by Lea Hart
Jack studied his brother closely and realized that he’d never seen him this way. He was happy, relaxed, and looked like someone who had everything he wanted. Nobody deserved it more than him.
Chris and Rachel stood together as they waited for everyone. “Good to see you guys,” Chris called out as the group walked toward them.
Ana grabbed Jack’s hand as she walked up to him. “Honey, can you get the wine out of the car?”
“Sure, sweetie.”
Birdie stopped at the steps leading up to the house and stared at her cousin. “Oh my God. You’re in love with Jack Ellis, and he’s in love with you.”
Ana shrugged and took the wine out of Jack’s hand. “Guilty as charged.”
Birdie clapped her hands and looked at Mark. “I never thought he had a snow ball’s chance in hell.”
Mark laughed at his wife. “Baby, people said the same thing about me and you. And look how we turned out. I got you to marry me only a couple of months after meeting me.”
Ana glanced up at Jack. “Don’t get any ideas. They are completely unique.”
Chris cleared his throat and held up Rachel’s hand. “Not really.”
The women screamed again and admired the big ring on Rachel’s finger.
“I asked him to marry me in Hawaii. I couldn’t help myself,” Rachel said.
Chris shook his head. “Honey, I was seconds away from asking you. I would’ve done it in the restaurant, but that couple was arguing next to us. I couldn’t do it when we were naked in the ocean, because I had no place to hide the ring.”
“Details. I asked you and you said yes, and now we’re going to be married.”
Everyone laughed because nobody would look at sweet, tiny Rachel and big, hard Chris and imagine that she would be the one asking.
“I brought a ring to Hawaii….I had plans to do it all along,” he sputtered.
She patted his massive arm and gave him an indulgent smile. “I know, dear.”
Jack laughed at his big brother and couldn’t resist a small jab. “What is it that you always told me? Oh yeah. He who hesitates….loses.”
“Shut up, Jack.” Chris huffed.
Everyone started laughing as they made their way into the house.
Ana pulled Jack’s hand before they joined the group. “Thanks for bringing me home, Jack.”
“Of course, anytime.” He grabbed a kiss before they walked into the house and joined everyone.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Saturday
Ana sat in Birdie’s kitchen and watched her put the finishing touches on the food she was preparing for their group of friends. “Are you sure that I can’t help with anything?”
Birdie waved her off and finished the cheese platter she was putting together. “I’m done. That was the last thing that I had to do.”
“I like your baby bump. Pregnancy agrees with you.”
She turned to the side and smoothed out her shirt. “I’m finally starting to look pregnant and not fat. The first trimester, I thought I was only going to gain weight in my butt. But the front is starting to balance out the back. My energy has come back along with a surge of hormones.”
“Are they the good hormones or the weepy hormones?”
Birdie poured a glass of wine for Ana and a seltzer water for herself then came and sat at the island. “I’m having both hormones, and it’s driving Mark crazy. He doesn’t know if he’s going to be greeted with a crying wife or one that wants to jump his bones the minute he walks through the door.”
“I should feel sorry for him, but I don’t because he’s wanted to start a family with you since you said yes to the proposal. At least he gets to escape to the base every day and get his man on as he trains the next set of SEALs.”
Covering her mouth, Birdie let out a small burp. “I’m sorry about that. One of the many fun side effects of pregnancy.” She sat up and tried to find a comfortable spot. “I’m afraid that the recruits are getting the brunt of his frustration.”
“Well, our cousin would tell us that it will just make them better when their deployed.” Taking a sip of wine, she studied Birdie then smiled. “You are glowing, and I’m so happy for you and Mark.”
Birdie pulled her in for a squeeze and kissed her cheek. “Enough about my boring married life and pregnancy. I want to hear about the hot football player who wants to marry you.”
“First, you and Mark are not boring, and second, you are speaking about my godchild.” Smoothing out her hair, she tried to stall before she launched into the story of Jack. “I’ve fallen in love. God help me. This wasn’t what I had in mind.”
“It so rarely is. Do you think that I saw myself marrying a big bad Lieutenant Commander Navy Seal? We both know that I did not. But he turned out to be better than any dream that I came up with on my own, and I have a feeling that Jack is the same for you.”
Resting her face on her chin, she looked at the cheese platter and stole an olive from the end. “I tried to resist, and I failed. The man has gotten inside of me—my heart, my head, and my thoughts. I guess I should just roll out the welcome mat and quit fighting it.”
“That might not be a bad idea.” Birdie got up, checked the pot on the stove, and lowered the flame. “I only say that because the moment I gave in to loving Mark was the one of the happiest of my life. He wasn’t my picture, and then he turned into my life. I can’t breathe without that man.”
They both heard loud footsteps on the stairs and in walked the devil himself. “Hi, ladies.”
“Hi, honey. Are you ready to go?”
Smiling, he stared down at his wife and rubbed his big hand over her bump. “Yes, I’m ready for night drills with the men who dream of becoming part of the brotherhood.”
Birdie pulled out the bag that she had packed for Mark. “I’ve got your dinner in there along with some cookies for the other instructors.”
