A Wedding in Red Creek: Rori and Jackson (The Sons of Dusty Walker Book 9) (4 page)

Jackson smirked. “We need to keep your strength up for all
that fun.” He gestured to the appetizers. “Lou taught me how to make these.”

“What? Really?” They smelled so yummy. Jackson was a good
cook, but wow, this was the next level.

“In the oven…” He walked around the island to the
double-ovens in the wall. “I’ve made you a seafood strata.”

“You did?” She loved seafood, and it wasn’t easy to come by
in the middle of Kansas.

“I borrowed a table from the big house and the dining room
is set.” He leaned his elbows on the island across from her. “Dessert is
waiting upstairs in the bathroom off our bedroom.”

She glanced at the ceiling. “In that big sexy whirlpool
tub?”

“Uh huh. And more candles up there, some bath salts, and a
few towels stolen from Dad’s house.”

“You thought of everything.” Rori sipped her wine. “And
funny, I had a feeling tonight would evolve into something a little sexier than
just the punch list.”

He straightened and narrowed his eyes. “You did?” He shook
his head. “I don’t think so.” Reaching over, he picked up a flaky appetizer and
held it out to her. She took a bite, then he popped the rest of it in his mouth
and chewed. “I think this big ol’ cowboy had you completely bamboozled.”

Laughing, she nearly choked on the delicious tidbit. “You
do, huh?” After a sip of wine, she licked her lips and tugged the shoulder of
her T-shirt off to the side, revealing the lacy red strap of the naughty
two-piece baby-doll she wore. “Here’s proof that I knew what you were up to.”

His mouth dropped open and his eyes darkened. “Aw, darlin’.
Let me see it all.” He came around the island.

Holding out a hand, she smiled softly. “Not so fast.” She
picked up an appetizer. “How about one piece of clothing at a time with each
course of this fabulous feast you prepared for me.” She ate the pastry-crusted
scallop that had just the right hint of bacon in it.

“Deal.” He turned off the appetizer hot plate. “Hors
d'oeuvres are no longer available.” He hooked one finger under the bottom of
her T-shirt and lifted, bending sideways to peek.

Grasping his hand, she shook her head. “Hors d'oeuvres are
only shoe-worthy.” She spun her chair, holding her foot out to him, tugging up
the leg of her jeans to show him her laced-up shoe.

He frowned. “Two shoes and two socks, or it’s no deal.”

Rori pointed to the hot plate. “One more of those exquisite
babies, and you’re on.”

With a chuckle, Jackson moved the appetizers closer to her,
and got busy removing her shoe. “You drive a hard bargain, Rori.”

Leaning down, she cupped his cheeks and kissed him. “You’ll
be
driving a hard bargain
, cowboy, once you see the naughty piece of
silk I’ve got on under all these clothes.”

Tossing her shoes and socks aside, he stood quickly and
picked her up in his arms. “Next course, coming right up.” He kissed her as he
toted her into the dining room, then set her on the borrowed chair. “And
darlin’, you’d better plan on eating fast.”

She blinked at him. “Are you changing the rules? Are we
going to be getting naughty in our new house before the wedding night?”

He shook his head as he ran his finger over the strip of red
silk at her shoulder. “Uh uh. That’s a rule set in stone.” He kissed her
shoulder, nibbling softly. “But when we get back to the apartment…there will be
no rules.” Jackson kissed her, his lips, his tongue possessing her mouth.

Rori’s heart soared. Whatever she’d done in her life to
deserve this perfect man, she would be giving thanks for the rest of her days.

Just before noon a week later, Jackson entered the code to
open the front door of their house on Osprey Lake. A storm had moved in and
snow blew in swirls around them. He stood back and gestured inside. “Ladies.”
His mother, Sapphire, had flown in early to help Marliss, Lou, and Rori’s
mother, Mina, decorate Dusty’s house for the wedding, and to help with all the
last-minute details.

His mom touched the wood door she’d given them for Christmas
and bowed her head, making her long, curly brown hair fall forward. “May your
house be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and fertility.”

