Page 28 of The Umpire Strikes Back

16

Kali

I’m driving home in the hush of late evening, the cool air rolling through my open window and tangling in my hair. My cheeks feel warm from both the wind and the lingering adrenaline that’s rushing through my body. I can’t shake the grin tugging at my lips, no matter how many times I tell myself to calm down. The truth is, I’m floating on a cloud of happiness, and I don’t want to come down. I keep replaying the night in my head: the gentle warmth in Ripley’s eyes when he kissed me goodbye at the door, the soft hush of his house as Juniper slept, and the warmth of his arms around me. If it weren’t for his concern about Juniper waking up confused, I’d still be there.

But I understand. This is all new—for me, for him, and especially for a six-year-old who doesn’t need any extra emotional upheavals right now. That’s why I’m making the responsible choice to head home, alone, and leave him to wake up to his daughter in a stable, routine environment. Yet as I drive, my heart flutters with the realization that I’m not just crazy about Ripley; I’m head over heels for Juniper, too. She’s so full of life, curiosity, and a sweetness that melts my heart every time she flashes that big grin.

By the time I pull into my apartment complex, it’s nearing midnight. I trudge up the stairs, fumble with my keys, and let myself in. My place is dark, only a faint streetlamp glow seeping through the curtains. It feels strangely lonely tonight—like I’ve left something vital behind. I flick on a lamp, set my purse down on the sofa, and catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My hair’s a little wild from the drive, my cheeks still pink. I look different, somehow. More alive.

I shower quickly, warm water cascading over my shoulders, and I let out a long, contented sigh. Thoughts of Ripley’s smile and Juniper’s giggles swirl around in my mind as I get ready for bed. The second my head hits the pillow, I realize there’s no way I’ll be able to sleep right away. My heart’s racing with the knowledge that I’m in love. It’s terrifying and exhilarating, all at once.

* * *

The next morning,sunlight filters through my blinds, and I wake with a flutter of excitement in my stomach. For once, I don’t mind the early hour—my brain’s already brimming with thoughts of a certain pitcher and his adorable daughter. I grab my phone off the nightstand and scroll through my notifications, half-hoping I’ll see a text from Ripley. There’s nothing yet, so I grin at my own impatience and decide to call my sister instead.

Bristol answers on the third ring, sounding a little sleepy. “Kali? Everything okay?”

A laugh bubbles out of me. “More than okay,” I say, rolling onto my back. “Bristol, you’re not going to believe this, but I’m pretty sure I’m in love. Like, crazy, head-over-heels, can’t-stop-smiling type of love.” I smile so hard. “Best part… he loves Star Wars just as much as I do.”

Her voice perks up instantly. “Oh my god, really? Ripley?”

I grin. “Yes, him and his daughter, Juniper. I’m completely smitten. Like I want to paint a big heart on my bedroom wall kind of smitten.”

Bristol squeals so loudly I have to pull the phone away from my ear. “Finally! I’ve been waiting for you to find someone you click with! And you’re telling me you love his daughter too?”

I sigh happily, sitting up in bed. “Yeah, she’s amazing. She’s so full of life, and she’s sweet, and… I can’t even explain it. I look at her and think, ‘I’d do anything to protect that smile.’ It’s crazy how fast it happened.”

“Girl, I’m so excited for you,” Bristol says, her tone brimming with genuine joy. “I want all the details, but if you’re truly in love, you’ll figure it out. Just keep me posted, okay?”

I promise I will, and we chat for a few more minutes about random sisterly stuff—like how Mom’s been asking when I’m coming to visit—before we hang up. I place the phone down on my nightstand, heart lighter than it’s been in ages.

That evening, I find myself back at Ripley’s place. He opens the door before I can knock, like he’s been watching from the window, and my stomach flips at the sight of him in a comfy T-shirt and jeans. He greets me with a soft “Hey,” pulling me into a warm hug. My entire body relaxes against his, and I breathe in that comforting mix of laundry detergent and faint cologne.

Inside, Juniper’s in the living room, standing on the couch cushions to see over the back of it. When she spots me, she hops down and rushes over. “Kali!” she cries, practically bouncing. “Dad said we’re making spaghetti tonight, and I get to help stir the sauce!”

I kneel to meet her enthusiasm, ruffling her curls. “That sounds awesome. I’ll help with the garlic bread if you want.”

Her eyes sparkle. “Yes, please!”

Ripley clears his throat behind me, amusement in his voice. “All right, you two. Let’s get to it.”

We head into the kitchen, where I notice the table has already been set with mismatched plates and a little vase of flowers—clearly Juniper’s doing, since they’re half-wilted daisies from the yard. It’s adorable, and an odd warmth blooms in my chest at howdomesticit all feels.

While Ripley browns ground beef for the sauce, Juniper and I huddle over the loaf of French bread, slicing it carefully and brushing on butter mixed with garlic and herbs. She chatters nonstop about her day. Like how she built a tower of blocks that almost reached her shoulders, how she practiced her throwing form in the backyard with Dad, how she can’t wait to show me her new dance moves. Her excitement is infectious, and I find myself laughing more tonight than I have in a long time.

When the spaghetti’s done, we gather around the table, bowls steaming. Ripley insists I take the seat next to Juniper, and throughout dinner, she keeps elbowing me or tugging on my sleeve to share little stories. Ripley just watches with a soft smile, occasionally jumping in with a teasing remark.

After dinner, we decide to watch Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. We cuddle up on the couch, Juniper sandwiched between us, devouring a bowl of popcorn and giggling at every silly joke onscreen. Ripley’s arm drapes across the back of the couch behind me, and I lean in just enough to feel the warmth of his shoulder. Every now and then, he glances my way with a look that sends shivers down my spine.

Before long, Juniper’s yawning. She tries to fight it, insisting she’s not tired, but her drooping eyelids say otherwise. Ripley exchanges a knowing look with me, and I volunteer to help her get ready for bed. We head down the small hallway to her bedroom, a cozy space filled with bright artwork and stuffed animals.

She changes into pajamas—blue ones with little stars on them—while I wait, then she plops down at the edge of her bed, patting a spot next to her. “Will you brush my hair? Can you do it like Princess Leia?” she asks, holding out a sparkly pink hairbrush.

My heart squeezes. “Of course,” I say softly, taking the brush and sitting behind her. I run it gently through her curls, careful not to tug, and she hums contentedly, leaning back against me with that trust only a child can give so freely.

“Kali?” she says, her voice small and sleepy.

“Yeah, sweetie?”

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