Page 54 of Love in the Outfield

“You know better,” I say, but she hit a nerve. I haven’t been considering their feelings in all of this. “I’ll see what I can do. So, you’d have the gang over next week? Say on Monday?”

“Yes. I’ll have Chef Thomas prepare all the side dishes and your father and Quinn can grill the steaks, so we can visit.”

“Mom, nothing too fancy. That wouldn’t go over well.”

“What? I have to serve biscuits and gravy now?”

I snort. “Mom, you’re terrible.”

She laughs. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“It’s hanging by a thread. I’ll run it by Georgia today.”

“Sounds good. I’ll call Thomas and set it up.”

“Better wait for confirmation.”

“I’m warning you, you had better stand up for yourself and your family now or you’ll regret it later.”

“Gotta go, I’m pulling down her drive now.”

“Ciao ciao!”

“Bye, Mom.”

“Love you, sweetie.”

Georgia is a sight for sore eyes in her floral sundress. She is so fine. The spaghetti straps leave her shoulders and arms bare while the fitted bodice with a scooped neckline hugs her curves, making it hard to look away. Once again, I have the pleasure of admiring her gorgeous bare legs, and I’m all here for it. August is wearing a Cutters onesie… not the one I bought.

I give her a low wolf whistle when I climb out of the car and her lips tilt up in a sweet smile. “Hello Geege,” I say.

“Hi Cade,” she says. “Look Auggie, it’s your daddy.”

“Da da,” he squeals.

I scoop him up and hug him close. It has been way too long.

“Hey little buddy. I missed you,” I say.

“Miff me.”

“Yeah, I missedyou,” I say pointing and lightly poking his belly with my finger.

He grins and starts babbling then points to where the bouncy house used to be. I nod like I’m understanding every word. “I see that. Bouncy house all gone.”

“Bowfie bye bye.”

“Do you miss bouncy house?” I ask to reinforce the concept.

His brow furrows in concentration then he grins like the sunshine breaking through clouds, “Me miff bowfie.”

“And I missed you,” I say. He giggles then shyly burrows his head against my neck.

“Are you all set then?” I ask Georgia.

Georgia is studying us with a soft dreamy expression. “What?”

“Are you ready to rock and roll?”

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