“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“Are you willing to come with me? I’ve asked you to change your life so much already, and I’m doing it again. But we’re in this together,” he said in a rush, melting my heart. “I don’t want to do it without you.”
“Of course I will, Colt Anderson. I want you to listen carefully. I’ve known from the very beginning that football is your drug of choice, and I’m okay with that. I’ll follow you anywhere. Even snowy places,” I told him seriously. I’m not even joking about the snow. I could deal with it, if it meant he was happy.
“But teaching? A chance at a normal life?”
“Colt, I can write anywhere. I don’t need to teach. I’m not even sure I want to teach. I love writing.” I told him truthfully.
“But do I have the right to ask you to sacrifice your life for my dream?” Colt demanded.
“Yes,” I answered with a laugh. “You asked, because you want me with you. And I said yes, because you’re my home, my dream come true. A life without you is incomplete. No matter where your dream takes you, I’ll be there.”
His face was stunned, as I brushed my hand over his cheek. “Pursue your dream, Colt, and trust that I will be there beside you.”
Colt
Chapter Nineteen
Christmas was chaotic. I flew Sophie’s family in to join us for the holiday, surprising her. We took the opportunity to tell the family that I’d be headed to spring training with the Broncos. There was a chatter of excitement and relief with our announcement. I hadn’t been the only one worried about my football career.
“Son, I’ll be honest. I’ve been a Broncos fan for damn near 55 years,” Sophie’s dad told me. “This was a hard season to watch. It would have been even harder to find a new team to support, if they’d released you. I’m glad you’ll be back on the field, wearing the jersey.”
His words caused me to pull him to me, clapping him on the back. A few seconds later, Ford joined us, and then there was a whole group of us hugging.
“Alright that’s enough,” Thomas, Joe’s son, shouted. “We’re all gonna be wearing Broncos jerseys now, so we might as well play a little football!” We all started hollering and headed outside. It was a perfect Christmas day, cold and crisp, not a cloud in the sky. Kids were running everywhere with their new toys, and we played football, while the rest of the family watched from the sidelines.
“So you think you can beat me, old man?” I taunted Ford.
“With my eyes closed, son,” he told me. “Don’t think I’ve taught you all my tricks.”
“What, you don’t think I’ve learned a few of my own?” I shouted back. Four games later, we were tied two for two, neither willing to admit defeat. The guys on our teams were exhausted and hungry, but we weren’t willing to quit. Suddenly, Sophie was standing in front of me, and Hannah was in front of Ford.
“It’s time for dinner. I’m not telling you twice,” They said in unison, looking at us. They turned and walked back to the house, as Ford and I stared at one another. By tactile agreement, we shook hands and said, “Good game” before heading inside to eat.
Two weeks later, I was tugging at my collar, uncomfortably attired in a monkey suit. Sophie swatted my hand away, straightening my tie.
“You look very handsome,” she told me, her hands smoothing my jacket.
“Thank you,” I replied, giving her a slow once over. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself.”
She gave me a coy look and said, “Why thank you, sir.”
Ford thumped on the door. “You ready? Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Someone’s impatient to get married,” I drawled.
“I’ve been waiting four years. Get your ass out here,” he growled.
“Okay, that’s my cue,” I told Sophie, hustling to the door. Since I was the reason he’d waited so long to marry Hannah, the least I could do was join him.
A few minutes later, I watched Grace skip down the aisle, tossing handfuls of rose petals, while looking adorable in a white dress with a pink sash. A few seconds later, Sophie floated toward me. I reached up to loosen the collar that was suddenly two sizes too small. The dress was dark blue, and it made Sophie’s alabaster skin glow. Sophie moved up to stand across from me, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She smiled, glancing up at me, before turning to watch Olivia come up the aisle.
