Second Down (First and Ten Book 2)

by Lea Hart

  Patting his arm, she gave him a look of sympathy. “You really do love her, don’t you?”

  “Yeah. I love her, and this is something that we’re going to get through together.” Walking toward the elevator, he felt the weight of the news fall against his shoulders. Straightening, he didn’t allow himself a moment’s sadness. They could have plenty of children. It just might not happen how they thought. He pushed the button, and as they stepped in, he remembered when he’d gotten into an elevator with Ronnie at her office and arrogantly told her that he was going to put a baby in her. What an ass. “After I tell you what’s going on, if you have any advice on how to help her through this, then I would really appreciate it.”

  Sitting at a table in the corner, Ana sat quietly and waited for Chase to tell her the bad news. He appeared like he was in pain, so Ana prepared herself for the worst.

  “One of her doctors came by this morning and gave us some results from tests that they’d run yesterday. Ronnie had a lot of damage to her internal organs, and they repaired most of it when she had surgery. Unfortunately, the damage to her reproductive organs was substantial, and we may not be able to have a baby. The news was devastating for Ronnie, as you can well imagine. I know she wants children soon, so this is going to take some time to heal. I told her we could adopt, and that there are lots of ways to have a family, but I don’t think she heard me.”

  Ana covered his hand and squeezed. “This is going to be hard, because she’s wanted babies for a couple of years now.”

  “Well, we can have a family and children. It’s just might not happen how she planned. I’m fine with it, as long as she’s okay.”

  “I think the best approach is not to pretend like it’s not a big deal. Because this is huge for Ronnie. All we can do is hold her hand until she accepts the situation. I’ll call a friend of mine who does grief counseling and see what she says. This is going to be like a death for her, and she’s going to have to process it like one. My guess is that she’ll be in denial for a while, and when reality hits, it’s going to hit hard. So get yourself ready.”

  “All right. I can do that.”

  “Think about it, Chase, because you can’t be in the middle of this thing and decide it’s too much. It would be better for you to get out sooner rather than later.”

  “I’m not going anywhere. Not today, tomorrow, next year, or ten years after that. So get used to seeing my face, because it will always be next to Ronnie’s.”

  Nodding her head, she gave him a smile. “I had to say it, Chase.”

  “I know. It doesn’t mean that I had to like hearing it.” Standing, he looked around for the trash can. “I’m more than capable of handling this. I will probably screw up, but I will never give up.”

  Pitching her cup into the can, she patted his arm. “That’s all any of us can do. I just need to know that you’re going to stick, and if you can’t, then I’m not going to judge you.”

  “Oh, yes, you would.”

  Shrugging, she followed him out of the cafeteria. “You’re right. I would.”

  “It’s nothing that you have to worry about. I don’t just want her. I’m going to keep her. Forever.”

  “What more could a girl want?” Ana said, as they walked to the elevator. “We just need to know a man will take us as we are, even when we’re not sure of who we are.”

  “I’ll have her any way she comes.”

  “Good answer.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  One Week later

  Ronnie sat on the couch with her mama and drank a cup of tea. That is what she’d been reduced to…convalescing on the couch in her pajamas. The only thing that brightened her mood was that her hair was behaving. “Do you think I’ll be able to have children?”

  “Baby, we won’t know for some time. The doctor told you that the damage might not be long term. A body is a miraculous thing, and it can heal itself in ways that modern medicine can’t explain. When you can travel, I need you to come down and visit Madame LeLeaux, because I think that old trateur may have something to help you. Who knows…she’s worked miracles in the past.”

  “You know we went to see her when Chase was visiting the horse farm. I started telling stories about growing up and my fascination with the Cajun culture, and he wanted to meet her. So we drove out and took her some of Tally’s sauce, and she gave me a reading. I didn’t even ask for one. She just pulled me into the back room where she keeps her potions and made me sit.”

  “Don’t keep me in suspense, baby. What did she say?”

