* * *
Seth said goodbye to his teammates and loaded himself into his Range Rover. The days on the road were getting harder. Video chat just wasn’t as satisfying as being there. But when he wasn’t there, he still kept his head in the game. Surprisingly having a family had made him more focused. He knew they were safe, happy. When he needed reassurance he’d ask Channing and Tyler or one of Morgan’s brothers to pop in on them. He would laugh to himself when she would call, telling him about some unannounced visitor that spent the day with her and Jake. She was sharp, he knew she suspected what was going on, but she let it alone like she knew it made him feel better.
As he winded through the streets, he noticed the subtle changes in the landscape. He loved Philadelphia in the fall. The air was crisper, the people began dressing up in their heavier attire, and the city would slow down a bit in anticipation for winter. It had taken him some time to get used to the snow and the occasional blizzard but that was the cost of signing with the Titans.
Soon he would be back in Texas, feeling the warmth of the hot sun year round. He hoped the occasional cold snap or periodic rain would be enough to soothe Morgan’s fondness for the less torrid temperatures. He’d have someone come in to give the central air system in the house an overhaul, to make sure she’d be comfortable.
He knew his mother would keep her busy when they moved, but he also knew she needed something of her own to pursue. He never figured her for a full-time housewife, so he anticipated she would open another bookstore or get involved in something educational.
Finally he was home. The entrance to the Ashcroft had never looked so good to him. He said hello to a few of his neighbors in the lobby, then got on the elevator. He was exhausted and needed a long shower to soothe some tight muscles, but all he wanted to do was see how his two favorite people were enjoying their day.
“Stop right there,” Morgan said as she ran into the hallway to greet him and gave him a quick kiss.
“OK.” Seth closed the door and dropped his duffel bag. “What’s going on?”
“Give me one minute.” Morgan flitted into the living room. A few minutes passed, and Morgan called out to him. “OK, come in and stop at the doorway.”
Seth turned the corner to see the living room in disarray. She was on her knees near the coffee table with Jake, who should have been asleep. He was holding onto the table for dear life, when Morgan came up behind him and took his hands.
“OK, Jake, go to daddy,” Morgan said.
The second Morgan let go of Jake’s hands, Seth saw a flicker of sadness in her eyes. Jake sprinted clumsily toward him, and Seth knelt down just in time to catch him. Morgan cheered and clapped while Seth held him in his arms, unable to speak for a moment.
“I think he broke your yardage record.” Morgan laughed.
“I think he did too. I am so proud of you, Jake. Want to walk back to Mommy?” Seth set him down, and Jake took off like a rocket into Morgan’s arms.
Morgan and Seth followed behind their son as he took his new walking tour of the living room. Each time he looked like he was going to fall, Morgan would lunge behind him but Seth would stop her. The concept of letting him go was foreign to him, but he knew his son needed freedom. Jake walked around the room until he was tired. He turned, arms outstretched, waiting for Morgan to pick him up. She obliged and smothered him with kisses. Finally they all settled on the couch.
“Here you go.” Morgan replayed the video she’d captured of Jake’s first steps.
Seth looked at the video while Jake tried to climb into his lap.
“Now to send to everyone we know.” Morgan’s hands flew over the keys as she sent Jake’s debut to everyone in her phonebook.
“Morgan,” Seth sighed.
“One more thing.” Morgan picked up the remote off the coffee table and turned on the flat screen. It was paused on the game Seth had played the day before. “Jake, look at daddy on the screen.”
“Watch him,” Morgan mouthed to Seth.
Jake looked at the screen like he was trying hard to decipher what was going on. Seth made a pass and a tight camera frame came in on him. The number twelve on his jersey could be seen.
“Bla’ sco’s!” Jake yelled.
Morgan jumped up off the couch with Jake in her arms, running around and whooping it up. They collapsed back on the couch after a minute.
Seth raised an eyebrow. “So this is what you do while I’m at work?”
“Yes. We wear our Blake jerseys and have snacks. Jake takes a nap during the game. If you’re not on the screen he gets disinterested quick.” She smiled.
