Page 29 of Fielder's Choice

I literally just woke up, Lane

Lane

Then do you always look so goddamn good first thing in the morning?

Olive

I… don’t know

Maybe?

Lane

I bet you do

I’ll find out for myself sometime

I set my phone down as I wait for her to reply. I really enjoy talking to her. She doesn’t know how to handle my obvious flirting, and it’s completely adorable.

“I back!” Sage yells, running into the room with far more than cookies in her arms.

“Did you bring the whole pantry, Lovebug?” I laugh as packages of cookies, applesauce, raisins, graham crackers, and more fall to the table.

She doesn’t say anything back; she just looks down at my phone instead. Olive responded to my last text now, so when my phone lights up, Sage sees the picture Olive just sent me flashing on the screen.

“Owive!”

“Yeah, Sagie,” I smile, pulling my daughter up into my lap. “Daddy’s talking to Olive right now.”

“I like Owive.”

My heart swells at her admission before I reply with one of my own. “Yeah, Lovebug. I think I like her, too.”

eleven

Lane

Whatabeautifulmorningtoday.

Sure, it’s below freezing with overcast skies, but it’s Tuesday—my favorite day of the week.

Might be a bit pathetic, but I don’t care. I’m not embarrassed by the fact that I enjoy spending time with Olive.

I also enjoy watching her bond with my daughter. It’s clear how much both she and Sage adore each other. I love seeing them together.

I also love how good Liv looks in a ballet skirt and leotard.

Apparently, I’m staring because Olive eyes me curiously. “What are you looking at, Hotshot?”

Since I’m not one to lie, I answer honestly. “Looking at you, Ballerina.” She immediately blushes while a small smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. “You’re cute when you blush.”

“I’m just not used to anybody being so forward with me.”

“Now you’re just lying, Liv,” I smirk. “I have a hard time believing you’re not hit on every time you walk outside.”

“And plié,” she says to Sage before turning her attention back to me. “I’m not. I’m pretty sure my aura tells people not to approach me.”

“Well,youapproachedme,”I tease. “Must be why I keep coming back.”

---