Off Season (The Blake Boys Book 15) (8 page)

Seth nodded. “I saw Logan when I went to the stadium. I invited him to our poker game. He and T.K. still aren’t getting along. It’s a shame. I think if they had a better relationship, they could get a grip on the team. It’s clear there’s a disconnect somewhere between the field and the executive office.”

J.J. looked him in the eye. “Too bad you’re not interested in working for the Tomcats. You have an analytical mind like no one I’ve ever seen. You could remedy a lot of their problems.”

“Well, I have new things to keep me occupied, like this little lady.” Seth assisted Mackenzie, who was now putting barrettes in her own hair.

“When the time is right, you’ll dive into something. You can do anything you put your mind to, including rocking that tiara.”

Seth let out a hearty laugh. “Look at the two of us. Sitting in an accessory shop sporting fancy hair gear. We’ve had our picture taken at least five times, and they’re probably being plastered across social media as we speak.”

J.J. smiled. “Probably. The things we do for our kids.”

They left the store with eight bags. Seth prayed Morgan wouldn’t kill him. J.J. wanted to stop by the office to pick up some files before he went home. At Blake Enterprises, Mackenzie was immediately the center of attention. Bo and Channing ended a meeting early just to play with her, while Anna Beth scooted down to the cafeteria to get her some applesauce.

With his daughter occupied, Seth perused the executive offices. This section of the floor was pretty quiet, mainly because it was where the offices of the missing Blake sons were housed. Jared’s office was there as well, but he was in Philadelphia. Just like Tyler and Tate, each of John Jacob’s sons had an office that served as a blanket invitation to join the family fold in any capacity they wished. The view of the city was breathtaking. Now he understood why Channing said he’d got lost in thoughts when he gazed out at the hustle and bustle below.

He called Morgan to see how she was feeling, but her phone went to voicemail. She didn’t say she’d be busy, but she was always up to something around the house. He waited a few minutes and called again. She still didn’t answer. It wasn’t like her not to pick up the phone.

Seth scrolled his contacts until he found the number for his parents. “Hey, Mama. Can you do me a favor and check on Morgan?”

* * *

A day of shopping was just what Morgan needed to get her bearings. Seth was off on an adventure with Mackenzie and the boys were in school. The conference call with Michelle about the plans for the new bookstore had wrapped up pretty quickly this morning, and she’d felt like getting some fresh air. It had been ages since she’d shopped in the middle of the day.

Connor and Colby had experienced another growth spurt and it was time get them some bigger outfits. She loved her boys, but it was more peaceful shopping without them. She’d picked up a few essentials for everyone, though her greatest find was a dress for Mackenzie that would be perfect for Bo and Summer’s wedding. She thought Mackenzie was a bit young to be a flower girl, but the couple insisted she’d be fine. She was pretty sure Seth would be carrying her down the aisle, helping her with flower girl duties.

She hit the button for the trunk and began unloading the car. She heard the whir of an engine and looked up. It was Teri-Lyn approaching. She parked the golf cart and came over to help with the bags.

“Hi, Teri-Lyn.” Morgan kissed her mother-in-law on the cheek. “You wouldn’t believe the luck I had today. As you can see, I was in need of a little retail therapy.”

“What did you get?” Teri-Lyn peeked into the bags.

“Some things for the kids. A few new shirts for Seth.” She pulled out a shoebox from one of the bags. “I think Connor and Colby’s feet are growing every week. And I saw this cute flower girl dress for Mackenzie, so I bought it in two sizes in case she grows a lot before the wedding. If Summer doesn’t like them, I can return them. It was so pretty I didn’t want to let it get away.”

“You should have told me you were going shopping. I could have come with you.”

“It was spur-of-the-moment. Besides, I didn’t want to ruin your first day without any kiddies to take care of.”

“I told Seth it was probably something like that. He called a few times and didn’t get an answer. He was worried.”

“My phone is at the bottom of my purse. You know I’m paranoid about someone getting their hands on my phone.” Morgan scooped up the shopping bags and closed her trunk. “You want some tea? I can show the rest of the things.”

“OK.”

