“How about a hug for your mother, you big lug,” Rose said and put her arms around her son.
“Ah, Mom, always,” Chet said and wrapped his arms around her.
His father walked over and patted his son on the shoulder then went to the island laden with drinks and food. “I’ll deal with this, how’s that?” Chuck advised them all. “Now, who wants a beer?”
They gathered around the kitchen island, and everyone talked at once while bags were unpacked, goodies laid out on the counter, beer caps popped, and wine was poured.
“This is nice.” Rose picked up a glass of wine. “Shall we go and catch the sunset in the other room?” she suggested, and carried a plate of cheeses.
Chet watched his family gather in the great room, in the house he had built with his own hands and couldn’t have been prouder. He never thought he’d be here, in this position with a woman he loved. His grown children starting out their own lives and his parents all under his roof.
The only person missing was his brother, Colton. A bit younger than him, he was still on the rodeo circuit, and actually down in Texas putting up his horses at the Wild Vista Ranch. He wished he was here to hear the news of his engagement.
Chet crossed his arms over his chest and let his gaze take in the happy scene. He knew Jenna would be fine with his kids and parents. She’d mentioned in passing a few times how nice it would be to have a family like his. Well…now she would be part of it.
Just as he was about to step into the room and take a spot beside Jenna, she reached for her wine glass and her ring caught the late afternoon sun, sending a prism of light that was almost blinding.
“Hold the phone!” Taylee said.
Everyone stopped talking and looked at her. “What?” Tytan asked.
“Am I seeing things? Wasn’t anyone else blinded by that rock?” Taylee said and stood, going over to stand beside Jenna.
Chet moved into the room. She’d seen Jenna’s ring and he wasn’t sure what was coming next.
“Let me see.” She held out her hand and Jenna put hers in it, sending Chet a worried look.
“Oh, my god! Is that what I think it is?” Taylee inspected the ring, which sent the others to their feet, all of them talking at once.
Chet was beside Jenna, and everyone was looking at him with stunned expressions on their faces. He was at a loss for words, unsure if the reception was surprised happiness or not.
“Uh…,” was all he could get out and then Taylee flung herself at him and he grabbed her, his arms holding his beautiful daughter.
“Oh, Dad! It’s about time! We love Jenna and knew the moment we first met, she was perfect for you.”
Jenna stood and he saw tears in her eyes.
“Well done, son,” his father boomed and took Jenna in a bear hug. “Welcome to the family, my girl. I’m looking forward to getting to know you.”
Taylee extricated herself from Chet’s arms and turned to Jenna. “It’s my turn, Pops.”
He handed Jenna to Taylee and they embraced. Chet heard her say, “I’m so glad my dad found you. You’re the best thing to happen to him.”
“Thank you. He’s the best thing that has happened to me,” she murmured and swiped tears from her eyes.
“Now dear, this is not the time for tears. This is the time for celebration,” Rose said and hugged Jenna. “I will have a daughter. I’ve always wanted one.”
Tears even threatened Chet, but he forced them back. This was going so well and he was absolutely thrilled.
“I’m going to find champagne,” Chuck said and disappeared into the kitchen. They heard him muttering, “There’s gotta be a bottle around here somewhere.” He was banging around in the kitchen.
“You better go and help him, Chet, or he’ll have a conniption,” Rose suggested as she took Jenna’s hand.
“Now, dear…
Chet missed the rest of what she said when he went into the kitchen.
“Dad, mellow. In the bottom of the fridge.” He opened the door and pointed, letting his dad find the bottle.
