Page 31 of Batter Up!

I watched as he easily got the lug nut off, and he gave me a smirk. “Thanks for loosening it for me.” This charming, sweet man was the one I remembered from the bar and one of the reasons I hadn’t forgotten him.

“No problem,” I said and handed him the tools he needed. I got out the spare while he took off the flat tire. I took a deep breath and asked the question I had been wondering about for weeks now. “Why didn’t you remember me?”

“What are you talking about?” he asked as our fingers brushed together when I took the tire iron from him.

“You came into my bakery and had no clue who I was, but now you remember me? I don’t get it.”

He stopped what he was doing and looked right into my eyes. He looked genuinely confused. “I could never forget you, Red. Shit, I should have done this when I got over here first thing. What is your name?”

“I’m Molly,” I said. “I’m guessing Stone isn’t your first name.”

“Hi, Molly. I’m Tyler Stone. It’s nice to meet you!” He took my hand and brought my knuckles up to his lips.

“Hurry the fuck up, Stone!” a guy yelled from the stairs of the bus.

“I guess you have to go,” I said, not wanting him to leave and still wondering why he hadn’t remembered me almost a month ago. “Thank you so much for helping me.”

“We’re a good team,” he said as I put the tools away in my trunk. Then, he put the flat tire back there, too. “Are you coming to our game tomorrow?”

I looked at him with a confused tilt of my head. “Game? What are you talking about?”

He laughed, “I saw you at the Raptors game a few weeks ago, and I’ve been looking for you ever since. I’m the catcher for the Raptors.”

“Oh my gosh!” I squealed, and then covered my face. “Please, tell me all the Raptors aren’t on that bus right now?”

He let out a loud laugh and nodded, “Yep. We’re on our way back from a road trip.”

“I know! You guys went 5-1 on the road. Good job!”

“You really are a fan!” he exclaimed with a grin.

“I really am, and to answer your question - yes, I’ll be at your game tomorrow. I don’t have a ticket yet, but I will be getting one now.”

I saw him sigh with relief. “Good. Stay after the game so we can talk? I think I have an explanation for not remembering you, but my coach is going to kill me already, so I have to go.”

“Ok,” I said. I stood on my tip toes and looped my arms around his neck as he pulled me in for a hug. I didn’t know his reason for not remembering me yet, but I could already feel myself forgiving him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then, Molly!” he called out as he jogged off towards the bus. “I’ll leave you a ticket at Will Call!”

Tyler Stone. I had a feeling Stone was his last name. Now I knew his name, but I was more confused than ever. Just a few weeks ago, he had come into my bakery and said he didn’t know who I was. Then, tonight, he seemed genuinely happy to see me. He even went to the trouble of helping me change my tire.

I stood in line at the Will Call window at the stadium, and I couldn’t believe I was going to a game alone. Penelope was spending time with her kids, and I even asked Autumn if she could go, but she was going venue hunting for her wedding. Meadow had offered to drive the eight hours to come to the game with me, but I told her I would be fine and would let her know how everything went.

I looked at the two tickets and shook my head. I was right behind the home dugout, and I would have a great view of all the players. I was nervous about seeing him again, but I couldn’t wait until after the game so I could get answers and get to know him better.

I got a hot dog and a bottle of water and went down to my seats to watch batting practice. I pulled out my phone and texted Meadow.

Me: When do I tell him? I’m so nervous. What if he doesn’t think the baby is his?

Meadow: If he doesn’t believe you then he doesn’t know you. Just tell him when you feel it's right.

Me: Ok. Oh! There he is. Oh he is so hot. I can’t believe he’s a baseball player!

I sent her a picture of Tyler stretching before batting practice. He was practically doing the splits! Not only was that impressive in itself but he was wearing his full catcher's uniform. I was definitely getting a nice view of his delectable ass. I smiled at her response.

Meadow: Oh, girl. Damn. ??????He seems perfect for you but I want to know his reason for not remembering you. His excuse better be good. I don’t think it was sudden amnesia or anything…

Me: You’ll be the first I tell when I find out too. Oh, it’s about time for the National Anthem. TTYL

---