Meet the Blakes (7 page)

Cassidy sighed. “That was so sweet. Poor Brent didn’t stand a chance. I would be delighted if Channing and I could be one tenth as happy as the two of you.”

“Cassie, I’m not a gambling woman, but I’d bet everything I have on you and my C.J. having a long, happy life together.”

“Thank you. I’m so glad you thought I was nuts that day I asked you to help me break up with Channing. I almost missed out on the love of my life.” Cassidy hugged her.

Teri-Lyn hugged her back. “I knew you’d come around. If you didn’t love him so much, you wouldn’t have been in so much pain.”

“Well he doesn’t give up until he gets his way.”

“His daddy taught him that.”

“I don’t know, I think maybe his mama had something to do with it too. There’s something to be said about fiery redheads.”

CHAPTER FIVE

A quick kiss was all Teri-Lyn was able to get from John Jacob this morning as they went their separate ways. Armed with a list of things to do, which included picking up the wedding gifts for the couples, he forged ahead and said he’d grab Bo Sr. to help him get things done in half the time.

The party went well last night and they’d crawled into bed after two in the morning. It was great to see all of the Reeds, and everyone was excited about seeing each other. Avery announced that she was going to school in Texas, and although Robert wasn’t thrilled about Avery choosing a school outside of Pennsylvania, he perked up when Teri-Lyn told him the Blakes would be keeping a close eye on her. In addition to staying at the ranch on the weekends, Regency would be keeping an eye on her on campus too. Avery’s parents were also OK with Teri Lyn and John Jacob’s graduation present to her: a brand new tornado red Volkswagen Beetle.

Bo and Summer came with Wyatt, but Autumn had to work on a presentation, so she couldn’t make it. Teri-Lyn was a bit disappointed, since she wasn’t able to make the dinner at Bo’s condo when Jared was going to be there. It was going to be harder to get Autumn and Jared together than she’d thought, but she wasn’t going to give up.

The love connection she hadn’t anticipated to materialize so quickly was Wyatt’s enthusiastic reaction to Avery. She could have heard a pin drop when Wyatt began chatting Avery up about colleges, all the while grinning like an idiot. Avery was receptive to the attention, and even blushed a few times. The young man was so engrossed in his conversation he didn’t realize that every man in the room was gripping his glass as tightly as if it were Wyatt’s neck.

Teri-Lyn smiled. Avery’s college choice suddenly made a whole lot more sense. She gave herself a pat on the back. This time she’d hit two birds with one stone—Avery agreeing to a college in Texas and another budding romance. Her work here was done.

Now, since John Jacob was receptive to the blue shirt she’d picked out for him to wear at the party, she thought it would be the perfect excuse to update his wardrobe. It wasn’t really the clothes; it was more about trying something new to chase away her blues about feeling old. So many young people in love were a blessing to behold, but she couldn’t help feel a sharp pain of longing for the old days, and wishing she could relive her whole life with John Jacob all over again. A trip to her favorite store was in order.

She always preferred the intimacy of Zelda’s, a small shop that was a throwback to small department stores before mega malls became fashionable. It had everything she needed under one roof, no need to flit from store to store in search of things. It catered to both casual western wear and the occasional fancy duds. She thought it was silly to have Kendrick drive her, but after the stern talking-to Sam had given them about tightening security for the ceremonies, she conceded. Regency was on high alert to dissuade party crashers, and vehicles arriving at the ranch were inspected routinely.

“That tie would look good on you,” a voice said behind her. “But then again everything always did.”

Teri-Lyn turned to see Kent Bingham. Kent was always a charmer, especially when his wife wasn’t around. He was still as handsome as he was thirty years ago. The last time she and John Jacob saw Kent and Winona Bingham was at the wedding of a mutual friend’s daughter.

“It’s not exactly my style.” She went over and gave him a hug. “How are you?”

“I’m fine darlin’ now that I’ve seen you. It’s been too long.” He grinned. “Let me guess, you’re buying something for that husband of yours.” Kent never could hide his contempt for John Jacob.

“I thought I’d get him a new tie and a few other things.”

“I heard about the double wedding at the ranch. You must be happy as a clam that the last two boys are getting hitched.”

