All It Takes Is...Patience

By Marie Harper

Book 3.5 in All It Takes Is... series.

Patience continues Ally & Kevin's story shortly after Kylie's safe return. Though this novel can be read by itself, the characters grow and develop throughout the series. Thoughts, reactions, and personalities will make more sense if the novels are read in sequence.

Desperate to find some time to themselves, Ally & Kevin are both looking forward to their upcoming getaway. After working diligently on the relationship, they finally feel as if they are on solid ground. More great news...the Wranglers are in the playoffs! Plenty of events are planned for the week, and Ally cannot wait to become a true member of the Wrangler's extended family. However as usual, life gets in their way. Because of a delayed departure in Maryland, Kevin reluctantly left ahead of her. Unfortunately, with his wife away, an unwanted presence attempts to fill Ally's void. However, once Ally and the baby arrive in the City of Angels, Kevin & Ally's problems come to a dangerous head.

Ally & Kevin have to find the strength to find each other and the patience to accept things that cannot be changed. If they can do this, they will be able to overcome anything. Please read Patience and hold onto your hat because the path to this couple's happy ending is rarely smooth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Harper
• Release date: Apr 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310821820

Marie Harper

Writing has always been a passion for me but before the onset of independent publishing, I doubted ever seeing this dream fulfilled. As an introvert, the daunting task of publishing left me confused and intimidated, so I thank Smashwords Publishing wholeheartedly. With a few titles completed and published with more on the way, I feel a flush of pride for the lives I have created on paper, and I hope you'll enjoy them just as much.On an personal note, I am the mother of three boys, a wife, and an elementary school teacher. My hands are always full and busy especially when wrangling my children's schedules during sport seasons. I am a cowbell-ringing, football-lax-basketball loving mom. My husband and I have been together since high school; without his support and encouragement, I wouldn't be able to write a sentence let alone novels. He effectively runs interference for me when my boys are hungry or schoolwork calls. He helps me find a balance that consistently eludes me.When my hands aren't overflowing with paraphernalia, my mind overflows with thoughts, ideas, and characters aching to be shared. I love being a mom and teacher, yet the fulfillment I receive from writing a story gives me as much joy as watching my boys grow.

Book preview

All It Takes Is…

Patience

By: Marie Harper

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 Marie Harper

Thank you for downloading this e-book. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied, and/or distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review and encourage your friends to download their own copy as well as other titles by

Marie Harper.

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Happy reading & please leave a review…

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events of locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and are fiction.

Cover art: http://www.SelfPubBookCovers.com/FrinaArt

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Dedication

I have not been able to put Ally & Kevin away. They keep popping up in my mind as if to say Hello. I frequently think about what they are doing. How are things in Houston? How is the baby? Etc. It occurred to me that others might be wondering the same thing. Ally & Kevin still have a ways to go in navigating their lives together and I thought I would share this update.

This novella goes out to all couples who have fallen hard and fast for one another, trudged through the mud relationships can sometimes throw at you and manage to come out the other side together and stronger. I like to think that Ally & Kevin are one such couple. Relationships are hard and require equal parts - determination, bravery, romance, and faith. Patience, in there as well, woven within the weft of every component. Therefore, for all couples like Ally & Kevin…this one is for you.

Chapter 1

Ally and Marissa landed in LAX to a flurry of fanfare and excitement. Football fans from both sides filled the concourse, hurrying to their respective buses waiting to shuttle them to their hotels. Glad that she packed light and the baby enjoyed being carted across America in a Snugly, Ally navigated the waiting area with ease.

Reminded of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, she had never seen so many ridiculous outfits or wide swaths of bold colors. Forest Green and Gold for the Wranglers versus Detroit's Cobalt Blue and White for as far as the eye could see. Swirls and slashes of team colors blurred the outline of the terminal. Playoff games were unlike any she had ever experienced before. Thinking back to their time in college, Ally remembered the pandemonium Bowl Games brought to campus, but the NFL worked on a completely different level. Everything was more – more fans, more glitz, and drastically higher stakes. The airport became a microcosm of what the city of LA held for them. Ally worried about her color choices for her outfit, realizing she was wearing referees’ colors of black and white; uneasily, she smoothed her hands down her dress. Fingers crossed, she hoped the wandering football fanatics wouldn't ask her to oversee any of the shenanigans breaking out throughout the terminal.

Finally advancing to the end of the arrival gate, Ally could not wait to see her husband’s obnoxiously large truck, most likely taking up two spots in the taxi line. Normally, she would rather get into their unassuming SUV but Kevin loved making an entrance. Ally grimaced. Since being in Houston, she noticed changes in her husband – some good, some not so much. He got away with murder being a Wrangler player and he loved the special treatment.

