FALSE START (Gods of the Gridiron Book 2)

by Shanna Swenson

  Madi’s knees were knocking before Brett ever made it up to the box, long after the game was over. She had been watching them practice following the game and saw it would be a while. She decided to read a book from the Kindle app on her phone; it was an interesting read, but the nervousness began to take over. She gave it up after reading the same paragraph three times without comprehending the words and just looked out over the field, trying to calm her breathing.

  She tried to reason with the fact that Brett loved her and would be happy about this baby, though she couldn’t, for the life of her, settle her pounding heart. She rubbed her belly where their baby nestled—probably smaller than the tiniest fish she’d ever seen—but the fact that he was there made her heart soar with love, awe, and happiness.

  She heard her God of the Gridiron’s heavy footfalls before his deep voice called in a huff, “Damn, sorry, Sunflower. Coach was wanting to run drills and talk and all kinds of shit. I got out of there as fast as I could.”

  He stopped when she didn’t turn to look at him; tears were flooding her eyes at the thoughts of confessing this secret to him.

  “Madi, baby—please talk to me. This has been the longest four hours of my entire life, love.” He knelt down in front of her, resting a hand on her knee.

  “It has been for me, too.” She never kept secrets from him; not telling him when she and Hunter were trying to get pregnant was one of the hardest things she’d ever done.

  “Ok, I’m here. Let’s talk. Tell me everything. I want to know. Did I do something?”

  She held back a laugh and nodded.

  “Oh, crap. What did I do, baby? Did I hurt you?” The anguish in his eyes tore through her, and she shook her head, not wanting him to think he’d hurt her; no, he’d given her the best gift of all. “Did I upset you?” Again, Madi shook her head. “Oookkkayy. Ummm…” He frowned. “Perhaps, I should go first.”

  Madi was the one frowning this time.

  “You said we should talk and you’re right. I haven’t been completely honest about something. It’s been weighing on me, and the only reason I haven’t told you is because there just hasn’t been…well, the right time never…”

  Madi gulped, anxiety filling her heart. What was he about to say?

  “It’s about Hunter.”

  Madi shook her head. No, right now wasn’t the right time to talk about Hunter. She wanted to talk about her and Brett, their future, their baby. Hunt was gone. He’d died six months ago.

  “Madi, I spoke with him on his death bed.”

  And suddenly Madi’s mind was whirling, her memory reaching painfully back to that awful day. The day that blurred between a veil of nightmare and reality. There was so much about that day that she didn’t know, hadn’t asked because she didn’t need or want the gory details. All she’d known was her husband had passed away as a result of a deadly car crash, and her life had turned completely upside down. She flashed back to running into the hospital, where she’d met Brett in the ER and fallen to her knees as he told her Hunt was gone. Of course the only way he could’ve known that was if he…

  “I’m gonna be sick,” Madi whispered even as she pushed Brett’s hand away and moved to stand.

  She ran to the ladies’ room just feet away and barely made it to the toilet as her stomach emptied its remnants for the third time that day. Her head pounded along with her heart as her head hung there in the commode for several minutes. She hadn’t heard Brett enter behind her but took the paper towel he offered, placing it against her forehead.

  “Baby, I’m so sorry. I—”

  “What did he say?” she whispered again, tears clouding her vision.

  “That he was sorry, that he loved you…” Brett bowed his head then squatted down, taking her hand. “He made me promise to take care of you. Although that was something I didn’t even need to promise. I would’ve done so, no matter what. You know that!”

  Madi gulped. She needed to know more and waited for him to continue.

  “He begged me to keep you from finding out about the affair—as if I had any damn control about that… He regretted it, said it was the biggest regret of his life, that you were the perfect wife.” Brett paused, overcome with emotion as tears fell down his cheeks. “He said, ‘This is your second chance.’” Brett covered his face with his hands. “Like I even deserve a damn second chance. It only took losing my best friend for that to happen.” He sobbed, and it broke Madi’s heart in two as she turned and pulled him to her frame, cradling his head to her shoulder. “I don’t know how he knew about my love for you, but he did. I never told him, I never told a soul. He said it was supposed to be me with you. Is that supposed to make it all better? Because it doesn’t. It doesn’t matter. If I would’ve done what I was supposed to do to begin with, it would have been me. Don’t you see how bittersweet this victory is for me?”

