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My anxiety was cut off when the first notes of the national anthem played through the speakers. As soon as the anthem ended, the players jogged into position, and the game was underway.

If I thought watching River’s games was stressful, then watching Cody’s took it to a whole other level. His mother and grandmother were great. They filled in the boring stretches, sharing stories of Cody’s childhood that had River laughing hysterically.

It wasn’t until the fifth inning, with the game tied, that I thought I was going to throw up. Cody was in the field, and a ball was hit along the ground directly toward him. He bent over and scooped it up, never breaking stride, then yanked his arm back. I held my breath. This was Cody’s first game back since his injury, and even though he was telling everyone who asked that he was fine, I knew he was nervous, and I was nervous for him.

His throw was perfect.

It hit the catcher's glove before the runner made the distance, but my eyes were glued to the man who owned my heart.

He rolled his shoulder, then looked up toward the suite.

It wasn’t until I saw a grin creep across his face that I let out the breath I’d been holding. He was okay. He was back.

“Mom! Did you see that? Cody was awesome,” River announced proudly.

“He was,” I agreed easily. Cody was awesome. On and off the field.

“Can I have a drink, please, Mom?” River asked.

“One more,” I conceded, knowing he’d already had two.

“Come on. I could use a drink too,” Cody’s grandmother said, extending her hand out to River.

Without instruction or warning, River took her hand and led her slowly up the stairs. He returned a moment later, holding the wrapped package I’d forgotten about.

It sat in my lap like it was a bomb, ready to explode at any moment.

“Open it, Mom! I want to see what’s in there,” River encouraged.

With three sets of eyes locked on me, I slid my finger under the tape and carefully opened it.

“Well? What is it?” Cody’s mom asked, leaning forward in her seat to get a better look. Anyone would think the contents of the present were more interesting than what was happening on the field below.

I pulled out the jersey, Cody’s name and number written across the back.

“Ah-ha! I knew my boy wouldn’t have forgotten about something as important as this,” his mom exclaimed.

I didn’t see the note that fluttered to the ground, but his grandmother did.

“I think this is for you.” She smiled, holding out the folded paper that had the potential to change my life.

The weight of the paper in my fingers was unlike anything I could’ve expected. With the two most important people in Cody’s life watching me intently, I unfolded it with trembling hands.

Cody’s hastily scrawled chicken scratch was barely legible.

Tillie,

I know you well enough to know you would’ve made sure River had everything he needed to fit in, but you probably forgot to get one for yourself. Please wear my jersey. Seeing you wearing my name is a dream I can’t wait to see (and I can’t wait to peel off you).

I know you’re not ready yet, but one day I hope it will be your name too.

I love you, Tillie.

Enjoy the game. Toby will bring you and River down to the change rooms as soon as the game’s over.

Can’t wait to see you.

Love Cody.

Tears welled in my eyes as I clutched his jersey to my chest.

“I’m guessing from the look on your face, he did something right?” Cody’s mom asked nosily.

“He did everything right. He’s an amazing man,” I assured her.

“You love him,” his grandmother stated without judgment.

“I do,” I answered without hesitation.

“Well then, welcome to the family, Tillie.”

THE END