Page 149 of Endgame

Still, the example her parents instilled in her and the love my parents reflected in my life enabled my confidence in those roles.

It’s pretty incredible to watch the team care for her. Not that we weren’t a unit before she joined our mix; we just didn’tknoweach other at the level we do now. We have her to thank for building that community.

This is the beginning for us.

The best is still yet to come.

54

DAKOTA

Somehow,silly string, shaving cream, and black and yellow glitter have made an appearance on the field. I don't know how that happened, but I do know that the field maintenance crew will likely have our heads for this stunt.

Worth it.

The entire staff and team are covered in the remnants of our winning celebration—not one smile wiped clean.

“Okay, settle down. Boys…you did it. I’m so proud of every one of you. You’ve worked your asses off this season, and we’re only halfway finished. A World Series win is looking pretty damn good. I can feel it. Take the weekend to recoup and be ready to hit it hard come Monday morning. The work doesn’t end here. Alright, everyone, hands in.”

Seeing Jack happy might be the highlight of my day.

The good days are limited for him during this season of struggle he and Tay are facing, but today feels a lot like a good one.

A good day we will gladly take if it means seeing him excited about something.

We’re all equal parts of this team, making these incrediblepeople my family. It’s wild to think that, not long ago, my self destruction was influencing my ability to see past the current day. Tomorrow was never a thought, and the future wasn’t a part of my plan.

Now it is, and I’m grateful for it.

The team and staff are going crazy, making weekend plans to continue the celebration. “That reminds me. Dakota, can you come here for a second, please?

Oh goodness. I always get so nervous when Jack singles me out.

“Coach. What’s up?” Hopefully, he doesn’t see my nervousness, although I'm probably doing a terrible job at masking it with all the excitement around us.

His soft smile does nothing to comfort me.

“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I know your contract ends at the end of the season, and we haven’t discussed what’s next for you at Makers Park. I wanted to be certain that your job was fully secured before I asked you to stay.”

What. Seriously. I was not expecting that.

My head spins so fast as I lock eyes with Callaway and drop my jaw in shock. He smiles brightly and cups his hand over his mouth, howling at the top of his lungs. “Atta girl, Foster!”

The entire team goes ape shit, chanting “Foster” at the top of their lungs.

I can’t believe it. I shift back to Jack and find him still looking at me. I guess I should probably answer now.

“You want me to stay?” I could cry. I’m going to be sore from my smile tomorrow.

He’s laughing. “Why would you think I wouldn’t? You’ve done an incredible job, Dakota. The team loves you, and you’re my friend. We’re your family now. You can’t get rid of us that easily.”

Everything I’ve ever wanted has happened this last year. He’s right. These people are my family.

Thankfully, I get to now stay and never have to say goodbye to them.

I’m throwing myself at Jack in seconds, my arms finding him in a friendly hug as I screech at an unsettling volume.

I’m so thankful.

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