by June Faver
Jenn swallowed and sat down as far as she could away from the very desirable hunk who was making her feel flustered. She ran her fingers through her disheveled hair.
“First, I wanted to let you know that I did take the ledger to Breck Ryan. He’s going to look it over more thoroughly, but he did skim through and said the business was in good shape, at least financially.”
“Oh, that’s a good thing.” Jenn clasped her hands together, delighted with the good news.
“Yes, it is. Breck and I talked about the two people who want to buy the place. He said that woman we met at the airstrip, Maggie Swearingen…well, she is rich as anything and has some kind of company in Dallas but keeps her small planes in a hangar on our property.”
“And then there’s Mr. Pell. He’s interested, as well,” she offered.
“Breck said Pell could afford it too.”
She thought about the man who had crooned a children’s song to Lissy. “That’s good to know.”
“But Breck said he could arrange for a commercial Realtor to evaluate the property and that would bring more possible buyers to the table.” Cade ended his speech and sat gazing at her expectantly.
“Um, all that sounds great, Cade. Pardon me if I’m still a little confused. Just too much happening. I haven’t fully grasped it all yet.”
“No hurry,” he said. “Let’s see what Breck has to say after he has a chance to take a more thorough look over the books.”
She nodded, fidgeting with her hands, clasping and unclasping them. “Thanks. I appreciate you going to all this trouble to follow-up on our little visit to the airstrip.” She paused. “I’m glad we have time to make an informed decision about the property. I would hate to jump to a hasty conclusion and live to regret it.”
Cade shrugged. “We’ll just figure it out at our own pace. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.”
Jenn couldn’t keep from emitting a groan. It was such a trite thing to say, like something your grandpa might utter…but somehow she was both flattered and ashamed.
“What’s the matter, Jennifer?” Cade leaned closer, allowing his clean man smell to invade her senses. “Did I say something wrong?”
“Nooo,” she moaned. “I just look so awful today. I was embarrassed already that you caught me looking this bad. I almost didn’t open the door to you.” Her lower lip quivered, and she caught it in her teeth. “But I certainly don’t deserve any kind of compliment, no matter how well meant.”
He stammered something unintelligible and reached out to her. “I—I’m sorry. I think you look pretty all the time…really. You don’t have to be dressed up to look good to me.” He laid one of his big hands on her shoulder.
“Ooh, that is so sweet.” Her voice had taken on a whiny, nasal quality. She bit the inside of her lip to keep from breaking down in a puddle of tears.
“Please don’t cry,” he said, scooting even closer. “I couldn’t take it if you cried.”
She shook her head rapidly. “Not gonna cry. Why would I cry?”
“That’s my girl.” He brushed her hair off her forehead and planted a kiss against it.
My girl? What does that mean?
“Just let me ask you what I wanted to ask you.”
His face was so close to hers, she felt his breath on her cheek. “Okay,” she whispered. “Ask.”
“Um, will you go with me to my uncle’s ranch this weekend for a barbecue?” He said it fast, as though he had memorized it.
“Sounds great, but I don’t have anyone to sit with the kids.”
He grinned. “That’s the good news. The kids are invited. Big Jim is all about family, and he’s related to Lissy and Leo too.”
She let out a deep breath. “That sounds nice. I want the children to know family…to be a part of a real family.”
“They are,” he said. “We are. You and me…we’re part of a family.”
This struck her as funny and she began to laugh—laughed so much she couldn’t catch her breath.
Cade drew back. He looked worried. “Jennifer? Are you all right?”
She wiped her eyes. “Sorry, it just hit me as hilarious…you and me as family.”
He frowned. “But…”
“If we’re family, what were those kisses about? Those were not the kisses you give to a relative.”
Cade sighed. “You’re right. I kissed you the way I would kiss a beautiful, desirable woman…not a relative.” He slipped his arms around her and drew her closer before laying a kiss on her that made her glad they weren’t related.
