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Isaac was right behind her. The church might fall to the ground; he hadn’t made a
practice of attending too many worship services. “No, prissy pants. Not unless you’re hankering for
some roses. I’ll be glad to buy you some. There is no other girlfriend – single or
plural. You and I are practically engaged. Why would I want to buy presents
for some other girl?”
At the word engaged, she whirled around – “I don’t want any roses. I’m not
your girlfriend and we aren’t practically engaged. We are in a church, Isaac.
Aren’t you afraid of getting struck by lightning for telling a lie?”
‘Me thinks the lady is protesting too much’, or at least that’s what he hoped.
His Avery was something; he even liked to watch her fuss. She had the most
beautiful face. He didn’t know which feature he liked best – those high cheek
bones, soft violet eyes, dark long lashes or plump pink lips. No, he knew – his
favorite part was her nose that tilted up the tiniest bit. There were so many
places he wanted to trail kisses, beginning with the soft skin on her neck and
following the line of her graceful sloping shoulders. Avery was a soft, curvy
woman that was shaped the way God intended a woman to be shaped. And he knew several things he wanted
to do with that braid . . . His intense cataloging of her assets seemed to unnerve her. She dropped her gaze
and turned to straighten the bottom of the lace runner. “No baby, the Lord knows I ain’t tellin no fibs. If
he’s omnipotent, he can hear my every thought – and what I’m thinking right now is what a lovely job he did
creating your sweet little tush.”
“We are in a holy place, Isaac,” she turned and shushed him like they were in a library. “Have some respect!”
Her hands on her hips; brought his attention to the narrowness of her waist. Yea, he couldn’t wait to
tug her close, again.
“Yes, we are in a holy place.” Isaac licked his lips. “If I remember my Sunday School lessons, correctly,
didn’t God tell Moses to take off his shoes on that holy ground? Why don’t we show more respect and go
outside before I take off that little pink top you have on? I swear, baby, you look good enough to eat. I don’t
know if I ever told you – but, you have the most beautiful body. I can promise you one thing; I am going to
give you a honeymoon you will never forget. And it don’t matter where we go, cause I ain’t gonna let you get
out of the bed.”
Avery closed her eyes, wishing he would just disappear. “Why are you being this way? Are you determined
to break my heart?”
The pain in her voice got his attention, damned quick. He totally changed his tone. “Avery, look at me.
Now.”
Almost reluctantly she met his gaze. “Do I need to remind you that just a couple of days ago; you couldn’t
wait to see the last of me? Do you think I’m stupid? It doesn’t take a genius to know the only reason you want
to marry me is because you feel guilty.”
Seeing the hurt on her face, he whispered a word that shouldn’t be repeated in church. Damn! What a
fiasco! Making a grab for her, she frustrated him by stepping quickly out of his clasp. Her lack of
self-confidence tore at his heart. Walking to the table in front of the pulpit, he placed his hand on the Bible. “This is just one, but I’d swear on a stack of Bibles that I did not lie to you. I’m not ready to give up on us. I want to be with you, more than you’ll ever know. Let me explain. Hear me out, that’s all I ask. Please?”
Avery looked at his face. It was confusing, he sounded so sincere. She dug her fingernails in her palm as a reminder to stay strong. Because he was sincere – sincerely trying to do the right thing. There was no way
she could be rude to him. Belonging to Isaac was her fondest dream. Just because it was slipping through her fingers didn’t give her the right to be mean. “Okay, we can talk. I’m not agreeing to anything – but I have
always enjoyed spending time with you. Now, is no different.”
Not exactly the level of enthusiasm he was hoping for, but that was okay. All he wanted was a chance to
change her mind. “Is that your last delivery?”
“Yes, but I rode to work with Tricia. I spent the night at her house last night. So, I don’t have my motorcycle.”
“Remind me to speak to you about your ride,” he emphasized the last word. “I knew you didn’t go home,
or to the motel. I went looking for you.” He was staring at her with such heat that she had to look away.
“Come on, let’s go. I’ll follow you to the shop. Then, I want you to spend the rest of the day with me at the
ranch. Joseph and Cady’s party is tonight, and I want you to go with me. We have some serious talking to
do.”
That was too much. “How about if I fix you some lunch at my house and we have a civilized conversation?
I don’t think the party is a good idea.”
“I will change your mind.”
“You can try.”
Damn, she was sassy. As she sashayed by him, he reached and grabbed her, pulling her hard against his
body for a quick kiss that stole the air from her lungs.
“No fair,” she whimpered. “You know I crave you like chocolate.” Was there any use pretending?
Chuckling, he let her go. “That’s what I’m counting on. Consider that kiss a down-payment on what I plan
to collect – later.”
