Intercepted by Love: Part Six: A Football Romance (The Quarterback's Heart Book 6) (7 page)

“That we do. We kind of fed each other’s imagination by gossiping about the people we were studying and wondering what life was like for the people whose artifacts we dug up and examined. Andie would make up stories, and Pam and I encouraged her.”

“The three of you are very close,” Cade said. His guts tangled inside at the thought of breaking into their ranks. “Was there anything you and Pam dreamed of for her? A career you wanted her to have?”

“We just want her to be happy and to be herself. Andie’s a very exuberant girl, as you’ve noticed. She’s really excited about the wedding enactment.”

“I’m glad she can pull it off,” Cade said. “I feel bad that being with me has caused her to be in the spotlight. I was concerned we wouldn’t have much privacy if we’d booked a hotel or country club. Holding the wedding in a theater during ‘dress rehearsal’ is a stroke of genius.”

“Yep, no one would suspect what’s about to take place.” Andie’s father cracked his knuckles and grinned. “With all the students from the drama department, who’d notice if one group had a few older ones, like me?”

“Since all Israeli men of those days wore beards, they’re going to stick one to my face too, so it’s unlikely anyone would recognize me. Except, Andie says I’m too big and broad-shouldered to be David.”

“Yep, he was a stripling, a thin, wiry guy, which was why Goliath mocked him.” James reached over and patted Cade’s beefy arm. “I want to thank you for going along with this. It makes Andie really happy to do something different for her wedding. She’s over the moon about being Michal, especially since
The Love Lives of King David
movie was cancelled.”

“I want nothing more than to make her happy for the rest of her life,” Cade said, clearing the pebbles from his throat. Somehow he had to segue into asking for her hand. He swallowed and caught James’s gaze. “Your daughter means more to me than anything in the world. More to me than playing football. I love her with everything I have.”

To James’s credit, he didn’t choke or spit out his root beer. He simply nodded, as if considering whether Cade was sincere or not. “Tell me what you love about her.”

His heart jackhammering and sweat popping on his forehead, Cade kept his eyes locked onto his future father-in-law, man to man.

“Her love for life and for her family. The way she cares about people and animals. Her kind heart, and most of all, her willingness to trust me—a guy who’d never had a real family growing up.” Cade blinked, hoping his eyes wouldn’t water at the magnitude of trust Andie had in him. He, who had no role model for being a good husband and father. He, who until recently, couldn’t form a close relationship with any woman because he’d resented his mother for giving him to foster homes. Shame gripped Cade at his womanizing and the baby boy who’d resulted from his carelessness—his son, Bret, who’d been born to another woman.

“She has faith in the goodness of people.” Andie’s father gave him a watery gaze. “Don’t ever let her misplace that trust. She believes in fairy tales and happy endings. She’s already made one mistake with that ex-husband of hers.”

“I won’t be a mistake. I promise.” Cade stood his ground, hating to be compared to the actor playboy who’d cheated on Andie. “I will take care of her feelings and her well-being for the rest of her life. I will always respect, honor, and cherish your daughter. I know she’s feeling a little blue about staying home with two babies and possibly missing out on her dreams. She’s talking about starting a business, but also wants to travel with me.”

“Do you foresee a problem with any of this?” Her father turned an appraising eye on him.

“I’m worried she’s overcommitting, but I love her enthusiasm. I know she’ll give first priority to her family and children, but I also want her to do things she’s interested in—whatever dreams she has or project she has a zeal for.”

“Good answer,” James said, leaning forward. “There’s a fine balance between being protective and hemming her in. I should know. Don’t tell her mother, but I knew Andie was thinking of eloping with Declan. She was so enthusiastic about his acting career and hoping to land a part with him.”

Cade stiffened and clenched his fingers under the table. The last thing he wanted to hear was how in love Andie had been with Declan.

Her father appeared oblivious though, and he continued, “Oh, she’d never admit it now, but when Declan got the role of Romeo, I had the distinct impression Andie dreamed of being Juliet. She’d go around reading and memorizing the lines whenever she thought no one was looking.”

Dang. So she had wanted to be an actress, and it wasn’t a passing fancy or something Declan made up after Andie’s memory loss.

“What exactly happened?” Cade’s voice creaked.

