There was Vivi, head tipped back in laugher as she, Camila, Kat, and Betzy gathered at the food bar. Grandma Lo was deep in conversation with Viv’s parents, while James, Zander, and Sawyer performed practice pitches into a speed-gauged pitching net mounted in the corner of the room. Mom’s boyfriend, Michael, sat beside her on a nearby sofa, offering critiques between bites of his nachos.
Duke’s gaze shot straight back to Viv in time for her to glance up and give him a wide grin. One that made his knees feel like the wiggly strands of bubble gum the twins had been eating earlier.
Man, he loved her. Loved her more than he remembered loving anyone in all his life. He weaved through the small crowd, circling the edge of the bar, and came up behind her.
His hands went to her hips. His face moved to the warm crevice at the side of her neck. “Hi,” he crooned, enjoying the glorious scent of tea rose on her skin.
Viv giggled softly. “Hi there, handsome. Have I ever told you how good you look in uniform?”
The Dodgers had offered Duke a new jersey to wear for tonight’s pitch. He’d taken them up on it because, well, yes, Vivhadtold him how much she liked seeing him in uniform.
“No,” he lied, “I don’t think you have.”
Vivi spun in place, took his face in her hands and shook her head. “You’re incorrigible.”
He grinned and came in for a kiss. “I know.”
“Did you hear that, Duke? They just announced the first pitch,” his mom said. “You should probably get down to the dugout.”
“Go get ‘em, tiger,” James hollered.
“Don’t strike out,” Zander razzed.
Duke gave him an eye-roll.
“Come with me,” he said to Viv, taking her hand in his.
She pulled back on his grip. “I won’t have any place to stand while you pitch,” she said, her eyes going wide with worry.
“They’ll take care of you in the dugout. C’mon.” As he slipped his fingers through hers, Duke mused it might just be the last time he did so without her wearing his ring.
The thought caused a streak of adrenaline to shoot through him. Life had taken a few unexpected twists this year. And now, if all went well, it’d take a wonderful turn. One that would have Vivi agreeing to be his wife.
* * *
Viv hadn’t been kidding when she said how much she loved seeing Duke in uniform. The funny thing was, she’d never seen him in something hedidn’tflatter.
The public seemed to agree.Slipper Magazinehit an all-time high in print sales and online clicks with Duke’s issue. Sure, the viral video might have played a part in the hype surrounding the issue, but those numbers helped give Duke the confirmation he’d been seeking—America liked him after all. They loved him, really.
There were a lot of reasons to love Duke Benton. It seemed Viv discovered a new reason every day. He’d mentioned that the Bentons felt strongly about giving. She’d only recently started to notice how very true that was.
Duke had been modest about it at first, almost unwilling to talk about the causes close to his heart for fear she’d think he was boasting about his contributions. But as he got more comfortable with her, as they spent more and more time together, she saw an entirely new addition to that big heart of his, and it was truly inspiring.
“You nervous?” she asked as he shifted his weight from one foot to the next.
He shot her a glance, a furrow creasing his brow for a blink. “Why?” he said almost suspiciously.
She laughed. “Because you’re about to throw the first pitch of the game on TV.”
“Oh. Yeah. Well, it’s not a big game or anything. I mean, it’s not like it’s the World Series.” He shrugged, but it didn’t make him appear any less nervous. Which was, if she thought about it, odd for Duke.
The charge song started up, and the crowd rose to their feet on demand. The excitement was a thrill all its own. A buzz of energy, anticipation, and hope for a team victory.
Viv felt that energy rush over her skin as she pulled in a deep breath. What a great thing for Duke and the twins to have in common—a mutual love for baseball.
“Time to bring out tonight’s sponsor,” the commentator announced. “He’s also a cofounder of the city’s very own charitable organization,Batting for Kids.Let’s give a warm welcome toMr. Duke Benton!”
The baseball organ picked up with a new tune as the audience cheered. She glanced up to see that a camera had zoomed in on Duke where he stood beside her.
