Page 126 of The Foul Out

My lungs seized completely for a moment. When I finally forced air into them, I squeaked out an “Oh, I can’t.”

But Zara snatched the envelope from his hand and clutched it to her chest. “She can and she will.” She pursed her lips at me. “Don’t be stubborn.”

I opened my mouth to argue. Instead, I blew out a long breath. The truth was, the hundred thousand dollars each would go a long way. It would pay for therapies for Piper, and I could set up a college fund for Sam. “Thank you,” I said, taking the beige envelope from Zara.

Leaning forward, James put his hand over mine. “I know I’ve messed up too many times to count. But I do honestly want to get to know you and the kids better. I want to be involved in your life. The stress of the past doesn’t have to hang over us anymore. Not if we don’t want it to.”

I studied his amber-colored eyes, realizing then that I had two choices. I could keep trying to be an island. Alone and safe. Or I could have people on my side. People in my life. Friends. Family.

“I’ll work to make it less of a challenge,” I agreed.

He stood and pulled me into a hug. The first we’d ever shared. It was more comforting than I could have imagined. For a moment, I closed my eyes and soaked in the peace he imbued.

After another minute of small talk, they said their goodbyes and left. And though much had been resolved tonight, it didn’t feel like an end. It felt like a beginning.

“Well.” Zara clapped, the sound loud in the suddenly silent space. “I think this takes care of the family worry.”

I nodded.

“He loves you.” She laced her fingers and brought her hands to her chest. “Just talk to him. Trust yourself.”

And for the first time in weeks, I felt like maybe I could.

Game one.Only a month ago, I was certain that this would be the best game of my life. Harper, Piper, and Sam would be in the stands, cheering me on. I’d show off for them. How could I not? I’d catch a ball in the outfield and give it to them. God, I had been so arrogantly confident in our relationship.

“Dude, come on.” Mason stood several yards away, with his arm pulled back, waiting.

“Sorry.” I shook my head and held up my glove.

The ball snapped against the leather of my glove when he finally threw it.

“What happened? You were fine yesterday. Even fired up at the press conference. Today it’s like all the life has been drained out of you.”

He’d probably think it was stupid. But after my dear diary yesterday, it felt significant.

I tossed the ball back his way. “She didn’t read my message this morning.”

Mason tipped his head. “What do you mean?”

“I send Harper a message every morning.” I sighed, deflating. “She never replies, but she always reads it. But today.” He tossed the ball back. “She didn’t read it.”

“Shit.” Mason frowned.

“Exactly.” I threw the ball back at him. “Just get rid of it. I don’t want to pick someone.”

When we were finished warming up, we always handed off the ball to a fan. Because we were surrounded by them. This was spring-training game one. Probably the biggest crowd we’d get until opening day. But my heart wasn’t in it.

Mason searched the stands, his focus fixing on a spot over my shoulder.

“What?” I asked, spinning around.

I scanned the crowd for what might have caught his eye. It only took a moment to spot the red hair. Lots of red hair.

My heart took off at a breakneck speed when I registered what I was seeing.She came.

For one beat, I was overwhelmed with utter joy. Maybe everything really could be okay. But just as I started to smile, Harper turned and beamed at the man stepping up next to her.

All the air was sucked from my lungs like I’d been sucker punched.

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