He rolls over onto his back and stretches out his legs. “I think they said eleven.”
The team is hosting a family barbecue for all the players, and he’s invited us to attend with him. When he asked, I thought it would be fun, but the more I thought about it, the more nervous I got. People know we’re dating—there’s no doubting that withthe picture posted online—but showing up with your son to a players’ family function is a little different.
I sit up, and he wraps his arms around me before I stand up.
“Why are you so quiet?”
“It’s just … are you sure we should go? I mean, we’re not really family.”
He kisses my arm. “Yes. I’m positive. You’re important to me, which makes you like family. I know some of the other guys are bringing their girlfriends, so don’t worry.”
“Yeah, but bringing Nolan is different.”
“Nope. It really isn’t. This is a family barbecue. It is literally for kids like Nolan. Now, Jake bringing whatever girl he has this week would be more inappropriate than me bringing you and Nolan.”
He raises his eyebrows at me like he’s proven my point right.
I nod. “Okay, yeah. That makes sense.”
“Great.” He hops off the bed. “Let’s get my hair cut, then get going.”
I laugh, then head his way to kiss him. “Funny how your sister made you my first appointment of the day, conveniently before this barbecue started.”
He holds me closer. “It’s like she knew what my schedule was,” he teases. “Just glad you were able to get the rest of the day off too.”
I kiss his lips. “Me too.”
Evan pulls into the stadium and heads straight to the players’ entrance.
“This is so cool!” Nolan says in awe as we park. “We really get to go on the field again?”
Evan turns to face him. “Yep. We’ll play catch too. You have your glove, right?”
Nolan holds it up. “Sure do!” He unbuckles and opens the door. “Let’s go!”
We all exit the car, and Evan comes right over to me to hold my hand and lead the way.
We enter the players’ entrance, and he walks us to the field, where a mini carnival is set up with all kinds of kid games in the outfield and tables of food, ready for anyone to take. I’ve only met a few of the players, and I knew some were married with kids, but I’m a little surprised to see just how many people are here.
I grab Evan’s arm. “How many players are on the team?”
“Every team has a forty-man roster, it’s kind of a thing.” He nudges me playfully. “But this is also all of the support staff and their families.”
I nod, feeling a little more comfortable to hear just how many kids there are.
“Oh, Mom, can I go over there?” Nolan points to where a few tees are set up for kids to hit balls into the net.
“Sure! Let’s go!” Evan holds his hand out to Nolan.
“You coming?” he asks me before he leaves.
I see Zoe standing by the drinks, so I nod my head her way. “I’m going to go say hi to Zoe and grab us some drinks. I’ll meet you over there.”
They take off running, and I laugh to myself as I head toward Zoe.
“How are you?” I ask when I get close enough for her to hear.
“Ugh. So pregnant. But I’m here.” She grins with both hands out to the sides to show off her very big belly.
