Page 45 of The Merriest Christmas

Baylor smiled."Exactly how you'd think it would be—but better and worse."

"What do you mean?"

"It's better because every second you're there, you're really there.You know?It's not a dream anymore."

"And it's worse," Archer said, taking up where Baylor left off, "because well, everyone there is ten times faster, stronger, smarter, and more committed than anyone you faced off against in college."

One of the players grimaced."That sucks," he said.

But Archer gave a rare smile."That's what makes it fun," he corrected.

"I hear that," Chase said.

"Is it true you pitched a no-hitter your first pro game?" another guy asked Chase.

He shrugged."Yeah, but I was shaking in my boots under those bright lights."

I bit back a smile at his reply.It was just so Chase.Humble to a fault and way too talented to brag.

"Yeah, right."

"It's true."Chase shot him a smile."I threw up before that game, celebrated afterward."

"With a book, no doubt," Baylor scoffed.

Finn frowned."Hey, don't book-shame him."

"Is that even a thing?"

"I don't know, but I think you just made it one."

Toby sat forward in his seat and said, "Baylor, man, what's it like playing for the Yankees?"

"Amazing every day," Bay said."Not gonna lie, I almost cried when I set foot in that dugout."

"Is there rivalry between you and Chase?I mean, I know you're twins, but playing for the two most popular teams in New York?"Toby raised his brows."Can't be easy."

"It is when you know you're playing for the better team," Chase said to which Baylor boo'd.

"You wish, brother."

"Mom, back me up."

My mother raised her hands."I love you both equally and unequivocally."

There were grumbles around the table, but Mom had a twinkle in her eyes.

"But Chase is right.I love my Mets."

"Thanks, Mom," Chase said.

"And you know your dad would be so proud of you, Bay, for playing for his team.I am too."

"Ah Mom, I love you," Baylor said, "even if you picked the wrong team."

"Both of you wish you were playing for Atlanta," Archer said.

The twins laughed.

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