Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3)

by Peel, Jennifer

  Andrew chuckled.

  “You deserve to be smacked for asking a question like that.” I had leaned in closer than I meant to, trying to make sure only Andrew heard. For a second, I was caught off guard by how handsome he was. I could see why Cheyenne was attracted to him. Their personalities matched, too. If only Abby and Jessie were here to smack him like they did Cheyenne on a regular basis.

  He looked down at me with a gleam in those amber eyes of his. “It was all in good fun.”

  “You and I have very different ideas about what is fun.” I walked toward the dining room table that was set and waiting for us.

  The table was a rectangular farmhouse style, with benches on the side and high-back chairs on the ends. I set the table so Drew and I were together on one side and Andrew was seated across from us. I had this need to keep him close to me.

  Andrew sat down and turned his attention toward me. “So, what do you think is fun?”

  “My mom loves football,” Drew answered for me.

  “Oh really? Did your mom tell you I played baseball for the Bears?”

  Drew nodded.

  “Do you like baseball?”

  I didn’t know why he’d asked. I’d already told him Drew wasn’t a big fan.

  “It’s okay. My mom says it’s just a bunch of guys standing around spitting and grabbing their private parts.”

  I could feel my face redden, but I stared at him and silently dared him to disagree with my assessment of his sport.

  “Yes, football is much more refined.” He grinned.

  “I play football,” Drew shouted.

  “Your mom told me you were the quarterback.”

  He nodded his head enthusiastically. “We’re undefeated so far this season.”

  I looked at Drew, pride beaming in my eyes.

  “That’s great,” Andrew said.

  “But tomorrow we’re playing the Raiders, and they’re the toughest team.”

  I looked back toward our guest. I noticed he looked at Drew thoughtfully. I almost wondered what was going through his head.

  “You know, whenever I faced a tough opponent …”

  I thought he was going to give some world-class professional athlete advice, but no.

  “I pictured them all crying home to their mommas in their underwear.”

  Drew busted out laughing.

  I raised my eyebrow at him. It was like he was a big, dumb kid. But Drew’s laugh was contagious and I couldn’t help but laugh a little. I tried not to as I didn’t want to give Andrew the satisfaction.

  “Let’s eat,” I managed to say.

  Before anyone reached for the food, Andrew looked back over to Drew. “But seriously, most games are won in your head first.” He pointed to his own head and tapped. “Don’t let your opponent get in here. You focus on your job, do your best, and you’ll come out on top.”

  I didn’t know if Drew totally got that, but I could tell he was thinking about it. I also noticed a hint of admiration there. It tugged at my heart a bit. I didn’t like it.

  “Please help yourself.” I pointed to the enchiladas and the salad.

  He surprised me. “Ladies first.”

  Drew had already reached for the spatula in the enchilada pan.

  “Maybe we should let your mom go first,” Andrew suggested.

  Drew shrugged his shoulders like, why not.

  I was so stunned by his show of manners and deference that it took me a second to come out of it. I eventually reached for the spatula myself. “Thank you.”

  Andrew grinned in response.

  Dinner was an unexpectedly pleasant affair. Andrew was keenly interested in Drew. He wanted to know all of his likes and dislikes from sports teams to food.

  Drew was responsive, but I think he was a little tired of the twenty questions. “May I please be excused? I want to finish my game.”

  “What about dessert?” I asked.

  He jumped off his chair. “Later.” He wasted no time scooting off upstairs.

  I thought Andrew would take that as his cue to leave, but no, he helped clear the table and clean the kitchen, even though I told him both were unnecessary.

  We ended up at the sink—he rinsed off the dishes while I filled the dishwasher. With every dish he handed me, I wanted to curse him. Why did he show up in our lives?

  “Dinner was great, by the way.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Drew’s a great kid,” he whispered.

  “He’s the best.”

  “He does have an amazing gene pool.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m glad he didn’t seem to get any from the shallow end of that pool.”

  He laughed. He did that a lot.

  After the kitchen was clean, he still didn’t leave.

  I wasn’t sure what to do with him. “Would you like some cake and ice cream?”

  “I thought you would never ask.”

  I sliced us each a piece of the apple spice cake. I topped it with some of my homemade cinnamon ice cream. We took our dessert and settled in on my couch. Jake wasn’t far behind, but he lay at my feet this time.

  Andrew took a bite and his eyes lit up. “Very good.”

  “Thanks.” I took a small bite. My appetite was almost non-existent.

  “Good cook, insurance agent, and home designer. I’m impressed.”

  I didn’t respond other than to take another bite.

  “Did you grow up in Merryton?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s a nice place. My mom lives in Evergreen, not too far from here.”

  I thought I knew that. I remembered Cheyenne mentioning she ran into them there. “Did you grow up there?”

  He shook his head while he swallowed. “No, I grew up in and around Denver.”

  “Oh,” I commented. This was a tad uncomfortable for me. I wasn’t used to men questioning me in my living room.

  “How did you get into insurance?”

  “My dad owns the agency.”

  “Nepotism,” he teased.

  “Something like that.”

  “I thought you were the owner.”

