Page 136 of Fielder's Choice

I eye him teasingly. “Are you just saying that because you want me to keep dating your favorite baseball player?”

He throws his head back and laughs. “No, I’m saying that as your big brother. But I definitely don’t mind you keeping him around.”

I came here today because I was nervous and spiraling, but my brother and sister always knew how to talk me down. They may be a good bit older than me, but I love the relationship I have with them.

And I love that, thanks to them, I get to walk out of here today with a smile on my face and the acceptance that nothing is too soon.

I love both Sage and Lane, and the future is looking so much brighter.

forty-eight

Lane

Olive

Sage has been jumping around for the past hour

It’s adorable how excited she is for you to come home

Lane

That’s because I have the world’s cutest daughter

Olive

You do

I’m excited for you to come home, too

Lane

I also have the world’s cutest girlfriend

Olive

When do you land?

Lane

We just boarded, so we’ll be back in NYC in a few hours

I can’t wait to be home

Olive

We’ll be here waiting for you, Hotshot

Lane

Give my Lovebug a hug from me

I’ll see you soon, Ballerina

I smile down at my phone before powering it off as we prepare for takeoff.

The season is going to be long, but at least I won’t have to be away from my girls for a month and a half straight again.

I slip my phone into the pocket of my joggers as Ari slides into the seat next to me. “I’m so ready to be out of Florida,” he groans.

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