Page 74 of Love in the Outfield

“Let’s find a bench along the river,” she says. “We’ve got about fifteen minutes before I turn back into a server.”

We sit facing the lazy river and I hold her hand tight. The night is alive, the midnight blue punctuated by the moon peeking through and the warm glow of the street lamps. A boat’s running lights reflect off the water shimmering over the wake created as another boat glides by. There is laughter in the distance coming from the restaurant’s outdoor patio. The street lamps cast light and shadow across Georgia’s face, accentuating her delicate bone structure. A slight breeze ruffles her hair and I itch to brush it back.

Gazing at the water, she says, “You know they say if you can’t stop thinking about someone it means they’re meant to be in your life… or maybe just on your Instagram.” She laughs softly.

“Are you following me on Instagram now? Stalker.”

“You know I should probably focus on my knittin’ or take up another hobby or something,” she says. “The problem is when I knit, I still think of you in a sweater and how good you’ll look in it when I’m finished. Apparently, you’re my downfall.”

“I like knowing that you’re thinking about me, Geege. It’s mutual. I couldn’t wait to get back here to see you. I hope I didn’t mess up too bad with the lawyer stuff.”

She shakes her head. “Not really. Darla said the same stuff you did. It makes sense. I was letting fear cloud my judgment. I know you mean well.”

“Always.” I cradle my hand behind her neck and lean in for a kiss. Her lips are so soft… I deepen the kiss. My breath is shaky as I lift my head. Her eyes are closed, her lips parted, utterly enchanting. I kiss her eyelids and they flutter open and our gazes lock. I hear her breath shudder and she brushes her fingertips shakily across my lips.

“Cade, what are we doin’?” she says, accompanied by a soft sigh.

“We’re living our lives. It’s no secret that you’re my sweet spot. I don’t know… I guess I’m trying to win your heart. How am I doing?”

“Well,” she drawls, “you certainly take my breath away.”

“Georgia, in another month I’ll have all the free time in the world. We can make a go of this. I want you in my life more than just parenting together. It’s all I can think about, you me and Auggie sharing our lives.”

“It’s a lot to consider. It’s not as simple as a yes or no. It’s bigger than the two of us because we have a child to consider now. What if we don’t work? What if you decide you made a mistake? We can’t drag Auggie through the ringer. He needs stability. Matter of fact, so do I. Not to mention… I see how the women look at you. I’m not sure I’m confident enough to overcome my insecurities.”

“Geege, I just saw the same thing with you. That one guy looked like he was ready to order you from the menu. I felt the green monster bite me.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “You did? I can’t hardly imagine you feeling insecure about anything.”

“Are you kidding me? All the time. Look, I know I’m a good baller. I’m confident when I have a bat or a glove in my hand. But when it comes to you or being a father, I’m in the deep end. I don’t want to mess this up. I’m terrified of losing you again.”

She looks at me so tenderly that my chest feels achy. “Just tell me you’ll consider it. We can date, do normal stuff. Spend time as a family, and take that vacation we talked about… just the three of us.”

She wraps her hands behind my head and pulls me down for a quick kiss. “I’ll think about it, promise. But right now, I have to get back. Poor Eric is probably swamped. We’ll talk more later.”

“Tomorrow, we start our last series before playoffs. Fortunately, they’re home games, but time will still be tight. Then I only have two days off before we head into the playoffs.”

“That’s crazy. I wonder how the women who love you players adjust to all this?”

“I’ll hook you up with Max’s wife, Ginny. She’ll tell you all about it. They’re as solid as it gets. Maybe we can even double date.”

She giggles. “Sounds like we’re teenagers.”

“Why not?”

She stands and pulls me up and we walk hand in hand back to the restaurant.

“Since my cover’s blown you don’t mind if I skip coming back in, do ya?” I ask.

“No, we’re slammed anyway.” She stops at the entrance and faces me, wrapping her arms around my waist. Her cheek rests against my chest and I wonder if she can hear my heart pounding. “Thanks for coming by,” she says, pulling away.

“Nothing could have stopped me.”

Her lips tilt up playfully. “Even your mama?”

I blow out a laugh. “Especially my mom. I’ve got to be at the stadium by noon tomorrow. Game’s at six. I doubt I’ll have time to visit with Auggie.”

“I wasn’t expecting it. No worries. Good luck tomorrow.”

---