by Lucy Darling
“This emergency family meeting has been called to discuss a very important matter.” I watch as my wife stands at the head of the table demanding the attention of our entire family, wondering where in the hell she got a pink gavel. She might just need it in a group this big.
Everyone is here. Whether we are related by blood or deep friendship doesn’t matter. Our families have formed bonds that now stretch over three generations. The only people missing are Bunny and Jameson. Daisy sent her mom out on a very important errand this morning in order for us to have this pow-wow.
Everyone has come home this weekend to celebrate our parents as they renewed their vows to one another. Their love is the reason that we are all here to begin with. The love that they have for each other has shaped all of us and taught us what true love really is. Well, no one had to teach me because I knew what true love was from a very young age. The minute my Daisy had stomped out in her cowboy boots and hat and insisted she would kiss me one day had sealed my fate and hers.
“Since we all agreed to let my mom cook tonight’s meal, we need to stick to it. You will all pretend that every single morsel of her dinner is delicious. I don’t want to hear one complaint or gagging noise from any of you.” She stares over at our son Mason for a few extra seconds to make sure she’s getting her point across.
“I should have left with Uncle Mason this morning,” he mumbles under his breath. I level him with a stare, letting him know not to give the love of my life any lip. She may be his mother, but she’s my everything and I won’t allow anyone to give her shit. My uncles had hightailed it out of here this morning before anyone could wake up.
I can’t say that I blame them. It was the last event for the weekend with the vow renewal having been last night. Sunday dinner, which is normally at my parents’ house, had been moved. This was a way for Bunny to rope everyone into having it at her place.
“Mason Eric. I will make you eat over at your Grandma Bunny’s every night for the next month if you don’t zip it and cooperate.”
He rolls his eyes that match his mother’s. His sister smacks him in the back of the head. He glares at her, but she gives him an innocent smile. Even though they are twins, their personalities couldn’t be any more different.
“Babe,” I call to her, drawing her eyes toward me. They go soft when they meet mine, the same way they always have. “Show time,” I let her know, having heard Bunny and Jameson’s truck pull up outside.
“All right, kids, outside you go. Everyone needs to act as though this meeting never happened.” Everyone disperses at my wife’s command.
This weekend has been perfect down to every detail that Daisy planned for her parents. She wants to make sure this goes the same. Her love for her family is one of the things that makes Daisy who she is. She spent weeks planning this for her mom to make sure it is everything she could ever want.
My wife is fierce. There is no doubt about that. She’s the first one ready for a fight, but that’s because she loves deeply too. You can’t have one without the other.
Bunny enters the kitchen ready to go. Jameson drops a few bags on the counter.
“Don’t even think about it.” Bunny points to my mom.
“She was just coming to give you a hug.” Daisy jumps in, trying to walk past me. I snag her around the waist, pulling her into my lap. My hand rests on the small baby bump that is already forming.
“Yep.” My mom nods her head in agreement. She’s a terrible liar, but Bunny lets it slide. Dad swoops in and saves her, pulling her down into his lap. I lean back and watch the chaos that is our family unfold. There is never a dull moment around here. The kids run around the table playing while everyone else talks and laughs. This never gets old. I couldn't have dreamt of anything better than what my reality is.
I put my wife in my chair, going to set the table with Josh as Bunny and Jameson start to bring the dishes to the table. Dad pulls out the kids’ table, setting it up. I don’t know what the hell Bunny is making, but it smells good. Maybe she nailed it this time. It’s likely she’ll be on that show Nailed It with her dinner, but I’m giving her the benefit of the doubt.
“Kids! Dinner!” my mom calls out the back door. They come flooding in. Noelle holds her little girl close to her chest, rocking her back and forth. Noelle gave Daisy baby fever. She’d said after the twins she was done. Two babies was enough. She had her hands full with them and all the animals around her. I was damn happy when she cracked. I would never push her for more kids, but I wanted one more.
“Dig in, everyone. Why are you all just sitting there?” Bunny puts her hands on her hips. Everyone hops to.
“I’ll make your plate,” I tell my wife, going for the salad and a few rolls with butter. I figure those two things have to be safe. Next I give her a small serving of whatever this yellow casserole thing is before setting it down in front of her. She’s worked hard this entire weekend so I want her to relax. I take it upon myself to make our kids a plate.
I walk back over to my wife, putting her into my lap again. She gives me a small shake of her head, hiding a smirk. I can eat and hold my wife at the same time. The dining area is bursting with people as it is. It’s better to share a seat.
Our son pushes the casserole thing around on his plate. “What is this, Meme?” Mason looks up at Bunny.
“A creamy chicken casserole.” Jameson stands behind her mouthing that he made sure the chicken was cooked through. I don’t know why Bunny is so insistent on this cooking thing. Jameson can cook as well as my mom and loves to do it for her. “Dig in!”
Daisy gets a spoonful of it, bringing it to her mouth. Everyone else does the same.