“Morgan,” Seth said as the video started again.
“I know.” Morgan leaned closer to kiss him. Jake popped his head up and caught a kiss from both his parents. “Can you believe he’ll be one year old in a few months?”
Seth tickled his son. “Yes, he has a big milestone coming up. My dad wants to throw a big birthday party at the ranch. And he wants your family and our friends to come down.”
“I expected that. Speaking of big milestones. How does it feel to be undefeated this season?”
“It feels good.” For a moment he’d forgotten what he’d been doing before he walked through the door and saw a new chapter in his life unfolding. Soon Jake would be running around the house, getting into everything, and Seth couldn’t wait to chase after him.
Morgan’s phone started pinging with responses to Jake’s first steps while Seth’s rang. It was his mother calling. Seth and Morgan looked at each other, knowing it was better to vet the calls than ignore them. Morgan started cleaning up while Jake played with the building blocks on the coffee table.
Seth hit the answer button. “Hey, Momma. I know, isn’t he something?”
* * *
Morgan could hardly believe that was her face on the cover of New Day magazine. The issue had finally come out and she’d been in agony waiting for it. They’d offered to send her a proof, but she had Nina look at it and approve it. Thanks to Nina’s angelic cosmetics skills, she was so transformed on the magazine cover, she hardly recognized herself. Jocelyn called her and congratulated her on the article, reaffirming that she’d done a good job covering all the bases with the primary focus on her work life, not her personal one. She’d talked in detail about interracial relationships with the reporter, offering insight on her perspective of what was deemed her mysterious relationship with Seth. The magazine had wanted a picture of Jake, but she’d declined. Her son being on the cover of one magazine was enough for a year. That issue of Sports Now was the magazine’s highest selling ever. She had to admit the picture they went with, Jake asleep on Seth’s shoulder while he held his football helmet in one hand and a bottle in the other, was quite endearing. It was hanging in their living room. To her it symbolized the infusion of his family into his football life.
Michelle snuck up behind her at the bookstore counter. “Can I have your autograph?”
Morgan put the magazine behind her back and tried to act natural. “What are you talking about?”
“I want to be the first person to get your autograph. I’m going to whine until you do it, so just do it.” Michelle dangled a Sharpie marker in front of her.
“Here, and you’re paying for this magazine.” Morgan scribbled on the cover.
“Thank you!” Michelle kissed her on the cheek. “By the way, don’t you have somewhere to be?”
“Right.” Morgan headed for the backroom to get her coat.
She walked out the door, on her way to the library to meet with Maura and pretend to be surprised about the job offer that she had to turn down.
* * *
Seth sat in his chair in his study, staring at the cover shot of Morgan on New Day magazine. Morgan’s bright smile illuminated the page as she perched on a chair wearing a satin red dress Nina had chosen for her that accentuated those curvy hips he loved so much. The caption, The Perfect Play: Morgan Blake Literary Crusader, jumped off the cover.
He became engrossed in the article, impressed with the way she’d steered it. It was personal in a reserved way. She’d kept her responses to the fluffy questions very concise and nicely stated she wasn’t divulging any personal information about him.
New Day: “You are a very busy lady. You own a bookstore, have a son, and run a non-profit. How do you do it all?”
Morgan Blake: “Lots of energy and a great husband. We made a commitment to being great working parents whose priority is family first.”
ND: “What do you attribute to your success?”
MB: “The love and support of my husband, Seth, who encourages me to follow my dreams. He inspires me to keep trying, even when doors are slammed shut in my face, and he has faith in me, even when I lose faith in myself. He makes me feel that I have an inner strength that’s just as immense as the physical strength he has as a football player. He is a great husband, father, and friend. I am grateful to have him and our son in my life.”
