MAKING PLANS FOR THE WEDDING 02

"I will call my girlfriends," Francisca offered. "I know some of them will come. Everyone wants to meet real cowboys."

That's when Andrew entered the kitchen. "Who wants to meet real cowboys?"

"Francisca's college friends," Rose replied, checking off "guests." "Where are you going to have the wedding?"

"Here," Bobby said.

Andrew cleared his throat, and everyone looked at him. "Or in town, at the Grange hall. There's fireworks after sundown, so we can all go over to the park after the party."

"So you want to get married in the afternoon?" Rose asked.

"No. Too hot," Andrew said. "Maybe later, around six. Then we can have something to eat and dance all night."

"Which brings me to other things, food and music."

"And I have to get a dress," Francisca added. "Something white and long, but not too dressy. Don't you think it should be cotton, like Laura Ashley without the flowers?"

"Flowers," Rose repeat. "What kind of flowers do you want to carry?"

"Something Texan," Francisca declared. "I know. Yellow roses!" She tugged Bobby's hand. "Do you think yellow roses are okay?"

Bobby looked at Andrew as if to beg for mercy. "We were going to the movies," he said. "Mel Gibson."

His Foreman didn't let him down. "You are going to be late if you don't get going."

"That's what I thought." Bobby grabbed Francisca's hand and headed toward the door. "Don't worry, Ms Marti. Andrew here will tell you everything you need to know."

Within seconds they were out of the door and Rose was left alone with a sexy cowboy and a sleeping dog.

"It's true," Andrew said, pulling up a chair. "I do know about a lot of things."

"About weddings?"

"There are probably the same as funerals," he said. "And I have planned enough of those, too."

She pushed the notebook aside. "I can't plan someone else's wedding. It's not right."

"Sure it is." He pulled the notebook toward him and studied the list. "You can get the Steak Barn to cater. Just call Millie in the morning and tell her what you want. They could have a small ceremony here at the house and then party later, at the Grange. The whole town will be jumping for the fourth, so it should be quite a reception."

"Don't forget the fireworks."

"You haven't lived till you've seen it." Andrew smiled at her, which made Rose wish he wasn't across the table. "You are going to stay, aren't you?"

Like she had a choice.

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