Love at the 20-Yard Line (12 page)

Chapter Nine

Haven’s brother Wes and his family waited to greet them when they returned to the house. Two little boys gaped at Brody for several minutes until Hale suggested everyone go out back and play football.

Brody grinned and squatted down so he was closer to eye level with the two youngsters.

“Will you two toss the ball to me? I’m much better at catching than throwing.”

Mason and Jed enthusiastically nodded their heads, each grabbing one of Brody’s hands and tugging him outside.

He grinned at Haven on his way out the door and she stared at him, amazed at how good he was with kids.

“Go on and join them,” Tammy said, pushing Haven toward the door. “I’ll help your mom get dinner ready.”

Haven found herself caught up in the fun as they played a rowdy game of backyard football. Brody and the two boys, along with Hale, took on the rest of them.

So far, the little boys and their helpers were on track to win.

Absorbed with their antics, Haven looked up as the ball spun her direction.

“Catch it, sweetie,” her dad yelled as he moved to block Hale. Wes tickled his two boys while Tom tried to take on Brody, but was quickly outmaneuvered. Brody chased after Haven, making her squeal.

She ran toward the makeshift end zone but found herself swept into Brody’s arms before she could score.

“Isn’t that cheating?” she asked, her eyes filled with laughter while dimples danced in her cheeks.

Brody wanted to kiss her so badly, he could feel his head dipping toward hers. Haven’s eyes started to close, anticipating his kiss, then they both felt the impact of two little bodies latching onto Brody’s legs.

“You’re s’posed to tackle her,” Jed said, looking up at Brody, shaking his head.

“Like this, Brody.” Mason grabbed onto Jed’s shirt and pushed him on the ground then flounced on top of him. The boys started throwing punches and shouting before Wes got them separated.

Brody held Haven in his arms. Her chest heaved against his and the sensation nearly pushed him beyond the edge of reason.

“I don’t think your Aunt Haven would appreciate being pummeled, boys. How about if I just set her down?” Brody reluctantly placed Haven on her feet. He wouldn’t mind rolling around in the grass with her, but he’d prefer her entire family not watch. She must have sensed a little of what he was feeling because she squeezed his hand and whispered, “thanks,” in his ear.

“I think that’s about enough football for one day. You boys run in and wash up for dinner,” John said to his grandsons.

“Do we have to, Gramps?” Mason asked, dragging his toes as he walked through the grass.

“Only if you want to eat dinner instead of sitting out here by yourself.”

“Well, that stinks,” Jed said, earning a disapproving glare from his father.

“If I show you a trick, will you two wash up without any more complaints?” Brody asked, once again hunkering down on their level.

The boys looked at each other then back at Brody, nodding their heads.

“What kind of trick, Brody?” Mason watched with interest as Brody pointed to a section of fence on the side of the yard.

“A jumping trick. If I can jump over that fence, will you two wash your hands and faces, eat your dinner, and behave the rest of the evening?” Brody gave the boys a serious look.

“You can’t jump that high,” Mason said doubtfully, crossing his arms over his little chest. “Nobody can.”

“Yeah, nobody,” Jed repeated, mimicking his brother.

“Do we have a deal, though?” Brody asked, holding out his hand to Mason.

The little boy nodded and shook Brody’s hand then Jed took a turn.

Haven glanced at Brody. “Are you sure you want to do this? That fence is four feet high.”

“I know. I’ve got this.” Brody sauntered across the yard and eyed both sides of the fence.

With a series of running steps, he launched himself over the fence and landed with a bounce on the other side. Repeating the action, he jumped back into the yard where the two little boys ran up to him, both talking excitedly and begging him to do it again.

“You two made a deal, now get to it,” Wes said, propelling the boys toward the door. When they went inside, he turned to Brody with a broad grin. “Man, that was awesome.”

“Just takes a little practice.” Brody caught Haven’s eye and recognized her indulgent smile.

A short while later as they all sat around the dinner table, the conversation ranged from the types of potatoes Wes and John were planting that year to how many home football games were left in the season.

“Can we go, Dad? Please?” Mason and Jed both begged their father.

If Brody hadn’t met Wes and his family that afternoon and happened to run into them somewhere, he would have immediately known he was Haven’s brother because he looked like a slightly older version of Hale and Tom. Mason and Jed looked just like him, too.

“We’ll see. A lot will depend on how well you boys can behave for the next week or two,” Wes said, winking at his wife. Since the two boys were so ornery and rambunctious, they used any advantage they could to keep them in line.

They indulged in Haven’s banana cake for dessert with caramel-laced ice cream. Brody couldn’t remember when he’d spent such a fun, relaxing day.

Once everyone was sufficiently full and couldn’t eat another bite, Wes and Tammy took the boys home and Tom left to complete some paperwork he needed to have ready early the next morning.

Hale and Brody joined John in clearing the table while Haven and Rachel put food away and started doing the dishes.

