Page 89 of Strike Zone

“Do you think Mom and Dad would feel the same? They won’t be disappointed that I’m wasting my talent? All the time and money they spent. I’ll be washing it down the drain.”

“Everything they’ve ever done has been for us. To see us succeed. To see us happy. I sometimes think about Lenny growing up and leaving. Maybe she wants to be an astronaut.”

“If anyone would try, she would.”

“No shit. I’d have a hard time seeing her leave but I’d give her everything I had to make sure she was prepared to go.”

“And if she decided to stay here and help run the farm?”

“I’d count my lucky stars. You’d give up the majors to muck stalls and bale hay?”

“In a heartbeat. I love the game but not more than I love being here. I don’t know if I’m meant to live that life. I like nights under the stars more than I do stadium lights.”

“Whatever you decide, they’ll support you. They just want to see you happy.”

“That’s what Wren said too.”

“She’s a smart girl.”

Wren and Lenny come strolling out of the house toward the old barn we’re going to transform into a temporary store front. They both have clipboards in their hands and look like they mean business.

“I wonder what they’re up to?” I ask.

Ford glances up to watch the girls walk past the barn into an empty field. “Lenny Land,” he says, with a smile. “Wren asked her to draw up her plans. They are working on a presentation and proposal to show everyone. You’re not the only one who’s going to take a hit, if she doesn’t stay. Figure out how to keep her around.”

If I knew how, I would. I’m not sure I’m enough for a girl like her to stick around for. All I’ve got is dirt for miles and a dimpled smile. It’s nothing like the life she has planned for herself back in Georgia.

Ford cleans up all the empty trays and heads back to the greenhouse for another load leaving me to my thoughts. Not really where I feel like being right now.

“What are you doing in here?” I lean against the open barn door. Wren is sitting on her knees with a piece of white poster board in front of her. She looks at me over her shoulder. I’ll never get tired of having those eyes looking at me.

“I’m trying to map out the layout for the shop. Willow and Colt gave me a list of what needs to go in here but I’m not sure it will all fit.”

“It’ll fit. It always does. You just got to work it in.” I thrust my hips back and forth.

“Do you have to make everything sexual?”

I pull her up from the ground and into my arms. “With you? Always.” I give her a kiss that ends too soon for my liking. “Do you want any help?”

“Are you going to actually help me or just stare at my ass?” She raises an eyebrow.

“I can multitask. Ain’t nothing going to stop me from looking at you.” I push stray hairs off her face. Wren’s hair has a slight wave to it now that it’s being dried in fresh air and sunshine. No more slicked back ponytails. I find a feather and snag it out of her hair.

“Things got a little out of hand in the coop this morning. We have an understanding now.”

“You and the chickens?” I’m trying hard to keep a straight face.

“Yes. They’re going to enjoy a nice snack outside their coop in the morning while I retrieve all the eggs.”

“What happened with this one?” I twirl the feather between my fingers.

“She missed the first memo. Lenny warned me that Pancake doesn’t listen very well. I don’t understand how she can tell them all apart.”

“That’s Lenny for ya. I’m glad you and the chickens are getting along now, birdie.”

“Just in time to leave in a couple days.” She steps out of my arms and back to her plans on the floor.

“They’ll still be here when you visit.” I’m planting ideas, hoping they’ll grow wild in her head.

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