"Enough of this hovering over me like I'm on my deathbed! I'm fine!" Swatting at Blake's hands as he tries to take my tablet and notebook away from me reminds of when he was little and our roles were reversed. That boy was born with eight arms and a hot wheel was always in each of them.

How many of those little cars have I stepped on over the years?

Blake closes out my screen and sets it on the table. Pulling my phone from under my arm he takes that away from me as well. Placing the nurse's call button into my hand instead, he hovers over me. Filling my water glass and fluffing my pillow.

"You're a champ fluffer, honey. But I'm working. Why don't you fluff Emma's pillows for a while? I bet she'd love to get fluffed." I suggest letting my inappropriate innuendo settle for a moment.

Blake understands my meaning and rolls his eyes at me. His mind is usually in the gutter. And I know exactly where he got it from. Chuckling at the red that's creeping up his neck, I know I've just embarrassed my boy.

It's only been a few days, Ma. Give us a break. We almost lost you." Blake touches the bandage on my head and gives me that look. The one that tells me I scared him. I've only seen this expression a few times in his life, but I know it's meaning.

God Lord, what are they going to do when I'm actually dying?

I love my children and all of my family, but at the moment, they are driving me crazy. I had surgery, no big deal. People have surgeries everyday and most of them live normal lives afterwards. You'd think I had a brain transplant, a triple bypass and cancer.

It was a tumor pressing against my brain. I'll admit there were a few scary moments with it but I'm still here. Kicking and screaming, I might add. I know this scared the family. It shook them to the core. Thank God for Jake and Grace to watch over me and report back to the family. I know everyone appreciated it more than they admit.

"For a woman who just had surgery on her brain, yes. You're doing good. It doesn't mean you're in shape to plan a party! Damn it, Ma! Will you just rest for Christ sake!?" Blake argues with me. I know he got that mouth of his from me. Frustrated and at his wits end with me, he pulls at his hair and spins in a circle groaning all the way around. "Ma, please. Aiden and I will plan the party."

Oh, that won't do.

Does he think the doctors removed a part of my brain? Does he think I'd allow those two frat boys to mess up one of my events? I've seen the kind of parties the men in my family put together. It will be on a football field with BBQ grills, big buckets of beer and tailgating. And a game of football to round it out. That is not the refined, academia kind of event I had in mind.

"I appreciate the help, honey. I do. Where did you think you'd have it?" I brace for his response.

Blake rubs his chin and finally takes a seat next to me. Calming down thinking I'm going to allow him his way. "Well, Emma and I were talking about it. She thinks we could use the ballroom at the Hightower. She thinks a quartet in the foyer would be nice and assigned seating. Filet medallions and fingerling potatoes. Aiden and I were thinking a little less stuffy, like something outdoors, relaxed, more college driven. Hamburgers and hotdogs, beer, maybe a pickup game of football."

Yep! I was right!

"I think Emma and I should work on it together. Maybe Chloe and Isabelle can help too." I reach out to snatch up my tablet and open it up and start making notes again.

Emma has the right idea. This is for some of the donors and alumni, B.E.'s board and several of Blake's old teammates, who have grown out of the frat parties. I'm not looking at asking students for contributions to our scholarship program, but people with money to burn.

"But this is a lot to take on, Ma. You need to rest. Aiden and I can handle it." He tries to reassure me, but the idea of my dear boys trying to plan a black tie event on a football field, isn't what I was thinking.

"Mrs Bradford?" Blake turns around and both of our attention goes to the young lady at the door. "I'm Sarah, from the placement company. You were looking for someone who can run errands and do some secretarial stuff for you?" The blonde woman stood in the doorway looking at me as if I should have expected her. They certainly work fast.

Now isn't this convenient. Wait! I know that face.

"Sarah? Sarah, Sarah...." Tapping my temple with my stylist, I search my memory for where I know her from.

My eyes take a long look at the young girl, almost a child really. She's maybe a few years younger than Hunter. Big bluebonnet eyes, beautiful, sun kissed skin, and full, shapely lips. I know I know that face. She's perhaps the same height as Colby, as curvy as Emery, but there's just something....

