Page 71 of Walk Off

“Duh,” she said like it was common knowledge.

“This might be crazy, but I need you to work out a trade for me. Now.”

“What?” She sounded fully awake. “Why?”

“Because I need to be in Michigan. I need to show Celia that I’m not going anywhere.” The more he thought about it, the more he knew this was the way to go.

“Okay, settle down. I get what you want to do, but what happened to your other plan, the one where you sent her gifts to wear her down? I think it’ll work.”

“I don’t want to wear her down. I want her to know that I love her and that she comes first. Telling someone you love them is one thing, but showing them is more important.” His parents hadn't done either, but her mom had. She’d claimed she’d loved Celia and Ruby, but her actions repeatedly showed otherwise.

He would not make the same mistake.

Not with Celia and not with Jasmine.

“I get what you’re saying, but you have a contract with Arizona and they love you. I didn’t want to get your hopes up, but I’ve been talking with the team about a contract extension, and I have to tell you, it’s a lot. They want to keep you for the long haul. That’s a lot of money, not to mention job security.”

“I don’t care. I love baseball, but I can play it anywhere. I need to be near my family.”

Zara sighed over the phone. “You need to slow your roll. Celia would never ask you to switch teams.”

“That’s just it. She deserves someone who does it without being asked. I can give her that.” He needed to give her that.

“I understand what you are saying, but I don’t agree. I know her, Kyle, and she would be devastated if you made a decision like this because you think it’s what she wants. Talk to her, tell her you love her, and then once you both get your heads out your asses, decide together what’s best for you as a couple and family.”

He absorbed what Zara was saying, wondering if she was right. Would Celia be upset at him for making such a big decision without asking her? “She’s never had anyone put her first.”

“I know that, but she’s also never had anyone consult her, making her part of the decision. Sometimes that’s just as important.”

Well shit. That was a good point, one he hadn’t thought of. He groaned into his phone. “What do I do?”

“Be honest with her. Without divulging any secrets or breaking any friendship rules, I can tell you that Celia is struggling with her feelings for you. It’s hard for her to put herself first, to believe that she is worthy of love. Show her she is and this will all work itself out.”

He hated that she thought she wasn't worthy. He hated her mom for ever putting that thought in her head. Because of those words, Celia was afraid to trust him. But really, what had he done to earn that trust?

Nothing.

He might have said he wanted her, but he’d never told her that he loved her. Those were the words she needed to hear. And, if she let him, he’d tell her every day for the rest of their lives.

“I need a flight to Valley Falls tonight after practice, and then back before practice tomorrow afternoon.” He wasn’t going to waste any more time.

“That’s a tall order. I’m not sure I can do that commercially.”

“Then charter a fucking plane. I’m not waiting anymore.”

“I have an idea. Give me five minutes and I’ll call you back.”

Zara hung up, leaving Kyle to stare out the windshield of his car. His mind was a muddled mess. He wasn’t sure anymore what was right or wrong. All he knew was that he loved Celia and needed to tell her.

He’d always loved her, but this wasn’t the same kind of love. They were barely adults when they’d met and fallen head over heels in love. He’d loved her innocence and her sweet nature, the way she laughed at his dumb puns, and how she loved to hold his hand in public. In the last week, he’d learned a thousand more things he loved about her. He loved her giant heart and the way she loved their daughter. The way she smiled with her whole face when something made her happy. How she would do anything for anyone if it meant their life would be easier.

He especially loved how she moaned his name when he fucked her hard and fast.

She’d grown a lot in eight years, but so had he. They weren't the same people anymore, but that didn’t mean the love had lessened.

If anything, it was bigger.

The phone in his hand rang and he answered it after barely half a ring.

---