Page 123 of Taking the Pitch
She flaps her hand at me. “Just some cocky baseball player. You wouldn’t know him. He’s not even that good.”
I snake an arm around her waist, pulling her to me. “Oh, is that so?”
“Okay, you two, you can celebrate later,” Charlie says. “It’s time for a toast.” Charlie grabs a glass of water and turns towards our small group of friends and family. “If everyone can grab a drink. Judd has something he wants to say.”
Charlie directs us to stand in front of the arch while everyone grabs their drinks. Once everyone is settled, she gives me the go ahead.
“I just want to start by thanking everyone for coming today. I know it’s a busy time of the year, with Christmas and Kessler and Lucy’s wedding a week away, so thank you for taking the time to celebrate with us.” Turning to Amelia I continue, “Amelia, thank you for trusting me with your heart. I know it wasn’t easy, but I am so grateful you took a chance on me.”
“Well, you didn’t exactly give me a choice. Everywhere I looked you seemed to pop up,” she quips.
“Like a bad penny,” Kessler adds.
The group chuckles.
“Jokes aside. You are the absolute best thing to happen to me this year, and I can’t wait to see what the next fifty-plus years bring. I love you.”
“Kiss her!” Mom shouts.
I lean down, giving Amelia a tender kiss. Her blue eyes look into mine as I pull back. The promise of forever reflecting back at me.
“A toast,” I say, lifting my glass. “To finding your puzzle piece.”
untitled
This is an advanced reader copy of Catching the Coach from the author. This is not to be distributed or shared outside of the intended recipient.
epilogue
AMELIA
The energyin the air is palpable.
Excitement and uncertainty hang all around us.
I guess that’s to be expected in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series. It’s been a grueling six games against the Wilkesboro Wolves, both teams putting up a fight for the title. Judd started tonight and is still going strong. I know he’s determined to make the last game of Kessler’s career memorable.
Lucy and I are sitting in our usual spot behind home plate, one sleeping twin strapped to each of our chests. I swear she’s more superstitious than Kessler. He tried to convince her to sit in the suite for the series games because of the utter chaos that can happen, but she wouldn’t hear of it. She said she’s sat behind home plate at every home game of his she’s ever been to and she won’t be changing it in the last games of his career.
So here we sit with our very large group of family and friends, watching the men we love play the best game of their life. Judd hasn’t walked one batter tonight, making each man who gets onbase earn it. They’re leading the game by one run, and if they can hold off these last few batters, it’s game over.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” Lucy mutters as our guys take the field, hopefully for the last time tonight. Kessler takes his position behind the plate and before he lowers his mask, he sends a wink to Lucy and taps his chest plate three times. She kisses three of her fingers and holds them up to him in return.
The crowd’s cheers grow louder as Judd takes the field, but instead of heading towards the mound, Judd jogs to Kessler. They exchange a fist bump and a laugh, then both of them embrace each other in a back slapping hug before Judd sends a wink towards me and jogs off to the mound.
Lucy and I both look at each other with matching red-rimmed eyes. We’ve grown close over this last season with the guys being on the road half the year and Lucy needing help with the twins. Not only have I gained a friend over these last few months, but I’ve gained a sister I never knew I wanted.
A wave of nausea hits me, making me suck in a slow, steadying breath. I have a surprise for Judd when he gets home tonight. One we brought back with us from our trip to Sisters during All-Star week break. One only Lucy knows about because she and Kessler were with us on that trip and announced a surprise of their own last month. It wasn’t until their announcement that I realized I had missed my period.
“Are you okay?” Lucy asks, leaning into me and lowering her voice.
I nod. “The nerves aren’t helping, but I’ll be fine. I haven’t tossed my cookies for a few days, so I think I’m on the upside of this.”
“Upside of what?” Charlie asks, returning to her seat on the other side of me, her own surprise securely in her arms.
“Uh, finishing up the decorations for the house,” I say quickly.
It’s not that I don’t want to tell Charlie. I just need to tell Judd first. Seeing Lucy every day meant I wasn’t able to hide my morning sickness from her. And seeing as she’s pregnant for the second time in a year, she guessed it right away.
