Showdown (Gridiron Book 2) Read online

  “Love you more, Ronnie DuMond Bedford.”

  “We’re going to have to talk about the whole name thing eventually.”

  “But not tonight because we’re going to be too busy talking with our bodies.”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  “Thought you would.”

  Laughing, she realized how happy she was that he ignored all her efforts at a shutdown.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Standing in the kitchen next to Essie, Chase hoped that he hadn’t forgotten anything. “How did I do? Did I miss anything important?”

  Looking at the list, she studied it carefully. “I think you have everything. I spoke with Tally this morning, and she says that everything is organized on her end.”

  “You think I made the right choice?”

  Patting his arm, she gave him a warm smile. “I think you did and the positive feelings I’m having are only getting stronger. If you don’t believe me, then go see Madam LeLe, and she’ll tell you what she thinks.”

  “No, I don’t need a second opinion. I trust you.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “Thanks for all of your help and hope to get the answer I’m eager for.”

  “Me too, son. I think you love her and can make her happy, and that’s all I care about. It’s not going to be easy between you two, but I doubt either of you would be interested if it was.”

  “I think you’re right, Essie.”

  “Honey, I always am.”

  “You sound just like your nephew because he said the same thing to me a couple of weeks ago.”

  “Where do you think he learned it from?”

  “Learned what?” Ronnie asked as she entered the kitchen. Walking up to Chase, she wrapped her arm around his waist and looked up.

  “We were talking about Gerald and his superior knowledge in all subjects and unfailing perception,” Chase responded.

  “Oh, that. Everyone knows he got it from Essie.” Grabbing a cookie off the tray, she took a bite. “Are you sure we should run out to the horse farm today?”

  “Yes, honey. We have a picnic, and we’re going to enjoy the day and then come back tonight, so we’re here in time for Easter services.”

  “Y’all go on and get on the road because you don’t want to be in traffic,” Essie commanded.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Giving Essie one last look, Chase grabbed the basket and then Ronnie’s hand. “I’m ready, honey.”

  “I think this will be fun.”

  “Me, too,” Chase replied as he mentally went over his list again and prayed everything went as planned.

  Stepping out of the car, Chase took a moment to breathe in the spring air. The wildflowers were starting to bloom, and he could smell their faint fragrance on the gentle breeze. Looking out over the pasture, he noticed a couple of the horses were grazing at the far end and knew everything was working in his favor. “It’s a great day for the farm.”

  “I think it’s just us today because Tally and Bob are visiting family in the next parish.”

  Walking around to the back of the car, he grabbed the picnic basket and blanket that Essie had given him. “That’s nice they have a day off.” He walked toward her and felt nerves move up his spine. “Do you need to stop by the house or are you ready to go out to the pond and have our picnic?”

  “I’ll go in for a minute and then we can walk down.”

  Giving her a loving smile, he watched her turn and walk into the house. Letting out a big breath when she disappeared inside, he mentally went over his plan in his head and felt like he was in the fourth quarter of a game with everything riding on the next play he called.

  And considering this was the play of his life, he prayed that she caught what he was throwing her way. He set the stuff down and checked the picnic basket one last time to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be.

  “Are you seeing what Essie made us for lunch?” Ronnie called from the door.

  Startled, he let the top slap shut. “Yeah, I guess I’m kind of hungry. Are you ready to head over?”

  Closing the door behind her, she walked toward him. “Sure, let’s go see what’s happening at the pond. Do you want to go to the one near the house or the one near the barns?”

  “Let’s go to the one near the barns. That way, we can visit the horses afterward.” He grabbed her hand and held tightly as they started to walk down the dirt road. “I’m glad we made time to do this today.”

  “Me too, though it’s too bad my sisters couldn’t come out with us. I hoped we could all spend time together, so you could have a chance to get to know them.”

  “We’ll have plenty of time tomorrow at your parents’ house. Is everyone going to be there for Easter lunch?”

  “Yes, everyone shows up at some point.”

  Walking down the road, Chase glanced around and noticed all the signs of spring. The grass had gotten longer on the bank of the pond, and the wildflowers had bloomed out in the meadow.

  “What’s on your mind, Chase?”

  “Nothing, I was just appreciating how beautiful it is and how lucky we are to be here together. It’s been a hell of a couple of months, and I’m glad we’ve gotten the crisis out of the way and can start on building our lives together. You had your life threatened by a crazy lady, and then were the victim of a random rogue car. It’s more than one person should have to face.”

  “Well, I had you, so that certainly helped. Also, I’ve been fortunate my whole life, so a couple bumps in the road are to be expected. I just hope that I haven’t lost the opportunity to have one of the things I want most in the world. But as you’ve pointed out several times, there is more than one way to become a mama, so it ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”

  “I’m glad that you’ve finally listened to me.”

  “Sometimes, I just have to hear the message a couple thousand times for it to stick.”

  “I’ll keep telling you then.” He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed it. “I love you.”

