One More Day (29 page)

He held in a groan as Ridley crossed to the mantel. His mom still kept all their high school graduation photos displayed.
 

“Oh my god, you were so cute!”

“Cute? I had a curly mullet thing going on in that photo.”

Ridley moved down the line, looking at the other pictures. Bennett had the worst photo of them all, hunched over, his face almost obscured by the massive glasses he’d worn up to college. Eli looked sullen. The only one who looked decent was Nick, who’d been a playboy even then. His hair was cut short and slicked back and he was smiling widely.

“Nick looks exactly the same. Why am I not surprised?”

His chest tightened, thinking of Nick. Despite the circumstances, part of him was still pissed that he’d kissed her. Especially since his brother still seemed determined to make trouble for them.

“Do you mind if I use the bathroom? Before everyone gets here?”

“Sure. There’s one right here.”

She followed him as he walked down the hall leading to the bedrooms. He pointed her to the hall bathroom.
 

“I’ll just go check on the boys. My parents should be back soon.”

Jackson continued down the hall to the room his parents kept for the kids. Inside he found toys already strewn across the floor. The room consisted of two sets of bunk beds—which his mother insisted on
just in case
any of his brothers had children—a dresser, and a desk. His parents doted on their grandchildren and liked to keep the kids’ bedroom well-equipped for whenever they visited.
 

His thoughts strayed to his parents. They had been together for almost thirty years, and still seemed as in love as ever. That was the kind of relationship that he wanted. Someone he could trust with his whole heart and whom he could respect and admire in return.
 

His mother and father had been through many ups and downs while raising him and his brothers, but they had always been a team. He hadn’t thought he’d been looking for that. He’d had it once and it hurt too much to lose it. But what if the perfect woman passed him by because he had his eyes closed? What if Ridley left him because he was too scared to let himself ask her to stay?

At the sound of footsteps, he turned and was encased in a strong hug. Laughing, he embraced his oldest brother, Elliott, just as warmly. The two had always been close, but lately his hectic work schedule and Eli’s constant travel for his job gave them less time to hang out. He missed the time they used to spend together and resolved to make it up in the future.

“Hey bro, where have you been? I came by yesterday but you weren
’
t home.” Elliott smiled warmly as Jase and Chris launched themselves at his legs.
 

“Oh, Ridley and I took the boys to the park yesterday afternoon.”
 

“You and Ridley, huh? You guys are turning into a regular little family.”

He stopped at the speculative look in Eli’s eyes. Despite being a confirmed bachelor, Elliott seemed to think that what Jackson needed was a wife. His position was the exact opposite of Nick’s, who seemed to think that what he needed was sex—with as many women as possible.

“Hey, don’t look like that. Mom is bad enough with all the matchmaking. Where are they anyway? I would have thought that Mom and Dad would be here to meet us.”

“They went to pick up a few last minute necessities for dinner. You know how they insist on cooking everything themselves. I don’t know why they don’t just buy the food already cooked.” Eli shook his head at the baffling idea of doing unnecessary work if you didn’t have to.

“Now Elliott, you know that one of the ways I show my love to my family is by preparing their meal with my own two hands.”
 

Eli doubled over with laughter at Jackson’s imitation of their mother.

“Ooh, I’m gonna tell grandma. I’m gonna tell!” Chris laughed and skirted away when Jackson playfully swiped at him.
 

“Let me just check on Ridley before the rest of the family arrives.”

“You brought her with you today?” Eli raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, I brought her with me.” Jackson narrowed his eyes.

Eli raised his hands in defense. “I didn’t say anything. You’re going to get more than enough from everyone else. I’m sure Mom will be planning the wedding by dessert.”

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RIDLEY DROPPED HER purse and hurriedly applied lip gloss and a touch of eyeliner. Although she felt very clichéd doing it, she couldn’t help wanting to make the best impression she could on the rest of Jackson’s family. Judging from the relatives she had already met, everyone in the family had hit the genetic lottery.
 