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Cady, official McCoy fiancé had stepped up and prepared the wedding supper for Jessie and Jacob. Joseph had helped, playing zydeco on the music system. They had concocted gumbo, grilled shrimp, rice pilaf, and bourbon chocolate bread pudding. It was going to be a meal to remember. Cady’s family had
returned to south Louisiana but their gift had been to fill their freezers full of enough shrimp, crawfish, and Andouille sausage to last till the next visit. “Do you think Jessie will like the little bull we’re all giving them as a wedding present?” “There’s no doubt in my mind that both of them will take to him right off, little bud. Jacob has been hankering after one of Machine Gun’s offspring for years. Those little guys are worth their weight in gold.” Joseph was sitting at the dining table, on his laptop, registering for his first dirt-bike race since the accident. He didn’t type fast, but used the hunt
and peck method. “Nathan has been in charge of getting our gift all spruced up and ready for presentation,” he explained to Cady. “I’ve made pralines, Nathan. Would you like one?” Cady held out a platter of the pecan caramel confections. “Yes, please,” he accepted one the sugary treats. “Isaac just drove up with Avery. You know – if Noah brings home a girl, everyone will have one but me.” Cady was amused. “Does that mean you are ready for a girlfriend?” “Heck, no!” Nathan was emphatic. “This is a family dinner, but I think it would be okay if you asked a date, Nathan.” Joseph took the opportunity to josh his brother. “Haley probably loves shrimp. Why don’t you give her a call?” “Nah,” Nathan rejected his brother’s idea. “I think I’d rather spend time with that bull calf and Lady.” That will change.” Joseph laughed. “Sooner than you think,” Cady added as she stirred the pot of gumbo. “Why don’t you take the little bull some sugar cubes? And you can give the horses a treat while you’re out there.” “Can Lady have a piece of that candy? I think she would like that.” At the mention of her name coupled with the word candy, Lady peeked her head around the door. “Does Libby know you’ve been sneaking Lady in every chance you get?” Joseph tried to sound stern, but he liked to have animals in the house. His Mom had never prohibited them from having pets, even in their rooms. But Sabrina, Aron’s first wife had put a stop to the animals and they haven’t had any in the house since – until now. “She don’t care, but she said I had to clear it with Jessie and Cady, too.” he gave Cady such a pitiful look that she walked over to the dog and offered a piece of the pecan confection. “You have my blessing, Miss Lady. You can sleep with me, anytime.” She ran her finger down the dog’s head. “I bet she’s smarter than we all realize. Aren’t you girl?” The dog seemed to give her a knowing smile. “Now, wait a minute. Your bed is occupied – by me.” Joseph was teasing – maybe. Nathan filled his pockets with treats and he and the black lab were about to scamper out the back door when Lady perked up her ears. “Isaac’s here!” Nathan announced as Lady dashed over to meet the man who had saved his life by rescuing her from the side of the road. “Something sure smells good.” Isaac and Avery came through the door. “Hey, girl,” he stooped to pet the dog and Nathan came over for his hug. “Man, I missed you today, Nate. Guess what I had delivered at the bar?” “What? A new bike?” Nathan couldn’t wait to have his own motorcycle, but Isaac was the one who had put his foot down. He wanted Nathan to wait until he was at least sixteen. “No, a mechanical bull.” “Wow, can I ride it?” Nathan’s level of enthusiasm spiked a thousand percent. “Yes, you can.” “Man, O man,” he pumped his fist in the air. “Can I come over tonight?” “No,” Isaac glanced at Avery. “I’m planning on letting Avery try it out first.” His wink told Avery that he was up to something – what she didn’t know. “Where is everybody else?” Isaac wanted to know. “Are the newlyweds back from the courthouse?” “Yes, they’re in their room,” Cady whispered. “Jessie was tired, she needed a nap.” “And Jacob’s napping with her, I presume?” Isaac held the refrigerator door open for Nathan as he filled a plastic bag with apples and carrots for the horses. Seeing the Pink Kitty suitcase in Isaac’s hand, Joseph asked. “Going on a trip?” Just up to my room, wise-ass - Avery’s moving in.” “Sweet,” Joseph grinned. “There’s definitely something in the water around here – Nate my man – you better start drinking kool-aid.” “Kool-aid is made with water,” Nathan explained patiently. “Dang, Cady – so, that’s how you caught me.” Cady never blinked, she just whacked Joseph playfully with a wooden spoon. “When are we going to eat?” Isaac asked. “I’m starving.” “Everything’s ready. As soon as Libby, Aron and Noah get here, we’ll call Jessie and Jacob and get started.” Cady handed Nathan a jacket. “Put this on and hurry back. Don’t make me have to send Joseph out to tear you away from the animals.” “Yes, Cady,” he promised as he led Lady by the collar. “Come on girl, two