I know he’s not gone forever. I know I could barrel down the highway after him, honking my horn. Or wait for him to answer his phone and call me back. But I’m afraid I’ll miss this sliver of bravery, this caution thrown to the wind. What if I can only say yes to this right now? What if?—
Roddy’s bellowing laughter rips me from my personal spiral, and my spine straightens as I snap, “What?”
“Ren, he just ran to get gas. He’s got more shit here to move, and he’ll be back in, well, there he is.” Roddy points over my shoulder, and I spin slowly until I see the front of Hunter’s truck. His engine roars as he presses the gas, zooming down the street to get to me faster, and when he reaches the end of Roddy’s driveway, he flies out, leaving his truck door wide open as he races to me.
“Please say you’re here because?—”
I don’t give him another moment of air. I launch myself into his arms and steal his breath for my own, our lips crashing into one another as if this were our last chance to kiss. Instead, it’sthe first. The first kiss when I pull away to breathe and utter, “I love you.” It’s the first kiss on our way to Texas, together. It’s the first chance I’m taking for me, a risk of the heart.
And it’s the only time I’ve ever felt safe enough to try. And that . . . that doesn’t just meansomething. That means everything.
Epilogue
18 Months Later - Hunter
Renleigh couldn’t get that gold graduation cap off her head fast enough. For a girl who’s not much into hair and makeup, she’s pretty picky about the hats that go on her head. If it’s not Texas, it’s not touching her follicles. Unless they trade me, of course. Then, I think she might burn her Texas hat and curse the owners for life.
So far, though, the Texas management is safe.
“You didn’t have to come to my graduation. You’re going to be late,” she says, fidgeting in the passenger seat as I race from her university graduation ceremony to the ballpark, where she thinks I’m starting today. When she realizes I’m not, I fear this entire plan will fall to pieces, but I have to try.
Surprising this girl is impossible. I guess a year and a half of grad school makes for one astute mind, and Renleigh has become about as observant as a renowned detective. She’s going to make a great child therapist. I’ve seen the heart she brings to every case. Her clinical studies are where she shined. Probably because she relates so deeply to the young girls she’s trying to help. The nonprofit she’s joining is lucky to have her. And I love that she is stepping in to serve families who can’t afford the kindof mental health help their kids desperately need. It’s one of the reasons I’m asking her to marry me, among about a billion other.
Of course, if I blow this surprise and she sees it coming, she might run. It’s still a bit of a thing, and it’s part of what makes her . . .her.She’s cautious with her heart. She gave hers to me, and I’ll never misuse that trust. Now, though, I’m asking for a big, public promise. That’s going to scare her deep down, so if it’s a no today, I’m good with it. I’m good with what we have. It doesn’t mean I won’t ask again, when or if she tells me the time is right. It’s about comfort for her, and sometimes comfort takes time.
“Your parents are going to love their seats,” I say, glancing at her as she wriggles her hips and pulls her jeans up her bare legs. She insisted on changing in the truck. I think she just likes to torture me by making me watch her strip when my hands are tied up.
“You really got my dad front row behind the plate?”
She snaps the button on her jeans, then sinks back into her seat, adjusting the seat belt I never let her take off. She thinks she’s invincible sometimes. I won’t take that chance.
“I sure did. You think he’ll forgive me for stealing his daughter from Sweetwater because of it?” Her dad doesn’t really think that, but the man can tease pretty good.
Renleigh’s lips bunch.
“Uh, maybe. It might take more than one game.”
I roll my eyes and return my attention to the road.
Renleigh just wants to sit there with him. I know how her mind works. She hates that the family section is on the third baseline, far from a good view of the ump’s bad calls. She wants to give our umps shit when they screw me over, but if I get her within earshot, she’ll say something that will getmeejected. This is also another reason why I want to marry her, of course.
“Your parents should beat us there by a bit. They got out of the university lot fast.”
It was by design, of course, but Renleigh doesn’t seem to realize that. I purposely parked in the worst spot to buy her parents time to get to the stadium. They’ll be in their seats with phone cameras at the ready when I pop the question.
“You know, the last game my dad came to was the first time he took the stadium steps without his cane. He’s doing so well.” She beams.
I reach over and squeeze her hand.
“They both are.”
She nods, and for once, doesn’t temper the acknowledgement with afor now. Renleigh’s mom kept her word. And it seems the story she shared about why she left in the first place was rooted in truth. I’m sure there were ugly parts of their marriage. But fate found time for them now, it seems. And they appear happy.
Dale is even traveling with Sarah to places that don’t revolve around baseball. They have a trip planned to Washington next month, to see the buildings Sarah worked in. Part of me thinks she might not quite be done with that place. But I also think Dale is willing to leave Sweetwater this time and head east with her.
Lindsey couldn’t make the trip. Too many logistics with the twins and taking care of Holly, plus there’s the scrutiny she’d face by possibly showing up with Brooks. As observant as Renleigh is, I’m surprised she hasn’t questioned her sister’s relationship with her employer. I could be wrong. Maybe it’s nothing. It sure feels likesomething,though.
My parents have our sisters covered, though. My mom loves a good livestream, which is what she thinks FaceTime is. If she ever veers into actual livestreaming, we’re all in trouble. She does not self-edit her words. Ever.