Jenn and Cade stayed on the sofa, a tangle of arms, sometimes with lips involved and sometimes just lying together, talking softly and listening to each other breathe. They stayed this way until Leo came in from the bedroom.
Leo’s eyes were half-closed, and he was weaving as he walked across to the sofa. Without preamble, he climbed onto the sofa and onto Jenn and Cade, who scrambled to gather him in their arms. Cade and Jenn looked at each other, and Jenn released Leo to Cade.
“I’ll go check on Lissy. She’s probably about to wake up, and she’ll need to be changed.” She got up and went to follow through on her intentions.
When she returned she had a clean and fresh young girl in her arms. She found Cade stretched out on the floor with Leo sound asleep on top of him.
“I don’t think this little one got enough nap.”
Yes, her heart melted a little.
* * *
Big Jim was excited.
Leah, the wife of his middle son, Tyler, was helping with his effort to entertain, while Misty, wife of his oldest son, Colton, was tending to the children.
His youngest son, Beau, his wife, Dixie, and their daughter would be over later. Dixie had called to see what she could bring and promised to make a dessert.
Big Jim hoped she was picking up a dessert from the Tasty Pastry, the local bakery, since Dixie was not known for her talents in the kitchen. She had many other talents, managing to run the local feed store she’d inherited from her father. Most of all, his son Beau was extremely happy, loving his role as husband and father.
With all three of his sons happily married, Big Jim considered that, as a grandpa, his job was to spoil all the kids and make sure there were plenty of opportunities for the brood to get together.
This usually occurred on Sundays, when they all showed up at the same church and sat together in the pew they had commandeered years ago. They usually managed to get together after church, either when Big Jim treated the whole brood to a meal at one of the nearby restaurants or a home-cooked meal at his ranch house.
Frequently, the entire Garrett clan gathered together over food. And food was Big Jim’s arena. He was a big man with a big man’s appetite. A big man who had raised three other big men, feeding their voracious appetites as well as his own.
Feeding his family was a part of the job. As patriarch of the family, he was bound to nurture them. Even the preparation was a family event.
Big Jim looked around the kitchen, a smile on his face and in his heart.
Leah and Misty had prepped side dishes. Leah’s grandmother had made two of her famous pecan pies. Even Gracie and Mark had washed and chopped vegetables for a salad. Big Jim was rubbing his special blend of spices into the racks of ribs.
“Did you say that Cade was coming to dinner?” Leah asked.
“Sure is,” Big Jim responded. “And he’s bringing guests.”
Misty clapped her hands. “The children?”
Big Jim nodded. “He’s bringing Leo and Lissy…and another guest.”
Leah and Misty both paused what they were doing to gaze at him expectantly.
He teased them by ignoring their expressions as he concentrated on seasoning the meat.
“Dad! C’mon. Who is Cade bringing to the barbecue?” It was Mi
sty who demanded an answer. “He told me he was bringing three guests.”
He looked up, assuming as innocent an expression as he could muster. “Cade? He’s bringing Jennifer LaChance. What do you think about that?”
“Woohoo!” Leah hooted. “That’s great. She’s gorgeous.”
“And she’s really nice too. I think they’ll make a great couple,” Misty said.
“Who said they were a couple?” Big Jim asked. “Maybe he just felt sorry for her and thought she needed a meal. She is on the skinny side, you know.”
“Big Jim! She’s perfect.” Leah stuck her fists on her hips. “I would kill to look like Jennifer. I gained so much baby weight with J.T., and it’s not coming off fast.”
Misty made a scoffing noise. “You look great. You just had the baby in December, and you’re nursing, so you’re all boob city.” She blushed and glanced at Big Jim. “Sorry,” she murmured.
Leah just laughed.
“I think you look very nice, Leah,” Big Jim said. “My sons have very good taste in brides.” He gave a wink. “Which means, of course, contributing my excellent gene pool will result in incredibly gorgeous babies.”
Leah and Misty both laughed.
