The Blake Legacy (The Blake Boys)

by Rhonda Laurel

  Charisma was trying to monopolize the conversation but Nina would butt in and steer it in another direction. The other guests stayed quiet, watching the train wreck unfolding. Morgan sliced her lamb like a surgeon in an operating room, opting to enjoy the meal she’d spent most of the day preparing. Seth kept playing with his fork, a sign he was getting agitated. Lamont, who happily chatted with his teammates, was the only person who was clueless about what was going on in front of him. After Nina shot down Charisma’s third attempt to bait Morgan, everyone became eerily quiet.

  After dinner they retreated back to the living room. Morgan glanced at the clock on the mantle, wondering how long it would take her cousin to start up again. Two minutes later Charisma opened her big mouth.

  “Don’t we get a tour?” Charisma said as she perused the room instead of taking a seat with everyone else.

  “Morgan gave a tour to everyone who arrived on time,” Seth said from the bar, making a Shirley Temple for Nina.

  “Sorry about that. Charisma got hung up at the beauty salon.” Lamont grinned.

  “So, I still don’t get a tour? I want to know what’s so fabulous that has my family gushing about this penthouse all the time.” Charisma smirked, playing with her necklace.

  Morgan didn’t realize her hand was shaking until she set her wine glass down on the table with a clink. “Charisma, I fed you and have shown exceptional control this evening. Don’t push your luck.”

  Everyone looked at Morgan. Seth stood up but Morgan gave him a small nod, letting him know everything was OK.

  Lamont wrinkled his brow, finally picking up on the tension. “Wow, you two sure don’t sound like cousins.”

  “My cousin can be quite bratty at times. Been that way all her life.” Charisma huffed.

  Morgan stood. “Lamont, I don’t know what my cousin has told you, but we do not have an amicable relationship. Never have. As a matter of fact, if it weren’t for you, she would never have set foot in my home.”

  “Here we go. Playing Little Miss Victim again. It’s always about somebody hurting Morgan.” Charisma scoffed.

  Morgan turned to Charisma, taking careful breaths. “You’re the one who’s always trying to hurt me. As far as I am concerned, we are not family. Family doesn’t try to stab each other in the back and spread lies about them for money.”

  “You’re just mad because you’re not the only person in the family involved with a football star.” Charisma clenched her perfectly manicured fists.

  Morgan narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you dare try to make my marriage sound like your pathetic attempt to land some celebrity with a big bank account.”

  Charisma’s her eyes widened in shock. She started walking toward Morgan, but her jaw dropped when Lamont stood up and stopped her.

  “Charisma, I think it’s time to go. We’ve caused enough disruption to Morgan’s dinner party tonight.”

  “But—”

  “Walk out or get rolled out of here like a bowling ball. It’s your choice.” Morgan motioned to the door. Seth was standing there, holding it open.

  Lamont uttered a low apology again to Seth as he ushered a muttering Charisma out the door. She threw one last incensed glare over her shoulder and stomped out as well as her stiletto heels would allow.

  Morgan took a deep breath and addressed her guests. “I’m sorry you had to witness that. I hope you’ll remember this night for my lamb and not the family feud.”

  There was a moment of silence. Then Nina smiled and rubbed her belly. “That lamb was pretty good. Do you have anymore?”

  Morgan laughed, feeling ten times lighter. “Sure. I would never starve a pregnant woman.”

  The mood of the dinner party improved tremendously once Nina ate a second helping of the lamb, then everyone moved on to dessert. By the time everyone left it was after midnight. Seth carried Morgan out of the kitchen to deter her from doing the dishes and driving herself crazy over what Charisma had done. After all, tomorrow was another day.

  Chapter Five

  Teri-Lyn and John Jacob snatched their grandson out of Seth and Morgan’s hands right after they walked off their plane at the private airport. It had been months since Jake’s first visit to the ranch. John Jacob mentioned that he’d played a round of golf with T.K. last week and that brought up the subject of Seth’s impending free agency. T.K. wasn’t allowed to talk to Seth directly, but he was certainly reaching out like the hand of God and talking to everyone who knew him.