“I suppose she told you. The thing is, I knew and her mother didn’t. If her mother did, she would have stopped Andie. I held my peace because I didn’t want to take that dream of Andie’s away, even though it turned into a nightmare.”

“So, what you’re saying is not to protect her from her dreams?”

“That’s a good way of putting it. I was there, as was her mother, to pick up the pieces of the broken dream, and I am so very happy you’ve mended her broken heart so well.”

“Thank you, Dr. Wales. Thank you.” Cade took a deep breath and forged for the end zone. “I’d like to ask for your blessing and not just Andie’s hand, but all of her, in marriage. I love and accept everything about her, and I can’t wait to be family with all of you.”

Her father held out his arms and embraced Cade. “You have mine and her mother’s blessing. Welcome to our family, son.”

Cade blinked back tears and hugged James warmly, not letting go. He’d never experienced the hug of a father or the genuine pat on the back. Thanks to Andie, he was finally going to be part of a real family.

It felt good to be accepted and included. So very, very good.

T
he next evening
, Cade took Andie for a walk on the property adjacent to the Tall Duck winery. He said little as he invited her on the trip, other than that she needed a getaway from the wedding details.

They’d left Bret with her mother and took Red and Gollie. The two dogs scampered up the path, sniffing the tree trunks and marking their territory. Even though Cade finally had Red “fixed,” the male dog still had his old habits.

Gollie, of course, was a copy-dog, doing whatever Red did, then looking back with her tongue lolling to see if her owner noticed.

“You’re such a funny puppy,” Andie said, as Gollie pretended to lift her leg beside a tree trunk. She strained against her leash, eager to keep up with Red.

“Once we reach the top of the overlook, we can let them off leash,” Cade said. “Give them some space to run around.”

“You’ve been here before?” Andie was slightly out of breath. She’d noticed the ‘For Sale’ signs she’d passed on the road, but if Cade was going to surprise her, she’d keep mum.

“Yes, just wait until you see it.” Cade unclipped both dogs and held Andie’s hand instead. “You okay?”

“Yes, feeling great. Bonnie’s moving around, but everything’s good.” Andie smiled and patted her belly.

Whatever problems Andie had earlier with the pregnancy was probably due to stress. After all, she’d nearly died and Cade’s half-brother was on trial for killing his biological father, while Cade’s mother had disappeared with his other half-brother. Things were a mess, and she’d been asked to testify in court. Being cross-examined by shark-like defense lawyers had only added to her stress level.

“I’m glad, because you’re going to love what you see.” Cade pulled her around a rocky ledge as the trail opened up to a meadow of green grass and wildflowers.

Andie gasped, and her hands fluttered over her chest. The view was out of this world. The sun was setting over the sparkling lake, so blue and deep. Its long rays spread through a veil of fluffy clouds, reflecting the bright orange and reds against a backdrop of darker hues.

“Oh, Cade, I love this. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful sunset. It’s so peaceful and heavenly.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Cade held her close and rested his chin on the top of her head. “It’s so wonderful, it should be shared.”

“Yes, thanks for sharing it with me.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. The multiple rays streaming through the clouds seemed to sing a symphony of light, calming and yet joyful, over the dancing waters below.

Andie didn’t want to ruin the moment with her commentary, so she leaned against Cade, one ear pressed to his chest, listening to the beating of his precious heart. This moment was so special, she wanted to imprint every second and remember it.

As the sun slowly slipped below the horizon and Andie said a silent goodbye to the last of the long rays, Cade tipped her face toward his and kissed her, lovingly and firmly, as if putting his entire soul into her hands.

Andie opened up her heart and poured all her love into the kiss. No matter what had happened before, she would enter this marriage with Cade a new person. Her past was gone and didn’t matter, and she’d never bring up his.

“You complete me, Andie,” Cade said when they broke the kiss to take a breath. Dusk had settled, purple with an edge of red, and it was time to go down the path before it got completely dark. “I brought you here to show you my plans.”

Andie held her breath. Was he going to buy this property and build their dream home on this spot?

He swept his arm across the vista. “You see this view? It’s a perfect place for a wedding, don’t you think?”

“Uh, yes, it is,” Andie sputtered, still holding her breath.

