“You’ll make him happy,” he whispered with conviction. “Never doubt that.” He winked then. “And if he doesn’t do the same for you, let me know and I’ll beat him up for you.”
Impulsively Kelly stopped where she was and stood on tiptoe to kiss the cheek of this man who’d been her champion since childhood. “I’m so glad I’m going to be part of your family.”
“It should have happened long ago,” he said, his expression suddenly serious. “But you know how stubborn we Adams men are. One thing about us, though, once we make up our minds, we’re steady as the Rock of Gibraltar.”
“I’m counting on that.” She drew in a deep breath, then made the turn into the living room.
She was dimly aware of Mary’s soft gasp of astonishment, vaguely aware of Harlan’s whispered exchange with his wife. It was one thing for Dani and Jessie to be dressed up for the rehearsal, another entirely to see the bride in her wedding gown. Superstition alone would have precluded it.
“What on earth?” Mary exclaimed, gazing from Kelly to her husband and back again.
Kelly was oblivious to whatever Harlan said in response. Her gaze was locked with Jordan’s. His eyes shone when he saw her. She suspected his throat had gone dry, because he swallowed hard.
And then he smiled. Heavenly days, what that smile did to her. Her stomach flipped over, her pulse skipped crazily. Suddenly, as Luke placed her hand securely in Jordan’s, her heart was filled to overflowing.
“Dearly Beloved...” the reverend began.
The rest was a blur. Kelly knew she made the appropriate responses because no one had to prompt her. Still, the only thing that seemed at all real was Jordan’s firm grip on her hand and then the cool slide of gold as he slipped the wedding ring on her finger. She noticed, too, that his hand trembled ever so slightly when she slid a thicker, matching band of gold over his knuckle to rest in the place where it would remain for the rest of their days.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the reverend intoned. “You may kiss the bride.”
Jordan’s warm lips grazed hers, lingered, then claimed her mouth more hungrily. Kelly’s knees went weak. She looked up and met Jordan’s intent gaze. Rock-solid, dependable Jordan. Her husband! Just looking into his eyes steadied her. There was no uncertainty in his expression, no hint of doubt in the depths of his eyes.
They had done it, she realized as Jessie kissed her cheek and Luke pumped his brother’s hand. They had actually gotten married just the way she’d envisioned, surrounded by those dearest to them and no one else.
Dani held up her arms to Jordan, who promptly lifted her up. “You’re my daddy now, right?” she demanded, clearly dismissing the man who was biologically responsible for her birth but had done nothing to earn a secure place in her heart.
“I am your daddy,” he concurred, an unmistakable note of wonder in his voice. Pride shone in his eyes.
Well satisfied with the incredible bond that had formed between Dani and Jordan, Kelly dared a glance at her new mother-in-law. Confusion was written all over her face. Kelly left Jordan’s side and went to speak to her. She took Mary’s cool hands in her own.
“Please, don’t be too angry with us.”
“You’re married?” Mary said, sounding faintly bemused, rather than furious. “You’re actually married?”
“We really are. We both wanted a quiet, intimate celebration. We talked about eloping, but we very much wanted all of you here. I hope you’re not too disappointed.”
Mary shook her head, as if trying to shake off her confusion. “But all of the guests, the arrangements...” Her voice trailed off helplessly.
Still holding Dani, Jordan came over and dropped a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “All taken care of,” he assured her. “I spoke with everyone and told them they’d receive an invitation to a reception at White Pines later.” He regarded her intently. “If you’re still willing to plan a party for us.”
Mary stood there, her expression uncertain, until Harlan moved in.
“Of course, we will. We’d be proud to, wouldn’t we, Mary?” He tugged Kelly into a tight embrace. “Welcome to the family, girl. It took too damned long to make you one of us. I for one couldn’t be more pleased.”
He glanced over at Dani, who was still clinging to Jordan’s neck as if she was afraid to let loose of this new, attentive daddy she’d just acquired. “As for you, young lady, I think you’ve got all the makings of a real Adams,” Harlan declared. “You bargain with the best of them. Next thing you know you’ll be running that oil company of Jordan’s. As for that kitten you talked me into taking, she’s already queen of the barn.”
“Want another one?” Dani inquired. “I think maybe Francie is going to have kittens again.”
Jordan shot a horrified look at her that had his father and Kelly laughing. “Oh, no,” he muttered. “I’m having both of those cats fixed first thing tomorrow.”
The old tomcat, who’d slipped out of the kitchen to wind between Jordan’s legs, meowed a violent protest at the threat.
“What a disgusting conversation for your wedding day,” Mary chided, clearly recovered from her initial shock. “Jordan, I do wish you’d remember the manners you were taught.”
He leaned over and kissed her again. “Are we forgiven for not telling you about the wedding ahead of time?”
Kelly watched her mother-in-law closely, saw the momentary indecision, then caught Harlan’s quick squeeze of her hand. Mary rallied at once, her impeccable breeding and her adoration and respect for her husband overcoming whatever disappointment she was feeling.
“Of course you’re forgiven, darling. A surprise wedding will have everyone talking. People will be absolutely desperate to receive invitations to the party your father and I will throw for you.”
As Jordan and Luke had predicted, their mother was clearly in her element. She would be able to