  Seth and John Jacob unloaded the car while Morgan, Teri-Lyn, and Jake went inside.

  “You know, the strangest thing happened when I played golf with T.K.” His father snorted.

  “What’s that?”

  “I think the son of a bitch let me win.”

  “Wow. T.K.’s the most competitive man I know.” Seth ran his hand over his head.

  “If he thinks golf wins are going to persuade me to convince my son to play for his team, he’s got another think coming. He can try all he wants. I think his assistant Ellen has invited your mother for coffee at least four times this month.”

  Seth slammed the door of the truck. “What do you think about all this?”

  John Jacob looked him in the eye. “I think I raised you to make your own decisions. You’ll know what’s right for you and your family when the time comes.”

  Teri-Lyn happily volunteered to watch Jake while Seth and Morgan went for a ride. Bo had already saddled Reed’s Fire for Morgan. Morgan had a heart-to-heart talk with the horse about why she hadn’t been able to ride him for a while. Seth saddled Iris, and as they made their way around the property, he noticed how Morgan no longer needed direction about riding her horse, dismounting him, or gripping his reigns to guide him. She was turning into a country girl.

  Later that evening when they prepared for bed, Morgan asked him questions about his impending free agency status.

  “So there are rules in place so T.K. can’t flat out seduce you into wanting to be on his team?”

  Seth nodded. “Yes, there is a specific strategy involved but that’s the gist of it.”

  “And you’re having lunch with Ethan Thorpe tomorrow? And he’s the governor?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Ethan and I are old friends.”

  “Who happens to have been a Tomcat?” Morgan looked at herself in the mirror while brushing her teeth.

  Seth turned on the faucet. “Yes, about fifteen years ago. And he’s good friends with T.K.”

  “I smell a conspiracy.” She stopped mid brush.

  “Me too.” He lathered the moisturizing bar and scrubbed his face.

  “How long have you wanted to be a Tomcat?”

  “Since my first visit to their stadium when I was ten years old.” He splashed some water on his face.

  “You talked about that in your book, didn’t you?” She put her toothbrush back in the holder and poured mouthwash into a cup.

  “I did.” He smiled at her.

  Morgan hesitated, cup in hand. “If things work out, you have a chance to fulfill a childhood dream.”

  “I suppose I would.” He sighed.

  Seth watched Morgan, who didn’t say anything else while she put away everything on the counter. She was a neat person, but by the time she’d finished the bathroom could have passed a military inspection. He’d come to know that organizing things was her stress reliever.

  Seth waited until he was sure Morgan was asleep to slip out of bed. He headed into the study, looking for something to occupy his mind. As he perused the library shelves Morgan kept meticulously alphabetized, his gaze fell upon a picture of him and his dad. He was suited up for a middle school game. It was one of the last times he’d played football just for the sheer joy of it.

  Daddy, I’m going to play for the Tomcats one day.

  I know you will son.

  It seemed like it was only yesterday when Seth had gotten his first tour of the Tomcats stadium. He was ten years old and had gone with his father to pay his friend T.K. a visit. Th
e feeling he got when he set foot on that football field remained with him still, and he got goose bumps when he thought about it. The Tomcats field was his first brush with his destiny. The feeling of awe and wonderment, even at the age of ten, was not lost on him. The stadium seated thousands, but from his tiny perspective, he thought millions could fit into the seats. Strangely enough it felt like home to him. When he’d come back from the tour, John Jacob had seen the look in his eyes.

  “What’s wrong son?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Looks like Seth just got a glimpse of his future,” T.K. had said with a wide smile.

  That was twenty years ago. Now he was a legend in his own right, married with a son, but the gnawing attraction to the Tomcats remained.

  * * *

  Morgan and Jake helped Seth get ready for his lunch with Ethan.

  “Babe, why are you wearing a suit for lunch with your friend? I know he’s the governor but…”

  “Ethan could invite you to play horse shoes and when you get there he’ll have a tuxedo on. He always has to be the best dressed man in the room, and I cannot have that.” Seth laughed.

  “If it makes you feel any better, you will be the most handsome.” Morgan kissed him.

