Fair Catch (2 page)

Betsy laughed and nudged her in the shoulder again. “I get it. You don’t want to talk about it right now.”

Ellie took a couple of steps backward. “That’s why I like you so much.”

“Yeah,” Betsy said with another laugh. “I said right now. You and I need to have another talk, young lady.”

“Did I just say I liked you?”

Betsy grinned and waggled her finger. “You
love
me. By the way, I made an extra loaf of bread for you and Cade.”

“You’re right. I do love you.”

Ellie decided to leave while she had the chance. She turned toward her house and waved goodbye. “Have fun today.”

Fifteen minutes later, Ellie left to get Cade. As she drove out of the cul-de-sac, she passed a white Denali. At the stop sign, she glanced in her rearview mirror. The SUV turned into the driveway next to the moving truck. It was probably the new owners.

Ellie paused as she debated about whether or not to wait and see who the new neighbors were. When they didn’t immediately get out of the vehicle, she pressed on the gas and made a left turn.

Her curiosity could wait. Cade couldn’t.

* * *

Nick Coulter grinned as he made the last turn toward his new home, and the GPS declared he made it to his destination. His phone buzzed just as he pulled in beside the moving truck. Grabbing the phone from its cradle, he saw the name on the screen and thought about declining the call. His manager, Alec Lawson, would put a damper on his good mood.

Nick’s thumb hovered over the decline button. He probably should answer it, especially since he had promised to return the call a couple of hours ago. He pressed to accept. “Hey, Alec. Sorry I didn’t call you back.”

Alec snorted. “Yeah, right.”

Nick leaned back in his seat and stretched out his legs. “No really. I’ve been busy driving. And thank you for asking, but yes, I made it safely.”

“Wonderful. How is Pleasure Garden?”

Nick rolled his eyes. “
Pleasant
Wood
.”

“Whatever.”

He glanced out the window at the tall maple shading the driveway. “It’s beautiful. Retirement is going to be awesome.”

Alec let out another sarcastic laugh. “Don’t get too relaxed. You’ve got a packed schedule and a few proposals to look over. Incidentally, I still think we should do a press release right away about your move to Colorado. The news would get your name out there and boost your revenue.”

Nick thought about having a few days without the media knowing about his new location. That would be better than the Colorado Smashburger he hoped to have for dinner. “Nah, let’s keep it until next week like we planned.”

Alec let out a deep breath. “I still can’t believe you opted for Podunkville instead of L.A. Do you know what you’re missing?”

Yeah. Life in the fast lane. At thirty-four, Nick, a recently retired pro-football player was ready to settle down. The rural community outside of Denver had been home to his best friend and college roommate, Jared Huntsman. Whenever Nick had needed a break from his crazy life in California, Jared’s house had been like a refuge.

Then, six years ago, Jared and his wife had been killed by a drunk driver. Their deaths had changed Nick. Suddenly, he hadn’t felt as invincible. He had taken a good, hard look at his life, and didn’t like what he had found. All the money and fame he’d gained over the years had filled every part of him, leaving no room for his Christian faith.

Days after the funeral, Nick had gone home to stay with his parents for a few weeks. There he’d found the solace he was seeking, and had come away with a renewed commitment to his faith.

Although Nick loved his parents, when it had come time for him to retire, Pleasant Wood, Colorado had sounded more appealing to him than staying in California. Plus, it was where he was supposed to be. A decision confirmed by prayer.

“I won’t be missing anything, Alec.”

“I really don’t get you.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Nick, ABC sent over another request. Are you sure—”

“I’m not doing it. I can find a wife on my own.” ABC wanted Nick to be their next bachelor. Having seen previous episodes of
The Bachelor
, Nick had declined the offer. Despite what everyone thought, sitting in a hot tub with more than a dozen scantily clad women vying for a rose was not his idea of having a good time. No amount of whining on Alec’s part was going to change Nick’s mind.

“You’re kidding?” Alec said sharply. “Do you have any idea how much money this could get you?”

“We’ve already talked about this. I’m not doing it.”

“Fine. Make sure you read the email with your schedule for the next month. Call me if anything comes up.”

