Margaret Daley - The Courage To Dream and The Power Of Love - The Courage To Dream / The Power Of Love

“It’s not my victory. I’m just the team manager. I didn’t do anything, so I don’t feel like celebrating.” Peter hunched by the window, drawing in on himself. He averted his face and stared at the passing landscape.

“Hon, you can always play. Chief Stone would love to see you do that. But you’re wrong about not being a member of the team. You’re an important part.”

“I’m not hungry.”

Rebecca didn’t have to see her son to know his bottom lip was sticking out. “We promised Chief Stone we would be there.”

“You just want to see him. He’s always at our house. You work for him now.”

“Is that what this is about? Do you think I have romantic feelings for Chief Stone? He and I are friends, Peter. That is all.” If she said it enough, she might begin to believe it. On Gabriel’s part, that statement was true. On her part she wasn’t sure anymore. He jumbled her feelings all up into a tight knot that was solidly lodged in her stomach.

“Yeah, sure, whatever.”

“Hon, I think we should talk about this. I work at the police station because that was the only job available right now. I was lucky to get work in Oakview.”

“Mom, I said I’ll go. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“But you said—”

“Forget what I said. Coach Stone is okay by me.”

Rebecca pulled into her grandmother’s driveway, turned the engine off and faced Peter. “I love you, honey. You never have to worry about that. No one will ever come between us.”

Peter bit his lower lip, his eyes shiny. “I know, Mom.”

Gabriel saw a couple entering the pizza place and frowned. Where was she? Rebecca had said she was coming. Alicia had told him she was going to stop by and pick up Rose and Josh. She should have been here by now. Gabriel glanced at his watch for the tenth time in the past twenty minutes. His worry grew. What if she had been in a wreck? What if—

“She’ll be here soon,” Alicia said from across the table. She winked at her husband, who had joined them a few minutes ago. “Isn’t that right, Samuel? Traffic can be beastly at this time of night.”

“Yeah, seven o’clock on a Friday night in Oakview we often have traffic jams. You should know that, being the police chief and all.”

“Funny, you two,” Gabriel said over the noise of thirteen boys all waiting for their pizzas to be made. “I’m just concerned that something might be wrong. She works for me. I think I have a right to be concerned.”

Alicia barely contained her smug smile and the twinkle lightening her eyes. “Of course, Gabriel, you have a right since she is your employee.”

Gabriel scanned the crowded restaurant. Half the patrons were team members and their families. The players sat at two tables close together, and every boy was talking at the same time. The noise level didn’t bother him. The cramped chairs pushed together so everyone could sit in a group didn’t bother him. But not knowing if Rebecca was all right bothered him—a lot.

When had he started to care so much?

The minute she had opened the door the first day he had met her. He’d looked into her big blue eyes so full of sadness and he’d longed to erase that look from them. He was always a sucker for someone who needed comfort. Ever since Judy had died he felt it was his mission to help others through their pain. That was the only reason he was so concerned about Rebecca, he told himself, twisting his wedding ring.

“Ah, she’s here,” Alicia announced and scooted her chair around so there would be room for Rebecca, Rose and Josh.

David called Peter to his table and made room for him while the waitress delivered four large pizzas to the boys. Gabriel stood as Rebecca and Rose approached him. Gabriel pulled a chair out for Rebecca, while Samuel did the same for Rose. When they were seated, the reverend whistled to get the boys’ attention. They all bowed their heads. Gabriel slanted a look at Rebecca, who held Josh against her.

“Lord, bless this food we are about to partake and thank you for the win this evening.” Samuel sat again, laughing. “I hope He can forgive me for saying such a short prayer. I didn’t know how much longer the boys would have waited.”

“It was to the point.” Rose placed her napkin in her lap. “Here, Rebecca, let me hold Josh while you get settled.”

“That’s okay, Granny. I have everything under control.”

Gabriel suspected Rebecca had forgotten how to ask for help. He knew Rebecca’s husband had done little to assist her with Josh and Peter. Was that why Rebecca insisted she had everything under control when Gabriel felt that she was being pulled in different directions?

“I haven’t gotten to see this little tiger in a few days. Come here, Josh.” Gabriel didn’t give Rebecca a choice. He reached out, took her youngest from her and swung him high. Josh’s giggles were music to his ears. His smile and bright eyes were a balm to Gabriel’s soul. When he settled Josh in the crook of his arm, he felt content, complete, as though something missing in his life was found. Was he letting his feeling toward Josh and Peter influence his growing feelings toward Rebecca?

Gabriel chanced a look toward Rebecca and wasn’t surprised when he saw her mouth slightly open, her eyes round as saucers. “I’m a take-charge kind of guy. Sorry.” He shrugged but didn’t give Josh back to her.

He knew she felt she should hold Josh, take care of him throughout the meal, perhaps not eat, so she could see to Josh’s needs. Gabriel was determined not to let her hide behind her son.

She opened her mouth to say something. Gabriel stuck a piece of pizza into it. “Isn’t that delicious? They make the best, I believe, in the state of Oklahoma.”

She mumbled something around the food and sent him a glare that told him he didn’t want to know what she had said.

“I’m glad you agree with me. I’ll let Harry know how much you like his pizza.” Gabriel sent her an innocent look and cuddled Josh closer.

While Rebecca finished the large bite she had been fed, Gabriel played with Josh, giving him a bread stick to hold. Her son grabbed at the new plaything and gripped it for a few seconds before dropping it.

Rebecca saw the exchange between Gabriel and Josh. She scanned the faces at the table to gauge their reaction to the fact her son had a hard time holding onto objects. Alicia smiled at her. Samuel was busy talking with Rebecca’s grandmother.

“You have the most adorable son. How old he is?”

“He’ll be two in a month.” Rebecca waited for the reaction that usually followed that announcement.

“Oh, great. I love planning a birthday party. I hope you’ll let me help.”

“You’ll have to stand in line, Alicia. I have first dibs.” Gabriel took a bite of his pizza, still cradling Josh.

“Here. Let me hold him so you can eat.” Rebecca wiped her hands so she could take Josh.

“You get to hold him all the time. You’ve got to learn to share, Rebecca. He’s happy right where he is. Enjoy your dinner.”

“I could always call the police chief of this town and put in a complaint that you’ve kidnapped my son. I’ve got connections. I work for him, you know.”

“I like to live dangerously. Want me to dial the station for you?”

Rebecca laughed. “No. It would be hard to hold a baby, eat and dial a phone all at the same time. Something would have to give.”

“Have you all noticed how quiet it is?” Alicia asked, glancing at the tables full of Cougars.

“Thankfully, they are practicing good manners and not talking with their mouths full. There’s hope after all.” The reverend finished his pizza and patted his stomach. “Delicious. If I wasn’t watching my weight, I would finish that last piece on the platter.”