“I’m missing bits and pieces of clothes and stuff, and I knew exactly what outfit I wanted to wear.”
“I’ll look again, and if not, I’ll call the movers in the morning to check if they left anything behind.” He paused at the door. “Please hurry, Jaynee.”
She sighed. “I won’t be late. I promise.”
Jaynee decided on neutral colors, nothing flashy. She’d wear jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, similar to what Jordan was wearing
She decided on styling her hair. She had thick, unruly hair that could be curled or straightened, but it needed to be one or the other. She opted for straight, no reason to look wild. She followed the hairdryer with a flatiron; she wanted it to be impeccably straight and shiny tonight. Maybe it wouldn’t curl up as it did in Florida’s humidity.
Jaynee took one last look at herself. She didn’t see what Jordan saw, but she always thought she looked good enough.
It was a quarter to six when she started downstairs. The scent of charcoal wafted through the house; it smelled homey, like all the cookouts at her uncle’s house growing up. She’d always envied their family. She loved her cousins, but it wasn’t the same as having siblings. Though she loved them, she never felt as if she belonged.
Jordan sprinted from the sofa to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. He looked up at her. “You look sensational. How is it possible you look better every time I see you?”
Feeling the warmth spread across her cheeks, she smiled. “I think you are biased.”
“I don’t believe so.” He stopped her two steps from the landing, kissing her and then pulling back to look at her. “I am not sure this was a good idea. I don’t think I want to share you tonight or any other night for that matter. Your eyes are incredible, do you know that?” He smoothed his palms down her hair. “And your hair, it’s beautiful. I like it the other way, but this is different. It’s so soft.” He abruptly exhaled. “Oh well, too late, I hear my mom. I knew she’d be the first to arrive and early as always. Let’s go, Mrs. Monroe.”
He afforded her one more kiss then lifted her by her waist to the floor. She realized she was holding her breath; she hadn’t even responded to his comments.
“Thank you, Jordan.” She looked up at him. “For everything.”
He gave her hand a squeeze and opened the front door, leading her out to the porch to greet his family.
She inhaled a deep breath. Everything would be fine, what’s the worst that could happen? It wasn’t as if any of them would try to kill her or anything.
63
Carmen DeSousa
Chapter Nineteen
Pat had just stepped out of the car and was already walking around to the passenger side of her Crown Victoria to help her mother-in-law, when Jaynee and Jordan walked outside.
Jordan kissed her on the cheek. “Wait here.” He darted down the steps to assist his grandmother before his mother could. Jaynee waited, feeling self-conscious, not knowing what to do or say. Pat ascended the porch in quick steps while Jordan took them one at a time, assisting his grandmother.
As Pat approached, Jaynee saw her eyes water. His mother held out her arms wide open, “Oh, my Lord, honey,” she exclaimed, embracing Jaynee in an unyielding squeeze. “You are breathtaking.” She leaned back and inspected Jaynee thoughtfully. “Jordan, you could have informed us you married a supermodel.” Her southern drawl was stronger than Jordan’s. Her words were slow, and each one had an inflection as though uttered in deep meaning.
Jaynee blushed, lowering her head. She could never be confused with a supermodel.
“Mom…” Jordan complained. “You’re embarrassing her.” He took Jaynee’s hand. “Mom, this is Jaynee. Jaynee—Pat Monroe.”
“Oh, dear, please call me Mom…if you’re comfortable that is.”
Jaynee smiled shyly, still embarrassed. “It’s nice to meet you.” Could she call her Mom? She struggled for years to even refer to her own mother as “Mom”. Usually she didn’t call her anything and just spoke directly to her, but she already felt an attraction to this wonderful woman. “Mom sounds nice; I’d like that.”
Pat turned to Jordan and slapped his arm, but then wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him in a tight hug. “You could have warned us though, Jordan.”
Jaynee wasn’t sure if she was referring to the fact he planned to get married or her looks again…maybe both.
Jordan stepped back toward his grandmother. “And this is Velma—everyone calls her Nanna though.” Velma was more reserved than Pat, but she shot Jordan an enthusiastic grin as if they shared a secret, probably this mysterious myth they called the thunderbolt.