  “I probably will be some day, but for now, I only run it. My dad is semi-retired.” I kept looking at the time. It was getting close to Drew’s bedtime and I was hoping Mr. Sperm Donor would get the hint and leave, but no.

  “Do you have somewhere to be?” He must have noticed all the clock glancing.

  “Drew needs to get to bed.”

  “Don’t mind me. I’ll keep the dog company.”

  I wanted to tell him to take a hike, but I reminded myself I needed to play nice. “Okay.” I grimaced.

  I walked up to the loft to find Drew already in his pajamas. He was such a good boy. I tucked him in and read him a chapter from the third book in the Harry Potter series. As I read, I wondered why our guest below was staying. I couldn’t imagine why he would want to. I’m sure he could hear every word from below. Everything carried in this house. But I tried not to let it bother me as I enjoyed my moment with my son. This was my favorite time of day.

  I kissed his brow and pulled the covers up over him. “I love you infinity.”

  “I love you infinity plus one.”

  I walked back down to find Andrew staring at me with a soft expression on his face. I stood near the couch. He continued to stare.

  I stared back at him. “What?”

  “You’re a good mom.”

  “Well, it’s easy when you have such a great kid.”

  “I don’t think that’s the only reason.”

  “Well, thanks. I guess you probably want to leave. It’s a long drive back to Highlands Ranch.” Please take the hint.

  He looked at his watch. “I guess I probably should.” He seemed hesitant about it, but stood and I walked him to the door.

  He turned to me before he opened the door. “Thanks for a great night.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Hey, I’d like to see him play tomorrow, if that’s all righ
t.”

  Where did that come from? Didn’t he know that he couldn’t throw things like that at me with no warning? My heart couldn’t take it. “Andrew … I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I had to keep my voice down so Drew wouldn’t overhear us.

  “Why?”

  “Well, for starters, this is a lot to take in all at once. Besides, my parents live in this town and come to all of his games. And let’s just say you wouldn’t be high on their list of people to know, if you get my drift.”

  “Hmm,” he said, disappointed. “I guess you have a point.”

  Yes, I did.

  “Okay. I guess I’ll call you and we can set something up.”

  “I guess so,” I replied with great resignation.

  “Goodnight, Rachel Laine.”

  “Yeah, goodnight.” I heaved a heavy sigh. I was relieved the night was over and that I wouldn’t have to see him tomorrow, but I worried about future interactions.

  Chapter Four

  I usually liked to read before I went to sleep, but I was having a hard time concentrating. I had hoped this would be the first and only time we would see Andrew, but it looked like that wasn’t going to happen. I was going to have to tell Drew and my parents the truth. I wasn’t sure which one I dreaded more. I also didn’t know what to expect. Was Andrew going to want to go the legal route and get some type of shared custody of him? The thought of sharing Drew with anyone made my heart sick. I knew I shouldn’t be so selfish, but he had been all mine his whole life, and I wasn’t sure Andrew deserved rights to him.

  And what was Drew going to think of this? He had expressed interest in knowing who his father was, but he had never said he wished he had a dad. He’d never acted like he was missing out on something, but maybe he would as he got older. I didn’t know. All I knew was that I was scared and unsure.

  Saturday morning dawned chilly and clear. It was perfect football weather. While I made ham and cheese omelets, Drew sat at the breakfast bar laughing.

  “What’s so funny, kiddo?”

  “I was picturing the Raiders crying in their underwear.”

  I placed an omelet on a plate for him. “Let’s not share that piece of advice with your friends.”

  “Ahhh, Mom. It’s funny.”

  I gave him my patented mother look as I handed him his breakfast.

  “I like Andrew,” he commented.

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah, he’s funny.”

  I nodded my head in agreement, though I didn’t think he was that funny.

  “I can’t wait to tell grandpa I met him. He loves the Bears.”

  Oh, that was a problem. But what could I say? “Bud, I need to make a phone call. I’ll be right back.” I walked to my room and closed the door. I had to tell my parents before someone else did. “Hi, Dad.”

  “How’s my girl?” That was his go-to greeting for me.

  “Well, I’ve been better.”

  “What’s going on, honey? You’ve been out of sorts for the last week.”

  “Dad, I need to tell you something, but I need you to promise me you will remain rational and that you will keep it confidential.”

  “You know me; I’m the king of restraint,” he teased. He had a reputation for being hot headed. Ask any one of my boyfriends growing up.

  “Dad, this is important.”

  “Honey, you have my word.”

  “Do you know who Andrew Turner is?’

  “The pitcher for the Bears?”

  “The very one. Well, he came to see me last week, and yesterday at the office.”

  “Great. Did you sell him the works? Maybe he would endorse us.”

  “Dad, he didn’t come to see me about insurance.”

  “All right.”

  I felt lightheaded. I still couldn’t believe this was happening. “Dad, I don’t know how to say this.”

  “Are you dating him?”

  “No, no.”

  “That’s good. I mean, he seems like a real class act, but you never really know with these professional athletes. So what is it, honey?”

  “He’s Drew’s father.” I blurted out before I lost my nerve.

  There was complete silence on the other end for several seconds.

  “Dad?”

  “Rachel Laine, are you sure?”

