Rori and Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker (8 page)

She couldn’t. Wrapping her legs around his thighs, she
circled her hips, top to bottom, giving herself the motion her body craved.

“Ah, Rori, you tryin’ to make me embarrass myself?” The
words growled from deep in his chest.

“I’m tryin’ to make myself come, and you along with me.” She
smiled, loving how her words empowered her. “Come with me.”

Jackson’s eyes popped open. “I’m gonna let you have your way
this once, darlin’. Just because I’ve been missing you so damn much the last
few weeks, I can’t control myself.”

Grasping her breasts, she rubbed her hard nipples on his
chest. “No control, Jackson. Only feeling, only love.”

“Love.” The word made him smile, then throw his head back as
his hips jerked into a wild rhythm. He used one hand to caress her breast in
his palm, pinching her nipple between his thumb and finger.

She cried out and used her fingers to play with his flat
nipple.

He groaned. His body moved like a wave, pushing, pulling,
using his shaft to please her, making his pubic bone graze her clit with each
hard push into her willing core.

White flames circled up along her spine and her body
tightened, her core jerking, sending spasms up her back to tingle in every cell
in her body. Her mind shot to the sun, white light, solar flares. “Yes, oh
Jackson, I love you.”

He sucked at her neck, jackhammering his cock into her,
releasing another burst of heat that made her spin and explode into white
flames. His shouts made her body react with a slide of moisture between her
legs, wet and hot.

Straightening his arms, he reared back, fully seating his
cock inside her as he roared, the sound echoing off the ceiling.

Inside her, she could feel his pulsing shaft as he exploded
into her.

He dropped his head, then his arms gave out, and he lay on
her, pushing the breath from her lungs. “Rori. I love you with everything I
am.” He quickly rolled to the side, bringing her with him, still seated deep
inside her.

They lay gasping, her head on his chest, touching each other
with soft, shaky brushes of their fingers, their palms.

“Amazing.” He kissed the top of her head. “It’s even more
intense now that I’ve admitted it to you.”

His words didn’t register for a minute as she lay in soft
warmth, her brain fuzzed. “Admitted it?”

“I think I’ve been in love with you for a while now.” He
spoke so casually, she had to smile.

She wasn’t going to admit to the same thing. Not yet,
anyway. She’d fallen for him within minutes of meeting him, but he didn’t need
to know that. “Someday, I’ll tell you when I figured out I loved you.”

He chuckled, the sound reverberating through her body from
his. “You were all crazy-in-love with me that first day. In Dusty’s office.”

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. How was he so
intuitive? “You think so?” She shrugged. “If that’s what you want to believe,
cocky cowboy. Go ahead.” Rori drew little hearts on his chest with her finger.
“But I’ll never admit it.”

He ran his fingers through her hair, holding it back from
her face. “You don’t have to. Those eyes of yours, they tell me everything.”

She blinked a few times. “What do my eyes tell you now?” She
wagged her brows at him.

“That you wanna see what’s in that tube?” His grin made her
fall for him all over again.

“Yeah, I wanna see what’s in that tube.” She slid her body
up, easing herself off his still-hard shaft. “Then I wanna come back up here
for the rest of our forty-eight hours of lovin’.”

He held out his hand. “Deal.”

She shook it. “Deal.”

At approximately five in the evening on December 24th, the
entire family arrived at Dusty’s house on Osprey Lake. They’d chosen to gather
here on Christmas Eve so they could travel the next day to whichever other
family holiday they wanted to attend.

Jackson took calming breaths as he helped Rori from the
truck, across the driveway, and up onto the crowded porch. He carried a small
box of ornaments, and almost dropped them twice. Tonight was a big night.
Really big.

Rori stood under the porch light, glowing. Her hair had
grown a little longer, and she’d curled it so it fell below her shoulders in
soft waves. Under her coat, she wore a floor-length, black velvet gown,
sleeveless, which he’d been amazed to watch her dress in at their apartment.
The dress showed off her perfect arms and her curvy, tall body. Beneath the
hem, her painted red toes peeked out of the impossibly high-heeled sandals.

Sandals. With heels. No high-top athletic shoes tonight.
Sexy.

The eight of them plus little Hunter shared hugs with the
women, and manly pats on the back between the brothers. Hunter jumped up and
down with excitement.

Marliss opened the door wide. “Oh, good.” She grinned at
them. “You’re all here together. Well, come on in and let’s get to
celebrating.”

Jackson helped Rori out of her coat and handed it to Lou.
“Merrry Christmas.” He shook the man’s hand. They’d found the perfect gift for
Lou and Marliss; a two-week vacation anywhere they wanted to go. They’d present
it later, when gifts were opened.

“Merry Christmas, Jackson. Rori.” He nodded at her then
gestured to the living room. “Go on in. Everything’s ready.”

Jackson set his hand on Rori’s back and they followed the
family into the main room. Marliss and Lou had gone all-out in decorating the
place. Flickering electric candles glowed in every window, pine greenery graced
the mantel of the big flat stone fireplace, and garland wrapped in white lights
ran along the railing of the walkway on the second floor.

