Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15)

by Rhonda Laurel

  “Looks like the team is ready.” Ross pointed over to them. “I just wanted to give a quick pep talk to see if I could keep up the momentum.”

  “What about you?” Coach slapped Seth on the back. “You got something to say today? We can’t afford the astronomical speaking fees you must command these days.”

  “My daddy would tan my hide if I did something foolish like charge my old high school for a lecture.” Seth scratched at his beard. “I’m just here to offer a few encouraging words, same as Ross.”

  “Good.” The coach blew his whistle and waved for the team to huddle. “Boys, we are in for a treat today. We have two great alumni with us today. Ross McKinney and Seth Blake.”

  Seth listened attentively as Ross swatted down questions about endorsements and celebrity, citing that everyone on the team was a long way from getting their own line of athletic products and dating supermodels. Once they quieted down, he launched into his summary of the team’s performance. He told them they were good, but now the real challenge was keeping the momentum high while they tunneled through the rest of the season. When he offered some helpful advice to some of the players, they grumbled a little bit and mumbled about the coach’s decisions. Which got Seth to thinking about Riley. Youngsters these days thought they knew everything and didn’t want to be guided. Sure, he’d talked to Riley, but had he really listened? He wasn’t so sure one conversation would be enough to re-program the quarterback’s selfish way of thinking.

  Ross tagged Seth to talk. The same old questions flared up, but he too immediately took control of the crowd and informed them he was there to talk about their winning streak, not his. He told him the most valuable lessons he’d ever learned about football happened on the field they were all standing on, where he learned about respect for the coach and his teammates. He wrapped up his talk by saying that even if it looked easy, there was lot of hard work involved and sacrifices in the pursuit of greatness.

  Coach let the boys out of practice early, but they stuck around anyway. In addition to the upcoming game on Friday, they were excited about the banquet to honor the coach for his thirty-five years with the school. Seth and Ross promised to attend and asked if they could visit more and help out with the team. By the time Seth and Ross got back on the road, Seth was feeling good. Talking to young men who had big dreams and that hungry look in their eye for the game was just what he needed to clear his head. He was hopeful that he’d made a difference. And it also reinforced the feeling that his work with Riley wasn’t done yet.

  Ross laughed. “Earth to Seth?”

  “Sorry.” He shook his head. “I zoned out for a minute there.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “I wonder if someone had gotten to Riley around that age, maybe his ego wouldn’t be so out of control.”

  “Perhaps,” Ross replied. “If you’re going to keep working with him, you might as well work for the Tomcats.”

  “If I help Riley, I will be helping the Tomcats, and right now that’s all I have to give.”

  “If that’s all you can give, we’re collectively grateful for the help. But who knows? Maybe you’ll change your mind.”

  Seth smiled. “Yeah. Who knows?”

  * * *

  Jake’s debut was today and two days later they were scheduled to leave for Philadelphia for Grandma Reed’s party, so Morgan and Seth agreed to divide up the various errands for both events. Normally that would have been fine, but she’d barely been able to get out of the bed today. She didn’t respond to their alarm clock, so he got up and helped the kids get ready. When he came back after giving Mackenzie her bath and saw she was still asleep, he gently nudged her.

  When he asked her how she felt, she didn’t answer because Connor entered the room asking about a blue shirt he’d wanted to wear. She got out of bed and scurried to his room to help him, then returned like a fireball to their bedroom, getting ready herself. He could tell she was putting on the hectic show for him. Once they were downstairs eating breakfast, she tended to the kids and snacked on some fruit, all the while avoiding his concerned stare. The kids ate and were ready to go.

  He looked at her. “Babe, I think I’m going to do all the errands myself. I think you should get some rest after you call Dr. Fulton.”

  “It’s silly for you to do all of that by yourself. I can help. I just need an energy drink or something,” she said as she put snacks into the boys’ lunch boxes. “Maybe I just need some Vitamin C—or is it B that gives you a shot of energy?”

