Rori and Jackson: The Sons of Dusty Walker by Randi Alexander Page A

beans.” She splayed
her hand on her tummy and smiled. “Looks like it’s going to be a packed house
at the next Walker Christmas gathering.”
    Her announcement was immediately met with hugs, kisses, and
too many congratulations to count. Grinning like the happiest cowboy on earth,
Dylan shook hands with his brothers.
    Rori caught Jackson’s glance from behind Zoe, and held up
three fingers. They’d learned a while back that Kit was expecting, too.
    He just shook his head. First things first, and he was a traditional
kind of guy. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby.
Another burst of anxious nerves got hold of him.
    Kit raised her glass. “I’m grateful to be here and glad to
put the trouble of the last few months behind us.” She didn’t elaborate,
leaving it up to her husband what he’d share and what he’d choose to keep to
himself. Sometimes Rogue Walker liked to play his cards close to his vest.
“I’ve never been happier, and I wish all of you the same.”
    Hunter chose that moment to trip and fall, and his wails
rose to the rafters. The women all set down their glasses and rushed to his
aid, carrying him into the big bathroom off the kitchen. In seconds, the cries
stopped.
    Dylan chuckled. “The boy is a chip off the old block when it
comes to ensuring he’s got all the ladies’ attention.” The other Walker men
groaned.
    “As long as we have a minute here…” Jackson looked at each
of his brothers. “It’s been a pleasure getting to know each of you. Despite all
my doubts, I’m glad we’ve been able to work out the kinks in the company, and
have grown to appreciate one another. And I do.” He raised his glass. “I
appreciate you, and I’m happy to have you in my life.” The last words sounded
choked, and he let the emotion of the moment surround him.
    As a log shifted and crackled, they raised their glasses,
and drank.
    Killian stood for a moment, looking from one brother to the
other. “It may sound corny,” he said. “But I feel truly blessed. I have a
wonderful family, a perfect wife, and a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.
That’s the best Christmas present of all.”
    “Nope, not corny at all.” Dylan clapped Killian on the
shoulder. “This time last year, I thought the road was the only life I had.
Much as I love the stage and my band, you are my family.” He gestured to
each brother with his glass. “If nothing else, I guess we owe Dusty a debt of
gratitude for bringing us together.”
    A solemn silence fell over them as they drank a toast to
their father.
    Rogue scuffed his boot on the rug. “I have something to
say.” The room grew so quiet you could’ve heard a pin drop. “This past year has
brought a lot of changes for all of us. We’ve stepped out on faith to form an
alliance none us ever expected. We’ve faced challenges.”
    Kit walked back in, and he took her hand. “We’ve had to come
to terms with our father, Dusty Walker, and his legacy.” Rogue chuckled. “A man
I scarcely knew did his best to destroy me. But what I’ve gained is so much
greater than what I lost.” Smiling at Kit, he continued. “I have a beautiful
wife, a baby on the way and…” He raised his glass to his brothers and their
ladies. “I have the best family a man could ask for.”
    “Here, here!” Jackson cheered as the rest joined in with
raised glasses and happy comments. “I think this calls for refills.”
    The rest of the ladies returned with Hunter just as the
front door opened, the wind catching it and sending it banging against the
frame. A tall, thin woman walked in. Her long, gray, braided hair reached the
middle of her back. Her black coat topped a pair of red cowgirl boots.
    While the eight adults just stared, Hunter ran up to her.
“Hi. Are you a new rel-a-tive, too?”
    She smiled, her blue eyes softening as she crouched down to
his level. “Yes, I am, young Hunter. I’m your cousin Mercy.”
    “Mercy?” The little guy shivered as a