Page 37 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
Mom shakes her head, though it's an affectionate expression.
"Clay!"Sarah practically drags me out of the truck, wrapping her arms around my midsection in a fierce hug."You've been gone way too long."
"It's only been a couple months, squirt."I ruffle her hair, something she hates, and she predictably swats at my hand.
"I'm twenty-four, not twelve," she reminds me, but her mock scowl dissolves into another grin when she spots Jo climbing out of the passenger side."Jo!I'm so glad you're finally here!"
Jo barely has time to close the truck door before Sarah engulfs her in a hug that would put a grizzly to shame.To her credit, Jo returns the embrace with just as much enthusiasm, her nervousness seemingly forgotten in the face of Sarah's boundless energy.
"I've been texting her non-stop," Sarah explains to me over Jo's shoulder."We're practically besties now."
I raise an eyebrow at Jo, who shrugs and mouths, "She's persistent."
"Let the poor girl breathe, pumpkin," Dad calls out from the porch, his voice gruff but warm."You're worse than a barn cat with a new litter, Sarah."
The youngest McKendrick reluctantly releases Jo but immediately links their arms together."Come on, I'll give you the grand tour while Clay deals with the bags.Mom's been cooking since dawn---hope you're hungry!"
"Starving," Jo says, allowing herself to be led toward the house.
As I watch them go, I feel a strange mix of relief and apprehension swirling inside me.Sarah's clearly taken to Jo like a duck to water, which is exactly what I hoped for.But now comes the real test---Mom and Dad.
"You gonna stand there gawking all day, or are you coming up here to greet your old man?"Dad hollers, though there's no real irritation in his voice.
I grab our bags from the truck bed and jog up the porch steps.Dad's waiting with his arms open, and I set the luggage down to give him a careful hug, mindful of his still-healing knee.
"Good to have you home, son."He claps me on the back, and I swear I detect tears gathering in his eyes.He wipes them away quickly, returning to his usual gruffly kind demeanor."Been too quiet around here without you stirring up trouble."
"I never stirred up trouble, Dad.That's pure propaganda."
He raises his brows."What about that motorcycle you bought with the money you earned from mopping floors in the hardware store?It was so loud I could hear it from our front porch, ten miles away."
Mom appears at my elbow, not waiting for an invitation before pulling me into a fierce hug."Oh, my sweet boy, you look too thin.Have you been eating?"
"Yes, Mom," I say automatically.It doesn't matter that I'm thirty-two years old and have been feeding myself successfully ever since I turned eighteen.She'll always think I'm starving.
Her gaze flicks toward the house where Sarah has already ushered Jo inside.And Mom pats my cheek."Your girl is the prettiest thing I've ever seen, sweetie.Those tabloid photos didn't do her justice.But I'm so happy you finally found the right woman, Clay."
"Thanks, Mom."
She dusts off her apron."Time for dinner.Then you and Jo will want to get some rest after your long road trip to get here.We assumed you two would share a bed."
"Yeah, Mom, we will."
As always, the meal Mom whips up is homemade, homegrown, and absolutely delicious.Meryl McKendrick knows how to feed her family---and a passel of guests too.Tonight, however, it's just me, my parents, my sister, and Grandma Esther.Grandpa passed away fifteen years ago, but becoming a widow hadn't toned down her feisty nature.
The woman of the house sits at the head of the table, her silver hair pinned in a perfect chignon.Despite being ninety-three years old, Grandma Esther still serves as the head of the household.Her sharp blue eyes---the same shade as mine---take in every detail of Jo's appearance and mannerisms with the precision of a hawk sizing up prey.
"So, my dear," Grandma Esther begins, setting her fork down with deliberate care, "you're the barrel racer who stole my grandson's heart."
Jo straightens in her chair, meeting Grandma's gaze head-on."Yes, ma'am.Though I'd argue Clay stole my heart first."
Sarah snorts, trying not to laugh, while Dad coughs to cover a chuckle.Mom shoots them both warning looks, but I notice the corner of her mouth twitching.
Grandma Esther remains impassive for a moment, then she breaks into an impish smile."I like this one, Clay.She's got gumption."
"Thank you, Mrs.McKendrick."
"Call me Esther, dear.Or Grandma, since you'll be family soon enough."She winks at me before turning her attention back to Jo."Now tell me, how many championships have you won?Clay mentioned you're quite the accomplished rider."