The phone went silent. It wasn’t the first time Alec had hung up on him, so it didn’t offend Nick. His relationship with his manager wasn’t exactly symbiotic, but Alec did play a valuable part in Nick’s life. He had saved Nick’s reputation a few years ago, making him forever in his manager’s debt.

Nick slanted forward and propped his hands and chin atop the steering wheel, his eyes sliding over the beautiful home. He purchased the house sight unseen because it fit the needs he’d requested. In all honesty, it was too large a house for a single man. However, he needed the square footage to host the mandatory parties required to maintain his charity foundation which helped underprivileged kids throughout the United States.

Anxious to be out of the car, he climbed out of the Denali and made his way to the front door. He stepped into the large entryway and looked around. It was a beautiful home—sparsely decorated, though. Why hadn’t he listened to his mother and hired a decorator before moving in? He made a mental note to call his mom later. She’d said something about having a friend who could help him.

The two men from the moving company came down the stairs. Larry grinned and stuck out his hand. “All done, Mr. Coulter.”

“Thanks.” Nick gave him a firm handshake. “You guys were fast.”

He pulled his check book out of his back pocket and had the men follow him into the kitchen where he wrote out the check. As he handed it to Larry, he reminded both men about the bonuses they’d receive if his move wasn’t leaked to the press.

Offering the men the extra money was one way to ensure his privacy until his new location was revealed. His realtor valued word-of-mouth references and wouldn’t dare to jeopardize his reputation. The only other person who knew his identity was Pastor Stewart. He happened to live across the street and, like everyone else, vowed to keep Nick’s confidentiality.

After thanking them again, he stood on the sidewalk and waved goodbye as the truck turned the corner, disappearing from his sight. With his hands on his hips, he glanced around and took in his surroundings. The neighborhood was beautiful and secluded. Just what he’d wanted.

It appeared to be empty right now. Really empty. And quiet. Despite what he’d just told his manager, part of him had kind of hoped for a welcome-to-Colorado party.

As the former quarterback for the Sacramento Defenders, he was used to the media and the fans. He hated to admit if he’d gone ahead with the press conference, he’d definitely have a welcoming committee. But that was not why he’d moved here. Instead, he wanted peace and quiet. Normal.

He looked around again and felt…
lonely?
No. He was just a little tired. As he turned to go back inside his house, he heard a door slam. Looking across the street, he saw a woman coming toward him. She wore a big smile and carried a basket on her arm. As she drew closer, he could see she was probably about his mother’s age. He wondered if this was the pastor’s wife.

“Hello!” She waved with enthusiasm, crossing the street.

Nick raised his hand to wave at her. At least somebody was going to welcome him to the neighborhood.

“Hello,” she said again as she drew closer.

“Hi. I’m Nick, your new neighbor.”

“Well, I’ll be.” The woman stopped dead in her tracks. “Owen is in so much trouble.”

Chapter Two

Obviously
, Nick’s new neighbor knew who he was—he’d seen the star-struck look many times before. He offered his hand to her. “Please don’t be mad at Pastor Stewart.” He shrugged as she took his hand. “I asked him not to say anything because…well, I wanted to move in before the madness did.”

During his years as quarterback for the Sacramento Defenders, his career had been everything he’d ever dreamed about. The Defenders made it to the playoffs several times and had been slated to win the championship more than once. When his team had finally made it to the Super Bowl, Nick had led them to a victory. When he had won the title of MVP, his fame skyrocketed. Coupled with being named by
People
magazine as one of the 100 Most Beautiful People, his popularity as America’s most-sought-after-bachelor had spread beyond California.

Unfortunately, the notoriety associated with being a superstar athlete came with a price. At first he’d been flattered by all the attention, but after a few years, it bothered him that he couldn’t do anything without a camera flashing in his face. It wasn’t all bad and he was grateful to the Lord for blessing his life so richly, but the downsides were the tabloids and paparazzi that were determined to catch the reformed Christian football player in a compromising situation.

Betsy still had a hold of his hand. “My goodness, you’re even more handsome in person.” Her eyes scanned up to the top of his six-three frame. “Why you’re even taller than I’d imagined.”