“Thanks, baby.” He leaned down and kissed her like a man who was leaving the country. “I’ll be home around five, and you better still be in bed.”
Saluting him, she handed him his bag. “I love you, and be nice to the poor fools who look up to you.”
“They should look up to me. I’ve accomplished everything they’ve ever dreamed of.”
She patted his massive chest and smiled. “That’s true, honey. I’ll expect to wake up to your handsome face in the morning.”
He nodded, kissed her again, and waved to Ana. “See you tomorrow at the game. I guess this is the man for you?”
“I guess so.”
“He better treat you like the queen that you are. If he needs any direction, let him know that I’m available.”
Laughing, she waved as he made his way out of the house. “He’s always the commander.”
Birdie watched the front door as it closed and smiled. “Yes, he is.” She stood, went to the oven, and checked on her lasagna. “I can’t say that I object to it in the least.”
The doorbell rang and told them both that the rest of their conversation would have to wait until tomorrow at the game. Ana got up and moved toward the door. She was ready to see all of her friends and hear what was happening in their lives.
********
The women sat at Birdie’s big table and devoured the food that she had made. Everyone was excited to be together again and hear the updates about one another’s lives. Ana sat next to Rachel and soon discovered how similar they were. “Congratulations on your engagement,” Ana said into Rachel’s ear. She noticed the blush on her future sister-in-law’s face and smiled to herself. “Are you as happy as you seem?”
Studying her hands, she hesitated before answering. “I think Chris is the answer to any question that I have. I’m not sure how much Jack shared with you, but the last month has been a bit rough. I look into Chris’s face and know that we will be all right as long as we are together. I don’t expect a magic answer. I just hope that we can get to the other side together.”
Ana covered her hand and squeez
ed. “Jack told me a little, and if there’s anything I can do, then I hope you will call me. After all, we are eventually going to be sisters-in-law, and I hope close friends.”
Rachel squeezed her hand back and smiled. “I would like that very much. I’ve isolated myself over the last year because of what went on, and I’m making a concerted effort to rejoin my friends.”
“Good.” She looked into Rachel’s pretty lavender eyes and smiled. “Did you really ask Chris to marry you?”
“I sure did. We came out of the ocean stark-naked, and he wrapped me in a robe. We looked at the waves with the moonlight reflecting down on us, and I asked him. He likes to think that it was all his doing, because he pulled out a big ring, but he will always know that I asked him first.”
Laughing, she studied the group of women. “That should make him feel pretty damn good.”
Shaking her head, she looked down at the big ring he’d given her. “You would think that, but he’s a little mad that I asked him first.”
“He’ll get over it.”
“If he’s smart, he will. There is nothing like a big, bad, retired spec ops warrior moping. It’s actually pretty funny, though I try not to show it.”
Their conversation was interrupted by Birdie.
She stood at the head of the big farm table, and smiled at each one of the women gathered. She lifted her glass and proposed a toast. “To the return of my favorite cousin and her successful career.” Everyone lifted their glasses in the direction of Ana.
She tipped her glass in salute to the women.
“Also, she seems to have fallen in love with a football player. So here’s to you, my dear sweet cousin. May you have every happiness that you deserve.”
A tear slipped down Ana’s face as she looked over the group. This was some kind of homecoming, and she couldn’t have been more grateful.
Rachel squeezed her hand and smiled. Leaning over, she whispered into Ana’s ear, “There is nothing better than having these Ellis men in love with you. They do it with every breath in their body, every thought in their head, and with all of the massive strength they possess. Enjoy.”
Ana knew what she was saying was true, because that was what Jack had done since the day he met her out in front of this very house back in October. He’d done everything he’d said and then some. He never wavered for a second, and that was something to pay attention to. That and the beating of her heart in rhythm to his.
********
Ana lay in Birdie’s guestroom, snuggled under the covers with the phone against her ear. “I only had a couple glasses of wine.”
Jack laughed and shook his head. He lay in his hotel room next to the stadium with his legs stretched out in front of him. “You sound like you had more than a couple.”
“I only had to navigate my way upstairs, so it doesn’t matter. By the way, what are you doing, sir?”
“Let’s Face Time, and you can see what I’m doing.”
“No thanks. My hair is a disaster, and I’m snuggled in bed with my old pajamas.”
“I don’t care what you’re wearing. And I’ve seen your hair when it sticks up. In fact, I like to be the one who makes it stick up.”
“Are we having phone sex?”
“Sweetie, this is as far from phone sex as you can get.”
“How would you know? Who have you had phone sex with?” She rubbed her head, sank farther into the covers, and decided that she didn’t need to know. “Never mind. I’m going to sleep, and I will see you after your game tomorrow. I love you, and I will call you in the morning.”
“I love you more, and you are the only person who has ever mattered. That will be true for the rest of our lives.”
“Good answer, Jack Ellis. Good night.”
“Take a couple of aspirin before you fall asleep. See you tomorrow.”
“Night.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Ana stood at the window of their box and studied the field. She didn’t like being this far away from the game. She felt like she was too removed from Jack. She walked over to Chris and wondered if he might be able to help her out. She caught his eye and smiled.