Rori’s eyes opened wide as she smiled at him.

He winked and nodded, silently echoing the same blessing.
Kids, and lots of ‘em. Born to loving, married parents, raised by those same
caring people. Just like what Rori had when she was growing up, and he had only
half of during his childhood.

Jackson placed his hand on the door next to his mother’s.
“Go on in, Mom. You’re going to love it.” It would be about fifty years too
modern for her taste, but she would appreciate the artistic touches they’d
added.

Sapphire looked up at him, her dark blue eyes nearly the
same color as his. “I don’t want to make a big scene here, son, but you must
know how thrilled I am that you have your own home.” She turned toward Rori.
“And that you’ve chosen this lovely, accomplished woman to be your mate.” She
took Rori’s hand.

Rori’s eyes widened, then filled with moisture. “Sapphire.”
She swallowed. “I’m honored to be your daughter-in-law.” She glanced at
Jackson. “You’ve raised a truly astounding son, and I’m so happy we’re family
now.”

The women looked like there were tears and hugs coming. “Okay,
enough of that.” His voice cracked a few times and he pushed open the door.
“You’re letting out all the hot air. Literally and figuratively.”

They laughed and took off their boots, walking into the
living room in stocking feet. The furniture they’d ordered in January had all
been delivered that week, having been stored in a warehouse awaiting the
all-clear from Jackson.

It took nearly an hour to get through all three levels, and
they stood in the huge bedroom that took up the third floor with its fancy bathroom,
his-and-hers walk in closets, two offices, and a workout room.

Sapphire had loved each piece of furniture, each decorative
piece, and had especially loved the balcony off the bedroom where the newlyweds
could enjoy their morning coffee. “It’s almost too big for just the two of
you.” With a shy grin, she put an arm around each of them. “I know you’re
waiting a while to start a family, but I bet you’ll want to hear the pitter
patter of little feet running through the house sooner than that.”

“Mom.” Jackson faked a frown. “You got us a puppy for a
wedding gift?”

She laughed and Rori rolled her eyes. “Jackson, you’re
teasing your mom.” Rori checked her phone. “My parents are settled in at the
big house. Marliss says lunch will be ready in ten minutes, so we’d better
table this pitter-patter discussion and head over there.”

Jackson led them to a small door by the open stairs. “Just
for fun.” He opened the door to a small elevator and gestured inside. “Mom?”

Sapphire squealed. “Oh, how smart!” With a glance at them,
she stepped inside. “You two are planning to be here in this house until you’re
old enough to need a lift. Doesn’t that just warm your heart?”

Jackson took Rori’s hand as they entered. “Yeah, it sure
does.” They rode down to the main level and found their heavy coats, wool hats,
and mittens. “But this cold weather.” He grimaced. “I might have to get away
from it when it gets this bad.”

Sapphire put her hand over her mouth, her blue eyes
twinkling.

“What is it?” Rori went to her, holding her arm.

His mom dropped her hand, showing a smile. “I was going to
wait until after the wedding, but this is the perfect time.” She pulled an
envelope from her bag and handed it to Rori. “It’s your wedding gift.” She
looked at her son. “So you two will have a place to get away from the cold when
you need it.” Sapphire clasped her hands together, her smile so wide, she
nearly shook with joy.

Rori looked at him with those wide eyes and handed him the
envelope. “You open it. I’m too afraid.”

He laughed as he pulled open the flap. It had to be some
kind of a timeshare in Florida, or a cruise to the Bahamas. He pulled out a
photo of a house he knew, but from where? “Is this…the Jepson’s place? In
Bandon?” Now he was totally baffled.

Sapphire nodded. “Sue and Mike Jepson moved to Arizona where
their boys—you remember Marcus and Victor, from your school?—well, they live
outside of Phoenix with their families, and Sue and Mike moved down to be
closer to them.”

Jackson had played with the twins practically all his life
growing up. “I remember them.” He glanced at Rori who looked just as confused
as he felt.

