Page 76 of Love in the Outfield

“I’m so sorry, Cade.”

“I thought we had it. When Jesse smacked that ball, I was sure it was going out of the park.”

“I know. We all did.”

“Da da,” Auggie interjects.

Cade lifts his head and smiles through unshed tears before taking Auggie from my arms. He buries his face against August’s neck.

“Hey little buddy,” Cade says, voice muffled.

I swear, August pats his back like he is some wise little sage comforting his daddy. His innocent understanding of his daddy’s emotions about undo me. He’s offering comfort in a way only a child can. It’s like he knows how to heal his daddy’s heart. That’s when a wave of peace settles over me and I know everything is going to be alright.

35

CADE

Iflip my signal even though I’m the only one on the road and turn down Georgia’s lane. It’s been a week since we were eliminated and much to my surprise, I’ve escaped the usual letdown that follows a loss. Georgia has been a rock and my son has been a touchstone of clarity and perspective, reminding me of what truly matters in life. His laughter and innocence have anchored me. I honestly cannot believe how a random trip to the grocery store has changed my life forever.

We’re going on a bona fide date tonight. I’m taking Georgia into the city to our favorite restaurant. We used to go there all the time. I even reserved our favorite booth. The chef is a personal friend of the family and is expecting us. It’s Michelin-starred and known for its oak-fire grilled steaks. The service is exceptional and the atmosphere is upscale, trendy and intimate.

I knock and then let myself in. “Hey, Georgia, I’m here.”

“Coming!” she calls from the back bedroom.

Then there she is… the love of my life looking exquisite as always. My heart does funny things in my chest when she smiles.

I let out a low whistle. “You look amazing,” I say. She is wearing a long-sleeved, form-fitting, black mini-dress that shows off her gorgeous curves and long legs. The thigh-high black suede boots are hella sexy. Yowser. Her flaming hair is loose, falling around her shoulders in thick waves and if it wouldn’t make me look like a total jerk, I’d skip going out altogether and beg her to make love to me immediately.

She usually doesn’t bother with make-up, but tonight she’s got on some eyeliner and smoky eyeshadow that accentuate her gorgeous green eyes which are sparkling with humor at the moment.

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

“This ole thang?” I say and curtsey. I’ll do just about anything to hear her laugh and I succeed. Dad jokes work every time. But I did take extra care with my appearance tonight. I’m wearing a gray cotton crew neck jersey with a charcoal gray blazer, slim-fit blue jeans and my light gray suede Italian loafers. I stand there like a doofus, staring at her. She is stunning.

“Like what you see?” she asks.

I laugh. “What gave me away?”

“You surely don’t have a poker face.”

I grab her hand and pull her into my arms. “You smell like heaven,” I say.

“Thank you.”

I nibble on her earlobe as she squeals, “That tickles.”

“Auggie already at your parents?”

“Yes. They’re keeping him overnight.” My heart leaps. Good sign.

“So, you trying to tell me we don’t have a curfew?”

“Right,” she purrs in my ear.

“This is sounding better and better.”

“I agree.”

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