The wedding march started, and Joe escorted Hannah down the aisle. She was breathtaking, glowing with a happiness I’d never seen, her eyes focused only on Ford. I glanced over at my brother and saw the same expression on his face. He was leaning forward slightly, impatient, as she walked to the beat of the march. He looked like everything he’d ever wanted was walking toward him at that very moment. His expression was so raw, I looked away, unwilling to intrude on his emotions.
I took a moment to look around the room, focusing on my parents in the front with Grace next to them, before moving to Martha, who was watching Joe come down the aisle with Hannah. I knew this wasn’t the first time she’d watched him walk a daughter down the aisle, but from her look, you’d never realize it wasn’t. They’d adopted Hannah and Ford when they’d needed family the most. Seeing them now, I realized they were my family as well.
I rubbed my chest, attempting to ease the tightness, as the ceremony progresses. Weddings were about joining two people, but also about joining families. With their I do’s, I felt the same vows binding me to the people surrounding me. They’d shown their loyalty and love, accepting me back with open arms and I was determined to do the same.
I looked across at Sophie, observing her, as she watched the ceremony. Her beauty awed me, but it was her soul that had captured me. When I looked at her, I didn’t see her perfect body, long dark hair, or flawless skin. Instead, I remembered the way she laughed with Grace, the smile that never seemed to leave her face, her absolute courage in seizing every moment, and her incredible capacity to understand and forgive. I would be the first to admit I tended to screw up and hurt people, but Sophie could see through me in a way no one ever had. She understood and accepted me, causing me to be a better version of myself.
My thoughts were interrupted by a cheer, as the preacher introduced Mr. and Mrs. Ford Anderson. My smile threatened to split my face, as they walked hand in hand down the aisle. I pulled Sophie toward me, giving her a quick kiss on the forehead, as we followed them down the aisle.
The wedding was held in a barn-type hall. Rustic, with wooden beams, it was perfect for Ford and Hannah’s wedding. The reception was held outside, since the weather had decided to cooperate. The evening had a slight chill. It was January, but they’d surrounded the area with patio heaters. Suspended above us were thousands of twinkle lights, giving the illusion we were caught in a blanket of stars. Food was set up in the building, with tables scattered inside and out. Hannah and Ford mingled, as people made plates and found seats. Music played in the background, but no one was dancing yet.
After several minutes, and once most were seated, I grabbed the mic to give my best man speech. I tapped the microphone to get their attention.
“Good evening. I’m Colt, Ford’s brother, for those of you who may not know me,” I paused, as people laughed, pretty sure everyone here knew me. “I had a great speech planned out, and then I watched my brother marry my ex-girlfriend.” The silence was deafening at this point, as I took a breath. “I’m awed at their capacity to love. My standing here today, surrounded by all of you, is due to their amazing love story. Their lives could have gone so many different ways, but instead, they chose each other and the love they felt. That takes courage. Love is never easy, and the story doesn’t always end with happily ever after. I’m sorry, Grace,” I apologized to her, sitting next to Hannah. “I know how much you love reading happily ever after. But the truth is, life is a mix of joy and sorrow. We can’t know one without the other. Ford and Hannah found each other in the midst of sorrow, and we’re here today celebrating the new family they’ve created i
n happiness. You give me hope, and remind me that love is worth the pain; that trusting someone with your heart is a gift. So here’s to finding happiness in every single day of your lives together.” I raised my glass, and the room followed suit. Cries of “Hear, hear” rang throughout the room.
I reached for Sophie, wrapping my arms around her.
“That was pretty impressive,” she whispered to me, her eyes glittering. “You sure you didn’t write that ahead of time?” she questioned with a soft laugh.
“Scout’s honor,” I promised, holding my fingers up.
We started swaying to the beat of music playing in the background, our arms wrapped around each other. The words spilled out of me, needing to be said. “I love you.”
“I know,” she answered instantly, surprising me.
“You know? How? I’ve never told you!” I protested, shocked. I hadn’t admitted to myself how I felt, until today. How did she know?
