Page 39 of Curve Ball
A life filled with love, passion, and a partner who challenges me and makes me want to be a better man.
For her and our sons, I do absolutely anything.
19
ADRIANA
The joint baby shower thrown by Jackson and Andres is in full swing, and to say I am surprised at how well this is all turning out is an understatement. The guys decorated with pastel colors and adorable baby-themed decorations, and there are so many people here to celebrate with us. I look around the room, taking in the sight of all our friends and family gathered to welcome our little ones into the world.
Isla and I are sitting side by side, our growing bellies round and proud. We’re both glowing with happiness, Kai and Gael both looking like proud fathers-to-be, making their way over to us.
Jackson takes a microphone and addresses the crowd. “Alright, everyone! Welcome to the joint baby shower for Isla and Adriana! We’re thrilled to have you all here to celebrate this special occasion with us. Now that it looks like everyone is here, let’s play some games!”
The first game is “Guess the Baby Food,” where we have to taste test different flavors of baby food and guess what they are. Isla and I look at each other, laughing as we dip our spoons into the mysterious purees and feed them to our guys.
“I think this one is... peaches?” Kai guesses, making a face.
“No way, that’s too sweet. I’m going with carrots,” Gael counters, trying not to throw up, and both Isla and I dissolve into a fit of giggles.
The games continue, and we have a blast playing “Diaper the Baby,” where we have to diaper a doll as quickly as possible. Surprisingly, Kai and Gael do well. But it’s Andres who wins.
“What? I told you my sister has three kids! You think I’ve never been asked to change a diaper?” Jackson stares at him in awe and honestly, I am rooting so hard for the both of them. Gael says their relationship and feelings are complicated. But all I see is the love they have for each other.
The last game is “Who Knows Mom and Dad Best?” A fun trivia game about Isla, Kai, Gael, and me. People have to guess which facts go to whom. Jackson got all the info he needed from our parents and it made for a fun, yet extremely embarrassing, game.
Finally, it’s time for the gifts. Isla and I sit back and watch as our friends and family bring out an array of adorable outfits, toys, and necessities for our little ones. I tear up as I watch Gael’s mom present us with two beautiful hand-knitted blankets, her eyes shining with happiness. “For the little ones,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “I made this with all my love.”
Both Gael and I get teary, thanking her for the blankets. She hugs her son and whispers in his ear something that makes his shoulders shake, and I can hear him sniffling. When she pulls back, he wipes the tears from his eyes. Then she turns to me. “Thank you for loving him and giving him a chance to be the father he was born to be. You’re my daughter now too, Adriana. Take care of my boy’s heart.”
“I always will.”
Once everything winds down,the rowdier elements of the team—Jackson, Andres, Will, Noah, and Cash—get a little wild. They’re laughing and joking around, their energy contagious. “Alright, alright, alright!” Jackson shouts, his arms raised in the air. “It’s time for a little tradition! Who’s ready to play some baseball?”
The guys whoop and holler, already stripping off their shirts and throwing them to the side. Isla and I look at each other, laughing as we realize what’s coming. “What is going on right now?” I shout back, but I can’t help but feel excited by their enthusiasm.
“We always play a few innings after big events. It’s why Jackson picked this park. They had a field on the other side of the building.” Andres chants, and soon enough, the guys are down to their underwear, ready for their impromptu game. “Let’s do this!” Noah whoops, and they all take off towards the field, their laughter echoing through the night.
Isla and I follow them, along with a handful of other curious onlookers. We watch as the guys take their positions on the field, their silhouettes illuminated by the bright lights. “This is insane,” Isla says, shaking her head but laughing nonetheless. “Only these guys would do something like this.”
Gael joins us, slipping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. “They’re something else, aren’t they?” he says, his voice filled with amusement. “But it’s all in good fun. I’m going to get out there.”
I lean into him, feeling content and happy. “Have fun freezing your nuts off, Papi.”
He presses a soft kiss to my temple, then whispers in my ear. “You can just warm them up for me later.”
We watch as the guys play their game, their shouts andcheers filling the air. It’s chaotic and wild, but there’s something so freeing and joyful about it. The way I feel like I belong in this little tight-knit family makes my heart so happy.
After a few innings and a dip in the temperature, the guys gather in a circle, their heads bowed as they catch their breath. “That was fucking awesome!” Jackson shouts, and they all cheer in agreement. “Best baby shower ever!”
I laugh, shaking my head as I turn to Isla. “Only these guys could turn a baby shower into a baseball game in their underwear.”
Isla grins, her eyes shining with happiness. “That’s the Coyotes for you, though. They know how to have a good time. Admit it, seeing your man out there in his underwear got you going? Or is it just me? I swear I’m so obsessed with my husband.”
Oh, she isn’t wrong.Gael, in his underwear, is a work of art. The man’s body is covered in tattoos and his muscles. I could come just looking at him. Not to mention he’s got an ass that women only dream of having. I’m pretty sure Jackson brought up the game just to get Gael in his underwear.
Okay, maybe I’m reaching on that one. Seeing as though he really only has eyes for Andres.
When we finally get home, Gael pulls me into his arms in bed, his eyes filled with so many emotions—love, devotion, joy. “Today was perfect, Mama. You, me, our families, and our friends—it doesn’t get any better than this.”