  “Have a good time with Momma.” He kissed Jake, then Morgan, and headed out.

  Morgan went into the kitchen, put Jake in his high chair, and gave him a cup of juice and his favorite toy while she cooked bacon and eggs. She was putting breakfast on the table when Teri-Lyn came into the kitchen with a big box.

  “Good morning.” Morgan kissed her mother-in-law on the cheek. “What’s in the box?”

  “I found some old home movies of the boys. I even have a few reels of Seth’s football games.” Teri-Lyn smiled as she took Jake out of his high chair.

  “On film? Really?” Morgan scrunched her nose while trying to calculate exactly how old those movies were.

  “Oh yeah. John Jacob refused to switch over to VHS camcorders for the longest time, so despite the appearance that it was the sixties, it was really the eighties.” She laughed.

  “Does the projector still work?” Morgan spied the projector in the box.

  “Yes, it does.”

  “Maybe we can have a movie night outside? I’d love to watch these old things.” Morgan beamed.

  “Sounds like a good idea.” Teri-Lyn kissed Jake’s cheek. “I do confess I get misty when I look at those reels. Chasing after those hyperactive rug rats were the best times of my life.”

  Teri-Lyn continued to reminisce early days of the Blake family while they ate breakfast. With all the skinned knees, practical jokes played on one another, and football practices, Morgan was amazed at how Teri-Lyn had kept up with them all. But there was a formula to the calamity that Teri-Lyn described.

  “That was a great breakfast, Morgan.” Teri-Lyn put her napkin on the table.

  Morgan put her coffee cup down and began cleaning Jake’s hands. He loved his bananas so much he’d decided to wear them. “Thanks. Is my cooking getting any better?”

  “Your cooking is just fine. Has my son been complaining about it?”

  “No. He just seems to eat more when he’s down here.”

  Jake was all cleaned up so she liberated him from his high chair and handed him to his grandmother.

  “It’s the country air,” Teri-Lyn cooed at Jake as he grabbed onto her shirt and stood up. “You have a big appetite, just like your daddy did when he was a little boy.”

  “Where are you going mister?” Morgan said.

  Jake responded with baby talk.

  “You look just like your daddy when he was your age.” Teri-Lyn kissed his cheek.

  “Jake, where’s daddy?” Morgan asked him.

  “Da! Da!” Jake started wiggling.

  “Say grandma!” Teri-Lyn squealed.

  “Ga’ma!”

  Morgan smiled. “You should hear him while he’s watching sports with Seth. I think they have entire conversations.”

  “That’s wonderful! I wish I could see you all the time. Grandma loves you and misses you every day.” Teri-Lyn gave him a squeeze.

  Morgan wanted to tell her that she may get the chance to see him every day after all. But that would mean Morgan wouldn’t get to see her family as much anymore.

  Teri-Lyn took a closer look at Jake’s smile. “Morgan, is that a tooth?”

  Morgan gently squeezed Jake’s cheek to get him to open up. A small solitary tooth poked out from his gums. “My goodness.”

  “Look at that perfect tooth. Morgan, don’t worry, he’s going to have a great smile. None of my boys ever had to wear braces.”

  “Your father is going to swear you’re ready for a steak.” Morgan shook her head.

  “I’ll give you a bottle of whiskey to take home.”

  “Whiskey? For what?” Morgan gave Teri-Lyn a curious look.

  “When they start coming in, he’s going to get a little cranky. Just rub some on his gums and he’ll be alright.”

  “He’ll be drunk.” Morgan laughed.

  “Just a dab on his gums. Trust me. You may want to take a swig for yourself. It will save you many sleepless nights.”

  Morgan smiled, thinking how Teri-Lyn must miss seeing him grow. “Would you like to babysit tonight?”

  “Are you kidding me? I would love to! I have his room ready.”

  “He keeps to his schedule. So after his bath he’d probably be out like a light. That will give Seth and me some alone time. I’m sure Ethan bent his ear about the prospect of coming back to Texas to play ball.”

  “What do you think about all of this free agency business?” Teri-Lyn looked at her.

