Cassie's Wedding Dress

by Clare Revell

  “Oh…” Cassie swallowed hard, nausea and shame filling her. “You heard that.”

  “I did.”

  Danny looked from one to the other, confusion on his face. “What happened yesterday?”

  “Miss Kingsley saw us at the duck pond and got the wrong end of the stick, that’s all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m needed behind the counter. People to serve, things to do…” Cassie shot them a faltering smile and headed inside.

  ****

  “That dress really is incredible.” Jack watched Cassie go inside the shop. Everything about her just grabbed his attention and held it.

  “Don’t change the subject. What happened yesterday?”

  “It’s nothing, really. I took Cassie to the hospital to pick up her new leg, as you know. The appointment over ran so we picked up Lara from school and then Lara asked Cassie to come to the park with us. She insisted on calling her Auntie Cassie. Miss Kingsley overheard, made a couple of comments under her breath. That’s all. It’s nothing to worry about.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I’ll set her straight.”

  “Auntie Cassie?” Danny winked at him. “That could be a good thing. I’ve seen the way you look at her.”

  Jack caught his breath, his heart pounding. “What do you mean?”

  “You used to look at her the same way when she was growing up. Just what are your intentions towards my sister, Pastor?”

  “If you’re going to warn me off, Danny, don’t bother. She’s a parishioner.”

  “I’m looking out for her. I know you and I know her. And trust me, you don’t look at all the members of your congregation the way you look at her. So I ask again, what are your intentions? Because if you’re even considering breaking her heart again…”

  Break her heart again? I didn’t want to do it the first time—didn’t even realize I had. “You got half an hour?”

  “I thought you had to go and see someone.”

  “I do, but I want to sort this out first.”

  “All right. Then let’s go and get some coffee. I’ll just let Cass know I’m going on a break.”

  Jack gave Danny a sideways glance as they headed down the High Street. “You do realize I’m not dating your sister.”

  “Yet,” Danny grinned.

  “Yet? Do you know something I don’t?”

  “I know she never got over that crush she had on you.”

  “Oh?” Hearing it from Cassie was one thing. Hearing the same words fall from her brother’s lips was something else entirely.

  Danny pushed open the door to the café and held it for Jack. “When she heard you’d married, a light went out in her eyes.”

  “I liked her, but wasn’t sure she liked me.” Jack’s heart sank, and he felt sick as they sat down. “She always seemed to like the horses better than anyone or anything.”

  “That’s because you were my friend, not hers. I didn’t want to share you any more than I wanted her hurt, so I didn’t say anything to her. Looking back, it was petty and childish, and I probably spoiled things for the both of you. You guys could have made me an uncle by now.”

  Jack studied the menu and then put it down. “If I’d married her back then, I’d never have become a pastor. I’d never have married Elisa or become Lara’s father. Despite the pain of losing Elisa and the problems of being a single father, I wouldn’t change those years for all the tea in China.”

  “And Cassie would never have become a champion jockey. Did she tell you that?”

  “No, she didn’t.” Jack smiled at the waitress. “Hi, Stacey. Could I have a mug of tea and a toasted teacake, please?”

  “Sure thing, Pastor. What about you, Danny?”

  “I’ll have the same.” Danny waited until Stacey had gone before carrying on. “She would have settled for a safe career, probably became that vet she was always talking about. Instead she went for something almost as dangerous as Formula One racing. She took stupid risks. I mean steeple chasing is bad enough, but riding in the Grand National?”

  “She was good at it,” Jack said. “We watched her career closely.”

  “Yeah, she was one of the best, but no matter how many times she came off, she insisted on carrying on. It was just stupid of her. I told her over and over she’d break her neck one day, and she almost did. Another inch or so, or another horse landing on top of them…or the horse trampling her neck, not her leg, or…”

  “None of that happened.”

  “No. She just ended up crippled. And there’s not a thing I can do about it.”

