Page 43 of Love in the Outfield

“I have to admit that catch he made was something for the history books. Looked like he jumped five feet off the ground. Robbed Jason King of a grand slam pure and simple,” Ava says.

We have prime seats right behind the dugout on the first base side. Cade waved to us several times before going up to bat. The people in neighboring seats had looked to see who he was waving at and immediately landed on August. I’m regretting not naming him Junior.

“I hope we can find our way back to the clubhouse,” I say. Since it’s Fireworks Friday, we’re staying in our seats till after the show.

“I’m sure Joe has his instructions,” Ava says dryly. “We’re VIPs after all.”

“That’s true enough. Pass me the popcorn,” I say. I shovel a handful into my mouth right as Cade slides into the seat next to me.Dang it.I try to swallow quickly and choke.

“You alright?” he asks. I nod, trying to stop coughing. His hair is still damp from his shower and he smells fresh, kind of woody and spicy mixed together. Any freshness I might have had disappeared by the third inning. Even though Ava and I traded off holding Augs my arms are aching after a three-hour game. I feel like a wilted mess.

“Want me to take August from you?”

“Please,” I say, gratefully. “How’d you get here so fast?”

“I begged off a post-game interview then hopped through the shower as fast as I could.”

Ava leans forward and says, “By the way, Mr. MVP, good game.”

Cade situates Auggie on his lap, then says, “Do I detect a thaw?”

“Just for today,” she replies. “Don’t get used to it.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. Shouldn’t we wake him up for the fireworks?”

“Go ahead,” I say.

He shakes Auggie gently awake and says “Hey buddy, better wake up, the fireworks are about to start.” August blinks sleepily rubbing his eyes then sees Cade doing the talking and lights up like a Christmas tree. Yeah, there is most definitely a pattern here. I can’t say too much about it since I feel the same damn way.Down girl! Co-parenting is all this is.

20

CADE

Isettle back with Auggie in my lap, his relaxed little body nestled comfortably against me. His soft tousled hair smells like baby shampoo. He’s as limp as the floppy plush elephant he’s holding, completely at ease and fully trusting. Melts my friggin’ heart.

The fireworks start and he looks up at me with wide innocent eyes full of curiosity and excitement. Suddenly he’s sitting upright pointing to the brilliant display of sparkling colorful jewels cascading like a waterfall in the night sky.

“Bang,” he says as he bobs up and down with excitement.

“Fireworks,” I say to him and nonchalantly drape my arm across the back of Georgia’s seat. She stiffens and I smile to myself. Oh, she’s definitely into me.

Another loud boom, then sparkles showering down in a burst of red, white and blue as the air crackles and pops. The audience gasps and cheers at the breathtaking display. It’s usually about a fifteen-minute show with each bang producing something more spectacular than the last. I glance over at Georgia who is taking in everything with the wonder of a child. Her lips are parted and tilted up, her eyes unblinking, clapping after each boom. Ilet my fingertips brush against her bare arm and see her shiver then glance at me. Her eyes are glittering jewels catching the reflection of the fireworks. The intensity of her gaze makes me want to lean in and kiss her but I don’t. All too soon the show reaches a crescendo and then finishes with the grand finale. I don’t want this night to end. My son’s first MLB game and we won, and I’m sitting next to the most beautiful woman on the planet. Life is good.

“The Cutters sure know how to do it, that’s for sure,” Ava says. “That was awesome.”

“What did ya think, Auggie?” I ask. He clutches his stuffed toy, still watching the night sky like he’s expecting more.

“That’s it for the night, Buddy. Fireworks are all done.”

“Bye-bye,” he says waving at the night sky. My kid is brilliant.

“Bye-bye, fireworks,” I say.

“You want the dollar tour of the clubhouse or are you ready to call it a night?”

Georgia looks at Ava who shakes her head. “No thanks. I’m tuckered out. I’ve been up since six. But I had a lot more fun than I thought I would.”

“Gee, that’s some high praise.”

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