Page 60 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

“That’s because Priscilla and I waited until you were at your father’s house for the week.” Her mother chuckled and shook the hairspray bottle. “I didn’t want you to think things were not under control, or worry that I couldn’t handle the house, the property and everything else.”

“We would have helped you,” Kelley said. Their childhood house was quite large, not to mention it sat on an extensive property. The landscaping and upkeep alone would have been a lot for both her parents, never mind her mom on her own, who was working full-time and looking after three daughters.

“You had enough adjustments between a new stepmom and jumping between houses.” Her mom shook her head. “I wanted something to remain consistent. It was important we stayed in that home.”

“No wonder you downsized when we moved out,” Frannie mused and glanced around the cottage house as if appreciating it even more.

“And now we are back together…” Kelley said and took in the wedding paraphernalia scattered all around the kitchen. “Cramping your space.”

Her mom wrapped her arm around Kelley’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m thrilled to have my girls here.”

“And you will be thrilled to see us move out,” Kelley said playfully.

“I will only be cheering because I will know you are ready to move into your next chapter.” Her mom laughed and dipped her head toward the dozen roses. “I can’t wait to see what that might be.”

Well, it was not a cowboy chapter. Of that, she was certain. Kelley gathered her makeup and tossed it into her small cloth bag with her initials. Then she checked her phone and said, “LB just texted. She is ready and waiting for us to pick her up so we can get to the venue and help her get ready.”

“Mom, start the car and crank the air-conditioning to blasting. Otherwise, all your hard work on my hair is going to wilt away in the heat.” Frannie gave her hair another shot of hairspray and grinned. “Kelley and I have something to do quick.”

“Don’t forget the essentials bag. Frannie and I will get the rest.” Kelley picked a duffel bag off the kitchen chair beside her and handed it to her mom.

“Wow, this is quite heavy.” Her mom settled the strap on her shoulder and asked, “Whatever is in it?”

“Everything.” Kelley stood and started reciting her checklist. Bridesmaids’ gowns were already hanging in the car. Shoes were in the trunk. That left bouquets and boutonnieres. Kelley walked toward the refrigerator. “There is something for every sort of bridal emergency in that duffel.”

“When did you pack all this?” Her mom filled a to-go tumbler with ice and water.

“I’ve been filling it the last few months as I thought of things that might go wrong,” Kelley explained.

“You can’t plan for every potential crisis.” Her mother frowned.

“I can certainly try.” Kelley chuckled. “And I think I did with that duffel.”

“Did you pack safety pins in case the straps on her dress break?” Frannie peered into the snack bag.

“Of course,” Kelley said and grinned at her little sister. “There’s also a sewing kit stocked with matching thread for both bridal and groomsmen attire in case a button fails or whatnot.”

“Good call.” Frannie went into the pantry and returned with a bag of honey mustard pretzels. “What about backup shoes in case one of Laura-Beth’s heels malfunctions before the ceremony?”

“Yes, we’ve got those, too,” Kelley said. “And two stain remover sticks, superglue and extra ribbon in case the ring pillow fails.”

Frannie glanced at their mother. “I think she might have planned for everything.”

“Dear, there is nothing wrong with figuring things out in the moment,” her mom stated. “Sometimes the spontaneity takes you to unexpected places and you learn something about yourself.”

“Yes,” Kelley said dryly. “You learn you should have planned better.”

Kelley’s mom chuckled and pressed a kiss to Kelley’s cheek, then headed for the back door. “All right, hurry up, ladies. We can’t keep our bride waiting.”

“This will only take a minute,” Frannie called after their mom. Her sister snatched a rose from the vase, then claimed the box of bridesmaid bouquets from Kelley.

“What are you doing?” Kelley asked, confused. “Laura-Beth was very particular about the flowers. You can’t tamper with the bouquets.”

“I’m not tampering with it. I’m enhancing yours.” Frannie plucked one of the six bridesmaid bouquets and in Frannie-seconds, had one flower removed and gently slid Asher’s rose into its place. Grinning, she said, “Get me the scissors. I need to trim the stem to match the others.”

Kelley opened the junk drawer and handed the scissors to her little sister.

Frannie finished and admired her handiwork. “Asher’s rose blends in beautifully with the others.”