Katherine and Gabriel have known each other for 37 days.

ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

The boys helped carry in groceries while Katherine put them away. When Gabriel brought in the last bag, Katherine asked, "What time is Mr. Elder coming? Should I see if Mom can watch the boys?"

"Two o'clock. I think he needs to see how well-adjusted the boys are."

"Good idea, it'll be good for him to see your relationship with them. He needs to know you're a positive role model so he knows what he's fighting for."

Gabriel put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. "Thank you. I needed to hear that today."

TODAY'S POST:

Chapter 32 part 2

A few minutes before two o'clock Gabriel greeted Troy Elder and led him to the dining room table.

Katherine came downstairs and offered her hand. "Hello. Can I get you some iced tea or lemonade?"

Gabriel's eyes met hers. "Crisis averted?"

She nodded. "Jeremy's doing timeout." She faced the lawyer. "Sorry. What can I get you?"

Troy opened his briefcase. "Iced tea will be fine. Thank you."

When Katherine returned with the tea and sat, Troy began. "Has anything changed since we spoke last week?"

Katherine studied her hands. "I think you should know Friday night, Gabriel didn't leave until after one o'clock. The reason; we had an away football game, toward Dallas, on the way home we had a flat tire, and no jack or spare. We didn't arrive home until after midnight. So when the P.I. reports him leaving early Saturday morning, that's the reason. By the way, can you do anything about him? It's getting ridiculous. If we haven't done anything immoral by now, we won't and we know he's there."

Mr. Elder wrote it down. "You've brought up a good point." He glanced at his notes. "I'm suggesting we have a sit down with Mr. and Mrs. Riley, and their lawyer to discuss their intentions. The day I'm suggesting is Monday, September twenty-three at one o'clock."

Katherine stood. "Let me get my calendar."

After Katherine left, Gabriel asked, "Do you want me there?"

"Yes. I'll continue when Mrs. Riley returns."

Gabriel removed his phone and added the date to his calendar.

When she returned, she opened her planner and wrote it. She turned her head when a timer sounded. "It's for Jeremy. He's released from time out."

Jeremy bound down the stairs. "Coach, can Reggie and I go outside?"

"Yes." Gabriel noticed Jeremy head for the front door and added, "Out back." As they watched the child leave the room, he asked, "Troy, what's this meeting going to look like?"

"Glad you ask. These people have no right bringing charges. My research hasn't revealed anything that's even questionable. I want a sit down where they're required to prove their allegations. As the accused, you have that right. Once this is addressed, and I keep pressing for proof, their lawyer will realize how fraudulent it is and drop it."

Troy held up a paper. "I've also filed a counter-charge; if they continue and can't prove any wrongdoing they'll have to pay all court costs, my fee, and $100,000 pain-and-suffering. I think we can prove, for example, that P.I. watching the house has caused undue stress. Gabriel just told Jeremy, he couldn't go out front," he nodded, "because you're worried about the P.I. correct?"

Chuckling, Gabriel said, "Right. It has nothing to do with him being a six-year-old mischievous little boy and the backyard's fenced." After he released a deep breath, he asked, "How much will my past be a problem?"

"I spoke to over thirty people and all I've heard were praises about how great you are." Troy paused. "If you would've handled that coach differently Friday night, I would've had to justify your actions. Under the circumstances, I could've pulled it off, but prefer not to."

Gabriel nodded. "Understood."

Katherine put her hand over Gabriel's. "Mr. Elder, I'm hearing only the positive. I'm sure they must have something or they wouldn't even attempt this."

"When I've spoken to their lawyer, what I keep hearing is Gabe's professional history and the fact you're working. They seem to think you aren't providing adequate childcare."

Gabriel slapped the table. "That's ridiculous."

Troy's eyes met Gabriel's. "No matter how untrue or outrageous their comments are, you have to keep your temper under control. I know when people you love are affected, it's hard. You have no choice." He turned toward Katherine. "What arrangements have been made for the boys? I understand you're coaching, too."

"Yes, Sir. I coach girls' cross country." Katherine took a deep breath and stretched her hand on the tabletop. "Okay. When Jordan and I leave for school, my mom, Sarah Beck's already here and takes the other three to school."

When Katherine closed her eyes, Gabriel held her hand. She opened them and continued, "After school, Mom picks up Jeremy and Joel. Joshua has football practice and I pick him up. My cross country and his practice get over about the same time. When I get home, Mom leaves."

Taking notes, Troy stopped and asked, "If you get out late, who picks up Joshua?"

"That's happened once, he knows to call Grandma. Gabriel brings Jordan home after practice."

"What happens if Gabe can't bring him home?"

Gabriel said, "One of the other coaches, Bill Brooks, brings him home. He and his wife, Angie, are family friends."

"Are those the only people who've cared for the boys?"

Staring at Troy, Gabriel said, "I don't know where you're going with this, but on a few occasions my parents have watched the boys."