  “Hey. Don’t even think it. She’s not stuck in a wheelchair, or paralyzed from the neck down. She can still walk and talk and make the most amazing dresses. Like I told her, disabled is a label that only affects you if you let it. Cassie is anything but disabled. She can’t come to terms with it, if no one else can.”

  Danny smiled at Stacey as she put their order down. “Thanks.” He looked back at Jack. “She can’t do what she could before.”

  “That’s rubbish, too. She’s scared. Who wouldn’t be? But trust me, she is more than capable of driving or getting back on a horse or even making a name for herself in the bridal dress business. All she has to do is try. Especially now they have given her a prosthesis that fits. She came out of the consulting room yesterday almost dancing on air, and pain free for the first time in months, she said.”

  “The accident changed her….”

  “Not in the way that matters. She’s still your sister. She can still laugh and cry and crack the most awful jokes. She just wants you to love her, Danny, that’s all. She needs normality and if you teasing her every second of the day is what it takes, then do it.”

  “I’ve missed that. I admit I saw the leg and not her.”

  Jack picked up his cup. “She noticed. Just promise me you’ll do something about it. And as far as my intentions towards your sister go? Yes, I still feel the same way I did all those years ago. I think God led her back here for a reason. I’m hoping that reason was me, if I can say that reverently—or at least I’m hoping I am one of the reasons. I intend to ask her out before the sun sets. If that’s all right with her big, protective brother?”

  Danny looked at him seriously. “Shouldn’t you be asking Dad this? Or Miss Kingsley, come to that?”

  “I don’t want to marry her, yet. I just want to court her.”

  “I’m teasing, Jack. By all means court her—just be warned. You hurt her and pastor or no pastor…”

  “I understand.”

  Danny’s cup clinked against the saucer. “I don’t want to interfere in your pastoral stuff, but is going to see Miss Kingsley a good idea?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “So she said something she shouldn’t have. It might be better to ignore it. I’m sure she would be mortified if she knew you and Cassie overheard her.”

  Jack stifled his automatic reaction. “Maybe, but…”

  “The only person this affects is Cassie—aside from you and Lara.”

  Jack nodded, taking a bite of his teacake. “All right, but if she interferes again…”

  “Then we’ll sort something out. Otherwise let it be. Put it in God’s hands and let Him do what He sees fit.”

  “Shouldn’t that be my line?” Jack asked.

  Danny grinned. “Pastor, preach to thyself.”

  “You wait…that will come out in a children’s talk one day.”

  ****

  Grabbing the first craft kit he came across, Jack made his way over to the counter. His skin prickled and his chest tightened at the thought of what he wanted to say. What if the words got stuck in his throat? Would she feel the same, or was he about to make the biggest fool of himself since the school Christmas concert when he was seven? All anyone could remember about that day was that Jack Chambers was sick all over his new shoes as well as the school governor who was sitting in the front row.

  Cassie smiled at him. “Hi. Can I help you?”

  His knee
s threatened to give way completely. “Uh, yes.” He slid the felt doll kit across to her.

  “I’ve made this one. She really does look as adorable as the cover shows, and it’s pretty simple to do—just use craft glue. Do you need some?”

  He nodded dumbly.

  “Is there anything else?”

  Jack took a deep breath. It was now or never. His heart leapt into his throat threatening to choke him. “Yes. Would you…that is…”

  “Are you all right? It’s not like you to be tongue tied.”

  “I was wondering if you’d come out with me. A walk, or dinner, or something—”

  “Yes.” Cassie cut him off.

  “You…you will?” He could hardly believe his ears.

  “I’d like that, very much.”

  “Good, so would I. What time do you finish today?”

  “Two.”

  “Then I’ll pick you up at two thirty.” Jack turned to go.

  “Did you still want the kit?” Cassie’s soft voice turned him back

  “Oh…yes…sorry.” He pulled out his wallet. “Don’t want you thinking it was a plot device to ask you out.”

  “Oh. You mean it wasn’t? Because as far as plot devices go, it’s a pretty good one.” Her gaze caught his, and he laughed.