  “Shhh,” she murmured even as the sting of his words sizzled her heart. “I know, Brett. I know. It’s ok though. You have to let it go now. It’s the past. We only have the future.”

  He pulled his head from her shoulder and wiped his eyes, giving her a weak grin. “You always were the strongest one of us.”

  Madi shrugged, getting a laugh out of Brett. “Hera, right?” She arched her brows.

  Brett bowed his head again. There was more. “He told me to give you children.” He looked up at her, his green eyes full of regret, sorrow, and hope all at once. “He said you wanted a boy.”

  Madi felt her heart rip in to pieces. She’d never told anyone but Hunter that tidbit of knowledge. She wept then, herself. She cried for Hunter, for the life lost, the good soul he’d been despite his many flaws, a past that had damaged yet renewed her, for the pain that six months hadn’t fully healed. She cried until her tears were spent, wetting Brett’s shirt as she had so many times before. But finally, she pulled back as her lover stroked her hair and back and cupped her cheek, wiping her tears away. He was so good at that, after all.

  “You’re always wiping away my tears, Brett.”

  “And I always will, Madison. You’re the love of my life, my sweet Sunflower. I’ll never miss another chance to tell you so. I want to be with you always.”

  Madi gave him a bright smile, her heart overflowing with joy.

  “Well, you’ve fulfilled all of Hunter’s requests, it would seem,” she stated and a grin teased at the corner of her mouth.

  Brett stared dumbfounded back into her eyes, brows furrowed, truly perplexed. Then realization hit him hard, and he looked down at her abdomen, his fist coming to his mouth in shock. “Madi, you—you’re…” he was speechless, and she giggled and nodded.

  “Yes, my love. You and I are going to have a baby.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Brett smiled as he looked down at the gravestone. He took the vase of flowers he’d brought today, a dozen sunflowers, and set it on the base of the headstone, alongside the others there. It had taken months for him to be able to look at the name chiseled into the stone and not feel his heart tear into pieces. Today, was different, it felt different because it was the next chapter in the book of Brett’s life. He’d been coming every morning on his way to the complex for the last several weeks, simply to talk to his best friend, fill him in on the goings-on of his life, give him the latest news. Not like Hunt probably couldn’t see it for himself, but it made Brett feel more at peace so there he was.

  “Tonight’s the night, Hermes,” he said and sat down atop the grave, leaning in to rub the headstone, his usual spot that made him feel more connected to Hunter. “I’m hoping she’ll say yes, but I’m not certain. Maybe you could sprinkle some magic, kinda like Cupid. Wasn’t he a son of Hermes or something? I can’t remember. God, I’m nervous, can you tell?”

  Brett laughed and imagined Hunt was getting a kick out of it, himself.

  “Yeah, I still can’t believe she’s gonna have my baby, man. It seems so surreal. We’ve already picked which room will be the nursery, and she’s got me tryin’ t
o come up with a good solid name for this little tyke. You know he’s gonna be a looker for sure with how gorgeous his momma is.”

  Brett had begun to call the baby a boy for some reason unknown to him, he couldn’t stop himself. “I figure he’ll be either a QB or receiver, either works for me. If he comes out looking like Pax, I’m gonna worry.” Brett laughed and felt his emotions rising. “Look, I know you’ve already given me some signs but tonight, I could really use one again to know you’re ok with all this. I know what you said, but…” Brett trailed off, he knew he was being silly, but it still made him feel unworthy to have all this joy while a once healthy, lively man like Hunt lay six feet under him.

  “Hunter, son, you gotta stop runnin’ off,” Brett heard a gruff voice say behind him and turned.

  His heart hammered in his chest, and he couldn’t fight the smile that came to his lips at the cute little boy standing there, his curly brown hair ruffled by the wind. Once again, he was clad in a Gladiators jersey.