  Glancing up, surprised, she smiled brightly into his eyes. “I love you, too.”

  As they got closer to the pond, Chase’s nerves began ratcheting up, and he couldn’t remember ever being as nervous. Not even in his first Super Bowl game. “I’m lucky to hear those words from you because I know how hard it is for you to trust me with your heart.”

  “If you would’ve asked me last month if I’d rather face tigers or trust you with my heart, I would’ve said the tigers.”

  “Well, I’m glad you decided to give me a shot. I’ll always protect you and your heart even if some tigers show up.”

  Patting his hand, she giggled. “No tigers out here, but…what the heck is that next to the pond?”

  Looking up, Chase saw what Tally and Bob had done and silently sent them a prayer of thanks. “Let’s go see what it is.”

  “What have you done?”

  “I might have asked Tally to help me set up a romantic spot to have a picnic with my girlfriend.”

  “Well, that was sweet, but it seems like a lot more than just a picnic spot.”

  Feigning innocence, he kept walking. “I don’t know about that; let’s go see.” Crossing the meadow, the complete scene came into view. There was a path of roses and wildflowers that led up to the blanket, and next to it, there was a feed bucket filled with ice and a bottle of champagne.

  “Chase…”

  Setting the picnic basket down on the blanket, he turned and gathered her in his arms and dropped a quick kiss on her cheek. “I figured that since this is your favorite place in the world, then it would be a good place to ask you something.”

  “Oh, my God…what are you saying?”

  He got down on one knee and smiled. “Ronnie…”

  She flapped her hand in front of her face and started breathing fast. “Oh, my goodness.”

  Looking up, he worried she was going to start crying before he got anything out. “Honey, take a deep breath in and let
it out. I don’t want you to pass out before I get my question out.” He saw her nod as her eyes got big and her hand covered her heart. “Maybe you should sit on the blanket.”

  “Uh huh.” Taking a small step, she collapsed on the quilt and took several deep breaths. “I’m okay, just a little light-headed.”

  “Let’s sit here for a bit and relax because I need you conscious when I ask you.”

  “I’m fine now. You just go ahead before I hyperventilate. Wait…is my hair okay?”

  Looking her over, he smiled. “I have never seen a more beautiful woman in my life. Are you ready?”

  “Yes, sir.” Sitting up straight, she nodded.

  “Honey, if you could look a little less scared and a little happier, I’d appreciate it. Your face is telling me you’re taking a much-dreaded test and not facing the man you love.”

  “I do love you, Chase, and that’s why I’m scared. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and if this doesn’t work out between us, then I’ll probably live a lonely life with a broken heart because there will never be anyone else but you.”

  “Okay, you’re kind of stealing my speech here, so I better just ask. By the way, does the romantic setting not tell you that something special is going on? Why would you say that it wouldn’t work out? We are going to be great together.”

  “I know you’re right. I just lost my mind for a second. But I’m fine now.” Pasting a bright smile on her face, she waited.

  “Now, I forgot my speech.”

  “It’s okay. Just tell me what’s in your heart.”

  “Let me have your hands.” He watched her place them in his hand, and he covered them gently. Staring into her green eyes, he felt the same sense of home that he did when he saw her for the first time. It was a feeling of instant recognition and connection, and it told him she was the one he’d been waiting for. “I love you, Ronnie, and would like to make you happy. Will you marry me and make a family together?” Seeing the tears falling down her face, he wondered if she was going to give him what he desired most in the world. “Be brave, Ronnie. Show me what you’re made of and take me on.”

  Wiping her face, she nodded her head in agreement. “I would love to take you on, Chase Bedford. There’s no better man in the world than you. I love you, and I’ll do my best not to make you crazy.”

  Pulling out a red box, he opened it and held it up to her. “Ronnie DuMond, will you be mine?”

  “I would love to be yours, Chase Bedford, and will add your name to mine.”

  Scooping her up into his lap, he brought his lips to hers and kissed her gently and slowly, knowing he was the luckiest man in the world. “I love you, and promise to do my best.”

  Kissing him, she nodded. “You have made the last wires encasing my heart break open, and I know you’re going to take good care of it.”

  “I’ll do my very best.”

  “I’m thinking since you won three Super Bowls that your best is pretty damn good.”

  “Honey, that happened a while ago. Now, I’m just a high school coach who promises to take you to the Dollar Store whenever you want.”

  “A girl can’t ask for more than that.”

  Falling back against the blanket, he held her tightly. “Thank you for making my dream come true.”

  Leaning up, she looked at him and held his face in her hands. “I figured it was the least I could do since you showed me how to dream and then gave me the thing I wanted most.”

  “And what was that?”

  “Someone to go through life with, just like my mama and daddy.”

  “We’re going to make a great team. As long as you never find your gun, I think we’ll be okay.”

  Kissing him again, she let out a small laugh. “Oh, sweetie, I’m not going to shoot you. I’m just going to love you to death.”

  “I can’t ask for any more than that.”

