All Jacked Up (Rough Riders 8)

“Nervous, dear?”

Keely turned and smiled at Jack’s mother, Dorothy “Doro” Donohue. “Yes. I’ve been to engagement parties before, but never mine. I tend to get nervous in new situations.”

“Jack does too, if that’s any consolation. But I’m sure you already knew that.”

No, she hadn’t a clue the infallible Jack Donohue experienced anxious moments. Who better than his mother to share his foibles? “Really? He’s kept that from me. He’s always so…poised.”

“I’m sure he’s gotten over it. We all overcome adversity.” Doro fussed with the strap on Keely’s dress. “My Jack is a good man. We couldn’t have kept the farm after Marvin died if not for Jack’s financial support.”

Keely was speechless. Obviously Doro wanted to connect with her, regardless of whether Jack would be livid she’d spilled intimate details of his family’s financial struggles.

“Listen to me blather on. I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but I’m happy he’s settling down with you, Keely. Hopefully he’ll take time to enjoy his life with you. You’ll be good for him.”

“Why?”

“I imagine you call him on his b.s.”

“Doro!”

“Oh, please. Jack is a man who expects to be in charge all the time. He needs a strong woman who’ll stand up to him. You knocking him down a peg or two will keep him grounded and your lives interesting, that’s for sure.”

Keely smiled. She genuinely adored the plump, sweet widow with the gentle disposition. Pity the only thing Jack inherited from Doro were her green eyes. “Thanks for coming to help my mom get ready for this.”

She waved off Keely’s thanks. “It’s been a treat to be around your family. Your brothers’ wives certainly are a fertile bunch.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

“You’ll have to draw straws for the ring bearer position.”

Because she was feeling ornery, Keely said, “I’m hoping the fertility blessing holds true for Jack and me. He wants a pile of kids. Right away.”

Doro’s entire face lit up. “Really? Well, Jack isn’t exactly a pup, is he? And I would love to have grandbabies to spoil.”

“Be sure and ask Jack about it when you see him.” Keely winked and sauntered off, feeling…guilty. It was dirty pool dragging his sweet mother into their warring ways.

“Keely, sweets, can I see you for a second?”

She plastered on a smile to hide her guilty look before she faced her mother. “Sure. What do you need?”

“Follow me.” Her mom led them to a small office down the hallway from the main room. After she closed the door, she sagged against the metal desk.

“Ma? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Carolyn McKay sighed. “That’s not true. With all the party preparations I haven’t had time to talk to you alone.” She pinned Keely with a probing look. “I’d be lax in my mothering duties if I didn’t ask if you’re sure about marrying Jack.”

Keely’s stomach clenched. “Why?”

“It doesn’t exactly seem to be a love match, and when you’re together…”

“Mom. You haven’t seen us together except the one time we told you we were engaged.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Maybe that’s why I’m concerned.”

Damn. Redirect. “We’re both busy. He’s been gone—”

“That’s another thing that worries me. I’m selfish enough to want you to live here with the rest of our family, but I’m enough of a realist to understand that might not be possible with Jack’s job. He’ll be your husband. You’ll need to be with him, wherever that is, and I doubt that’ll be in Wyoming.”

How was Keely supposed to allay her mother’s fears when they were groundless? “My clinic is here.

My life is here. My family is here. I’m not going anywhere.”

“As much as it pleases me to hear that, promise me you won’t marry Jack if you’re not absolutely sure he’s the right one.”

Keely frowned. “Why do you say that?”

Her mother brushed the hair from Keely’s cheek. “Because contrary to popular opinion in our family, you are not impulsive. This engagement blindsided everyone. I recognize the wild look in your eyes, Keely.

I wore that same fearful look when I became engaged to your father. Since you were a little girl I’ve worried you’d never find a man who’d measure up to the pedestal you’ve placed your brothers and your father on.”

“You don’t think Jack measures up?”

“Sweetie, you oughta be asking yourself that question, not me.”

A knock sounded and a second later her dad stuck his head in. “People are startin’ to arrive, Caro.

Who’s on meet and greet detail?”

“AJ and Channing.”

“Have any idea where they are?”

“No. Hang on, I’ll be right there.”

He nodded and closed the door.

“Snoopy damn man,” her mother muttered. “Last thing, I promise. Hold out your arm.” A silver bracelet dangled from her fingertips. She wrapped it around Keely’s wrist and fastened it. “My mother gave this to me when I became engaged to your dad and now I’m passing it on to you.”

Between each crystal bead was a steel link giving the bracelet a strength that belied the delicate look.

Keely’s eyes swam with tears. Her throat tightened. “Oh, Mama, thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“So are you. You’re welcome. I hope it brings you good luck.” She kissed Keely’s forehead. “I love you, girlie. Be happy with Jack. If that means you’ll be living with him in Denver or the Congo, so be it.

Happiness in your own life is all I’ve ever wanted for you.” Her mother shuffled out.

Confused by the myriad of emotions, Keely hid in the office for another ten minutes. When she’d stalled long enough, she ventured out. She and Jack entered the main room at the same time.

Oh. My. Freakin’. God. Talk about being on a pedestal. No, the man was in a class by his handsome self. He wore a black suit that looked casual but the cut and fabric screamed expensive. No tie. He’d left the last button on his pristine white shirt undone, exposing the thick column of his throat. Keely had the uncontrollable urge to run to him, press her lips to the vulnerable spot above his collarbone and taste his skin.