“You didn’t need to tell me. You show me every day,” she replied, looking up at me, smiling. My face must have been blank with incomprehension, because she continued. “Love is a thousand actions and words that combine together. I’ve watched ours come together for over a year now. I’ve known I love you for a long time, and not a day has gone by that I didn’t feel your love for me.”
“You love me?” I asked, stupidly, those words sticking out to me. Her peal of laughter caught the attention of nearby guests. “Yes, Colt Anderson, I love you,” she told me. “Would you like me to shout it from the rooftops?”
“Nah, as long as I know it,” I replied nonchalantly. Inside, I felt like my heart might explode out of my chest. This incredible woman loves me. A second later, Grace joined us and I knew I was home.
Ford
“Did you think we’d wind up here?” I asked my beautiful wife, spinning her around the room at our wedding.
“I never doubted it for a moment,” she replied, looking over at Colt dancing with our daughter. “Love has a way of conquering even the stubbornestof people.”
I smiled, amused by her observation. She was correct about Colt’s stubbornness, and I do believe he’d fallen in love with the only woman in the world even more stubborn than him.
“Are you happy?” I asked, already knowing her answer.
“Deliriously so,” she said, smiling. “Happy birthday, Ford. I didn't have time to make you a cake, or get you a gift.”
“That’s okay. We have wedding cake. You know, marrying you is the second best birthday present I’ve ever received,” I told her, leaning down to breathe in her spicy scent. “Every love story ever written was about us. And every love story that comes after us will be too.”
“That sounds a bit conceited. To think every love story is ours,” she replied, her smile taking my breath away.
“No, it’s just the truth,” I whispered to her. “All love stories come from the same place, and they’ve added ours. It’s written in the stars. Ford loves Hannah forever.”
Loving Livie
By
Kristin Coley
Copyright 2016 Kristin Coley
Chapter One
“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in,” I drawled, allowing my eyes to linger, as they drifted down the Adonis that had just walked through my office door. He was in a tailored, three-piece Armani suit. My father’s tailor, I noted, scanning the lines of it. I told myself I was only checking out the suit, and not the well-muscled body underneath it.
I used the time to control my surprise at seeing him here, of all places. I kept an office in Waco. A tiny rebellion against my father, who ran his empire from a sky rise in downtown Dallas. As much as I loved the man, we couldn’t work in the same office. I hadn’t anticipated him sending Beckett to me, though. I knew better than to underestimate my father, but he’d caught me off guard with this maneuver.
“Long time, Livie,” he replied, his husky baritone still capable of sending an unwilling shiver down my spine.
“Olivia,” I corrected. “Not to be trite, but not nearly long enough,” My smile was just short of a grimace, as our past rushed in, along with his presence. I stood up from my desk at his entrance. I would take any advantage I could, and being five foot eleven barefoot, we were at eye level with my four-inch heels on. He smiled at my rising, no doubt knowing exactly why. We’d been trained by the same man after all. Power plays were second nature to us.
“Aww, I’m hurt.” He didn’t bother to hide the leisurely once over he was giving me. “I thought we parted on good terms.”
“If that was good terms, I’d hate to know what bad ones look like,” I countered, as he gave a nonchalant shrug. It had been seven years, since I was face to face with the SOB, and of course he had only grown better looking with age. His tawny hair was short and styled, a vast difference from the first time I saw him.
“I told my father no. So scurry back to him. I’m sure he’s missing his right hand man.” His mouth twisted at my words, but I refused to apologize for the dig. He hadn’t bothered to contact me in the years since he had lied and left me broken hearted. I saw no reason to make this any easier on him now.
“Your father disagrees, and since he signs my check, I think I’ll stay,” he gritted back, his face tight, even as he kept his stance relaxed. I had the feeling he wanted to be here, about as much as I wanted him here, but he wouldn’t buck my father. He’d proven that years ago.
