Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Read online

  “No, darlin’,” he said, composing his face. “The beer is for Ronny. I don’t drink.”

  Her heart thundered in her chest. “Oh, I’m sorry ... I ... I don’t know what to say.” She struggled to compose herself. Mortification overtook her, and she thought she’d have a nervous breakdown. How childish she was behaving; she was overreacting. But when she’d seen the look on their faces, she’d panicked. Not wanting to create a scene, she turned to leave, hurrying to the kitchen to escape her gaffe. Why would they have reacted that way? She’d definitely have to ask him about it later.

  Jordan caught up with her and shadowed her into the house. “Jaynee, it’s okay.” He smoothed her arms. “It’s no big deal. I just don’t drink,” he whispered, nibbling on her ear in the process. “Not much anyway. Please relax, darlin’.”

  Now she really felt stupid. She needed to hide for a second to settle herself. “Tea then?” she asked, as if she didn’t feel like crawling under the house. They probably thought she was stupid ... marrying a man she barely knew. Maybe they were right.

  “That would be wonderful.” She turned to walk away, but he grabbed her waist and followed her to the kitchen. “Jaynee ... really ... it’s okay. My family, or at least most of them, doesn’t drink. I’ll explain later, but please don’t be upset.”

  She let out a deep breath. “I feel stupid, Jordan. I should’ve known this already. I’m afraid they’ll think I’m crazy, because I don’t know you.”

  “No one thinks you’re stupid or crazy; they know we just met. But you know something?” He tilted her head up, gazing into her eyes. “If anyone understands, it’s those women outside. They both married their husbands within weeks of meeting them. So think of this as a warm-up, okay?” He pressed his hand against her cheek.

  She leaned into it, instantly comforted.

  “The rest of the family will arrive in a few minutes. Are you okay?” he asked, smiling warmly.

  “Yes,” she said, still apprehensive. “I’m sorry. I’ll be careful before blurting out things in the future.”

  “Don’t be sorry, Jaynee; you didn’t do anything wrong. Besides, I love you, and I don’t think you’re crazy. Isn’t that all that matters?” She gave him a slow nod, and he kissed her forehead. “I just hope you’re better, though, ’cause here comes Bobby, and he’s obnoxious. But Melissa is the best ... you’ll love her.”

  She smiled and hugged him, then released him. She could pull herself together. She would for Jordan.

  They walked together to answer the door, as a couple. His sister and brother-in-law were already making their way toward them.

  Bobby was huge, at least six-foot-five, she guessed, knowing Jordan stood about six-foot, and the man probably weighed close to three hundred pounds. But she couldn’t see any fat; he just looked like a giant bear. And all of a sudden, that bear grabbed her and swung her around. “We’re so excited to meet you, Jaynee.” Bobby’s voice was ecstatic; he sounded sincere.

  A woman almost as tall as Jordan grabbed Bobby by the arms and shoved him back. “Robert Brooks, put her down! You’re gonna scare her half to death.” She turned sympathetic eyes that mirrored Jordan’s eyes on her. “Sorry, Jaynee, he’s very enthusiastic about you and Jordan. I’ve heard nothing but this since Saturday when Jordan called. I’m Melissa, but you can call me Sissy, everyone else does. And I’m happy to meet you too.” Melissa gave her a warm hug that felt natural.

  Jaynee hugged her back. “Hi, Sissy, it’s good to meet you too. And thanks for the cookies and roses, everything.”

  Jordan lifted Jaynee’s hand, squeezing it lightly. His eyes gave away the thrill he felt at the two of them getting along straight away.

  Two beautiful children followed the couple, dashing straight into Jordan’s arms calling, “Uncle Jordan” in unison. Jaynee saw the smile on Jordan’s face and felt her own face lift in direct response to his delight. His affection for his niece and nephew was evident in the hugs and kisses he showered on them. Other than a little difference in height, the children could be twins. She guessed they were at most four and five and a half. And it was clear the little boy and girl returned his sentiments, since they hadn’t let go of him.

  Bobby knocked Jordan on the back with a hand that resembled a bear paw; the man was enormous. “C’mon, Jordan,” Bobby belted out. “We got tons of food. Let the women folk get to yapping.” Jordan followed obediently to his older brother-in-law’s words, while Jaynee felt Melissa’s hand circle around hers, drawing her toward the kitchen.