“Oh, Jackson.” Rori’s eyes were wide and twinkled with all
the lights. “It’s almost tempting to change our minds and live here instead of
building our own house.”

He’d shown Rori the blueprints for the house that day in
October, in the middle of their forty-eight hours of lovin’.

She’d immediately asked if they were available online, too.
His geeky, techie, wonderful woman. They’d chosen and mixed the best of the
three house plans, and had broken ground before Halloween. Completion date was
scheduled for Valentine’s Day, which was why he was as jumpy as a frog on ice
tonight. He had something to ask her later.

“You could use this as a getaway home.” He kissed her,
quickly. “When you need time away from me.”

She laughed. “No way. I’ll never, ever need that.” Her smile
confirmed her words. Rori seemed as happy as Jackson was, every day of their
lives together.

The tree was a massive white pine culled from a local
grower, since no pine trees called Kansas their native home. Multicolored
lights shimmered among the green needles, but no ornaments hung from the boughs.

Theresa Walker had boxes of white bulbs that she’d always
decorated the tree with, but after the brothers discussed it, they’d all agreed
with Marliss that those could stay in the basement storage room this year.

Killian and Lexie, Rogue and Kit, Jackson and Rori, and
Dylan, Zoe and even little Hunter hung the few ornaments they’d each brought.
It was the beginning of a new tradition for their extended families.

“Should we haul in the booty?” Jackson led his brothers back
outside. As the men hauled in wrapped packages by the dozens, a number of them
looking suspiciously like bicycles in the perfect size for a three-year-old,
the women congregated in the kitchen. Lou, running at full throttle in his
Santa apron, had all four ovens going, one with a turkey, one held a beef
roast, and the others emitted the amazing scents of side dishes.

Wearing a red-and-black plaid dress, black leggings, and
gold lamé shoes with tiny bells on them, Marliss shooed them out of the kitchen
to the formal dining room, where hotplates bearing fancy appetizers sat on the
sideboard, and a wide variety of cocktail options awaited them at the portable
bar.

Lexie played bartender, and soon each of the women held
glasses. They nibbled on the appetizers, then filled plates of the delicious
goodies and wandered into the living room, sharing their delicacies with their
men.

“Looks like the gals have found the bar.” Rogue put the last
of the colorful packages under the tree.

Jackson walked up to the group holding four heavy tumblers
of Dusty’s finest single-barrel whiskey. He handed one to each of his brothers.
“I’m thinking we should each say a few words. Ladies?”

“Let’s hear the toasts,” Marliss urged as she and Lou walked
into the room, each carrying their own glass.

“I’ll go first,” Lexie said, “if that’s okay. The best day
of my life was the day Killian walked into it. Like everyone else, we’ve had
our challenges.” She looked at Killian. “I’m grateful for the man he is and for
the future we have together. I love you, Killian. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone echoed Merry Christmas and took a sip of their
drinks. The whiskey calmed Jackson some, warming him, but the step he was about
to take tonight warranted a few nervous jitters.

“And I have one more announcement to make.” Killian held out
his arm and Lexie moved into the circle of it. “We’re adding another Walker to
the mix. Lexie and I are having a baby.”

“Oh, my god!” Zoe rushed over and hugged Lexie. She was soon
joined by the other women, adding their excitement to the mix.

“Guess there’s no question about your motility,” Jackson
joked. The brothers laughed at the reference to the lessons on horse breeding
they’d gotten at Killian’s ranch.

“Will you still be able to handle the show, being pregnant
and all?” Rori walked back to Jackson, letting him pull her close. “That’s a
lot to take on.”

Killian smiled down at his wife. “I’ll make sure she gets
pampered and coddled.”

Jackson leaned tipped his head. “Another baby.” He said the
words quietly to Rori, and she just rolled her eyes. The two of them were
taking things slowly, making each step in their relationship intentionally and
cautiously. Jackson knew it was so he wouldn’t get spooked, but Rori said it
was just because she was such a perfectionist.

Rori leaned in close to him. “Since it’s the ladies’ turn to
toast, I want to let everyone know that I’ve never been happier, thanks to
Jackson. I’ve fallen in love. For the first time in my life.” She raised her
glass in salute to him. “And for the last time in my life.”

Jackson pulled her close for a kiss. “You got that right,
Rori darlin’. Merry Christmas.”

Everyone gave mushy “awws” and laughed as both Rori and
Jackson blushed a little.

Zoe cleared her throat, gaining the room’s attention. “Since
Lexie let the cat out of the bag, I might as well spill the beans.” She splayed
her hand on her tummy and smiled. “Looks like it’s going to be a packed house
at the next Walker Christmas gathering.”

Her announcement was immediately met with hugs, kisses, and
too many congratulations to count. Grinning like the happiest cowboy on earth,
Dylan shook hands with his brothers.

Rori caught Jackson’s glance from behind Zoe, and held up
three fingers. They’d learned a while back that Kit was expecting, too.

He just shook his head. First things first, and he was a traditional
kind of guy. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby.
Another burst of anxious nerves got hold of him.

Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to
put the trouble of the last few months behind us.” She didn’t elaborate,
leaving it up to her husband what he’d share and what he’d choose to keep to
himself. Sometimes Rogue Walker liked to play his cards close to his vest.
“I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”

Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall, and his wails
rose to the rafters. The women all set down their glasses and rushed to his
aid, carrying him into the big bathroom off the kitchen. In seconds, the cries
stopped.

Dylan chuckled. “The boy is a chip off the old block when it
comes to ensuring he’s got all the ladies’ attention.” The other Walker men
groaned.

“As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson looked at each
of his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all
my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and
have grown to appreciate one another. And I do.” He raised his glass. “I
appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.” The last words sounded
choked, and he let the emotion of the moment surround him.

As a log shifted and crackled, they raised their glasses,
and drank.

Killian stood for a moment, looking from one brother to the
other. “It may sound corny,” he said. “But I feel truly blessed. I have a
wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.
That’s the best Christmas present of all.”

“Nope, not corny at all.” Dylan clapped Killian on the
shoulder. “This time last year, I thought the road was the only life I had.
Much as I love the stage and my band,
you
are my family.” He gestured to
each brother with his glass. “If nothing else, I guess we owe Dusty a debt of
gratitude for bringing us together.”

A solemn silence fell over them as they drank a toast to
their father.

Rogue scuffed his boot on the rug. “I have something to
say.” The room grew so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop. “This past year has
brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an
alliance none us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.”

Kit walked back in, and he took her hand. “We’ve had to come
to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” Rogue chuckled. “A man
I scarcely knew did his best to destroy me. But what I’ve gained is so much
greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, he continued. “I have a beautiful
wife, a baby on the way and…” He raised his glass to his brothers and their
ladies. “I have the best family a man could ask for.”

“Here, here!” Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with
raised glasses and happy comments. “I think this calls for refills.”

The rest of the ladies returned with Hunter just as the
front door opened, the wind catching it and sending it banging against the
frame. A tall, thin woman walked in. Her long, gray, braided hair reached the
middle of her back. Her black coat topped a pair of red cowgirl boots.

While the eight adults just stared, Hunter ran up to her.
“Hi. Are you a new rel-a-tive, too?”

She smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to
his level. “Yes, I am, young Hunter. I’m your cousin Mercy.”

“Mercy?” The little guy shivered as a cold wind blew into
the room. “Momma says we shouldn’t waste energy by leaving the door open.”

The woman stood and looked at the eight adults in the room.
“She’s a wise woman.”

Behind her, a middle-aged man wearing a chauffeur’s cap
walked in carrying wrapped packages. “Ma’am?”

“Under the tree, Barnes. Thank you.” She walked over to the
brothers. “I just assumed I was still welcome. Although your father and his
wife passed, I had a feeling you’d all be gathering tonight.”

“Yes, ma’am. You’re more than welcome.” Killian stepped
forward. “May I take your coat?”

She shrugged it off, revealing a cheery red blouse and long
denim skirt. “Thank you.” Lifting a brow, she glanced at the other boys. “This
one has manners.”

Dylan stepped forward. “Let me get you something to drink,
then we’ll make introductions.”

“I know who you all are.” She held out her hand to the
youngest brother. “Dylan.” She spoke the other brothers’ names as she grasped
each of their hands in a firm grip. “I believe you’re all the family I have
left. Am I intruding if I ask to spend Christmas with you?”

“Not an intrusion at all. You’re welcome any time.” Rogue
gestured for her to join them in the living room.

She winked at Dylan. “I’d do well with a few fingers of that
whiskey your dad squirrelled away for special occasions.”

Rori lifted her brows and looked at Jackson. He nodded. He’d
told her the story Marliss and Lou had shared with him. He fetched her a glass
as she met the ladies, then they all sat in the living room as her chauffeur
hauled her suitcase up the steps, as if this was indeed a regular occurrence.

“I’m Mercy Walker.” She announced it as if her name was her
pride and joy. Sipping the whiskey, she relaxed in her chair. “I’ve got a
good-sized cattle ranch in Idaho, and will expect you all to come for Easter,
as was the arrangement between your father and me.”

She frowned for a few seconds. “My husband, Grover, was your
father’s first cousin. Grover, he…passed away, gone nearly four years now.” Her
strong jaw tilted up. “I have four daughters who are too busy this year to come
home for the holidays.”

“We’re sorry to hear that.” Zoe raised her hand, looking
like she might reach out and squeeze Mercy’s hand, then dropping it as if she
thought better of it.

Mercy puffed out a breath. “The four of them, they work too
hard. Honor is an assistant to the First Lady at the White House.”

“Oh, wow.” Rori blurted the words out, smiling. “That’s
amazing.”

Mercy tipped her head. “She’s always been the serious one.
Then there’s Faith. She’s a photographer. Always on the road, that one.”

“Last but definitely not least, are my twins, Chastity and
Courage. Courage works on a crab boat in Alaska. Chastity…” She shook her head.
“Chastity...I'm not sure where she is, I just hope she's okay.”

“And none of them could make it home this year?” Kit asked.