I set Monroe down and sandwich the two of them between Lake and me. “Now let’s all just sit and get our bearings for a minute, okay?”
“Your face is really red,” Lake says.
I narrow my eyes at her. She has no idea how exhausted I already am, and the game hasn’t even started.
“I think next time I come to a game, it might have to be alone,” I mumble.
I pull my phone from my purse to take a few pictures of us and send them to Callie and Viv, since she said I need to show I’m doing family things with the kids. I guess that doesn’t include dinner and bath time because she wasn’t too interested in those.
“Smile,” I say, and right as I press on the screen to take the picture, a text comes in. I snap the picture and, surprisingly, Lake has her smile back.
Did you find the seats okay?
I look toward the field, knowing he’s out there somewhere. I’m so excited to see him play.
Yes, I’ll have a perfect view of your ass the entire game.
Why do you think I chose them?
I’m not sure I’ll be able to control myself.
Good, then you’ll already be halfway there when I see you after the game.
I send him a picture of all three kids.
I think you forgot about these guys.
They go to bed eventually. I have to go, but I wanted to make sure you made it to your seats okay. I can’t wait to see you after.
We haven’t done a sleepover yet, mostly because I don’t want to confuse the kids and the thought of it makes me feel irresponsible.
Good luck today. You have your own little cheering section.
I tuck my phone into my bag.
“Why are you staring at your phone like that?” Lake asks.
A half hour later, after Monroe has personally greeted everyone in our section, we’re all asked to stand for the national anthem.
Hayes comes out onto the field with his shin guards and chest protector on. He searches us out, and Monroe screams hi to him. I make Lincoln swap seats with her before Lake covers Monroe’s mouth with her hand.
After the national anthem, Hayes waves to us.
“Turn around, guys,” I say.
“Seriously?” Lake whines, but she does it.
We show him all of us wearing his jersey, and when I turn around, Hayes has his hand over his heart. I blow him a kiss, and his smile only grows wider.
Then he disappears into the dugout, and we sit back down. When it’s the Colts’ turn to be on the field, he jogs out with his helmet resting on top of his head. He slows and eyes us. He checks to see the pitcher is still walking to the mound, so he runs over and presses his hands on the netting.
“Hi,” he says directly to Monroe.
She giggles. “It’s National Say Hi Day.” She jumps up and claps her hands.
“I know. That’s why I said hi.” He looks at me, and I really hope the netting prohibits him from seeing the tears filling my eyes. “See you guys after.”
He winks, then he’s squatting behind home plate.
