Page 60 of Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire

“If you say so. Will you help me take this robe off? I suddenly don’t seem to have the energy or the dexterity to do it.”

He slid the robe off her right arm and then let the silk fall down her left arm. She was thankful he didn’t hit her wound, since she didn’t think she could handle him even lightly touching her injury right now. “Roark, thank you for taking care of the infection. I hope it will stay away for the rest of my ten days.”

“Me, too, sweetheart. Me, too.”

* * *

The families arrivedon day nine of Jessica’s confinement. She was feeling fantastic and very ready to have her stitches out and to get married. She asked her mother to bring the red dress Roark had purchased for her for the gala and her black patent four-inch heels. When she’d asked Roark if the gems on the bodice of the dress were real, he confirmed they were. She’d taken a deep breath and decided she really needed a large safe deposit box. She couldn’t have a dress that expensive just hanging in her loft. But she’d decided the dress was good luck because it brought her and Roark closer. Without the dress, she wouldn’t have gone to the dance, just the auction, like she always did.

Three black SUVs pulled into the drive in front of the house.

Jessica saw them from her bedroom window and practically skipped down the stairs. She had so much to tell her mother and Lanie. She threw the door open and ran across the porch and down the steps.

Her mother and Lanie were in the first Tahoe with Roark’s parents, who she knew from pictures in the house. His father was driving.They must leave the vehicles at the airport for when they need them.

“Mom!” She almost tackled her mother; she was so happy to see her. She wrapped her in a bear hug.

“Jessi. How are you? You know, it’s only been about three weeks since we saw each other, but it seems like forever. What’s going on?” Sally Kirby put her daughter at arm’s length and searched her face. “You’ve changed. You’re really in love, aren’t you?”

“I am. More than I ever thought possible.” She turned to Lanie. “Hi, my friend. I’m so glad you could come on such short notice. You will be my maid of honor, won’t you? You can’t say no…you’re my best friend.”

Lanie grinned. “Do you think I’d come all this way just to say no?”

Jessica laughed and shook her head. “I don’t suppose you would.” She stepped back. “Come on in. We’ve got iced tea,” she looked over at her mother, “unsweetened tea and a light snack in the living room. Follow me.”

When they reached the living room, Roark joined them.

He went first to Sally and took her right hand in his. “Mrs. Kirby, will you grant me the honor of marrying your daughter? I promise I’ll take good care of her, and I’ll love her always to the best of my ability.”

Sally covered their clasped hands with her left one. “I would love to welcome you into the family, Roark Sullivan. I’ve never seen my daughter so happy, but you have to promise me something else.”

His eyes narrowed and his eyebrows formed black slashes over his eyes. “What? I’ll do anything.”

“Don’t let her get shot again. I don’t think my heart could take it. Though I am glad you decided to tell me. I appreciate being kept informed of my daughter’s health.”

Roark smiled down at her mother. “I promise I will do my best, but she can be a stubborn woman, and certainly not one I would ever attempt to control.”

Her mom pulled her hands free and then wrapped her arms around Roark, who was a good eight inches taller. “You’ll do. Thank you for loving my girl and making her so happy.”

Roark hugged her back and then turned toward the group of people behind him, waiting to sit. “Everyone, take a seat, and we’ll answer your questions.” He took Jessica’s hand and sat on one of the sofas.

Surprisingly, their families didn’t have any questions. They’d discussed everything between them on the plane trip to Bozeman.

“We want to know when the wedding is, exactly,” said Marian Sullivan. Her silver hair was cut in a very becoming short bob. She was about Jessica’s height and weight. “Sally, Lanie and I discussed it on the plane ride here. We need time to prepare, and I’m sure Jessica will, too.”

“I intend to dress before we leave to get my stitches out tomorrow. Then we’ll get the license and from there proceed immediately to Judge Stone’s court and get married. He already knows we’re coming and has said he’d be willing to stop whatever he’s doing for us. Isn’t that sweet?” Jessica leaned into Roark’s side. “After the wedding, we’ll have a meal…lunch or dinner, but probably a very late lunch.”

Roark squeezed her hand. “I’m sure it will be fine. Tomorrow is Thursday, and unless everyone is getting ready for a weekend wedding, we should be okay.”

Jessica brought his hand to her lips and kissed the back. “It’ll be September 21stand there aren’t any holidays around that time that I can think of.” She suddenly jumped in her seat. “Mom, Lanie, I forgot to show you my engagement ring.” She held up her hand and wiggled her fingers. The large diamond sparkled in the light.

Lanie, who sat in the chair at the left end of the sofa, sucked in a breath. “Oh, my gosh, that’s gorgeous.”

Jessica looked over at Roark’s mother. “Mrs. Sullivan, thank you for letting him have it for me.”

“You must call me Marian.” She put her hand to her chest. “He’s never asked for it before. Not with all six of his engagements, he never once asked for his grandmother’s ring. I knew those women wouldn’t last, and he wouldn’t marry any one of them. But when I met you and saw him with you, I knew. And he confirmed it when he asked for the ring.”

Jessica felt her cheeks heat and knew she blushed. She wrapped her arms around Roark’s arm and leaned into his body. “I didn’t even know it then. I should have known by his touch, but I was still trying to deny what was happening. Even though I must have known and must have believed it, because I agreed to come here with him after knowing him for only two days.” She looked up at him. “I’d never even gone on a second date with anyone in just two days.”