  “Right now it looks like you need the whole alphabet,” he said in a low voice so only she could hear.

  She shot him a dirty look. “Don’t start.”

  “OK, I’ll finish. Call Dr. Fulton.”

  Morgan maneuvered around him and handed the boys their lunch. This wasn’t going well. He took a deep breath. “How about I do three quarters of the list? You can do everything closer to home.”

  She gave him a grumpy look but then relaxed. “Thanks. I would appreciate that.”

  “Good.” Seth nodded. “Let’s hit the road, boys.”

  “OK, little girl, let’s get you cleaned up so I can drop you off at Grandma’s.” Morgan unbuckled Mackenzie from her high chair to pick her up, and Mackenzie almost slipped out of her hands. It scared the daylights out of both of them, but the little girl simply slumped back down in the high chair.

  Seth could see the look of terror on Morgan’s face as she stood there, unable to say a word. He went over and picked their daughter up and hustled the kids out of the door. After he dropped them off, he had to pick up Grandma Reed’s birthday present, an engraved crystal vase that had the names of every member of the family on it. But his mind remained fixed on what had happened that morning.

  He couldn’t put it off any longer. He had to put his foot down and insist she go to the doctor. In fact, he’d run all his errands at breakneck speed so they’d have time to talk before Jake’s play.

  “Morgan!” he called as he entered the house. There were some quiet moments in the house, but now the silence was downright eerie. He checked the living room, dining room, and kitchen. He climbed the steps and checked the bedrooms. Still no sign of her.

  “Morgan!” He sped down the stairs in a panic. Her car was parked out front. He checked the garage, which was empty. Finally, he opened the door to the veranda to see if she was tootling around in the garden. He descended the stairs and scanned the huge yard. The next place to check would be the guesthouse. That’s when he saw the hammock swinging. He hurried over to find her laying peacefully with the shawl he’d bought her wrapped around her and her gardening hat covering her face. He removed it. She was sound asleep, but he couldn’t help notice the tear stains on her cheek. He caressed her face and kissed her on the cheek. She stirred and her eyes fluttered open.

  “Mind if I join you?” he asked softly.

  “I’d love that.”

  They shifted around for a few minutes until they found the perfect resting position.

  “I damn near tore this house apart when I came home. I couldn’t find you and it scared the hell out of me.”

  “Sorry. Guess I’ve been doing that a lot lately.”

  He chuckled. “Are you kidding me? Worrying about you is my favorite past time.”

  “When I opened my eyes and saw you looking at me, it reminded me of seeing you sitting in that chair when I woke up in the infirmary on that island.”

  “Oh. Our first date.” He grinned.

  “Your first date. I was still on the fence about you.” She giggled.

  “Then I moved you into my bungalow. You pretended to be all pissed off, but I knew you were attracted to me.”

  “I was for all the obvious reasons. But it was your kindness and concern for me that won me over. You were a relative stranger, and I trusted you. I knew I was in good hands.”

  “I think about the day we met a lot. It is one of the happiest days of my life. Right behind the birth of our kids and both our we
ddings.”

  Morgan propped her chin on his chest. “Seth, I almost dropped our baby today.”

  “Almost. But you didn’t.”

  “I picked her up and suddenly my arms felt so weak. I don’t know what I would have done if she’d been hurt.”

  “She wasn’t.” He cleared his throat. “But it’s time we get you to the doctor.”

  “I talked to Dr. Fulton after you left with the kids. I told him about the symptoms I’d been having for weeks, and after he yelled at me for ten minutes, we both agreed I should come in for a full test work up.”

  “Great.” He let out a sigh of relief. “I know it’s scary, but it’s better to know what’s got you so fatigued and achy. The sooner we know what we’re dealing with, the sooner we can get you better.”

