“And you,” Camille says, making me turn to face her. “You’re retiring? Since when?”
“Everyone knew my time was coming. I could maybe play a season or two more, but I wanted to choose it. Not be forced by injury or declining skills.”
“Well, I’m proud of you. You’ve had one hell of a career, big brother,” she says, her eyes welling with tears. “And you’re going to be one hell of a dad now.”
Now I’m getting emotional, batting my eyes to fight off my own tears. “Thank you, sis. I learned from taking care of you.”
We hug for a moment, and then Camille is off to take photos of the team celebrating in the locker room.
I go to leave when I notice Ian sitting on the bench, looking worried.
“I’m not ready for this,” he murmurs.
“You are, kid, and that’s another reason I did this. You’ve changed and become a part of this team now. The ace spot belongs to no one else but you.”
“I’ll try to make you proud.” Ian stands tall, determination in his tone.
I put my arm around him on our way to the locker room and say, “You can make me proud now by having some fun tonight.”
Ian smiles. “I’ll do my best.”
Chapter 51
Teagan
Okay, so baking a cake may or may not be considered rest, but I was going stir-crazy after sitting on the couch all day.
And with the buzz of the Panthers winning the World Series, I needed to do something. Plus, Quentin cooks for me all the time, and I want to repay the gesture. Sure, I sucked at it the first time, but I made sure not to mix up the salt and sugar this time around.
I’m finishing writing the word “congrats” with orange icing when Quentin walks through the door. My decorating skills are crap, so it’s barely legible, but I’ve got no time left.
Quentin walks straight to me, determined in his steps and not stopping until we’re toe to toe. His hand cups my chin and he kisses me deeply and lovingly.
I sigh into the kiss, gripping onto the back of his head as I get lost in us.
“Mmm,” I hum between kisses. “Congrats on being a champion and pulling off a no-hitter. That’s amazing.”
“Thank you.” He smiles against my lips, pulling back to look at the cake on the counter. “Cute cake,” Quentin says, playing serious, but I see the smile he’s trying to hide.
“Listen, I didn’t have time to decorate, okay? Just eat it.”
His eyes widen as he takes a step back. “I did that last time, and it didn’t go so well.”
“That was banana bread. This is different. I promise I didn’t mix up the salt for sugar.” I pout, wanting to feed him like he always feeds me.
“How can I be sure you’re not still trying to kill me?”
“Because I love you too much.”
He smirks, looking proud of himself as he leans in to kiss my forehead. “I know you do. I just love hearing my girl go soft.”
“I am not soft,” I argue, but we both end up laughing because we know I turn into putty around this man. “Maybe just for you.”
“And that’s just how I like it.”
All I can do is smile wide in response, my cheeks heating. Quentin cuts a piece of cake and spoons it into his mouth. I watch in anticipation as he does, hoping it doesn’t taste awful.
He chews for a bit, then looks at me skeptically.
