“Who would have thought at the beginning of the year that we’d be begging your sister’s baby daddy to stay?”
Her grin spread wide. “I’m so fucking happy for them. You have to admit, he acted like a giant dummy.”
“Crazy how they were able to figure things out without you rushing in to save them.”
“I’m hearing what you’re saying. But I think you’re guilty of that too.”
“The difference is, it’s my job to build a team that wins.”
“And your players are responsible for not being criminals. They handed you a pile of shit, babe.”
The pile of shit still needed to be litigated, but it lookedlike Milliganmightend up serving some jail time. Griffen hadn’t stopped the assault, but hadn’t participated, and charges had been dropped against him. We were able to release him on waivers after every other team declined the option to take over his contract. He’d cleared waivers and was officially released, and while no one was interested in the contract value, he was a bargain and might end up back in the game next year.
“We can watch the playoffs from the Caribbean.”
“But we can’t forget to be back here in time for the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year announcements.”
“And the marathon.” I had been training with her, and we were set to run the NYC Marathon together. Who else could get me to run 26.2 miles? I joked that I was fine as long as I was chasing her, but running had become a much needed stress release.
As everything else had fallen apart, Sam Drummond had a career season with a 1.84 ERA, 317 strikeouts, and 10 complete-game shutouts. Nate Reaves was a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year and might even take home a Gold Glove. We’d probably go down as the best team in baseball to never make it to the playoffs. While the media hated our decision, the guys rallied behind the organization’s decision to walk away from Griffen and Milligan.
FIFTY-SEVEN
kendra
We arrivedin the owner’s suite hand-in-hand. Had anyone asked me in March if I’d thought our relationship could have survived the stress of this year, I would have laughed in their face. Somehow, we’d grown stronger.
That morning, we’d run together, and then fucked in the shower, in the bed, and he’d tormented me with Lucifer for several rounds. We hadn’t grown bored with each other, and he remained my favorite person.
I knew I was his, but when my niece Willow arrived, he dropped me and took over, giving Kylie a moment to relax.
“What’s that look for?” Kelsey nudged me as I watched him hold the baby and coo at her.
“Oh, shut up.” Her laughter rang loud enough to catch Jonathan’s attention. Whatever ice I had left protecting my heart, it melted when his eyes burned into me.
“You’re next,” she whispered before gesturing to her pregnant belly.
Did I dare allow myself to want that? And just as doubtcrept in, he looked at Willow and then right at me. Yup, I wanted it. “I hope so.”
“Oh my God, Ken. You shared your feelings, and I didn’t even need to force you.”
I gave her a weak punch in the arm. “Yeah, well, I’ve been learning some things from the people surrounding me.”
“What’s this I hear? Did you get soft in your old age?” Kylie joined in with Kelsey, teasing me.
“Look at him.” Their eyes followed mine once more. “That would make anyone grow soft.”
Kelsey nodded. “I remember when I first watched Sam with Crew. It had been a big part of why I felt ready to have this baby, even with all the craziness.”
“How is the nanny situation?” I asked, and Kelsey and Crew’s father had recently hired a nanny to help bring Crew between Colorado and Boston since Kelsey could no longer fly this late in her pregnancy.
“She’s perfect. But if they haven’t slept together, I’d put money on that happening soon. And while I’m not one to ever propose limits on other adults’ sexual activities, I’m gonna be pissed if it blows up in their faces. For purely selfish reasons, of course.”
Jonathan passed Willow back to my sister in time for the National Anthem. I stood next to him and looked out onto the field. No, the team hadn’t made it this year, but fuck if I would ever be caught saying it was a waste. When the song finished, I noticed a flash out of the corner of my eye.
Jonathan had dropped to one knee and stared up at me. I heard rustling as our family backed away to give us privacy.
“Ken, this last year has been the best one of my life.Through everything we have been through, all the stress and bullshit, you made me look forward to every new day. Together, we’ve already accomplished so much. Will you marry me?”
