by Lea Hart
“And that’s the only kind I plan on having, from here on out.” Wrapping her arms around his waist, she sighed, knowing Chase Bedford was a good man.
***
Chase stood in the pool with Vance and Vaughn and threw kids up in the air, so they could splash their moms on the other side of the patio. It had been going on for about fifteen minutes, and didn’t know how long they were going to get away with it.
Glancing over at the men, he wondered when the veneer of hospitality was going to disappear, and the hard-hitting questions were going to begin. So far, they’d been welcoming, and he knew part of that was due to the fact they were both huge football fans, but that wouldn’t mean squat if he didn’t pass their tests.
Vance held his six-year-old daughter and studied Chase. “So, how serious are you about Ronnie?”
“Enough to want to change everything about my life.”
Vance nodded and then looked down. “Ally, what do you think about this man who likes your aunt?”
“He’s all right, but talks funny. Mama says he’s from the North, and I shouldn’t make fun of him, so I’m tryin’ real hard not to.” Wiggling out of her daddy’s arms, she gave them a smile and then swam away.
“I guess that’s all a man can ask for,” Chase replied with a laugh. “And to answer your question; I’m dead serious about your sister and have just accepted a job in South Florida. I have my agent putting an offer down on a house near Ronnie’s and plan on planting myself in her life until she accepts the truth of us.”
“I’ve read about you,” Vance replied. “You had a wild reputation during your playing days, so how do I know you’re going to be satisfied with one woman?”
“A lot of what you read isn’t true. But I’m not going to lie and tell you I didn’t enjoy my youth because I did. But I grew up and have no interest in that lifestyle. Your sister is more than enough for me, and I’ll be lucky to win her respect and trust.” Looking over at the women sitting around the table, he beamed at Ronnie. She had the youngest girl in her lap and was rocking her as she fell asleep. Nodding his head in the direction of the women, he said, “That’s what I want.”
Vance studied him and put his hand out. “Good luck, man, because you’re going to need it. The women in this family are hell on wheels and all that strategy you used to win those Super Bowls is going to come in handy while you try and keep up with my sister.”
“I’d like nothing more than having the chance.”
Vance looked up and nodded to his wife. “I’m getting the signal that it’s time to get the food on the grill.” He made his way over to the edge and met his wife, giving her a quick kiss before dragging himself out of the pool. “I’m starting the bar-b-que, kids, so y’all have another fifteen minutes before the hot dogs are ready.”
Chase heard the kids cheer and hoped he and Ronnie would have a kid of their own before too long because he couldn’t wait to start building their team.
Ronnie handed her niece over to her mama and then picked up a pile of towels and started handing them out to the kids. “Y’all get dried off and go sit at the picnic table, and I’ll bring you some drinks.”
Beau, the oldest of the kids, walked over. “I’ll help you, Aunt Ronnie.”
Putting her hand on his head, she grinned. “You are still my favorite.”
“I know, and it’s because I was your first nephew.”
“True.” They walked into the house hand in hand.
Vaughn, slapped Chase’s shoulder and smiled. “Ronnie gets Beau whatever autographs he wants, and she’s taken him to games over the last year, and he thinks his aunt is the coolest person in the universe. If you two get married, then all of his dreams will pretty much come true. He’s a huge fan of football and just started playing this year.”
“What position does he play?”
Vaughn grinned as he looked out over the group of kids. “Quarterback. We went to one of his games, and he played well.”
“Maybe we can toss around the ball after lunch.”
“That would make his day and give him bragging rights for years to come.” Standing, he walked over to the bar-b-que and helped out his brother.
Chase wandered into the house to see if Ronnie needed help. Stopping at the kitchen door, he heard Beau and Ronnie talking. Not wanting to interrupt, he waited quietly.
“Are you going to marry him, Aunt Ronnie?”
“We just started dating, so I’m not sure.”
“I think you should, so 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. Y’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.”
“Not sure if I should be taking love advice from my ten-year-old nephew.”
Shaking his head, he gave her a patient smile. “You definitely should 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 knew that young Beau was right, and she was all the good things in the world wrapped up in one package.
“You can take the fruit salad out,” she replied before handing him a big bowl.
“Beau, your uncle told me 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. “Good, because they like you too.”
“Do you, Ronnie?”
“Like you?”
“Yes.”
“More than words can say,” she replied. “So much, in fact, I’m not likely to ever let you go.”
“God damn it’s a good day.” Kissing her head, he knew there was no better feeling in the world.
***
Chase sat next to Ronnie in front of the outdoor fireplace and felt peace settle over him. He had his woman wrapped in his arms and a plan for his future. “I enjoyed meeting your family today and like every single one of them and 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 and don’t think 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 sighed. “This is one of the few places in the world where I feel totally relaxed and having you here 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, and you’re sitting next to the man who’s 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 and 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 frowned. “How close?”
