Page 37 of The Texas Cowboy's Proposal

“Sorry to interrupt such an enlightening conversation, gentlemen, but the bride needs a partner for the first dance.” Laurel Burkitt stepped from the shadows at the bottom of the porch steps, a hint of a smug smile as she had caught them out. Just how much had she heard, though?

“Did I tell you yet how exquisite you look this evening in that sea-blue chiffon gown? It brings out the blue in your eyes and—”

“Green, Mr. Attorney.” Jaxson’s words were just above a whisper as he headed down the steps. “Best rest your case before it’s totally a loss.”

For a brief moment, Laurel’s gaze met Jaxson’s, and Beaudry could have sworn there was a charge that singed the atmosphere. But it was short-lived as Jaxson headed off toward the rest of the party.

Laurel’s expression gave away nothing of the silent exchange. “Best help the groom straighten his tie for the photographs. I’ll tell them you’re on your way.” Her long skirts rustled as she turned and made her way along the path.

“I have a feeling a bet might be in order.” Matt looked at Beaudry with a grin. “Which one of those two is going to give it up first and admit how they feel about each other?”

Beaudry patted his tie into place and shook his head. “A word to the wise, Matt, as a man who has succumbed—and very happily, I might add—to a Burkitt woman already. My brother never had a chance in this romantic duel. He’s just too stubborn to admit it. Now, I have a beautiful wife to claim for a dance. Let’s get moving.”

*

“I had noidea you could dance, Mr. Hawkes, and a waltz to boot. It was a very nice surprise.” Sammi Jo grinned up at her husband as his arms brought her against his chest after they had led with the first dance of the evening. Now it was the best man and the maid of honor they watched in a spirited two-step.

“Are they dancing or arguing? It looks too close to call. And they definitely aren’t smiling.” Beaudry made the commentary as the couple on the dance floor was mercifully joined by the rest of the wedding party.

“With those two, who can tell?” Sammi Jo responded.

“Well, at least family holiday dinners won’t be boring.” Beaudry grinned and swung her back onto the dance floor.

Three dances later, Sammi Jo excused herself and went in search of her sister, who was sampling the dishes on the appetizer table.

“Have you seen Lacy? I can’t seem to find her anyplace. And thanks for being civilized on the dance floor earlier with Jaxson. Although he looked like a man with a too-tight necktie and you looked like—”

“Like a woman wanting to aim the pointed end of my shoe where it might inflict the most pain in a pompous cowhand?” Laurel smiled with innocent sweetness. “Last time I saw my charming new niece, she was headed toward that old swing in the far corner of the backyard. I hope you’ve had that thing checked out. It is so ancient.”

“Right. I need to go check on my daughter. I will—” Sammi Jo stopped still for a moment.

“Sounds funny, doesn’t it? I’m an aunt—and an awesome one at that, sort of like an Auntie Mame. Butyou...my little sis is a mom now.”

“That’s the first time I’ve said that out loud. It is a bit strange, but very nice too.”

Laurel leaned over and gave her a swift hug. “It won’t be strange for long. You already have the makings of a great mother. It’s all about love, isn’t it? You’ve got that in spades. Now move it. My makeup can’t take much more schmaltz tonight.”

“It’s your fault. This fancy party after we got back from our honeymoon was all your idea, if you recall. And a very awesome one at that.”

“It’s time we celebrate the good things happening in our family from now on. There’s a new generation of Burkitts taking on the future on this land. Let this be just the beginning.”

A few minutes later, Sammi Jo smiled at the picture the little girl made.

“How do you like this old swing of mine?”

The little girl in the pale-pink party dress, the long-ruffled skirt bunched up to allow her legs to barely touch the ground with the tips of her new silver party shoes, looked a bit startled for a moment. Sammi Jo trailed her long, white chiffon skirt over the soft grass. The strapless, heart-shaped bodice molded to her figure and displayed the delicate pearl necklace that had been Beaudry’s mother’s when she had become a bride. That and her wedding ring had been the only jewelry his mother ever owned in her life, Beaudry had told Sammi Jo the day he gave the box to her.

“It isn’t quite as grand as Burkitt ladies are used to wearing, but it meant a lot to her when she gave it to me right before she died. You don’t have to wear it, but I—”

“There isn’t anything I could ever wear that would mean more to me than this necklace, except for my wedding ring. I will be honored to wear it on our day and then keep it safe for Lacy and any wife Jaxson might have, and so forth. It is a true family heirloom, and I cherish it as such.”

She had meant those words. After all, it was all about heritage. A family built itself on such a foundation, and others to come after had to preserve it, add to it, and pass it on.

“Is it okay if I sit in your swing? It’s really a cool swing.”

“Of course. You can sit in it anytime. It’s made for swinging and daydreaming. Hang on and let me give you a push.” She moved behind Lacy and settled her hands just above Lacy’s on the thick ropes. A push and then another, and the pair were content in silence for a few moments.

“Are you having fun tonight? Did you enjoy the dancing? You and your dad looked perfect on the dance floor together. One of these days, when you are grown up and you find someone special, I imagine you and he will dance another father-daughter dance. Only you’ll be the one in white... or whatever color you might choose. We’ll just celebrate your special day. But I think there’s something else on your mind right now besides a party. Is it a secret?”

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