Chasing Marisol (Blueprint to Love Book 3)

by Giordano, Lauren

  "What do you mean?"

  Spying a bench as they neared the playground, Jeff nodded to it. "Let's sit for a minute, okay?"

  Settling on the park bench, Jeff scooped the little boy into his lap. "When I was a little older than you, I got really mad at my dad because he took my older brother to a baseball game— and he didn't take me."

  Hector's eyes widened. "Didn't he like you?"

  Jeff smiled. "He liked me a lot. But he thought I was too young to go to the game so he only took Jake. He told my mom he would take me the next year. But I didn't know that part." He paused as Hector settled back against his chest. "So— I got mad . . . and I stayed mad for a whole week after the game. And it made me quiet and sad-"

  "Did you cry?"

  "I did— almost every night in my room," he confessed. "But here's what I learned from that. When my dad finally figured out I was mad at him— he asked what was bugging me. And when I told him how angry I was about the ballgame, my dad was floored."

  "What do you mean?"

  "It means— my dad never knew how angry I was. He said if I'd only told him what was bothering me— he would have fixed it sooner." He tipped Hector's chin up to look at him. "So— I was mad for a week, but I held it all inside. So— no one could help me fix it. And no one could make me feel better."

  "What did your dad do after that?"

  Jeff released a steadying breath, praying he was getting his point across. Was he doing the right thing? "He sat me down and told me he was sorry that he'd hurt my feelings."

  "So— telling your dad made you feel better?"

  "Telling my dad made me feel way, way better." He gave Hector's hand a squeeze. "And once he knew how I felt, he took me to a game the following week— just me and my dad."

  "What if— the thing you're mad about is really, really big?"

  Swallowing around the lump in this throat, Jeff winced. "Then you should tell someone you trust. Because, maybe that person could help you feel better."

  "Can I tell you?"

  His whispered request had Jeff's heart plummeting to the pit of his stomach. "You can tell me anything, Hec. Always."

  "I . . . don't like that lady— and I know . . . I'm supposed to." Hector's confession came out on an anguished whisper. "An'. . . I don't wanna see her again. She's scary and mean."

  Throwing his shuddering frame into his chest, Jeff caught him in a tight hug. "It's alright, buddy. It's okay to be mad at her. And it's okay to not like her."

  "It is? Are you sure?"

  "Sometimes people want to be good— but they're not strong enough to be nice. Being mean is easy."

  "Is being nice hard?"

  "It's more work," Jeff explained. "Because you’re thinking about the other person instead of just yourself. Like remembering to say please and thank you, right?"

  "But people like when you do that. Mari says I have to be polite."

  "Mari is absolutely right. But some people don't like being nice. And when they realize they're mean— they take it out on other people so they don't feel bad about themselves." Jeff paused, searching for an example he would understand. "Like a bully. They act mean because they're afraid you won't like them the way they really are. So they'd rather have you be afraid of them."

  Hector's head popped up from his shoulder. "You mean like Tommy and Jason's daddy? He was mean to them."

  "Exactly. Tommy's dad doesn't want to make the effort to be nice'"

  "Or polite," Hector interrupted.

  "So, what I'm telling you Hec, is that it's okay to not like that woman. But you shouldn't waste time being afraid of her."

  "But she's scary-"

  "Bud— you're gonna have to trust me on this one, okay?" With everything he had, Jeff didn't want Hector to be afraid. "We won't let her hurt you. I promise."

  "But— if she ever did . . ."

  Jeff realized that simply telling him not to worry wouldn’t stop Hector from being afraid. He needed to feel in control. "Okay— here's what you're gonna do," he directed. "If she ever scares you— ever, then you have my permission to be mean."

  His eyes widened. "Mari would get mad at me."

  Jeff shook his head. What the hell? Let him feel empowered. "Mari would want you to fight back. If that woman ever scares you— then you can do anything you want to fight her. You can yell really loud. You can punch. You can kick."

  Hector's shoulders began shaking with his laughter. "Can I . . . bite?"

  "Yup."

  "Scream?"

  "The louder the better."

  "Spit in her eye?"

