Page 53 of Catching Dreams

“Well, Mack has been helping me while Nico in school. We are talking to an immigration lawyer and hopefully getting Camila and Valentina here on a P-4 Visa. I saving my money and hopefully they will come back with me for Spring Training.”

“Ivan! That would be amazing!”

“I still have money that your Molly helped raise for us. That will help a lot.”

“If there is anything I can do to help, let me know. I know Molly can’t wait to meet Camila and Valentina. Molly said she hopes she has one girl to be best friends with your baby girl.”

Ivan let out a laugh and said, “Camila said the same thing. She taking English classes now to be able to talk to Molly and other friends.”

“That’s really smart of her! I know Molly has been learning sign language to talk to Nico. I bet she would be willing to learn Spanish to talk to Camila.”

“We lucky assholes to have amazing wives,” Ivan said with a laugh.

“Yes, we are!”

“I’m no snitch, but you’re ballsy bringing your phone with you in the dugout,” Evan said.

“I have to know how she's doing,” I said. “I thought I lost her not too long ago. I have to know if she and the babies are okay.”

“I totally get it. Just don’t get caught,” Harris said as he grabbed a bat to head out for batting practice.

Dominic was true to his word, and I got several messages. When Evan or a few other guys would distract the coaches with questions, I would quickly check my phone. I didn’t know what would happen if they found me with my phone in the dugout, but I didn’t want to find out.

6:27 p.m.

Dom: She was admitted. They are checking her out (I’m in the hallway, don’t worry)

7:03 p.m.

Dom: Pen just got here with her phone charger and a book to read. They are checking the contractions. They did a picture thingy of the babies and I got to see my soon to be nieces/nephews and they are adorable! They look just like ME!

7:38 p.m.

Dom: Molly said to tell you nice job behind the plate. We were able to find your game on the TV. She seems to have relaxed while watching you. The nurse says the contractions are irregular and most likely braxton hicks. I don’t know what that means but the girls do and say they aren’t real contractions.

“Stone! What are you doing?” the batting coach, Will Douglas, barked. I quickly hid my phone back in my jacket pocket and placed my jacket back on the dugout bench. “Get your bat! You’re up next. We’re down 4-3 and need a good inning.”

“Getting it now, Douglas,” I said. I felt relieved that maybe they weren’t real contractions, and I was glad that Molly was more relaxed while watching me. Just knowing she could see me brought me some extra pride as I stepped up to the batter’s box.

The first pitch flew by me and just out of my strike zone. I was relieved that it was called a ball.

“Good eye!” a few of the players called from the dugout.

I kept a steady eye on the pitcher and waited for him to throw his signature curveball. I knew I couldn’t hit that. Sure enough, the next pitch was his wicked curveball that smacked the catcher’s glove. The count was now one strike and one ball. I grasped the bat tighter and raised it just above my shoulder. I watched as the pitcher took his stance and threw the ball. I brought my hands forward and felt the ball connect with the bat. I threw the bat and began running as fast as I could towards first. Catchers weren’t known for their speed, and I wasn’t the slowest catcher, but I definitely wasn’t the fastest runner on the team. When the first base coach waved me on to second, I rounded the base quickly and ran towards second. I stopped on the bag and grinned as the ball was thrown to the second baseman as I stood there. I clapped my hands together and grinned at the dugout, who was cheering along with me.

Bret Welker, our third baseman, came up to bat after me. He was on a hot streak, and they intentionally walked him. It made sense with first base open, but I just rolled my eyes. Evan Harris came up to bat next. He hit a single on the first pitch thrown to him, and we all advanced to load the bases. Unfortunately, the next two batters struck out, and it was now up to Chance Wagner, our designated hitter. You could tell he was trying for a grand slam with his first swing, but he just fouled off the ball.

“Just a single will get me and Isaac home!” I shouted.

Chance repositioned his bat and took a warm up swing. The pitcher threw three more pitches, and Chance foul-tipped all but one. It was definitely a battle at the plate. The next pitch went wild and towards the wall behind the catcher. Chance brought his hand out to me and waved for me to come in. I began running as fast as I could and slid into home plate at the same time the catcher got the ball and tagged me. I wasn’t sure if he tagged me before my hand hit the plate or after because it was that close.

“SAFE!” the umpire yelled. I jumped up and gave a high five and a pat to the ass to Wagner.

“Nice job,” our DH said and took his spot back in the batter’s box.

“You did your job, Stone,” Douglas told me and then said in a low voice. “Go ahead and check your phone now.”

I thanked him and just shook my head as I went over and pulled out my phone. A text had just come in from Molly.

---