by Lea Hart
“We just started dating, so I’m not sure.”
“I think you should marry him, because then he can help Dad coach my football team.”
“You want me to marry him so you can have a Super Bowl quarterback coach your pop warner football team?”
“Yeah.”
“I see where your loyalty lies, Beau. What if I’m not in love with him?”
“But you are, Aunt Ronnie. You all look at one another the same way Mama and Daddy do.”
“What’s that like?”
“Like the other person is chocolate ice cream, a roller coaster, and a day at Disney World all wrapped up into one.”
“Really, that’s how we look at each other?”
“Yep.”
“Why is it that I’m taking advice from my ten-year-old nephew?”
Shaking his head, he gave her a patient smile. “Because I know stuff.”
“That you do, Beau. That you do.”
Chase cleared his throat as he took a step into the kitchen. “Need help with anything?” Staring at Ronnie, he realized that young Beau was right. Ronnie was all the good things in the world wrapped up in one package.
“You can take the fruit salad out.” She handed him a big bowl and realized that Chase was all those things her nephew had said.
“Beau, your uncle told me that you threw the ball for your team this year. Would you like to play a little after lunch?”
Beau’s eyes got big, and he stuttered a reply. “Y…Yes, sir. I would like that very much.”
“Great.” Ronnie grabbed the basket of drinks and walked up next to Chase. “I’m having fun, honey. I like your family.”
Taking his hand, she led him out of the kitchen. “They seem to like you, too.”
********
Chase sat next to Ronnie in front of the outdoor fireplace and felt peace settle over him. He had his woman wrapped up in his arms and a plan for his future. “I enjoyed meeting your family today. I like every single one of them, and I look forward to getting to know them.”
“My brothers like you, and their wives think you’re hot, so I’d say you were a hit. Not to mention Beau. He just about fell over himself when you offered to work with him on his throwing. I don’t think that he’s going to talk about anything else for the next six months.”
“And here I thought it was Arabelle who was my biggest fan.”
“That doesn’t count, because she likes anyone who will give her extra ice cream.” Snuggling under his arm, she felt content. That wasn’t a feeling that she was real familiar with. It seemed that she’d been chasing after something since she graduated high school. Working hard, reaching for the next goal, putting stuff off until the next milestone was achieved. Damn, she was tired. “This is one of the few places in the world that I feel totally relaxed. Having you here with me makes it even better.”
“Honey, you just made my day.”
Patting his leg, she rested her head against his shoulder. “Are you going to tell me your big plans for your future? My brother said something about you moving to South Florida.”
“I told my agent to accept an offer to be the head coach for St. Thomas Aquinas High School. You are sitting next to the man who is going to help them get another state championship. I also put an offer in on a house in your neighborhood.” Kissing her head, he smiled into the blazing fire. “So get ready, honey…‘cause I’m coming for you.”
“Are you going to be happy coaching high school football?”
“Absolutely. It was my original plan before my old coach asked me to come to Jacksonville. I like the idea of helping young kids achieve their dreams. I don’t need the money or attention that comes from coaching an NFL team. I’ve had enough of both. Plus, I’ve committed to the morning school run, so this is as much of a job as I want.”
“Congratulations, Chase. I think it’s always a good idea to do what you love and not what you think you should. When you say in my neighborhood, where exactly is this house you’re considering?”
“It’s real close to your house.”
Sitting up, she twisted to gaze up at him. “How close?”
“Next door.” Putting his hand up, he continued, “Don’t get mad. It was the best one that I could find. Just think of this way…when family comes to visit us, we can put them up there. It will be our own mini compound.”
“I’m not sure whether I should laugh or cry. You are too much!”
Kissing her soundly, he grinned. “That has always been true.”
“Well, at least you’ll have some place to go when I get mad at you. It gives a whole new meaning to the idea of dog house.”
“That’s true. I can go next door when I’m in the dog house, instead of the garage.”
Sitting back, they stared into the dying fire. If they were lucky, they would figure out a way to keep him out of it.
“I’m ready to go in. We have a big day tomorrow. It’s Nana Boo’s ninetieth birthday party.”
Standing, he held out his hand and waited. “I look forward to meeting your dad tomorrow.”
She took his hand and followed him in. He was going to need all of his charm to make it through that meeting.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Driving up to the DuMond mansion, Chase felt a momentary flutter of nerves. It wasn’t something that he was used to, but expected that it was normal when meeting the father of your future wife. “Did you grow up here, Ronnie?”
“I did. Mama and Daddy moved in right after they got married. It’s been in Daddy’s family for years. It was in disrepair, but they fixed it up and raised us here.”
“I grew up in a regular house in a suburb of Boston. I can’t imagine what it was like growing up here.”
“It’s just a house. It was always loud and noisy, filled with people and dogs. I’ve never thought about it much beyond that. I didn’t know my family had money until I went away to college.” My daddy had the benefit of coming from an old, respected New Orleans’ family, but according to him, there was no money left. He’s made his way in the world with his law practice. Mama didn’t inherit anything until she was twenty-five, and by then, they already had my brother and sister.”
