“I need you to help him see that he would be better off without me.”
“And why would I do that?”
“Your other sons are married and having children. I know you want that for Channing too. I can’t guarantee him we’ll be able to have that same sort of life together. He’s a good man, and he’ll make a great father someday. I don’t want him missing out on that because he has a big heart.”
“I don’t know what kind of person you think I am, but I don’t subscribe to some cookie cutter fantasies for my kids. Life is just too unpredictable to think everything is going to be perfect. I am proud that I raised a man who knows love when he sees it.” Teri-Lyn stood.
“Channing is very special. I’ve never met anyone like him, and I honestly doubt I ever will. All he can get with me is a cloudy future. I know as a mother, you want to see him happy with a family of his own. He’ll have nothing but heartache with me.”
Teri-Lyn looked at her for a long time without saying a word. Finally the older woman stood and put the dishes back on the tray.
“I’m not going to help you break my son’s heart.”
Isabelle and Sam came out of the house with their baby boys. It could have been a coincidence, but she was sure the universe was trying to tell her that she would never fit in with that family.
She waved hello but scurried back toward the path that led back to the guesthouse. She was embarrassed and upset and didn’t want them to see her cry. She would tell Channing she was leaving this evening. It was time to put an end to the charade.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Cassidy was waiting for Channing when he returned home.
“Channing, I have to go back to DC. I can’t stay here anymore. Some things have come up that need my attention.” She whipped around the living room looking for odds and ends.
“It’s not good for you be traveling right now.”
“I’ll be fine.” She shook her head. “I really wish you would stop babying me.”
“Damn it, woman. I’m not coddling you. I’m concerned. It’s what you do when you love someone.”
“You don’t love me. I think you have a deep empathy for me, but it’s not love.”
“You can’t tell me how I feel. You said up front, no pity. I’ve never done that. I’ve treated you just as I would if you hadn’t told me about your health.”
“Listen, we’ve had a great time these last few months, but let’s face it. This has been a disaster from the beginning.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Besides the whole living in the shadow of your older siblings’ relationship thing, you have to admit you and Emma are perfect for each other. I can see why she was so tormented about it all.”
Channing’s jaw ticked. “If you don’t want to see me, that’s fine by me. But don’t try to pimp me out. And let’s be honest—you’re running away. You don’t have what it takes to invest your heart and soul into something wonderful, and you’re trying to project all of this onto me. I made an active decision to love you, and you can’t handle it.”
“That’s not true. I’m thinking of you. You’re going to support groups… It’s all too much.”
He shook his head. “That’s classic. You know of any support groups for women who are full of it?”
“What did you say to me?” She dropped the book she was holding.
“You know what? Forget I said anything. You’re off your rocker.”
“I can’t give you what you need.”
“You give me everything I’ve ever needed and wanted. Don’t quit on me now, Cassie. We can be happy. I know it. We have enough love, passion, and compassion for each other twice over.”
“You won’t say it, and it’s driving me crazy,” she shouted. “I can’t give you babies. Don’t tell me it doesn’t matter, because I’ve seen how you are with your nephews. You’re going to be a great father, and I won’t be the one to rob you of that just because you love me right now and think we can overcome any obstacle. I can’t guarantee you anything. You know how much that hurts me?”
“I’m not scared I’ll lose you to cancer someday; I’m scared you won’t try to be happy with me right now.” He ran a hand over his face. “Cassidy, I have to go.”
“Where are you going to go? This is your house.”
“I’ll be at my parents’ house until you’re finished packing. Call me when you’re done, and I’ll take you to the airport.”
Channing turned and headed for the door, only to have Cassidy scurry around him and jump in his path. She looked like she was ready for a fight. There were so many things standing in the way of him achieving intimacy with this woman. The bandanna on her head was a little crooked, and he fought back the urge to straighten it for her. He was done being caring and loving to women and getting nothing in return. It had gotten him absolutely nowhere.
“Thank you.” She lunged toward him and held on for dear life.
“You’re welcome,” he murmured. “What did I do?”
“You’ve been walking on eggshells around me, and it’s been driving me crazy. I think you’ve been taking it easy on me.”
He sighed. “I don’t want do anything to upset you.”
Cassidy laughed. “By all means, be a jerk. Start a debate with me you know you can’t win. Tell me my ideals are a little pie in the sky, even for me.”
“I can do that.” Channing kissed her on the lips. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Channing?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know if I can offer you a future.”
“Can you give me today?”
“Yes.” She smiled.
He put his finger to his lips. “What about tomorrow?”
“Absolutely.”
“How about a month from next Tuesday?”
“My schedule is clear.” She put her arms around his waist.
“Do me a favor? Whenever you feel like you’re having doubts, talk to me.”
“I’m really happy about this. About us.”
“Finally she’s coming to her senses.” He shook his head. “Come on, there’s something I want to show you.”
