First Down (First and Ten #1) (27 page)

He held her tightly and placed a kiss on her head.

Lifting her head, she beamed. “I’m happy to be back home.”

“There are a lot of people who want to see you. Chris and Rachel have invited Birdie and Mark over for dinner tonight, and then Birdie is having a get-together tomorrow night with your book club friends. She told me that she wanted you to spend the night, and then everyone could go to the game together.”

They walked to the baggage carousel and held hands as they waited for her bag. “Tell me your schedule for the next couple of days,” Ana said.

“We’re going to the hotel, and you can show me what you were talking about earlier.” He glanced down, noticing that her face had gotten red and she was staring at her shoes. He leaned over and looked into her face. “Did you change your mind?”

“No. But don’t talk about it in public.” She turned into him and leaned her head against his chest. Mumbling, she said, “I’m embarrassed now.”

He lifted her head gently with his hand and smiled. “Then I guess I get to go first. I have some new ideas for our list.”

She smiled and squeezed him. “I missed you.”

He gave her a small kiss and then whispered, “I missed you more.”

Her big red suitcase came around, and he picked it up. “Did you pack rocks in here?”

“No, I have some presents for my godchild.”

He led her out of the airport toward the parking lot, pulled his hat down, and put on his sunglasses. “When is the baby due?”

“The baby is due in June, and I hope they decided to find out the gender soon. Mark swears it’s a girl, and Birdie thinks it’s a boy.”

He gave the valet his ticket, and they stood in the warm California sunshine and waited for the car to be pulled up. “How many kids do you want to have, Ana?”

She glanced up and couldn’t read his face very well because of his hat and glasses. He sounded relaxed, like he was asking what she wanted to eat. “I’ve always considered four a good number. I was one of three, and there is always one who feels left out.” She heard him exhale and watched a smile cross his face.

“Thank God. I was worried that I would have to talk you into more kids. I like the idea of four kids, as well.”

The valet drove up in the big rental SUV that Jack had gotten, and he helped her in.

He put her suitcase in the back, and then he jumped in. “We have a couple of hours before we have to be at Chris and Rachel’s, so let’s make good use of our time.” He pulled out and made his way out of the airport. He noticed that she was staring out the window, and he wondered what was bothering her. “Are you okay?”

“We’re not having any babies for a few of years. I hope that you’re not going to pressure me.”

He took her hand and squeezed it. “I’m not trying to rush you. I just wanted to know how many you wanted. It’s ultimately up to you, and I understand that.”

“I hope so. We can start trying when we’re twenty-nine. That way our first will be here when we turn thirty. I still have a lot to accomplish with my career, and so do you. Plus, we need time to get to know one another and also see if we can go on a real date without something happening.”

“I have a date planned for Monday, and it’s going to blow your mind. This will change our luck around and give us a good start on our dating life.”

Shrugging, she looked out the window and sighed. “I hope so, Jack. I’d hate to think that we’re doomed for disasters.”

“No more of that. We’ve gotten that all out of the way.” He heard her gasp and cover her mouth as they got on the freeway.

“That’s your billboard, Jack.” She gazed up at the life-size image of her boyfriend in his skivvies, and she started laughing. “My goodness, you’re impressive up there. I can’t believe that I get to sleep with you for the rest of my life. There’s going to be a lot of women who are jealous of me.” She noticed that he was frowning and his shoulders were hunched. “It’s the one of you lying in the water in the white trunks. That’s one of my favorites.”

He kept his eyes on the road and shook his head. “I can’t look. It’s embarrassing, and it makes me feel uncomfortable.”

“Then why did you do it?”

“Because I wanted to fund your research, and I didn’t know what it would feel like when I saw the real thing.”

She patted his leg. “You’re a good man, Jack Ellis. Not only are you a part of some important research, you’re going to make a lot of women’s day. They get to look at you in all of your glory and have a smile as they drive down the freeway.”

He pulled his hat down and focused on the traffic as they moved onto the bridge to Coronado. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“All right. Take me to the hotel, and I will strip you out of you boxers, and we can talk about something else.”

“I’m going commando. I didn’t want to waste any time when we got to the room.”

Laughing, she noticed his smile had returned. “I hope I get a kiss or two before you pounce on me.”

“There will be lots of kissing, touching, and licking. Don’t you worry, Ana.”

“Be careful what you ask for.”

“Truer words were never said.” He tightened his hold on her hand as they drove onto the island. As far as he was concerned, they couldn’t get to the hotel fast enough.

********

They walked slowly out of their room to the path that faced the beach. “Was it too much, Ana?”

Smiling lazily out at the ocean, she patted his arm. “That was inspired, and I think it should go on the permanent list. You have to tell me what set you off, because I want to be able to do it again.”

“You set me off.” He led her over to a bench that lined the sidewalk, and they sat together. “I feel like it’s a new beginning for us and that you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you. When you told me that we could start trying for a baby in a couple of years, it made it seem like it’s really going to happen between us.” He noticed that she was silent for longer than felt comfortable, so he leaned down and looked into her face. “Why the tears?”

She swiped at her face and leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m happy, that’s all.”

Kissing her head, he studied the ocean and felt a wave of relief.  If she was happy, then he was happy. “We have time for a drink before we have to leave. Let’s go have a date in the bar.”

“Sounds good to me.”

********

Jack drove up to Chris and Rachel’s house and parked in the driveway. Ana was practically vibrating next to him, because she was so excited to see her cousin. “Chris and Rachel got home two days ago from their vacation, and he said that they have a big announcement.”

“I bet they got engaged.” She opened her door, got out of the car, and saw Birdie and Mark drive up.

Mark had barely stopped the car before Birdie opened the door and flew out of the car.

They ran toward one another, and both let out a loud shriek.

Mark looked at his wife and her cousin and watched them hug and dance around one another. His usual serious expression gave way to a smile. Nothing made him happier than watching his wife’s happiness. He opened the back of the truck, pulling out the cake container and a vase of flowers. Birdie never liked to show up at anyone’s house empty-handed and had decided to add dessert to her usual offering. He walked up to Jack and nodded. “Welcome back to San Diego. You’ve made my wife very happy by bringing her cousin home for the holidays.”

“Thanks, man. I’m glad it worked out. We’re going up to Los Angeles on Tuesday, so I can meet her parents. Any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.”

“Her parents are easy-going, and I don’t think you’re going to have any problems. The brothers may give you a run for your money, but that’s to be expected. As long as your intentions are sincere, then I think it will all work out.”

“My intentions are as serious as they can be.” He watched the front door open, and saw his brother walk out on the porch. “We made it.”

Chris called to Rachel, and then waited for her to join him. They held hands and walked down the steps. “Everyone come in, because the party’s inside.”

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.”