He moved toward her with a questioning look. “What’s up, Ana?”
She placed her hand on his arm “Chris, I don’t like being this far away from him during a game. I know it sounds crazy, because I usually can’t stand the noise of the crashing pads, but I don’t like being up here.”
He patted her arm and looked at Rachel. “Do you want me to see if they can get you closer to the field? They probably have a section reserved for family, and I’m sure they have room for you.”
“Would you mind, Chris? I know I’m acting weird, but I would feel better if I were closer to him. It’s some weird superstition that I’ve developed and I can’t let it go.”
“I understand and I never take something like that lightly. You should’ve seen what some of the guys did, when we were going on an op. SEALs can be religious about how their gear is packed before going into the field.” He was proud of his brother for finding a woman who clearly cared deeply about him. He knew that Jack wanted someone in his life who loved him for him and not his money and fame. It seemed that Ana was his answer. “I believe in rituals and superstitions and anything else that gets you through the day. Let me see what I can do.
“Thank you, Chris. I just like to be close to him on game today.”
“You don’t have to say anything more.”
She watched him move out of the suite and felt better. She understood the brain better than most, and hers was giving her strange signals. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and texted Jack that she was going to be sitting closer to the field. This was the game that would decide whether they had a spot in the run for the Bowl, and she knew how important it was to the team. She straightened her jersey and patted down her hair, because he wanted to make sure she looked good, in case the cameras moved her way. She was representing Jack, and she didn’t want to embarrass him. After all, she was going to marry the man someday. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and answered it. “Hi, honey. Your brother is trying to find me a new seat. I don’t like being way up here in the box.”
“Ana, you always get upset when you hear the noise on the field. Maybe you should stay up there, and enjoy your family and friends.”
“You listen to me, Jack Ellis, I need to be close to you on game day. I don’t like the some of those guys on the offense. I had Ella run some stats for me, and a lot of those guys make dirty hits. They have the highest percentage of fines in the league. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I don’t care.”
He tried not to laugh as he responded. “Okay, sweetie. I want you to enjoy the game, and if that means you sitting closer, then so be it.” He knew she was nodding her head as she spoke. Somehow, he had become her responsibility, and she was taking it seriously. “I’ll try and find you when I come out.”
“Don’t you worry about me. I want you to pay attention to number five and number seventeen on the other team. I can’t remember what position they play, but Ella told me they are the worst offenders. You just stomp on them as hard as you can if you see them.”
“Ok, sweetie. I like to see that you are becoming a little bloodthirsty when it comes to me.”
“I’m a peace-loving girl. But I do not care for someone not following the rules. I know that you are a big bad player and anyone would have a hard time getting past you, but I just want to make sure that no one hits you too hard.”
“Thanks, I will see you after the game. I love you.”
“I love you, too. I have big plans for later on, and I don’t want you to be too sore. Good luck.” She heard his laughter as she hung up. She didn’t think it was so funny. Game days were very stressful for her. She watched Chris come back into the suite, and he had a smile on his face.
“You’re good to go. There is a security guy from the team waiting outside. He’s going to take you down to your seat near the fiel
d. Do you want someone to go down with you?”
“No, thanks. I’m a mess when I watch the game. Everyone should stay up here and enjoy themselves. I’ll catch up later on.”
He placed his big hand on her arm and studied her for a moment. “You really do love him, don’t you?”
“Yes. It seems to get worse every day. I don’t think this is something that I’m going to get over.”
She watched him smile at Rachel, who was chatting with Birdie and Rory. “I know the feeling. My brother is a lucky man.”
“Thanks, Chris. But I think I’m the lucky one.” She walked out of the suite, and followed the security guy down to the field. She was going to need to figure out how to handle the stress of game days a little better, because she had years of this in front of her.
********
It was the third quarter, and the game was going in favor of the Sharks. Jack was performing brilliantly despite San Diego’s effort.
Ana still didn’t like number seventeen—he was an offensive lineman, and he was going after Jack like he meant to end his career. She’d been sure they were going to make a call for clipping in the last quarter, but it never happened. Sitting back, she looked around the small section reserved for family and noticed that there were very few people. She and Jack were lucky that this game happened to be in San Diego, because her mom and dad were chomping at the bit to meet the man that had such serious intentions about their daughter. She knew that everyone would get along as long as her brothers didn’t act like idiots.
The whistle was blown. She sat forward and paid attention to the action on the field. Just one more quarter, and she could breathe again.
Jack paced the sidelines as he gulped down the Gatorade that he’d been handed. The offensive linemen were after him today. There were a couple of dirty hits that he’d taken, and he figured when the tape was reviewed a couple of the guys were going to be getting some hefty fines. He knew he was going to have some good bruises in the morning, and he figured that Ana was going to have something to say about that. Laughing to himself, he couldn’t believe how quickly she had become so protective of him. It felt pretty damn good and made him feel confident about what he’d gotten her for Christmas. Throwing his cup away, he stood ready for his next call to the field. It seemed like the game was going to go in their favor.