  “After holding my hand for some time, she announced that I was going to have a family with the man who had brought me. I haven’t told Chase a thing about what she said, because I can’t encourage him unnecessarily.”

  Patting her daughter’s leg, she thought about the prediction. The woman had never been wrong, and she had foreseen every single one of her children’s births. “Well, it’s done then.”

  “You would think so, wouldn’t you? Maybe that’s why I didn’t go crazy when he stuck around after our trip and moved himself into this house. I didn’t even fuss when I found out he bought the house next door. But not being able to have babies changes everything. I can’t get married if I can’t have children. What would be the point?”

  “That traiteur told you were going to have a family, and family happens in a lot of different ways. It’s nothing that you have to decide now, but remember, just because one door closes doesn’t mean another won’t open. I raised you girls to be brave and face challenges. This could just be the one that you need to face.”

  “Maybe so.” Sighing, she leaned her head against her mama’s shoulder and felt her sweep her hand over her face. It didn’t matter that she was twenty-seven and fully grown, she needed her mama to rub her head and tell her everything was going to be all right. What if she never got the chance to have babies? …The thought made her sick. A part of her wanted to be a mama more than she needed a big business.

  “These things have a way of working themselves out. And just to be sure, I will organize a novena when I get home. It never hurts to let God know what you’re thinking about. And if old Father Merrick won’t do it, then I will get the trateur to organize one for us. Who knows, maybe I’ll do both.”

  “I can use all the help I can get. Tell him that I’ll raise the children Catholic if you think that will help. As modern as he pretends to be, he needs as many new members as he can get, and the only way to get them is if the current congregation procreates. I’ll let Chase know if we’re lucky enough to ever have one.”

  Gerald walked in with sandwiches and fruit. Setting the large tray down, he studied both women. “What are the two of you planning?”

  “A novena. We need to help Ronnie and make sure she can have babies. I’ll let you know when I get things organized at home, so you can carry it out here. You’re in charge, Gerald.”

  “The only time that I’m not in charge is when I go on vacation. And based on the shenanigans that went on during this last one, it is going to be a very long time before I take another one.” Giving them both a long stare, he made sure they knew he was serious. “No more of this nonsense. I can’t trust you when I’m gone, Ronnie.”

  “It’s your fault. You left Chase here to keep an eye on me. Talk about letting the fox be in charge of the chickens. I did what I had to do to survive. I still don’t know where my gun is.”

  “And I’m not telling you. Lord, you go crazy with that man.” Placing sandwiches carefully on a plate, he handed one to Val and then prepared one for Ronnie. “Just imagine if you found it before he had a chance to show you what a good man he was. You might be wearing prison stripes and not your pajamas.”

  “You have a point.”

  “He only made you crazy because you couldn’t face your feelings about him. The same thing happened with your daddy,” Val said. “Forty years and five children later, he still makes me crazy, but only in the best ways.”

  The back door ope
ned and closed loudly as Chase and Papa DuMond walked in. Standing, Gerald moved toward the kitchen. “I better go make more sandwiches. Those two ought to be hungry by now.” He greeted them as he passed and let them know food would be out shortly.

  Walking into the living room, they both smiled triumphantly. “The current owner let us in after your daddy charmed her,” Chase cheered.

  “I simply explained that we were only going to be in town for another day and this might be my only opportunity. I also told her how badly you were hurt and how happy it would make you to know that your daddy approved of the new house.” Sitting next to his wife, he kissed her cheek. “It’s a good house, Val. The kids are going to love running back and forth between the two.”

  “What kids, Daddy?”

  “The kids that you and Chase are going to have. I need some more grandchildren to spoil, so I hope you all get to work soon on making some before I die.”

  “Oh, poo. You’re going to outlive us all. You’re just a mean old rascal, and God wants nothing to do with you yet,” Ronnie said.

  Giving her husband a warning glare, she changed the topic. “Did you hear what happened to the man that hit our baby after he got out of the hospital?”