Morgan put on the kettle and then sent Seth a quick text to let him know that she was fine. He didn’t sound angry when he texted back, he’d said he loved her and that he and Mackenzie would be home soon. Satisfied they were good, she went through each bag showing Teri-Lyn the items she bought. Saving the best for last, she unzipped the garment bag that held Mackenzie’s flower girl dress.

She held it up in the air. “What do you think? I carry a swatch of the bridesmaids’ dresses with me. I think that will match perfectly.”

Teri-Lyn put her hands on her cheeks. “I think it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Mackenzie’s going to be adorable in this.”

“I like it too. Let’s just hope she makes it down the aisle without sitting on the floor.” Morgan took a few pics of the dress and sent them to Summer. “That should be one less hassle for Summer.”

They made their tea, then took a seat at the table. It was nice to hear how excited Teri-Lyn got about her gardening. Her latest project, finding a flower to plant for Mackenzie, was becoming quite an undertaking. She wanted to find just the right flower to convey her feisty granddaughter’s essence.

“How about mums? Maybe that will get her to say ‘mommy.’” Morgan poured some cream into her tea. “Although, she does look like a daisy girl.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that in a little girl.” Teri-Lyn laughed. “She’s definitely got your spirit.”

“So she gets the not-so-stellar attributes from me?”

“She does things in her own time. Same as you not going to get a follow up at the doctor or maybe some testing to see why you’ve been feeling so energy-depleted lately.” Teri-Lyn sipped her tea and stared at the wall.

“I feel OK.” She bit her lip. “Today.”

“How about yesterday or a few days ago?”

“It comes and it goes. Today was a good day.”

“How many continuous days of feeling bad need to occur before you decide you need an updated assessment? If you don’t like your doctor, I can find you another one.”

“Dr. Fulton’s fine. I’ve always been gun-shy about doctors and hospitals.”

“But you’ve had the kids and you’ve visited many of our family members in the hospital.”

“When I was pregnant, I knew why I was there. This is different. I—”

“Don’t know what you’ll discover?”

“Exactly.” Her cell phone pinged. It was a text from Summer saying she loved the dress. “The bride approves.”

“Good. Bonnie will be thrilled too.” Teri-Lyn smiled. “I’m going to finish planting these beautiful azaleas I got from the nursery.”

“If I don’t feel any better, I will see Dr. Fulton again. I just wish Seth didn’t worry so much. He should be focusing on the next phase of his life, not fretting over me feeling a little tired.”

“You and the kids
are
the next phase of his life. He loves you to pieces, and in this family we worry and hover. It’s what marriage is all about.”

Morgan took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you for stopping by to make sure I was alive.”

Teri-Lyn hugged her. “Anytime.”

CHAPTER THREE

Seth thought a run around the ranch would be good to clear his head before his meeting with Riley. For the last three days he’d expected the wily quarterback to call with an excuse of some sort, but he hadn’t. T.K.’s stern words must have stuck with him.
At least he’s capable of listening to the guy who signs his paycheck.

He smiled when he saw J.J. waiting for him in the distance.

“I didn’t think you’d make it,” Seth said. “I thought for sure you’d be passed out.”

J.J. joined him and matched his stride. “Believe me, in my mind I’m still in bed cuddled up next to Samantha Jane, and Jack and Gabe are sound asleep. But the knee’s been getting a little stiff lately, so here I am. Is the big meet today?”

“Yeah. He’s coming by in a few hours. The run is meant to pre-empt the tension I’m sure will coming my way later. I hope T.K. isn’t expecting any miracles.”

J.J. laughed. “I sympathize with you. You turned down the man’s offer to play for his team. You won’t work for his organization. Riley becoming some sort of protégé to you is the next best thing. If that doesn’t work out, he’ll try to recruit Jake when he plays.”

“Jake hasn’t made any mention of wanting to play football.”

He promised himself he’d never push his kids toward football, no matter how much he loved the game. And he wanted his kids to pursue something they felt passionate about. Jake loved to play sports, but he didn’t express interest in any particular sport. He and Derek bantered all the time about Connor’s future as a professional hockey player. He knew his son had a natural affinity for it but if the time ever came, it would be Connor’s choice.

“Mark my words,” J.J. said. “My nephew’s going to be the next Blake to play professional football.”

