Page 139 of Fielder's Choice

“Yes, Lovebug,” I grin. “I know how much you love her, and I love her, too. I think we should keep her around.”

“Yes!” she shouts, and Olive laughs.

“I’m not going anywhere, sweet girl.” She leans over and kisses Sage’s cheek. “You both mean too much to me.”

Sage leaps out of my arms now and into Olive’s, squeezing her tightly with the brightest smile.

I love Olive.

Sage loves Olive.

Olive loves Sage.

Olive might love me.

I’ve barely been back in NYC for an hour, and already so much has happened.

But as I watch Olive and Sage together, I’m just so fucking glad to be home.

forty-nine

Lane

“Well,she’sfinallyasleep,”Olive says, softly closing Sage’s bedroom door behind her.

Sage was so excited I was home that she couldn’t fall asleep on her own tonight. Liv and I both sat in there with her, and it took her a while still, but sleep eventually won.

“She is,” I reply, pulling Olive into my arms and holding her close. “God, I missed you, baby.”

“I missed you, too. I’m so glad you’re home.”

“At least for a few days,” I sigh. “We fly out to San Diego on Monday for our opening series against the Sea Lions. We won’t be back until Thursday night for our home opener on Friday.”

Liv places her palm on my cheek. “Which means I still have a few days before my boyfriend has to leave again.” She leans up and softly kisses me. “Let’s just enjoy some time together right now.”

I smile at her before taking her hands in mine and walking backward, bringing her along with me. “I’ve got an idea for how we can enjoy some time together.”

“You’re just walking us to your bedroom,” she teases, tone playful.

“No, I’m walkingyouto my bedroom.” I sit her on the bed gently. “I want you to stay right here for now. I’ll be right back.”

I peck Olive’s lips before turning away and heading into my en-suite bathroom to get everything ready.

I move quickly, reaching into cabinets and grabbing what I need, but I’m still careful not to make too much noise. I don’t want to wake Sage up, and I’m trying to make at least some of this a surprise for Olive.

When everything is set, I walk back into my bedroom and help Liv stand from the bed.

“Come with me, Ballerina.”

She intertwines her fingers with mine, taking my hand as I lead her to the bathroom, and she gasps when she steps inside. Olive looks around at the tub full of warm water and bubbles, the lit candles along the edge, and the dim lighting and just leans into me. “What’s all this for, Lane?”

“I want a relaxing evening with the woman I love.”

Olive’s smile is sweet and full of affection. “This looks perfect.”

I lead her over to the tub before I pull my shirt over my head. She takes note of the bruise forming over my ribcage. “What happened here?” she asks, delicately tracing her fingers over my skin.

“Hit by a pitch during our last Spring Training game against the Detroit Hawks,” I shrug. “Just part of the job.”

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