“Give me a bite, babe.” She turns her head, giving me a giant smile as she shoves the full spoon at me and I take her bite. It just goes to show you that because something smells good it doesn’t necessarily mean it tastes good too. I swallow without really chewing. Everyone makes sounds as if they are enjoying it.
“You have to give me this recipe,” my mom says to Bunny.
“I have it in my office.” She starts to sit down at the table.
“Can I get it now? You know we’ll forget after a couple glasses of wine.” Bunny laughs, getting up. My mother follows her out, but not before turning and giving us a signal to clear our plates. Everyone jumps up, making quick work except Jameson. He sits at the head of the table eating every bite he put on his plate. I’d do the same if it was my Daisy. It makes me respect him even more than I already do.
A few minutes later Bunny and my mom are back. Jameson asks her for seconds. Bunny beams at not only that but at everyone’s empty plates. Daisy smiles right along with her mom. I kiss her below the ear on her neck.
She settles into me with that smile never leaving her pink lips. I smile right along with her. I knew my girl would give me this. A life a man can only dream about. And I had dreamed about it for years. I made plans for us wanting to make her dreams come true too. She turns on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Love you.”
“I love you too.” I pull her in for a kiss. All the kids groan and fake gag, but I keep on kissing my wife. The woman that was made just for me. She isn't only my heart; she is this family's heart. I’ll happily spend my life taking care of it. Of her. Giving my wife the happily ever after she always dreamed about too.
Did you love Daisy and Eric? Curious about Josh and Noelle? Read their story, Always Her Cowboy now! Do you want to know where it all began? Read Bunny and Jameson’s story Never Let Go. Keep scrolling to read the first chapter of Never Let Go!
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Also by Lucy Darling
Meant to Love
Meant to Be
Love on the Line
Love Forever
Love in the Mix
Love Undefeated
Belong to Me
Return to Me
Never Let Go
Never Been
Kissed
Stalking His Claim
Stalking His Bride
CONNECT WITH ME!
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Never Let Go
Bunny
Performing. That’s my entire life. It’s the one thing that gives me some sort of independence from my father. So, I do it. Without fail. I get up on stage because I don’t really have any other choice. My life consists of me acting as though I’m a living doll whose strings are pulled in perfect timing. Lately, my performances feel the same. Night after night, I dance and play for a crowd that will never know who I really am. Being on stage should give me a buffer, make me somehow safe. But it doesn’t. Danger comes in the form of a supposed admirer, one who seeks to own me, to make me his real-life doll. I fear that’s all I’ll ever be until a stranger intervenes and encourages me to be who I really am.
Jameson
The arts and dancing aren’t exactly high on my list of priorities, but my mother loves ballet and music. Being the loving son that I am, I take her to the finest show that’s ever come to town. At first, I’m bored, the same way I usually am when I’m around wealthy crowds. I’m not one that likes to flaunt what I have. My time is much better spent on my ranch, taking care of my land. My boredom comes to an abrupt halt when I see the star of the show and realize right away she’s more than that—she’s the star of my life. But loving a woman like Bunny Rose isn’t free of complications. Her sweetness attracts far too many wasps, and I’ll crush any who seek to sting the soft, naïve dancer who stole my heart.
Chapter 1
Jameson
“Stop fussing with it.” My mom smacks my hand away like I’m a child.
“It’s fucking choking me.” I pull on the bowtie, letting it come undone. She rolls her eyes at me.
“Watch your mouth.” She scolds me but there’s no power in her tone. A few people turn to look at us. I don’t care if they stare. I am here for one reason and one reason only. My mom wants me here. She’s the only person in the world that could get me to come to a ballet.
At least that’s what I think it is. It could be a musical. I almost groan out loud, thinking about how boring this shit is going to be. It doesn’t matter, though, because either way, I am going to sit and watch it because it’s what my mother wants. I’ll just have to hope I survive being bored out of my mind.
“I just can’t wait for you to see this. You’re going to eat those words about this being boring. Then you’ll get all pissy about the lack of shows Bunny Rose puts on.” I don’t think I’ve ever been pissy about anything in my life. Especially about someone with a ridiculous name.
“Wait. Is this a burlesque show?” With a name like Bunny Rose I’m going to guess yes. The last thing I want to do is sit through a burlesque show. Especially since I’d be watching it while sitting next to my mom in the front row. This night is starting to sound worse by the second.
“What! No.” She smacks my chest, shaking her head at me. “People are listening to us. You’re being ridiculous.” She raises her glass of champagne to her mouth, taking a sip. People are looking but that’s not abnormal for me. I am what they call new money in a world full of old money.
The wealth of Dallas doesn't much like that I don’t fall in line with the rest of the wealthy. But they have no choice but to rub their elbows with my dirt covered ones. Except for tonight. I cleaned up before I took my mom out. Even though I like to give her a hard time, she knows that I’ll do anything for her. I can’t say no when it comes to her.