Jaynee instantly liked both women and hoped the feelings would continue to the rest of the family.
Jordan escorted the ladies to the backyard, and Jaynee offered them something to drink. They both requested sweet tea; luckily Jordan knew his family and had purchased two gallons. Apparently, she was going to have to learn how to make the southern staple; she had only prepared it in gigantic containers before and even then just followed instructions. She had never been a tea drinker herself, couldn’t stand the stuff. Diet coke and coffee had always been her poison. She wondered if Jordan wanted a beer. He hadn’t drunk anything the entire week they were together except a few sips of champagne. Even the bartender where she worked said he’d ordered several beers, yet only drank a few sips of each, but he had picked up a six-pack at the store.
Jaynee carried two glasses of iced tea to the ladies then turned to Jordan. “Jordan, did you want a beer?”
Jordan’s eyes shot up from the coals he was turning; he looked mystified by her question. His mother and grandmother looked to Jaynee and then to Jordan, their faces puzzled.
“No, darling,” he said, composing his face, making the connection. “The beer is for Ronny. I don’t drink.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. “Oh, I’m sorry…I…I don’t know what to say.” She struggled to compose herself. Grief overtook her, and she thought she was going to breakdown. How childish she was behaving; she was overreacting. But when she saw the look on their faces, she panicked. Not wanting to create a scene, she turned to leave, hurrying to the kitchen to escape her gaff. Why would they have reacted that way? She’d definitely have to ask him about it later.
Jordan caught up with her and directed her into the house. “Jaynee, it’s okay.” He smoothed her arms. “What else would you assume? It’s no big deal. I just don’t drink,” he whispered, nibbling on her ear in the process. “Not much anyway. Relax, darling.”
Now she really felt stupid. She needed to withdraw for a second to settle herself. “Tea then?” she asked quickly.
“That would be wonderful.” She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her waist and followed her to the kitchen. “Jaynee, please relax…really it’ll be okay. My family, or at least most of them, doesn’t drink. I’ll explain later, but please don’t be upset.”
She let out a deep huff. “I feel stupid, Jordan. I should’ve known this already. I’m afraid they’ll think I’m crazy, because I don’t know you.”
“No one thinks you’re stupid or crazy; they know we just met. But you know something?” He tilted her head up, gazing into her eyes. “If anyone understands, it’s those women outside. They both married their husbands within weeks of meeting them. So think of this as a warm-up, okay?” He pressed his hand against her cheek.
Jaynee leaned into it, instantly comforted.
“The rest of the family will arrive in a few minutes. Are you okay?” he asked, smiling warmly.
“Yes,” she said, still apprehensive. “I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful before blurting things out in the future.”
“Don’t be sorry, Jaynee; you did nothing wrong. Besides, I love you, and I don’t think you are crazy. Isn’t that all that matters?” She gave him a slow nod, and he kissed her forehead. “I just hope you are better, ’cause here comes Bobby, and he’s obnoxious. But Melissa is the best…you’ll love her.”
She smiled and hugged him then released him. She could pull herself together. She would for Jordan.
They walked to answer the door together as a couple. His sister and brother-in-law were already making their way toward them.
Bobby was huge, at least six feet five inches and probably weighed close to three hundred pounds. But she couldn’t see any fat; he just looked like a giant bear. And all of the sudden, that bear grabbed her and swung her around. “We are so excited to meet you, Jaynee.” Bobby’s voice was ecstatic; he sounded sincere.
A woman almost as tall as Jordan grabbed Bobby by the arms and shoved him back. “Robert Brooks, put her down! You are going to scare her half to death.” She turned sympathetic eyes that mirrored Jordan’s eyes on her. “Sorry, Jaynee, he’s very enthusiastic about you and Jordan. I’ve heard nothing but this since Saturday when Jordan called. I’m Melissa, but you can call me Sissy, everyone else does. And I am very happy to meet you too.” Melissa gave her a warm hug that felt natural.
Jaynee hugged her back. “Hi, Sissy, it’s good to meet you also. And thanks for the cookies and roses, everything.”