Oh, the hell with it! It's faster just to ask. "Sarah, what is your last name, dear?"

"Tateman , Ma'am. Reese and Molly Tateman are my parents. We met a while ago at a Christmas party when I was pretty young. Then a few years ago at the play60 Blake helped Uncle Nate with and I was at your gala recently too." Her big blue eyes darted to Blake and back. "I'm a student at NYU, but I want to move out here. I'm just working right now, until I can get enrolled again."

That's where I know her!

"Yes, I remember now. I'm so glad for your help, honey."And wasn't it convenient for her to be working with the same temp service I happened to call? "How are your parents? I heard they were having some trouble with Roan again?" I pat the side of this blasted hospital bed and wish to be home in my own bed.

"Mom and Dad are good. They're talking about moving back here, since Roan is being such an ass.... I mean, causing so much trouble." Sarah blushed a lovely shade of pink and those long, lashed eyes look away in embarrassment.

"You don't need to censure yourself for my sake, dear. I've had a houseful of boys most of my years now. They've all been swearing like sailors in front of me for more years than I'd like to admit. They do have manners occasionally, but that's only when they can find them." Sending Blake a look that he recognizes as my finger pointing look, he clears his throat and stands up.

"Sarah, why don't you take my seat. We can talk later about this one and what she's allowed to do. She just had surgery the other day, so she needs rest. Don't stay too long." Walking around the bed, Blake leans over and kisses my cheek. Giving me a speculative look, he heads to the door. "And Sarah, don't take any shit from this one. She's more ornery than she looks."

Leaving us alone, I breathe a long sigh of relief. If one more member of this family dotes on me, I'm going to scream. I'm fully functional and can plan a damn party, while I'm lying in bed with my eyes closed. I do not need a babysitter!

"Well, now that we can get to work, let me explain what I need help with." I go over the particulars of the party, the how and why's as well as who will be honored and who will be invited.

She takes notes and asks good, intelligent questions as well as makes some interesting and positive feedback. "I know you want formal, but most people associate the Bradford name with football. Why not use the stadium? The main promenade can have music and food. You could even have autograph signing and a silent auction, maybe even a display area for autographed merchandise. Then down on the field, you can set up the table and a stage. Bidding can be done on the promenade and the winners announced on the field and you'll end up raising more money than just asking for donations."

Smart girl! I like this one.

"Hmmm." I wonder how we can do this. I like her idea. It's big and bold. And it will definitely say, the Bradford's are here to stay. No matter what those garbage magazines say. When I get my hands on Adam, he will rue the day he chose to steal from this family. "Make some calls, Sarah. Reach out to the Chargers and the Rams, call the UCLA president as well. See who is willing to work with us. If all three agree, find me the best offer. This is going to be a lot of work, Sarah. I know Laney, my daughter-in-law and assistant, will be able to help you with getting numbers and contacts. I've got other things I need her focused on, but she's a good resource for you."

At the knock on the door, Sarah opens it up to find a wildly colorful bouquet of flowers, hiding its deliverer's face. Sarah takes the vase exposing a very shy Riley. I'm so pleased to see her. I was beginning to think Adam had ruined Aiden's relationship with her.

"Oh! My dear, they are lovely, just lovely. Sarah, if you would set them over there, please. Come here, Riley, sit. Sarah, this is Riley. She's Aiden's girlfriend." I see the look of curiosity on Sarah's face and concern on Riley's.

"It's nice to meet you." Sarah politely reached out to shake hands with Riley.

"You too. I didn't mean to interrupt. Blake said to come on in. If you're busy, I can come back another time." She stepped back reaching for the door.

"Nonsense! Come sit with me. Sarah is going to be working with me for a bit on a project. Now honey, ask Blake for Laney's number. She can get you that information." And with one log in a fire, I start focusing on fire number two.

