Page 23 of The Umpire Strikes Back

I spot Hattie and Juniper almost immediately, waving from a mid-level section of seats. Hattie’s wearing a ball cap, and Juniper’s bouncing excitedly on her tiptoes, blonde curls bouncing with every hop. I hurry over, trying not to grin too widely, but I’m pretty sure I’m failing.

“Kali!” Juniper squeals the second I’m within earshot. She practically tackles me around the waist. “You’re here! Dad said you might come.”

I steady myself so I don’t topple over. “Yeah, I wouldn’t miss it,” I say, ruffling her hair. “How was your big adventure with Aunt Hattie?”

Juniper’s eyes go wide with excitement. “We went to thiscoolscience museum, and I touched a starfish in a tide pool—well, a pretend tide pool, but it was still real water. And then we ate the best cotton candyever!”

“Sounds like you had a blast,” I reply, letting her tug me into a seat between them.

Hattie grins at me, lifting the brim of her cap in greeting. “You made it just in time. They’re about to do the national anthem.”

I nod, noticing the field below is already bustling with the pre-game routine. My eyes instantly zero in on Ripley near the dugout, stretching his arms behind him. He lookssogood in that uniform—broad shoulders, trim waist, every motion precise and confident. My stomach does a little flip, and I have to remind myself not to stare like a love-struck teenager.

Juniper bounces in her seat. “Dad’s starting pitcher today, right? I heard Coach say he’s in top form.”

“He sure is,” Hattie agrees, snickering when she catches me still looking at Ripley. “Let’s hope it goes well. We need that win.”

“Yeah,” I murmur, forcing myself to tear my gaze away. “I’ll be cheering extra loud.”

Juniper beams. “Me too!”

We settle for the anthem, standing with hats off, and then the crowd breaks into cheers as the players take the field. I can’t help the rush of pride (or something deeper) when I see Ripley jog out to the mound, all business now. My heart constricts in a way I’m not prepared for.Wow,I think,I’m inwaytoo deep.But a part of me doesn’t care in the slightest.

As the game kicks off, Hattie leans over, voice low but playful. “So, how was dinner last night? Did my brother keep his promise not to burn anything?”

I bite my lip, feeling a betraying flush creep up my cheeks. “He did okay,” I say lightly, trying not to give too much away. “Better than tacos.”

“Mhm.” Hattie’s gaze sharpens, and she smirks. “I notice you have that whole ‘post-sleepover glow’ going on.”

I nearly choke on my own breath. “Wh—” I stammer, eyes darting to Juniper to make sure she’s not listening. She’s busy watching the batter warm up, thankfully. “We, um… I ended up staying late, yes, but?—”

Hattie laughs, patting my arm. “Relax, I’m not gonna rat you out to Juniper. She doesn’t need every detail. I’m just… happy for him. And for you.” She softens, her gaze flicking to the field. “Ripley can be a handful. He needs someone who’s not afraid to keep him on his toes. Someone who won’t just let him slip into that broody mode he gets sometimes.”

I nod, relieved she’s not grilling me. “I know he can be stubborn,” I admit, remembering the spat we had over the balk call. “But he’s… I don’t know. He’s a good man, Hattie. And Juniper—she’s like a ray of sunshine wherever she goes.”

“They both are,” Hattie agrees, eyes shining. “You might be exactly what they need.”

A fuzzy warmth settles in my chest at her words, but I also feel the weight of it. Is that what we’re doing? Filling holes in each other’s lives? Because if so, I’mdefinitelyokay with it. If it means more nights like last night, more sleepy mornings and stolen kisses, I’m all in.

The crack of the bat jerks my attention back to the field. The first batter just fouled one off, and Ripley’s resetting for the next pitch. I watch him square his shoulders, eyes locked on the catcher’s signals, that jaw set in fierce concentration. He winds up, and the pitch zips in, a perfect strike. The crowd cheers, and Juniper squeals with delight.

“Oh my gosh!” Juniper hops up and down. “Dad’s on fire!”

I grin, hooking an arm around her shoulders to keep her from tumbling forward. “He looks strong,” I say, my heart swelling.

Hattie nudges me. “Could be that extra motivation, huh?”

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. “He’s always determined. That’s how he got his nickname, right? Riptide?”

“Yeah,” Hattie replies, shrugging. “But I think a certain umpire might have something to do with that laser-like focus.” She winks, and I can’t help but laugh.

As the game unfolds, I find myself torn between watching the action on the field and sneaking glances at Ripley whenever I can. The way he throws, each pitch a controlled explosion, leaves me breathless. He’s in command tonight—striking batters out, fielding grounders with ease. Between innings, he sneaks a glance my way, and our eyes meet for one charged moment. I swear my cheeks heat up all over again.

“Wow, that was a look,” Hattie murmurs beside me, clearly noticing. “You two aretoocute.”

I can’t hide the smile tugging at my lips. “Stahhhp,” I joke, elbowing her lightly.

She laughs, tossing popcorn into her mouth. “What? I’m just saying. My brother’s been different these past few days. Happier, more… alive. Keep doing whatever it is you’re doing, okay?”

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