  Leaning back, Mr. DuMond replied, “I have a friend who’s a judge, and he found out that the man was put into a nursing home. He had two substantial heart attacks, and that’s what caused his loss of control of the vehicle. He’s almost completely incapacitated, so his wife had put him in a home because she is too frail to take care of him. They’re both in their seventies, so the DA has decided to hold off on pressing charges. I think that this was just a tragic accident and pressing charges is not going to change anything. You’re going to heal, baby. So I think we should tell them, as far as we’re concerned, the matter is closed.”

  “I agree, Daddy. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “It’s all my fault, honey. If I hadn’t asked you to come and look at the hedges, then none of this ever would’ve happened.” Chase wondered if she would ever forgive him. Watching her hold out her hand, he walked toward her and kneeled in front of her. “I’m sorrier than you will ever know.”

  “Oh, Chase. There’s nothing for you to be sorry for. It was bad luck and nothing more.”

  “I don’t think I’m ever going to believe you.”

  “Well, you should try,” she responded. “If you want to make it up to me, then you can go and get me one of those chocolate cakes from the bakery. My body still hurts, and since I can’t drink yet, I need some chocolate.”

  Kissing her lips gently, he rose and smiled at the group. “I guess I need to keep her in chocolate for the rest of her life.”

  “Buy the biggest one they have, because Ana and Ella are coming over tonight with the men. They’re going to visit with Mama and Daddy before they leave,” Ronnie responded.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Hearing Gerald enter, he took the plates from him and handed one to Mr. DuMond. “I better eat first, because going into a bakery hungry would be a bad idea.”

  ********

  Everyone sat around the big table and enjoyed the meal that Gerald had prepared. There was bar-b-que chicken, sweet corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, and fruit salad. Not a word was being said, because people were too busy enjoying the meal. Gerald sat at the end and kept an eye on everyone as he ate. He’d made double what he normally did, but wasn’t sure if it was going to be enough. Both Jack and Clark ate a lot of food, and he hoped they didn’t run short. Glancing to the other end, he noticed that Ronnie only picked at her plate. That’s where his real worry lay. She was keeping up a brave face for her parents, but he knew how hard it was for her. Underneath her too bright smile lay a well of sadness. She was going to have deal with it before she and Chase were going to be able to move forward. Val called his name, and he pulled himself out of his musings.

  “Gerald, this is delicious as usual. Thank you for feeding us for the last week.” Smiling in the direction of the man who she entrusted her daughter with, she blew a kiss. “I will give Essie an excellent report when we get home and let her know that you’ve remembered everything she taught you.”

  “Having Aunt Essie pass on her secrets to me has been a godsend.” Conversation started around the table as people passed bowls and continued to eat. Nothing made Gerald happier than a full table of people enjoying his food. When the house emptied out next week, he hoped that Ronnie would begin to deal with the aftermath of her accident. Because the longer she kept it in, the harder it was going to be to let it out.

  Ella sat next to Ronnie and squeezed her hand under the table. “Do you want to go to Walmart tomorrow after your parents leave?” she asked quietly.

  “I think I may be ready. I’m getting cabin fever, so a little trip might do me good.”

  Nodding her head, she smiled at her friend. “We’ll look at the new nail polish and get a Slurpee.”

  Swallowing a lump of emotion, she nodded her head. All of her feelings were right there below the surface, and she had to be careful so they stayed there until her parents went home. She couldn’t have them worry, and she knew they would if they had any idea about how sad she was. “I think I’ll get a blueberry one, because I like when my mouth turns blue.”

  “I still like the bubblegum flavor. After I’m done with the brain freeze that always happens, I enjoy the sugar rush that seems to last for a week.”

  Clark leaned over and inserted himself in the conversation. “Do I get to go on this trip to Walmart tomorrow?”

  “No, it’s a girl’s trip.” Turning, she studied him for a moment. “You don’t even like Walmart.”

  “I’m willing to give it another chance. Just because I got mobbed the last time we went doesn’t mean that it will happen again. I can go in my disguise, and maybe no one will recognize me.”