Looking at her outfit, she smoothed the front of her dress until the pleated skirt hung just right. She was glad she’d changed into the brightly patterned sundress. It showed off her legs but was still casual.

None of her past boyfriends had been serious enough to warrant a meet the parents scenario. Yes, technically, she’d already met them but that was as Jackson’s neighbor.

Now she was his girlfriend. Sort of.
 

Hurrying back out to the hallway, she ignored the quizzical glances she received from Jackson. She hardly ever wore makeup and he was probably wondering why she’d bothered for a simple family gathering. Luckily he didn’t comment, he just pulled her to his side.

“Hey, there you are.”
 

Ridley couldn’t help admiring again how well Jackson pulled off the weekend casual look. Instead of looking unkempt, he looked rumpled in a sexy, tousled sort of way. Her thoughts stalled when she saw Jackson wasn’t alone. She recognized the DJ from the Memorial Day party. Since she had already met Bennett and Nick, she had to assume this was Elliott.

“I didn’t realize that you weren’t alone. Hi, I’m Ridley.” She extended her hand to the silent man and felt herself melt when he gave her a shy smile. She could tell this one was a heartbreaker.

“Well, hello. I’m Jackson’s older brother, Eli. I’m starting to see what all the fighting has been about.”
 

“Um, thanks, I guess.” She was surprised into laughing when he refused to let go of her hand.

Jackson scowled at them both.

“Okay Elliott, if I’d known you were going to hit on her I would’ve never introduced you. Can you believe the nerve? That’s family for you, I guess.”
 

Ridley and Eli chuckled at Jackson’s overly dramatic expression and finally Jackson joined in. Gesturing with his head, he motioned for Ridley to follow them.

“We were just getting ready to go find everyone. Are you ready to go or do you need more time?”

“I’m ready.”
 

As they walked back to the family room, she was immediately struck by the sheer number of people who had arrived in the past ten minutes.

“Where did all these people come from?” She hadn’t meant to speak out loud and hoped she hadn’t come off as hopelessly rude. Eli and Jackson just laughed, however.

“Cousins, church members, friends. Sunday dinners around here are kind of a free-for-all. Don’t worry if you can’t remember anyone’s name, they won’t expect you to.”

Ridley gulped and allowed Jackson to pull her into the middle of the fray. After meeting at least five different cousins, she gave up any hope of ever keeping names and faces straight.

“Let’s take a walk. I’ll show you some of the property.” He led her outside onto a huge back porch. His parents stood next to the railing looking out into the fading sunlight.
 

“There you are son. We’ve been waiting for you.” His father slapped Jackson on the back before turning his bright smile toward Ridley.

“Hello again, Ridley.” Julia pulled her into a warm hug. “Jackson never brings anyone home to meet us, but I had a feeling we’d see you again.” Beaming, she ran an affectionate hand over Jackson’s face.
 

Ridley could only stare as Jackson blushed and turned away. She had assumed Jackson brought all of his girlfriends home. A warm feeling flowed through her as Jackson hugged her to his side.
 

“Jackson told us about your troubles. We’re so sorry to hear that, but glad you’re here with us safe and sound. We are both delighted to see our baby has finally met his match.” Hooking her arm through Ridley’s, she pulled her toward the house. “So, tell me about yourself Ridley. Do you have family here?”

“Mom, we’ll have time to talk later, okay? I was just going to show Ridley the farm.” Jackson sent a beseeching look to his father who luckily seemed to get the hint.

“Come along, Julia. Let’s give the lovebirds some time alone.” Draping an arm over his wife’s shoulders, he silenced her with a kiss before pulling her into the house, the screen door banging shut behind them.
 

“Sorry about that. Sometimes my parents can get a little carried away.”
 

