Free Meet the Blakes by Rhonda Laurel Page B

while. Bonnie and I have a good thing going, and it’s nice to stay in one place for a bit.”
    “I have big plans and I’d like you to be a part of it. That is, if you want to stay.” John Jacob looked at his friend.
    Bo smirked. “Somebody has to teach your kids the proper way to saddle a horse.”
    “And someone has to teach yours how to be civilized.”
    Bo gave one last tug at the tie and pointed at the mirror. “There you go. You almost look respectable.”
    “You don’t look too bad yourself. Thanks for being my best man. I hope I can return the favor someday.”
    “Don’t let Bonnie hear that.”
    “So what do you think of the finished product Daddy?” Channing asked as he tugged on his shirt cuffs beneath the tuxedo jacket.
    John shook his head and focused on his sons.
    “Say cheese, boys. I promised your mama a progress report.” He took a picture of them and sent it to Teri-Lyn. “Have either of you narrowed down the honeymoon plans?”
    “Michelle wants to go to Venice and Prague,” Tyler replied.
    “Cassie and I are going to do a road trip down the California coast.” Channing grinned.
    John Jacob chuckled. “Looks like both your protection details are going to have fun.”
    Channing rolled his eyes.
     “I know it’s a pain in the neck, son, but it's necessary.”
    Tyler nodded. “We know, Dad. Regency has been part of our lives for a long time. It makes me feel good knowing someone is watching over Michelle when I’m not around.”
    “Good. I just want everyone to be safe.”
    The boys retreated to their dressing rooms. Teri-Lyn texted back that they were so handsome that she was crying again.
     
    * * *
     
     
    The mock Newlywed Game had been going on for a while and John Jacob and Teri-Lyn were in the lead. Curtis and Sydney were trailing close behind, and Bo Sr. and Bonnie were doing pretty well too after having spent so much time apart. John Jacob looked at his sons’ grim faces and knew he should probably take it easy on them.
    Ty and C.J. were shooting him dirty looks, while Tate and J.J. heckled him. Seth’s competitive streak was flaring up and he’d challenged two of John Jacob’s answers. Bo Jr. was too busy canoodling with Summer to keep track of the score.
    “OK, John Jacob. What is the first meal your wife ever cooked for you?” the mock game show host asked.
    John Jacob held up the card that said spaghetti and meatballs.
    “That’s right,” the host squealed. “You are on fire, Mr. Blake.”
    “Daddy, you won the paintball game, do you have to win this too?” Tyler yelled out.
    He flashed a cheesy grin at his son. “Not bad for an old timer, eh?”
    “Now it’s time to tally the points,” the host said before she stepped off the podium.
    “There’s nothing to tally. We won, hands down.” John Jacob huffed.
    Teri-Lyn nudged him. “I thought you were going to be a gracious winner?”
    “The heck with that. I feel like a teenager. Speaking of, where are Avery and Wyatt?” John Jacob looked around.
    “I think they went for a walk,” she said in a low voice. “And you men are not going to go after him like an angry mob. It’s a lovely day and they deserve a break from babysitting duties and imaginary ranch chores.”
    The host returned immediately to officially declare John Jacob and Teri-Lyn the winners and presented them with a trophy. The family went over to the food pavilion and had dinner. It had been a fun day, but John Jacob really wanted some time alone with his wife. She seemed to be enjoying herself, but she was disappointed that the Shaws, who had finally arrived in town, had not shown up for the day’s festivities.
     
    * * *
     
     
    Even the comfort of John Jacob’s arms couldn’t help Teri-Lyn get a good night’s sleep. She was so pissed off. Sure, the Shaws were finally in Texas, but they’d complained that their connecting flights rendered them too tired to participate in the day’s events. Which wouldn’t have been an issue if