“It’s a shame no one can enjoy this spot, because it’s private property,” Cade said. “I bet you’ve lived here your entire life and didn’t know about it.”

“No, never been here. Except now that it’s for sale, people are bidding it up. Sylvia says Ronaldo’s going to build a resort here.”

Cade’s lips thinned, and a hard look narrowed his eyes as he stared at the lake below. “Not going to happen if I have anything to say about it. Don’t let him know I’m interested, since the last thing I want is a bidding war.”

“Oh, wow. You’re buying this?”

“We are,” Cade said. “And don’t kill me, but …”

“But what?” Andie couldn’t imagine why she’d kill Cade for buying this beautiful spot of land.

Cade hunched his shoulders and blinked, looking at his feet. “I’m going to build a pavilion for weddings, but donate the top of the hill to be a public park. That way, everyone can enjoy it, and the park service can collect money for the events. When no events are going on, people can come up here and watch the sunset.”

“Just like the overlook in Hollywood above the Hollywood Bowl!” Andie exclaimed, as her heart overflowed with warmth. Cade was so generous and good. He didn’t want to keep the best views to himself. He wanted to share it with the public.

“Better. This place is more private and unspoiled.” He dotted a kiss on her lips. “What do you think?”

“That you’re the guy with the biggest heart in the whole wide world.” Andie caressed his cheek. “I love you so much, Cade Prescott.”

“I’m glad you do, because your father gave his blessing, and pretty soon, you’ll be stuck to me, for better and for worse.”

“It’ll always be for the better.” Andie tipped on her toes and reached for a kiss. “I know my father brought up Declan, and I want you to know that we’re clearing the decks—putting everything behind us. Declan knew a very different Andie, a girl given to unrealistic dreams and fantasy. With you, there will still be the dreams and fantasy, but based on truth and trust.”

“Same here. I felt guilty while speaking to your father, asking his blessing when I’m the one who had all of the troubles—my mom, Roxanne, even bringing a baby from another woman, and of course, knocking you up.”

“No more guilt, Cade. Someday, when we look back, we’re going to think Bret and Bonnie were the best things that came into our lives, besides you and me, of course.”

“Oh, I don’t regret them at all. I only regret the way I was—distrustful and closed—my heart was so hard and resentful.”

“But it’s not that way anymore. Look at you.” Andie ran her fingers through his hair. “You’re so generous and loving, sometimes I don’t think you’re real.”

“That means so much to me. But believe me, I’m real and have my faults.”

“None of it matters. We’re both starting new.” Bubbles of excitement welling from her heart made her bounce on her toes.

“I appreciate that. So, you’re holding nothing against me?”

“Nothing at all, except—” Andie couldn’t help the grin from sneaking over her mock frown.

“Except what?” Cade’s face was suddenly alert and worried.

“Except for that stupid interception you threw at the Super Bowl last year. I mean, what am I going to tell the kids?”

Cade’s eyes screwed in confusion, momentarily, then he leaned his head back and laughed. “Sure, tell them I went from Super Bowl dog to Super Bowl MVP after meeting you.”

Woof. Woof.

Gollie and Red scampered up the hill and ran circles around them, then Red sat down and lifted his head, howling to the rising moon.

Andie bent over and hugged Gollie. “If it hadn’t been for you two being stuck together, Cade and I wouldn’t be stuck together now.”

“You can say that again.” Cade chuckled. “I’m glad I didn’t get Red fixed last year.”

“And I’m glad Fran gypped us with the spaying for Gollie.”

Gollie jumped up, her muddy paws on Andie and licked her face, while Cade squatted in front of Red and hugged him tight. “I’m going to name this overlook, Red Dog Vista Point.”

“Next to the Tall Duck Winery, that’ll fit.” Andie chuckled. “What will Gollie get?”

“Why, the café, of course. Gollie’s Goodies.” Cade hung an arm around the golden retriever collie mix. “Perfect.”

C
ade grinned
in satisfaction at the hangdog look of his buddy, Ronaldo. If he wanted to be Cade’s best man, he’d better shape up. Which was how Cade talked Ronaldo into a power lifting session. Besides, he wanted to run Ronaldo out of town before he turned the lakeside into a resort.

“Looks like you’re getting flabby.” Cade poked his friend’s gut. “Too many business dinners?”

