“It’s about time,” Bree said. “I just think Mama had cold feet about jumping in again.”
“It’s understandable. It’s hard to give yourself to someone knowing there’s a possibility you could get hurt.”
“Sounds like you’re talking from personal experience. Speaking of which, have you heard from Damian?”
Jada shook her head. She hadn’t heard or spoken to Damian all week, and he’d stayed away from the station too. He’d called in on the speakerphone the other day for a morning meeting, but that was it.
“Alright then.” Bree slid her arm through Jada’s. “Then we’re going to leave him behind in San Francisco with all that drama, and we’re going to focus instead on getting the parents hitched. How’s that sound?”
“Sounds like the best medicine ever.”
An hour later, they pulled into the ranch and the driveway was brimming with cars. Jada counted as least half a dozen of them. She couldn’t wait to see her family from Arizona. She didn’t have to wait long. The front door burst open, and her daddy and mama spilled out onto the front porch.
Duke ran down to greet her. “There’s my baby girl.” He spun Jada in his arms before she could take another step.
“Duke, put her down,” Abigail said. “You’re going to make her dizzy.”
“Aww, woman, stop hovering. I’ve been doing this since Jada was a sprout.” He grasped Jada around the shoulders and pulled her toward the steps, but then stopped for Bree. “You go on ahead with your mama. Bree needs me.”
Jada walked ahead with Abigail, but turned behind her to hear Bree say, “I’m perfectly capable of walking, Daddy.” But Duke wasn’t hearing any of it and had taken her arm and was helping her up the steps.
Once inside the main house, Jada was overcome with Harts. Everywhere. Little kids were running down the hall. Other family members were sitting in the formal living room and milling throughout the house. Jada smiled. This is exactly what she needed to forget Damian.
“Someone’s always fashionably late,” Caleb said from the sofa he stood behind.
“Oh, let her be,” Addison, Caleb’s wife, said. “You know Jada has to make sure she looks good before making an appearance.”
“I know the feeling,” said Noah Hart, Jada’s older cousin from Arizona. “This one,” he said, smiling at his wife, Chynna, who was holding their second son, Aaron, “takes an hour to get ready.”
“That’s because I never know where the paparazzi are going to be,” Chynna said. “You do recall what great lengths I went to to escape them, don’t you?”
“What lengths?” asked Abigail. She and Duke had joined the fray in the now-crowded living room.
“Oh c’mon, you guys have all heard this story,” Chynna’s sister, Kenya, stated. “Chynna and I switched places because she’d stumbled on the Hart ranch in Arizona and met Noah.” She glanced at her brother-in-law. “She fell madly in love and begged me to stay put for a while.”
“Whereupon Kenya and I,” said Kenya’s husband, Lucas, “fell in love.”
“Didn’t you think she was Chynna?” Abigail asked.
Lucas shook his head. “I knew there was something different with Kenya because I’d never had sparks with Chynna before. And lo and behold, I was right. We’ve never looked back since.”
“I just love a good old-fashioned love story,” Abigail said. “Tell me more.”
“Oh, I’ve got this one,” Jada jumped in. “I love the story of the king and the veterinarian. What could be more romantic than Rylee falling in love with a king at the Kentucky Derby?”
“Prince,” Amar clarified. “Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“Don’t be bashful among this clan, Prince Amar,” Caleb emphasized his title. “We know we’re in the presence of royalty. Anyway, where is my sister? You haven’t impregnated her again, have you?”
His brother, Noah, glared at him.
“You know, Caleb,” Amar said as he sidled up next to him, “it’s a good thing you don’t ride bulls anymore. Otherwise, you might be run over by a very mean bull.” He slammed his hand on Caleb’s shoulder.
“Ouch.” Caleb stood up and headed for the wet bar to replenish his whiskey. “No reason to hit below the belt.”
Amar’s eyes darkened, and Jada could see he was embarrassed by such a faux pas. “Forgive me, Caleb. I meant it in jest.”