“So old money from the south speaks quietly.”
“My goodness, yes. We didn’t have fancy cars or clothes, and we went to parochial school. It was by design that we grew up the way we did. My parents consider it crass to flash what you’ve got. Mama, especially. Those Coke billionaires are like a secret society. No one is sure what the other has, and they sure as sugar are not going to tell you.”
“So when did you figure it out?” he asked.
“When they finally gave me their blessing to go to school in California. They said they would pay for it and that I needed to decline my scholarship. They told me that I was the last person who needed help paying for school. I needed to give it back so someone who really needed it could have it.”
“So you didn’t grow up thinking that you had a lot of money?”
‘No, sir. I knew I was lucky because I had a big family that loved one another. But when you see our house, it’s not fancy. There is dog hair everywhere, and the rugs are worn from us kids running around, and the cars they drive are probably five years old. No, I didn’t learn about a flashy lifestyle until I started managing the wealth of professional athletes. The way I was brought up is the way I manage my client’s wealth.”
“Good thing I’m not a flashy athlete.”
“Good thing, but I haven’t seen your house yet, so this could all change.”
“When I fly us home, we’re going to stop in Jacksonville so you can see it and decide for yourself.”
“You flew down here in your own plane?”
“Of course. How else did you think I got here?”
“I don’t know. I may have to look at your portfolio again, Mr. Bedford. I’m not sure how I feel about your purchase of a depreciating asset.”
Patting her leg, he laughed. “I bought it used, so most of the de
preciation had already occurred.”
“Those are seducin’ words, Chase. I need you to stop, because we’re home, and I can’t walk into my family home all hot and bothered.”
“Good to know, honey.” He parked the car and helped her out. “I’ll come back and get your bag later on.”
“What about yours?”
“I have a reservation at a hotel tonight.”
“You might as well cancel it, because Mama is going to make you stay here. You’re going to get the room with the creaky floor board. Mama thinks that it works, but it doesn’t. We’ve all figured out a way around it.”
“I’m not taking any chances. I’ll wait until tomorrow to have my way with you. There is no way that I’m taking a chance with your daddy.”
They walked up the back steps and entered the kitchen. It was a beehive of activity, and Ronnie scooted around them and made her way up the back stairs with Chase in tow. “Would you like to see my pink canopy bed before the party starts?”
“I would like nothing more, but I won’t. I have to respect your parents’ home, and that means no pink canopy bed.”
Turning to him, she stopped on the stairs. Finally at eye level with him, she stared into his deep dark eyes and realized he was serious. “I can’t tease you about this…can I?”
“Honey, I’m going to meet your daddy tonight, and I want it to go well. This is important.”
Running her hand over his sharp cheekbones, she nodded. “Understood. No more teasing.” She straightened his tie and then ran her hand down his shirt. “Everyone is going to love you, and not because you were really good at throwing a football. But because you are a good man.”
Smiling up at her, he captured her hand in his. “Now look who’s using seducin’ words. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that you like me.”
Pressing a sweet kiss to his lips, she tipped her head against his. “More than you know, Chase.”
“Good to know, honey.” He squeezed her hand and watched her walk up the stairs.
********
Ronnie sat next to her Nana Boo and looked out over the crowded room. “What do you think of all these people showing up to wish you happy birthday?”
“Child, I think it’s ridiculous. Maybe they just came for the cake.”
Patting her papery white hand, Ronnie admired one of her favorite people in the world. “I think they wanted to see if you were still alive.”
Letting out a small laugh, she patted her granddaughter’s hand. “I think you’re right. Now tell me about that handsome man who’s fallen in love with you. He sure is going to give you some good looking children.”
“Nana, I’m not sure about him yet.”
“Oh, piffle. You are sure about him. You’re just scared.” Taking a small sip of champagne, she regarded her and shook her head. “I don’t understand it. Your mama raised you girls to take on the world, and for the most part, you all have. Why is it that you’re so scared of love? The boys have managed it, and Lord knows they don’t have the brains you three girls have. It’s a mystery to me.”
“Maybe because we know what it means. The heart of another human being is a sacred thing, and I take it seriously.”
“Is this because of that football player who broke your heart last year?”
“Maybe. I think I’ve always taken these things seriously, and I was often the only one. I don’t know how to be casual. And that seems to be the thing that people want most. At least the men that I’ve run into. Though, I was becoming better at it before Chase showed up.”
“Let me guess…that man standing over there talking to your daddy is as serious as a heart attack.”
Looking over at her ninety-year-old grandmother, she wondered why she always saw more than anyone else in the family. “It would seem so.”
“Your mama told me that Essie approves, so that’s a good start. But listen to your heart, baby girl. Don’t listen to that big brain of yours. Listen to your beating heart and follow it, because that will lead you to a life worth living.”
“I just have to figure out how. It’s not something that I’m used to.”
