Finally, the little guy and Fletch round third base as the entire Honky Tonks team, along with Honkers, join in and sprint along the sideline, all cheering and hyping him up as they make the final dash toward home plate.
In what looks like a close call, Ellis Green, the third baseman for the Outlaws, throws the ball toward home, where Zade Dalton, the catcher, misses, giving our man the chance to finish strong as he scores a point.
The stadium is as loud as ever as we all celebrate. Usually, I’m all about watching the kid and seeing their proud smile, but like always, I can’t seem to take my eyes off Fletcher as he lifts the boy into the air before setting him on his shoulders.
The entire Honky Tonk team circles around them, jumping and cheering as they somehow make this core memory even more special for the kid. It’s pure chaos, but in the most wholesome, heart-melty kind of way.
The cheers only die down when the music changes and the camera switches angles.
Fletch lowers the kid back to the ground before leading him hand in hand toward his waiting parents. Everyone in the Honky Tonk organization is focused on creating the ultimate experience for the fans, but nobody takes that mission more seriously than Fletch. He goes out of his way to be kind to everyone and never rushes a kid asking for an autograph, even when he’s running late.
It’s almost comical that last year when I joined the team, I’d been so convinced he was only a fan favorite because of his good looks. It didn’t take long to see that what everyone was actually reacting to was his heart, his genuine love for the game, the community, and most importantly, the fans.
He could’ve just dropped this kid off with his parents and walked away, but instead, he lingers, chatting with them as the rest of his teammates take their turn at bat.
He could make excuses, since this is his time to rest after all, but he would never do that. Instead, he’s over there laughing like they’ve all known each other forever as he kneels to the kid’s level and signs his jersey, along with a few balls for the rest of the family.
After a few more minutes, he says his goodbyes before his eyes lock with mine and he makes a beeline in my direction.
It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, there’s still that same familiar buzz that ignites every single nerve in my body whenever I see that gorgeous smile of his—the special one I knew he reserves only for me.
“You’re amazing, you know that right?” I ask, handing him what I know is a much-needed bottle of water.
No dehydrated boyfriends on my watch.
“I should probably stay humble and brush off the compliment, but with you,” he says, leaning in close as he lowers his voice, “I’m always going to selfishly take whatever praise you’ll give me.”
For one delirious second, I swear he’s going in for a kiss. There’s a hunger in his eyes, one that makes me more than ready to make some very bad decisions, but instead, he raises the bottle and takes a long swig.
My eyes narrow, and he only smiles. We both know what he just did, and while I’ll always want to feel his lips pressed against mine, even I can admit that now isn’t the right time.
Not only have all the players and staff been incredibly supportive of our relationship, but so has my dad. He’s thankfully not insisted on writing up a no-fraternization policy, but we’re both aware it’s best not to test his kindness or his boundaries.
“Oh, come on!” I bump my shoulder into his. “You’re acting like I never give you any compliments.”
“I know you do. In fact, I remember the one you gave me last night when I—” he starts, but I rush to cover his mouth.
“Oh God!” I shake my head and laugh. “You better watch yourself, mister, or you’ll be banned from all similar activities in the future,” I tease, though we both know it’s a baseless threat.
“That’s the thing,” he starts, casually linking my fingers through his. “I know just how lucky I am, and I’ll always take whatever you’re willing to give me. Whether it’s a compliment, a smile, or even the last french fry at the bottom of the McDonalds bag I’m good. Honestly? All I really care about is being the only one who gets to fall asleep and wake up next to you every day,” he pauses, his eyes meeting mine. “Even if you do tend to steal the blankets and drool all over my pillow.”
“I do not drool!”
“Whatever you say.” He shrugs, his thumb brushing softly over mine. “But even if you did, just know I’d love you anyway.”
I give in and smile back. “The feeling is mutual. Plus, how could I not after the show you put on out there?” I nod toward the field. “Seeing you with that little guy was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I actually think I felt one of my ovaries twitch.”
He arches an amused brow. “You saying you want kids with me, Holls?”
“Easy there, cowboy!” I laugh. “I said twitched, not that they went out and bought a minivan,” I tease, giving his hand a light squeeze. “But who knows? Maybe in a few years I’d consider it. It’s obvious you’re going to be an amazing dad, and if you’re going to become one, then yeah, you better believe it's going to be me by your side."
“Good to know, because there’s nobody else in this world I wanna make babies with.” He smiles lovingly as he leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. “And while it might be a while before we make it happen, you know I’m always down to practice.”
I force myself to keep a straight face despite the blush creeping up my neck. Nobody seems to be looking our way or listening in, but I’m also not looking to create another online viral moment. One will always be more than enough for me.
“Maybe if you’re a good boy I’ll let you practice tonight.” I glance up at him, our faces only inches apart.
“Only maybe?” His eyes drop to my lips before meeting my gaze once more.
