Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

nt Doms have been struck by cupid’s arrow.”

“I can’t stop thinking about her, if that’s what you’re saying,” Josh confessed.

“Me either,” Jacob admitted. “Our date with her was unbelievable. I can’t wait to spend more time with her.”

“So glad to hear that, and I’m sure my wife will be, too.” Emmett grinned. “Amber and her sister are meeting with all the women in town. After paintball is over, they want to throw a good old-fashioned Destiny welcome party for Carrie.”

“Hopefully she’s ready for that by then.” Though the date had gone perfectly, Jacob still sensed Carrie’s reluctance at meeting people at the diner. “Amber and all the ladies might need to check with Jena first. I believe Carrie feels a little overwhelmed, especially because she’s been on her own for so long without any family.”

“Em, he’s right about that,” Josh said. “She just needs a little more time to get adjusted.”

“I’ll let Amber know, fellas. When are you going to see Carrie again?”

Jacob continued brushing Pecos. “Jena’s mom invited us over for a barbeque tonight.”

“Tonight? What time?”

“Seven.”

Emmett looked at his watch. “It is five past six now. You two better get going. I’ll finish up with the horses.”

“Thanks,” Josh said.

Emmett and his two brothers, Cody and Bryant, were some of the best men Jacob had ever known. “We appreciate this, Em.”

“Don’t give it another thought.” Emmett took the brush from him and smiled. “Don’t want to show up smelling like a barn now do you?”

* * * *

Carrie helped Janet and Jena make the sides for the barbeque, which had turned into a full-on family celebration. Matt, Sean, and Kimmie were out back. The guys were grilling the meat, and Kimmie was playing with her white toy poodle, Happiness.

Janet peered into the oven. “The pies are about done. Another five minutes.”

Jena got out her seven-layer salad. “Mom, we have enough food for fifty people.”

“Our guys have big appetites, honey, and you’ve seen how much Gary can put away in one sitting.”

“No more than my two,” Jena said.

“And since Carrie’s two guys are coming, I want to make sure we don’t run out.”

“Mom, you’ve got to stop,” Carrie said with a laugh. “Like I told you before, I’ve only been on one date with Josh and Jacob.”

“I count that first horseback ride when you got to town and Jena had to go to TBK for the Trollinger issue as date one. Today was date two. Tonight is date three.”

Jena laughed. “Don’t even try, Carrie. Mom’s loves matchmaking.”

Carrie shrugged and turned to Janet. “What about you and Gary? When are we going to hear the wedding bells for you two?”

The woman blushed. “The pies are burning.”

“She’s good at changing the subject, too,” Jena said.

“I hope they aren’t ruined,” Janet said, bending down and opening the oven door.

“I’ve never eaten a burnt pie of yours in my life, Mom. Come on.” Jena shook her head. “See, Carrie? She did it to me again. Subject change master.”

Carrie grinned, slicing the homemade bread Janet had made earlier.