When last they spoke, which was around eight the night before, he called to check in and say goodnight to the baby. Kevin promised he was going to meet her at the airport, double-checked her arrival information, and planned a late lunch together – away from the team and press - before heading to the hotel. Since he had an open afternoon, which meant a span of free time not monopolized by the team for practice, planning, or press junkets, they were going to do some family stuff. With Kylie’s abduction and the holidays topped off with a lengthy hospital stay, there really was not any relaxation or privacy for the young family. Ally spent most of her time in Maryland trying to keep her dad as well as her aunt and uncle from coming unglued. Kevin spent most of his time occupying the baby and spending time with his family. Time together became a rarity. Kylie couldn't wait for some alone time with her husband and baby girl even if it was in a bustling city while trying to stay unnoticed by the Wranglers’ well-informed, diehard fans.

Finally making it to the curb, feeling a lot like Moses at the edge of the Red Sea, Kylie scanned the bustling traffic excitedly. Los Angeles' stifling dry heat heavy with exhaust tightened her throat gagging her with it stench and weight. A dark blue truck inched up the curb. Her heart raced. Looking closer at the oncoming driver, it wasn't Kevin.

Ally didn't see him. The smog choked her, her adrenaline raced. Scanning the cab line and passenger pick-up line, she saw not one familiar face. Finding an empty bench, she prepared to wait. The baby continued to nap, and Ally wished she could do the same. Even though she desperately wanted to see her husband possibly steal a kiss or three, she was exhausted. Thinking of her neighbor, Donna, and her unique cache of Texan euphemisms, the expression rode hard and put away wet came to mind explaining her current state of mind.

Scanning the curb again, she explained away her concerns telling herself that he was stuck in traffic. Maybe had a flat tire.

Several minutes later, a niggling of worry gnawed in her belly. He would not leave her stranded at the airport with their baby. Something must have happened, she mumbled while dialing his phone. Could have been a change in his schedule. Maybe, he forgot.

Ally hung up the phone, unsuccessful in connecting with Kevin.

One group of travelers after another happily meeting their loved ones, the sourer she became. Determined to get to the hotel, if for no other reason than to get the baby out of her damn stroller and maybe catch a few minutes of sleep, she flagged down a cab.

A man in a black suit approached her, calling her name quietly. Mrs. Brown…Mrs. Kevin Brown. I recognized you from your picture.

Caught off guard and extremely pissed off, Ally thought he was one of Kevin’s fans. Politely, she told him her husband wasn’t here. Ally hoped he would take the excuse and leave her alone. It was most likely true though honestly, she had no idea where he was. He sure as shit wasn't here…at the airport, wasn't picking up his wife and daughter. Ally prayed the man would go away so she could catch a cab to the hotel and crash. The baby began to fuss. Her short-lived respite just-about over. Looking at the face of her cell phone, Ally realized it was close to her feeding time. She sighed, understanding there would be no quiet lunch, no sweet reunion, and certainly no time for herself. Once again, her wants would have to wait. Izzy needed her.

The man continued to talk, Miss…Mrs. Brown? I don't think you understand. I am here to collect you and your things. I am one of the drivers for the team. Is it just you and the baby? Just one carry-on.

Surprised, Ally answered both questions with a Yes before asking the chauffeur, Do you know where Mr. Brown is? He was supposed to meet me.

Nope…just got a call this morning about an in-coming guest pick-up with your name and arrival information. I went to the wrong terminal. I am so sorry to have kept you waiting.

Suspicion bubbling in her belly, she asked the same question in another way, ignoring his apology. So you don’t know why he didn’t pick me up himself.

If there was one thing, she was learning by listening to a few of the other football wives she met, football was one big boys’ club. Secrets shared, swapped, and coveted by all involved. Ally knew in her gut something was up.

Nope, he said again, opening the door for her. The inside of the town car was complete with Kevin’s car seat for Marissa. He truly did think of everything…everything except telling Ally he wouldn't be able to meet her. I’m sure his plans changed and he wasn’t able to get ahold of you…you know phones off on the plane and all.

Ally thumbed through her call history – no missed calls. Answering the increasingly nervous driver, she met his tight gaze with an equally tight and sour smile.

Yeah…I’m sure that’s it.

Chapter 2

Ally arrived at the hotel to swarms of people crowding the lobby. Struggling to keep the baby buffered from swinging backpacks, waving arms, and loud voices, a tall, lean security guard hustled her past the throngs of people to the private elevator leading to the players' floors. The guard smiled tightly at her as her eyes began to well. Ally had to admit, she felt a little like an unwanted package transferred from one person to another, left to find her way on her own, without a sole person to claim her.

Trying to lighten the mood, the security guard, no older than Ally himself, attempted to distract her from her thoughts and hurt feelings.

Must be a die-hard Wranglers’ fan to deal with all of this, huh?

