The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Debra Clopton Read Free Book Online

back anymore. “So tell me, what’s the story on this Ross guy? He wouldn’t even listen to what I had to say this morning. He seemed different from the guy I met yesterday—talk about a rude dude. And I know about rude.”
    That made Haley laugh, just as Sugar knew it would. Sugar had been notorious for assisting other assistants in the office when it came to people behaving badly. “He didn’t know you were an actress. I’m honestly confused by all of this, too. I really don’t know him all that well, and had completely forgotten about his ties to Branson. No one ever talks about it anymore. I think his family comes to visit him some, but they have a really tight schedule and can’t get away that often.”
    â€œStill, what’s it going to hurt the guy to at least consider it? Mule-headed, that’s what he is. And selfish.”
    â€œWill knows him better than I do. Maybe I need to invite you and him for dinner. We can soften him up. What do you think? It’s worth a try.”
    Sugar pulled open her top drawer, plucked a green gumdrop from the bag stored there and bit it in half. She chewed on one half and squished the other between her fingers as she thought over her strange encounter with Ross. “He’s going to soften up. I’m going to hound him until he does. Too much is at stake here. I have to have his building.”
    â€œAre you going to destroy his resistance like you just destroyed that poor piece of candy?” Haley asked, a smile in her voice.
    Sugar zoned in on the small blob of green goop. “Ack! Disgusting! What was I thinking?” She shook her hand over the trash can, but it wouldn’t come off. Grabbing a tissue, she wiped it away. “There. Okay, back to the point. The man will come around.”
    â€œHow do you know?”
    â€œBecause if I have to talk him into it, I will. I’m angry at him right now, but he really does seem like a nice guy. A little moody, but I’m sure that when he sees the show will be good for Mule Hollow, he’ll give in. I’m going to calm down and pray about it.”
    â€œI’ll pray, too. I just can’t help thinking God has a plan here.” Haley studied her. “This could be very interesting,” she said at last. “Ross might not be as wimpy as you think.”
    â€œDon’t you laugh, the man will surrender. I promise you,” Sugar warned, aware of the smile she was trying to control.
    Haley held her hand up in surrender. “I believe you. Remember, I’ve seen you in action. So when are you going to start auditions?”
    â€œI’m going to print up a flyer for Sam’s and the feed store, and get things going on Saturday. And since you’ve taken over booking the community center, I was hoping I could use it for rehearsal. Thanks to my sweet grandmother I have money stashed away that will finance this venture, if I’m frugal.”
    â€œYou can use the community center for the auditions and for rehearsal. We’ll work something out. I’ll also do a sponsorship to help with the cost. After all, this is going to be a great attraction—I really do believe in you, Sugar.”
    Sugar suddenly felt like crying. “Thank you,” she said softly. “That means more to me than you know.”
    Haley smiled as if it was no big deal, but it was to Sugar. As she was growing up, her parents had seemed to believe in her dream to be an actress, but when it came time for her to head out to L.A., they’d changed their tune. Only then did she find out that they’d supported her dream as a means to help her make it through her illness. They’d thought she’d grow out of it.
    She told herself that it didn’t matter, but it did. Having someone believe in you was important.
    But proving wrong those who didn’t believe in you could also be great motivation.
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    It was almost closing time on Saturday