“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 plan exactly the sort of celebration she wanted. All Jordan and Kelly would have to do was show up. It seemed like a suitable arrangement to Kelly. She surely would have bungled something crucial and Mary would never have forgiven her. Now the burden of pulling off the reception would be totally on Mary’s capable shoulders.
“Come, come,” Consuela called from the doorway to the dining room. “The wedding dinner is ready.”
As the others went off to sit down, Jordan held Kelly back. She shot a questioning look at him. “Everything okay?”
“I just had the most incredible need to kiss my bride.”
She tilted her chin and met his gaze. Those butterflies in her stomach took to doing somersaults. “Any particular reason?”
“Because you’re beautiful and because that official kiss at the end of the ceremony was over far too quickly to suit me,” he murmured as he settled his mouth firmly against hers.
As always, it was the touch of velvet and fire, inflaming her even as she tried to think about the guests who were waiting for them a few feet away. “Jordan,” she whispered dazedly.
“Mmm?”
“Your family.”
“They’re our family,” he corrected. “And they can wait. We’re newlyweds, remember? We’re expected to spend a lot of time kissing.”
His lips claimed hers again. His tongue invaded her mouth, teasing, inviting, sending her senses whirling. Finally, when she could barely stand, he ended the kiss, though he continued to hold her pressed tightly against his body. His heat surrounded her, drew her in. His masculine scent, counterpointed by the aroma of the flowers that filled the room, made her heady with longing.
“I had no idea,” he murmured.
“No idea about what?”
“That I could ever want anyone this desperately.”
He sounded shaken