“Well, J.T. sure is a beautiful boy. I can’t wait until Colt decides we’re ready to have a baby of our own.” Misty’s face morphed into an exaggerated pout.
“Me too,” Big Jim said. “What’s the holdup?” He turned on the tap in the sink with his forearm and washed the spice rub off his hands.
“You know Colt. He wants everything to be perfect.” Misty shrugged. “The house is coming along, so we should be able to get settled in a few months.”
Big Jim slid the tray of seasoned meat back into the refrigerator to continue chilling. “It’s going to be mighty lonely around this big ole place when you two and Mark move out.”
“I’m pretty sure you’ll be glad to get rid of us,” she said. “But Mark is going to miss you a lot. He loves to get up early to make a trip to the stables with you, Big Jim. He idolizes you.”
Big Jim had to take a quick breath to keep from blurting out how much he loved Misty’s young brother. Mark had been through such a hard time. He’d lost his father and his older brother but had settled in at the Garrett ranch. The boy was faithful to his chore list but especially enjoyed caring for the horses, which was also Big Jim’s favorite. He and Mark had spent a lot of time together over the past year.
Big Jim swallowed hard. “I sure will miss that rascal. He’s a special young man.”
Misty gazed at him. Her expression told him she knew exactly how he felt.
“Let’s get this shindig goin’. I’m gonna go out and get the fire started.” He grabbed a longneck from the fridge and flipped the cap into the trash.
He couldn’t handle all this female emotion. He needed to get outside and do man things. Start a fire. That’s manly. “Hey, Mark!” he called. “C’mon out back and help me with the fire.”
There was a whoop, and Mark came running into the kitchen to hit the door right behind Big Jim.
Chapter 17
“Okay, Leo. Try to stay clean while I change your sister.” Jenn gave Leo a long look, the look that says I mean business, and took Lissy to be cleaned up.
When she returned to the living room, Leo had indeed stayed clean. He was sitting on the sofa with his hands clasped. Minnie was lying beside him, showing her stomach in hopes of a belly rub.
“You are such a good boy, Leo. Thanks for being my helper.” She sat down with Minnie between them, Lissy on her lap. She had placed a bib around Lissy’s neck in hopes of catching some of the constant drool.
Jenn felt flutters of anxiety swirling around in her gut. She was going to mix and mingle with Cade’s relatives. The Garretts.
They were a powerful local family. Lots of land. Lots of cattle. Lots of Garretts…but Cade was a Garrett, and he was so sweet…so kind…so damned hot.
In a few minutes, she heard the doorbell chime. The flutter turned into a whirlwind. She squashed down her nerves and gave the children a big smile.
“It’s Uncle Cade! Are you ready to go?”
Both children nodded vigorously.
She went to open the door, holding Lissy in her arms, with Leo and Minnie on her heels. Throwing the door open, she figured Cade might be overwhelmed by their greeting, but no, he just stood grinning at her with his genuine pleasure shining through.
He caught Leo, who had thrown himself at Cade. Minnie circled around his boots, barking her cute little yips. And Lissy leaned toward him, reaching with her drool-covered fingers.
“Well, I’m glad to see you too.” He shifted Leo to one arm and leaned close to take Lissy from Jenn. “I’ll just get these two little ones in their car seats.” He started to leave, but Minnie wanted to follow.
“Oh no! Minnie wants to go.” Jenn leaned down and called the dog. “Come here, Minnie.”
“Not a problem,” Cade said. “Big Jim has lots of pets. Why don’t you bring her?”
Jenn straightened. “Seriously?”
“Sure. Bring her along. It’s a family thing.” Cade turned toward his truck, a child in each arm.
Jenn thought her chest might burst wide open. She pressed her lips together as she grabbed Minnie and went into the house. She tucked her small handbag under her arm, donned her sunglasses, grabbed Minnie’s leash, and locked up the house. By the time she made her way to the truck, Cade had secured the children in the back seat and stood beside the open passenger door.
“You sure do look pretty today,” he said.