With a weak smirk, she looked into the man’s kind face. He resembled a typical blonde surfer but with the lithe, muscular build of a basketball player. He rocked slowly on his toes while waiting for a response.

I’m married to one of the players.

Nodding his head in understanding, he remarked, Makes sense now…I bet you are married to someone on the O-line. They always go for the teeny-tiny ones.

Ally smiled for the first time since arriving in Los Angeles. She dipped her head to catch sight of his nametag and responded, Well, thanks Rick. Please call me Ally, and thanks for your help back there. Short of one of the players showing up and offering tickets to the game, I don’t think I could have made it through the front door.

Was nothing, he blushed, apparently not used to gratitude or compliments.

By the way, Ally responded to his original question, I didn’t think I’d ever hear the words ‘teeny’ or ‘tiny’ attached to my name since having this little one, she looked down at the still sleeping baby, But it’s actually someone on the D-line I’m married to.

You don’t say. I’m surprised he let you manage the crowd by yourself. His thoughts tumbled from his mind freely. Noticing the tightness of her eyes, he tried to backtrack, adding an explanation to his earlier remark. I'm sure he just…something must have come up…you know.

It’s fine, Rick. You meant no harm, and to answer your question…my husband is Kevin Brown.

Rick’s eyes widened, suddenly confused and definitely uncomfortable. O…okay? He stretched out the word, making his okay resonate more like Holy shit!

Ally looked at him, trying to catch his eye. Something was going on.

Resting her hand on his arm, her floor fast approaching, she tugged his attention toward her. Shifting from foot to foot, Rick quietly willed the elevator to move faster. Ally was tempted to press the stop button on the elevator’s panel. Adrenaline flashed through her veins as she braced herself against the chrome railing along the lift’s walls. Icy heat slithered beneath her skin. Her chest tight. Ally remembered this same sickening sensation. She had felt it a few times before…bad news was coming…really bad news…like the end of existence as she knew it news. No longer able to play Ms. Polite, Ally released the railing, commanding her blood to flow back into her tightly clenched fingers. Standing right in front of Rick, the security guard, she demanded answers.

Why did you make that sound? Ally asked, tempted to poke the information out of him, but that would be a crime most likely – assault - so she kept her needle-like digits to herself.

Pretending not to know what she was talking about, Rick decided to play dumb – which was also a bad sign.

Miss…I mean Ally…I didn’t mean anything, really.

Oh…don’t give me that. You are paid to know exactly what's going on at all times in this hotel. I can tell you are top-notch guard otherwise, they would not assign you to top tier clientele. Therefore, now that you know I am not some kind of country bumpkin who just fell off the turnip truck, I want to know why you said, ‘okay’ the way you did. Got it!

Ally was never one to be so forceful and confrontational. Something changed when she saw Kylie in her hospital bed, traumatized after practically being whisked off to Mother Russia. Ally learned not to waste time with the unnecessary bullshit that we seem content to fill our days and lives. If something was going on that she should know about, then damn it…he was going to tell her.

Ally craned her neck to look into the eyes of the now uncomfortable security guard.

Look…I don’t need any trouble.

No trouble from me…unless you don’t talk. She pleaded, I just want to know what you know. That’s all. I would never divulge my source.

Unsure to her motivations, Rick stepped away pressing their floor number a few more times. What are you, some kind of reporter?

No…I’m a wife. I am a tired, hungry, and engorged wife who just flew almost six hours with a two-month old infant. So look, please…we have two more floors to go. Just tell me why you reacted the way you did.

Feeling sorry for the woman standing in front of him, he envied those athletes with the cream of the crop of everything including women. He never understood why they couldn't appreciate how great they had it. The wealthy, especially the newly wealthy, seemed to take everything for granted and use everything to excess. Sighing, he admitted defeat.

Look, I am sorrier than you know to have to tell you this, but an hour ago I escorted another woman up to your husband’s suite.

The floor beneath her dropped as another surge of adrenaline overwhelmed her system, tightening her grasp on the baby while pressing against the cool metallic walls of the elevator, Ally heard his last few words, a pretty honey brown. He was expecting her.

The awful music piped into the elevator’s speakers no longer needled her eardrums. Only Rick’s words chimed in with a chorus of I told you so from loved ones and acquaintances. Rick asked her if she was okay. That damned word. Unable to answer, she needed to see the proof for herself. Months and months of hard work…could he really have thrown away everything they'd worked on, ignored the emotional muck they went through or thrown their progress out the window?

Fear and shame lodged in her chest making it almost impossible to draw a full breath. Drawing shallow gasps, her lightheadedness increased. If she wasn;t holding the baby, she'd probably be on her ass at that very moment.

I don't understand, she whispered. Feeling like a complete fool, Ally might as well go for broke and make a complete ass of herself by barnstorming her…no Kevin’s suite.

Looking crazed and completely