Years ago, Caleb had had a hard time recovering from his bull-riding accident. It had cost him the ability to walk for nearly a year, and he’d broken up with Addison during that time. He’d clawed his way back during rehabilitation and thankfully won Addison back from her new fiancé. Jada had never been more proud of what he’d accomplished since then.
“Lighten up, Amar,” Caleb said with a chuckle. “We’re family. If I can’t take a joke from you, who can I take it from?”
“You are too kind,” Amar said, bowing his head.
“And you are too stiff, my friend,” Duke said to Amar. “Let’s have a drink.” He clapped his arm on Amar’s shoulder and led him to the wet bar.
“That was close,” Bree whispered as she slid her arm through Jada’s and pulled her aside.
“Yeah, but you know Caleb. He’s always so easygoing and mild-mannered,” Jada said.
“Thank God. That could have gone totally wrong,” said Bree.
“You ain’t lying.” London had joined the conversation, and they moved to the far side of the room. “I thought Chase might have to jump in.”
“Where is your gorgeous husband?” Jada asked.
“Putting Bella down for a nap. I don’t know what it is, but he has the Midas touch when it comes to getting that girl to nap.”
“I hope Grayson has the same,” Bree said, “because I can’t do it alone.”
“And you don’t have to,” Jada said. “Grayson loves the ground you walk on. He can’t wait for his baby girl to make her debut. By the way, it sucks that you won’t tell us,” she said, motioning to London, “our niece’s name.”
“Can’t we keep something to ourselves?” Bree said with a smirk as she rubbed her belly. “Grayson and I didn’t even want to know the sex, but someone,” she said, glancing at Jada, “refused to let up.”
“Hey, don’t blame me because I can’t wait to be an auntie again. I barely get to see Bella.”
“That’s because you’re in San Francisco and you know with the restaurant it’s hard for me to travel,” London said.
“I know, I know,” Jada apologized. “It’s why I’m thinking about moving back home.”
“To Dallas?” her sisters asked excitedly.
“Where else?”
“Well, you might want to rethink moving here,” Bree said. “I stopped by the other day and found our parents in flagrante delicto, if you know what I mean.”
Jada’s eyes grew large with mirth. “Get out!”
“No, seriously. I think I was more embarrassed at having caught them about to have sex than they were. They’re like two randy teenagers.”
“Hey, at least they can get it up at their age,” London said.
They all hooted with laughter.
“On that note, let’s go get some lemonade,” Bree suggested, and the girls all departed from the living room.
Damian glanced down at his watch later that evening. He knew what time it was. He’d been watching the clock all day. It was the start of Jada’s parents’ weekend celebration. And he should be there with Jada.
Did it matter to her that he wasn’t there? She’d be surrounded by her family. She wouldn’t need him, want him even, would she? Damian knew he wanted her—with every fiber of his being. For days, he’d tried to convince himself that he could put Jada behind him and move forward with his life as it was before. But he couldn’t. His mind would wander to what she might be doing, what she might be thinking, or how she mig
ht be feeling.
The last week, he’d taken to sleeping in the guest bedroom because he couldn’t sleep in his own bed. Whenever he looked at it, he saw Jada. Felt her everywhere. Every time he walked into his bedroom, images of the two of them making love would flood his brain. She’d taken up permanent residence not only in his head but in his heart.
He was starting to realize what a mistake he’d made by letting her go. He’d given up on them without even trying to see if he could make it work. He’d hurt her terribly. Jada had been devastated to hear that despite all their time together, in and out of bed, he still wasn’t ready to share his life with her.
But finally he’d admitted the truth to himself: He did want to be with her, but would she be willing to give him another chance? If he went to her now in Dallas and begged her to take him back, would she? Or would she slam the door in his face? Jada would have every right to, and no doubt the Hart family would back her up. Damian didn’t relish having to stand in front of Duke with his hat in hand telling him he’d broken Jada’s heart. If he did, there was sure to be a shotgun in his future.