“Hey, look who’s talking, Mr. Bigshot Celebrity.” Ronaldo dragged a towel over his flushed, beet red face. “Have you gotten Andie to sign the pre-nup yet? It’s not too late.”

“I threw it in the trash,” Cade said. “I don’t know why you drew it up.”

Ronaldo hooked his feet on the sit-up ramp and hung his arms down, stretching. “The business proposal is contingent on her signing the pre-nup. Haven’t you learned from your mom, Roxanne and any number of celebrity ex-wives and girlfriends that you have to protect yourself?”

“Whoa, wait.” Cade pressed a hand on Ronaldo’s shoulder to keep him from sitting up. “If you’re tying the business opportunity to her signing the pre-nup, forget about it. We don’t need your investment.”

“Getting too big for your britches, aren’t you?” Ronaldo smirked. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Duly noted. As for the business plans, does it have anything to do with the revitalization of this area?”

“You’re darn tooting right it does,” Ronaldo said, unhooking himself from the sit up board. “You should be glad I’m going to bring your football team here.”

“I’m not sure this is commercially viable. Where would the fans come from? Itasca already has a football team that can’t even fill the university stadium.”

“That’s because they’re only an Ivy League college team full of geeks, not the Super Bowl winning champs.”

“Doesn’t matter, anyone can see this makes no business sense. The project will be held up with permits and environmental impact reports.”

“We have connections.” Ronaldo shrugged, digging his smartphone from his gym bag.

Wait a sec. Hadn’t it been Ronaldo who’d spoken about payoffs to the city council and suspicious characters planning on leveling Chinatown back in Los Angeles?

“What’s really going on?” Cade tapped the smaller man’s shoulder. “You better not be playing some kind of dangerous game.”

“Everything will be entirely legal and above board.” Ronaldo sniffed, his eyes still locked to the screen. “Listen, I’ve a meeting, so I’ll catch you later.”

After Ronaldo left the locker room, Cade unhooked his weight belt and took off his gloves. He stretched his shoulder muscles and opened his locker.

Something very strange was going on here. Why would Herbert Van Roekens move his championship team from the big city to a small country town? What was the point?

He’d spoken to the mayor, and none of them believed Ronaldo’s grandiose plans would ever come into fruition. His friend wasn’t an idiot, so why was he going around spreading rumors about a pro football team and a huge stadium project?

He checked his cell phone, deleting the endless streams of naked selfies and appeals for money, appearances and charity. A text from Danny, his former agent’s personal assistant, appeared on the screen.

Hey, what’s up? Heard you’re going to be a groom. Can I be your best man, bud?

Oh no! How had word leaked out? True, Danny was one of his oldest friends from college, and now that Rob, his former agent, was in jail, he was probably out of a job.

Cade called Danny on the phone. He had to squash this rumor fast.

“Hel-lo,” Danny’s hearty voice said. “Do I get the job?”

“Job? Danny, what did you hear?”

“Just rumors. You’re getting married soon, aren’t you? Need a best man?”

“Actually, I haven’t thought about it,” Cade mumbled, glancing around the locker room. Fortunately, the few college jocks hanging out had learned long ago to give him his space. “What do you know?”

“Nothing, man, just rumors.”

“Nothing’s happening,” Cade said. “I mean it. We’re just engaged and someday, it’ll happen.”

“When it does, remember me.”

“Sure, dude. Nice talking to you.” Cade breathed a sigh of relief. It was just idle gossip.

“Actually, I was wondering if you needed a personal assistant, now that you’re Mr. Bigshot.”

It figured Danny would want something too. Lately, Cade had been inundated with pitches. But this was Danny Dimicco, his best buddy from college, or at least part of the group that had included Rob Cash, the slimeball ex-agent of his who had masterminded the gambling scandal.

“Danny, the thing is, I already have assistants up my wazoo. Lawyers, handlers, media relations.”

“Bet you don’t have a cook,” Danny said. “Heard your lady’s on bedrest for the pregnancy. I took great care of Roxanne, I can do the same for Andie.”

“Actually, she’s off bedrest now that she passed her eight month mark, and everything’s going great.”

