Pete turned over the river card. It was the queen of hearts.
“Another hundred.” Jackson expected Dallas to fold with that bet.
He didn’t. “Raise. Five hundred.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
Jackson studied his face. Could he actually have a flush or straight? That would mean he’d been betting on blue sky, and that wasn’t like Dallas. Or could he finally be trying to bluff? Austin was always on him to change his play, but Dallas never had. With their eldest brother not at the table, Jackson suspected Dallas had finally done it.
“I’m calling your bluff, Dallas.” Jackson pushed in the rest of his chips, then he flipped over his cards. “Triple aces.”
Dallas stood up and shouted. “A royal flush!” He flipped his two cards over to reveal the king and jack of hearts.
Jackson couldn’t believe his eyes. Second place in a round of poker meant you went home poorer. “Shit.”
“Way to go, Dallas. You’re the second person to get one here. Your Pappy Jack got dealt one back in the summer of seventy-seven. Your picture will go up next to his behind the bar. I’ll take it later.” Pete stood up. “I’ve got two grooms and their bride waiting on me.” Then he marched to the exit.
Phoenix came up behind Jackson and patted him on the back. “Lil’ bro, the queen of hearts lost you that pot. Fitting, don’t you think?”
“Shut up.” Jackson smiled. “I’ll buy the first round.”
He needed more time to plead his case to his brothers. He’d told them during their poker game that he believed Jessie would be the perfect wife for them, but Dallas and Denver remained hesitant to the notion. Phoenix hadn’t said a word, but stared at him intently. Jackson wasn’t sure if he was on board or not with his idea, but he hoped so. Phoenix had sure been game to get Jessie in bed.
Jackson and his brothers went up to the casino’s bar, ordered drinks, then sat at an empty table.
“Guys, she’s the one.”
“So you’ve been saying.” Denver downed a tequila shot. “She’s really gorgeous and seems nice and all, but she’s not from here.”
“Neither was Mom.”
Dallas put his hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “That’s different, lil’ bro.”
“Why?” Jackson’s frustration whirled inside him. If his brothers didn’t want Jessie as a shared wife, so be it. He’d opt out of his portion of the mine and start a life with her by himself. Still, he had to try to convince them. “Our parents are in love. It worked out for them. It can work for us, too.”
“That was a long time ago. Outsiders don’t understand our ways.”
“Bullshit. That’s a cop-out. Jessie is smart. All she needs is some persuading.”
Phoenix glared at him. “She’s also a recent virgin, whose cherry you popped. You really think she’ll go for marrying five men?”
“I didn’t say it would be easy, but she will be worth it.”
“A virgin?” Dallas absently staked up his chips on the table. “I knew it.”
“You’re such a liar, bro.” Denver shook his head. “None of us did.”
“She is quite amazing.” Phoenix’s tone softened.
Dallas barked. “Come on. You left with us the other night. When did you have time to fuck her?”
“Me and Jackson took her back to his place after the accident at the mine.”
“I can see it in your eyes, Phoenix. You’re into her, too. Not as much as Jackson yet, but still true.” Denver rubbed his chin. “If Jackson’s right about Jessie—”
“But what about Austin?” Dallas asked. “His plan has always been to leave once the four of us find a wife. Is that what we want? To lose our brother?”