Page 98 of Rival Summer

Laughter echoed off the water as Chandler and I jumped into the lake. When we rose back up for air, her waves were catching the light, hazel eyes sparkling. Parker and Willow were in their own world, splashing around without a care.

Reese, my mom and I... Well, we weren’t quite there yet. But right then everything felt at peace. I finally had the girl, and if she was all I’d have in this world, I could live with that, for the rest of my life.

When we got to Willow's place later, Parker and I hauled coolers onto the deck, ice cubes clinking as we dumped them over cans and bottles.

"Quite the turnaround since June, huh?" Parker slapped me on the back, grinning broadly.

I grinned, tossing a few extra beers in the cooler. "Never thought anyone could lock you down. Now look at you."

Parker smirked, "didn’t think there was a woman out there that could handle all this."

We shared a laugh before pride crept into his voice. "And the championship, man. Someone also got MVP this year. Speaking of, any news from Chicago?" he asked, popping open a bottle and taking a swig.

"The GM called," I said, fiddling with a bottle cap. "Wants Chandler and me to go back for a game."

"Doesn't sound like he's holding any grudges," Parker observed, eyebrows raised.

"Apparently he pulled a similar stunt for his wife," I replied with a shrug.

Parker leaned against the railing just as a group of people made their way up the drive. "You know," he began with a small smile, "if you and Chandler tie the knot, that makes us actual brothers. And you'll never get rid of me."

"Get rid of you?" I scoffed playfully, shaking my head. "Parker, even if I tried, it wouldn't happen. But seriously, what kind of life would that be without getting to laugh at you every day?"

"Hey now, you mean laughing with me, right?" He grinned and took another sip.

"No," I said, grinning back at him, "I said what I said." We snickered, our laughter mixing with the commotion of arriving guests. Soon enough, clusters of people were on the yard, some lounging on the patio, others mingling by the open door.

Catching sight of Chandler among the crowd, I could feel the corners of my mouth lift involuntarily. My heart soared with her laughter. She was the prettiest smile I had ever seen, the most incredible person I had ever known. She caught me looking and sent a quick smile my way.

"Blue Devils, assemble!" Bailey commanded, grabbing the attention of those around him. Our teammates began to shuffle around, forming a semicircle in the yard gathering around Bailey.

"Come on, we've earned this," he shouted with a grin as wide as the lake we'd spent many of our days in.

"Here's to a badass summer," Bailey raised his cup high, "and to bringing home the championship!"

"Cheers!" we echoed, clinking cups, followed by cheers and whistles.

As the huddle broke and everyone dispersed to continue celebrating, I slipped through the crowd, making my way to Chandler.

"Hey there," I said as I wrapped my arms around her from behind, feeling her lean back into me.

"I like boyfriend Boston," she teased, turning in my embrace to face me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Did I ever tell you how much I like you cooking for me and bringing me coffee?"

"I like the way you say boyfriend." I leaned down, brushing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Parker was laughing next to us. He had that look in his eye—the one that meant he was about to give someone shit—and tonight it was directed at Bailey.

"Come on, Bailey," Parker could barely get words out through his laughter. "Tell Crew what username you use on that dating app." He leaned back, arms crossed over his chest.

"Shut up, man," Bailey retorted, but there was no real anger in his words. He looked away in defeat. "I can’t go by my real name because all the ladies would want me for my status."

I couldn't help but snort at that comment. “What status is that?”

"Yeah, what status, dude?" Parker added. "An average third baseman?"

"Okay, but what's the name you use?" Crew asked eagerly. "Can't wait to hear this one."

Bailey let out an annoyed sigh. "It doesn't matter," he finally grumbled. "He only knows because he was being a creep and looking over my shoulder."

---