Page 36 of Shine On Oklahoma

“Yeah. I sold out to my sister’s penchant forrainbows and unicorns. I’d have preferred gambling and strippers,but it’s not my shower.”

“It’s very nice, dear,” Miss Dolly said. “Ihappen tolikeunicorns.”

Dax’s mother stood in the center of the room,pointing and making suggestions, while Joe and Jason McIntyre moveda table. She glanced at them and smiled. “How do you like it?” sheasked.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you for helping.”

“Thank you for letting me. I’m having anabsolute ball. You know, moos like me, relish opportunities likethis.”

“Moos?”

“Moms of only sons.”

“That’s a hoot!” Miss Dolly said, clappingher hands.

“Miss Dolly,” Dax said as if remembering her,“this is my mother, Caroline Russell.”

“Oh, it’ssonice to meet you,”Caroline all but sang.

“Okay, I’m needed outside. Deliveries tounload.” Dax leaned down and kissed his mother on the forehead, andthen just as automatically, kissed Kendra on the mouth.

Everyone in the room stopped what they weredoing. Oh, they started right up again, but they couldn’t hide thefact that they noticed Dax’s PDA. He let the curtain fall closed,but Kendra still felt all those eyes on her. Her sister’sfamily-in-law, the brothers McIntyre and Dax’s mom.

The saloon end of the place was empty, butway in the back, a single table was set for two. “I’m gonna let youtwo ladies enjoy your breakfast,” Dax said. “Text if you need me. Iwon’t be far.” Then he ducked through the curtain and let it fallbehind him.

The kitchen door at the far back of thesaloon side, swung opened, and Ned, the chef, stuck his steel graybrush cut out and said, “Ah, perfect timing. Have a seat andprepare yourselves for ecstasy!”

“Ohhh, I like the sounds ofthat.”Miss Dolly scurried to her place at the table so fast, Kendracouldn’t even keep up. Ned vanished back into the kitchen, the doorswinging in and out behind him. Dolly leaned across the table. “Thebig guy’s falling at your feet. Nicely done, Kendra.”

“It’s not what you think.” Then she loweredher eyes. “It is, actually, but I don’t have a choice. Vester Caineand a couple of his thugs are holding Jack somewhere.”

Her brows would have arched higher, if theycould’ve. “What do they want?”

“It’s a long story.”

“Don’t you worry, we’ll fix this.” Then shesmiled slowly. “We haven’t collaborated in forever. It’ll be justlike old times!”

“Well, right now, I think I have a handle onit, but I’ll let you know if I need you.” A little of the oldthrill tickled at her chest. She said, “Just one thing I need youto remember while you’re here, Miss Dolly. This is Kiley’s homenow.”

Dolly pursed up her lips like she’d justsucked a lemon. “Is it true? She’s gone straight?”

“Straight as politicians pretend to be.”Dolly gave a gentle shudder. “But this is her town, her people, herrules. We can’t poach. Not here.”

The kitchen door opened, and Miss Dollylooked at Ned as he carried a tray to their table. “Not even alittle bit?”

Frowning, Kendra glanced at Ned. He hadpronounced cheekbones, where they showed through gray mutton chopsthat joined up with his mustache. He’d been in the Navy, and lookedevery bit the salty sea-dog. Turned out he was handsome under allthat fluff, if you looked closely enough to see it. Strong jawline.Nice cheekbones. Who knew?

Dolly kicked her softly under the table. “Ow.I mean, oh um, Miss Dolly, this is Ned, the chef here at the LongBranch,” Kendra said. “Ned, Miss Dolly, a long-time friend. Morethan a friend really. She’s family.”

“Absolutely enchanted,” he said, locking eyeswith Dolly for an extended moment. She blushed and fanned herselfwhen he turned away to put the tray on a nearby table. Then heunloaded it onto theirs, whisking off domed covers and settingoverflowing plates in front of them with a flourish. French toastdripping with melting butter, scrambled eggs, tiny sausages.

“Oh my,” Miss Dolly said again.

“I don’t get it,” Kendra said. “How am Irating all this special treatment?”

“Boss’s orders,” Ned said.

“Joey?”

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