  “Mr. McFadden, I sincerely apologize. He tends to wander.” The man Brett assumed to be the boy’s father strode up and gripped the little guy’s shoulder even as the kid gaped at Brett, his big brown eyes staring into his.

  “It’s no problem at all,” Brett stated with a laugh and pointed to his jersey. “You watchin’ the game tonight, kiddo?”

  “Oh, he doesn’t miss a Gladiators game for anything in the world. Isn’t that right, buddy?” The father stated; he favored the boy, save his hair was thin and straight.

  “Did you keep him?” the boy asked, and Brett frowned, not understanding what he was asking him. “The tortoise, did you keep him?”

  Brett grinned and looked down for a moment before looking back up at the boy. “I did. He’s enjoying his new home on my farm. I named him Hermes.” Brett patted Hunt’s gravestone as he replied, thinking the boy probably looked a lot like Hunter would’ve as a kid.

  “We’re real sorry for your loss, Mr. McFadden.”

  Brett gulped and thanked him for his kind words.

  “We’re rooting for y’all tonight.” The man looked down to his son then. “Tell him, say, ‘Go Gladiators.’”

  The boy mimicked his father, and the man took the boy’s hand, turning to give Brett the privacy they’d interrupted.

  “Hey, what’s your name, kiddo?” Brett asked, even though he’d heard the kid’s father say it already.

  The little boy turned and grinned big. “Hunter Xavier Martinez.”

  “Thanks, Hunter.” This kid had done more for Brett than he’d ever know. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to want an autograph by any chance, would ya?”

  The boy’s eyes got as big as saucers; he nodded vigorously as he smiled back at Brett.

  Alright, Hunt—I hear ya, buddy. I’m going for the green, man. I promise I’ll make you proud.

  Brett was pumped but nervous as he took the field that night listening to the crowd chant, “Gods of the Gridiron,” and grinned knowingly. He waved over to Madi on the sidelines, who smiled. She looked radiant in a crimson dress that accentuated her perfect curves; pregnancy became her.

  This was the night he and his team had prepared for, their season opener against New Orleans, the first home game. The strong start to an epic season, and he was ready to own his title as Zeus, the King of the Gods, as his thunderbolt-throwing skills had been on point all week. Hades was bringing Hell with him, along with Ares, their ram of a running back. On their defense, LB Poseidon, who seemed fully ready to “release the Kraken” and corner, Lazarus, who’d been brought back to life for the sole purpose of tackling receivers, it would appear.

  He huddled the eleven offensive players together, gave them a little pep talk, and told them the play before their arms went into the pile. They all yelled, “G.O.G” and moved to their respective positions.

  The first play Brett called was a running play. He dropped back, faked a throw, and tossed the ball to Travis, who ran for thirty yards. It was that strong start he’d wanted, and they went right into the no-huddle offense they’d been practicing. His next play was also a run but a hand-off going in the opposite direction, where Brett blocked, for yet another big run, twenty-yards. The next play, Zeus was feeling good about—until he eyed the change in the defense. He could read the blitz coming and called a different play, shouting over to his receivers, “Draco 80. Hut. Draco 80. Hut hut.”

  He could see the furious eyes burning into his own through the masks of the defense as they came at him, shoving at his offensive line, but he knew they’d hold ‘em back. His center, Robicheaux, was named Cyclops as much for his keen vision as for his strong stature.

  Brett turned and faked the ball to Travis. He dropped back as Ares passed by, taking his time in the pocket and looking for Hades. The fast bastard was already in line as Zeus threw up his thunderbolt. He saw the white and gold jersey coming at him and braced himself for the impact as he went down. Brett then shuffled away from the defender to see if his target had met its intended mark. He hopped up off the turf, watching as Hades centered his body and jumped for the ball. Quil caught it and came down, teetering. C’mon, stay up, stay up! Sure enough, Quillan was still on his feet and running… past the ten, the five…into the end zone.

  “TOUCHDOWN!” Brett cried and turned to TJ, who embraced him. He slammed his hand down on TJ’s helmet in glee as big OT TJ lifted his QB.