Jordan lifted Jaynee’s hand, squeezing it lightly. His eyes gave away the thrill he felt at the two of them getting along straight away.
Two beautiful children followed the couple, darting straight into Jordan’s arms calling, “Uncle Jordan” in unison. Jaynee saw the smile on Jordan’s face and felt her own face lift in direct response to his delight. She could see his affection for his niece and nephew who other than a little difference in height looked as though they could be twins. She guessed they were at most four and five and a half.
Bobby knocked Jordan on the back with a hand that resembled a bear paw; the man was enormous. “C’mon, Jordan,” Bobby belted out. “We got tons of food. Let the women folk get to yapping.” Jordan followed obediently to his older brother-in-law’s words, meanwhile Jaynee felt Melissa’s hand circle around hers, drawing her toward the kitchen.
“I know tonight is not the best time,” Melissa whispered. “But, you have to enlighten me with everything. I’m so excited. I was afraid Jordan would never find someone. He was so certain of this enchantment the Monroe men shared, that it would happen eventually. I believe he wouldn’t date a woman more than a couple times to even give them an opportunity. Not to say that he’s dated a lot, because he hasn’t…but he always knew they weren’t the right woman.”
When Sissy finally took a breath, Jaynee stared at her incredulously before speaking. “He was waiting for me…or rather for this to happen? Is that why no one is surprised at our marrying immediately?”
Melissa smiled so widely, Jaynee could barely see her eyes. “Well, that’s not the only reason. Jordan has always been very—how should I say it—intelligent at making the right choices. He makes decisions quickly, but they are always correct.” Melissa immediately started busying herself about the kitchen. “I’m sorry, Jaynee. I’m talking too much, and we have oodles of time for this later. Besides, here come the men with food.”
Bobby and Jordan unloaded two massive pans of ribs and chicken on the kitchen island. The kids carried in several containers of what looked like desserts.
Jaynee heard the door open again. Clearly, no one used a doorbell around here. It felt good though, it reminded her of her uncle’s house again. How everyone always came and went as they pleased. She wondered how long before she felt like part of the family. Maybe she could institute her own tradition like Sunday brunches.
“Oh my goodness, Jordan,” an unfamiliar squeal came around the door. Judging by the similar features, this had to be Rachael; all the Monroes’ eyes were identical. The new woman rushed over to Jaynee, wrapping her arms around her as she patted her on the back and then leaned back to take a good look at her, right down to her toes. “You’re absolutely adorable. Nothin’ like Ronny and Bobby suggested.”
Jaynee didn’t miss the glower Jordan shot at his partners. “I never told them what she looked like; it was none of their business.” But he said the words with a grin, letting them off.
Rachael pursed her lips. “Well, they fabricated their own ideas. Glad to see they didn’t do you justice, honey. By the way, I love your pedicure. We’ll have to visit the spa together someday…what do you say?”
Try as she may, Jaynee could not seem to gather the appropriate enthusiasm for her new sister-in-law. The hug Rachael had given Jaynee didn’t feel as authentic as the embraces she’d received from Pat and Melissa. Jaynee smiled, but it felt shallow, so she was certain Rachael would sense it also. “That would be great; though, I don’t go very often. It was a gift from Jordan.”
Rachael winked at her brother then raised her eyebrows. “You paid attention, little brother, for once. Good job.” Her tone was smug.
A tall, thin, but extremely good-looking man stepped in front of Jaynee. “Hi, I’m Ronny.” He held out his hand. Jaynee took it awkwardly. It felt uncomfortable after the over-the-top welcoming from the rest of her new family.
“Ronny, get the kids to help you with all that food. Cody, Courtney, help your uncle,” Rachael’s voice belted out before Jaynee even had a chance to finish shaking Ronny’s hand.
Jordan stepped around the island, nudging Jaynee back into the laundry room, lowering his head to her ear. “A few hours, we’ll be alone again.” He kissed her on the neck then pulled back to absorb her appearance.
“Jordan, I’m fine. They’re wonderful.”
His face was skeptical. “I know you’re lying, but thank you anyway.”