down one to go.” Cady saw Avery’s curious expression. “He still has to get the okay from Jessie about letting the dog in the house.” “I love dogs and cats. Once, I even had a white mouse in the house,” she looked around wistfully at the big, comfortable kitchen. This was so obviously a home inhabited by people who loved each other. Would she ever feel at home here? Joseph patted a chair. “Come sit by me, Avery and tell me what you see in this badass brother of mine.” Isaac jumped over and pulled out her chair. “He’s a gentleman,” she offered as a start. “And I can get all the Shirley Temple’s I want for free.” Isaac roared with laughter. “See, I have my uses.” He wrapped an arm around Avery and pulled her close. “I’ll show you my other ‘assets’ later.” She kissed his forearm that rested just under her chin. “I enjoyed your engagement party,” Avery spoke to Cady. “The food was out of this world.” “I can’t take credit for the buffet, the men prepared the meat and Jessie, Lilibet and Libby did the rest.” She set the platter of pralines on the table. “It’ll spoil our appetites – but these are wonderful warm.” “Oh, these are my absolute favorite candies in the whole world,” Avery exclaimed as she laid claim to one of the treats. “I’m glad; I made enough of these to fill the Mississippi. At the rehearsal dinner Friday night, every guest gets to take a little bag of these home with them. They’re my contribution to the celebration.” “Oh, I want mine and yours, both,” she told Isaac with serious eyes. “I love them.” “So, I gathered,” Isaac took one for himself. “I wonder if they make praline flavored massage oil.” Avery punched him; she knew exactly what he was getting at. “Can I set the table for you?” “Please do.” Cady seemed glad of the help and Avery wanted to be useful. Joseph put up his laptop and he and Isaac pitched in until they had everything ready. “Have you received any word from Austin Boot Company on whether or not they’ll help sponsor your rodeo?” Joseph carried the heavy tureen of gumbo to the table as he answered Isaac’s question. “As a matter of fact, Beau called me today and gave me good news. Austin Boot is in and so is Barrington Rifle.” “All right!” Isaac was so proud of his brother. “Avery, Joseph is putting together a benefit rodeo that will give handicapped children a chance to get up close and personal with some cowboys and all profits will go to help paralyzed kids.” “Wow, that sounds great; I do some work for the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation.” “Avery, you have got to meet Joseph’s friend, Beau. He is one of the most colorful character’s you could imagine. He lives on the banks of the Atchafalaya Swamp and has more alligator stories than you can count.” “I can’t wait to meet him.” “You’ll get the chance, soon. He’s coming to the wedding.” “Who’s coming to the wedding?” Aron asked as he sauntered into the room carrying an armful of packages. “Beau.” “Excellent, the more the merrier, I want everybody to witness me marrying the most beautiful girl in the world.” “Speaking of marrying . . . . . .” Jacob escorted Jessie through the door. She was blushing and looked happier than anybody Avery had ever seen. “Congratulations, you two.” Libby hugged Jesse, then Jacob. After much back-slapping and kissing of cheeks, the family began to settle around the table. “Where’s Noah?” Jessie asked. Aron thought a minuite, “I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since the party last night.” He looked around the table. “Who talked to Noah last?” “I didn’t talk to him, but I did see him take a call and then he left. I thought he had a date,” Joseph didn’t look concerned. “If it were any of the rest of you, I wouldn’t worry. But this isn’t like Noah.” Aron got out his phone and rang his number. Everyone waited. Finally, he closed it. “He doesn’t answer.”
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B OBBY DOES DALLAS. That was the headline that met Cecile’s eyes when she
opened the newspaper as she stirred her de-caf coffee. Soon, she could go back to drinking
her sweet elixir of caffeinated brew. Breast-feeding was exhausting but when she held Jaidon close to her heart, it was worth all the sacrifice. It had been hard going through the final stages of pregnancy and delivery by herself. But, she had made it.
Putting her little bundle of joy up on her shoulder, she read the words that both thrilled her and scared her to death. Bobby was here. “Jaidon, my boy, your daddy is painting the
town.” She read with a rapidly beating heart all of the personal appearances he was making, and the women he was making them with. She knew enough about the business to realize that most of these dates and photo opportunities were prearranged by his agent. Still, she was so jealous that she bet her pee was green.
Bobby’s letters that Annalise had sent put Cecile into a tailspin. She couldn’t get them out of her mind. The
last one she read was still lying on the table. Pulling it to her, she read it for the umpteetnth time.
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