Looking at her outfit, she smoothed the front of her dress until the pleated skirt hung just right. She was glad she’d changed into the brightly patterned sundress. It showed off her legs but was still casual.
None of her past boyfriends had been serious enough to warrant a meet the parents scenario. Yes, technically, she’d already met them but that was as Jackson’s neighbor.
Now she was his girlfriend. Sort of.
Hurrying back out to the hallway, she ignored the quizzical glances she received from Jackson. She hardly ever wore makeup and he was probably wondering why she’d bothered for a simple family gathering. Luckily he didn’t comment, he just pulled her to his side.
“Hey, there you are.”
Ridley couldn’t help admiring again how well Jackson pulled off the weekend casual look. Instead of looking unkempt, he looked rumpled in a sexy, tousled sort of way. Her thoughts stalled when she saw Jackson wasn’t alone. She recognized the DJ from the Memorial Day party. Since she had already met Bennett and Nick, she had to assume this was Elliott.
“I didn’t realize that you weren’t alone. Hi, I’m Ridley.” She extended her hand to the silent man and felt herself melt when he gave her a shy smile. She could tell this one was a heartbreaker.
“Well, hello. I’m Jackson’s older brother, Eli. I’m starting to see what all the fighting has been about.”
“Um, thanks, I guess.” She was surprised into laughing when he refused to let go of her hand.
Jackson scowled at them both.
“Okay Elliott, if I’d known you were going to hit on her I would’ve never introduced you. Can you believe the nerve? That’s family for you, I guess.”
Ridley and Eli chuckled at Jackson’s overly dramatic expression and finally Jackson joined in. Gesturing with his head, he motioned for Ridley to follow them.
“We were just getting ready to go find everyone. Are you ready to go or do you need more time?”
“I’m ready.”
As they walked back to the family room, she was immediately struck by the sheer number of people who had arrived in the past ten minutes.
“Where did all these people come from?” She hadn’t meant to speak out loud and hoped she hadn’t come off as hopelessly rude. Eli and Jackson just laughed, however.
“Cousins, church members, friends. Sunday dinners around here are kind of a free-for-all. Don’t worry if you can’t remember anyone’s name, they won’t expect you to.”
Ridley gulped and allowed Jackson to pull her into the middle of the fray. After meeting at least five different cousins, she gave up any hope of ever keeping names and faces straight.
“Let’s take a walk. I’ll show you some of the property.” He led her outside onto a huge back porch. His parents stood next to the railing looking out into the fading sunlight.
“There you are son. We’ve been waiting for you.” His father slapped Jackson on the back before turning his bright smile toward Ridley.
“Hello again, Ridley.” Julia pulled her into a warm hug. “Jackson never brings anyone home to meet us, but I had a feeling we’d see you again.” Beaming, she ran an affectionate hand over Jackson’s face.
Ridley could only stare as Jackson blushed and turned away. She had assumed Jackson brought all of his girlfriends home. A warm feeling flowed through her as Jackson hugged her to his side.
“Jackson told us about your troubles. We’re so sorry to hear that, but glad you’re here with us safe and sound. We are both delighted to see our baby has finally met his match.” Hooking her arm through Ridley’s, she pulled her toward the house. “So, tell me about yourself Ridley. Do you have family here?”
“Mom, we’ll have time to talk later, okay? I was just going to show Ridley the farm.” Jackson sent a beseeching look to his father who luckily seemed to get the hint.
“Come along, Julia. Let’s give the lovebirds some time alone.” Draping an arm over his wife’s shoulders, he silenced her with a kiss before pulling her into the house, the screen door banging shut behind them.
“Sorry about that. Sometimes my parents can get a little carried away.”
“Don’t be. They’re absolutely charming. I can’t wait to talk with your mother later and find out all your dirty secrets. Did you suck your thumb like Jase? Maybe she’ll show me some of your embarrassing childhood photographs.” Ridley couldn’t contain her laughter at the stricken look on Jackson’s face.
“I’m just kidding. I’m sure your mom just wants to make sure I’m worthy of her baby boy’s attention.” She smiled sweetly and kissed Jackson playfully on the cheek.
Before she could pull away, Jackson turned his head and captured her lips in a stirring kiss. Heat climbed from her core and spread outward.
“I don’t think I want your parents to know how wild you make me, so maybe we should finish the tour.”
He groaned and grabbed her hand. They skipped down the stairs leading from the porch to the backyard. He pointed to the left.
“We have several fields but I know that’s the corn. That was just planted. It should be harvested in August. We used to put the husks on our heads and pretend to be scarecrows as kids.”
Ridley laughed. “What about over there?”
He followed her finger. “Those are pastures for the horses and the cows. We only have a few dairy cows. Mom also got a few goats a few years back because she wanted to experiment with making goat cheese. She’s made some pretty good stuff so far.”