  “Maybe another time, dear.” She patted his leg and hoped he wouldn’t push it. He seemed to like to go wherever she went, and this was one time that she didn’t need him tagging along. “We’re going to spend a lot of time in the beauty care aisles and you would just be bored.”

  “Maybe next time,” he responded before taking another helping of chicken. He knew she was tired of him following her around, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. It was his off season, so he wanted to enjoy her company. Also, he noticed that a lot of men looked at her when they were out. At first, he thought it was because they were together and people were trying to figure out who she was. But then he realized they were just interested in her. With her long blond curly hair, big blue eyes, and amazing curves, she was a heartbreaker. Initially, he thought she was just cute, but then he took another look and realized she was beautiful. His only saving grace was that she never realized anyone was interested. And he was going to do his best to keep it that way. So he just invited himself along wherever she was going. It seemed to be working…for now.

  Chase leaned in front of the girls and spoke. “You can come and work out with Scott and me. You may enjoy seeing the kid that you’re going to be protecting next season.”

  “All right. Maybe we can meet the girls later for dinner or something.”

  Chase stared at Ronnie and noticed how quiet she’d become. “We’ll see. It depends on how Ronnie feels. We have to take it easy for a while and make sure that she’s fully recovered.” Putting his hand on her leg, he smiled into her sad, bright smile. “We’re going to take it day by day.” He felt her hand cover his and wondered when the storm of grief was going to start. She’d been much too cheerful for the last week.

  “Sounds good,” Clark replied.

  Gerald spoke up at the end of the table. “Save room for chocolate cake. Chase went out and got us one that’s delicious.”

  Sounds of approval erupted from the table as people ate. It was a lovely goodbye dinner for her parents, and Ronnie was glad that her friends could join them, but she couldn’t wait for everyone to leave so she could fall apart. She was on the edge, and she needed
to do it privately.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Ella took the Slurpee out of Ronnie’s hand and let her bend down to look at the blue nail polish on the bottom shelf. “If you decide to lose your shit here in Walmart, then I think it’s important to know that a lot of great women before you have done it, too.”

  Ronnie glanced up from her crouched position and gave her friend a skeptical glare. “I would like to you define both ‘great women’ and ‘lose your shit’ as it relates to our visit to Walmart.”

  “Fine.” Sitting down on the floor next to where Ronnie was perusing the many options in blue nail polish, Ella began her explanation. “When I say great, what I mean is women who have faced challenges and come out on the other side. Some have made the local news and others…thankfully not.” Glancing at her friend, she made sure she was still listening. “To define ‘lose your shit’ may take me a while longer. I had an aunt that lost it when shopping for cupcake tins at the Walmart near our home. People to this day talk about the time Aunt Cecilia almost burned it down because they didn’t have the twelve tin for cupcakes. Apparently all that was in stock were those tiny ones that only make six at a time. In her defense, I understand her frustration, because I’ve never known a person to only make six cupcakes. If you are going to go to all of the trouble of mixing everything up, then you are going to make at least twelve and probably twenty-four.

  “Anyway, she lost her shit at Walmart, and the fire that started wasn’t completely her fault. You can’t really hold a person responsible for what happens when you mix certain cleaning products with a box of matches. Just because Aunt Cecilia talks with her hands doesn’t mean that she meant to start the fire. Anyhow, she now owns a very well-respected cleaning service in town. As a side note, the lying, cheating rat bastard of an ex-husband that started the whole thing hasn’t been seen since he left town with the girl from the local bakery. And I say, good riddance.” Picking up a bottle of white nail polish, she rolled it around in her hands and wondered if she should just say the thing that everyone was trying not to. Placing her hand on Ronnie’s arm, she decided to. “My point, and I do have one, is that you may have lost the opportunity to have what you desired most in the world in the way you thought it would happen. So if you need to scream or cry or roll around on the floor, it might be a good idea. Because that bright, fake smile you keep plastering on your face is scaring the shit out of me.”