Page 118 of Force At Third

I excuse myself to use the bathroom to send my husband a message.

Me

Tag, you’re it. Please let Danny and Pope know ASAP.

Locke

You okay?

Me

Of course, I am. They’re my girls. Call me after you win.

* * *

Thirty-Eight Weeks

Locke

“Night two of the World Series, and we’re ahead by three, in the bottom of the seventh. You should be on cloud nine like the rest of us; what the hell’s up with you?” Vander asks.

“Always said I would retire after I got the ring.”

“Let’s get the damn ring, then.”

I hold up my left hand. “Got the one that matters.”

“We couldn’t get much closer than home. You all lucked out.”

“Yeah, that’s what Gwendolyn said.”

Vandor stands. “Smart woman. Hit me home.”

Standing on deck, I look up at the stands and see my wife, who should be home resting instead of waving a foam finger in the air. She was pissed when I mentioned that, too. But she brought Sophie with her, so we have her if there’s an issue. Marks, Whit, CeCe, Chloe, Danny, Dad, and all three moms are here, too, so I know she’s good.

When they all point to the skyline, I follow that direction and see the camera has found them and is zoomed in on her. She looks stunning.

I hear the crack of the bat and watch as Vander drops the bat, runs to first, and doesn’t stop. Ballsey move.

“Just gotta make it to first, Locke. Steel’s up next, and Turner’s behind him,” Coach yells.

I point my bat in their direction, and they stand.

I swing once, twice, three times, and then four before walking to the plate. I tap the plate, point my bat at Walker on the mound, then up to the stars before bringing it down as I step into my stance.

The first pitch is good, but not for me.

“Strike one!”

I step back, look up at Gwen, who is looking down, and then reach across to get Sophie’s attention.

When I’m up, her eyes are on me.

Nervous dad, that’s what she’s been calling me, so I shake that shit off. Of course, I’m overthinking.

The second is mine, and I give it everything I have.

When the ball connects, just like every game since the first one, I hit the grand slam and can feel it.

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