Sarah excused herself, allowing Riley and I some time to talk. I'm glad she came to see me. I've been concerned about her and Aiden. I know he's been upset and distracted lately. I'm hoping to solve some of that. "As much as I love the flowers, I'm more happy to see you. Aiden mentioned you were having trouble getting some time alone."

Riley flushes, then nods. "Between school and football, it's been busy. I'm looking for a job, which he's against and it's caused some hurt feelings. I know you requested another check from the foundation be cut for me, but I can't take it. I won't. I don't want anyone to say that I got it because of my relationship with Aiden. He's not too happy with me about it. I just need to know I earned it."

And there was the truth of the matter.

"I understand that and I respect it. So does Aiden. I also know that Aiden will get over it. He loves you. I expect you feel the same way for him." When she only nods, I continue. "Then you should know that money doesn't mean a damn thing, when love is involved. Take money out of the equation for a moment. Would you still have a problem taking the grant if it wasn't coming from his family?"

"I've earned my grades, I applied for the loan, long before I met Aiden... I guess I would accept it. I've earned what was granted to me, but why give me the extra check?" Riley is understanding me now.

"It wasn't extra." And now, I have to explain myself. "You were supposed to have received that check when the semester started. Somehow it was either never cut or delivered to you. With the way things have panned out lately, I'm leaning toward the latter. I believe someone took the check out of distribution and shredded it."

"But why? I don't know anyone who... oh." And the lock has opened. "I see. How did he know, back then, I mean? I had just met Aiden, we weren't even together really."

"Aiden had been making noises about breaking it off with Leighton, long before he met you. I know he spoke to Blake about you early on. Blake had told him at the beginning of the summer to end the relationship with Leighton. After hearing Aiden's interest in you it reaffirmed his suspicions. Aiden didn't love her, we knew it. He just felt bad about it. I think, ultimately, it was Leighton who pushed him to call it off. Adam didn't like it and didn't want any of us to know the deal he had made. Now we're cleaning up after his mess exploded on all of us. This wasn't on you. I want that perfectly clear. And I want that check recut and deposited in your account immediately. Okay with you?"

Licking her lips, Riley thinks it over. I believe I made my point and I feel she is smart enough to know what I have said is the truth. I don't toss money around haphazardly, or give it away as if I have money to burn. What I have, what I do with it, is my business and no one else's. People need to mind their own damn business anyway. I'm too damn old to explain myself to the press constantly.

"I will, but I am going to get a job. I need to support myself for this semester and next year. I won't rely on you or Aiden to support me." A woman after my own heart.

"Agreed. And if you and Aiden decide to marry? Will you still want to work?" I'm curious about what I might need to do with her. I might need to make a second offer.

"Yes. I want my own career." Standing her ground, Riley is just like Emma. No wonder Aiden fell in love with her. He always did have a crush on his aunt.

"Then I would like to offer you a paid internship with B.E. We have several departments to choose from and the hours will work with your schedule. You may have work that has deadlines, and you'll need to take it home to do. There's also a matter of confidentiality that we'll need to discuss. But I'm offering the position to you and you can start immediately. Blake needs help that we can trust." Making the decision on the fly, I will need to create a job description and salary requirements. I'll have Laney work it up and send it in.

"I would love that. Are you sure?" The amazement on her face was worth the lashing I'll be getting from Blake, when I inform him of his new assistant.

"I never make an offer I'm not sure of. Let's say, you start a week from Monday." That will give me time to get everything smoothed over with Blake and set up for her. "You know where the building is located?"

"Yes, Ma'am. My car is pretty old, but she'll make it." Riley assures me.

That's right! Aiden mentioned there was a car problem.

"Oh! I forgot to tell you. Blake usually travels in the limo. You'll ride anywhere you need to go with him. There's a company car at your disposal. You are allotted miles to travel to and from work. Any personal travel, you'll need your own car for." That should solve the car issue. I'll get Laney to buy a car too. Used I think, maybe a year or two but with decent miles. Nothing flashy or outrageous like the boys buy, but classy, professional. A Lexus or Mercedes Benz perhaps.