“I have to go talk to your mom. We talked today, and she may think I’m nuts. I’d like to start out on the right foot with her.”
“OK. But after you talk to her we’re going for a ride.”
* * *
Channing looked out the window facing the garden to check on Cassidy, who was doing her best not to look up at the pretty blue butterfly fluttering around. She’d been studying for the Texas bar exam for two weeks and Teri-Lyn’s beautiful garden was an awful place to hunker down. If the vibrant colors weren’t grabbing her attention, Teri-Lyn was bringing her snacks or the boys were playing. The best distraction of all was the tall, gorgeous cowboy she lived with attempting to give her a hand with her studies.
They’d been living together on the ranch for two months now, and she was acclimating to country life. She was embracing life with open arms these days and seize the day was her motto. More importantly, she understood that his connection to his family’s home was dear to him.
They talked many nights into the wee hours about the future. She wanted to consult doctors about fertility issues, but he wanted to concentrate of her health and happiness right now. They spent time watching the nephews, and he could tell when one of them wrapped his arms around her and gave her a hug that she wasn’t thinking it would never happen for them—she was simply appreciating the love coming from the Blake brood.
The Blake women welcomed Cassidy into the family the only way they knew how: each chopped their hair off to within an inch of its life in full support of her recovery. Cassidy gasped when she opened the door one day, and each woman filed into the room with a new short, cropped haircut.
“So what do you think?” Morgan twirled around.
“What on earth did all of you do?”
“We wanted to find a way to make you feel more comfortable about losing you
r hair.” Teri-Lyn smiled.
“But you all had such lovely hair. Isabelle, I would kill for curly hair like yours.”
“It’ll grow back.” Isabelle ran her hand over her head.
Channing came bounding out of the guesthouse with a book in his hand, clearly intent on being some help today. He and Cassidy tried in vain to be studious but usually ended up in bed the rest of the afternoon.
“How are things going?” He took a seat next to her on the bench and put his arm around her.
“Let’s see. I had a conversation with a humming bird, your mama fed me twice, and I helped the boys find a Frisbee.” She laughed.
“I don’t think any of that will be on the exam.” He nuzzled her neck.
“Ha ha.” She nudged his side. “Getting any work done?”
“I’m ready for my meeting with J.J. tomorrow. I just have a few things to tidy up. He and Bo will be pleased.”
“So that means you have some free time?”
“I’m free any time for you.”
“I know, but your work is important. You promised you wouldn’t show me extra attention for fear of me being sick again.”
“How about”—he kissed her nose—“I show you extra attention because I love you and know I am damn lucky to have you?”
“I can live with that. What time do we have to be ready for the Christening?”
“One o’clock.” He glanced at his watch.
They were having a barbecue in the field where both Channing and Tyler’s houses would begin construction soon. Matt’s first birthday was next week and Jack’s birthday wasn’t far behind. They were even having another carnival to celebrate all the boys’ birthdays, just like the one they had for Jake’s first birthday years ago.
“We’d better get ready.”
“We have two hours.”
“We can fool around, then get ready.”
“I like the way you think, Ms. Shaw.”
Cassidy picked up a tin can that was on the table.
“What’s that?”
“This is a retainer. The boys have hired me as their attorney so they next time their Uncle Channing takes them to court over a piece of cake or how his car got a dent on it, they can call me.” She squinted her eyes at him. She opened it to reveal a few toy cars, an airplane, and some trading cards of their father’s. All the things important to little boys.
“This is a conflict of interest since I’m sleeping with opposing counsel.” He laughed.
“Well, considering the judge is their grandma, the bailiff is their grandpa, and the character witnesses are their mamas, I’d say it’s fitting.”
“Hey.” He grabbed her by the waist. “I love you.”
“I love you too. And I love the spot you picked for the house. There’s going to be plenty of natural sunlight for our garden.”
“We’re going to grow so many good things there.”
“I know we will.” She ran a hand through his hair and pulled him toward the house.
It would another six months before construction was complete. He didn’t know what was coming down the pike for them, but the future looked pretty damn bright and she finally thought so too. If they were blessed with a thousand babies he’d be delighted, but he would also be OK if they had none. There was plenty of love and caring in the Blake family; he doubted they’d ever feel like there was something missing. Whatever the divine plan was, it was going to be perfect for them.
END
~ About the Author ~
Rhonda Laurel is a contemporary interracial/multicultural romance writer whose two great loves are writing and landscape photography. She uses both as a vehicle to convey the complexity of the human spirit and the beauty of the world around her. Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Masquerade were released in 2012. Shutter, Memories of You, Star Crossed, MVP, California Bored and Tourism and The Blake Legacy in 2013. The print anthology, The Rhonda Laurel Collection, featuring Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Shutter released June 2013. Texas Heat, Love Notes & Football and The Perfect Storm, books 4, 5 and 6 in The Blake Boys Series released in 2014. Slow Burn, Hollywood Heat, and Cowboy’s Heart released in 2015.