"Overnight?"

Gabriel glared at him. "Yes, overnight. Why?"

"I'm not the bad person here, but I need all the facts. If they stayed at your parents so you could have a night alone with Mrs. Riley, I need to know. That way I can defend it if they bring it up..." Troy's eyes met Gabriel's. "The temper, remember?"

Gabriel faced Katherine. "Do you remember how many times Mom and Dad had the boys?

"Wasn't the first time when Harold offered to let them watch the stars through the telescope?" After Gabriel nodded, Katherine continued, "Jordan came home with us because we all had early morning practice. Gabriel brought us here and went to his own place. The second time, Gabriel and I did spend the night together, at the hospital. Jordan was injured during a football game. He cared enough to stay with us. I think those are the only times."

Katherine fidgeted with her glass. "In case you're wondering, Gabriel and I have not slept together. He's too much of a gentleman to let anything happen that'd put me or my boys in jeopardy."

Troy tapped the pen on his pad. "I've known Gabe for years. I can tell how much he loves you and the boys. It's obvious."

They all turned their heads when somebody knocked on the door. Gabriel glanced at his watch. "That's for me." After he answered, thanked, and paid the person, he carried bags of groceries.

Katherine excused herself and followed him into the kitchen. "What are you doing? A few hours ago we were at the grocery store. Why didn't we get these then?"

Gabriel held up three family packs of chicken. "I didn't know who liked what so got plenty of breasts, thighs, and legs." He continued putting groceries away.

Staring at him, she said, "You haven't answered my question."

After the groceries were put away, Gabriel kissed her cheek. "I asked Troy to stay for dinner. I'm grilling chicken. We left him at the table, maybe we should get back."

When they both returned, Troy grinned. "I take it Gabe forgot to mention I'm staying for dinner."

After releasing of a deep breath, Katherine answered, "You're correct. You're more than welcome and I'm glad you're staying. I think it's a great idea. I wish I had known. I could've prepared."

Gabriel placed his hand over hers. "That's why I didn't tell you. I didn't want you to go to any extra work. I got this."

"Any more questions?" asked Troy.

Katherine glanced at Gabriel. "I don't, do you?"

He stood. "At least not now. I'd better start the grill. Let's go outside. There should be shade on the patio."

*****
After the fire was started, and the adults were seated, Jeremy ran up and said, "Coach, don't go anywhere. I'll be right back." He ran inside.

Gabriel's eyes widened and he looked at Katherine. "Any idea?"

"Nope. With him, it could be anything."

Jeremy returned waving a paper. "Will you help me call Grandpa and ask if he can come to lunch?"

He removed his phone and read the paper. After Harold answered, Gabriel continued, "Dad, Jeremy has something he wants to ask."

Climbing on Gabriel's lap and taking the phone, Jeremy said, "Grandpa, at school is 'have lunch with your Grandpa', will you come and have lunch with me?" He listened and then started bouncing up and down. "Thank you." He looked at his mom. "He said he'd be honored." Giving the phone back to Gabriel, he added, "He wants to know some stuff." Jeremy climbed down and ran off to play.

Gabriel thanked his dad and gave him the date, October first and time, eleven-thirty.

Troy laughed. "The entire family's involved with these boys, aren't they?"

Katherine shielded her eyes as she watched them. "They are and it's a good thing, at least for the boys. My hope's Harold and Rebecca don't mind the interruption of their peaceful lives too much."

As he leaned over and kissed her cheek, Gabriel said, "I've told you, Mom and Dad enjoy the boys."

They continued visiting through dinner. After dinner, Jeremy pouted and looked at his mom. "I know I need to take my bath."

Joshua chuckled. "You know you have to do it every night after dinner, why..." As Gabriel cleared his throat, Joshua quieted.

Katherine stood. "On that note, I'll get started on the dishes."

Gabriel reached over and took Troy's plate. "I'll help. Boys?"

Within minutes, the boys and Gabriel returned as he said, "Kate will be here in a second. She's finishing up."

Jordan waited until his brothers went upstairs before he said, "Mr. Elder, I know you're the lawyer helping Mom with the custody case. I don't understand everything that's going on, but Mom's a good mom. Dad's parents don't like us. It was obvious when we stayed overnight. Even Jeremy figured it out. Please help Mom."

Troy studied Jordan for a few moments. "I promise Mr. and Mrs. Riley won't take you away."

"Thank you, Sir." Jordan turned his head after he heard Jeremy call 'Mom' and said, "I need to go. I told Mom, I'd read Jeremy his story."

Gabriel and Troy watched Jordan go upstairs, before Troy said, "He's a good kid. All the boys are. I didn't know the boys knew what's going on."

"Only Jordan. He figured it out so we didn't have a choice."

Troy grinned. "You'd better marry this gal before somebody comes along and scoops her up."