  “I know tonight is not the best time,” Melissa whispered. “But, you have to tell me everything. I’m so excited. I was afraid Jordan would never find someone. He was so sure of this enchantment that the Monroe men supposedly shared ... that it would happen eventually. I believe he wouldn’t date a woman more than a couple of times to even give her an opportunity. Not to say that he’s dated a lot, because he hasn’t ... but he’s always known that he hadn’t met the right woman.”

  When Sissy finally took a breath, Jaynee stared at her incredulously before speaking. “He was waiting for me ... or rather for this to happen? Is that why no one is surprised at our marrying immediately?”

  Melissa smiled so widely that Jaynee could barely see her eyes. “Well, that’s not the only reason. Jordan has always been very — how should I say it — intelligent at making the right choices. He makes decisions quickly, but they are always correct.” Melissa immediately started busying herself about the kitchen. “I’m sorry, Jaynee. I’m talking too much, and we have oodles of time for this later. Besides, here come the men with the food.”

  Bobby and Jordan unloaded two massive pans of ribs and chicken onto the kitchen island. The kids carried in containers of what looked like desserts.

  Jaynee heard the door open again. Clearly, no one used a doorbell around here. It felt good, though; it reminded her of her uncle’s house again. How everyone always came and went as they pleased. She wondered how long before she felt like part of the family. Maybe she could institute her own tradition like Sunday brunches.

  “Oh my goodness, Jordan,” a squeal came from the doorway. Judging by the similar features, this had to be Rachael; all the Monroes’ eyes were identical. The new woman rushed over to Jaynee, wrapping her arms around her as she patted her on the back and then leaned back to take a good look at her, right down to her toes. “You’re absolutely adorable. Nothin’ like Ronny and Bobby suggested.”

  Jordan glowered at his partners. “I never told them what she looked like; it was none of their business.” But he said the words with a grin, letting them off.

  Rachael pursed her lips. “Well, they fabricated their own ideas. Glad to see they didn’t do you justice, honey. By the way ... love your pedicure. We’ll have to go to the spa together someday ... what d’ya say?”

  Try as she may, Jaynee couldn’t gather the appropriate enthusiasm for her new sister-in-law. The hug that Rachael had given her hadn’t felt as authentic as the embraces she’d received from Pat and Melissa. She smiled, but it felt shallow, so she was sure Rachael would sense it too. “That would be great. Though ... honestly ... I don’t go often. It was a gift from Jordan.”

  Rachael winked at her brother, then raised an eyebrow. “You paid attention, little brother — for once. Good job.” Her tone was smug.

  A tall and thin, but extremely good-looking man stepped in front of Jaynee. “Hi, I’m Ronny.” He held out his hand. Jaynee took it awkwardly. It felt uncomfortable after the over-the-top welcoming from the rest of her new family.

  Rachael snapped her fingers. “Ronny, get the kids to help you with all that food. Cody, Courtney, help your uncle.”

  Jordan stepped around the island, nudging Jaynee back into the laundry room, lowering his head to her ear. “A few hours, we’ll be alone again.” He kissed her on the neck then pulled back to absorb her appearance.

  “Jordan, I’m fine. They’re wonderful.”

  His face was skeptical. “I know you’r
e lying, but thank you anyway.”

  She felt her defenses flare up at his remark. “I wouldn’t lie. I do like them. It’ll take a while to get comfortable with everyone, but they are very ... welcoming.”

  “Thank you,” he said, kissing her again, this time on the mouth. His lips were soft and inviting; she almost forgot they had a houseful of people.

  A deep clearing of a throat interrupted them.

  “Go away, Bobby,” Jordan hissed.

  “Okay, if that’s what you want,” he said slyly. “I’m entirely capable of burning the ribs myself.” He laughed and walked away whistling.

  Jordan afforded Jaynee one more peck under her jaw, then charged after Bobby and the food. “Wait right there. You can’t be trusted with grilling. I’m the master griller.”