Seth smiled to himself. She was no longer Seth Blake’s wife. She was Morgan Blake, literary philanthropist and bookstore owner. Seth found himself drifting into the background more and loved it. The woman he loved was capable of so many things. She was even willing to give up her life in Philadelphia so he could pursue his dreams…
* * *
Morgan buttoned her coat as she slid out of the Range Rover and made her way up the stairs. She was in unchartered territory today. Sydney was hanging a decorative fall wreath on the front door. It was almost Halloween. The leaves were turning and the weather was getting crisp. It was her favorite time of the year. When he didn’t have a game, she and Seth would cuddle up in the living room and have long leisurely days watching movies, taking naps, or just talking.
“I didn’t think I’d be seeing you today. Where is Jake? I bought him the cutest pair of boots the other day.” Sydney smiled at her.
“I thought I’d drop by. Seth is home with Jake, and Michelle has things covered at the store.” She hunched her shoulders and passed Sydney a scarecrow from inside the house. Morgan shook her head. Sydney’s decorating was getting more elaborate each year.
“I’m hoping Jake doesn’t find this too scary. I want him to enjoy his first Halloween.” Sydney sighed.
“I think he’ll like the colors.”
“Did you get him a costume yet?”
“No, I was hoping we could go shopping together this weekend.” Morgan smiled.
“Let’s see, maybe he could be a bunny or a pumpkin! How cute would that be?”
“That would be too precious.”
Sydney positioned the last scarecrow. “There. What do you think?”
“Looks great.”
They went into the house. Morgan took off her coat and joined Sydney in the kitchen. Still at a loss for words, she took a seat at the kitchen table to stop herself from pacing the floor. She could do this.
“This must be important,” Sydney said, her back to Morgan as she fixed them both a cup of tea.
“What?”
Sydney laughed. “Yes, it is important.”
“Why do you think that?”
Sydney placed a teacup in front of Morgan and sat down. “When you are nervous, you do that. Say ‘what?’ Or ‘excuse me?’ It’s your defense mechanism.”
Morgan thought for a moment. “I guess you’re right.”
Sydney patted her hand. “In my experience I find it best to just let it rip.”
Morgan took a deep breath. “The library offered me a job. They liked the proposal I submitted to get help with the reading hour so much, they want me to be their director of volunteer affairs.”
“Congratulations!” Sydney beamed. “I know you have a lot going on, but you’re very good at juggling things. I will help out any way I can.”
Morgan let her shoulders droop. “Seth’s contract with the Titans ends in March. If things go well he wants to join the Texas Tomcats. The owner is a friend of his dad’s and has wanted Seth to play on his team for a long time.”
“Wow.” Sydney swallowed.
Morgan stared hard at the table. “I love him. I am happy for him, but sad at the same time. I feel guilty because I’m not supporting his decision one hundred percent like I should.”
“You’re entitled to your feelings. You would be giving up a good opportunity.”
Morgan closed her eyes. “He’s dreamed of this most of his life.”
“I know. He wrote about it in his book.”
Morgan opened her eyes and looked up at her. “You read his book?”
“Of course I did. Just like I bought a copy of New Day magazine. I’m proud of both of you. You’re my kids.” Sydney smiled.
Morgan bit her lip, wondering how Sydney did it. Taking the time to care about her and she’d always been a cold fish to her. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Why have you always been so nice to me? I haven’t exactly been…friendly to you over the years.”
Sydney reached out and touched Morgan’s hand. “I know you miss your mom.”
“I worried that you would somehow make me forget her.” Morgan’s eyes teared up.
“It was never my intention to take your mother’s place. I couldn’t if I tried. You having Jake and asking me to look after him gave me hope that we can have a relationship.” Sydney wiped away a tear running down her cheek.
“When my dad started dating you, he became happy again. Even if I didn’t respond to it well at the time, thank you for that,” Morgan said quietly.
“Thank you for trusting me with your son.”
“You have a loving way about you. I’ve side stepped it long enough to know you are a warm, caring person and that Jake would be in good hands.” Morgan smiled despite a tear streaming down her cheek.
“So, what are you going to do about your dilemma?”
Morgan threw up her hands. “There isn’t one, is there? I love Seth and I don’t want to be the reason he derails his football career.”