“Yes, I am. I hear there’s good news on your family front too. I hear your oldest boy had another child. You must be over the moon.”

“Winona told me you sent over a present. It really touched her that you thought of us.”

She shook her head. “Nonsense. Weddings and babies are always cause for celebrations and presents.”

“Do you ever think about our near miss ourselves with matrimony?” His eyes sparkled.

“As I recall, the few dates we had didn’t qualify us for a walk down the aisle.” She laughed.

“We were getting to know each other until John Jacob came floating back to town.”

“I
remember
you liked pursuing me to piss him off. How is Winona by the way?” Maybe it was good to remind him he had a wife before he continued strolling down memory lane.

“She’s fine. She’s been splitting her time between spoiling the grandkids and finding hobbies for me.”

“Maybe keeping busy will help you get over those false memories of yours.”

“I’ll always have my own version of events. That could have been us with a house full of kids, living on a ranch.”

“I think everything worked out the best for everyone involved.” She held up two ties, as if she were trying to decide which one to purchase.

“I always admired how much you loved him. I still don’t know what you saw in him.” He sighed.

She gave him a wide smile. “Everything.”

“He’ll like that one.” He smiled at her and pointed to the tie in her left hand.

“You’re right.” She laughed. “For someone who doesn’t care for the man, you sure know his tastes.”

“We have the same tastes.” He leaned forward, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and bid her farewell. “Tell the boys I said congratulations and I wish them a long happy married life.”

“I’ll do that.”

* * *

John Jacob stuck his to-do list on the dashboard. He’d completed a few things around the ranch before he picked up Bo Sr. His ex and her boys should have arrived late last night. John Jacob had to hand it to his friend—he was handling the whole blended-family thing pretty well.

He and Bonnie visited each other often, and Wyatt had even stayed at his place when Bo and Summer were away at a gaming expo. This would be his first time meeting Corbett, who’d managed to dodge an introduction every time Bo went to Albuquerque. He pulled up to Bo’s cabin to find Wyatt and another man with him. It had to be Corbett—he looked like an older version of Wyatt.

“Good morning, boys. Wyatt, always good to see you,” John Jacob said as he got out of the truck. “And you must be Corbett. Your mama can’t stop talking about you.”

Wyatt beamed. “Cor, this John Jacob Blake.”

“Mr. Blake, what an honor it is to meet you.” Corbett extended his hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine.” John Jacob shook his hand. He liked him immediately. Corbett had a strong grip and he looked him right in the eye. “And it’s John Jacob.”

“Thanks.”

“Wyatt’s been here so much he can show you around, but I do hope you and your fiancée Courtney can participate in the games. The entire family’s going on the trail ride. You should join us. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

“Sure. I’d love to,” Corbett replied. “But unfortunately, Courtney couldn’t make it.”

“What a shame,” Wyatt mumbled.

Bo Sr. and Bonnie came out of the house holding hands.

“Hey, Bonnie.” He waved at her. “Teri-Lyn and the ladies are getting together for brunch. She said she’d love for you to join them if you weren’t too tired from the drive. I think they’re serving mimosas.”

She laughed. “There’s always time for catch-up with an old friend—and mimosas.”

John Jacob nodded. “I promise I won’t have him out too long.”

Bo gave Bonnie a kiss good-bye and climbed in the truck. In no time they were on the road with a Regency detail following at a safe distance.

“Don’t say a word,” Bo said.

“About what? Your new family? The one you and Bonnie probably would have had if you both weren’t so…well, yourselves.”

“And he’s still talking.” Bo leaned back into the seat and put his hat over his face.

“It’s nice to see you and Bonnie giving it another shot. It’s also good for Bo and his brothers.”

Bo removed the hat from his face. “Am I insane for trying to make a family with her again? With the crazy history we’ve had?”

“I think it’s the bravest thing I’ve ever seen you do, and I’ve seen you jump from a moving car.” John Jacob handed him the to-do list.

“This isn’t so bad. Does Teri-Lyn know about our first stop?”

“No, I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. Besides, she’s been so emotional the past few weeks, I didn’t want to give her another reason to cry.”

John Jacob pulled up to Teri-Lyn’s favorite jewelry store. His was an unusual request, but he was sure they could get it done.

