The Women of Blackmon Ranch

The huge ring on Sadia's finger caught the light and was noticeable to every woman in the room, especially Pia. They were having their monthly Women of Blackmon Ranch meeting they started seven months earlier. At that time Sadia and Nathaniel weren't dating.

Pia wasn't exactly jealous because she and Blade talked about waiting a couple of years to even think about getting married due to how busy they were but still...

"That's a nice rock." Anastasia said softly to Pia. Pia drew her eyes away and met the all knowing glance of her boss and friend.

"What?" Pia said.

"Pia please. I see you staring at the ring on Sadia's finger. I mean, you can't exactly miss it. Do you want to take that ring off your right hand and place it on your left?" Soon after they started dating Blade slid a ring on her right ring finger. The media and others, including Blade referred to her as his fiancé.

"Umm no. Blade and I have discussed it. We're both busy as heck and he's only twenty-two."

"Oh, okay. You're right Pia at thirty-one and Nate at thirty-three are much older and ready. However..."

Pia rolled her eyes because when Anastasia said, 'however' she had more to say.

"However, you and Blade were serious before Sadia was hired and Nathaniel was our resident player but in less than a year, he's put a ring on it, and is almost done building their home. However..." Anastasia said causing a groan from Pia. "You two are building empires. And truthfully, I would normally say twenty-two is way too young for marriage, even your twenty-six but Blade isn't your average youngun, nor are you." Anastasia said.

"You're kind of right but I want to wait. That ring is fire though and she and Nate are amazing together. Besides in two weeks Ms. Bella and Mr. Robert are jumping the broom."

"That's true and even Marie Blackmon is attending. Robert has been on pins and needles since proposing. She made him wait. As soon as he asked he was ready but she succinctly told him she would be engaged at least a year and she was. They are so cute together. Bella is the juice Robert needed in his life."

They heard laughter and glanced up. The younger women were laughing at something Marie said. Marie reveled in being the matriarch of the ranch and having the women rally around her.

"She's in her element. Designing with Blade and these meetings are giving her life at eighty-two. She's the example of we are never too old to evolve." Anastasia said admiringly. Pia could only nod in agreement. She knew what brought him and Marie to where they were. They had an excellent working relationship and she was attending Bella's wedding.