Sapphire looked between them, her face a half-smile, as if
she expected them to say something.

“And…?” Jackson looked in the envelope, but there was
nothing else.

“And…” Sapphire held out her hands. “It’s yours. I bought it
for you.” She giggled like a second grader.

Jackson caught Rori’s eye, then turned back to Sapphire.
“Mom, you can’t just—”

At the same time, Rori said, “A whole house? But—”

“Woo-hoo!” Sapphire laughed as her shout echoed in the tall
room. “I can. I have more money than I’ll ever know what to do with, and the
house is just a few blocks from me so when you come I’ll get to spend time with
my grandkids.” She wrinkled her nose. “And before that blessed event occurs,
just you two.”

“I’m so…speechless.” Rori smiled and went in for a hug.
“Thank you. It’s the perfect gift.”

Jackson had always liked the little craftsman style house
that sat on the harbor. “It has a dock, right? Or a shared dock?” He should be
thanking her, but it was all too much right now. He was the owner of not one,
but two homes. His life had taken a one-hundred eighty degree turn in just six
months.

“Yes, a slip with two spots on a concrete dock in walking
distance.” Sapphire reached for him. “Jackson, is this okay?” She bit her lip,
as if his lack of gratitude meant he wasn’t happy.

He stepped close and hugged her. “Yes, it’s okay. It’s the
most generous gift…I can’t wait to spend time there with you.” He held her
shoulders and looked into her eyes. “Thank you.”

“The two of you are my family, and while you can bet I’m
going to be visiting here too often to be considered appropriate…” She smiled
and pulled Rori into the hug. “I want your new family to know the beauty and
diversity of Oregon.”

Rori’s phone rang. “It’s mom.” She stepped back and
answered. Mina’s excited voice came through the phone, letting Rori only get in
a word or two. “Okay, we’ll be there in a minute.” She ended the call and
sighed. “Mom has a big surprise for us.” She put her hand over her heart and
sucked in a dramatically uneven breath. “I don’t know if I can stand another
one.”

****

Ten minutes later, the five of them sat down to the casual
china at one end of the big dining room table at Dusty’s house. Rori loved how
Jackson helped his mother into the chair next to him, her mother into the one
on the other side of the table, and Rori into the chair next to Mina. He took
the seat at the head of the table, and her dad, Simon, sat next to Sapphire.

He rubbed his hands together. “Rori says you have a surprise
for us?”

Mina smiled and nodded, her short brown hair moving with her
energy. “I received an email yesterday from Professor Landon at the
University.” She looked at Rori. “He thinks it’s a great idea, your teaching in
KC this summer.”

Rori frowned. “What?” The word came out as a near shout.

Mina tipped her head, no longer smiling. “The email you sent
me? You wanted me to look into the summer program for college-bound students.”

Rori risked a glance at Jackson.

His gaze rested on her, a small wrinkle between his
eyebrows.

Rori swallowed hard. This was not at all something she’d
wanted her fiancé to hear from anyone but her.

“I didn’t know you wanted to teach, dear.” Sapphire
rearranged her napkin and fork, looking a little uncomfortable at Jackson’s
frozen silence.

Uncomfortable was about what Rori felt right then, and the
discomfort was accelerating into nervous. “Mom.” Rori opened her eyes wide. “I
didn’t want you to offer my services. I was just interested in how the program
was set up.” Great, now she was getting close to a full-blown fib.

Simon shook his head. “You’ve always wanted to teach.
Remember when you were in first or second grade? You’d round up the neighbor
kids and play school.” He laughed. “And
you
were always the teacher.
Everyone else had to be students.”

She remembered, and looked back on those days often as a
time when she’d wanted to grow up to be just like her mom and dad. Things had
changed, though, and so did her career choice.

“Oh.” Mina’s eyes darted. “I guess I misunderstood.” She set
her napkin on her lap. “But I’ll send you the email from the professor, just so
you can see his proposal.” Gesturing toward her husband, Rori’s mom gave her a
wink. “Simon and I are making plans for our summer trip, so our house will be
empty. You’re welcome to stay there if you decide to take the position.”