“Do you think Bonnie would like a bracelet or some earrings or something?” Bo scratched at his beard.

“Yes, I think she’d like that.”

“Which one?”

“All of them.” He laughed.

* * *

Teri-Lyn loved the energy on the ranch, which was bustling with family members and good friends. The grandkids were having a good time, with the exception of Jake, who spent most of his time dodging the affection of Patton and Nina’s five-year-old daughter Gabby. They argued most of the time, but it usually ended with her trying to give him a hug, which he hated.

She’d loved it when the boys were that age. They didn’t want affection from anyone but their mama and daddy. She remembered the first pretty little girl who came to the ranch and flashed a seemingly innocent smile when she asked if J.J. could do homework. Teri-Lyn had wanted to throttle her and tell her to keep her paws off her baby, who was twelve at the time. Now he was a grown man who had accomplished many things in his life and had a family of his own. Still, Jake had a few more years before the girls came calling, but she did have Morgan for reinforcements this time. John Jacob said that the two of them would be swatting girls off the ranch with brooms for years to come.

Teri-Lyn pulled up to the field decorated for the paintball game just in time to see her competitive brood trash-talking each other and getting ready to wage war. Tyler, who was in charge of the event, launched into a lengthy speech about conduct and safety. J.J. and Tate heckled him while Sam, Summer, and Isabelle were busy accessorizing the pink fatigues they were wearing. Channing was collecting waivers from everyone.

“If anyone is having second thoughts, now is the time,” Tyler yelled with his bullhorn. “We don’t want to make any hospital runs before next Saturday.”

“I have a few objections,” Bo shouted. “Some of us are more skilled than others, and some of us have a definite disadvantage.”

“Like who?” J.J. huffed.

“Your wife,” Bo replied. “Sam is some kind of special forces ninja sharpshooter.”

“Well, Summer is a professional gamer. She should be disqualified,” J.J. fired back.

Channing looked at the clipboard. “Fine, they won’t be on the same team.”

“Cassie’s a ringer and shouldn’t be teamed up with either of them. I heard she’s paintball champ,” Tate added.

Teri-Lyn took a long look at Cassidy, who was looking over the map of the playing area. She did look like she’d done this before.

“Am I going to be scouring my skin for the next two days?” Michelle asked. “I don’t want to walk down the aisle looking like a cartoon character.”

Tyler winked. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll help scrub you clean.”

“I’m out.” She shook her head and gave him a kiss. “Fight the good fight for both of us.”

Teri-Lyn looked over at Morgan, who was helping Seth with his goggles. She wasn’t dressed for the game. “Morgan, you’re not playing?”

“She’s sitting this one out,” Seth said.

Morgan smiled. “I’m going to give Avery and Wyatt a break from watching the boys.”

“Funny how Wyatt jumped at the chance to babysit.” Seth’s jaw ticked.

“That’s because the co-babysitter is cute as a button,” Isabelle quipped.

The men all looked at her like she’d said something blasphemous. John Jacob and Bo Sr. pulled up and joined them.

“You should have seen him go jogging with me and Avery the other day.” J.J. laughed.

“Wyatt doesn’t jog,” Bo said.

“Oh, I know. He was trying to impress her. I thought I was going to have to carry him back to Bo’s place,” J.J. mused.

“We’re going to have to have a talk with Captain Hot Pants,” Channing replied.

“Just make sure they don’t go off on any long walks,” Jared said.

“Or anywhere near the stables,” Tyler chimed in.

Teri-Lyn shook her head. “Why don’t we just tie them up until the wedding?” She looked at Morgan and grinned. “Want some company? I don’t think I want to witness this massacre.”

“Mama, I was counting on you to be the impartial judge. I think there’s a few cheaters among us.” Tyler pouted.

“Sorry baby. Morgan and I are going to catch up while we take the boys miniature golfing.”

“OK, fine. Daddy, you and Bo can officiate.”

“What makes you think we’re not participating?” John Jacob bellowed.

The crowd went silent.

Tyler suppressed a smile. “Daddy, come on. You and Bo need to save all your energy for the bachelor party. We’re going to be out until midnight at least.”

“Well, think again.” John Jacob nodded at Bo.