guests.”
Did Hailey consider her a special guest? At any rate, it was a nice thought. China felt nervous as Hailey introduced her to tall, dark and gorgeous Zurich. Family resemblances were striking. Hailey then introduced the family matriarch, her mother-in-law, Bernice Kingdom.
Bernice smiled sweetly. “Welcome to Whispering Lakes Ranch, China. I hope your stay with us is memorable.” Bernice turned. “This is my husband, Morgan.”
The tall man with a dark brown complexion was good-looking. As she pointed to another male, China could easily see he was another brother. “My son Zane and his girlfriend, Gayle McCray, are high school teachers. They work with the family on weekends during the school year and full-time in the summer. Gayle helps out with arts-and-crafts and fills in wherever else she’s needed. She has God-gifted hands.”
China shook hands with everyone, flashing a radiant smile.
It hadn’t taken China long to notice how stylishly Bernice was dressed. Appearing much younger than her fifty-plus years, she had layered medium-length mixed-gray hair. Sparkling pecan-brown eyes were as pretty as her caramel-brown face.
Three lovely older women joined them. Bernice warmly hugged the ladies, introducing them to China. “Up until I married, my sisters and I lived together.”
China greeted the animated ladies, who were as stylish as their sister. She turned to Bernice. “What a wonderful family you have. It’s nice to meet each of you.”
China’s thoughts went to her mother, who had run off with another man when China was a little girl, leaving her father to raise her alone. She still felt that she’d missed out on something wonderful by the absence of a solid family. Having no mother or siblings around had been hard, and, now that her father rested in peace, China felt totally alone in the world.
Sensing China’s sadness, Bernice slid her arm around her shoulders, hugging her in a motherly way. “We’d love for you to join us at our table. But let me warn you. We’re a lively bunch, a very vocal one. Our guys can get a bit racy with the jokes.”
China laughed. “It sounds exciting. Thank you, Ms. Bernice, for the kind offer. I’d be honored to share the family table.”
Painfully aware of Zaire’s absence, China recalled him saying he’d drop in at the club later. Would he be okay with her, a total stranger, joining his family?
No matter what Zaire thought about the invite, China was glad to have people to share the time with. The Kingdom family seemed to know just how to have fun.
As the band strode onstage to reclaim their places, lights flickered on and off. Patrons enthusiastically applauded their return, thrilled the break was over. Music was immediately cued. Starting out the set with a Country-Western flavor, the band began playing. Dressed in moderately flashy Western attire, a fabulous gray Stetson atop his head, the attractive vocalist stepped to the microphone. Seconds after he sang a few lyrics to the song, China felt the overpowering spirit of his sexy, melodic voice.
Charley Pride was the only other black man China had heard perform in the sultry Country-Western genre. Strumming his guitar like he caressed the softness of a woman, the featured singer had an amazing voice, a distinct CW twang.
A few minutes later China was alone at the table. The family group had rushed onto the dance floor, where they zealously performed the electric slide, CW style. Watching Zaire’s mom and aunts moving to the music like teenagers had China joining in on the clapping and wild cheering. These women apparently lived life to the fullest.
“Enjoying yourself?”
The familiar voice made China’s heart rate go berserk. She didn’t have to look up to see who had spoken. Zaire’s memorable, lazy Texas drawl was distinctively white hot and sexy. “I’m having a blast.” Hoping he’d sit down, she looked up at him.
Zaire leaned against the sturdy table. Watching his family dancing and having a great time made him feel good. It was hard not to think back on the days when the entire family was in emotional disarray. His mother and her three sons had been verbally and physically abused by her husband, their natural father, Macon Kingdom.
“Looks like they’re having a wonderful time,” China said, breaking into Zaire’s dark thoughts. “Everyone seems so happy.”
“You don’t have a clue.” Zaire’s eyes clouded briefly. “Those four sisters are utterly amazing. There’s more energy in their baby fingers than most people have in their entire bodies.” Zaire chuckled. “You haven’t seen the half of it yet. Here they come.”
Zaire greeted his mother and each of his aunts. Cheery hellos and tender hugs were passed around. “What can I get my favorite ladies to drink?”
Each woman told Zaire what she wanted. He then asked China her preference. After mentally jotting down the orders, he left the table.
China didn’t know why she suddenly felt lonely with so many people around her. She knew Zaire was coming back to the table. How much longer would he stay? She hoped he’d stay until she was ready to leave.
Zane kissed Gayle, then stood. “I’m heading to the bar. What about a fresh drink?”
Covering the top of her glass with her hand, Gayle smiled at Zane. “I’m fine for right now, honey.”
“Be right back.” Leaning down, he kissed her again.
For the next few minutes, China closely watched the loving interactions between the Kingdoms. They really seemed into each other. Like his brothers, she wondered if Zaire also had a special someone. He seemed like such an attentive man.
Quietly observing the happenings around her, China sat contentedly.
Morgan and Bernice’s love for each other was transparent. It seemed Zurich and Hailey had long ago gone off the deep end. The couple was obviously madly in love. Each time he reached down and caressed her pregnant stomach, he stroked her with the same kind of loving tenderness China had only experienced from one man—her father.
Zaire returned with a waitress who helped him pass out the drinks. Taking each glass from a metal tray, he set it down in front of the appropriate person. He knew his family like the back of his hand.
Zaire set a can of Diet Coke in front of China then wiped the top with a paper napkin. Seating himself next to her, he quickly popped open the can.
Quite the gentleman, too, she thought. “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”
He gave her a bright smile. “Your sincere thanks paid me in full. And you’re mighty welcome. Let me know if it’s cold enough.”
China poured a small amount of liquid into her glass and took a sip. “Ice cold.”
“Great. Are you hungry? We serve hot wings, chicken strips, nachos, personal pan-size pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers and snack items like chips and pretzels.”
“I love hot wings, but I can’t eat a whole order. Want to share one?”
“My pleasure,” he said, grinning broadly. “I’ll be right back.”
China thought his kindness and thoughtfulness were extraordinary. “I’ll be waiting.”
