Page 30 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
"Just like you."
She laughs, wrapping her legs around my waist."Who knew Clay McKendrick was a smooth talker?"
"Only for you, darlin'."
Spending the rest of my life with this woman might be a life sentence, but it's one I'll gladly serve.
Chapter Seventeen
Hearts and Home
The next morning, Jo and I are about to head out to the Las Vegas PRCA event when my fiancée stops us in the elevator---literally.She pushed the stop button and now pivots to face me.She's wringing her hands, her lips pursed.
I grasp her arms, bending my head to gaze into her eyes."What's the matter, darlin'?"
Her gaze darts everywhere except to me until, finally, she rolls her shoulders back and lifts her chin, looking straight into my eyes."I want you to meet my family, Clay.How would you feel about that?"
Stand here mute and rooted to this spot, unable to say a word.Her suggestion leaves me floored, kinda like the feeling I get right before the chute opens and I'm flung around by a bucking bull.
"Your family," I repeat slowly, studying her face.Jo's always been so self-contained, so independent.The fact that she wants me to meet her family feels like the biggest step we've taken yet.
She rushes ahead, unleashing a flurry of words."I know it's complicated.They live in Colorado, which means we'd have to make a detour after Vegas.And I haven't exactly told them about us yet.I mean, they know about the engagement from the news, but they don't know it's real now, and my dad can be...Intimidating."
I cup her face, halting her nervous rambling with my thumb against her lips."Jo, of course I want to meet your family.If I'm going to marry you, I should probably introduce myself to the people who raised such a stubborn, talented, beautiful woman."
The relief that washes over her face is adorable.Did she really think I'd say no?
"They're not like your family," she warns, leaning into my touch."My dad...he's a legend in rodeo circles.Seven-time national champion.The great Hank Callahan."
I whistle low."I know who your dad is, Jo.Everyone in rodeo knows Hank Callahan."
"That's the problem."She wriggles away, hitting the elevator button to get us moving again."He casts a long shadow.And he has strong opinions about who his daughter should be with."
The elevator begins to descend, and I watch the numbers tick down, processing what she's telling me.Hank Callahan---the man's a living legend.Seriously,a legend.Seven national championships, more endorsement deals than any cowboy before or since, and a reputation for being tougher than a two-dollar steak.The fact that he's Jo's father explains a lot about her drive and perfectionism.
"What kind of strong opinions?"I ask, though I've got a sinking feeling I already know.
Jo scrunches up her face in a sheepish expression."The kind that include Ivy League degrees and trust funds.Dad always figured I'd end up with someone from his social circle---another champion with a pedigree and connections.Not a struggling rancher from Montana."
The elevator dings as we reach the lobby, but neither of us moves when the doors slide open.I can see the doubt creeping back into her eyes, the same uncertainty that made her push me away that first night in Durango.
"Jo, look at me."I hold the door open with one hand while I tilt her chin up with the other."I've faced down two-ton bulls with murder in their eyes.I think I can handle your dad."
A shaky smile tugs at her lips."Bulls are predictable compared to Hank Callahan."
"Well then, I'll just have to be unpredictable right back."I wink at her as we finally exit the elevator."Besides, I've got something those trust fund cowboys don't have."
"What's that?"Jo asks, falling into step beside me as we cross the glittering casino floor.
"I've got his daughter's heart."I clasp her hand, threading our fingers."And I don't plan on giving it back.You're mine, Jolene, and I'm yours.It's a forever thing."
The blush that creeps up her cheeks is worth every ounce of nervousness I'm feeling about meeting rodeo royalty.We make our way through the casino toward the exit, and I can feel Jo's tension starting to ease with every step.
"You're pretty confident for a man who's about to face the most intimidating father in the Western United States," Jo says, but her grip on my hand tightens like she's drawing strength from the contact.
"Confident?Hell no.Terrified?Absolutely."I stop walking and turn to face her fully, right here in the middle of the casino with slot machines dinging around us."But Jo, I'd face down a hundred Hank Callahans if it means proving to your family that I'm worthy of you."
Her gaze softens, and for a moment the vulnerability is back---that rare glimpse behind the armor she wears so well."What if they don't think you're good enough?What if Dad takes one look at your bank statements and decides you're just another fortune hunter?"