  In three plays, they were already on the board! It was an awesome feeling.

  Their streak continued through the first half and into the second where they led by three scores. The Gods of the Gridiron were on fire; no one could stop them from scoring and their defense was holding the opposing team’s offense to field goals. It was a record for the Gladiators against the Saints. But as the time wound down closer to halftime, Brett grew anxious, for this was the big moment he’d planned. Madi might hate it, but he didn’t care—it was time for the world to know how he felt about Madison Hope Taylor Thomas.

  He’d asked Jerry’s permission for her hand just last week, and Jerry had teared up and said, “It’s about damn time, son.”

  That was all the encouragement he’d needed. He’d had the ring for two weeks now and it was perfect—a sparkling 2.5 karat yellow diamond, symbolizing his sweet Sunflower.

  As he came to the podium where Jerry and Madi stood, he looked into her eyes. God, he was so in love with her. Her honey-gold locks framed her oval face, her Caribbean blue-green eyes sparkled beneath smoky eyeshadow, and her lips were a perfect coral color. He gave her a smile and stood stoic, puffing his chest out, the proud god that he was.

  “I come to you tonight—fans, Atlanta, America—as a humble servant. Six months ago, we lost a family member. Most of you who know me, know that me and this beautiful lady here,” Brett motioned to Madi, “go way back in time. We met as children not far from this stadium, on the very practice field I work on most days of the week. She was a girl that could actually throw a football.” His brow went up, showing his pride. “I know, right? What’s not to love about that?” The crowd laughed along with him, and he waited for them to quiet down before he continued. “We obviously became great friends after that. Our fathers worked together for an entire decade and a half before my father retired early. Madi and I went to UGA together, where we met Hunter and the rest is history…or is it?” He looked back at Madi and grinned. “I never dreamed I’d fall in love with my best friend.” Ok, he was overdramatizing the truth a little for the crowd, but he had Madi’s reputation on the line here. “But as I live and breathe—and stand before you here today—that’s exactly what happened.” He saw Madi’s face blush as she looked around as if to say, “Brett, what the hell are you doing?”

  He continued, “Madison Hope Thomas, I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. You make me feel at peace, at home, like life can’t get any sweeter. And we both know how short it can really be. I love everything about you. Your laugh, your smile, the way you care for other people, the way you sing in the car, ev
en the fact that you’re technically my boss.” Another laugh came through the crowd. And Brett grinned and shrugged. “But baby, I love that you’re my best friend, and I want so much for you to be mine forever. So, I’ll ask you in front of all these people: fans, players, our families and friends.” He moved away from the podium then, took the ring from his soon-to-be father in law, and dropped to one knee. He looked up at Madi, who’d covered her mouth with her hands, tears running from her gorgeous eyes. “Will you make all my dreams come true? Will you marry me?”

  Madi nodded and uncovered her face. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He bolted upright and pulled her against his padded frame. He kissed her like it was fourth and goal and the kiss would be the final way to score, like his damn life depended on it. Her arms wrapped around his neck and she kissed him back, cupping his face in her hands and beaming from ear to ear.

  “I love you, my Sunflower. I love you forever and always.”

  “Always and forever, Cap.” She kissed him again before pulling back as he took the ring from its box to place on her ring finger; she’d long ago put her wedding band on a chain around her neck. She looked down at the sparkling diamond and smiled.

  “You’re my Sunflower, baby—my hope, my happiness, my joy. Never forget that.”

  She pulled him back to her for another scorching kiss, then teased as she said. “Alright, fiancé—now go and win this ball game. That’s an order, from your boss.” She planted her hands on her hips with a smirk.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He saluted her and got one more kiss before he turned and left the podium.

  “That’s gorgeous, Madi,” Sky murmured and eyed the ring on her finger as Madi returned to the luxury box. “But I’m so glad it was you who got the public service announcement instead of me.” Sky held her chest in relief. “I threatened to snip Trav’s balls off if he did that.”

  So, that was why Trav had proposed at her house instead of on the field as he’d originally planned to do.