Page 138 of The Third Baseman

I grimaced, though I guess one more in the crowds wasn’t going to make a difference. “Really?”

“Hell, yes. And I’m bringing everyone I know.”

She laughed at whatever expression my face held, which was mostly wondering if it was too early to start drinking.

* * *

Lowe and Beulah grinned down at my chest, so I crossed my arms over it.

“Stop staring will you?”

“No way, this is going to be fucking awesome.” Beulah laughed so hard she nearly fell off her stool. “I can’t believe you’re doing it!”

I groaned. “Please stop saying things like that. I need encouragement before I change my mind.”

I wasn’t going to though. No matter how much I hated being the center of attention, Jupiter was worth more than mortifying levels of embarrassment. I was also only doing this because more than I knew he’d love it, heneededit.

“Sorry, I’m just so excited!” She clapped her hands together and then outwardly composed herself. “Sorry, I’ll be calm.”

“Thanks,” I turned to Lowe. “Is it all set?”

“Yes, first innings. Penn’s requested it be early so that Jupiter starts playing better again.”

“You told Penn?!” I glanced around; I was still here and the ground hadn’t swallowed me up like I’d wished. This was so unprofessional.

“Well, he was going to see it… plus he loves love, and he loves Jupiter almost more than he loves me. He just wants him to be happy. This is seriously cute.”

I scowled at her and looked out to the field. The stadium was full. The KissCam had already been around twice.

From the shadows I’d watched the team warm up and do their stretches. I hadn’t wanted Jupiter to see me and I knew he’d be looking – except he didn’t turn up for stretches.

I could see ten thousand gold foam fingers, signs with player’s names on, and message banners I’d be adding to.

The teams took the field.

The first bars of the National Anthem played out.

It was time.

I grabbed my belly. It was possible I was about to puke, but I couldn’t tell whether it was from nerves or excitement.

Both probably.

“Okay, I need to use the restroom, and then I guess we’re going to have to go out there and sit.”

Lowe picked up the giant piece of cardstock. “Let’s go. It’ll be over soon, and then you can get on with your lives.”

Yes. Her words enabled me to take the first deep breath I had all afternoon.

Our lives. Mine and Jupiter’s.Together.

I started for the door but another arrow of doubt hit me, and my heartbeat skyrocketed with the threat of a panic attack. I spun around to face them. “What if he says no?”

The giant card slapped me on the ass as Lowe hugged me. “Marn, are you kidding? I bet he runs off the field in the middle of a play and whisks you away.”

“You think?”

“Absolutely, now come on,” Beulah said as she linked her arm through mine.

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