Page 97 of Passed Ball

"The groom." She shoots Hendrix a look. "He wants to change the cake design so it's Bandits teal instead of cream."

"Dude, aren't your wedding colors super neutral?" Dom says, his brow crinkling. "Baby, your dress is sage, right?"

Dean huffs. "More like moss."

"It's all green. I don't see what the problem is. Sage. Moss. Teal. What's the difference?" Hendrix mutters, taking the baby from his fiancée. "My turn with the calming child."

Xavier leans over the table, taking Holland from him before he can settle her against his chest. "People who don't know basic color coordination don't get to self-medicate with my baby."

I laugh at the absurdity of it all.

"So, the bridal shower is coming up. You're coming right, Vi?" Indie, the maid of honor, asks, her voice carrying a playful challenge.

Busted.I haven't responded yet, but it's not because I don't want to be there. I just don't want a pity invite because of my situation with Xavier.

Harlowe would tell me to take it at face value and stop doubting I'm awesome enough to be included on my own merit. Tenley would probably roll her eyes and say something like, "They invited you. Period. That's all the validation you need. Go have fun."

But I haven't told them that the invite still sits unanswered on my desk at work. Overthinking is exhausting. So, drawing strength from the advice I know the two women I trust most would give me, I say, "Yeah, I wouldn't miss it." Oddly, I realize I mean it as soon as the words hit the air.

Poppy beams back at me. "Really? I was nervous you would think it was weird I invited you. We might not know each otherthatwell but, when you know youknow.And I can tell you were meant to round out this girl gang."

She says it with so much heartfelt honesty that I duck my head, embarrassed I ever doubted her sincerity.

"Let me know if I can help with planning or set-up," I offer.

"Are you kidding? You're a guest. We would never." Lilah speaks up.

"Hermosa, you're practically nine months pregnant," Cruz reminds her. "Maybe don't turn down help when you very well might be giving birth soon."

"Seriously. I don't mind at all." I smile, looking from Lilah to Indie.

Under the table, Xavier's palm closes over my thigh, a silent reminder of the conversation we had earlier. But I want to help and carve out my own space in this amazing family.

Chapter 42

Xavier

The kid at the front desk of Double Play looks half asleep, scrolling his phone when the door jingles. He drags his focus from the device momentarily before it falls back to the screen and then back up again. Eyes wide, he practically trips over himself when he shoots out of the chair to get to me.

"Hey, man, I'm Xavier. Vivi said I could stop by and spend some time with the kids," I tell him, extending my hand.

He pumps it excitedly. "Of course. I'm Clay. Let me get you checked in and then I can take you back. They'll be so stoked to see you."

It's the last day of the All Star Break and I haven't been able to get the idea of stopping by to see some of the kids out of my head since Vivi mentioned it. She doesn't know I'm here yet.

After verifying that I am a registered volunteer, Clay leads me back to the gym, hands flailing as he gives me a tour. He's clearly reveling in having something to do, so I don't bother telling him I've been here before.

Squeaky sneakers skid across the gym floor as a group of teens play basketball. High-pitched giggles come from a group of girls collapsing into each other as they watch back a TikTok dance by the bleachers.

On the opposite end of the gym, the sharp slap of a ball against a glove calls to me. Two smaller boys, still teens but undersized, are playing catch, and damn, the one with the tight dark curls sticking out from under his worn baseball cap has a cannon on him.

No wonder Clay is disinterested in anything that isn't on a screen while manning the front desk. All the action is in the gym.

"Is it okay if I go talk to them?" I nod toward the pair.

He nods eagerly. "Totally, Mr. Kingsley. That's Elijah and Ezra--they're brothers. Both are crazy talented, but Ezra, the little dude, he's next-level."

"Do you know what position he plays?"

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