The Final Play Read online

  “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The Titans were going to Super Bowl. They’d worked so hard and it was all coming together. This would be his fourth time to the event of all events with his team and he was teetering on the brink of making some history of his own. If he achieved this final win, he’d be a four-time winning quarterback, a prestigious feat that few had managed to accomplish.

  After the final playoff game, the Blakes and Reeds had a conference call to coordinate the lodging details for the trip to San Francisco for the Super Bowl. Sam and Regency had come up with a good security plan and they’d gotten the top floor of an exclusive hotel. The energy of his clan was electric; everyone was excited to be part of this momentous moment in his career. The boys had already begun working on their Congratulations Dad banner with the help of Tyler and Michelle.

  Now all he needed to do was get his head focused on the game. He wanted this win so badly, but who could practice when his cute-as-a-button daughter smiled at him and made new discoveries with her fingers and toes during bath time? Or when the boys talked about the upcoming carnival on the ranch to celebrate their birthdays? He told himself there would be plenty of time to be with his family after he reached for this last goal of his professional career.

  * * *

  As Seth suited up for the big game, the magnitude of the past year began to bear down on him. He was a father again to a beautiful baby girl. His bright and inquisitive boys were all happy and healthy and growing like weeds. Morgan was still willing to uproot her life so he could move back to the peace and tranquility of the Twelve Horseshoes Ranch. He’d achieved so many things in his life, and today would be his final game as a quarterback. He tried his best to be what the sport embodied and persevered through a rough start with a couple of teams until he found his groove with the Titans. He’d finally found a home to thrive and that led him to Morgan.

  He looked around the locker room, which was quieter than usual, and thought about how much he’d miss being with this rag-tag group of men who fought, partied, and lived their lives all in the name of football. Patton was contemplative too. He’d just told the world a few days ago that he wouldn’t be coming back next season. He was ready for a new phase in his life with Nina and Gabby. They’d even discussed trying for another baby. Seth loved that man like a brother and he took pride in knowing their bromance would be a part of his football legacy. Just like his antagonistic relationship with Lamont. He and Brayer barely said anything to each other these days and it was best for both of them.

  The whole family was in a private box. It had been a madcap week of interviews, practices, and spending time with the rowdy Blake clan who cheered him on every step of the way. Nina and her family joined the family in the box too. He could tell how emotional she and Morgan were about all this coming to an end. But they had a strong friendship and he couldn’t imagine the two of them losing touch with each other.

  He’d had drinks with J.J. late one night when the family was asleep. Big brother didn’t want to hear it, but Seth felt compelled to tell him that he was reason why he’d pushed so hard to become an exemplary football player. When J.J.’s career-ending injury broke Seth’s heart, he’d decided then and there that he was winning championships for him too.

  The team huddled as the coach went into his inspirational speech. Seth spoke up when he was done. “I want to say a few words before I step out onto the field with my team. I’ve been on a few teams, but this was the one that stuck. Whether you were with me from the beginning or you slowly started to see things my way, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that when the moment arose, you were up to the challenge, whether it was pre-season scrimmage or our fourth time going to the Super Bowl. It has been an honor to be your quarterback, and I love each and every one of you.”

  “But you love Patton more, right?” someone yelled out.

  Seth and the whole team laughed.

  “Let’s go out there and make history,” Seth said.

  * * *

  Seth glanced at the Jumbotron. The score was tied and the other team had just called a time out. The Titans were holding up well and running on pure adrenaline. They’d taken a few hits and suffered a few setbacks. Lamont got the wind knocked out of him at the end of the first quarter. There’d been a few turnovers. But enough was enough, it was time to get back in the game.

  When the timeout ended, they ran back onto the field with new determination. It was third down and goal. If they had to kick a field goal, the other team might have a chance at a comeback win. If he threw a touchdown, the Titans would win.

  The center snapped the ball to Seth when the play began. Seth dropped back. His eyes honed in on Elton, who was three yards from the goal line, looking for the perfect opening to throw to him. Elton zipped left and caught sight of him, so he sent the ball spiraling through the air right into Elton’s arms. Elton leaped back and crossed the line. It was a touchdown. The team rushed the field as the clock ran out. It was official. The Titans had won their fourth Super Bowl with a score of thirty-three to twenty seven. As chaos ensued all around him, Seth looked up to see his good friend Patton coming toward him.

  “Yeah!” Patton yelled and gave him a bear hug. “We did it.”

  “Yeah, we did.” Seth slapped him on the back.

  “Thank you for one last great game.”

  “Thank you for being my friend.”

  The rest of the players rushed them, everyone yelling and cheering. Someone was pushing through the crowd. It was Lamont. After his talk with Jimmy and sitting out a few games, Lamont had returned to the team like a trained puppy. He’d taken a serious beating in the media over the fight and had even received threats from some of Seth’s fans. It was all getting to be too much and threatened to take down the team’s chances at a big win. So Seth had done what he did best. He put on his PR hat and did an interview asking everyone to let it go so the Titans could focus on more important things. He was praised as being a stand up, dedicated quarterback when the truth was that he thought about kicking Lamont’s ass again for nearly derailing their season. Lamont hardly said anything in the locker room these days and he’d even issued Charisma a public apology before they parted ways for good.