Brody was walking out of the kitchen when Rachel began peppering Haven with questions. He grinned when he heard her say they met at a football game and yes, she was aware that he was extremely handsome and sweet.

Laughing to himself, he’d never considered himself sweet. He could be selfish and arrogant when the mood struck him, as well as callous, thickheaded, and stubborn. Fortunately, the mood didn’t strike often.

Mostly, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the way his mother raised him. She sacrificed everything for him yet taught Brody a healthy respect for women, despite his bad boy reputation. A lot of that was just locker room talk and wishful thinking from girls who liked to hang out with players.

When he returned with the last of the dirty dishes, he overheard Haven ask her mother why she gave her such an awful name as he stepped out of the kitchen. Brody stopped just outside the door and listened.

“You know I hate my name, Mom. What were you thinking? How many drugs did they give you during labor? It sounds like I should work in some tawdry club or escort service.” Haven rinsed off a bowl and dried it.

“I happen to think your name is beautiful. There isn’t a thing wrong with Haven Clarice Haggarty. I named you that because after three boys, I was grateful for the haven you would provide in my all-male world. You were so delicate and perfect.” Rachel sounded wistful as she scrubbed a pot and rinsed it.

“Well, when you say it like that, it makes it sound better.” Haven smiled.

“Does Brody make fun of your name?” Rachel looked at Haven with concern. “He doesn’t seem like the type to do that.”

“No, he’s never said anything about it.”

“I bet when he says your name, your knees get all wobbly and butterflies swarm your tummy,” Rachel teased.

Brody didn’t wait to hear the response, experiencing a small measure of guilt for eavesdropping. He recalled what Marcus said about Haven’s name. He’d have to remember to tell her how much he liked it, just not now. Otherwise, she might catch on that he overheard the conversation she had with her mother.

Brody returned to the living room and talked with Hale and John until Haven and Rachel joined the men when they finished the dishes. Over cups of coffee, they discussed farming and football. Haven finally glanced at the clock on the fireplace mantle and rose to her feet.

“We better head back to town. I don’t want to keep this guy out past his bedtime,” Haven said, grinning at Brody.

Brody stood and shook both Hale and John’s hands then gave Rachel a warm hug, thanking the family for their hospitality.

“You’re welcome to come anytime, Brody. The next time you’re here, Haven will have to take you out to see the cattle or go for a horseback ride.” John winked at his daughter.

“That sounds great. I didn’t know you had horses, too,” Brody said. Riding horses with Haven would no doubt be a great experience.

“Just a few,” John said, looking at his wife. “Rachel rides them more than anyone. I guess they’re kind of her pets.”

“That they are, but I share,” Rachel said, walking with Haven and Brody toward the door.

“Oh, I almost forgot my dishes.” Haven hurried into the kitchen and returned with a clean bowl and an empty cake pan.

“You can fill that pan back up with cake, sweetie, and bring it next time you come,” John said. He was partial to Haven’s baked treats. Rachel didn’t like to bake. Since Haven moved out, he rarely got homemade pie or cake, unless she brought something when she came to visit.

“I’ll see what I can do, Dad. Thanks for everything.” She hugged her mom and dad then Hale. Before he let her go, she whispered in his ear. “I hate your new gun. Don’t ever ask me to shoot that thing again.”

Hale chuckled and shook his head then waved as she and Brody walked outside.

On the way back to town, Brody asked Haven questions about her family.

“I know they can be a little much,” Haven said as they arrived at her apartment.

Brody remembered he left his bag of clothes on her couch, grateful for an excuse to follow Haven inside. He wasn’t ready for the evening to end.

He got of the car and realized his phone had been quiet all day. He turned it off before they went to church and never turned it back on. An entire day spent without calls or texts was nice. He might have to try it more often.

Time spent with Haven and her family had given him a sense of something he’d spent his life waiting to find. He felt at home with the friendly group of people and hoped Haven would take him back to the farm again.

“Honestly, doll, it’s been one of the best days I’ve had in a long, long time. Thank you for inviting me to tag along.” Brody opened the back seat door on his side of her car. He picked up her bowl and cake pan and carried them inside to the kitchen. After setting them down on the table, he turned to look at her.

“I’m glad you had a good day, Brody. I enjoyed spending my Sunday with you.” She stood with her hands stuffed in the back pockets of her jeans, studying him.

He opened his arms and she stepped into the warmth and comfort of his embrace.

“You mean my family didn’t scare you so badly you’ll walk out that door and never call me again?”

“Not even close.” Brody inhaled the smell of sunshine and something flowery in her hair. “Your nephews are awesome.”

“They’re a handful is what they are.” Haven leaned back so she could see Brody’s face. “You are so good with kids. Where does that come from?”

“I suppose part of it was growing up alone. I always wanted to be around other kids. Part of it is from my degree,” Brody said. He didn’t often talk about his career options, beyond football.

“Degree? What do you have a degree in?” Brody hadn’t mentioned a degree before. Like many other players, she assumed he’d left school to play football.