Bradford's Orders Book Two The Legacy Series

Chapter 10

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Chapter 10

Bradford

Holly sat next to me on the plane, her hands clenched together tight in her lap as she stared out the window at the sky around us. Tempy was sitting with her new favorite Grandma in the world and having a ball. Her first plane ride, her first private plane ride with every perk at her disposal thanks to Emma. I'm not sure which one is having more fun.

By the time we got back to the house after our date, Holly had calmed down enough to let me walk her to her door and kiss her good night. Tempy was sound asleep in her bed and Emma and Lowe were watching a movie in Holly's sitting room. They said they had a wonderful time and were willing to babysit anytime.

That was good news for me.

Throughout the week I made a point of spending time in the evenings with Holly and Tempy. Even if it was only an hour, I tried to go to her room and sit with them, asking how her day was, how Tempy was enjoying school, and we even watched a part of a game Thursday night before the kiddo had to go to bed.

Holly was distant and worried. Worried that Zane would figure out I knew what he was up to. Worried he would call child services on her. Worried Tempy would realize that I was interested in her mom. And maybe she was a little worried that she might like my attention.

She can worry about that one as much as she wants. I'm going to make sure Holly knows she's got all my attention. I'm not going anywhere. And Zane is going to disappear. I'm making sure of it.

The day before the game she got another call from him. This time I was right next to her when she got it. I heard everything he said to her and he's lucky I promised her I wouldn't step in.

"Well girl, I have to say you are certainly moving up in the world. I heard you went out on a date with that new quarterback, Bradford Drake." He said my name with snide sarcasm. "You better be careful, Sugar. Guys like him don't like kids hanging around. I bet he can't wait to put that little jellybean of yours in one of those fancy private schools far away from you."

"He isn't like that. What do you want, Zane?" She asked, frustrated with his accusation.

"I'm just concerned, baby. You don't exactly live in a great environment for a little girl to be in. I mean, you do have an entire team of male football players living under the same roof as you. Do you really think that's safe for her?"

Son of a bitch! He has a lot of balls to suggest that anyone in this family or on this team would hurt this little girl. I almost took the phone away from Holly but she stopped me. Her hand gripped my arm firmly with just enough strength. I saw her anger as much as I felt it. Knowing she had that fire, that fight in her, I stepped back and let her handle it.

"You stopped right there! No one, none of the Bradford's, no one on the team, would ever lay a hand on Tempy. Every one of them have been wonderful to us, especially Lowe and Easton. They gave us a home and a job when I didn't have one, because of you!" The accusation of what he did to her was there.

"I was coming back to help you. I told you that. You didn't have any patience. You never do. Maybe Tempy needs someone with more patience to teach her about life." He was taunting her and enjoying it.

"She's fine!"

"I'm sure she is, but maybe child services should just take a look. Just to be safe, mind you."

"What do you want!" She yelled a bit louder than she meant to.

"What time is everyone leaving for the game on Thursday afternoon?" He asked, knowing the day we were leaving. How did he know that? We were just told that this morning.

"Lowe said everyone would be gone by one. They're taking the private jet out." Holly looked me in the eyes as I nodded to her and took her hand. "No one else will be here."

"That's perfect, baby. Absolutely perfect. I'll be over at two, just in case someone is running late. Then you and I are having a scavenger hunt at Point Conception." He giggled, an actual giggle that made me cringe.

"What are we looking for?" Holly asked before I could stop her.

"The golden goose, baby! This is the biggest payday we're going to get. Bradford, Segler, Drake, all under one roof! Hell, what aren't we going to get! Bank accounts, investments, offshore accounts, real estate, jewelry and don't forget about that cash, they've got it all. And we're going to help ourselves, no one will be the wiser."

"You don't think they'll figure it out?" Holly was astounded by his audacity.

"I'm sure they will but by the time they figure it out I'll be long gone. Now I gotta go. I'll see you Thursday! You better be there or the cops will be knocking for your kid! Don't test me, Holly. You know I'll do it."

"I know." She sounded so defeated and sad. It broke my heart to hear her like that.

When the call disconnected, she looked up at me and said, "I hope your plan works. If it doesn't, I'm going to lose my baby."

"That won't happen." I gathered her in my arms and refused to admit that it was even possible. I won't let it happen.  I would come up with a plan B.

As the plane landed, I took Holly's hand and got her attention. We were here and by now Zane knows she's not at the house. There's no turning back now.

"Uh, you might want to put these on," Derrick handed Holly a pair of sunglasses.

"Really?" Emma asked, pushing his hand aside and holding out a small black box to me. "Put this on her finger and a smile on both your faces. It's the best day of your lives, look like it."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, and taking the box from her, I opened it up. To my shock, inside was the biggest diamond ring I've ever seen in my life. "What the fuck is this?"

"Stop that!" Emma smacked me on the back of my head. "It's Holly's engagement ring. Put it on her finger. And listen to me, both of you. This is for both of your sakes. Zane is going to come after all of us, but especially you. This is Holly and Tempy's protection. You asked for a plan B, here it is. You are going to marry her. You are adopting that sweet child and you are giving her your name. Both of them. That debt you owe, will be paid tomorrow. That's the end of this problem, Holly. Now, on your finger."

Feeling like I just got run over by a Mack truck, I did as I was told and slipped the ring on Holly's finger. I couldn't tell if it was her hand shaking or mine. But she didn't argue with Emma like she had with me. Holly quietly accepted her role and did as she was told.

"That's a seven carat diamond passed down from Georgia Bradford to her great grandson to give to the woman who won his heart. Memorize that, Bradford!" Emma demanded. "Holly, you stay close to Bradford or me. The press is right outside and they're going to want a statement. Bradford, here. Chelsea wrote one up for you."

The door of the plane opened and although it was dark outside, the bright flashes of lights started before we even stepped out.

"This is the life of the Bradford's. Holly, it's not easy, it's not meant for the faint of heart. We're a tough breed. And it takes a tougher woman to handle this life. I think you're up for it. So does Lowe. The choice is yours." Emma stepped out of the plane and waved to the crowd as she took Blake's hand and they walked down the steps to the front of the crowd.

No fear. No doubts. Now it's up to us.

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