Chapter 27
A descrete knock didn't wake them but they smiled at the consideration. Cassie invited, "Come in," and Brandon entered with a large tray.
"Morning you two," he greeted as he placed the tray on the bed. "Grace told me you liked your coffee really strong AJ so if it's too strong you need to blame her."
Picking up the cup Brandon had pointed to and taking a sip he pronounced it perfect.
Telling them to enjoy their meal and that there was no need for them to hurry down, he and George had everything under control. They thanked him and he left with a smile and a wave.
After finishing the waffels and fruit they got dressed for their special day ahead and went downstairs. It quickly became very clear that no one was going to let either of them do anything that even resembled work. Brandon had the day off so was going to man the store for Cassie. So they were instructed take it easy, pamper themselves, they were to just plain enjoy the day. Both of them were amused by the special treatment but also touched.
So they enjoyed a day of leasure. They played chess until they were called to lunch with the rest of the guests. George and Grace had planned to make the meal alone but when Adel discovered that she insisted on helping.
Lunch was delicious, their three cooks had created an extensive salad bar as well as steaks on the grill and spicy Texas style baked beans that were Adel's contribution.
After eating AJ and Cassie said they were going for a long walk but before they could leave Cassie had to reassure Grace that she would be back in plenty of time to help her with her hair and make up as well as to do her own.
They took the long way around the outer edge of the town but AJ could tell that she wanted to visit the store. With a gentle smile he took her arm and guided her into town. Cassie threw him a startled glance and asked, "Why are we going into town?"
"Because you want to go to the store."
"How could you possibly know that?!" she gasped.
"Cassie my love although I haven't known you long I do know you. Are you going to try and deny that you want to go to the store?"
With a sheepish grin she admitted he was right, "I just wanted to see if there was anything Brandon needed help with. Do you mind?"
"Not at all," he answered with a smile. "Just as long as you uncerstand how well I know you."
"I do and I rather like the fact that you do darling."
They entered the store to find Brandon handing a customer one of the shops bags and wishing her a good day. He looked at them as they walked up to the counter and asked, "Couldn't stay away Mom?"
"It seems you know me as well as AJ does, or should that be the other way around?"
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Brandon demanded.
"I believe she's refering to the fact that I knew she wanted to come here even though she hadn't said anything."
"I simply wanted to see if there had been anything you needed me for."
"Not a thing Mom. The only one wanting oils today was just a simple refill of something we already had in stock."
"Well okay then, I guess we can just head back to Grayhouse. Grace is probably chomping at the bit for me to get back and start getting ready for the ceremony."
AJ offered his arm and suggested, "Then let's be on our way."
They walked in the front door and a heartbeat later found that Cassie had been right. Grace had been laying in wait in the family room with her eyes locked on the door ready to pounce the second her mother got home. "Mom! I'm so glad you're back! We can start getting ready now!"
"Sweeite it isn't going to take three hours to get ready."
"It might!" she insisted taking her mother by the hand and pulling her towards the stairs.
"Might I join you ladies?" Francesca asked as she approached Cassie and Grace.
To Be Continued…