  Chuckling, Jeff gave him a squeeze. "If your aim is good- go for it." When Hector finally stopped laughing, Jeff settled him against him. "But you won't need to do any of those things because there are lots of people watching out for you."

  "She wiggles too much an' she talks funny— like she's goin' too fast." Stifling a yawn, he paused. "We get in trouble at school if we don't sit still." Hector slung his arms around his neck. "I want Mari to be my mommy."

  Rising to his feet, Jeff planted a kiss on his forehead. "Mari loves being your mom."

  "She's nice to me. An' she never yells at me. And she cooks good. And I like my room— and all my stuff."

  "Pretty soon, she'll be your mom forever."

  Hector went slack in his arms. "Can you carry me back, Jeff?"

  "I thought you ate three broccolis?" Hector's sticky smile brushed against his neck, filling Jeff with a sense of contentment he'd never experienced before.

  "I fibbed. It was only two."

  ***

  "Mama— can I take a bath later?"

  Hector's ear-splitting yawn made Marisol smile. As did the sight of her son splayed across Jeff's chest. "You must have walked a long way to come back so tired."

  "Jeff can put me to bed. I don't need a story."

  Meeting his gaze over Hector's head, Jeff's smile gave her encouragement. "Okay— we'll scrub you up tomorrow morning before school."

  "I'm not even dirty," he protested.

  "Dude— you don't want to be the smelly guy at school," Jeff reminded. "It's not cool."

  "Okay. I can wash up tomorrow."

  Raising her gaze to the ceiling, Mari smiled. It was so unfair that Jeff could get Hector to agree to anything. Jeff's grin told her he knew exactly what she was thinking.

  Lifting his head, Hector's sleepy eyes sought hers. "Mommy— Jeff said he wants to take us to his farm this weekend. Can we go? We get to sleep over for the weekend— an' his nephew will be there. And— he's my age . . . almost."

  His eyes had their sparkle back. Hector seemed so much better. So much more like her excited, happy little boy. Jeff had spent fifteen minutes with Hector— and worked his special brand of magic. After she'd put away the brownies, Marisol had allowed herself a mini meltdown in the kitchen. Then she'd splashed cold water on her face and waited anxiously by the window for her boys to return.

  "It sounds like the best place in the whole world," he embellished.

  "In the whole world?" She ruffled his tangled curls. "Okay, mi pequeno. If it's that great, we definitely have to see it."

  "I'm not your little one," he grumbled. "I'm getting big."

  "If you're big, that means you can walk upstairs by yourself." Amusement in his eyes, Jeff faked lowering Hector to the floor.

  "No— Jeff. You have to carry me. I'll be her pequeno," he promised under duress. Fighting to stay in his arms, Hector squealed when he tickled him.

  "I'm sorry— I didn't hear you. What did you say?"

  "I said I'm her-" He shrieked with laughter. "Stop ticklin', Jeff."

  Any trace of sleepiness left him as Hector wrestled with Jeff. After the day they'd endured, Marisol didn't mind throwing the rules out the window. "If Jeff's putting you to bed, then you need to give me a kiss, pequeno."

  Jeff swung Hector around to accommodate her request before stealing a kiss for himself. "I'll be your big pequeno."

  Mari chuckled. "You'll be
my big 'little one'?"

  His eyes glinting with promise, he kissed her again as Hector made gagging noises from his arms. "I'll be your only one."

  ***

  "Are you sure you should be bringing us? It’s a family cookout— your whole, entire . . . huge family." For two days, Marisol had been excited and nervous about the Traynor family’s Memorial Day barbecue. At a farm owned by Linc and Mona. Hector had been over the moon.

  The invitation couldn’t have come at a better time. More than ever, Marisol was grateful for the long weekend. The further they drove from the city, the more unburdened she became. For the next two days, she would not give another thought to New Beginnings . . . to Hector’s mother . . . to her faltering donations . . . to the haze of construction. For once, she would leave every worry behind and just enjoy her time with Jeff and Hector. And Jefferson’s gigantic family.

  Smiling, Jeff's gaze remained on the road. But he'd shifted just enough for her to confirm his adorable dimple. The one that made him pretty much irresistible. "That’s the point. You get to meet everyone all at once. It’ll be perfect."