Pointing to the single rose in a vase, Gabriel said, "This morning when I came over, an interested suitor was at her door with that. He asked her out." When Troy's eyes widened, Gabriel added, "She turned him down and told him she's in a committed relationship."

Katherine entered, stood behind Gabriel, and put her hands on his shoulders. "What are you guys talking about?"

Troy took a drink. "How lucky you two are that you found each other."

"I agree. I'm lucky Gabriel came into my life."

Gabriel mouthed, "Thank you." He took a moment before he got up. "I need to check the grill and make sure I shut it down."

Katherine and Troy watched him walk out, and then Troy patted her hand. "I think that's my cue to leave." He stared toward the kitchen. "I've known Gabe for over fifteen years. The thought of another man being interested in you has him worried. Go talk to him. I'll stay in touch and let myself out."

When Katherine walked outside, she saw Gabriel passing a football from one hand to the other. "Mr. Elder said he'd be in touch and goodnight."

Gabriel studied her.

She continued, "I've found a vulnerable spot in my bigger than life, arrogant, cocky, strong jock." Walking up to him, she took the football, set it in a chair, and held both his hands. "Gabriel, I can't read your mind. You've always encouraged us to talk things out. Now, you're not talking and it's scaring me."

He used his thumbs to caress her hands.

"I thought you were jealous because Mr. Ivory asked me out. I turned him down. I don't want to go out with him. I want you. I don't know what I did wrong. I don't know how to make it right. I'm sorry."

He put his arms around her and drew her close. "You've done nothing wrong. That guy reminded me I'm only a D-lineman, and as Joshua put it they're not noted for their intelligence only their muscles."

She stood on her tippy toes and kissed him. "Stop. You're one of the most intelligent people I know."

He stepped back. "You've mentioned how I taxed my brain majoring in P.E. in college."

Pausing, she said, "I was wrong about that and about a lot of things." She wiped her eyes. "I'm honored a man as wonderful as you is interested in me."

He kissed her. "I'm not interested in you; I'm in love with you. I'm a jock and I know you despised them. Seeing another man at your door caused me to face that fear. I understand just as easily as you came into my life you could leave."

"Seven months ago, Friday, George died. Since then I've planned his funeral, sold the penthouse, figured out his estate, and bought this house." She moved her hands toward the house. "By myself I moved my family over 1,700 miles, and for the first time started working." She gulped. "Since I moved here, I've been humiliated by Mr. Frost, and my in-laws have filed for custody of my boys."

Taking his hands in hers, Katherine continued, "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. After all of this is settled, I'll need time to breathe. I want you permanently in my life, but I need time."

Gabriel kissed her a slow lingering kiss. "As long as I know you love me, I'll give you as much time as you need."

"I do love you."



~~~~~~
I want to thank those of you who have expressed concern and have asked about my broken wrist. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday. I want good news, but I fear I have not healed as quickly as I had hoped. When i expressed this to my husband he commented, "Old ladies don't. Just be grateful all you broke was your wrist. He got the silent treatment for a few hours. LOL
~~~~~~

CHARACTERS:

Katherine Riley: age 33 - widowed: husband died 6 months ago. She moved to Texas from NYC with her four sons. She teaches high school math and also coaches girls cross country.

Daisy: Katherine's yellow Labrador

Gabriel Hudson: High School football coach and former NFL defensive lineman

Reggie: a very large English Mastiff

Jeremy: Katherine's six year old son. He's in first grade.

Jordan: Katherine's fifteen year old son. He's a sophomore.

Joshua Katherine's thirteen year old son. He's in 8th grade

Joel Katherine's eleven year old son. He's in 6th grade.

Paul Edwards: High School principal and Gabriel's friend.

Rodney Frost: Math department head, at least for now.

Angie Brooks Math teacher and Katherine's friend.

Frank Collins Math teacher.

Rebecca and Harold Hudson Gabriel's parents

Sarah and Bob Beck Katherine's parents, Bob is deceased

Alan Green an Assistant Principal

Sandy Frost Rodney Frost's wife

Sam Auto repair shop owner

Bill Brooks Assistant football coach, Gabriel's friend, and Angie's husband.

Harold Hudson Gabriel's dad and football announcer.

Sandy Teenage girl on cross country team.

Judy Teenage girl on cross country team.

Rhonda Morgan Teenage girl on cross country team, and victim of dating violence.

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Rhonda's parents.

Kenny Clark Teenager - Rhonda's boyfriend

Grace Former friend of Gabriel and featured in porn magazine

Janette & Jackson Riley Katherine's in-laws

Dr. Martin Jordan's doctor

Troy Elder Lawyer and friend of Gabriel from his pro-football days

UIL The University Interscholastic League exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and music contests. The UIL was created by The University of Texas at Austin in 1910 and has grown into the largest inter-school organization of its kind in the world.

Melton Ivory Lawyer and possible new suitor for Katherine