Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, Stephanie Meyers does. I do own this plot and storyline. I own my own original characters and a sweet little Chromebook I just love. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Translations:

ARD = Admission, Review, and Dismissal Process

IEP = Individual Education Plan

TCH = Texas Children's Hospital

CLL = Easterwood Airport

Chapter 8: Preparations Made

BPOV

After my phone call with Carlisle, I chat briefly with Billy about what still needs to be done before the camp this weekend. We agree that we should inform everyone about the addition of the Cullen's for this minicamp.

As we are walking out of the office I ask, "How long you need to round'em up and hav'em meet me at the pavilion?"

"Well, I have the boys fixin' that gate at the river road so, 'bout thirty minutes. I'll call them and then Jake, here, can get the ladies," he says looking at his son goofing off with Cassie. He is playing chase with her, letting her get away, and keeping her laughing. They are all so good with her, treating her with love and kindness.

"Perfect! Come on sassy girl, let's go feed the fish before momma's meetin'," I tell my daughter.

Jake straps her into the XUV sitting outside the office and we take off to the pond that is close to the main house. Cassie loves the water, so we feed the fish every afternoon to help her relax. We try to stick to a daily routine as much as possible which helps limit her meltdowns.

While feeding the fish, I explain that we will be having some friends come stay with us at the house for a few days. I'm not sure she really understands, but I like to involve her in everything I do.

After feeding the fish, it takes me a few minutes to get her back on the XUV without having a complete tantrum. As we near the pavilion, I notice everyone is already there waitin' on me. I don't have many people, but the ones I do have are hard workin'. It isn't that I don't need more help on the ranch, I just don't trust strangers around my child or the process we use to breed and care for the horses. The way that I see it, hiring someone is the equivalent to invitin' them into the family. Not only do we work together, but everyone lives on the ranch as well.

Billy and Sarah live in the cabin closest to the main house, just in case I ever need 'em. Jacob and his wife, Leah, live in a cabin close to the River Road pasture. Jessica lives at the main house with Cassie and me. The other three guys, Seth, Tyler and Eric are ranch hands. They live in the bunk house behind the barn.

As soon as I stop, Seth is getting Cassie out while Tyler and Eric are grabbing the ice chest full of water I brought down. My dad always taught me to take care of the people who work for you; to treat them like family. These eight people are the closest thing I have to a family and are always here when I need'em.

"Thank y'all for meetin' me on such short notice. I really appreciate you dropping what'cha were doin' to come up here," I tell'em with gratitude.

There are a few head nods and some, 'No problem, Boss' answers, in return.

"I just wanna remind everyone of the overnight mini-camp this weekend and also share some news wit'cha ya," I state, which gets their complete attention.

"My dad's old friend, Carlisle, and his family from Seattle, will be here this weekend helpin' out with the camp. I am gonna need each of you to show them the ways of the ranch. All of you will be paired off with one of 'em," I expound. That is when the moaning starts.

"Now 'fore you start moanin' about city folk tryin' to be country, each of these people have skills we can really use on the ranch. This is sorta a trial run for us and a reality check for them. So, keep it real. We need the help, and they're willin' to come out and try," I divulge. "Any questions?"

"Guys, this man knows 'bout hard work. He worked this ranch before y'all were even born," Billy tells the boys. "And, if he raised his boys the way I think he did, you can betcha' boots they are all hard workers."

"Ok ladies and gentlemen, I am off to feed this monster and get some paperwork done. " I announce seeing no more questions or comments from the crew. I turn towards Jake, who is making his way out, "Oh, Jake? Can you take the small bus and pick'em up Friday from CLL for me? I have an ARD meetin' for Cassie and won't be able to go myself?" I ask.

"Sure, sure. Just let me know what time to be there. I can't wait to see Carlisle again, he tells the best stories of Charlie and dad," he answers laughing at Billy's scowl.

The rest of the week is just plain 'ol busy. Tuesday, Sue and Leah head to the warehouse store to get paper products, snacks, and anything else we may need, while Jessica and I make sure all the extra rooms upstairs are ready for their arrival.

Wednesday is spent grocery shoppin' for the weekend. Thursday is an all-day affair in Houston at TCH for Cassie's doctor appointments. Friday we have to get all the activities and materials set up and ready for the camp. The guys need to gather wood for a fire, since they decided they wanna grill and have s'mores by a campfire Saturday night with the kids.

Friday, after droppin' Cassie off at her classroom, I head to the main office to wait for the ARD meeting to start. I've been contemplating home schooling Cassie, and wanna find out how she's doin'. Mr. Banner, the principal, calls me back and I am greeted by all five of her therapists. We discuss everything going on with her and what her doctors have done for her seizures. After reviewing and making the changes to her IEP that I want, I realize the meetin' has gone way over the hour it was scheduled for.

After the meetin', I decide I am gonna take her home with me. I won't have time to drive back into town to pick her up later, and neither will anyone else today since they all have their own duties and chores to get done to be ready for the camp tomorrow.

Once we're home, I feed her lunch and we play with her colors blocks for a little bit. It's hard keeping her attention on doing one for too long. Soon, I receive a text from Jake lettin' me know he's pullin' through the main gate.

Well let's get this weekend started, I think as I lead Cassie outside to the front porch to greet our guests.

AN: Thanks for all the reviews. I know this chapter was short, but it's a bonus chapter. I will still be posting a regular chapter on Friday.