Matchmaker | Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

*Waving* I popped in to post an excerpt today. I finished my huge project, and it’s ready to go to the editor. Yay! Guess what? It has a new cover. The newly revised story deserves a new cover. I can’t wait to show it off.

Before we get to the excerpt, I’ll explain why I chose one from this particular book–Heartbreak’s Reward Book #2. A couple posts back I mentioned pulling Cowboy Boss and his Destiny and Tristan’s Destiny from publication. I did do this, but WOW did it ever break my heart. It didn’t take long for the dread to fall from my shoulders. In the meantime, I’m telling readers who want to start my Double Dutch Ranch Series in the interim, but can’t find book one, to start with Heartbreak’s Reward Book #2 or Whispers of Forever Book #1 in the Spin Off, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series.

Another reason I chose this excerpt today is because of a post I wrote for the 52-Week Blog Challenge tomorrow. A small part of the post pertains to a close-knit family and my relationship with my own sons. I never played matchmaker like my ranch mom.

Set up: Jase had come to the rescue of a sexy blonde, a stranger to Canyon Junction, but he had to call his mom to bring gasoline. Once she met Brenna, her matchmaking skills kicked into play. Jase stopped by his mom’s house later to return the gas can. The three beers at his moms wasn’t the only beer he’d had this night. Slightly modified from the original.

Judy nodded to the third beer in his hand tonight. “You stay off the highway going home. By the way…when are you coming back to church with us?”

What the hell? “As long as you’re praying for me, I’m good.”

She put the ice cream away and turned her attention back to Jase. “You never answered me. Are you seeing Brenna again?” She handed the bowl to Destiny and told her she’d be right along to the great room with her.

Destiny took her snack and left. “Night, Uncle Jase.”

“Night, sweetie.” He peered at his mom. “I said I don’t know. Leave it at that.” Jase set his hat atop his head. “Please don’t ever do that to me again.” He got his boots from the doorway and pulled them on.

Judy fanned her hand at him. “You hush, I was trying to help.”

Jase tossed his hat to the table and wrapped his mom in a big hug. “I know you were. I’m not sure if I’m ready…” He dropped his hands and his mom shoved a lock of hair off his forehead. “Well, Mom. I…I don’t know. One woman ruined my life, and I’m not sure I should chance it again.”

“Now, Jase, please don’t give up on love.” Judy rested her hand on his shoulder. “You’re too good of a man and never deserved what happened. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t want to hold those babies in my arms. I worry about them, too. When Destiny asks about Jaelle and Joey, it about breaks my heart.”

Jase picked up his hat. “Well, I’m heading home. Tomorrow I have to start breaking that last horse I bought.” He gave a woeful sigh. “You know, I’m not sure what to do with the kids’ horses. If I get rid of them, it’s like I’m giving up on ever finding them again. But keeping them…is one more reminder they’re…gone.” The beer had made him emotional and weakened his senses. Not what he wanted to show his mother.

“One day, somehow, we’ll find those kids.”

Her words choked him up. “I promised the last night they were home, I’d never get rid of our family horses.”

Judy hugged him and ran her hand over his back. “Then you answered your own question.”

He appreciated his mom’s comfort, but it’d be better if he hadn’t had so much to drink. “It’s expensive keeping the horses.” He dropped his gaze to the floor but glanced back at his mom. “But…when they come back home, they’ll be wanting them.” His throat constricted and he forced down a swallow.

“Absolutely.” Judy picked up her cup and made tea. “Well, I best get in there with Destiny now, unless you want to talk some more, honey.” He shook his head. Judy kissed him on the cheek. “Ah, Jase, honey… Brenna seems like a nice woman. Maybe you should think again about starting over, or at least getting out and having fun with someone. That doesn’t mean you can’t still look for Jaelle and Joey. It wouldn’t be giving up by letting another person inside. You deserve more than you’re allowing yourself.”

He pictured Brenna’s face and remembered her soft body when he’d touched her. How his had responded at touching her. “Mom, I… Maybe you’re right.” Jase gave a short nod. “We’ll see.”

Judy gave his arm a pat. “Good night, son. You best take the short way home.”