Love Notes and Football Read online

  “What do you think? I know most of you thought I’d gone mad when I selected pink. But I think it works.” Morgan twirled around.

  “Morgan, honey, you look absolutely beautiful.” Teri-Lyn blinked back tears.

  “Stunning.” Nina smiled.

  Michelle clasped her hands together. “Like a princess right out of a fairytale.”

  Chapter Eight

  Morgan allowed for one more group hug before she kicked everyone out. The wedding would begin in thirty minutes and then it would be time for the good part: good food, cake and dancing with her husband. There was a knock at the door.

  “Come in.”

  “Morgan, you look beautiful.”

  Morgan ran to her father and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Be careful. I don’t want all your hard work to come undone.”

  She smiled at him and stepped back.

  He shook his head. “Look at you. Your mother couldn’t convince you to put on a dress the first five years of your life.”

  “Really?”

  “She kept trying, though. She was determined not to let you turn into a tomboy because you had three brothers.”

  “So how did she finally convince me to wear a dress?”

  “I told her that you were a strong willed little girl, just like her, and the more she pushed, the more you’d resist. Well, the concept of letting things be just wasn’t your mother’s style, but you wore her down. She finally gave up, and one day a few months later, you showed up for breakfast wearing a pink ruffly thing she’d gotten you a year before.”

  Morgan laughed. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

  “I think you’ve always wanted to navigate your own way. You came around to the dress, just like you came around to the braces and letting your brother teach you how to drive. It takes a strong person to stand up and know what they want in life. I’ve always been proud that I had a daughter who knew her own mind. That’s why I didn’t worry when you came home from that island and said you’d married Seth. You always know what’s right for you, Morgan. And you will always be my baby girl. I love you so much.” Curtis gave her a big squeeze.

  “I love you too, Dad.” Morgan gave him a bear hug.

  The attendants opened the doors. Morgan took a deep breath.

  “Ready, baby girl?”

  She nodded and sniffed back the tears.

  He crooked his arm for her, and together they started down the aisle.

  Jake walked down the aisle holding the pillow that held the rings perfectly, just like he’d practiced with Seth. Two-year-old Gabby reached into her basket and hurled globs of rose petals until she got tired and made her way down to her daddy. Family and friends filled the room, but all Morgan could see was Seth at the end of the aisle, looking devilishly handsome in his gray tuxedo.

  * * *

  Seth didn’t mean for his after-ceremony kiss to turn into a full make out session, but Morgan looked so pretty in her dress that he couldn’t wait until they were alone. After a few coughs from the reverend and J.J.’s threat to hose them down, he took his cue and let her go. The wedding photos took longer than he wanted. He was ready to get the festivities started so he could get to the good part: making love to his wife. Tonight he wouldn’t have to devise alone time because the grandmas were babysitting. The house would be theirs for a full twenty-four hours.

  He wondered if Tate knew that he’d been sporting a goofy look all day whenever he looked at Isabelle. It was good to see his brother happy and content.

  J.J. was in an unusually good mood too. Seth was a little surprised to see Eden at the wedding, but the flicker he caught in his big brother’s eye meant he was happy to see her.

  Tyler and Michelle were avoiding eye contact, which meant something definitely happened last night after she burst into the bachelor party. He didn’t know how far on the hook Tyler was, but he decided to let his brother figure it out for himself.

  Channing seemed a little down until Emma Winterbourne snuck into the ceremony and took a seat in the last row. The moment he saw his baby brother smile, he knew it was a good day for everyone involved.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Seth Blake,” the announcer said as the couple entered the tented reception area.

  It was time for dancing. Morgan took a deep breath and prayed she didn’t maim anyone. Seth took her in his arms and whirled her out onto the dance floor. It didn’t matter if it was the middle of the night and Seth was in his boxer shorts, or if they were slow dancing at the Bright Star. It always felt right being in his arms.

  “You are getting pretty good.” Seth smiled.

  “I had a great teacher.” She giggled.

  Seth graciously left the dance floor when it was time for Morgan to dance with her father.

  “I’m surprised you didn’t want something choreographed like Dana had at her wedding,” her father joked.

  “I saw the video. Looks like everyone had fun, especially you. I knew my dad could still cut a rug.”

  He laughed. “Sydney practiced with me for weeks. She had to rub me down with muscle cream every night.”

  “Now I know where I get my two left feet and my stubborn streak.” It was so good hear him laughing again. She couldn’t believe she’d almost lost him. She hugged him even tighter.

  When the song ended, her father gave her a kiss. “I’d better let you go dance with the rest of your admirers,” he said. “Looks like you have a full dance card.”

  The Blake men were huddled near the bar talking. They all looked so dashing today in their wedding attire. Tyler and Channing had even stopped complaining about having to wear suits all day. And Sydney and Teri-Lyn were showing Connor and Colby off to the wedding guests.

  Morgan headed over to them. “Are you ready to dance with me handsome?”

  “Sure.” They all responded in unison.

  “Wow. I was talking to my son.” She shook her head and reached for Jake.

