Page 23 of The Texas Cowboy's Lady

“The best of what? Is there food I’ve missed from that huge buffet the Tremaynes have laid out this year?” Sammi Jo slid onto the bench seat next to her husband, her salad and bottle of water in hand.

Jaxson raised his eyebrows as he eyed her plate. “I’d say that your eyesight went bad on you if that salad was all you found over there.”

“My wife is being very good and following the obstetrician’s orders to the letter. I am proud of you, sweetheart.” Beaudry planted a swift kiss on her forehead as he rose from his seat.

“Where are you going now?” she asked.

“I need another bowl of the homemade peach ice cream. I couldn’t decide if I really liked it until I finished the first bowl. Be right back.”

Matt and Jaxson shook their heads. “If I ate like he does, I’d be the size of a barn,” Matt observed, buttering one of the rolls on his plate.

“Yes, I can see you have great restraint,” Jaxson remarked dryly.

“Is this a private party?”

CeeCee was standing at the side of the table, a plate held in her hands, and a wide smile on her face. Her short jean shorts showed off tan legs that went on and on. The tank top was an explosion of colors and left a lot of skin bare. Neither he nor Matt could get to their feet fast enough.

“Where are my manners? Please, sit here.” Matt smiled and Jaxson reached for the glass of tea she was balancing in one hand. “Since neither of the Hawkes brothers thought to introduce us before now, I am Matt Matteo, and very pleased to meet you.”

“You rest yourself right here. This spot’s been waiting for you,” Jaxson spoke up, a smile of welcome on his face.

“I find Western men so handsome and such gentlemen.” She laughed. “I’m so glad I’ll be spending a lot of time here once everything gets built.”

“Well, we have a spot for you at another table where we can talk business while we eat. Sorry, gentlemen, but Miss CeeCee here is on the clock.” Sean didn’t look a bit sorry. He picked up her glass and took her plate from her. He just gave them one of his uppity smiles, as Jaxson had christened them in his mind.

“I’m sorry. Maybe for dessert later!” She shot the words over her shoulder with a contrite smile.

“Easy come, easy go. Story of your life, Jaxson.” Matt sat down again.

“Me? What about you? You got shot down too.”

“Yes, but I have hopes of having that dessert with her. You, my friend, will probably be looking after a sick cow or something. But don’t worry. I can handle the job.”

“I think I’m losing my appetite,” Sammi Jo observed dryly, setting her fork down on her plate.

“I heard that.” Laurel had approached their table. “Are you feeling okay? Should you be out in this heat so long? Maybe getting into the shade, sitting in the cool water of the pool for a while?”

“Are you insane?” Sammi Jo replied with a firm shake of her head. “I am not getting into any pool nor showing any swimsuit on this body I have right now. No thanks.”

“I beg to differ.” Matt set his fork down and gave her a sincere smile. “I think a woman is at her most beautiful when she is bringing life into this world. Your beauty and strength know no bounds, and you are your most perfect goddess self during this time.”

“Wow, you lawyers really know how to argue a case.” Laurel grinned. “But I think you should listen to him, sis, and let’s head toward the pool.”

Sammi Jo stood and went around the table, bending to whisper something in Matt’s ear that caused him to laugh out loud. Then she gave him a peck on his cheek and joined Laurel on the path to the pool.

*

Sammi Jo didend up taking off the sundress she had worn over her swimsuit. She and Laurel found a quiet seat in the shallower end of the big pool where tree branches provided a good deal of shade. Most of the children present were being entertained with the volleyball game a distance away in the water while older ones were engaged in the diving contest in the deep end.

“I had forgotten how much fun it is at these annual parties that the Tremaynes throw each year. So much good food, fun, music, just so much of everything.”

Sammi Jo smiled. “I’m glad you are enjoying it again. I hope it’s a sign that you have forgiven poor Jaxson for whatever it is you’re holding over his head these days.”

“Don’t worry about it. You know we just don’t get along. It’s not a big deal to concern yourself about.”

“I heard this is something about naming the dog that you both saved last week. Seriously? How can that be so monumental?”

“Jaxson just gets so full of himself and then does whatever he pleases. That pup is coming home with me. And I have the right to name it.”

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