  Seth knew every camera in the arena was probably focusing on them. After all, their fight had been the talk of the season and was now a part of his football legacy. Was he happy about losing his temper? No. But he was elated that his baby girl came into this world happy and healthy. Sometimes he pondered the events of that night and all the emotions would come flooding back. He’d worked on putting it behind him, but he wasn’t interested in making peace with Lamont. He’d pushed past his feelings about Lamont to lead the team to victory. That night he’d discovered what lengths he would go to defend his family. The team quieted, waiting to hear what Lamont had to say.

  “Good game, Blake.” Lamont nodded at him, but didn’t extend his hand for a celebratory handshake.

  “The team got the job done,” Seth replied.

  Before he knew it, Patton was pushing him in the direction of the coach and the owner Jimmy. Seth kept his eyes peeled, looking for Morgan and the family. He wanted nothing more than to hold them in his arms. Just then he spotted J.J. and his dad leading the charge onto the field. Seth started for them, but a reporter snagged him and launched into an interview.

  “I’m here with four-time Super Bowl winner and MVP, Seth Blake. This has to be a great feeling for you to go out on a very high note, achieving your goals and becoming part of football history. This man leaves the game of football not only as a champion, but as a family man with four children. We’ve watched him grow in so many ways since his career started. Four wins, something only a few have been able to do, and he’s a shining example of a gentleman in a grueling, competitive sport. How do you feel right now?”

  Seth wiped the sweat off his face with his hand. “It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve been blessed to be able to
do the thing I love for a great number of years, and it’s a good feeling knowing I gave it my all.”

  Seth abruptly turned around and ran toward Morgan. When he reached her, he picked her up into his arms and kissed her. “Hey, baby.”

  “Congratulations!” She smiled. “You did it.”

  “We did it.”

  “Um, you were on the field while I spent the second half biting my nails.” She laughed.

  The rest of the family approached, and Jake, Connor, and Colby wanted to get their congratulatory hugs in too. Seth scooped them all up, thinking they were getting so big. Now he would have the time to watch them grow.

  “You were great, Dad,” Jake said.

  “Yeah, you threw the ball far,” Connor chimed in.

  Colby smiled. “You played a good game. You deserve a big bowl of ice cream.”

  “Mackenzie watched too,” Jake added. “She was smiling a lot.”

  Seth looked at Morgan. “Where is Mackenzie?”

  “Isabelle has her right now. The family’s rotating so everyone can come down and congratulate you.”

  John Jacob stepped forth and gave him a hug. “Good game, son. We’ll be watching this replay for years to come.”

  “Thanks, Daddy.”

  J.J. grabbed him in a hug next. “Congratulations, little brother. You made history.”

  “I learned from the best.” Seth hugged his brother back tightly.

  “Hey, baby, I’m so proud of you.” Teri-Lyn gave him a big squeeze. “And not just for winning today. For going out there and giving it your all, every time.”

  “Thank you, mama. All I ever wanted was to be the person that you and daddy raised me to be.”

  “You’re a good man, Seth Blake.” She smiled at him. “Now go make your speeches so we can get back to the hotel and celebrate.”

  Seth spent the rest of the evening giving interviews, talking to his teammates, and keeping an eye on his family. He was able to run to the locker room and get in a quick shower between ceremonial events and went up to the box to see Mackenzie. With all the congratulatory hugging going on, he didn’t want to touch his infant daughter with a billion germs on him. Morgan had just finished changing and redressing her. The turquoise onesie Mackenzie wore that looked like a replica jersey of his uniform was the cutest thing he’d ever seen. He picked her up and held her in his arms while Morgan instructed the boys to get close so she could take a family photo.

  It was the perfect end to the season, and he was blessed to be here with the people he loved most.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  When Oscar called from the front desk and said Charisma was downstairs, Morgan was curious about why she was there, but for the first time in a long while she didn’t cringe when she heard her name. She’d finished nursing Mackenzie a half hour ago and her curious daughter had finally succumbed to sleep. Seth and Tyler were at the hockey rink with boys who were getting their skating lesson from Derek. It was pretty hard to get Seth away from his post at Mackenzie’s crib, but he knew the boys were enjoying the lessons.

  She told Oscar it was OK, then waited for the ping of the elevator and opened the door. Charisma was stylishly dressed in a winter white coat and matching boots and looked refreshed. Much better than the last time she’d seen her at their grandmother’s house.

  “Charisma, this is a surprise.” Morgan smiled and escorted her into the penthouse and took her coat.

  “I should have called, but to be honest I thought you’d say no.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach.

  “OK. Sounds like we need something to drink. I can get you a glass of wine or something.” Morgan headed to the bar. “I’m nursing the baby so I can’t.”

  “Then how about a cup of tea. Do you have chamomile?”

  “Sure do. Let’s go into the kitchen.”

