Not Quite Dating(69)

“You did?” Jack glared at his sister with an expression that matched Jessie’s feelings.
“Geez, you two, don’t look so shocked. We were watching out for both of you.” Katie draped her arm around Monica as she spoke. “If you can’t depend on your family interfering in your personal life, what can you depend on?”
Jack reached for Jessie’s hand and folded it in his. “You have your work cut out for you, darlin’.”
“What do you mean?” Jessie asked.
“Planning a wedding with these two is bound to be like a burr buried in a horse’s saddle.”
Jessie had no idea what a burr in a horse’s saddle was like, but it didn’t sound good.
“Are you trying to say I’m a pain in the ass?” Katie shoved Jack’s shoulder.
“If the shoe fits.” They were both laughing.
“You watch that language, young lady,” the older woman beside Jessie’s mother scolded. “There’s a child in the room.”
Danny’s head was buried in a game he’d set up beside Gaylord and couldn’t have heard a thing.
“Yes, ma’am.” Katie tugged on Monica’s arm. “Come on, sis; let’s talk about bridesmaids’ gowns and what we absolutely have to veto.”
“Turquoise and mauve,” Monica said as they walked away.
Jack let Jessie’s hand go and embraced the woman who’d given Katie the retort. “You look beautiful as ever, Aunt Bea.”
“You’re absolutely glowing.” The woman patted his face when they pulled away. “Seems as if a family is exactly what you needed.”
Jack nodded toward Jessie. “Jessie, this is my aunt Bea.”
“It’s lovely to meet you.”
“A pleasure,” Bea said with a warm smile. The sweet southern accent matched her friendly face.
Jessie remembered the pie conversation and Jack’s praise. “Jack tells me you make the best pecan pie ever.”
Aunt Bea beamed. “It isn’t bad.”
Jack had met Jessie’s mom the day before when she’d returned with Danny. The two of them greeted each other with a friendly smile.
Jessie’s mom turned to Jack’s aunt. “I never was much of a cook,” Renee explained. “Jessie seems at home in the kitchen more than I ever was.”
Bea nodded toward Gaylord. “I’ve always loved the kitchen more than the boardroom. My brother manages the financial end of things. Least I can do is cook.”
Renee glanced over her shoulder at Gaylord. “Too bad I didn’t have a brother. It would have been nice to have someone figuring out my financial mess.”
“He makes it look easy,” Bea said as the two women walked deeper into the room, away from Jack and Jessie.
Everyone piled in and scattered around the suite. Gaylord and Danny were already rolling dice on the board game and laughing.
Jessie hung back with Jack for a private word.
“Thank you, Jack.”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“For not giving up on me.” She glanced at the happy faces in the room. “This is worth more to me than any ring or house. We can celebrate every holiday surrounded by people we love. I know it sounds sappy, but that’s the best gift ever.”
Jack slid his hands around her waist and stared into her eyes. “I’ve waited my whole life for you.”
His warm kiss spread chills down her neck and spine.
“You’re getting better with the poetry,” she teased, smiling. “No more roaches and sticky bun analogies?” she asked against his lips.
“How about…I’ll play Santa to your Mrs. Claus?” he queried with a wink.
Jessie grasped Jack’s hat from his head and popped it on hers. “How about you play cowboy to my cowgirl?”
He lifted his eyes suggestively. “I like the sound of that. We gotta go get you some boots, soon-to-be Mrs. Morrison.”
Jessie could get used to that title in a heartbeat. “Why? You’ll just want to take them off.”
“Exactly.”
Jack fiddled with his hat on her head and leaned back with a grin. “I love you.”
Jessie stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
“Oh boy. Guess we’re going to need more mistletoe,” Monica announced from across the room.
Ignoring her, Jack swiped the hat from Jessie’s head and hid their kiss behind it.
Laughing under his lips, Jessie leaned closer, loving Jack with all her heart. A family.



Acknowledgments


I absolutely have to take a moment to thank my agent, Jane Dystel, and everyone at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. Their belief in me and the books I write is unsurpassed by anyone else. If it wasn’t for Jane and her nurturing encouragement I’m positive this series wouldn’t have found the perfect home.
My second round of kudos is to my editor at Montlake, Kelli Martin. Kelli’s attention to detail has made this book shine. Thanks for believing in me.
For the author team at Montlake who worked overtime to turn this book out for the holiday season. I know it wasn’t easy, but thank you all just the same.
For my family, who suffers with dirty laundry and warmed-up microwave meals when I’m on a deadline. Thanks!
I’ll end my acknowledgments with the person I dedicated this book to: my nana.
I really did think she was spunky enough to outlive all of us. Eventually the body gives out, however, and it was her time to go this year. She truly lived life to the fullest. Changed her name legally at some point to Shamrock and had more husbands than a Hollywood movie star.