“I don’t care if they stare.” I throw back the rest of my scotch, wondering when they are going to let us into the theater. I wouldn't mind sitting for a few hours. I’ve been on my feet all day. At least I won’t have to worry about my phone or anything else. I can use this as down time, zone out a bit and try to relax. I snag another champagne glass, handing it to my mom. She takes it from my hand as I drop her empty one down onto the tray.
“Ms. Price, how are you this evening?” Samuel Johnson takes my mom's hand, kissing it.
“I told you to call me Rebecca, Sam.”
“I should have known you’d be here.” He smiles at my mom. I’m still not sure how I feel about Sam. You’d have to be a few beers short of a six-pack to not pick up on that.
“I reckon you’re here because you thought she might be here.” Sam doesn't flinch at me jabbing him.
“Maybe so.” He kisses my mom’s hand again that he’s still holding. I notice my mom’s cheeks pinken and I know I’ll be getting an earful later. The lights overhead start to flash, letting us know it’s time for us to head in. The doors open for everyone to pour inside. “I’ll see you after the show, Rebecca.” He lets my mom’s hand go before stepping back. Both my mom and I watch him walk over to a young girl. I’m pretty sure it’s his granddaughter. It better fucking be.
“Wipe that ridiculous look off your face. It’s his daughter.”
“He’s sweet on you.”
“Who wouldn't be sweet on me?”
I chuckle at how forward she is. “You’re right.” I offer her my arm.
“He’s scared of you.”
“He should be.” He didn't seem to be scared when he strolled over here and began kissing her. I’m not sure if I’m flattered that he fears me or not. I guess if he did, I’d have to give him points for still coming over. If he wants a chance with my mom he better be willing to work for it. If he isn't then he doesn’t deserve her. Anything you want in life is worth fighting for. That’s how I look at things anyway.
“Take me to my seat. I can’t wait for you to see this.” I guide her into the massive theater. I can’t believe that a ballet could sell this place out. My Superbowl tickets cost less than this. “She only does a handful of shows a year. I hear she’s shy.”
“Shy?” This place has to hold over two thousand people.
“I guess when you’re the best you can get away with only doing a few shows. That doesn’t mean she’s not shy. Something you know nothing about.” She gives me a playful hit with her elbow to my side. I don’t have a shy bone in my body. If I want to say something, I say it. If I want to do something, I do it. I really don’t give a shit what anyone thinks of me. It’s why being successful is so important to me. There’s no one to answer to but myself.
I did okay in life before I stumbled upon oil on my land. I struck black gold without even looking for it. I went from a cowboy to a billionaire in the blink of an eye. It doesn’t matter how much money I have, I’ll never stop being a cowboy. I still favor getting dirty out in the fields more than a boardroom.
“She dances?”
My mom takes her seat. I follow suit, thinking their chairs are too damn small. It is still hard to believe that someone pays this much to see someone dance. Whether it’s with her clothes on or off, I’m still not interested. I don’t see the appeal but I know saying that out loud will only get me a scolding from my mom so I keep that thought to myself.
“You can call it dance if you like. You just have to see her. She’s a violinist too. She is truly gifted.” Lovely. There is going to be music too. I feel a headache coming on already. “You better smile. We’re in the front row. Don’t you dare give this girl that look of yours. Change your face to make it look accepting and open. I know it's hard for you.” My ribs should hurt from all the little jabs my mom has been giving me tonight.
“What look?”
My mom rolls her eyes at me trying to feign innocence. “I’ll whoop you in front of all these people. I don’t care.” I know she doesn't. She is better at the whole being social thing than I am. She could run in the inner circles when and if she wanted to.
“I know exactly who I got the attitude from.” I chuckle, making her laugh with me. A woman in all black works her way down to the front row, stopping to talk with each group of people. The lights overh
ead blink again but less this time, letting everyone know it's the final warning to take your seat. A few excited squeals ring out in the room from women in the audience.
“It’s almost time.”
“I can’t believe we got tickets.”
“She is breathtaking.” This time it’s a man I hear. I sit up a little straighter, feeling irritated. The woman in all black moves to stand in front of my mom and me. She shifts and I see a badge on her hip but my eyes flick to the gun she has mostly hidden within her suit coat.
“We request that you not get up during the show. That you wait for intermission.”
“Why?”
“That’s fine.” My mom elbows me again. “I read the note on the tickets.” The woman stops glaring at me to give my mom a warm smile.
“Thank you, ma’am.” She moves on to the next set of people.
“She stopped touring last year because someone jumped on stage and tried to grab her. It terrified her and now they take extra precautions at each show. It was the only way they could get her to come back.”
“What the hell?” No wonder that woman had a gun. Not that it’s uncommon here. It is Texas, after all.
Mom leans over closer to me. “Yeah, she cancelled the rest of her tour, it scared her so badly. Now she only has five shows this year. This is the last. People are saying she might not come back. That’s why the tickets are so hard to get.” More irritation that I can’t explain seeps into me. I lean back in my chair as the lights start to dim. My mom's face turns into a giant smile as the curtains pull back.
As always she is right. I am going to eat my words.
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