Nick chuckled. “Excuse me, but are you Mrs. Stewart?”

She released his hand and fanned her face. “Oh, yes. I’m sorry I didn’t properly introduce myself. I’m Betsy Stewart and Owen is my husband.” Her cheeks turned rosy. “Of course, you already knew that.”

“Mrs. Stewart, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Please, call me Betsy.”

“If it’s any consolation, Betsy, it was killing your husband not to say anything to you. He told me you’ve been a Defenders fan for a long time.”

“Well, I forgive him.” She giggled and offered him the large basket. “I almost forgot—welcome to the neighborhood.”

He closed his eyes and inhaled the aroma of freshly-baked bread. “Wow, that smells incredible. Betsy, if you weren’t already married, I’d ask you on the spot.”

She waved her hand as the blush deepened. “Oh, I’m not the only one who makes good homemade bread.” She glanced back up into his eyes. “By the way, do you have any plans for dinner?”

The Smashburger he’d had in mind didn’t sound nearly as good as eating this homemade bread. “Not unless you count Smashburger.” Nick hoped this was an invitation. To have a home cooked meal seemed almost too good to be true.

Betsy scowled. “Certainly not! I love cooking and, since my boys are gone, I overcook almost every night.” She looked at her watch. “We’d love to have you over for dinner. Why, you could eat with us every night if you wanted.”

Nick laughed, her offer was tempting. “I wouldn’t want to impose, but tonight would be wonderful.”

“Good, we’ll eat around five-thirty. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Thanks, Betsy.” He sniffed the basket again. “And thanks again for this.”

* * *

Ellie was ready to crawl in the back seat next to Cade who was fast asleep. He looked so cute with his ruffled hair and his face relaxed in sleep. Traffic was horrible and she berated herself for leaving right in the middle of rush hour. Cade had worn out a lot quicker than she’d planned and had cried to return home.

It was times like these when Ellie longed to have a devoted partner and friend. In her head she couldn’t bring herself to think “husband.” The word definitely held a negative connotation for her right now. When her parents had been home, they’d willingly and graciously helped carry the burden of being a single mother.

Single mother
. She let out a deep sigh. That had a negative connotation as well, and she hated being a statistic.

It was almost seven when she finally pulled into the driveway. The remote for the garage door opener didn’t seem to work and she tried one more time without any results. Parking in the driveway, she climbed out of the car, debating whether or not to carry Cade inside.

Instinctively, she looked at the house across the street to see if there was any indication of activity. She noted the newer white Denali still sat in the driveway. It had California plates and looked like a family car.

While lifting Cade out, he started to wake up. “Hey, baby, we’re home.” She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Cade squirmed to get down. “I’m not a baby, Mom.”

She wanted to pull him close for a long hug. “I know, but you’ll always be my baby.” She patted him on the head. They’d had this conversation before and a small part of her mourned the fact that Cade would be her only child.

“Can I see if Betsy has any cookies?”

Her mouth tipped up into a smile. “I guess, but please remember to knock.”

Cade took off for the Stewarts’ house and Ellie slowly followed him. Once again, she felt gratitude for her neighbors and the love they shared with her son. Cade was in the house before she made it to the front door.

Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she stepped up on the porch just as Betsy came to the door. “Sorry Cade came in without knocking.”

Betsy grinned. “We don’t mind.” She wiped her hands on her apron. “Do you wanna come in for dessert?”

“That depends. Does it include chocolate?”

Betsy pretended to be insulted. “Ellie, do you have to ask?”

Ellie laughed, thankful Betsy loved chocolate just as much as she did. “I guess not.”

Before they went inside, Betsy’s lips stretched into a smile. “Aren’t you even going to ask about our new neighbor?”

“Oh yeah, what are they like?”

Betsy leaned in close, raising her eyebrows. “You mean what is
he
like?”

Dread formed in the pit of Ellie’s stomach. She recognized that mischievous look in her friend’s eyes. If their new neighbor was a single male…it might be time to move back to Boulder. “You know, Betsy, on second thought, I better pass on the dessert.” She patted her flat stomach. “I’ve already had my quota for the day and I probably need to burn it all off.”