"I don't need a car." Riley begins to protest.

Damn, was that a bit much? Better to let it go for the moment. One step at a time and she'll eventually accept it.

"We'll work out all the details and benefits later. I'll have Emma reach out to you once we've gotten the contract together. I like to have everything in writing to cover my bases. Don't you?"

She's hesitating now. Buggars! "I guess. Okay. Uh, what time do I..."

"After 2. He's got several meetings in the mornings and I'll get you on his calendar for the afternoon. Blake runs a play60 program as well. He needs help with phone calls and vendors and all. It's fun, but a lot of work." And I remember that first year he had it like it was yesterday.

He and Emma had just gotten together. It was right after the wedding, after we thought we were going to lose Emma because of Zach. I'll never forget about that monster. I don't like to talk ill of the dead, but that bastard can rot in hell.

"Now on to brighter things. I'm having a party. I want you there as a special honoree." And I went on to explain the party, the fundraising for it and why I'm doing it. "Adam took so much from us. He won't take this. I've invited Cami Toller to present for the evening. She was Aiden's first love."

"Oh." And there is the insecurity I was afraid of. "That's nice. I'm sure he'll love to see her."

"Yes, I think he will. He hasn't seen her in twenty years. He fell for the little girl at five years old, then his father paid them to move away. Sound familiar? She's been a student at Harvard for the past three years. I think she'll love to meet the woman who caught Aiden's heart. And I want to meet her husband-to-be and see her baby. I just love babies, don't you?" Yes, this will bring this awful experience with Adam full circle at last. "She has a little girl. I've got pictures somewhere. Anyway, Cami was our first scholarship we gave out. I think it's appropriate that she announce our honorees."

"So, Adam has done this to Aiden before? That's just sad." And there's the heart my sweet boy loves.

"Yes, it is and it won't happen again." I can hear the ice in my voice harden. Clearing my throat, I go on. "Cami is looking forward to meeting you."

Those dark eyes jump to mine. Fear and nerves filling them. Oh, what happened to this child to be such a bundle of nerves. Aiden will have his hands full helping her get past it. So much like Chelsea was when we got her back.

"Why would she want to meet me?" The question was so softly asked, I don't believe it was meant for me to answer.

"Because, I've talked highly about you. And she wants to meet the woman who stole Aiden's heart."

It's a really good thing football is an aggressive game. It's allowing me to deal with all of these pent up feelings I've been having lately. Between Grandma and her condition, Dad and Mom with all there issues, I'm not even going start on Riley and not being able to get time with her for even sex lately.

Needless to say, I'm wound a little tight.

Practice today isn't helping me. My O-line isn't blocking for me and the defense keeps getting through. I've avoided sacks, but I'm not going to be able to keep this up, if they don't block these fuckers.

My arm is throbbing. Throw after throw, hitting the mark but my receivers are dropping the ball. I'm tired. I'm stressed. And I'm getting pissed with each pass.

We run the play over and over. Each time, my tackles and center are slacking off. I don't even try to throw the ball this time. I just stand there after the ball is hiked. I'm just waiting for the coach to stop the play and rag my ass. That's when I see the short, stubby man heading my way.

Yep! Here it comes.

"Bradford! Are you waiting for an invitation to play or are you just admiring your team's asses?" Coach yells as he crosses the field. Well, at least he noticed I'm not trying this time.

"I'm waiting for my team to decide if they're going to actually try to block for me, or if I should just fall down and play dead now!" I know this won't go over well with anyone, but I'm tired of getting sacked.

"Maybe you'd like to do that on the sideline." Coach growls at me then eyeballs the O-line. All five of them look guiltily away. "You boys too busy jerking off to protect your QB? If I don't see some protection on your asses, you all are gonna be looking for another damn career! Run it again, Bradford! This time, how about you actually throw the ball!"

Going back into the huddle, I look around at my receivers and tackles, half are family. All of them are friends. "Sawyer, it's coming to you. Harp, go for the backup. Peters, get your ass in front of me and stay there. Drew, fake pass to you. Go!"