I realize this is a slow moving story. I trust you'll stick with me as I am laying a foundation. Thank you all for your support!

Chapter 7

The weeks until the wedding were going by quickly. Everything seemed to be falling into place, until exactly one week before. Heath, Cassie, Jarrod, Sarah, Nick and Victoria were all gathered in the billiard room. Audra and Malcolm were dining at his parent's home. The men were playing their usual game of billiards while the women discussed the upcoming wedding. Sarah noticed that Cassie seemed a bit uptight and wondered if it was just nerves. When Victoria rose to get coffee, Sarah took a moment to speak to Cassie.

"Are you feeling all right?"

Cassie smiled sadly. She blinked back tears and Sarah became concerned. "Cassie, what's wrong?"

"Not here," she whispered. "Is there somewhere we can go to talk?"

Sarah nodded. "Follow me."

The two women stood and walked out of the parlor. Victoria was just coming in with the tray and Sarah assured her they would be right back. They went upstairs to Jarrod's and Sarah's room and sat down in the comfortable chairs.

"What's the matter?"

"I got a telegram from my sister yesterday. She can't make it for the wedding."

Sarah took Cassie's hand. She knew how much she was looking forward to seeing her sister again.

"She found out she's expecting. I'm really happy for them. It's taken them a long time to conceive and her husband was afraid for her to make the long trip."

"I'm sorry, Cassie."

Cassie sniffed and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief.

"I'm trying to be brave, but I just wish she could have been here. You wouldn't want to take your place in the wedding party again would you?"

"I would, Cassie, but there's no way we can have a dress made for me by next week. I've seen the dress for your sister. We would have to add a lot of material around the waist and I don't think even Mrs. Peterson is that good."

Cassie nodded in agreement. She knew Sarah was right. But what were they going to do? She didn't know of anyone else to ask to be in the wedding and she knew that Heath wanted both his brothers to stand with him.

"What about Emma?" Sarah asked suddenly.

"Emma?"

"Sure! It wouldn't be all that hard to alter the dress for her. It might need a little hemming, but I'm sure she could fit into it better than me. Plus, you two seemed to have really hit it off."

Cassie considered the other woman's words. She did like Emma a lot. They had spent some time together over the last few weeks and Cassie found herself admiring her quite a bit. Ranch work was difficult enough for a man, but for a woman... Well, Cassie was thankful her calling had been teaching.

"I'll ask Heath what he thinks. I can't imagine him saying no."

The two women stood and hugged. When they returned to the parlor, Cassie's spirits had been lifted. Heath noticed and couldn't wait to get her alone to see what had happened. He knew she was disappointed over her sister being unable to attend the wedding. Heath looked over at his sister-in-law and was again thankful that she had been brought into their lives.

Heath had no problems with Cassie asking Emma to be in the wedding. He had noticed the friendship that had developed and thought it was great. He had to admit he had doubted Jarrod's and Nick's hiring of Emma at first, but she had proven her weight in gold. He didn't know of anyone who was as hard a worker as she.

Sarah and Cassie decided to ask Emma together. Sarah knocked on the tack room door and after a moment, they were let inside.

"Well, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Emma asked. She had worked the night before and had only been up an hour. Her long brown hair was hanging loosely about her shoulders.

"We've come to ask a favor," Sarah said.

"Alright."

Cassie swallowed, feeling a little nervous. If Emma turned her down, she didn't know what she would do. They had all taken a seat on Emma's small cot. Emma waited for them to ask her whatever it was they needed to.

"You know my sister was supposed to come out for the wedding?"

Emma nodded.

"Well, she can't make it now. She and Alfred are expecting, and Al is afraid that the long trip would be too much for her and the baby. So, I was wondering if you would do us the honor of being one of my attendants?"

Emma's eyes widened. She looked from Sarah to Cassie, disbelief on her face.

"Don't you want Sarah to be in your wedding?"

"Emma, look at me. There wouldn't be enough time to make a dress that would fit me. Cassie's sister's dress is already made and would just need a few minor alterations for you to fit into it. What do you say?"

Emma took a deep breath. She didn't want to turn Cassie down, but she wasn't sure if it was wise to do this.

"What would Heath think?"

Cassie smiled brightly. "He's fine with it. I told you before, he likes you a lot."

Emma stood and walked around her small room for a moment. She hadn't worn a dress in years. Still, it would be nice to get all dressed up.

Cassie and Sarah watched her. Cassie bit her lip, waiting for Emma to give her answer.

"I would be honored to stand with you, Cassie."

Cassie jumped up and hugged Emma. Sarah joined in and all three started talking about the plans. Emma had to admit she was excited. They went into town that day to see Mrs. Peterson. She assured Emma and Cassie that the alterations would be finished before the wedding.

On the way back from town, Sarah and Cassie talked excitedly about the wedding. Emma found herself looking forward to Saturday, until she heard Sarah mention dancing. Emma inwardly groaned. What was she going to do? She had no idea how to dance.