But Damian didn’t care. He wanted his woman back, and he would do anything, confront anyone to win her.
Chapter 22
“Mama, you look so beautiful.” Jada looked at the reflection of the two of them in a guest-bedroom mirror on Saturday afternoon.
She wrapped her arms around her mother’s shoulders. She’d just helped Abigail don a beautiful taupe evening gown with beaded applique embellishments, see-through detail, and a scooped neckline. The sleeveless chiffon number had a straight floor-length skirt with a train that was perfect for walking down the aisle. Jada had done up Abigail’s long, straight hair into an elegant chignon. Then she’d applied the lightest touch of makeup because her mama wanted to look natural.
“Thank you, honey,” Abigail said. “You look beautiful too.”
Jada had selected a simple halter neckline dress with a ruched bodice, deeply plunging V-neckline, and open back. Full length and flowing, the skirt was gathered up from the top and fell in a body skimming A-line silhouette. Her curled hair hung in waves down her back. “Thank you, Mama. But this day is about you and the happiness you deserve. You’ve shown me to never give up and that it’s never too late to fall in love.”
Abigail caressed her cheek. “Baby doll, what’s wrong? Did something happen between you and Damian? I noticed he didn’t come with you even though you RSVP’d for two.”
Jada attempted a half smile. “No, it’s just going to be me.”
“Oh no.” Abigail frowned. “Are you sure? I could have sworn that young man was in love with my baby girl.”
“Love?” Jada shook her head. “Oh no, Mama. Damian doesn’t love me. I don’t think he’s capable of loving anyone.”
“And you? How do you feel about him?”
Jada shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. Damian doesn’t want me. So, whatever feelings I did or didn’t have for him are irrelevant. It’s over.”
“Alright, honey.” Her mother rubbed her arm. “You don’t have to talk about it.”
“I don’t want to because today is about you, Mama—you and Daddy. You’ve finally figured out that you can’t live without each other. I’m just glad you got tired of trying.”
“Aren’t we all,” Bree said from the door. Her riotous shoulder-length curls were piled high atop her head with only a few tendrils allowed to be free. She was wearing a shift dress that hid her growing belly, but she was comfortable enough for the day.
“You look great, Bree.”
“Oh, you lie to a pregnant woman,” she said with a grin, “but that’s OK. I’ll take it. I know I look like a beached whale, but I’ve only got less than two months to go.”
“Bree, you’re not a whale,” their mother said. “A woman expecting is one of God’s greatest gifts.”
“Thanks, Mama.” Bree kissed her mother’s cheek. “You look lovely.”
“Has everyone arrived?” Jada asked. Although the ranch was quite large, they couldn’t fit everyone onsite, so Bree, Grayson, Cameron, and Sonya, as well as London, Chase, her niece Bella, and her uncle Isaac, and aunt Madelyn had stayed in the guest bedrooms in the east, west, and south wings of the house.
Meanwhile, Noah, Chynna, their two boys, and Chynna’s entire entourage, Kenya, Lucas, and their twin daughters, and Rylee and Amar and their son had stayed at the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas and were arriving later in the afternoon. Caleb and Addison and their two kids would be driving in from their estate about twenty miles away.
“Yep.” Bree nodded. “Everyone is eating canapés and drinking champagne. The wedding planner you sent over to help Mama did an amazing job in such a short time. The backyard has been transformed into a romantic oasis instead of a pile of dirt.”
Jada had touched base with Deborah earlier that morning. Deborah had everything under control. The staff she’d hired as well as the ranch hands had set up white folding chairs in a circle around a rose-covered archway in the backyard. The intent was to make the bride and groom feel like they were on center stage. Jada hoped her parents liked it.
“I can’t wait to see it,” Abigail said. “But more importantly, I can’t wait to marry your father.”
