Page 161 of Love in Riverbend
The first inning remains scoreless. In the top of the inning, Mitchell loads the bases. Cory strikes the next batter out. Justin catches a line drive past second base. It is Dax Richards who catches the third out, leaping into the air near the fence. In the bottom of the first, Riverbend manages a double before getting three outs in a row. Justin never makes it up to bat.
As the teams change places for the second inning, Kandace Richards takes a seat in front of us. I’ve heard the rumor that she’s expecting their second child. Without staring, it’s hard to tell. Nevertheless, she’s pretty. Her hair is the same color as her brother’s, and her eyes are just as blue.
“You’re Devan.”
Even though I’m sure she knows who I am, I reply, “Yes, Devan Dunn and you’re Kandace.”
She smiles. “I am. I wanted to say hi.”
“Hi.” I try to make conversation. “My mom bought a cherry pie from your store today. It was delicious.” Truthfully, I didn’t eat any. I’m being polite.
“I didn’t bake it. But I’m glad it was good. I was thinking that maybe you and Justin could come over to our house one day soon. I’d love to get to know the woman who can make my brother smile.”
The last part of her statement makes my cheeks warm.
Kandace laughs. “It seems he makes you smile too. It’s true, miracles do happen.”
She seems genuinely happy for Justin, and even though we’ve unofficially met many times, I appreciate that she’s reaching out to me. “Getting together would be fun,” I say. “Justin adores Molly.”
She nods. “Molly adores him too.”
I look around for the little girl.
“She’s not here,” Kandace says. “The start time of the game was too late for her schedule. Mom is watching her at our house.” She winks. “No rush, but Mom is great with grandchildren.”
That makes me laugh. “That is a rush.”
We turn to the field, seeing that the game has restarted.
Kandace pats my knee. “Good talking with you.”
“You too,” I say with a nod as Kandace goes back to her original seat.
“Damn, girl,” Marilyn whispers. “Minus an announcement in the local paper, this is as official as it gets.”
Mitchell finishes the inning without a score.
Justin is first batter in the bottom of the second. I’m clasping my hands so tightly, I’m pretty sure they’ve lost circulation. He said that kissing his girlfriend is supposed to be good luck.
If he doesn’t get a hit, am I bad luck?
My stomach is in knots as the umpire calls two balls and one strike.
Tapping the bat against his shoe, Justin’s blue gaze finds mine. He grins. I’m not sure if it really happened or I imagined it. My breath catches as the pitcher releases the ball.
Crack.
Everyone stands to their feet as the ball sails through the air. Justin is rounding second when the umpire yells, “It’s out of here. Hooome ruuun.” He stretches out the final two words.
Justin’s pace slows as he rounds the final two bases to the clamorous applause of the home team crowd. The palms of my hands are red and sting from clapping. I hug Jill on one side and Marilyn on the other.
It’s a defensive game. Riverbend pulls out the win with a 3 to 2 final score.
As we make our way down the bleachers, I have the sensation of wading through uncharted waters. Usually, Jill, Marilyn, and I would either grab ice cream or call it a night. Because of Ricky, I know after the games many people head over to Decoy Ducks. I honestly don’t know if that includes wives and girlfriends.
I spot Justin pushing against the crowd. He’s searching, his lips pursed and his forehead furrowed. When his gaze lands on me, his handsome face magically morphs into a grin. Taking my hand, he tugs me from the masses to beneath the bleachers. His stare is like the simmering embers from a blazing fire. Without a word, he cups my cheek and pulls me close for a kiss. The heat within me grows, almost making me forget where we are.
Justin pulls back with a grin. “You did it. You’re my good luck.”