“I know. But, I want you to promise me, that you will try.” Watching her granddaughter nod in agreement, she beamed at the guests who had come to celebrate her birthday. “Now go get me another glass of champagne, because it’s my birthday and I feel like living it up.” She winked and watched Ronnie stand up. “Go on and make me happy and fill that glass up.”
Leaning over, she kissed Nana Boo’s cheek and laughed. “I’ll deny getting you a second glass if anyone asks me.”
“Smart girl. Now go on before anyone figures us out.”
Chase shook Mr. DuMond’s hand and felt a wave of relief. They had come to an understanding, and he’d given him his blessing. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity you’ve given me.”
Letting out a big bellowing laugh, he shook his head. “I was the easy one. If Val and Essie hadn’t approved, we would never be having this conversation. I’m just the enforcer of the family. I don’t have any real power.” Tipping back on his heels, he smiled like a man who had the secrets of the world in his back pocket.
It was something that Chase was going to have to consider, because the man had a happy wife, successful children, and by the looks of it…everything. He might need to take careful notes once he married Ronnie. There might be a playbook that he was completely unaware of. “Yes, sir.”
“Now go say happy birthday to my mama. She’s chomping at the bit to meet you.”
Nodding, he made his way over to the birthday girl. He realized that Ronnie might be the least colorful character in this family. He always thought she was bigger than life and she was, but he now understood that it was only a coping mechanism. Taking a deep breath, he introduced himself to Nana Boo.
“Did you bring me a glass of champagne, young man?”
“No, ma’am.” He started to stand and felt her small bird-like hand on his sleeve. He sat back down and wondered what the protocol was when your girlfriend’s nana was getting tipsy.
“I’ve already had two glasses, so I better stop for now.” She studied him, and he felt the nerves run up his back. There were men in the defensive line that could take a lesson from her. “Do you love my granddaughter?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He figured a straightforward answer was his best bet.
“I’m old and I like to get straight to the point. I don’t have time for subterfuge.” Patting his hand, she smiled at the room. “It takes a brave man to take on one of my granddaughters. My Ronnie is smart as all get out, but she’s afraid of her heart.” Looking him in the eye, she made sure that he was listening. Satisfied, she went on. “You’re going to have to be her heart for a while, until she learns to trust the one she has.”
Nodding, he covered the old woman’s hand and felt like he was given the key to understanding the woman he loved. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Essie gave her approval, so you must be okay. Now go get me a piece of cake.”
Kissing her cheek, he felt a smile break across his face. “I’ll be right back.”
“I like the corner piece with all the frosting. I don’t need to worry about too much sugar at my age.” She smiled and welcomed the next person who wanted to chat with her.
Ronnie came up next to him as he walked toward the dining room. “Are you having fun?”
Kissing her cheek, he grabbed her hand. “Yes, honey. I’m getting Nana a piece of cake. She told me to get a corner piece.”
“She likes the frosting. Make sure it has a big flower on it, because that’s her favorite.” She followed behind him and nodded to family friends as they made their way through the crowd. “How did it go with Daddy?”
Stopping in the hallway, he grinned. “I’ve received his blessing.”
“What did you need his blessing for?”
“Never-you-mind. I need to get a piece of cake, because I don’t want to keep the birthday girl waiting.” He lea
ned down and gave her a quick kiss. He knew she had some questions, but it wasn’t anything that he was going to answer in the middle of the party. “Do you want a piece of cake?”
Giving him a questioning look, she let him walk away. What in the world is he up to? Before she could think about it too much, TT bounced up to her and pulled her into the other room.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Monday
It was lunchtime before they landed at the Kendall-Tami Executive Airport. “What kind of plane did you say this is again?” Ronnie asked.
Shutting down the engines, Chase glanced over at Ronnie. “It’s a Malibu Mirage. It’s one of the smallest planes that has a pressurized air cabin. The size was one of the big selling points when I bought it. I like the range and the speed and found I can make a lot of trips without stopping to refuel.”
Unfastening her seat belt, she admired his hands. There was something about a man having large, capable hands that she always found attractive. The fact that his hands gave her so much pleasure was an added bonus. He could fly a plane, throw a football, ride a horse, and hold her body gently. Her mind traveled back to the pleasure those hands had given her late last night, and a blush crept up her face. The air conditioning had shut down, and she started to feel warm. It couldn’t be more than that…could it? Maybe it was seeing him fly a plane with quiet competency that was making her hot. My goodness, what is happening to me? She didn’t notice Chase staring at her and jumped when his hand landed on her thigh.
“Are you okay, honey? Your face is getting a little red.”
Patting his hand, she started to get up. “It’s nothing. I’m just a little warm. I’m sure once we get outside I’ll feel better.” There was no need to tell him what she was thinking about. If he found about the naughty thoughts running through her mind, he would never let her out of the bedroom. He’d just keep her there and have his way with her. Or…maybe she could have her way with him. Now there was an idea worth considering. Standing next to him, she kissed his head before moving away. “I’m going to call a taxi, so we can go home and have a swim before we have to face reality.”