She felt her defenses flare up at his remark. “I wouldn’t tell a lie, Jordan. I do like them. It’ll take a while to get comfortable with everyone, but they are very…welcoming.”
“Thank you,” he said, kissing her again, this time on the mouth. His lips were soft and inviting; she almost forgot they had a houseful of people.
A deep clearing of a throat interrupted them.
“Go away, Bobby,” Jordan hissed.
“Okay, if that’s what you want,” he said slyly. “I am entirely capable of burning the ribs myself.” He laughed and walked away whistling.
Jordan afforded Jaynee one more peck under her jaw then charged after Bobby and the food. “Wait right there. You cannot be trusted with grilling. I’m the master griller.”
Jaynee entered the kitchen feeling embarrassed, but the glow on Melissa’s face comforted her. She really was ecstatic to see her brother married. Previously nervous, she now reveled in the emotions, as though she were already part of the family. At least with Pat and Melissa. She was certain Rachael and she would become friends but couldn’t suppress the feeling that Rachael wasn’t completely genuine. “So, where do we begin? I’m sure you both know your way around the kitchen better than I do,” Jaynee said, an anxious chuckle escaping.
Melissa reached in the kitchen drawer for utensils. “Most everything is hot, but why don’t you put the oven on three-fifty, and we’ll throw the food in there to keep warm?”
Rachael pulled the dishes out of the cooler—or warmer in this case—and set them on the island. Jaynee turned the oven to three-fifty as instructed, and Melissa went to the correct cupboards to retrieve all the items she needed. Jaynee knew where the glasses were, so she pulled out enough for the remaining family who didn’t have beverages.
“Do you both drink sweet tea?” Jaynee asked politely.
“Yes, for me and Bobby,” Melissa responded.
“I’m the diet coke drinker,” Rachael offered. “And I’m sure there’s Bud Light for Ronny.”
Jaynee prepared the drinks and then delivered Bobby’s and Ronny’s outside. A chance to move around the house felt good; she wasn’t ready to leap into conversation with either woman. Plus she figured as a good hostess, she should check on her new mother-in-law and grandmother.
Handing both gentlemen their drinks, Jaynee caught Jordan’s eye as he was turning the chicken. He was grinning from ear to ear, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she�
�d missed a joke or if he was just that happy.
Both men thanked her, Bobby more ardently with a “Thank you, darling!” What was it about southern men? Why didn’t they just use women’s names? She was familiar with it from strangers in restaurants, and obviously, she didn’t mind when Jordan used endearments on her. But it sounded strange emerging from Bobby’s mouth, since she barely knew him.
Jaynee turned toward Pat and Velma but saw Jordan punch Bobby out of the corner of her eye.
Bobby winced. “What?”
“Mine,” Jordan whispered in an admonishment.
So, he didn’t appreciate the darling comment either, or maybe she was hearing things. Jordan certainly wasn’t jealous of his brother-in-law. He didn’t seem like the jealous type anyway, not that she had noticed anyway.
Unable to verbalize the words ‘Mom or Pat’, Jaynee opted just to begin speaking as she approached the women. “Would you like more sweet tea?”
“No, honey, sit down and relax.” Pat tapped the seat beside her. “The girls’ll take care of everything. This is your wedding party after all; well, one of them anyway.” She grinned conspiratorially.
Her new mother-in-law really was laid-back. Jaynee wouldn’t feel comfortable just sitting, but she sat down for a few minutes. Pat asked her simple things such as where she was born, siblings, parents—all the normal first-time-you-meet-someone questions. They were all easy, non-threatening queries, but Jaynee was still relieved when Jordan called out ‘five minutes’.
She excused herself to assist her new sisters.
When Jaynee stepped inside, everything was ready. Melissa and Rachael had obviously heard Jordan and already placed everything on the island.
Melissa looked up as Jaynee approached. “If it’s okay, Jaynee, we put everything on the island and let everyone help themselves.”
“That sounds like a great system. How often does the family get together?” Jaynee asked.
Rachael adjusted all the items so they all lined up perfectly. “Usually once a month, if there’s a birthday or a holiday we celebrate them all at once,” she piped in.
She Belongs to Me Page 19