“So if I write you a check, you’ll go away?” I asked, arching an eyebrow. He gave me a narrow look. I knew it wouldn’t be so easy. He was not only extremely loyal to my father, but also generously compensated. Even with my practically unlimited resources, I doubted I could pay him enough to go away.
Beckett had proven himself devoted to my father long ago, and time had only strengthened their bond. In some ways, Beck had become the son my father never had.
I had degrees in accounting and finance, plus an MBA, but I would forever be Daddy’s little girl, meant to be pampered and cared for. I was supposed to find a husband and have babies, in his mind. It didn’t matter that I had planned to work by his side, or once dreamed of taking the reins from him. That was a position reserved for someone other than his only daughter.
“You know that won’t work.” I heard his warning loud and clear. ‘Don’t assume you can buy me.’ Others had tried and failed spectacularly. Many thought they could buy the type of loyalty Beck showed my father, but that wasn’t how he operated. Beckett held honor above all else. My father had taken a chance on him, and Beck would never forget that.
Chapter Two
Eight years earlier
I checked the polish on my nails, and gave a small moue at the pink color. It was a little lighter than I wanted. It went well with my skin, but it didn’t match my new Coach handbag. The office door opened, before I could decide to lock up and get my manicure redone before my favorite salon closed.
I blinked at the sight before me. There was a tall boy standing in the door, with his shirt half untucked and a tie, I shuddered at the realization that it came from the place they called Wal-Mart, tied inexpertly around his neck. I counted three stains, and everything he had on was wrinkled. I squinted to see what was in his shirt pocket. If I was correct, it was a pocket protector. At least, that was the only thing I could imagine. Truthfully, I hadn’t thought they were real.
He saw me staring at him and dropped the folder in his hands. Papers flew everywhere, one sliding toward me, so I stopped it with my Jimmy Choo. I bent down to pick the paper up and realized it was a resume. I scanned it quickly, wondering what kind of skills the mess in front of me possessed. I couldn’t help but be impressed at what I saw. He had recently graduated from Harvard Law, of all places. Magna cum laude. I glanced at him on his hands and knees, attempting to gather the rest of the papers. Obviously, he made up in book smarts what he lacked in social skills.
Finally, he gathered all of the loose papers and stood up. He had beautiful hair, I would give him that. It was a
gorgeous mane, reminiscent of a lion with its blonde, gold, and brown tones. I knew plenty of women that would gladly sell their soul for that color. It hung in his eyes, overgrown and shaggy, and desperately in need of a trim. In fact, everything about him screamed for a makeover, and I itched to be the one to do it.
Lawyer boy had an MBA to go with that law degree, and I had no doubt he was brilliant, but he needed some spiffing up.
“Hi,” he said, his rich baritone causing me to shiver. He shuffled from one foot to another, awkwardly staring at me. I gave a small shake of my head.
“How can I help you?” I finally asked, when it didn’t look like he would say anything more.
He looked startled, like he wasn’t expecting me to speak. He pushed his black rimmed glasses up his nose nervously, and I wondered if he needed them. If he did, a nice wire frame would work better for him.
“I, ah, need to drop off my lease agreement,” he said, thrusting some papers at me. I took them and then proceeded to hand him his resume in the same motion. He flushed, crumbling the resume in his hand. I couldn’t prevent my curiosity and waved my fingers at his action.
“That’s a pretty impressive resume to just destroy.” I flipped through the lease agreement, checking to make sure everything was completed. My father had forced me to get a job when I arrived at college, telling me, ‘Earning your own money will give you a greater appreciation of it.’ I rolled my eyes. I had always known we were wealthy and well aware of what it could buy me. He was adamant though, so he bought an apartment complex near the university. He figured it would be a good real estate investment, and I could live and work there.
With my father as my boss, there could be no excuses as to why I couldn’t work. However, I had no incentive to work, because he provided everything for me. So he decided I would have to earn my own money for food. He quickly found out that wouldn’t work. I was a master at getting guys to buy me dinner, and if it got desperate. I could live on carrot sticks for weeks.
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