Page 69 of Nashville Cowboy
“According to Beulah, some of these ladies might actually someday move to Stone Ridge if they find the right man,” Wade said.
“She only says that to keep us on our best behavior,” Beau said.
Wade chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll manage.”
A man on a mission, Jackson carried his guitar case toward the lodge. He was met by Jolette Marie.
“I thought we had a DJ. You’re performing tonight?” Jolette Marie was accompanied by all three of her brothers.
“Nope. Just one song for the bride and groom.”
“I’d hoped we could get a whole Jackson Carver concert here tonight,” Jolette Marie said, tossing her hair.
“This day is about Lincoln and Sadie. Not my show.”
Besides, he was on vacation. If “vacation” included back-breaking labor mending fences and helping pull a heifer out who’d gotten stuck in mud. His trainer had never worked him this hard. He should be in the best shape of his life, but all he needed was a few more days of Eve’s cooking and he’d be as solid as Lincoln.
“Y’all seen Eve?” Jackson asked, scanning the crowd.
Jolette Marie’s youngest brother nudged his chin in the direction of the lodge. “She’s already in there.”
What neither Lincoln nor Sadie knew was that the song he’d perform tonight would actually take the place of the best man’s toast. Other men had the gift of gab. Like Lincoln, and even Wade, who were funny when they wanted to be. Jackson had never been funny, except to Eve, who had laughed at every one of his lame jokes. When he’d been racking his brain for material for his best man’s toast, considering hiring a comedy writer to do it, it was his manager who had suggested he sing instead. And heck, he could do that. These days, it was about the only thing he felt he could do well.
He hightailed it inside, sticking his guitar case in a corner. The lodge had been transformed. There were white drapes hung from the beams at key places. White fairy lights strung. A wide dance floor and a DJ in the corner.
Jackson was stopped frequently for conversations with some folks he hadn’t seen in years. Beulah Hayes and others wanted to chat and welcome him back to Stone Ridge. Asked him to consider putting down roots and staying awhile. He was grateful to see folks in a relaxed and normal situation in which he wasn’t the center of attention. To residents like Beulah, he was special, but only because he was one of the men of Stone Ridge.
Jackson took his place beside Lincoln at the head table and clapped his back. “Congratulations.”
“Were you totally freaked out?” Lincoln said under his breath.
“Nah,” Jackson lied. “I knew Sadie wasn’t going to walk out on you.”
“Not with Eve there.” Lincoln chuckled. “I have to thank her for lettin’ me know soon as I get the chance.”
“Another runaway bride in this family? Not possible.” Jackson cleared his throat. “Hey, I’ve got a little surprise for my toast.”
“Don’t worry, figured you hired someone to write your speech. Knew you’d be nervous.”
“I would be insulted if you didn’t know me so well. But no, I didn’t hire anyone. In fact, I wrote it myself.”
For Eve,nothing on earth could ruin this night. Not only did two of her favorite people in the world get their happily ever after, but Jackson was going to eat his words. Slowly. And painfully. He was always so cute when he was remorseful. She was going to have her fun with him tonight, that’s for sure. Because hey, she was right, and he was wrong. Sadie and Lincoln were hitched.
The lodge was busting at the seams with guests, practically everyone in Stone Ridge, plus the women who’d been invited as they were to even out any big event. Ever so kindly organized by Beulah, who loved nothing more than even numbers. Eve hugged her mother, seated at a table with Hank, Mima, and some of the SORROW ladies. She’d just said hello to Sadie’s mother, Wanda, and father, Merle, when Jolette Marie walked up to her.
The Trueharts had money and Jolette Marie wore a sequined gown more appropriate for an awards show. Eve was always kind to the family, even if they hadn’t always returned the favor. She knew her place. Her mother was the Truehart’s maid and cook, and even though Eve now managed a veterinary practice, she didn’t expect their immediate respect as a doctor. She’d have to earn it.
“Congratulations, Eve,” Jolette said sweetly.
“Thanks, but you should really congratulate Sadie.”
“I did,” Jolette Marie said. “I’m congratulating you for hanging on to Jackson. He’s a catch and you’ve always had him. You should know, I made a pass at him and he turned me down flat.”
“Um, oh. Okay.” Eve was momentarily rendered speechless. “Now why would you tell me that?”
“There might be a lot of men in town, Eve, but none quite like Jackson. He’s yours if you want him. You’re welcome.” She patted Eve’s shoulder and went to find her table.
Eve kept the smile glued on her lips, but her gut burned with anger. Was Eve supposed tothankJolette Marie for making a pass at Jackson? It wasn’t as if she’d done it for Eve. But despite all the words, all the kisses and embraces between them, she reminded herself that she had no claim to Jackson. He might love her, but she was obviously still stuck when it came to intimacy. Unable to move forward, and sooner or later even Jackson would lose patience with her like all the other men had. But she couldn’t and wouldn’t let that push her into doing something a minute before she was ready. She’d come too far.