  "Stop bouncing back there, carino." The feet thumping her seat paused. Marisol smiled, knowing it would only be a temporary reprieve. Hector was having all he could do just to contain himself. Jefferson had filled his head with talk of horses and baseball and a nephew close to his age.

  "How much longer, Jeff? Are we close?"

  "Pretty soon. Did you bring your bathing suit, Hec? The pond will be cold, but all the guys have to jump in."

  "Only the boys? Awesome." The thumping started again.

  Mari turned to stare at him. "How cold?"

  Jeff lowered his voice. "Just enough to make you question your sanity. But it’s tradition. Every Traynor male has to jump in the pond on Memorial Day weekend."

  "Freezing to death in a pond is your tradition?"

  "It's— a guy thing. You wouldn't understand." Knowing that statement would annoy her, he couldn't help grinning. "Let's just say that for the entire rest of the year— your manhood is seriously questioned if you don't do it."

  "Ah. That makes perfect sense, then." She shot him a look. "Do the Traynors have any other unusual customs I should know about?"

  Hector piped up from the back. "I brought two suits . . . just in case. And I gots my glove and a bat . . . and three balls. And my Lego set."

  Jeff’s grin widened. "Sounds like you’re all set. You’re gonna like my nephew, Alex. My brother Jake says Alex can’t wait to meet you."

  Checking the rearview mirror, Jeff confirmed Hector was occupied looking out the window. "There are one or two . . . sacred traditions I need to discuss with you privately." His dimple winked at her again. "Later tonight," he promised.

  Surprised when Jeff reached over to take her hand in his, he brought it to his lips, his mouth warm against her skin. And her insides liquefied with pleasure. Each day that passed, Jeff grew more comfortable with her. And she was getting spoiled by his affectionate gestures.

  "Well, now I’m dying of curiosity." Heat crawling through her, Mari squeezed his fingers. "I’m very glad you invited us."

  "Be prepared for an onslaught from the female members of the family. You’re the first woman I’ve ever brought home, so they’ll be ready to pounce on you."

  Rather than nerves, a burst of pleasure made her lightheaded. She probably shouldn’t read too much into Jeff’s confession, but damn, it still felt amazing to hear.

  True to his word, there was a crowd awaiting them thirty minutes later when they pulled up to the farmhouse. Marisol eyed the sprawling front porch. "This place is huge. And no one lives here?"

  Jeff pulled up next to the barn. "Believe me, it still gets a workout. In the summer, we all take turns using it. Then, we’re all here together for the major holidays. You should see it at Christmas. We have a big sled for the horses to pull. And the snow is beautiful."

  "It sounds wonderful."

  "Personally, my favorite time to visit is in the fall. The hiking is incredible and the trees are beautiful." Staring at her over the roof of his truck, his eyes heated, sending shivers down her spine as she read his thoughts. "There’s a great fireplace for when the nights get cold. Lots of quilts to stay warm."

  "Can we come back, Mari? I wanna hike with Jeff." Hector wrapped his arms around Jeff’s neck as he climbed out of his car seat.

  "Of course I’ll take you hiking, Hec. You’re my best bud."

  "I love you, Jeff." When Hector kissed his cheek, Jeff’s stunned expression was completely unguarded. Marisol could feel the weight of his pause before his beautiful eyes lit with pleasure, a huge grin suffusing his face.

  "I love you, too, buddy."

  ***

  Marisol pulled her lawn chair closer to the bonfire. Moments later, Kendall Traynor joined her. Smiling, she watched Kendall's husband Harrison make a fuss over his tiny wife.

  "Do you need a pillow, Kenny? Are you tired? How’s your back?"

  "Harrison— I’m fine. The baby is fine. Marisol is fine . . ." Turning to her, Kendall's distinctive, smoky voice was amused. "Mari— you’re fine, right?"

  Marisol held her smile. "I’m great."

  "So we hear." Kendall rolled her eyes. "Harry, why don’t you go have a beer with Jeff and listen to him tell you how wonderful Marisol is, okay?" Leaning back in her chair, she sighed. "When Jeff gets boring and repetitive, you can bring me a brownie."

  Harry’s serious face transformed with his smile. "Okay. Nothing against your perfection, Marisol . . . but my pregnant wife needing chocolate will be the perfect excuse when Jeff starts gushing."