“Don’t be. They’re absolutely charming. I can’t wait to talk with your mother later and find out all your dirty secrets. Did you suck your thumb like Jase? Maybe she’ll show me some of your embarrassing childhood photographs.” Ridley couldn’t contain her laughter at the stricken look on Jackson’s face.

“I’m just kidding. I’m sure your mom just wants to make sure I’m worthy of her baby boy’s attention.” She smiled sweetly and kissed Jackson playfully on the cheek.
 

Before she could pull away, Jackson turned his head and captured her lips in a stirring kiss. Heat climbed from her core and spread outward.
 

“I don’t think I want your parents to know how wild you make me, so maybe we should finish the tour.”
 

He groaned and grabbed her hand. They skipped down the stairs leading from the porch to the backyard. He pointed to the left.

“We have several fields but I know that’s the corn. That was just planted. It should be harvested in August. We used to put the husks on our heads and pretend to be scarecrows as kids.”

Ridley laughed. “What about over there?”

He followed her finger. “Those are pastures for the horses and the cows. We only have a few dairy cows. Mom also got a few goats a few years back because she wanted to experiment with making goat cheese. She’s made some pretty good stuff so far.”

They walked further, hand in hand. Ridley tilted her face up to the sun and took a deep breath. It was the perfect day to tour a farm. The fields spread out before them as far as she could see, rolling acres of lush green and golden hay. They stopped near a fence and Jackson climbed up and sat on the edge.
 

“Are these berries?” Ridley knelt and peered at a bush laden with black fruit.

He chuckled. “Yes, those are blackberries. We can pick some later if you like. They look ripe.” He hopped down and pulled one from the bush, then popped it in his mouth. “Yeah, they’re definitely ripe. Really sweet, too.”

“Did you just eat that? Without washing it first?”
 

Jackson chucked her under the chin. “I can tell you’re a city girl. Trust me, I’ll be fine. My grandmother used to pull apples off that tree right there and bite them as she worked. She got one with a worm once and just ate around it.”

She laughed and allowed him to drag her toward the edges of the property. Looking back at the house, Ridley felt a tingle of anticipation. At this distance, she and Jackson essentially were alone.

“Where are you taking me?”

“The barn.” His one word answer told her more than what he actually said. He walked faster until they reached the open barn door. The smell of hay hit her first, a warm, sweet smell redolent of earth and nature.
 

As soon as they were out of sight of the house, Jackson lifted her until she melded against his body, chest to chest, with her legs wrapped around his body. He nestled into the hot space between her thighs. Pressing harder, he was rewarded by a tiny whimper in the back of her throat.

Trailing a line of kisses down the delicate column of her neck, he sucked at the base.
 

“I thought you were showing me around?”
 

“I am. This is the barn. Say hello to the horses. Tour over.” He toyed with the edge of her earlobe with the tip of his tongue.

“Jackson! Ridley!“

They pulled apart reluctantly at the sound of his mother’s voice in the distance.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been busted making out with a girl in the barn. Feels like old times.”
 

“Oh, is that right?” She pinched him and he laughed, grabbing her hands before she could do any more damage.

“Yeah, you saw what a lady-killer I was back in high school. With my mullet.”

They tried to stifle their laughter as they straightened their clothes, but it was nearly impossible. After they looked somewhat decent, they joined hands and snuck back to the party.
 

THE NIGHT SEEMED to drag on. Jackson was desperately trying to keep his mind on the conversation, but he just wasn’t interested in hearing about his brother’s latest business deal. He was probably being rude but at the moment he could care less.
 

His mother had grabbed Ridley after dinner and offered to show her some of the crops they’d just planted. They’d come back a little while ago carrying small baskets of blackberries. Ridley had been smiling from ear to ear.

Now most of the family had migrated out to the large back deck and his dad had brought out a small stereo. His cousin, Laura and her husband were twirling around, dancing like they were the only two people in the world. Chris and Jase ran back and forth across the lawn with Laura’s two girls, chasing fireflies.