  “It was an easy mistake to make.” Tyler grinned.

  “Don’t you be so damn charming, Tyler Blake. When the euphoria of this wonderful day wears off, I have you in my crosshairs for a stern conversation.” Mother and son hit the dance floor. She didn’t know what she loved more, seeing Jake in his fancy suit or getting to twirl him around and dance like a madwoman. She smiled, knowing her days of being the only woman in his life were numbered. That great smile he had, so reminiscent of his father’s. The years would pass by in the blink of an eye, and he’d be grown with a life of his own.

  Seth caught up to her just as the song ended. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for my beautiful bride.”

  “Hey babe. I was dancing with my handsome son.”

  “And now it’s time to dance with me.” He ran a finger down her cheek and over her lips, making her quiver. “Alone.”

  Morgan smiled. “It doesn’t get better than that.”

  * * *

  Morgan woke to the soft sounds of Seth’s breathing. She brushed her teeth and slipped on her clothes, hoping to get a start on breakfast before he woke. The gift from Seth was still sitting unopened on the dresser. She picked up the box and headed downstairs. She placed her iPod in the docking station and put on a song from Tate’s album. It felt good to dance around in her own kitchen while her family got ready for the day. She reached into the fridge looking for bacon and eggs.

  Morgan set the table and sat down with the gift box. Seth padded into the kitchen and pulled up a chair beside her.

  “You know I never got to open this the other night.” Morgan played with the bow as he leaned over and kissed her.

  “Now’s a good time.” He smiled.

  Morgan tore into the box to find an exquisite oval silver locket with her initials engraved on it. She took the locket out of the box, and pressed the catch. Inside she found a picture of the five of them the day they arrived at the ranch for the wedding. She opened the card.

  Morgan,

  Thank y
ou for being the best wife a man could ever ask for. You keep me grounded and focused on the important things in life. You are my inspiration to be a good man every morning when I wake, and you’re the reason I am at peace every night when I go to sleep. Thank you for being the MVP of my life.

  Love, Seth

  “You are so going to get lucky again tonight.” She smiled.

  He closed his hand over hers and kissed her. “I’m already the luckiest man in the world.”

  ~ About the Author ~

  Rhonda Laurel is a contemporary interracial/multicultural romance writer whose two great loves are writing and landscape photography. She uses both as a vehicle to convey the complexity of the human spirit and the beauty of the world around her. Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Masquerade were released in 2012. Shutter, Memories of You, Star Crossed, MVP and California Bored and Tourism in 2013. The print anthology, The Rhonda Laurel Collection, featuring Ebb Tide, For the Love of the Game and Shutter released June 2013.

  The Blake Legacy, book 3 in The Blake Boys Series released November 15, 2013!

  The author is happily building her backlist.

  Discover more about Rhonda Laurel here

  http://www.rhondalaurel.com

  http://www.facebook.com/authorrhondalaurel

  http://www.twitter.com/rhondalaurel

  http://www.goodreads.com/RhondaLaurel

  ~ Also by Rhonda Laurel ~

  The Blake Boys Series

  For the Love of the Game

  The Blake Boys Book One

  Rhonda Laurel

  This quarterback is making the greatest play of his life…

  Quiet bookstore owner Morgan Reed can’t wait to lie on the beach on her much-needed tropical vacation, but getting tackled by a tall, green-eyed stranger playing touch football isn’t exactly what she had in mind. Neither is falling for said stranger, or going along with the eccentric islander who sends them off with a mock wedding. But all’s fair when it comes to vacation romance, and Morgan has plenty of time to get back to reality when she gets home.

  When he slams into the beautiful Morgan on the beach and sends her to the infirmary, superstar quarterback Seth Blake insists on helping her recover—if she agrees to share his bungalow with him. Seth is nothing less than smitten, and the best part is that the beauty has no idea who he is.

  But when he finds out that their little “wedding” was the real thing, Seth finds himself in a sticky situation. Especially when Morgan finds out the man she fell for isn’t at all who he made himself out to be…

  Buy For the Love of the Game here

  http://www.amazon.com/Love-Game-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00A3X2NS6/

  MVP

  The Blake Boys Book Two

  Rhonda Laurel

  The game has just begun…

  Morgan Reed-Blake discovers that being the wife of MVP quarterback Seth Blake has its perks…and its challenges. Thrust into Seth’s high-profile world, she must wade through the celebrity, status, and the ghosts of girlfriends past. So when Seth takes Morgan home to his ranch in Texas and introduces her to his family and friends, she’s not surprised when his high school sweetheart comes to call. Morgan suspects she wants to rekindle the flame, and how can she blame her? Distraught over the changes their relationship has caused for Seth, Morgan wonders if maybe he’s better off without her.