  Jaynee entered the kitchen feeling embarrassed, but the glow on Melissa’s face comforted her. She really was happy to see her brother married. Previously nervous, she now reveled in the emotions, as though she were already part of the family. At least with Pat and Melissa. She was sure Rachael and she would become friends, but couldn’t suppress the feeling that Rachael wasn’t completely genuine. “So, where do we begin? I’m sure you both know your way around the kitchen better than I do,” Jaynee said, an anxious chuckle escaping.

  Melissa reached in the kitchen drawer for utensils. “Most everything is hot, but why don’t you put the oven on three-fifty, and we’ll throw the food in there to keep warm?”

  Rachael pulled the dishes out of the cooler — or warmer in this case — and set them on the island. Jaynee turned the oven to three-fifty as instructed, and Melissa went to the cupboards to get all the items she needed. Jaynee knew where the glasses were, so she pulled out enough for the remaining family who didn’t have beverages.

  “Do you both drink sweet tea?” Jaynee asked politely.

  “Yes, for me and Bobby,” Melissa responded.

  “Diet Coke for me,” Rachael offered. “And I’m sure there’s a Bud Light or two in there for Ronny.”

  Jaynee fixed the drinks and then delivered Bobby’s and Ronny’s outside. A chance to move around the house felt good; she wasn’t ready to leap into a conversation with either woman. Plus she figured as a good hostess she should check on her new mother-in-law and grandmother.

  Handing both gentlemen their drinks, Jaynee caught Jordan’s eye as he was turning the chicken. He was grinning from ear to ear, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d missed a joke or if he was just that happy.

  Both men thanked her, Bobby more ardently with a “Thank you, darlin’!” What was it about southern men? Why couldn’t they just use a woman’s name? She was familiar with it from strangers in restaurants, and obviously she didn’t mind when Jordan used endearments. But it sounded strange coming from Bobby, since she barely knew him.

  Jaynee turned toward Pat and Velma, but saw Jordan punch Bobby out of the corner of her eye.

  Bobby winced. “What?”

  “Mine,” Jordan hissed.

  So, he didn’t appreciate the ‘darling’ comment either, or maybe she’d heard wrong. Jordan certainly wasn’t jealous of his brother-in-law. He didn’t seem like the jealous type, not that she’d noticed.

  Unable to verbalize the words ‘Mom’ or ‘Pat’, Jaynee opted just to begin speaking as she approached the women. “Would you like more sweet tea?”

  “No, honey, sit down and relax.” Pat tapped the seat beside her. “The girls’ll take care of everything. This is your wedding party after all; well, one of them anyway.” She grinned conspiratorially.

  Her new mother-in-law really was laid back. Jaynee wouldn’t feel comfortable just sitting, but she sat down for a few minutes. Pat asked her simple things such as where she was born, siblings, parents ... her religious beliefs — all the normal first-time-you-meet-someone questions. They were all easy, non-threatening queries, but Jaynee was still relieved when Jordan called out ‘five minutes’.

  She excused herself to assist her new sisters.

  When Jaynee stepped inside, everything was ready. Melissa and Rachael had obviously heard Jordan and already placed everything on the island.

  Melissa looked up as Jaynee approached. “If it’s okay, Jaynee, we put everything on the island and let everyone help themselves.”

  Jaynee couldn’t believe she’d asked her if it was all right. She really did like Melissa. “That sounds like a great system. How often does the family get together?”

  Rachael adjusted all the serving dishes so they lined up perfectly. “Usually once a month. If there’s a birthday or holiday, we celebrate them all at once.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” And Jaynee meant it. It should have sounded like work, but it didn’t. It sounded like a family, a family she’d always coveted. “I think I’ll enjoy that,” she added thoughtfully.

  The men walked inside at that moment carrying the grilled meat. “Enjoy what?” Jordan asked.

  “We were just discussing our monthly cookouts ... that haven’t felt too monthly lately,” Melissa reminded him with a frown.

  “You’re right, Sis, we need to initiate them again,” Jordan agreed, glancing in Jaynee’s direction, confirming she approved of his assertion. She appreciated the thought and smiled, nodding in assent. “Well, dig in everyone. Cody, Court, you first.” The two children appeared from the living room where they’d been watching TV.

