Page 175 of Off Season

“She’s the perfect person to represent female athletes, don’t you think?”

I can’t help the huge grin that finds my face. “I love this as her next act.”

“I do too. So, yes, I bust her chops just as she busts mine, but at the end of the day, you should know I respect her. I wouldn’t have offered her this huge job otherwise.”

I nod. “I’m glad we cleared the air.”

“Me too. I like this side of you. If Kamryn is to thank for it,” he winks at me, “then perhaps she’s not all bad. What areyouthinking for your next act? You have time, you’re still moving well, but it’s never too early to plan forthe future. Take it from Layton. Sometimes it sneaks up on you before you’re ready for it.”

I blow out a breath. “For the longest time, I thought I’d go home to Texas, start a family, and possibly do some coaching.”

“Is that what you want?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think it is. Not at all. It doesn’t excite me in the least. Kam mentioned to me that she thought I’d be a natural in the broadcasting booth. What do you think of that?”

His face lights up. “Ilovethat for you. You have both the personality and game knowledge.”

“I think so too. I know I have time, but I was thinking I’d take a few broadcasting and communications classes in the off-season to get myself prepared. Kam emailed me local programs that offer it.”

He pats my back. “She’s good for you.”

“She most definitely is.”

The wedding day has arrived.Kam is with Bailey as they prepare for her big day. I’m in my elevator, about to walk Chewy before I head over to Tanner’s house.

As I exit, I see Evan holding the front door open for me. He smiles down at my puppy, and Chewy jumps all over Evan’s legs as he feeds him from his never-ending supply of doggie treats that now live in his pocket. “Is Sir Chewbacca Hart Gonzales, Prince of South Philly, excited about our evening walk?”

Evan is walking him while we’re at the wedding.

Chewy lets out a high-pitched puppy bark and I nod. “He is. Thanks for helping us. We won’t be back until late.”

He rubs under Chewy’s ear, much to Chewy’s delight. “My pleasure. Tell the lady of the house that anytime she needs help when you’re gone, to please ask. I enjoy walking him.” He pats his big belly. “I could use a little extra exercise.”

“I will. Thanks, buddy.” I wink at him. “You’ll look after my family when I’m away, right? Keep the lady of the house out of trouble?”

He smiles. “I’ll try. Trouble finds that one though.”

I chuckle. “It sure does.”

As I make my way onto the street, I pull out my phone and click on my mother’s phone number. She answers right away. “Hola, mi hijo guapo.”

“Hola, mi madre bonita.”

“You must be excited for Tanner’s wedding. Make sure you send pictures later today. I want to see Kamryn in her dress and you in your tuxedo.”

Tanner has us dressing a bit more casually than that, but I won’t burst her bubble.

“I will. I umm…need to talk to you, Mamá.”

“Is everything okay?” she asks in a worried tone.

“Honestly? I’ve never been better. I have a few things to tell you, starting with the fact that Kamryn is moving in with me.”

We moved a few of her bigger items while I’m still in town, but she’ll gradually move in when I’m away. She had too much going on with the wedding this week, but her lease is up next month, and she told them she’s not returning. I’ve never been more excited for Spring Training to be over so I can get back to her andourapartment. And of course, our baby boy.

Thankfully she agreed to find another home for that damn waterbed. Apparently, the girlfriend of the weird ginger neighbor was into it. She’s moving in with him and loves the idea of them having a waterbed.

Mamá gasps. “That’s wonderful. She’ll accept your proposal any day now. I know it.”

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