“But you still need a cook or someone to run errands for her,” Danny insisted. “Truth is, I’m kind of hard up right now. Jobs are hard to find, and I’m camping out at my sister’s house. Brother-in-law’s getting antsy. You know …”

The price of fame and fortune. Cade rubbed his jaw. Danny was a never-do-well who’d majored in psychology and preferred to spend his days playing video games and reading thrillers. Cade hated to turn him down, but these days, everyone wanted a piece of him.

“If I know of any job openings, I’ll definitely let you in on it,” Cade said. He could picture Danny working at the park, either at the visitor’s center or as a docent for a natural walk.

“Coolio, thanks. You’re a pal,” Danny said.

Cade said goodbye. He was just about to put his phone back in his locker and grab a towel for a shower when a message popped up from Danny.

Did you see the news? Rob and Devon escaped San Quentin.

Ice drilled up his spine and chilled his scalp. Hands shaking, Cade browsed to the news. Sure enough, authorities were on the hunt for the two men, deemed armed and dangerous. Apparently, they had help from the prison staff and had been smuggled out in a delivery van.

Shit. Shit. Shit. If Cade knew anything, it was that Rob and Devon both hated him, and they were headed to Itasca.

He had to get Andie and her family out of town, and fast.

“
H
ow do you like this
?” Sylvia adjusted the white linen gown over Andie’s body. “Are you excited?”

Andie stared at herself in the mirror. The gown was exquisite with a golden brocade trim, and the folds draped over her pregnant belly in a manner to hide her condition as best as it could. Not that it wasn’t obvious, but it was at least flattering.

“It’s beautiful.” Andie turned sideways and frowned. “Oh well, at least from the front it camouflages this huge baby bump. That’s talent, girl.”

“The baby bump’s something you should be proud of.” Sylvia clasped her hands and sighed. “The real princess Michal had no child. She’d give her eyeteeth to be in your position.”

“Maybe, but I can’t imagine Cade dressed as David. He’s way too big and tall. More like Goliath.”

“You’re not marrying Goliath.” Sylvia laughed. “Your parents are pleased as punch with their costumes, and we even have something for Bret.”

“You’re amazing, pulling all this together on such short notice.”

“Hey, I love costume designing,” Sylvia said. “Let’s try on the headpiece and veil.”

“Veil? Oh, that’s right, it’s a big deal in ancient Israel.”

“Since that old rascal Jacob was tricked, every groom after him reserved the right to peek under the veil before the ceremony. Have to make sure Cade gets you and not someone like Roxanne.”

“Ugh.” Andie shuddered. “I’ll be glad never to hear her name again.”

“I agree.” Sylvia pinned the beaded headdress on Andie’s head. “You really do look like a princess of Israel.”

“If any had flaming red hair.”

“You never know,” Sylvia said. “Only three more days. How are you feeling?”

Andie pressed her belly and it stiffened, slightly. “I’m getting those Braxton-Hicks contractions, the warmups, but nothing hurts, so I’m good.”

“Let’s hope you hold out until Saturday.”

“Ha, yes,” Andie said. “Cade really wants us to be married before Bonnie’s born. I know I’m cutting it close, but I’m sure it’ll all be okay as long as I get plenty of rest.”

“So, how’s it look?” Andie’s mother peeked into the room. “Turn around.”

Andie turned and attempted a curtsy, displaying the fullness of the gown. “She did wonders. You like it?”

“Definitely, you’re gorgeous.” Her mother beamed at her, blinking back tears. “Sylvia, you work is exquisite.”

“Thanks. Want to see the sandals?” Sylvia rummaged through her tote bag. “Here, look, carnelians to match your hair and turquoise for Cade’s bright blue eyes.”

“It’s lovely.” Andie eased onto the loveseat while Sylvia fastened the sandals.

“Of course I made them more comfortable than what Michal would have had. Even princesses back then had to suffer with blisters and bunions.”

“Ha, ha, Sylvia, it’s just like you to mention that,” Andie said. “You’re so right. King Solomon didn’t have air conditioning, other than donkey trains bringing ice back from Mt. Hermon.”

“Someone mention King Solomon?” Andie’s father hobbled to the sitting room, thumping his walker. “The man who had everything the ancient world could offer, but found at the end of his life that all was vanity and vexation.”

“Dad!” Andie flounced toward him and twirled around. “Do you like my gown?”

