Page 172 of Fielder's Choice

“No,” I state, fixing the cap on my head as I start to jog to my position in center field. “We’re fucking perfect together.”

When the Phoenix Sandstorms go three and out in the top of the ninth inning, we take the win five to three.

After the quickest shower of my life, I hightail it out of the stadium and head toward Finch Ballet Company, my friends—myfamily—following close behind. I make a quick pit stop to grab something for my girls, but we all arrive with just minutes to spare.

“There you are!” Rory says as we all enter the building.

“Sorry,” I huff, catching my breath after dashing through the doors. “Rain delay earlier.”

“Of all days.” She shakes her head.

“We haven’t missed her, right?” Harlow asks.

“No, you just made it,” Rory replies. “Sage and Liv are next.”

I let out a relaxed breath, and look around at everyone that showed up for my daughter.

Rory. Cole. Harlow. Knox. Ella. Josh. Ari. Lucia. Hell, even Paul is here.

I’m overwhelmed in the best way possible, surrounded by everybody I love.

I glance forward and find all the members of the Finch family in the front row, ready to watch their daughter/sister/sister-in-law with Sage.Herdaughter.

That thought never fails to pull at my heartstrings.

The spotlights come on now, and the music starts playing. I recognize the song. It’s Olive’s favorite song to dance to—Romeo and Juliet. I’ve watched her dance to it around my penthouse, and now I can’t wait to see her dance to it with our daughter on stage.

When the curtains are drawn, Olive and Sage stand next to each other in center stage, smiles on their faces. They’re wearing matching costumes, and since Liv is the best person I know, the costumes arepurple.Shimmery sleeveless tops with glittery, tulle skirts paired with light purple tights and their pointe shoes.

They both look breathtakingly beautiful.

I watch as my girls start moving around the stage, bending and spinning and leaping. Sage may only be three, but it’s clear she has a natural talent for this. Her moves aren’t perfect, but every time she finishes one, she watches as Olive beams at her, so proud of her student.

I can’t curb my emotions right now. Seeing the two of them together like this, so happy and carefree? I feel it deep in my soul, and I have to wipe the tears from the corners of my eyes.

My girlfriend and my daughter, the two loves of my life, sharing a perfect moment together on stage.

This right here is what I’ve always wanted.

Olive and Sage finish out their performance, and when Liv curtsies to end it, Sage instead claps excitedly and runs over to her, squeezing her leg as the audience laughs and awws.

The sweetest moment to close out the sweetest performance.

Since Olive and Sage were the last act, Eileen takes to the stage to end the recital, and everyone starts milling about. We’re still waiting in the back when Harvey walks up to us.

“Happy the game didn’t hold you up,” he smiles.

“Me too,” I chuckle. “We barely made it before their performance started thanks to that rain delay.”

“You did make it, though, and that’s what matters.” Harvey looks behind me and finally notices everyone else—namely, the five other New York Stars here with me. “Holy shit,” he whispers.

I laugh heartily before throwing my arm around his shoulder and walking him over to them. “Come here, Harv.”

Cole notices us first. “Who’s that, Brooks?”

“This is Olive’s brother, Harvey. He’s a massive Stars fan.”

“And very starstruck right now,” he laughs uneasily.

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