  Morgan puttered around the kitchen, heating water in her cow-shaped teakettle the boys got her for Mother’s day and retrieved the teabag holder from the pantry. She figured it was a way to break the ice while waiting for Charisma to open up. There were a few moments of silence, and she wouldn’t have minded if Mackenzie woke early from her nap to give her something else to focus on, but her daughter opted to stick to her schedule today. So she started rambling about family gossip to break the silence, and Charisma would say something every now and again or shake her head, but she was still essentially tight-lipped.

  She got down the teacups and saucers and laid out an assortment of cookies and biscuits on a plate. The kettle finally sounded, she poured steaming water into the cups and got the sugar and milk. Once she was sure she had everything for a proper tea party, she hunkered down on the stool and got ready for what she saw coming.

  “Is it always so quiet in here?”

  “No. Seth took the boys for an ice skating lesson with his friend Derek. Mackenzie is asleep.” She held up the baby monitor.

  “She’s beautiful, by the way. My mom must have shown that picture you sent her to everyone she knows. I think she’s going to be ginger-haired girl.”

  “Thank you. We’ll see. The boys’ hair color darkened, so the same may happen to her.”

  “Thanks goodness she’s OK. Sometimes I think if things would have happened differently that night…”

  “But they didn’t, and she has a promising life as a spoiled brat ahead of her.”

  “Yes, she does.”

  “So, how were the holidays?” Morgan asked.

  “Good. I didn’t overspend for once.”

  “That’s good. I was happy I stuck to my budget as well.”

  “You have a budget?” Charisma looked around. “What was it? A million dollars?”

  “No, I don’t believe you have to spend a fortune on everything and I don’t intend to waste money no matter how readily available it is.”

  Charisma bit into a biscotti. “Why is it so second nature for you to be nice and responsible all the time? Don’t you ever feel like doing something crazy or reckless?”

  Morgan tapped her finger to her chin. “I once dog-eared the page of a book I hadn’t paid for yet.”

  “The horror.” Charisma rolled her eyes.

  “If I’d been bad in some way in your eyes would that have made you not so angry at me most of our lives?”

  “Maybe.” Charisma gave her a strange look. “You sound like my shrink.”

  “I’m not apologizing for striving to be a fairly decent human being.”

  “I know. Actually, I’m here because I have some things to say to you. For starters, I apologize for being a rotten kid and trying to make your life miserable. My mom was always fawning all over you, and I wanted the attention she was giving you. When Aunt Elizabeth died I should have stepped up and been there for you.”

  “Actually, you were the only person being normal around that time. Everyone else was walking around on egg shells around me,” Morgan replied. It was odd how Charisma’s usual rudeness had grounded her at a time when she’d wanted to drift away from reality.

  “I missed her too and my heart broke for you, but I still wouldn’t express it. I channeled it into being a vindictive brat. I’m glad Izzy was there for you. The two of you were always close like sisters and I was jealous of that too. The list goes on, but I also want to address the issue of Jason. He wanted you to complete some picture-perfect life he wanted for himself, but he really was a player. Slick, manipulative, and loved to get his own way.”

  “Sounds like Lamont,” Morgan mused.

  “Exactly. Apparently I have a type,” Charisma agreed. “I committed the ultimate betrayal and stole your boyfriend. I stepped over a major line and I won’t lie, at the time it was exciting to know I was seeing him. I just knew I was going to crush your world when I brought him to that barbecue at grandma’s house that day. Little did I know you went off to that island and married Seth Blake. I felt like a complete ass, but I had to follow through with it. When that didn’t get your attention, I tried to flirt with Seth at the Slap Shot and made it my mis
sion to bag someone on Seth’s team.”

  Jason. That was a name she hadn’t heard in a long time. “Why did you do all of these things? What was the point?”

  “To get attention. You were the favorite, beloved child, and I always felt left out. Everyone used to talk about smart you were and how pretty and how you were going to accomplish great things in your life. They weren’t wrong.” Charisma shifted in her seat. “I want to ask your forgiveness. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I had to try before you left for Texas. I feel like I’m never going to see you again.”

  “Nonsense. I’m not abandoning the family or Philadelphia. Seth and I made a decision to make the lifestyle change for the kids. And he misses country life.”

  “Football player and cowboy. That man hits all the sexy bullet points.”

  “Hey!”

  “Sorry.” Charisma held up her hands. “Old habits.”

  She’d waited for a long time for her wayward cousin to own up to the crap she’d done over the years. Thinking it would never happen, she’d long put away all those ill feelings and got on with her life. Now Charisma sat before her and she was happy she was making an attempt to take responsibility for years of bad behavior.

  Morgan cleared her throat. “It’s a lot to process. We’ve had a lot of years of fighting and hurt feelings, but I’m not going anywhere. When the time is right, we’ll find a way to mend fences when it feels good for both of us. But in the meantime, we’re still family and I wish you much success on your journey of rediscovering who you want to be without the jealousy and envy of others.”

  “I’ll take it.” Charisma sniffed and lunged at her for a hug. “It’s honest and very Morgan-like.”

  “Well, once a goody-two-shoes…” Morgan hugged her back. “Now let’s have another cup of tea.”

  “Thank you for sticking up for me that day at grandma’s house in front of the family. It made a difference.”

  “You made the difference.”