  Pro quarterback Seth Blake is elated that his wife Morgan is giving their “fake” marriage a real chance. But he doesn’t anticipate running into the woman who broke his heart years ago. He hasn’t told Morgan about the complicated relationship with his ex, but as he guides Morgan through the maze of his celebrity lifestyle, can he convince her the past is in the past? The MVP does not accept defeat, and he’s determined not to lose. But winning Morgan might be the most difficult game of his life…

  Buy MVP here

  http://www.amazon.com/MVP-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00DI9WD3W/

  The Blake Legacy

  The Blake Boys Book Three

  Rhonda Laurel

  Two lovers. Two dreams. One hell of a hard decision…

  NFL quarterback Seth Blake is having an unbelievable hot streak—he’s won his third Super Bowl title the same day his wife Morgan gave birth to their son. Life couldn’t be better for the new father and MVP. His contract with the Philadelphia Titans expires in a year, giving him a chance to make a professional dream come true: to play in his home state for the Texas Wildcats and return to his much-missed Twelve Horseshoes Ranch—this time, for good.

  Morgan Reed-Blake has never been happier. She’s got the best husband, the cutest baby, and she’s successfully juggling career and family. Her bookstore is expanding, her charitable organization is growing, and she’s been offered her dream job on the literacy council. Everything in her Philadelphia world is coming up roses. Until Seth’s contract with the Titans expires, and his dream of returning home comes close enough to touch…and the powers that be in Texas start romancing Seth in earnest. Morgan and Seth both have dreams. But a choice has to be made…

  Buy The Blake Legacy here

  http://www.amazon.com/Blake-Legacy-Boys-ebook/dp/B00GO4J81I/

  Texas Heat

  The Blake Boys Book Four

  Rhonda Laurel

  Isabelle Reed is having a bad year. The classical violinist is struggling with a divorce, and a broken arm has left her unable to play. So when she receives a wedding invitation from her cousin Morgan, her heart just isn’t in it. Going to the wedding will mean seeing everyone from back home, and seeing everyone back home will mean facing the music about her divorce. Unable to miss her cousin’s wedding, she bites the bullet and takes off—and lands right in the arms of Morgan’s brother-in-law, country western music star Tate McGill. She’d heard about the singer and his bad-boy reputation, but there’s something about those storm-filled eyes that made her yearn to look deeper. Even though she should know better than to risk being the subject of a song on his next album.

  Country western singer Tate McGill is living the good life. He’s surrounded by beautiful women, hit music, and a great family. But he gets more than he bargained for when he agrees to babysit his nephew Jake for his brother Seth Blake, and finds a beautiful woman in his way. Isabelle Reed is talented and strong-willed, and she’s a natural with little Jake. But she’s keeping a secret from Tate, and he’s determined to find out what it is...

  Buy Texas Heat here

  http://www.amazon.com/Texas-Heat-Blake-Boys-Book-ebook/dp/B00JRFGIQY/

  Ebb Tide

  Rhonda Laurel

  Simmering passion at play.

  Natalie Griffin is an attorney who is practical, smart and good at her job. Legalese is the least of her worries, for much of her time is spent keeping her employer, playboy extraordinaire Evan Darchon, out of trouble. Natalie has managed organize everything for him--his company, his home, and his women--but if she could teach him to control some of his wilder impulses, her job would be a heck of a lot easier.

  But what about her impulses? Her cool, controlled demeanor is the perfect complement to Evan’s wild side, but she craves the carefree way he makes her feel. His attraction is obvious, but can either of them afford to rock the boat of their professional relationship?

  Buy Ebb Tide here

  http://www.amazon.com/Ebb-Tide-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B008HQEIZC/

  Shutter

  Rhonda Laurel

  Photographer Antonio De Soto’s life is out of focus. Everyone in his family thinks it’s time for him to settle down. He doesn’t want to be strong-armed into domesticity, even if he does feel the bachelor lifestyle is starting to wear thin. So when his friend invites him to do a pictorial on the community theater, Antonio’s prepared to do his thing and follow his normal womanizing M. O. Instead, he finds himself sparring with the resident artist, Lucy Marceloni. Lucy’s dime-store analysis of his love life—and him—leaves him angry and shaken, but it’s too close to the truth to dismiss. The quirky artist is not his type, but their passio
nate fights generate a deeper heat between them he can’t ignore…

  Lucy wants a man who’s sensitive and intellectual, the exact opposite of Antonio De Soto. The moment she meets the handsome photographer she pegs him as arrogant and self-centered, but that doesn’t protect her from the sizzling chemistry between the two of them. Being drawn to the rogue’s charm and subtle seduction tactics is the last thing she wants. Working with him on the community theater fairytale production could prove to be more than she can handle...

  Buy Shutter here

  http://www.amazon.com/Shutter-Rhonda-Laurel-ebook/dp/B00BJ8M4SI/

  Star Crossed

  Rhonda Laurel

  When Hollywood’s sexiest secret explodes, stars are born.

  Music mogul Kate Garrison’s husband is a leading Hollywood director. He also happens to be a cheat. When he’s caught having an affair with an actress, Kate becomes the talk of the town—and not in a good way. So when she stumbles into Hollywood’s new golden boy, Chris Cavanaugh—in the men’s room, of all places—the gossip mill starts working overtime. Especially since Chris is starring in her husband’s next film.