“I’m going to miss you when you move.” Sydney gave her a hug.
Morgan leaned into Sydney’s body and accepted the warmth. She held on to her for a bit, sorry she’d missed so many opportunities to be loved by this kind, gentle woman. “I’m going to miss you too. Please don’t tell anyone about the Tomcats situation. No one’s supposed to know.”
“I won’t say a word.” Sydney opened a kitchen draw and pulled out the magazine. “But before you go, I want you to autograph my cover.”
“Good grief,” Morgan moaned at seeing herself for the second time that day.
“I read the article. You look stunning on this cover.”
Morgan laughed. “Prettier than Seth?”
“Almost.” Sydney chuckled and hugged her again.
The sound of the front door opening meant Morgan’s dad was home. He came into the kitchen grumbling about his day and how cold it was getting outside, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw Morgan and Sydney in an embrace.
“Am I dying?” he asked.
Morgan laughed and kissed her father on the cheek. “No, Dad, you’re fine. We’re all going to be fine.”
Chapter Nine
The Titans had a hell of a season, and although they’d made it to the playoffs, they weren’t going to the Super Bowl this year. The team played hard and, despite injured players, they achieved twelve wins and two losses. Lamont was injured in game seven and sat out the rest of the season.
Patton, however, was on cloud nine. Nina had delivered a healthy baby girl. He was on the road when she went into labor but was comforted knowing Morgan was right there with her in the delivery room. When Nina’s water broke while visiting the bookstore, Morgan hustled her to the hospital and coached her through her labor. As each labor pain hit, Nina cursed and screamed for Patton’s head on a platter for knocking her up. Morgan couldn’t help but laugh, knowing all Nina had been through to have her baby. Eight hours later Gabriella Hawkes came into the world. Morgan stepped out into
the hallway and cried after seeing Nina give birth. Suddenly she got Seth’s enthusiasm for adding to their family.
* * *
Morgan was trying, in vain, to pack Seth’s bags for his away game. Seth was getting dressed while she had her hands full looking for his lucky boxer shorts and keeping Jake from climbing into the bag. She hated it when he had to leave but opted to make it as light hearted as possible so Jake wouldn’t get sad every time he saw his father’s bags by the door.
“I found your shorts.” She closed the dresser drawer with her hip. “Promise me you’ll wear your hat if it’s cold there.”
“Will do.” Seth kissed her. “Jake, I need you to look after your momma while I’m gone, OK?”
Jake smiled and gave him an affirmative nod.
Morgan’s cell phone rang. “Hey, Michelle, what’s up?”
“Are you near a television?” Michelle said over the phone. “Turn on channel one eighteen.”
Morgan held her breath, hoping whatever was on wasn’t going to ruin her night. It was the celebrity gossip talk show Talk of the Town. Morgan avoided that show like the plague.
“Michelle, this better be good.”
“Oooh! It’s starting! Be quiet and listen!”
The host of the show stared into the camera and said, “Last night police were called to Club Serenity after a heated argument occurred between Philadelphia Titans wide receiver Lamont Brayer and his now ex-girlfriend Charisma Reed. Ms. Reed was in the social hotspot looking for Brayer, who was in a VIP lounge canoodling with another woman. A shoving match ensued between the two women, and Ms. Reed was escorted out of the nightclub, where she continued to make a scene until police arrived to quiet her down. Sources close to the couple say Charisma had her heart set on marrying the Super Bowl champ, but he was only interested in a fling. She was courted for a prospective reality show, but it seems the producers would only do it if she could get her cousin to be part of it. Charisma Reed is the cousin of Morgan Reed-Blake, the wife of quarterback Seth Blake. It’s rumored the cousins do not get along and had a falling out at a dinner party at Morgan’s house. Friends of Brayer say they’re surprised it lasted this long and that he had tired of her flashy, obnoxious ways, a complete contrast to her elegant, humanitarian cousin, who is the darling of Philadelphia.”
The Blake Legacy (The Blake Boys) Page 12