Rori’s chest tightened. How could she get her mother to stop
talking?

Jackson watched her, a frown on his lips. What was he
thinking about this? She needed to get him alone and explain. But first, she
needed to change the subject. “Ah…”

Marliss and Lou did that for her, entering the room carrying
platters and bowls.

“Sit with us and eat.” Rori gestured to the empty chairs
stretching for yards along the table. “We can go over wedding details and see
if we’ve missed anything.”

“Don’t mind if we do.” Lou went to the credenza for place
settings as Marliss went back to the kitchen for more food.

Sapphire kept glancing at her son, probably sensing the same
edginess Rori saw. “Well.” Jackson’s mom smiled at Mina. “I will be greatly
surprised if Mina missed even the smallest detail. You could plan weddings for
a living.”

Mina waved her off with a blush as talk centered on the
wedding, but Jackson seemed preoccupied, and didn’t join in much of the
conversation.

Damn, she’d made a mess of this one. She glanced at the old
grandfather clock in the corner. How soon could she jump up and declare that
she and Jackson were leaving without seeming rude?

Thirty minutes later, Rori paced their small apartment above
Cyber Wise, waiting for her fiancé. They’d driven separately to the lake, and
she’d beat him back home, which made her wonder what he’d been doing for the
last ten minutes.

She spotted his work truck pulling into the back parking
pad, and watched him walk to their back door. Each of his footsteps on the
stairs made her more nervous. She shook her head and went into the kitchen,
turning on the flame under the water kettle and pulling two mugs from the
shelf.

There was no reason to be anxious. She hadn’t done anything
wrong, but the way her mother had blurted out a change of plans for Rori’s life
had to have struck Jackson the wrong way.

He came into the apartment and closed the door behind him.

“Tea? Hot chocolate?” Rori called to him from the kitchen.

“How about some answers?” He strode into the room and leaned
back against the counter across from the stove, crossing his arms over his
chest.

She shrugged. “Mom just misunderstood.” Turning, she leaned
back on the counter on her side of the small room and shoved her hands into her
front pockets. “I thought it was an interesting concept, teaching
post-secondary students to give them an edge with their first year of college.”

He nodded slowly, looking at her hands, then back at her
eyes.

Shoot, she should be more careful with her body language.
Her pose suggested she was hiding something. “It’s true, I’d like to teach
sometime in the future, but not right now.” Pulling her hands out of her
pockets, she set them on the counter behind her, wrapping her fingers around
the edge to give her stability.

“When did you send the email to your mother?” His voice
sounded calm. Too calm.

“It was, um, the day you thought up the rodeo arena idea.”
Where was he going with that question?

“Morning or afternoon?” His voice came out completely level,
no inflection to tell her if he was angry or upset or just curious.

“Afternoon, I think.” She flashed back to that day. “Yes,
afternoon for sure. I remember because I was waiting for you to come home from
the office.” Licking her lips, Rori noted her dry mouth. Nerves taking over.

“Does this have something to do with the way I handled the
rodeo arena situation? How I didn’t tell you because—”

“No.” She blurted it out, shaking her head. “It has nothing
to do with that. I just happened to get an email from the U that day. Simply a
coincidence.”

He hefted out a long breath. “Someone told me there was no
such thing as coincidence.”

Now
she
was confused. “What are you implying? That I
sent the email to Mom because I was angry with you for not telling me about the
arena plan?” That wasn’t it, was it?

“I don’t know, Rori.” He ran his fingers through his hair,
messing up the curls. “I mean, the rodeo arena is something I’m doing here in
Red Creek. Sure, it’ll take up some of my time, but I’m not moving halfway
across the state for two months.”

She saw his point, but he was pointing in the wrong
direction. “First, it’s six weeks, only four days a week, so I would commute on
Sundays and Thursday, be home for the…”

His eyes widened and his face grew pale.