Page 39 of Shine On Oklahoma

Kiley blinked as if he’d said the words inSwahili.

Kendra said, “All the work was done before Ieven got here, thanks to Sophie and Emily, Miss Vidalia, and Allie,and Sunny did the cupcakes.”

“No, Kendra, you did a lot,” Emily said.“Besides, we wouldn’t have known to invite Miss Dolly without you.”Her little girl Matilda was just then tugging Dolly by thehand.

“Miss Dolly’s here?” Kiley said it in a softwhisper. And then she saw her, and Kendra watched, holding herbreath for the reaction.

“Hello, Kiley, dear!” Dolly walked instaccato steps up to Kiley. She put both hands on her belly,patting it as if it was a puppy. “Hello, Diana! Ohhhh, you’re gonnabe soprecious.” Then she leaned in for a hug.

Kiley burst into tears and hugged her back.She sent Kendra a watery smile over Dolly’s back.

Kendra almost sagged in relief.

“Let’s get you off your feet, babe.” Rob ledthe mom-to-be through the room to the big comfy chair they’ddecorated just for her. She braced her hands on its arms, andlowered herself in, belly following like an attached beach ball.And she winced a little, and shifted position.

Kendra looked at her. “You okay?”

“Fine,” she said. “Just a little bitpregnant. It’s uncomfortable as hell, Kendra. I meanallthetime.”

“I bet.”

“Thank you for this. You didn’t have to.” Sheheld out her arms, and Kendra leaned in and hugged her, andwhispered. “I didn’t buy her any boy toys after all. I went withall things Wonder Woman instead.”

Kiley laughed softly and let her go. “Goodchoice.”

“Girl power,” Kendra said, raising a fist.Then she had to move aside to let the rest of the guests take theirturn greeting her twin. She went to Dax, because that was prettymuch where she always went these days. “I think she really lovesit,” she told him.

“Was there any doubt?”

“Yeah. A lot.”

“I’ll tell Ned we’re ready for the food.” Daxleaned over and said it close to Kendra’s ear, so close his warmbreath tickled her there, and made her shiver against her will. Hislips almost touched her earlobe. “You did really good. That wassweet, bringing Miss Dolly. You you’re your sister happy.” Then heturned to go.

Her cell phone vibrated in her pocket.

She pulled it out, saw the number andanswered while walking quickly out of the big room. “Jack?” shewhispered.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Thank God! When I told them it would beanother week, I was afraid they’d—”

“Don’t worry about your old man. When have Iever not been able to take care of myself?”

She blinked, not liking the sound of that asshe found a quiet corner where she could talk. “They’re not gonnawait, are they?”

“Everything’s fine, at the moment,” he said.“What’s going on there? Sounds like you’re having a party.”

She lowered her head. “Baby shower for Kiley.I was hoping you’d be able to come.”

“Your idea? You get strippers?”

She laughed softly, “Same wavelength, you andme.”

“Always,” Jack said. In her mind’s eye, shesaw the dimples she loved so much. If Vester Caine hurt her oldman, he was going tosuffer.

“There’s a chance this could go sideways onme Kendra,” he said. “I figure you should know that.”

“It’s not gonna go sideways. Don’t saythat.”

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