  She propped herself up on one elbow. “He said I could come in for the tests tomorrow, but I’m scheduling the consultation for after we return from my grandmother’s party in Philadelphia.”

  “No. I think this needs to be addressed right now.”

  “And I think whatever Dr. Fulton has to tell us can keep until I say happy birthday to my grandma.”

  “You know, the family would totally understand if we couldn’t make it. We could do something special for Grandmother Reed to make up for our absence.”

  “That’s not the point.” She sniffed. “My whole family will be together for the first time since forever. Nobody’s avoiding each other, and most of us are getting along. Hell, even Trevor is coming. This is a benchmark moment for the Reed family, and I want to be there.”

  “I know this is important to you. I was looking forward to it too. But you possibly collapsing at your grandmother’s party would definitely dampen the mood.”

  “That won’t happen. I promise I will rest from the time we arrive to an hour before the party.”

  “You say that now. But when we land, it’s going to be another story. I know this is important to you, but you’re important to me too.”

  “I want to go and have a good time without this looming over us. Please. I don’t want to fight with you over this.”

  He looked into her eyes. She’d be devastated if she couldn’t attend the party, but he was more concerned about her health. The feud between her and Charisma had been the reason they hadn’t attended some family functions in the past. Now they were trying to build a new relationship and everyone was happy about that. That look melted his heart every time. She really wanted this time with her family.

  “OK.” He kissed her. “I don’t want any complaints about me keeping a close eye on you.”

  “I won’t say a word. However…” She cleared her throat. “Let’s keep this between the two of us. I don’t want to hit any panic buttons among the family, especially when it might be nothing.”

  “I guess we can keep things under wraps for a few more days.” He caressed her cheek.

  The alarm on Morgan’s cell phone sounded. That meant it was time to get to the school to help Jake.

  She sighed. “We have exactly two hours to get ready and get to the school.”

  Seth helped her out of the hammock and guided toward the house. He was proud of her for taking the first step. But it scared him more, not knowing what was wrong with her.

  * * *

  By the time they reached the school, it was a half hour until show time. Everyone in the family had arrived and had taken over the front row. Seth watched as Jake squirmed while Morgan adjusted his sheriff’s costume. Tonight was his big debut, and the entire family had come out to support him. John Jacob was walking the aisles with his video camera to capture every moment, while Teri-Lyn took photos of the family.

  Seth ascended the stage to help quell the nerves of mother and son. “You look sharp, Jake.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Morgan was still fiddling with the costume. “I just need to fix this collar and make sure his vest doesn’t bunch.”

  “He looks fine.” Seth gently pulled her hand away. “The wrinkle gives him a hint of badass.”

  Morgan swatted at his arm. “Language, Mr. Blake.”

  He winked at Jake. “Just remember during the jail scene when you put the prisoners behind bars, just think of them as being Connor and Colby.”

  Morgan gave him an incredulous look, then said. “Actually, your dad’s right.”

  “It’s show time in five minutes. We have to take our seats.” Seth bent down so he was eye-level with his son. “Buddy, I bet you could say these lines in your sleep. You got this. If you get nervous, just look out in the audience for me and your mom. We’ll be in the front row.”

  “OK, Dad. Thanks.” Jake gave him a hug.

  “My baby’s first play.” Morgan sniffed and squeezed him too.

  Seth took her hand and guided her to their seat. Mackenzie crawled over Cassidy and Channing to take her place on Seth’s lap. Mackenzie grabbed Morgan’s hand, but she seemed to be too entranced to notice.

  “Wouldn’t it be something if Jake became an actor?” Seth leaned over and joked. “When he’s not playing football of course.”

  “Uh huh.” Morgan stared at the stage as if the performance had already started.

  “Or maybe he’ll go into law enforcement. I can see him getting into shootouts, two, three times a week.”

  “Probably,” she mumbled.

  “Hey.” Seth gently nudged her. “What’s going on?”

  “I was just thinking about my first school play.”

