Page 61 of Home Field Advantage
Tucker sits up, lifting his chin proudly. “I’m the best assistant coach this town’s ever seen.”
“You’re the only assistant coach this town has ever seen,” Griffin adds.
The whole table erupts into a fit of laughter, including Poppy. This is a nice change, considering she’s been quiet and has kept to herself most of this meal. It’s had me mildly on edge if I’m being honest.
It makes me wonder if I’m the cause.
“I still can’t believe you got this up and running again,” Nan says. “I know we talked about it, but I didn’t think it would actually happen with you only being here a short time.”
My chest tightens with her words. It’s the same thing I’ve repeated to myself since agreeing to coach these kids.
Am I crazy for doing this?
Who the hell is going to take over when I go back to San Francisco? I’m scheduled to leave right after the season even starts.
I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew in my gut I needed to do this.
“My daddy is the bestest!” Sage adds.
There goes my heart again, beating a mile a minute. All I’ve ever wanted in life was for my daughter to be proud of me after constantly feeling like luck wasn’t on my side. Since steppingfoot in Bluestone Lakes, I’ve never felt luckier than I do here. I’m at peace, even without baseball. I have everything I could ever want.
Looking over at Poppy, I question if that statement still rings true.
Maybe I don’t have everything I could ever want because I don’t have her.
And fuck, do I want Poppy Barlow in the worst way.
Sage yawns at my side, resting her head on my arm. “I’m tired. My belly is so full that it’s making me sleepy.”
“Do you want to get going, bug?”
She nods repeatedly.
I look at Griffin, who’s looking at Blair like she’s hung the moon. I open my mouth to announce our departure, but can’t help but revel in their love momentarily. Tucker told me that Griffin used to be the town grump. Everyone hated talking to him because he never smiled and was in a constant state of misery. Seeing him now, there’s no trace of that anymore.
Clearing my throat, I stand from my seat. “We’re going to head out. Sage is tired.”
“Of course.” Griffin stands, rounding the table to meet me. “Thank you for coming tonight.”
“And thank you for the cheese board,” Nan adds.
I laugh. “Anytime. Thank you for having us. I think we needed to get out of the house a little bit and do this.”
“You’re welcome anytime,” Griffin says before turning to Sage. “You too. Oh, and hey, do you like horses?”
Sage looks to me for reassurance, and I shrug. “I think I do. I’ve never seen them up close.”
Griffin barks out a laugh, bending at his waist before crouching down to meet her level. “Well, you’re welcome to Barlow Ranch anytime to see the horses.”
“Oh my gosh. That would be so, so fun. Can I, Daddy? Can I?”
“I’ll set something up with Griffin.”
“Yes!”
“Hey, Dallas,” Lily says, standing quickly. “Do you think you’d be able to give Poppy a ride home since you live right there?”
“You hate driving people home, huh?” Blair chuckles.