  Morgan fidgeted with one of Jake’s toys. “I know he’s dreamed of this for a long time. I also know we talked about moving here in a few years.”

  “I won’t lie to you. I am looking forward to the day I can see the three of you all the time. But I know that means taking you away from your family.”

  “It will all work itself out, Teri-Lyn.” Morgan smiled, but it felt forced.

  “I know it will.” Teri-Lyn looked at Jake. “I would kidnap you from your momma and have you come live with me and grandpa.” She turned back to Morgan. “So how was the transition back to the bookstore after being on maternity leave so long?”

  “I missed Jake something terrible.” Morgan pouted.

  “It’s hard being away from your kids. That’s one of the reasons I decided to be a stay at home mom.”

  Morgan swallowed hard. “But Seth and I are managing well. I think the two of them spending time together when I’m at the bookstore has strengthened their bond.”

  Teri-Lyn rubbed Morgan’s shoulder, a warm comfort soaking into her skin. “I think it’s nice how the two of you find balance and make sacrifices for each other.”

  “It’s what you do when you love someone.” Morgan shrugged. “I have a present for you. I made a baby book of Jake. I know it’s not like seeing him grow right before your eyes, but it’s something.” Morgan reached into a kitchen drawer and handed her the book.

  “That’s so sweet of you, Morgan. You don’t know how happy the two of you have made me. I never thought this day would come. My boys are so content with having a good time, no one wants to settle down and start a family. Seeing Seth in a fulfilling, nurturing relationship is changing all of them. Thank you.”

  Morgan reached over and patted Teri-Lyn on the hand. “Tate’s remodeling shocked me too.”

  “He deserves all the happiness in the world. He deserves much more than he thinks he does.”

  Morgan bit her lip. “I don’t want to pry, but I can’t help feeling Tate’s childhood wasn’t idyllic?”

  Teri-Lyn shook her head, something flashing in her eyes. “It was downright rotten. Abusive alcoholic father. Neglectful mother. He came to live with us officially when he was sixteen, but he’d really been with us a few years before that. One day he stopped by and never went home.”

  Morgan tried to
fight back the tears burning the corner of her eyes. “That sounds terrible.”

  “How someone could hurt such a lovely soul is beyond me.” Teri-Lyn’s eyes teared up too.

  “So did you get legal custody of him?”

  “Tate’s dad showed up to one of his football games and made a terrible scene. The boys came home and told John Jacob what happened. Later that night John went to the McGill house with his shotgun. When he came back he said the matter was resolved. Two weeks later Tate’s parents signed over custody of him and moved away.”

  Morgan nodded but didn’t ask anything else. She didn’t think she could speak without letting the cascade threatening to spill over her eyelids fall. She got up, put the dishes on the tray, and took them back to the kitchen from the veranda. She loaded the dishwasher, sadness pitting her stomach at the thought that Tate had experienced such horrific things in his life. Good thing the Blakes had found him. She could only imagine what her big, imposing father-in-law had said to make them leave town.

  Teri-Lyn came into the kitchen with Jake. “How about we drive down to San Antonio? We can go to the River Walk. I think you’ll like it. There are plenty of shops and restaurants there.”

  “Sure. It’s time I know more about my new home state.”

  * * *

  Seth drove home, thinking how nice it would be to drive back after practice to the serenity of the ranch. The first three years in Philadelphia had been rough for him. He’d missed the quiet life of the country and was often homesick. He’d spent so much time catching flights home during the off-season, buying a plane had seemed logical.

  But there was a wrinkle in his perfect daydream. Morgan was already established in Philly. Sure she could start over in Texas, but what about the contacts and experience she’d already cultivated in Philadelphia? The bookstore was more to her than a place to sell books; it was just as much her child as Jake. She toiled away with the reading hour at the library, on her own volition, with the satisfaction that she was keeping kids interested in reading. She was also making great strides with Reading Builds Bridges. Doors were opening to her, providing her with unique opportunities to make a difference in the community. Even he, with all his money and influence in Texas, couldn’t magically make an even better scenario appear for her there. He couldn’t duplicate the friendships and family that were entwined with her life’s work.