  “Oh yeah. What were you?”

  “Pumpkin number three. I had one line.”

  “I bet you looked awfully cute.”

  “You know it.” She chuckled. “When the main pumpkin asked if autumn had arrived, my line was, ‘the leaves are falling!’ I rehearsed that line for weeks and I tried on the costume every night before I went to sleep. My mom had to fix the rips on it about four times before she forbade me to wear it again before the play. A few days later, she got sick and was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. My dad said not to worry, that she’d be out in time for my big day. She said she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Things went on as usual in our house, but now I knew that things weren’t normal. The looks on my brothers’ faces…at the time I didn’t know what worry was, not that kind. But I kept believing she’d come home before my play. It was the day before the play and my grandma was babysitting me at our house. I wanted to show her how cute I looked in my costume, so I tried it on quick so I could take it off in case my mom came home from the hospital and caught me wearing it. My dad came home and told me he needed to talk to me. I thought it was because I’d tried on the costume again and he was going to chastise me for it. But he sat me down and told me my mom had passed away and she wasn’t coming home again. I think I cried for two days straight. I didn’t understand why she would go to the doctor and then couldn’t come home ever. It just didn’t compute for me. I was just about Jake’s age.”

  Seth opened his mouth to respond, but the lights dimmed, then the curtain opened and the play started. The apprehensiveness about going to the doctor now made sense. She was Jake’s age when her world unraveled and she lost her mom. They’d talked about the raw grief she still felt because of her mother being ripped away from her at such a young age. What started as a simple respiratory illness had rapidly turned into pneumonia and her mother had become too weak to fight it. She’d faired a little better as an adult when her father had his heart attack years ago, but it had brought back memories of her mom’s abrupt departure.

  He wiped away the single tear that had fallen onto her cheek. He wanted to hold her and let her bawl like a baby right there in the auditorium. But she remained focused on Jake and the play. Instead he laced his fingers with hers and tried to concentrate on the show.

  Mackenzie yelled out Jake’s name every time he went on stage, but the audience didn’t mind. He waved to her and she settled down, content that her brother had finally showed her some attention. Jake said his lines perfectly. Whatever Avery ta
ught him must have worked. By the end of the play, he looked very relaxed and even managed a smile when he took his bow for the audience.

  Afterward the family went to Jake’s favorite restaurant that served burgers and his favorite, brownie sundaes. They were having such a good time he didn’t rehash the conversation they’d had before the curtain rose. Still, it gnawed at him while he ate his meal. Finally, when they were back home and the kids were tucked in, he pulled his wife close as she crawled into bed.

  “Our kid did good today,” he said.

  “Yes, he did. He’s a natural born ham like his father.” She giggled. “He has your confidence. Did you see the way he helped his classmate Steven when he fell on stage?”

  “That’s our boy. Always thinking of others. He gets that from you.” He kissed her on the forehead.

  “Seth.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m scared Dr. Fulton is going to tell me something I don’t want to hear.”

  He didn’t want to think about that. A part of him was scared too that something beyond his control could take her away from him and the kids.

  “I promise, no matter what the doctor says, you’re going to see plenty of plays and birthday parties and soccer practices. We’re going to dance at their weddings and spoil our grandchildren.”

  “You can’t promise that.”

  “Yes, I can.” He pulled her closer. “Morgan?”

  “Yes.”

  “History is not repeating itself.”

  But Morgan only laid her head on his chest and didn’t say anything.

  Seth continued. “Whatever it is, we’re going to get through this together.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Sydney and Curtis were waiting for them at the Ashcroft when they arrived in Philadelphia. The kids were excited to see their other grandma and grandpa. Sydney had gone ahead and prepared the penthouse for them, so they settled in as soon as they set their bags down. Morgan looked around. They had a spacious home on the ranch, but she missed this place. As soon as Jake, Connor, and Colby said their hellos to their grandparents, they bolted to their rooms.