“Oh, boy. What were you thinking?” Suddenly nervous, I fidget in my seat. Preston pulls my legs into his lap and gently starts massaging my calves. It reminds me of all the times we watched a movie or show on Long Caye. He would do the same thing. I don’t know if he even realizes he does it. Either way, it soothes me.
“Well, I have this big ole house,” I start, gesturing around.
“Yes, a very nice house.”
“So I was thinking, that maybe you would want to—I mean, do you want to stay here?”
“I have been staying here.” Preston raises an eyebrow at me like I’m crazy.
“Yes, but I mean permanently.” Preston’s hands still on my legs.
“Are you asking me to move in with you, Hollywood?” His lips tug up into his signature smirk.
Playfully, I push at his shoulder. “Don’t make fun of me! Yes, will you move in with me?” Dragging me by the ankle, Preston pulls me over until I am straddling his lap. His hands go to my hips. My hands fall onto his shoulders. Tracing circles with my thumbs, I don’t look him in the eyes as I talk. “It’s not like we haven’t already lived together. I know it’s not the same but I want you here. We’ve spent enough time apart.” Taking a deep breath, I bring my eyes up to meet his blue eyes. The warmth and love in them eases my worry. “Move in with me.”
“I would love nothing more than to move in with you, Serentia. Building a life with you is everything I never knew I wanted. I’m so glad I went on that trip and met you.”
“Who knew getting stranded in Belize would end up like this?” A watery laugh escapes me.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Preston swipes the tears at my cheeks.
“I love you, Preston Fields.”
“I love you, Ivory Crenshaw.”
Pressing a soft kiss to my lips, Preston promises me forever.
EPILOGUE
Ivory
Opening Day 2021
The hype video of the Music City Troubadours plays on the large scoreboard screen over the outfield at Stella Stadium in the heart of Downtown Nashville. Today is the first time I get to see Preston play in person even though spring training was open to the public. My schedule with casting and writers’ meetings kept me from being able to travel to those games. With the immense outpouring of support from former co-stars, industry professionals, and investors, Serentia Productions officially launched in January with the script I wrote while traveling Belize with the man currently on the screen.
His signature smirk is firmly in place as he swings his bat at the camera. The image switches to a montage of his season ending homer and then Miller’s face fills the screen.
“Baseball is back, bitches!” Miller screams into the camera before the team logo overtakes the screen, ending the video.
“Welcome to Opening Day, Nashville,” the announcer calls over the roar of the crowd. They’re rowdy after not being allowed in the stands last year. “Get on your feet for your Music City Troubadours,” the announcer draws out the words rampingup the anticipation in the stadium as everyone stands for the players running out of the dugout and onto the field.
Preston jumps the white line like always, giving me a perfect view of his backside.Thank God for baseball pants.He looksgoodin the white uniform with dark blue and gold lettering as he points to Miller who takes his place behind home plate for the pitcher to begin his warm up.
“Let’s go, boys!” I shout, joining in with the crowd.
Their excitement is contagious. Tay stands beside me clapping loudly. She came into town for the game to support the guys. We’re all hoping she makes the move more permanent instead of flying in once a month for a few days. Our friend group has blended into our own family unit over the past six months. It’s been amazing being close to each other and hosting events in our house.
Our home.
It still gives me chills. Building this life with Preston is more than I could have ever dreamed of. I’m thankful every day for the quick getaway that left us stranded so we could eventually make our way here.
“Where’s Gabby?” Taylor asks, looking around from where we are behind home plate.
This is the best view in the stadium. I can see the entire field from this angle and a direct line of sight to Preston guarding second base.
“She said she would be here. Did you text her?” While the guys rested this off-season, Gabby was hard at work as the lawyer in the front office for the team.
“I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” Taylor sips her beer. “Oh, there she is.”
