Page 119 of Strike Zone

“Alright, Mom, that’s the one compliment you’re allotted for today. I already told him he looked good this morning. Any more and we’ll give him a complex.”

“That is not what you said this morning,” I say. “Do you need me to remind you?”

“No,” she says through gritted teeth. “I remember just fine.”

“I’d like to know,” her dad says, with a playful smile.

“Oh darn, look at the time. We should head back to the house and introduce y’all to the rest of the family. I know Faith and Jack are dying to meet you both,” Wren says and starts walking out of the barn.

“I’ll tell you later,” I say to Ivan and Abby.

“Wyatt,” Wren warns, making her parents laugh.

“He’s perfect for you Wren,” her mom says, laughing. Wren sighs then beams a smile in my direction.

“I know. But seriously no more compliments. You don’t understand the damage you are doing to his ego right now. I won’t hear the end of it.”

I run up to Wren and throw an arm around her. “Stop being so mean. You’re turning me on,” I whisper in her ear. Then give her a quick kiss.

There are people everywhere.

They are in the sunflower fields. The playground. They are with the chickens and the goats. You can’t walk anywhere without running into someone.

It’s unbelievable. This is better than we could have hoped for.

Leaning against the fence, I watch as Wren helps a group of kids feed the goats. She’s become a seasoned pro when it comes to the animals. She’s taken over all the milking and feeding for the goats, cows, and chickens.

It’s hard to believe a few months ago she was wearing slacks and blouses. Now the only suit she wears is her birthday one. Ain’t no complaints about that.

Wren’s dad walks around the side of the barn. I should probably stop thinking about Wren naked with him so close by.

Ivan spots me and joins me in admiring his daughter. He watches her with a smile on his face. “She looks happy,” he says.

“She is. I didn’t know if she would like it here. If she would fit in my world. The first time she met the goats she was so scared. Look at her now. She’s a natural.”

“She fits you, that’s why it works. When you find the person that you’re meant to be with, everything else falls into place. I never thought I would end up with a beauty pageant queen. I was working as a valet at the country club the first time I saw her.” Ivan gets a dreamy far off look in his eye.

“Abby came to the club every Sunday with her family. During the summer, she would come to swim and play tennis with her friends. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, but we were completely different people—she was flighty and just wanted to have fun, while I worked two jobs and had goals and dreams. I was going to community college and working at my startup. We were heading in different directions.”

“What happened?”

“I changed course. I wasn’t going to let her go. Together we built the life we wanted. Her parents didn’t like it at first. I was the help after all. They thought we were too young to know what love is. I told them they’re old and they still don’t know what love is.” He smirks.

“I know I love your daughter. She’s the most important person in my life. She’s my best friend. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”

He looks at me. His eyes brimming with emotion. “I know what an honor it is to hold that position. I was her best friend for many years.”

His words hit home. It is an honor to be her best friend. To know her inside and out. To be the one she turns to when she’s tired and weary. To be the only one who can make her feel better.

“I promise I’ll take care of her.”

“I don’t have any doubt about that.” He slings an arm around my shoulder and gives me a quick hug.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired.” Wren stretches her legs over my lap.

We’re out back, sitting on the porch. Everyone else has gone to bed. It’s been a good day, but a long one.

“Did you have fun?” I start massaging her calve muscles.

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