I nod my head. “Thanks, man.”
I take in a deep breath and stare out at the field, just wanting to live in this moment for a few seconds more.
“It will be here tomorrow too,” Diesel teases me.
“And the next and the next,” Carter joins in. “You do realize you basically live here now, right?”
I take the empty cup sitting next to me and throw it at him. “Yes, I know that. And my locker is bright pink now, thanks to you.”
Carter laughs out loud, walking away, heading back to the locker room.
I stand and gather my things, going to do the same when I notice some kids running around the bases. I hurry back to the locker room, where I left my phone, and call Samantha.
“Baby brother!” she exclaims. “What an amazing game!”
“Thank you, but, hey, where are you guys?” I ask, walking back out to the field and turning around to see them up in the suite still.
“We’re walking down to the field, hoping to see you.”
“Good. Bring the boys so they can run the bases. And Christy is still with you, right?”
“Yes, she is,” she singsongs. “And I like her even more now.”
I laugh out loud. “Okay.” I match her tone. “I’m standing next to the gate at home plate, so come down here, and I’ll get you guys on the field.”
“Will do.”
We hang up, and I wait for any sign of them. When Tyler, Liam, and Nolan come racing down the stairs, my entire world lights up when I see their excitement.
“Uncky!” Liam yells, waving like crazy.
“Liam!” I yell back at him, mimicking his movements.
I open the door, and the three boys jump into my arms, knocking me to the ground.
We laugh as I make sure everyone is okay.
“Great, just what we need.The new starter on the team is hurt after the game when a group of little boys mauled him on the field.” Samantha lowers her voice, pretending to be a male sportscaster.
I stand, wipe myself off, and give her a hug. “Nah, I’m good.” I lean down and tickle them all. “It will take more than three little monsters to take me down.”
After making sure they are all tired from giggling, I hold my hand out to Mike to say hello, then give my dad a hug.
“Glad you made it, ole man.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he responds, tapping my back.
“Though he almost did, having to drive straight to the game because God forbid he fly anywhere,” Samantha teases.
Dad dismisses her words away with a chuckle. “I made it, so stop making a fuss.”
I turn and see Christy standing there, and something inside me makes me walk to her, wrap my hand around the nape of her neck, and kiss her hello. Once I do, this ache I had in my chest from the sight of her instantly melts.
I make it a lingering kiss for only a few seconds, then place my forehead against hers. “Thanks for coming.”
“Thanks for having us,” she replies, and I freeze.
“I’m so sorry I just kissed you in front of your son. I should have?—”