  “Yes, unfortunately.”

  “Does Drew know?”

  “No, and I don’t know when or if I’ll tell him.”

  “What do you mean if?”

  I gave him a brief recap of the whole story, but I left out anything that would tarnish Sydney’s reputation.

  “So, this guy shows up after all this time and thinks he has a right to my grandson? You tell him we will get the best lawyer there is—”

  “Dad, remember restraint? I need you to be calm. I need you and Mom to not speak of this. I need to play nice. I don’t want to drag Drew through any court battles, and for all we know, Andrew may not even want to be a part of his life. That’s why I’m not telling Drew right now.” I started to cry. I wasn’t really a crier, but this whole situation had me on edge.

  “Honey, it’s going to be okay.”

  “I’m so afraid I’m going to lose Drew.”

  “Honey, you’re not going to lose Drew. The adoption was finalized years ago and you have full legal custody of him. And you’re the best mom around. Anyone would attest to that.”

  “I’m not only worried about custody issues. What if Drew decides he wants a dad over a mom?”

  “Honey, you’re worrying over nothing.”

  “I hope so. Will you please promise me that you and Mom will let Andrew and me work this out? And that you won’t say a thing?”

  “I don’t like it one bit, but you have my word.”

  “Dad, I love you.”

  “To the moon and back?” He’d asked me that since I could remember.

  “And back again,” I replied, like always.

  I fixed my makeup and walked back out to Drew, who had already scarfed down his breakfast. All I could eat was a few bites. The stress was killing my appetite. Drew ran up to get ready.

  “Don’t forget your Under Armour. It’s going to be cold today,” I yelled up.

  “Mom, I’m tough. I don’t need no stinkin’ Under Armour.”

  “Okay, tough guy, but who was begging for hot chocolate and a coat last week at halftime?”

  Needless to say, he came back down in his Under Armour. I still made hot chocolate for the thermos.

  Just as we were ready to walk out the door, I received a text. I grabbed my phone and sighed when I realized who it was from. Andrew had thought we should exchange numbers last night. I figured since he knew where we lived, what could it hurt? But this was painful.

  Please wish Drew luck for me this morning, and remind him to visualize winning and, if it helps, the Raiders in their underwear.

  Will do, I texted back.

  I wasn’t going to mention the underwear part. Besides, Drew had that one down. Begrudgingly, I let him know that Andrew wished him luck and to remember that winning began in his head.

  He smiled big in response. “I wish he could come see me play.”

  “We better get going.” I didn’t know what else to say, because I wished he would go away forever.

  We loaded up the car with all of our gear—I needed gear too. I loved watching him play, but I generally froze outside this time of the year, so bleacher seats and a blanket were a must, as well as hot chocolate. I was also a team mom, and it was my turn to bring the snacks for after the game.

  My parents were already in the stands when we got there. The local high school was nice enough to rent out their stadium to the little league on Saturdays. It was fun for the kids to have announcers and a real scoreboard. Drew loved hearing his name over their sound system. After I saw Drew out to the field, I headed up to where my parents were. Douglas and Claire did not look happy this morning.

  My dad got up and greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I s
at in between him and my mom.

  I kissed my mom’s cheek. “Good morning.” I tried to sound cheerful.

  She held my hand. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

  “I’m trying to be.”

  I noticed that both of my parents sat extra close. I guess even when your children are thirty, you feel the need to protect them. Believe me, I wish they could protect me from whatever lay ahead, but I knew they couldn’t. The only thing I did know was that they would cushion any blows that came my way if they could.

  It was a pretty silent affair between the three of us. I was happy when my friend Taylor showed up. She looked uncomfortable as she navigated the bleachers. She was in her last trimester, and looking fabulous if you asked me, but she disagreed. I thought she was still trying to come to terms with the fact she was forty-three and having a baby. Her husband, Dr. Easton Cole, was ecstatic about it. I’m not sure I had ever seen a man so excited to have a baby, or one who loved his wife so much. Maybe it was the fact that his wife was also his former ex-wife of fourteen years, and so he knew what life was like without her. I wondered if I would ever find someone to love me so completely once I was done raising Drew.

  Not only were they having a baby, but they opened up their home to a foster child, Gage, who was the same age as Drew and in the same class as him. He was also on Drew’s football team. Easton was kind enough to be one of the assistant coaches this year. I think it was good for both him and Gage. Probably Taylor, too, but the poor thing hated the cold weather. She was a Southern woman at heart.

  Taylor sat bundled up in front of us on a cushioned seat and turned back our way. “Good morning.”

  “Good morning,” we all replied back.

  “Where are the girls this morning?” I asked her.

  “They’re at a volleyball fundraiser at the high school. We’ll hit that once we’re done here.”

  “Is Ashley excited about being Homecoming Queen?” I asked.

  “Mostly,” Taylor responded.

  “Mostly?”

  “Spencer was nominated King.”

  Spencer was Ashley’s ex-boyfriend and quarterback for the high school team. “Awkward.”

  “Just a little, but I think they’re both trying to be grown up about it, at least in public. At home we’ve had a couple of emotional outbursts.” Taylor smiled. “The teenage years can be so fun.”