Page 59 of Love in the Outfield

“You look fine, Loretta,” Daddy says. “Beautiful, as a matter of fact.”

“Doyle, I may have to marry you all over again. We can redo our vows.”

He chuckles. I swear they still act like newlyweds sometimes.

As I’m about to ring the bell the door opens and Cade is standing there. I have never been so happy to see someone in my life. When did he become the ally? As always, my pulse spikes as I feast on his beauty. I may sound like I’m objectifyin’, but my Lord, this man is hot.

“Hey, Geege,” he says warmly, his eyes going over every inch of me. Since this is the first we’ve seen each other since we threw the sheets in the ring, I feel shy. My cheeks heat as he brushes his thumb over my bottom lip, his eyes hungrily scanning my face.

“Hi,” I say breathlessly. “Well, we made it.” I stand on my tiptoes and whisper, “I’m terrified.”

He chuckles. “It will all work out.”

My heart sinks when I see him dressed up in a light blue button-down linen shirt, casually untucked, paired with relaxed cream linen beach pants. He is the picture of effortless chic. I’m way under-dressed. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showin’ off his big ole fancy Rolex watch. It looks good on histanned muscular forearm. His mom is approaching down the foyer in her Sunday best.Well, shoot.

“I thought you said this was casual,” I hiss. “I was thinkin’ it was a cookout or something.”

“It is. Quit worrying.”

I glare at him and look down at my old clam diggers, tee shirt and flip-flops.Great.

“Hello Loretta, Doyle,” Cade says grabbing my hand and stepping back to wave them inside. “Ava, glad you could make it.”

“Da da,” Auggie shrieks holding out his arms for his daddy. He lets go of my hand and I miss the warmth and reassurance.

“Hey, little buddy. You want to meet your other grandma?” he says.

“August!” Wendy says rushing over with tears in her eyes. “I’m your Grandma Wendy. You look just like your father.” There is a commotion as two kids come dashing down the hallway.

“Beat ya,” the little girl taunts.

“Did not!” shrieks the boy. The little girl sticks her tongue out and the little boy lunges for her just as Wendy grabs his arm.

“Grayson, keep your hands to yourself and Emma, quit teasing your little brother. Looky who’s here! Your cousin August.”

August seems fascinated by his new family. He’s staring wide-eyed at his cousins like they landed here from outer space.

Cade crouches down with August in his arms and the kids descend. “Aww he’s adorable!” Emma says. “Can I hold him?”

“Let’s give him a minute to warm up,” Cade says.

“I want to hold him too!” Grayson demands.

“You’ll both get your chance… after your grandma. So, get in line,” Wendy says.

“No fair! I called it first,” Emma says.

“But I’m the grandmother, so I get first dibs.”

“Can he walk?” Grayson asks.

“Yes,” I answer.

“Can we hold his hands and walk him to the party?”

“Sure, if he’s okay with it.”

“Uncle Cade put him down so we can play with him.”

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