  "I’m not perfect," Mari protested, heat staining her cheeks. "Jeff is merely being nice."

  Kendall leaned over to pat her knee. "We’re just joshin’ you, Mari." As Harry left them, she called over her shoulder, instructing him to make it a big brownie. "Personally, I think it’s hysterical that a woman has finally brought that man to his knees. I’ve only been in the family a little over a year now, but even I’m enjoying the change in Jeffie."

  Mari could only agree. "He's been wonderful with Hector."

  "I always suspected he had it in him." Tipping her head back, Kendall gazed at the stars. "What do you think of the Traynors? I know when I first came on board, they were a pretty overwhelming bunch."

  "Actually, they remind me of my own family," Mari admitted. The day had been amazing. Boisterous, laughing, loud. Hector had experienced probably the best day of his life. At Jeff's urging, he'd leaped into the pond like a pro. Tonight, after fireworks and the bonfire, Hector would be bunking in with his new best friend Alex and his older sister Megan. Today had been a spectacular day.

  "There are four kids in my family. I have only one brother, thank goodness. And two sisters— which is sometimes problematic, but mostly wonderful." Mari took a deep breath of the sultry, summer night, the scent of charred wood drifting toward them. "None of us are married, so the gatherings aren't quite as big as this one."

  "That probably helps." Kendall stifled a yawn. "Sorry— I’m having trouble staying awake these days."

  "Mari— can you put the marshmallow on my stick?" Hector threw himself across her lap, interrupting their conversation. "Mine keeps fallin’ off."

  "Excuse me, Hector," she reminded as she finessed the marshmallow on his whittled stick.

  "’Scuse me, Miss Ken," Hector parroted back, shifting impatiently while he waited. "Miss Ken?"

  "Yeah, sweetie?"

  "Why does Lurch only have three legs?"

  Kendall smiled. "He was like that when I adopted him from the shelter. He'd been hit by a car."

  Hector's eyes widened. "You adopted Lurch? Didn't you want a dog with all his legs?"

  Leaning forward in her chair, Kendall squeezed his hand. "I knew the moment I saw him that we were meant to be together."

  "Mama? Can we adopt a three-legged dog?"

  Mari smiled as she slid the marshmallow on his stick. "Shouldn't you be askin
g whether we can get any dog?"

  "Please?" His velvety, chocolate eyes pleaded. "Lurch likes graham crackers, too."

  Returning his stick, she smiled. "We'll see how well you do your chores this summer." When he scampered away, she winked at Kendall. "Don’t run with that," Mari called the reminder after him, knowing there was virtually no chance he was listening.

  "Good luck with that." Kendall grinned. "He’s a great kid, Mari. I’ve been watching him all day. So happy and easygoing." She shifted in her chair, trying to get comfortable. "I was an only child. And only one parent, so it took me a while to get comfortable holding my own with all these Traynors running around." She patted her stomach contentedly. "But now, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m so grateful our baby will be born into such a big, rambunctious family."

  "Do you know what you’re having?"

  Kendall leaned over conspiratorially. "We found out last month but we haven’t told anyone yet, because then the baby-naming wars will start early."

  Marisol smiled. "Who causes trouble? Lincoln?"

  "Well— you know the whole presidential thing, right? All Traynor babies are named after a president— even the girls. Jake and Jen swiped Roosevelt and Madison for the twins."

  "I guess that narrows down the name list arguments, right?’ Marisol chuckled. When Jeff had told her of the tradition, it made her smile. She loved how tight-knit they all were. Even Mona and Lincoln. They certainly didn’t act as though they were divorced. She’d noticed them today, heads together, smiling and talking; bantering back and forth as though they were still married. "So, what’s your dilemma?"

  Kendall’s husky voice dropped to a whisper. "Well, I like Truman for a name, but Harry is leaning more towards Carter."

  A boy. An image floated in Mari’s head— a little boy with startling green eyes and a smile that would excuse him from all sorts of trouble. "I'm surprised you wouldn't go with Adams. Wasn’t that your maiden name?"

  Ken’s eyes widened. "Good Lord, I never even thought of that."