Page 18 of Love in the Outfield

She laughs. “Yes, Jim O’Conner came up to our seats and sat down with us. They filmed it live! I hope I didn’t sound like an idiot.”

“I hope you didn’t say anything to embarrass me,” I say.

“Never.”

“Dad, is that the truth?”

“Son, what can I tell ya? We had to brag a little. Your mom told him all about your legendary t-ball record.”

“Geesh. Tell me you’re kidding.”

Quinn laughs. “Unfortunately, it’s true bro. Quite the brag-a-thon it was.”

“You were adorable and always determined. I told Jim how you used to scrunch up your little face in concentration. Even when you were only four, the other kids were playing in the dirt and picking daisies but not you! You were focused on the game.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Dear Lord. I’ll never live this down. My teammates are going to go ape shit over this. Thanks, Mom.”

She smiles. “You’re welcome. Congratulations on your win.”

“Uncle Cade, when you come over, I want you to play ball with me,” Emma says.

“Me too,” Grayson chimes in.

“We’ll do that,” I promise.

Coach comes over to meet my family and I make the introductions. I’m still floating above the clouds wondering how I got so lucky to be here. I want to savor every single moment. A lot of blood, sweat and tears have brought me here and I don’t want to miss a thing. I think about the biggest sacrifice I didn’t even know I was making, two years of my son’s life, but squish that down for now. I can’t live my life for what could have been. Today is a brand new day and it looks pretty damn bright.

9

GEORGIA

Against my better judgment, I watched the game. I mean, how could I not? It took me by surprise to find myself jumping around my living room, fist-pumping the air when Cade hit that grand slam. It was pretty surreal to see the man I once loved and made love to, the father of my child, playing for a major league team and killing it. He looked so sexy in his uniform. Holy cow! When he was at bat, his trousers hugged his solid thighs like a glove. Watching him felt almost R-rated.

His pure joy in the post-game interview left me teary-eyed. I know this has been a dream of his since he was a child. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him in that royal blue uniform. It made his baby blues pop, and dang if it didn’t make my stomach flip-flop like a teenager’s. I’m sure I’m not the only one. He’ll have the ladies hounding him like dogs after a squirrel!

Auggie watched the game with me until he fell asleep on the couch with Jasper sprawled out beside him. I waited for a commercial break to tuck him into bed because I couldn’t miss a second of the game.

Now I’m so restless I don’t know what to do with myself. I guess I could work on that sweater I’m knitting for Auggie. I pull out my knitting needles and the gray panel I’m working on and sit down on my recliner to knit my worries away. Won’t be long before we’ll be needing sweaters. The ring of my cell phone startles me and my heart lurches when I see Cade’s number light up the screen. I hesitate before answering.

“Hello,” I say, the breathiness of my voice betraying me again.

“Did you watch?”

I’m tempted to lie but the joy in his voice hoodwinks me into telling the truth. “Yes. Congratulations.”

“That grand slam was for you,” he says.

“Surely not,” I protest, flustered.

“Yep, I promise. I thought of you right before I stepped up to the plate.”

“Snake charmer.”

“Just being honest. I can’t wait for you to bring August to a game. Did you cheer me on?”

“I mean I have to root for the home team, it’s only right.”

“Sounds logical except for the fact that you told me you don’t watch baseball anymore. Change of heart?”

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