“Next door.” Putting his hand up, he smiled. “Don’t get mad; it was the best one that I could find. Just think of it this way…when family comes to visit us, we can put them up there, and we’ll end up with 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 someplace to go when I get mad and gives a whole new meaning to the idea of dog house.”
“I guess it does,” he replied with a chuckle.
“I’m ready to go in since we have a big day tomorrow with Nana Boo’s ninetieth birthday party.”
Standing, he held out his hand and waited. “I look forward to meeting your dad tomorrow.”
“He’s an easy-going man, but don’t underestimate him because nothing is more important than his family.”
“Don’t worry; I think we’ll get along great.”
“Hope so,” Ronnie replied.
“Me too,” he mumbled as they walked in.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Driving up to the DuMond mansion, Chase felt a momentary flutter of nerves. It wasn’t something that he was used to but expected it was normal when meeting the father of your future wife. “Did you grow up here, Ronnie?”
“I did. It’s been in Daddy’s family for close to a hundred years and was in disrepair, by the time it fell into his hands. Mama and he fixed it up and raised us here.”
“I grew up in a regular house in a suburb of Boston and can’t imagine what living in a mansion must’ve been like.”
“It’s just a house and was always loud and noisy, filled with people and dogs. I’ve never thought about it much beyond that. My daddy had the benefit of coming from an old, respected New Orleans’ family, but according to him, there was no money left, and 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 went to parochial school. It was by design that we grew up the way we did because my parents consider it crass to flash what you’ve got. Mama, especially. Those Coke billionaires are like a secret society, and 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 because I was the last person who needed help paying for school.”
“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 had no idea there was a small fortune sitting in the bank. I didn’t learn about a flashy lifestyle until I started managing the wealth of professional athletes and saw the way they spent their money.”
“Good thing I’m not a flashy athlete.”
“Indeed, but I haven’t seen your house yet, so this could all change.”
“Maybe we should stop in Jacksonville on the way home, so can see the house and know for sure.”
“You flew your own plane down and not commercial?”
“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”
“That seems a little extravagant.”
“Maybe, but I hate flying commercial and avoid it as best I can.”
“I guess that makes sense considering how much you love it.”
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 floorboard because she’s still under the impression that it works.” Looking up, she lifted and eyebrow. “But it doesn’t, so if you want to sneak in my room later tonight, I won’t mind a bit.”
He shook his head and then looked around. “No way, Ronnie. I’m not taking any chances and plan on waiting until tomorrow to have my way with you.”
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. “I can’t tease you about this, can I?”
“Honey, I’m going to meet your daddy tonight, and want it to go well, so don’t tempt me.”
Running her hand over his face, 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’re a good man.”
Smiling, he captured her hand. “Now look who’s using seducin’ words. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were starting to fall in love.”
Pressing a kiss to his lips, she smiled against his mouth. “I just may be.”
“Good to know, honey.” He squeezed her hand and hoped like hell it was true because it would make the conversation with Mr. DuMond that much easier.
***
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 Nana’s papery white hand, she 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 nodded. “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, and just scared.” Taking a small sip of champagne, she smoothed out her dress. “I don’t understand it. Your mama raised you girls to take on the world, and for the most part, y’all have. Why are you 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 is a sacred thing, and not to be trifled with.”
“That goes without saying. But perhaps you’re especially cautious because of that football player who broke your heart last year?”
“Maybe.”
“I bet that man standing over there talking to your daddy is as serious as a heart attack and you have no idea what to do because your heart wants his and isn’t listening to the arguments your brain is making.”
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.”
“I suppose so.”
“Promise you’ll do your best to listen to your heart, baby girl, because it will lead you to a life worth living.”
“I’ll try Nana, but it’s going to take a minute to figure out ho
w, since it’s not something I’m used to.”
“I know but promise me you’ll try.” Watching her granddaughter nod in agreement, she smiled. “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 before anyone figures us out.”
***
Chase shook Mr. DuMond’s hand. “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 and only get called in when something happens that my wife doesn’t care for.”
“Doesn’t seem like a bad job, sir.”
“Best one, I’ve managed to find,” he replied. “Now go say happy birthday to my mama ‘cause she’s chomping at the bit to meet you.”
Nodding, he made his way over to the birthday girl and realized that Ronnie might be the least colorful character in this family. He always thought she was bigger than life, but now understood it was probably 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 Boo was getting tipsy.
“I’ve already had two glasses, so I better stop for now.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Do you love my granddaughter?”
Feeling nerves run up his back, he nodded and knew there were men in the defensive line that would do well to take a lesson from the birthday girl. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m old and 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 nodded. “You’re going to have to be her heart for a while until she learns to trust the one she has.”