their way over to the buffet. Cassie was about to get some potato salad when she heard a loud shout.

"Whooee! Cassie Weston!" Cole pushed his way through the croud. He had a wide grin on his face and slung an arm around Cassie's waist. "You, are by far the prettiest girl at this party." He gave her a tight squeeze. "Just don't tell Jesse I said that."

Cassie smiled and scooped a large helping of salad onto her plate.

"I missed you," Cole grabbed a plate and they both piled their plates with food. Cassie was about to make her way over to where Meg and Bob were standing but Cole took her elbow and directed her away from the crowd where they could talk. "I don't think I've ever heard you so quiet, is something the matter?"

"Just hungry," Cassie dug into her salad.

"Did you get my letters?"

Cassie nodded.

"When do you think I could come call on you again?"

"Whenever you'd like."

Cole shifted his plate to his other hand and leaned over to kiss her. Cassie turned away and he caught her chin. He pulled back and looked at her with a confused look on his face.

"What's the matter?"

"I know about the girls Cole."

Cole looked even more perplexed, "what girls?"

Cassie spotted Frank, she looked at Cole pointedly. "You know exactly what kind of girls I'm talkin about." She stalked off and Cole blinked.

"Meg?"

"Hi Frank," Cassie said laying her hand on his arm.

"Oh, Cassie," Frank smiled, "how you doin?"

"I'm doin just fine," she lied, she glanced over at Cole and saw him watching. She plastered a smile on her face.

Frank gave her an odd sort of look, "I thought you would have wanted to spend time with Cole."

Cassie suddenly burst out laughing, she cleared her throat. "Can't I spend time with whoever I like?"

Frank looked at Cassie, then to Cole- who was watching them - back to Cassie. Suddenly it all made sense. "I get it, Cole did something stupid again."

"What else is new?" Cassie muttered.

Cole finally put down his plate and made his way over. "What girls are you talkin about Cassie?"

Cassie let go of Frank's arm, "let me think," she snapped sarcastically. "Oh right. The paid girls."

Frank backed away slowly and made his way over to Tom.

Cassie stood with her hands on her hips.

"That was before Cassie, before I came callin on you."

Cassie blinked, "oh," she blushed. "Oh," she repeated.

"You know Cassie, I don't think I've ever seen you jealous before. I think I like it."

"You know Cassie, best not wear to many fancy dresses for Cole. His head might get bigger than it already is," Jesse teased.

"Ha!" Bob laughed, "I don't know if that's possible."

"Me neither," Cassie replied.

"So when's the weddin?" Jim asked.

"Shut up Jim," Cole snapped.

"But...ain't that the point?" Jim wondered, "ain't that the reason a fellow calls on a girl in the first place?"

"Me beating the piss out of you is the reason you should mind you're own damn business."

Meg snorted and Jim pretended to look hurt. The group of them made their way back to the dance floor, Cassie smiled happy to be with her friends again.

TBC