Chapter Fourteen

Cassie stood at the stove, stirring a pot of stew when the door creaked open, and Deborah stepped into the warm kitchen, a smile on her face and a small bundle in her hands.

"Evening, Cassie," Deborah said.

"Deborah!" Cassie's eyes lit up, abandoning the stew for a moment to greet her sister with an embrace. "What brings you here?"

"Can't I visit my new niece?" Deborah teased, revealing the tiny knitted booties in her hands. "Made these for little Daisy."

Cassie took the booties, running a finger over the delicate stitches. "These are beautiful, Deb. Thank you." She placed them beside the cradle where Daisy lay cooing, snug in a blanket.

"Seems like you were born for this," Deborah remarked, watching as Cassie smiled down at her daughter.

"Hardly," Cassie chuckled. "But I'm learning."

From his spot by the fireplace, Andy watched the exchange, a quiet yearning etched in his gaze. He longed to scoop Daisy up, to feel her tiny heartbeat against his chest, but Cassie always seemed to be one step ahead, her arms ready to catch any whimper or fuss.

"Want to hold her?" Cassie asked, glancing back at Andy with an unreadable expression.

"Sure," he replied, though the hesitation in her offer didn't escape him.

As Cassie carefully lifted Daisy and passed her to Andy, the baby's small hand wrapped around his finger—a grip so strong it surprised him every time. Her warmth settled against his forearm, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

"Looks like she's taken to you just fine," Deborah commented, a knowing smile gracing her lips.

Andy nodded, but the joy of holding his daughter was tinged with a faint sadness. Cassie hovered close by, as if ready to reclaim Daisy at the slightest peep. He wished she would trust him more, let him share in these moments.

"Reckon I'll get the hang of it eventually," Andy said, hoping his smile reached his eyes.

"Of course, you will," Cassie assured him, though she stepped forward to adjust the blanket around Daisy, her fingers lingering near her child.

"Suppose I better get back," Deborah said, standing. "You two take care now."

"Thanks again, Deb," Cassie called out as her sister left, closing the door gently behind her.

With Deborah gone, the room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by Daisy's contented gurgles. Andy handed the baby back to Cassie, their fingers brushing in the exchange.

"Let's get you fed," Cassie murmured to Daisy, her gaze softening as she looked down at her daughter. Andy watched them, a silent promise forming in his heart to do whatever it took to keep that look of love on Cassie's face.

Cassie rocked back and forth in the creaky wooden chair, Daisy cradled close to her chest.

"Never thought it'd be like this," Cassie said, breaking the silence.

Andy turned, his dark eyes finding hers. "Like what?"

"Love," she whispered, her blue eyes fixed on their daughter's peaceful face. "I never knew I could feel so much for someone. For both of you."

A quiet understanding flickered across Andy's features. He walked over and knelt beside her, his hand reaching out to gently stroke Daisy's downy head.

"I know exactly what you mean," he said, his voice low and steady. "And I'm mighty glad you don't regret this—our baby, our life together."

Cassie met his gaze, a warmth spreading through her that had little to do with the fire. "Regret? Never. Not when I've got you and this little one." Her smile was soft but full of certainty, a testament to the bond they shared.

Andy grinned back, the lines around his eyes crinkling with genuine contentment. "That's good to hear, Cassie. Because I love you more than I ever thought possible."

CASSIE ROCKED GENTLYin the wooden chair, her gaze lingering on the cradle where Daisy lay sleeping. The rhythmic creak of the chair filled the room. She glanced up as Andy walked through the door.

Andy pulled another chair close, their knees almost touching. "How's our little lady tonight?"

"Sleeping like a lamb," she said, a chuckle escaping her lips.

"Good, good." Andy leaned back, his hands clasping behind his neck. "What's on your mind, Cass?"

Cassie hesitated, tracing the grain of the wood with her finger. "Andy, I've been thinking...about my sewing."

"Uh-huh?" He tilted his head, listening.

"I love making dresses, you know that," she started, her eyes not leaving the cradle. "But Daisy, she needs me."

"Of course, she does," he agreed softly.

"So, I'm thinking...maybe I should take just a few special orders. That way, I can sew when I find the time, but mostly, I'll be here for her."

Andy nodded slowly. "Sounds sensible. You should do what feels right for you and Daisy."

"Really?" A wave of relief washed over her.

"Absolutely." He reached out, covering her hand with his. "We'll manage. Might even be a blessing in disguise, gives you more time to enjoy her growing up."

Cassie's heart swelled at his support. "And what about the ranch? We still need to make ends meet."

"Ah, the ranch..." Andy's eyes gleamed with determination. "I've been turning things over in my head. I think we can expand the herd next spring, maybe even break some new land for grazing."

"Can we afford it?" Cassie asked.

"Sure we can." His confidence was infectious. "We tighten our belts a bit, and I'll work dawn till dusk if I have to. We'll make it work, Cass."

He watched as Cassie picked the baby up from her cradle, nuzzling her cheek.

"Hard to believe it's been a week already," Andy said, his eyes fixed on the tiny bundle of life that had so completely changed their world.

"Time flies when you're knee-deep in diapers and feedings," Cassie replied, a hint of mirth in her voice.

"Speaking of time flying..." Andy said. "Do you ever think about having more? Babies, I mean."

Cassie paused, considering the question as she gazed down at Daisy, whose little hand now clutched one of Cassie's fingers. "I love her more than I ever thought possible," she confessed. "And if more babies meant more of this kind of love..." Her voice trailed off, filled with wonder.

Andy chuckled. "She sure has cast a spell on us, hasn't she?"

"Spell or not, I'd be just as happy if it's only Daisy we're blessed with," Cassie said, her blue eyes lifting to meet Andy's gaze. "Because honestly, how do you improve on perfection?"

"Well, I think we could try our hand at it," Andy teased, winking. "Or we could count our blessings every single day with this little lady."

"Either way," Cassie replied, her heart light and full, "we've got everything we need right here."