Page 31 of Passed Ball

Dean smirks, glancing at Cruz's pale face. "And we're going all the way this year, too. You better take notes from that football player who flew his wife's doctor out to postseason games."

"That's actually brilliant," Dom adds, clapping Dean on the shoulder. "Ideas like that are why we keep your grumpy ass around."

"Too bad you gave up your rights to that private plane," Cruz says with a faint smirk. "Would've come in handy."

Hendrix clears his throat, pulling everyone's attention. "Speaking of babies, how would you and Lilah feel about bringing a one-month-old to a wedding? Say, early October during the break before the postseason."

One by one, my friends' faces transform from puzzled to pleased.

Cruz's grin spreads so wide it's a wonder it fits on his face. If we weren't still climbing to cruising altitude, I have no doubt he'd already be out of his seat and pulling Hendrix into a bear hug. "You and Poppy set a date?"

"Yeah," Hendrix says, a little sheepish but clearly proud. "I want to celebrate winning the World Series with my wife."

"That sounds perfect," Cruz replies. "I'll have to check with Delilah, but I can't imagine she'd miss it for the world."

"It's really important to us that you guys are there," Hendrix adds, looking each of us in the eye. "I can't get married without my groomsmen."

"No fucking way. Are you serious?" Dom nearly jumps out of his seat, practically vibrating with excitement. "Don't play with me!"

Dom starts humming the wedding march, and a choking laugh bursts from Hendrix. "Why do I know I'm going to regret this?"

I watch it all unfold, like I'm on the outside looking in as the four of them celebrate.

Then Hendrix's gaze shifts to me, and the smile fades. His lips press into a thin line as he swallows hard. It's a look I'm not used to seeing on him. Usually, he's the picture of confidence--a veteran on the team who's earned every bit of it. But right now, he looks nervous.

"You're in too, right? I want you there beside me with these fools. Everything will be as baby friendly as possible so that Holland can be there, if you're okay with that."

I assumed Hendrix was talking to the others when he asked them to stand with him. They've always included me, and we've grown closer over the years, but I've still felt like I'm on the fringe of the group.

Being included in something this important makes me feel worthy.

"Yeah, man. I'm there," I say to Hendrix.

The rest of the flight passes without any more dramatic declarations of friendship. When we deplane, I'm greeted by seven new pictures from Tenley, including three from a spa-themed photoshoot. Holland is swaddled in two fluffy white towels--one wrapped around her tiny body and the other perched on her head like a turban--complete with cucumber slices on her eyelids.

Xavier:

I see you're taking this seriously.

Tenley:

Baby skin care is a passion of mine.

Tenley:

Also, the cucumbers are totally baby safe.

It's backed by the science of Google.

Xavier:

Thanks for the pictures.

Enjoy your movie night.

I'm not sure if she does it on purpose or if it's solely her personality, but Tenley's antics ease some of my nerves. The ridiculousness of it all forces me to relax a little. And later that night it helps me play better than I have all season.

After the game, I'm back in my hotel room getting ready to call it night when my phone buzzes again.

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