“Then let’s get this party started,” Jada said. She reached into the small box and pulled out bouquets, one for each of them. Jada’s and Bree’s were made of cream hydrangeas and roses wrapped in champagne ribbon, while their mother’s was a simple arrangement of red roses and white calla lilies wrapped in a gold sparkly ribbon.
“Jada, you shouldn’t have gone through all the trouble.”
“I would do anything for you, Mama. Now c’mon, we’ve got to walk you down the aisle.” She and Bree had determined they wanted to be part of the ceremony in some meaningful way. Walking their mother down the aisle was the best way to achieve that.
They started down the stairs and toward the backyard. “This is kind of surreal,” Jada said. “It’s hard to believe after all this time that you’re finally going to marry Daddy.”
“I’ve always loved your father, but I have to tell you I had to learn how to forgive. Your father wasn’t perfect, but neither was I. I was so hurt over his past transgressions and angry at him for the betrayal that I didn’t fight for us. So, if I had to give you both any advice in your relationships, it would be don’t be too proud to forgive, especially when you love someone.”
Jada nodded. She didn’t know if her mother was speaking to her or to both of them, but she definitely heard her. Perhaps she was being too quick to judge Damian. He’d never been in love before. He’d freely admitted that. She, on the other hand, knew what it was like to give yourself to another person, to open yourself up to the possibility of getting hurt. Maybe he was afraid. Maybe it was up to her to show him what love looked like.
After they walked through the house and made it to the backyard deck, Jada stopped. She wanted her mother to see what she saw. Slowly, she stepped out of the way. Her mother gasped.
“Jada.” Abigail turned to her. “It’s beautiful.”
Tears shone in Jada’s eyes. “I’m so glad you like it.”
“I love it, and I love that man.” Her mother glanced through the circle to where their father Duke stood.
Everyone stood up as Bree and Jada each took one of their mother’s arms and led her down the aisle to their father. He was wearing a black suit with a crisp white shirt and a bow tie. Jada wasn’t used to her father looking so formal, but he looked very dapper. And happy. He was smiling from ear to ear as they approached. When they made it to him, Jada was surprised to find tears in his eyes.
Duke grasped Abigail’s hand, and Jada and Bree stepped back and took a seat.
Seeing her parents’ happiness made Jada realize just how much she loved Damian. She’d fooled herself into thinking it was just about fun sex. It was more than s
ex and had been for some time. She wanted forever with him just like her parents were going to vow at this very moment. Marriage no longer filled her with dread as it did after Joshua had left her at the altar. She was ready to love again.
Jada blinked back the tears and tried to stay in the moment. She was here with family who would support her and get her through another lost love. She turned to glance across the familiar faces of her cousins and other family members before stopping at a face that didn’t belong here.
Damian.
He’s here? He looked mouthwatering in a slim suit that appeared to be created for him. But why had he come here to her home, her refuge, where she felt safe from anything that could hurt her? So many questions filtered through her brain as his dark eyes remained fixed on her, but Jada couldn’t think about him. Not now. This day had been a long time coming. She had to focus on her parents even though tears threatened to overtake her at the significance of his presence.
Damian was nervous. He’d barely arrived in time to make the wedding. He had called his pilot last night to make a flight plan for this morning. But at the private airstrip, a thick smog had grounded all flights. He’d waited two hours until it finally lifted and they could get off the ground. The flight to Dallas had seemed interminable. He’d been afraid he would miss the wedding. Miss being there for Jada. He’d freshened up in the small shower on the plane and dressed for the day in a slate gray suit with a purple tie.
A car had been waiting for him upon his arrival at a private airfield and had whisked him to the Hart ranch, an hour away. When he arrived, the family was already gathered in small circles chatting. Duke and Caleb had glanced up when they saw him, but neither had moved to welcome him. Had Jada told them what happened between them? It had been Grayson who’d seen his deer-in-the-headlights look and come over to rescue him.
“Damian,” Grayson had said. “Didn’t know you were coming.”
Damian chuckled. “Neither did I.”
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