The author is happily building her backlist.
Discover more about Rhonda Laurel here
http://www.rhondalaurel.com
http://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel
http://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel
http://pinterest.com/rhondalaurel/
Also by Rhonda Laurel
The Blake Boys Series
For the Love of the Game
The Blake Boys Book One
Rhonda Laurel
This quarterback is making the greatest play of his life…
Quiet bookstore owner Morgan Reed can’t wait to lie on the beach on her much-needed tropical vacation, but getting tackled by a tall, green-eyed stranger playing touch football isn’t exactly what she had in mind. Neither is falling for said stranger, or going along with the eccentric islander who sends them off with a mock wedding. But all’s fair when it comes to vacation romance, and Morgan has plenty of time to get back to reality when she gets home.
When he slams into the beautiful Morgan on the beach and sends her to the infirmary, superstar quarterback Seth Blake insists on helping her recover—if she agrees to share his bungalow with him. Seth is nothing less than smitten, and the best part is that the beauty has no idea who he is.
But when he finds out that their little “wedding” was the real thing, Seth finds himself in a sticky situation. Especially when Morgan finds out the man she fell for isn’t at all who he made himself out to be…
Buy For the Love of the Game here
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/for-the-love-of-the-game-1
MVP
The Blake Boys Book Two
Rhonda Laurel
The game has just begun…
Morgan Reed-Blake discovers that being the wife of MVP quarterback Seth Blake has its perks…and its challenges. Thrust into Seth’s high-profile world, she must wade through the celebrity, status, and the ghosts of girlfriends past. So when Seth takes Morgan home to his ranch in Texas and introduces her to his family and friends, she’s not surprised when his high school sweetheart comes to call. Morgan suspects she wants to rekindle the flame, and how can she blame her? Distraught over the changes their relationship has caused for Seth, Morgan wonders if maybe he’s better off without her.
Pro quarterback Seth Blake is elated that his wife Morgan is giving their “fake” marriage a real chance. But he doesn’t anticipate running into the woman who broke his heart years ago. He hasn’t told Morgan about the complicated relationship with his ex, but as he guides Morgan through the maze of his celebrity lifestyle, can he convince her the past is in the past? The MVP does not accept defeat, and he’s determined not to lose. But winning Morgan might be the most difficult game of his life…
Buy MVP here
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/mvp-2
The Blake Legacy
The Blake Boys Book Three
Rhonda Laurel
Two lovers. Two dreams. One hell of a hard decision…
NFL quarterback Seth Blake is having an unbelievable hot streak—he’s won his third Super Bowl title the same day his wife Morgan gave birth to their son. Life couldn’t be better for the new father and MVP. His contract with the Philadelphia Titans expires in a year, giving him a chance to make a professional dream come true: to play in his home state for the Texas Wildcats and return to his much-missed Twelve Horseshoes Ranch—this time, for good.
Morgan Reed-Blake has never been happier. She’s got the best husband, the cutest baby, and she’s successfully juggling career and family. Her bookstore is expanding, her charitable organization is growing, and she’s been offered her dream job on the literacy council. Everything in her Philadelphia world is coming up roses. Until Seth’s contract with the Titans expires, and his dream of returning home comes close enough to touch
…and the powers that be in Texas start romancing Seth in earnest. Morgan and Seth both have dreams. But a choice has to be made…
Buy The Blake Legacy here
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-blake-legacy
Texas Heat
The Blake Boys Book Four
Rhonda Laurel
Isabelle Reed is having a bad year. The classical violinist is struggling with a divorce, and a broken arm has left her unable to play. So when she receives a wedding invitation from her cousin Morgan, her heart just isn’t in it. Going to the wedding will mean seeing everyone from back home, and seeing everyone back home will mean facing the music about her divorce. Unable to miss her cousin’s wedding, she bites the bullet and takes off—and lands right in the arms of Morgan’s brother-in-law, country western music star Tate McGill. She’d heard about the singer and his bad-boy reputation, but there’s something about those storm-filled eyes that made her yearn to look deeper. Even though she should know better than to risk being the subject of a song on his next album.
Country western singer Tate McGill is living the good life. He’s surrounded by beautiful women, hit music, and a great family. But he gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to babysit his nephew Jake for his brother Seth Blake, and finds a beautiful woman in his way. Isabelle Reed is talented and strong-willed, and she’s a natural with little Jake. But she’s keeping a secret from Tate, and he’s determined to find out what it is...
Buy Texas Heat here
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/texas-heat-8
Love Notes and Football
The Blake Boys Book Five
Tempting Fate (The Blake Boys Book 9) Page 11