“None,” Jack answered evenly.
“Daddy, I was talking about Jack’s restoration expertise, not his marriage expertise.”
Carson harrumphed.
“Have you thought about a wedding date?” Carolyn asked.
Jack sent Carolyn a dazzling smile. “I’d vote for immediately, but it depends on our schedules. Keely is anxious to get the clinic up and running, so finishing the building is our first priority.”
“We talking weeks or months?”
“Months, probably.”
Carolyn sipped her tea and cast Carson a sly look. “You thinking what I’m thinking, dear?”
“That this engagement is a sign of the apocalypse?”
“Daddy!” She looked to her mother for support and wished she hadn’t. Shit. This was not going well.
Her mother’s eyes held that calculating squint that never boded well for anyone.
“No. I’m thinking we can throw Keely and Jack an engagement party the likes this town has never seen. Right away.”
Keely stopped stirring her mashed potatoes. “What? No. Ma. That’s not necessary—”
“Of course it’s necessary, sweetheart. Our only daughter is tying the knot with the man of her dreams.
We want everyone—and I mean everyone—in four counties to rejoice with us in the news that the last McKay wild child has been tamed.”
Tamed? Oh for fuck’s sake.
“If that doesn’t call for an enormous party with all the trimmings I don’t know what does.”
Don’t panic. Smile. Act like this is no big deal.
“Besides, sweetie, with so many, many, many family members and friends here, it is the best way to make the official announcement and allow them to congratulate you in person. Don’t you remember how wild and fun Colt and India’s wedding reception was?”
Poor Jack looked positively green. Keely would’ve enjoyed his discomfort if she hadn’t felt a little green herself. Still, she couldn’t resist taking a shot at him. “It’s something Jack and I will never forget, will we? Are you up for this, Jack darlin’?”
His lips curled in a half-smile. “The more the merrier, as you always say, right?” he shot right back.
24
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All Jacked Up
Bastard.
“I’m sure Jack’s mother has her own list of who she’s inviting. We don’t only want McKays and Wests in attendance, right? Anyway, if you’ll leave me her phone number, Jack, I’ll call her tomorrow.
Between the two of us we’ll have everything organized, so all you two lovebirds will need to do is show up at the party.”
Jack’s glass of milk stopped midair. “You’re calling my mother to help?”
“Naturally.” Carolyn set her teacup in the saucer. “Is that a problem?”
“No, not at all,” Keely inserted smoothly. “It’s very thoughtful of you, Ma, wanting to include Doro from the get-go. Except we haven’t told Jack’s mother about the engagement yet.”
There was that no bullshit glare from her dad again. “Why the hell not? You embarrassed about marryin’ my girl, Donohue?”
“No sir.”
“We haven’t told her because we wanted to tell you first,” Keely said.
Her father’s glower lingered on Jack as he passed Carolyn another packet of sugar.
“We’re calling Doro tonight, right honey?” she cooed at Jack.
“Absolutely, buttercup,” Jack cooed back.
“Have you told any of your brothers yet?” Carson demanded.
“No.”
“AJ?”
“No.”
“Chassie?”
“No.”
“Ramona?”
Keely shook her head.
“Doesn’t seem like you’re all fired up to strap on that old ball and chain if you ain’t tellin’ anyone that matters to you, baby girl.”
“I’m telling you and Mama, Daddy. Doesn’t that count?”
When he squinted, Keely realized he knew she was up to something. The man always busted her.
“Anyway, Jack and I are thrilled you’re throwing us a party,” Keely said with as much false cheer as she could muster. She patted her mother’s hand, making sure she got a good look at her ginormous engagement ring. “I’m putting you one hundred percent in charge of planning the engagement party you’ve always dreamed for me.”
“With games?”
“No!” Dammit. “I mean, why waste all the good games when there are men around? I say let’s save the games for the bridal shower.”
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25
Lorelei James
Her mother’s gaze turned shrewd. “Does that mean you’ll wear a dress? A nice dress? Not a jean skirt and boots? Or a miniskirt and boots?”