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She nodded again, and he curled her body against him. Groaning, he cupped her chin in one hand. “I’ve been so damned stupid.” He rubbed his thumb over her cheek as if he were memorizing her face, then sealed his mouth over hers.
His kiss was a promise from a man who didn’t make promises lightly. It was also a covenant that joined them forever, and she understood that he was giving himself to her in every way he knew how. In his kiss, she tasted all their tomorrows, saw their children, felt his passion and tenderness. She was being offered everything she’d dreamed of having but had given up believing could be hers.
They finally separated, if only to breathe.
“First he half drowns her,” Shelby drawled, “then he kisses her. You’ve got strange ways with women, Kenny.”
They both looked up to see that the entire family as well as the Beaudines had gathered around the pool to watch them.
“At least he didn’t spank her,” Torie said.
Dex wrapped his arm around her shoulders and smiled.
Kenny gazed up at them with a mixture of annoyance and affection, and Emma realized she felt that same blend of emotions herself. They were so nosy, and so caring. Well, she’d always wanted a family, and it seemed she’d finally been given one.
“Would it be asking too much to have a little privacy?” Kenny growled.
“Not a good idea,” Torie said. “If we leave you alone with her for much longer, you’ll just screw everything up again.”
Emma decided it was time to take her stand. “That’s quite enough, Torie.” With a great deal of reluctance, she detached herself from her husband and headed for the ladder.
“I’m just trying to look out for your best interests, Lady E,” Torie said as Emma climbed out onto the deck.
“No, you’re not. You’re baiting your brother.”
Kenny had climbed out behind her, and she shot him a warning glance, reminding him of their agreement. Then she returned her attention to his family.
“I want everyone to listen to me because I only plan to say this once. Kenny is a highly intelligent, extremely talented man. And contrary to public opinion, he is neither spoiled, lazy, nor incompetent. Am I making myself understood?”
They all stared at her. All of them except Dallie Beaudine, who tucked one hand in his pocket and smiled.
“Let me be even clearer,” Emma went on. “Kenny and I plan to have children, and I’ve no intention of allowing them to grow up listening to stories of their father’s youthful misdeeds. I am counting on every one of you to make that extremely clear to the good citizens of Wynette. To be more specific, if I hear another story from anyone in this family . . . or in this town . . . about Minnie Mouse cookies, stolen lunch money, school suspensions, miscellaneous property damage, or any other escapade I’ve yet to learn about, I will make certain that all of those dollars Kenny is pumping into local charities instantly dry up.” She lifted her hand and snapped her fingers. “Just like that.” She turned to Kenny, hoping he’d understand that enough was enough, and this simply had to be done. “So I don’t recommend any of you testing me on this because I have a great deal of influence with my husband. Isn’t that right, Kenny? And he will go along with my judgment on this matter.”
Was she the only one who saw the crinkles of amusement forming around his eyes before he gave his family an apologetic shrug? “I’m sorry. She made me promise that she could defend me whenever she wanted. Who knew it’d go this far?”
Torie’s nostrils flared with indignation. “How could you agree to something so lamebrained?”
Emma shot her a warning look.
“She was holding all the cards,” Kenny replied.
Torie frowned, then sighed. “I’m sorry, Lady E, but this is going to spoil all kinds of fun.”
“That’s too bad,” Emma replied. “You’ll simply have to find someone else to be the butt of your jokes because from now on Kenny Traveler is to be treated with respect, both inside and outside this family. Is that crystal clear?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
When the chorus finally stopped, she condescended to give them a satisfied nod. “Excellent.”
Shelby leaned toward Torie and whispered, “Just tell me she’s not going to make us call him Lord Kenny.”
“Not,” Emma replied, “as long as you don’t upset me.”
They regarded her warily. She turned to Dallie and smiled. “Thank you for looking out for him. We’re very much in your debt.”