“It’s befitting the Queen of Sheba. Now, watch me walk.” He threw the walker aside.

“James, the therapist said you’re not ready,” Andie’s mother reminded.

“Then he’s not James Wales, otherwise known as Indiana James.” Her father grabbed a brown fedora from the bookshelf and slung it over his head, tilted to cover one eye. “Hand me my bullwhip, and let me march my girl down the aisle.”

Andie hooked her arm around the crook of his elbow. He took one step, then another, his body jerky and unsteady, but along they lurched, step by step from the living room to the kitchen.

“Yay!” Sylvia clapped and cheered. “Long live King Saul!”

“Long live the queen, and the royal doggies,” Andie’s mother shouted as the two dogs streamed from the kitchen and ran circles around them.

James leaned on Andie as he reached to pet the dogs. “They didn’t have dogs for pets in Israel, but the Palestinians did.”

“That’s too bad, because Gollie’s going to be the flower girl and Red is the ring bearer,” Andie said, rubbing her golden retriever and collie mix behind the ears. Meanwhile, Cade’s Irish Setter stood regally, wagging his tail and accepting pats from Andie’s father.

“Here’s the ring bearer’s pillow attached by Velcro to a harness,” Sylvia said, taking a satin pillow from her satchel. “I can’t wait to string flowers all over Gollie.”

“This is going to be the best wedding ever.” Andie clapped, then hugged her father and mother. “I only wish Cade’s mother could be part of it.”

“Well, there is that story about King Saul consulting the Witch of Endor,” Andie’s father drawled.

Andie giggled. “Dad. That’s not funny, but I can totally see her playing the Witch of Endor.”

“Who’s going to be Samuel come back from the dead?” Andie’s father stretched his arms to the front and hobbled a few steps.

“Dick Davis!” Sylvia held her stomach and rolled onto the sofa. “Hey, do you guys want to visit the set? We shipped the wedding tent in from Los Angeles.”

“You did?” Andie clasped her hands together. “I can’t wait to see it again.”

“Leroy was in charge of putting everything back the way it was in LA. And since
The Love Lives of King David
was cancelled, Ronaldo figured we could use it here for all of the marriage scenes.”

“Mine is going to be the first.” Andie turned to her parents. “Do you want to come? Dad? How about you?”

“I can wait until the rehearsal on Friday,” her father said, his eyes twinkling. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll want to rearrange things in there.”

“It’s getting late,” her mother said. “I have to cook and feed Bret.”

“Oh, would you?” Andie smoothed her hands over the brocade edges. “Sylvia and I won’t be long.”

“Take your time,” her mother said. “I know you girls have lots to giggle about.”

“Have fun.” Her father waved, as Andie and Sylvia headed for the door.

Red and Gollie got up from where they were relaxing, thinking Andie was taking them on a walk.

Andie petted the dogs and rubbed their necks. “Sorry, next time. You puppies might mess up our set.”

“Yep, no dogs allowed until the day of the wedding,” Sylvia said. “You think Gollie will wear the flower garland or chew it up?”

“There’s no telling with you, is there?” Andie kissed her dog.

After a short drive, Andie and Sylvia stepped into the Lakeside Theater. Sylvia led the way, turning on the lights. The wedding tent sat at the center of the stage. Fake palm trees lined the back of the stage, and the backdrop was painted with the brilliant colors of a desert sunset.

Sparkly stars hung from above and the entire atmosphere was magical and fanciful, like a scene from Aladdin.

“Ready?” Sylvia unlashed the tent flap.

Andie covered her mouth at the opulence displayed in the wedding tent. Leroy had truly outdone himself. The furniture was made of an exquisite dark wood, and brass shields were lashed to the tent poles. A precious rug lay on the floor, with a tree of life design in the center and crimson borders of pomegranates and partridges. Every detail was in place, including the groom’s fringed shawl, the one he’d put over her shoulder after the wedding as a symbol of his protection.

“I’m beyond amazed,” Andie said. “I can’t wait for Cade to see this. Where’s his robe?”

“I’m still working on it. Need to get him in for a fitting tomorrow,” Sylvia said. “Let me go upstairs and get it.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you. I’m avoiding stairs so I can keep this little Bonnie inside until the wedding.” She woke up her cell phone to take pictures, as Sylvia exited the stage.