The house was bustling with activity by the time Seth returned from his run. Morgan was doing some last minute straightening up while the kids dressed for the day’s activities.

“What is going on in here?” Seth bellowed jovially as the kids sped through the house. Mackenzie rolled by in some motored contraption Tyler and Michelle had bought her.

“I’ve got them under control. You go change for your date.” Morgan grinned and pointed to the stairs.

“Please don’t say date like that.”

He took a quick shower and changed. He checked his watch. It almost noon and no Riley.

“Looks like he’s a no show,” he announced to Morgan as he trotted down the steps.

“It’s not noon yet.” Morgan adjusted his collar when he reached the bottom step. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.” Seth glanced at the paperwork on the table. It was a contract for that new space for the second bookstore. She’d had it for a while and still hadn’t signed it.

“Are you signing off on that today?”

“I can’t. It requires both mine and Michelle’s John Hancock.”

This smelled suspicious, just like her continued avoidance of the doctor. He didn’t know what was going on with her lately. The vibrant, outgoing woman he loved was doing her best to make him believe she was fine, but he knew wasn’t.

“You can still sign it.”

She squinted. “If Michelle and I do it together it’s more of a symbolic thing.”

“You said the space was perfect. Do you have other doubts?”

She rolled her eyes. “Besides my daughter being my landlord?”

“Hey, I have to pay golfing fees to Connor and Colby.”

Just then the intercom buzzed. It was security at the main gate. Morgan went over to the panel and hit the button. “Yes?”

“Mrs. Blake, there’s a Riley Sloane here to see Mr. Blake.”

“Thanks. Let him through.” She stuck her tongue out at Seth. “See, you were quick to dismiss him.”

He looked at his watch. Riley had one minute left. “He’s just under the wire. He did that just to piss me off.”

“Welcome to my world.” She pointed at Mackenzie as she drove past them.

Seth opened the front door and watched Riley step out of his Bugatti Chiron like he was going to a photoshoot. His hair was perfectly styled, and he was dressed in a pair of designer jeans, sneakers, and a T-shirt with the logo of the brand he was currently endorsing.

“Hey.” Riley yawned.

Seth raised an eyebrow. “Rough night?”

“I had a date,” the young man replied with a goofy smile on his face. “You remember those? Don’t you? Or has married-life brain washed you?”

“I have a date tonight with my wife.” Seth motioned for him to come inside. “So the sooner we’re done, the sooner I get to do something I’ll enjoy today.”

Seth closed the door and went into the dining room. The boys had finally settled down. Connor and Colby were at the table cleaning out their backpacks, while Jake had the program for the school play in his hands. Morgan had sat Mackenzie on her lap and was combing her hair.

“Riley,” Seth said. “I’d like you to meet my wife Morgan.”

Morgan smiled. “Nice to meet you, Riley. I’ve heard so many things about you.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Riley flashed a bright smile at Morgan.

“These are my sons Jake, Connor, and Colby.” Seth pointed each one out. “And this munchkin right here is my daughter, Mackenzie.”

“Nice to meet you guys,” Riley replied.

“Hey,” Jake said. “You’re the guy who thinks he can beat my dad’s records?”

“I’m going to give it my best shot.” Riley bent down so he was eye-level with him. “Your dad set the bar pretty high, but I’m confident I’ll be just as good as him some day.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “Good luck with that. I’ve seen your stats. I’m not impressed. My Uncle J.J. says you have lead feet. My dad was a running quarterback, and you don’t like to move on the field.”

Morgan’s eyes widened. “Jake.”

Seth snickered but put on a straight face when Morgan shot daggers at him.

“Wow. You come out swinging, don’t you kid?” Riley stood and reached into his pocket. “How about we call a truce? I brought some autographed trading cards for all of you.”

Seth could tell by the look on the kids’ faces that they weren’t impressed. The boys knew about trading cards—his extensive collection was on display in his office. Mackenzie flat out refused it when Riley offered it to her.

“What’s the value of this?” Connor looked it over like he was giving it an autopsy. “My dad’s card quadtripled when he retired.”

“That’s
quadrupled
,” Morgan said, then turned to Riley. “Sorry. They’re very protective of their dad.”

Riley shrugged as if it was nothing to him, but Seth could tell he was irked.