Page 131 of Rescued Heart

“Batter’s up,” Lincoln muttered around his bite of beef jerky.

Grace stepped closer to Eddie. “Scarlette got hit by a pitch the first inning and keeps backing out of the batter’s box.”

Poor girl. Wait. “Did you say Scout was on deck?”

Grace flipped over another piece of paper. “The doctor released him to play right before game time, or I’m sure they would have let you know.”

Eddie moved closer to the fence. “They were probably just happy and focused on getting him to the game.”

The pitcher threw the ball, and Scarlette placed the perfect bunt.

As the ball rolled along the third base line, Eddie yelled, “Run!”

The third baseman scooped up the ball and threw it right over the first baseman’s head.

Gregory waved Scarlette on to second. Eddie tightened his hold on the fence as Scarlette slid into second, beating the ball by seconds. When the umpire motioned her safe, the dugout erupted in cheers.

Bianca cupped her hands around her mouth. “Eddie.” Then she waved Scout over too.

When Eddie jogged over to the pair, Bianca lifted the front of her hat as if to hand it to him.

Eddie took her free hand and pumped his fingers around hers. “You got this, Coach.”

Scout did a practice swing. “What do you want me to do, Coach? Bunt and get Scarlette to third? The game’s time limit’s up. If we score, we win.”

Bianca glanced at Eddie.

Eddie met Scout’s gaze. “Let’s go out swinging. Watch it, though. This ump likes to call them low. If you get two strikes, don’t be shouldering any burdens. Go have fun on your first game back.”

Scout nodded and jogged to home plate.

“Coach?” Gregory pointed at his spot by first base.

Eddie shook his head and ran back to the dugout. If the mayor was helping the team, that’s what really mattered. Not worrying whether Gregory’s help was self-seeking or not.

Scout watched the first pitch, and sure enough, the umpire called the low ball a strike. The pitcher threw the next ball, and Scout swung. The ball cracked against the bat and soared through the air. The hit skirted over the yellow fence top, giving Scout his first out-of-the-park home run and the team’s victory.

To cheers from the crowd, Bianca reached the backside of home plate to high-five Scarlette first, the rest of the team right behind. Scout crossed home, and the boys surrounded him, locking Scarlette and Bianca inside their group hug.

Eddie took out his phone and snapped a picture.

Gregory came up beside Eddie and cleared his throat. “Congrats, Coach.”

Eddie stuck out his hand to the mayor. “Thanks for helping tonight.”

Gregory shook Eddie’s hand. “It was fun. You’ve got some good kids. Kids who need a place for the winter. Sorry I wasn’t able to give you your grant.”

Eddie nodded. “The women’s shelter needed that money as much as I thought we needed it. Some area churches have planned some events for the kids this winter until we can get something more permanent. If you ever want to share your wisdom on getting Scarlette to place that perfect bunt again, just stop on by the field.”

Gregory chuckled. “I’m going to hold you to that. These kids have been eye-opening in a fantastic way.”

Eddie turned to his team. “Everyone line up. Make sure to tell the other teamgood game. Then team meeting at the dugout before the awards.”

But before Eddie could line up behind his team, Bianca stood before him and smiled. “You won.”

“We won.” Eddie wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

Bianca smiled against his lips. “Not that I’m complaining”—she pressed her lips against his again—“but there are not only news cameras but paparazzi probably filming and creating stories about us.”

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