  “I guess that old traiteur was right when she told me that we were going to have a happy life together with a big family. I wasn’t sure, but now I am.”

  Encasing her in his arms, he rolled over and looked down. “You could’ve told me that last month when we went out to her house, and it would’ve saved me a lot of worry.”

  “I wasn’t sure if she was right.” Running her hands along his arms, she pulled him down, so she could kiss him. “I’m sure now, so stop fussing and kiss me because I’m going to be your wife and you said you’d make me happy.”

  Laying his mouth against hers, he kissed her with all the love in his heart. “Love you, Ronnie.”

  “Love you, too, Chase.”

  INSPIRATION

  Every story has a playlist and here is the one for Showdown

  If you would like to see the storyboard for this book: Showdown

  STAY IN TOUCH

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  CORONADO SERIES

  The Coronado Series are fun, sexy contemporary military romances that are set in San Diego, California. These stories are fast-paced, emotionally satisfying, and feature bad-ass SEALs who fall for their girl…almost instantly.

  Alpha heroes crash to their knees in love and lust when they finally meet their match.

  So…if you enjoy a fast-paced, sexy adventure with hot heroes and sassy heroines then this is the series for you.

  Latched

  Betrayed by her ex–fiancé, Birdie James decides a sexy fling will give her the excitement she needs without the problems of a relationship. Luckily for her, Mr. Right Now is gorgeous, interested and curls her toes with one look. There’s just one problem.

  Lieutenant Commander, Mark Frazier sees Birdie, and he only wants one thing. Her, forever. As a SEAL, he flourishes beneath both trials and adventure. However, changing the mission directive of this woman may be the biggest challenge of his life.

  What happens when a woman whose life is based on certainty targets a Navy SEAL who thrives on the unknown? Can Mark find a way to overcome her stubborn mindset and convince her to give them a chance? Or is her heart latched against him?

  Snatched

  When a stalker targets Rory Basso, she thinks she can handle the situation on her own. Then it escalates. Fearing for her safety, she takes the advice of her best friend and hires a security professional to help her track down and eliminate the threat. But Max is more than she expects.

  Max Bishop hasn’t met a target he can’t acquire or a mission he can’t complete. Until Rory. As a retired Navy SEAL and CEO of Security Alliance International, he has spent most of his life in charge. Now his mission is to convince this headstrong woman that he can protect her….and love her.

  Can Rory trust Max with her safety and her love? Will he convince her to place her protection and heart in his hands? Or will the person terrorizing her snatch the opportunity away?

  Attached

  Cary Simmons is a kindergarten teacher. Her boring life leaves her craving a summer of adventure, a kick start into an exciting future. However, when her car breaks down in the middle of the California desert, she decides to make the most of it. After all, a biker bar holds some pretty adventurous men, right?

  Travis Mathers can’t believe his eyes when a pretty little thing walks into the roughest bar in Ripley wearing a flowered sundress. Instantly, the retired Navy Seal knows this woman needs his protection, and he’s going to give it whether she wants it or not. Besides, who could possibly have more to show her about adventure?

  Can Travis convince Cary that he can turn around her boring life? Can Cary fight the allure of a risk-taking alpha male? How long can they resist becoming attached?

  Catch

  Rachel Miller made a mistake. A year later she is still paying the price. Too embarrassed to ask for help, she tries to manage it on her own. Until, that no longer is an option.

  Retired Navy SEAL, Chris Ic
eman Ellis has spent his whole like protecting people. When he discovers that the woman he’s had his eye on for a year is being threatened, he steps in immediately. Whether she wants it or not.

  Can Chris persuade Rachel to accept his protection and convince her that he will always be there to catch her?

  What happens when a mighty warrior falls for a woman and becomes her hero… and she becomes his saving grace.

  Match

  This is a collection of short stories about the couples, that didn’t get their story told in the first four books.

  What happened when Birdie matched Ed up with her friend Amelia?

  Also, what about Frank and Cat? Does he win her over and prove that he’s a good man?

  And, please let Derick find someone. Maybe Birdie’s friend Gracie would be perfect.

  Then of course, there’s Laird and Lexi…can he win the heart of a woman who has so much going on in her life?

  And, finally David…sweet lord, please let this man find someone who will make him cookies.

  All is revealed in this collection.

  CORONADO II SERIES

  Bewitched

  Paige Bennett finds herself in the hands of terrorists in northern Jordan. Not completely unexpected considering her career in the diplomatic corps, but not welcome, either. She and a fellow diplomat need the cavalry, and they need it now.

  Unfortunately, their captors’ talk of executing them is increasing rapidly, so the chances of a rescue are slim to none. Unless Lieutenant Commander Blake Carmichael and his fire team get there in time.

  Blake and his team find themselves faced with the usual dangers in the hills of Sakib as ISIS makes a play for the region. The one danger he didn’t see coming was the tiny tornado from Texas.

  A routine snatch and grab turns into the mission of his career as he finds himself captivated by a woman who works her magic on him without even trying.