For some reason this simple compliment pleased her immensely. She felt her cheeks warm. “Thanks,” she whispered. “Oh my!” She kept forgetting how high his truck was and how slim her skirt was. Maybe she could go back to Dallas to pick up some casual clothes…or she could just keep recycling the same three outfits.
“Here ya go.” Cade scooped her up and lifted her onto the seat.
She grinned, feeling breathless, although she had not exerted herself. Minnie settled in her lap.
“Seat belt,” he reminded her before closing her door and rounding the truck. By the time he had climbed into the driver’s seat and started the ignition, she was buckled up and ready to go.
“I think you’re going to have a good time at my uncle Jim’s house. He’s a great guy.” He pulled out into the street. “I grew up with his three sons and a couple of other cousins.”
“That sounds lovely,” she said.
“We were wild boys growing up in the country. We all had chores, but when we got together, it was just so much fun.”
“Are you still a wild boy?” She realized she was flirting, and this surprised her, since she hadn’t felt this way since her early college years when her male classmates had swarmed around her like bees to a flower—and look at how that turned out.
He glanced at her with approval. “Not anymore.” He shifted gears and made a turn onto the highway. “I’m a wild man.”
* * *
When the doorbell rang, Misty’s twelve-year-old brother, Mark, ran to throw the door open wide. “Oh wow! It’s Cade,” he yelled. “And he’s got some people with him.”
“Well, let them come on back,” Big Jim shouted.
Almost immediately, Mark ushered Cade, who appeared to be ushering Jennifer LaChance. He carried his little niece, while Jennifer led the young nephew by the hand. There was a small, fluffy dog in her other arm.
Big Jim wiped his hands and stepped from behind the counter. “Good to see you, boy!” He reached to give Cade half of a man hug, keeping the space between them somewhat open so as not to squash the young girl. He tickled her on the tummy and she giggled, rewarding him with her wet fingers on his hand.
Big Jim turned to Jennifer. “Welcome to the Garrett casa, Jennifer. Please make yourself at home.” He stop
ped short of hugging her, not because he didn’t want to, but because she looked a little frightened.
He placed his hand in front of the dog’s nose, letting it get to know him and not taking a chance on getting bitten by the little fluff ball. The dog’s tail wagged, so he gave it a few strokes. Cute little booger.
He gestured to the people gathered in the large room, which consisted of the kitchen with a so-called “breakfast bar” separating it from the dining room and den beyond. “You know everyone?” he asked.
A weak smile flashed on her lips. “Um, not everyone.” She looked around uncertainly.
Misty, kindhearted person that she was, got up from the table and came to greet Jennifer. “Hey, Jennifer. Why don’t you come over and hang out with the girls? We’ve paid our dues, and now the menfolk are cookin’ up the meat.”
Leah waved her hand. “So we’re just chillin’ and spreadin’ gossip.”
Jennifer looked a bit confused. She gazed up at Cade.
Big Jim thought he could see real affection between the two of them.
Cade’s expression told the whole story. “You get to know these ladies, and I’ll help my uncle wrangle the meat.” He reached to take the dog from Jennifer’s arms. “I’ll make sure she gets to play.”
“Here,” Misty said. “Let me take Lissy.”
“Unhand that baby,” Big Jim said. “I get dibs on getting to know these two little critters.” He took Lissy from Cade and nodded to Leo. “C’mon, boy. Let’s get the meat on the grill.”
Jennifer looked alarmed and took a step forward, but Misty put a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t worry. Big Jim is magic with kids,” Leah said. “He’s like a big kid himself.”
“C’mon, Cade. Tear yourself away from the beautiful young lady. We got meat to burn.” Big Jim cocked his head at his nephew.
Cade grinned at Jennifer. “I’ll be out back if you need anything.”
Big Jim turned back to face them. “You ladies mind my cornbread. I set the timer, but you might want to look in on it in a bit.”
Cade leaned close to her ear. “I’ll be back shortly.” And he followed his uncle out the back door, the dog tucked under his arm.
