Page 24 of All Hale the Queen

Jordie is a bit of a tomboy, usually wearing athleisure, but when she goes to events, she dutifully dresses up. Tonight she’s wearing a black halter-neck jumpsuit with a white tuxedo collar, and she’s a complete knockout.

“Thanks, Mom,” she says, holding onto me for a few extra seconds. “It’s not too low-cut, is it?”

“Not at all, honey. It’s perfect.”

“That’s what the stylist who did my makeup said. And my husband agreed, but it’s hard to take his word for it because you raised a bit of a pervert,” she replies with a teasing wink.

“Don’t I know it,” I say with mock exasperation. I love the easy and open relationship I have with both my daughters-in-law. They are so precious to me. “Thank you for getting all dressed up and coming out tonight. And for your generous donations. I’m sure the signed gear will bring a lot of money from the silent auction.”

Jordie towers over me with her tall frame, and she smiles affectionately down at me. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Mom.”

She turns and gives Antonio a big hug before doing the same to Nicolette, and then the talk turns to babies.

“I’m enjoying the pregnancy now that the morning sickness has subsided,” Nic says, taking the glass of sparkling water the server brings to her. “I actually feel really great.”

Phoenix and Jordie share a sly look, and Remi narrows his eyes, waggling a finger at the couple. “What was that look? Is there something you two want to tell us?”

Phoenix kisses his wife’s sleek blonde ponytail. “No, but Jordie said she might want to start trying after this season is over.”

“If we win another Super Bowl,” she clarifies to the group.

Excitement thrums through me at the thought of a third grandchild. “I never want to be that pushy mother-in-law, but goooo, Dragons!” I cheer, pretending to wave pom-poms in the air, making everyone laugh.

Another rumble of enthusiastic murmurs comes from the door, and Jordie cranes her neck to see. “I think the hockey players just arrived,” she says, grinning.

The hockey players in question are two members of the Dallas Brewers. Baylor Ward is a brawny Black man who is Jordie’s half-brother, and he’s accompanied by his lovely wife, Holly. Reno Swain, Jordie’s brother-in-law, is the other player, andhe’s escorting a blonde woman who is almost Jordie’s exact replica, though Juliette is over a decade older than her little sister.

The two men tower above everyone else, and it’s obvious it will take them a few minutes before they reach us because at least thirty people have crowded around the hockey stars. When I swivel back around to my small circle, I let out a little yelp.

J.P. Jenkins is standing directly in front of me, so close I can smell the beer on his breath.

“Hi, Ophelia,” he gushes, and I do my best not to wince.

“Hello, J.P.”

I feel a thick arm wrap around my waist, and I recognize the possessive touch of Antonio. He eases me back a few inches, putting a bit of space between J.P. and me.

“You look great in that dress,” he slurs, his eyes dragging down my body a tad too slowly for comfort. I’m pretty sure I hear a growl from my fake-not-fake date.

“I think you know my sons and their beautiful wives, but I’m not sure you’ve met my date,” I say, hitting the last two words slowly. “This is Antonio Walsh.”

J.P.’s eyes travel to my right, meeting a wall of tuxedo-covered chest before rising, up, up, up to find a scowl that’s evident even behind the dark beard.

“Oh. Hi.”

Antonio doesn’t answer, letting the sharpness of his green gaze talk for him. It should be intimidating, but the pest doesn’t seem to be getting the message because he turns his wobbly grin on me again.

“I hope you’ll save me a dance,” he slurs. “Like you promised.”

My smile is tight. “I promised you no such thing, J.P. I told you I would be very busy tonight with the event.”

“Plus, she has to dance with her favorite son,” Phoenix pipes up.

“That would be me,” Helix throws in.

“Excuse me, I’m the oldest,” Remi adds, “so I get first dibs on the dancing.

Phoenix rolls his eyes. “I’m a much better dancer than you two.”