  Jaynee stood and watched as everyone filled their plates and headed to the deck. There was such an understanding in this family, a peace in the way no one got in anyone’s way or tried to be the center of attention; they all seemed to move in harmony.

  When everyone was at the table, Pat looked up at Jordan. “Jordan, why don’t you do the honors, honey?”

  Without a moment’s hesitation, Jordan broke into a beautiful prayer thanking God for all they had; family, food, health, his new wife, then ended the prayer in Jesus’ name.

  She’d seen him bow his head several times, but this was the first time she’d heard him pray aloud. It was beautiful. And he’d been right about his mother ... one of her queries had been if she was a Christian. She wondered if her mother-in-law would have gotten up and walked out right then, or if she would have tried to convert her. She giggled at the thought, thinking about how her grandfather would have. He was very religious.

  The evening flashed by. It wasn’t even ten and everyone began offering their good-byes. Jaynee wondered if that was usual or just their subtle way of giving them alone time. Pat and Velma, along with her new sisters, hugged her, and her new niece and nephew latched onto her legs. “Good night, Aunt Jaynee,” they said in unison, as they’d done with Jordan at the beginning of the evening.

  The name took her by surprise; she didn’t have siblings, so she’d never contemplated becoming an aunt. But as the idea blossomed, she found herself beaming.

  Jaynee bent down and rubbed both of their heads. “Good night, guys.”

  Courtney bounced off, her tendrils flowing down her back, and Cody looked up at her with blazing red cheeks, then scurried after his sister.

  “We’ll see you tomorrow,” Jordan called after the group.

  Of course, Jaynee had already forgotten the reception tomorrow. That’s why they hadn’t stayed late. They stood on the porch, waving goodbye, Jordan’s arm wrapped around her waist.

  Jaynee watched the final vehicle drive away and then glanced up at Jordan. “They’re all going to be there tomorrow?”

  “Uh-huh,” he said in his slow southern drawl, but there was something anomalous in his all-too-casual reply.

  “That’ll be nice ... knowing someone there.”

  “That was sort of the idea.” A long pause elapsed as he pulled her closer, and then his eyes took on a look she recognized. “Now, what do you say we go practice making a motor for a tricycle?”

  “A motor for a tricycle?” she burst out, understanding the gist of his comment. “As in a baby?” She laughed again, this time nervously, feeling a little appre
hensive at his request. She’d thought she’d made it clear she wasn’t ready.

  He shrugged. “It was something my father had always said. Thought he was being clever, I suppose, so when we were kids we wouldn’t understand. I did say practice, though; I remember what you said...” His eyes held hers a fraction longer than necessary as if she may rethink her resolution.

  “Let’s go practice,” she teased, but something gnawed at her. She needed to know why he and his mother reacted the way they had when she’d asked Jordan if he wanted a beer.

  Chapter Twenty

  Brushing their teeth as a couple in his-and-her sinks felt bizarre. Had it only been a week ago she was about to brush her teeth and had said he was the man she was going to marry, and now she was standing in his master bath as his wife.

  It felt like forever that they’d been together, as if she knew everything about the man standing beside her. Then, in other respects, he was a total stranger.

  When they finished, Jordan approached her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You were wonderful tonight, Jaynee. I’m at home and completely content now that you’re here, but I was just thinking how strange it must be for you.”

  “It wasn’t as difficult as I’d anticipated. I feel comfortable with your family. For the first time in my life, I feel as if I belong.”

  “That’s because you do; you belong to me, and somehow it feels as though you always have.”

  Jaynee winced slightly at his words. But why should she? The way he’d said them, they didn’t sound possessive. They sounded perfect. As though they did belong together, forever. She liked the idea of belonging to him, and the fact that meant that he belonged to her too.

  She took his hand and led him to their bedroom. “I do have one question, though.” Jaynee sat on the edge of the bed, pulling him down beside her. “Earlier tonight, when I asked if you wanted a beer, the look on your mother’s face and your comment caught me off guard. I was wondering why you reacted that way?”

  “Well, I guess it’s only fair,” he said, his face taking on a grave expression. “You shared your demons. It’s only proper I share mine. My mother reacted that way because I promised her I’d never drink ... because of something that happened between my dad and me ...” He pulled her back deeper into the bed so they were against the headboard.