  “All right, you got me. But I’ll take the doll. Lara will love making it.”

  Cassie's Wedding Dress

  6

  “Please tell me you’re kidding,” Cassie whispered. Her stomach lurched and her heart pounded. She clenched her fingers tightly in an effort to stop her hands from shaking. She’d spent all morning anticipating this and put on her best skirt and new shirt and now they were here—at the stables she used to go to when she was younger.

  “No…we’re going riding.”

  “I can’t ride.” She froze in the seat. “I’ll fall…please I want to go home.”

  “I’m going to be right there, I promise.” A warm hand grasped her cold one. “I booked a simple lesson for me and the same for you. I explained on the phone that you were worried. They won’t take the horse off the leading rein unless you ask.”

  “I told you how I feel about horses. Jack, please.” Panic welled up inside her.

  “Then come watch me make a fool of myself. I promise you’re quite safe because I’m here. If you don’t want to get on the horse, that’s fine.”

  “All right.” She swallowed hard. The horses would pick up on her fear and put Jack in danger if she wasn’t careful.

  His calm eyes held hers for a moment before they closed and he prayed aloud, the words calming her a little. When he finished, he smiled at her. “Ready?”

  “Yeah.”

  Jack opened the door for her.

  Cassie got out, her senses immediately assailed by the sight, sounds and scent of the horses. Hooves clopped on the cobbles, and thudded on the mud, muffled on the straw. Flies buzzed, horses neighed, whinnied and snorted. She took a deep breath, the smell taking her back.

  “Cassie? Cass, are you all right?”

  Jack’s concerned voice made her open her eyes.

  “I’m fine, Jack, really.”

  “All right.”

  “Hi, Jack.” A tall man with blond hair, wearing green wellington boots, jodhpurs, and navy shirt came over to them.

  “Hey, Varian. Thanks for fitting us in like this at such short notice.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’ve got the ring set aside for us. Rita’s there with the horses.” He looked at Cassie and held out his hand. “Varian Steed. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Hinton.”

  “Thanks. And it’s Cassie. I used to come here years ago, but a lot has happened since then.”

  “I remember. My father owned the stables back then. I took over when he retired a couple of years ago.”

  “I thought I recognized the name.” She tilted her head. “Your hair is a lot longer than it used to be.”

  “My kids muck out the stables now. Dad started a family tradition. Let’s find you a couple of helmets, and we’ll go and meet the horses. Jack tells me you’re a little nervous and haven’t ridden in a while. If you just want to watch, that’s fine.”

  Cassie’s feet stayed rooted to the ground. Jack’s hand slid into hers, and a gentle pressure persuaded her to walk with him. Cassie was increasingly bombarded from every angle with memories.

  Varian handed her a hat, and Cassie gripped it tightly, her gaze fixed on the horses tethered in the ring.

  A young girl stood with them.

  “This is my stable hand, Rita. This fine fellow here is Dobbin—one of our oldest and gentlest horses.” He laughed as the horse harrumphed in agreement. “And this beauty is—”

  His voice disappeared as Cassie looked at the dark horse. A white star between the eyes, a white blaze down the nose…she stepped back, her breath coming in gasps. “No…”

  Strong arms folded around her and Jack’s voice echoed in her ear. “Cassie, you’re all right. It’s not him. Her name is Kizzy.”

  “Not him?” Cassie pulled her gaze from the horse to Jack.

  “No. Now, do you trust me?” He put the helmet on. “Then I’m going to ride Kizzy while you stand here and watch.”

  She nodded and stood shaking as Jack mounted the horse and took hold of the reins. He sat in the saddle and Rita led him off.

  Cassie gripped the riding hat harder, terrified he’d fall.

  “Nothing’s going to happen. Jack’s a pretty competent rider,” Varian said. “He and Lara come out once a week.” He held out a piece of carrot. “Dobbin prefers carrot to sugar. Not that we complain.”

