Page 141 of Curveball

We all smile and shout, “Hard anacondas!”

Coach Billie is constantly trying to come up with Anacondas cheers, but they all end up being unintentionally sexual. We all giggle as she seems blissfully unaware.

I noticed two of the owners watching practice, Reagan Daulton and Beckett Windsor. Beckett’s daughter, Andie, was also watching. She’s about eight years old and comes to almost every game. She’s a huge fan. Sitting with her is Tanner Montgomery’s daughter, Harper, equally adorable and also a huge Anacondas fan.

As soon as practice is over, Harper sprints out and jumps into Bailey’s waiting arms. Kam leans over and whispers to Arizona and me, “Is it just me, or is Beckett Windsor super-hot for an old dude?”

I nod. “He’s, like, my mom’s age, but he’s so fucking sexy. He’s jacked.” He’s tall, broad, and muscular with dirty blond hair. “He looks like the actor who plays Jack Reacher.”

Kam moans, “Yes! Totally. Yum.”

Arizona smiles. “He’s hot, but he’s not available. I met his new wife. She’s gorgeous. They just had twins last year.”

Kam bites her lip. “Lucky kids. I’d love to call him daddy.”

We giggle.

Kam looks behind them. “Speaking of daddies, there’s Bailey’sdaddy, Tanner. He must be here to pick up Harper.” She mumbles, “Or maybe bang my sister.”

I shake my head. “What’s with all the hot older dudes around here?”

Just then, Reagan motions our way. I assume it’s for Arizona since they have a bit of a friendship, but she shakes her head indicating it’s for me. I wonder what she wants.

I walk over and she smiles. Reagan Daulton is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed stunner, a few years older than us. She’s always dressed in designer pantsuits that hug her perfect figure like they were custom made for her. They probably are.

“How are you feeling, Ripley?”

“I feel great. I’ve been working out with a trainer every morning and pitching with my mother every afternoon. I wasn’t expecting to be ready for the beginning of the season, but the early delivery seems to have helped in that regard.”

“Great. Is it safe to assume that you’re not thinking about a trade anymore?”

“Definitely not this season. I don’t know yetabout future seasons.” I bite my lip. “I’m hopeful about staying here, but I don’t want to overpromise.”

She nods. “I understand. I didn’t realize your mother was still out here. She’s a former Olympian and longtime coach, right?”

I nod. “Yes. She’s the best. She taught me everything I know. She’s out here to help with the baby at least through our seasons. It’s hard with Quincy and I both having demanding schedules.”

“Does she have any interest in coaching this team? I’d be crazy not to consider someone with her experience and talent level.”

I can’t deny that I was thinking the same thing.

“I imagine she’d be interested. I’d certainly like it. It’s just a matter of childcare.”

She nods. “We can help with that. Let’s try to get your mom out to practice tomorrow morning.”

“Will do. Quincy is around then. It won’t be an issue.”

Quincy has a game tonight,and I’m home with Kaya. The past month has been special. He’s done exactly what he said he was going to do. He’s courting me.

We’ve gone out together, we’ve stayed in together, we’ve spent time with our daughter together, and we stay up late talking and reconnecting every single night that he’s not on the road. While there’s been some kissing and roaming hands, we haven’t been intimate. I’m still a little on guard with him, and he doesn’t push at all.

Despite my hesitancy, I can’t deny that I’ve fallen in lovewith Quincy Abbott all over again. I swore I wouldn’t let him back in, but the simple fact is that I love him and always will.

He chose not to address the publicity surrounding our relationship. It’s the one thing giving me pause. I will always have those insecure moments where I fear he’s ashamed to be with me. But I’m focused on my upcoming season and our happy little family. I also have a date set next week to meet my brother and sister. They’re coming into town.

Despite my encouraging them to go out, my friends said they’re happy to come over to Quincy’s house tonight to hang out with me and Kaya. I’ve barely seen my baby today. I’ve missed her.

We plan to have takeout and watch terrible reality television.

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