  Cassie took the carrot. She held it out cautiously and jumped as Dobbin took it from her outstretched hand. With tentative fingers she stroked Dobbin’s nose as he ate the carrot. “Hey, there.”

  “Jack tells me you had a riding accident.”

  If Varian knew her then he knew that too, but Cassie wasn’t going to object to the way the conversation was going. “I came off in a race and got trampled. I haven’t ridden since. I can’t even watch it on television.”

  “That’s fine. I feel the same way about diving. I cracked my head on the diving board when I mistimed the dive. Against advice I went back and dived again immediately, but I don’t watch it anymore.”

  “It’s not that. I should have died. I’m not honestly sure why I didn’t. Jack says that God must have a plan for my life, but…”

  “Then He’ll show you what that is when the time is right.” Varian gave her another piece of carrot. “We don’t do racing here. Cross country is as exciting as we get. It’s mainly dressage or trekking. Nothing too fast.”

  Jack rode over to her. “I see you made friends with Dobbin.”

  “I see you undersold your riding ability, Jack.”

  “Guilty as charged. I didn’t want to pressure you anymore than I already was.” He grinned at her and dismounted, giving the reins to Rita. “Now you and Dobbin are friends, how about you hop up? Varian will take the leading rein and walk one side, while I walk the other.”

  Terror flooded her. “Jack, I can’t—”

  “Yes, you can. We won’t let you fall—we’ll be either side of you.”

  “I’m wearing a skirt.”

  “And…? You can’t let your fear control you, Cass. You need to control it.”

  Trembling fingers fastened her helmet and kilted the skirt. Her heart pounded in her ears as Jack’s hands closed around her waist helping her mount the horse. She gasped as Dobbin moved.

  “You’re all right.” Jack touched her hand, guiding them to the reins. “Just say when you’re ready to go.”

  Rita arranged Cassie’s skirt over the saddle, bunching it away from the stirrups. This was so not the right outfit to wear, but that was the least of Cassie’s concerns.

  “All right.” Cassie held the reins and took a deep breath as Varian clicked his tongue.

  Dobbin began to walk slowly around the ring.

  Tears poured dow
n Cassie’s cheeks as more memories assailed her.

  “Do you want to stop, Cass?”

  “No…”

  By the time the first circuit was complete, she found her natural rhythm and her breathing was under control. By the end of the second, she’d relaxed enough to enjoy it.

  They stopped for Jack to remount. “Do you want the leading rein on or off?”

  “Off, but just a walk, nothing faster.”

  “Sure.”

  Finally dismounting twenty minutes later, Jack thanked Varian and led Cassie back to the car. Her footsteps slowed until she stopped within sight of the car, sobbing. Jack’s arms folded around her and she leaned into him, tears soaking into his shirt, finally letting go of the fear and emotion she’d kept under lock and key for the past year.

  She wasn’t sure how long it was before she looked up. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Are you all right?”

  “For the first time in a long time, yeah, I am.”

  “Good. Are you working on Saturday?” As she shook her head, he continued “Then would you like to come with Lara and I? We go pony trekking on Saturday for an hour. Just a gentle ride, nothing strenuous and I’m sure Varian could find you a horse.”

  “I’d like that, thank you.”

  “Welcome. Now…” He pulled his keys out of his pocket and held them out to her. “Danny said you kept your car insurance up to date, so would you like to drive mine?”

  “Jack?” Her gaze held his, butterflies racing in loop the loops in her stomach. “I haven’t driven in over a year. I can’t…”

  “No such word as can’t. One, this is an automatic. Two, it’s a straight road. Three, it’s an automatic and you only need one foot for that.”

  “My normal one.”

  “Exactly. So I ask again. Do you want to drive?”

  “I’ve never driven an automatic.”

  “Now’s your chance. It’d give you your independence back.”

  “What about Lara…oh, it’s gone four.” Cassie looked at her watch.

  “Mum always gets her on a Tuesday. So you can drive to your house and then I’ll go home from there.” He gave her the keys and walked around to the passenger side. “Home, Cassie, and don’t spare the horses.”