Page 138 of Instigator

“I can’t kick everyone out now?” I’m only half joking.

Ceci giggles. “Patience. The anticipation will make it that much sweeter.”

“I don’t know. You’re already pretty sweet.”

“Sweet? Me?”

“And spicy.” I squeeze her hand. “And chaotic. And irresistible.”

“Aw, you big softy.” She leans into me.

“I used to think I needed to be tough. Strong. Immovable. But you’ve taught me it’s okay to ebb and flow. That it’s okay to bend. I won’t break. I won’t fall apart.”

“Aidan…”

“And if I do, I’m confident I have the skills to put myself back together again. Because of you. Because of what you’ve taught me.”

“I didn’t⁠—”

“Because of your love and support, even when I hurt you. Because of your trust in me, even when I didn’t deserve it. You’ve shown me what love and respect really are, and I will never, ever take that for granted.”

She swallows, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.

“I love you, Cecilia. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”

She cards her fingers through my hair, then cups my cheek. “Wish, you already do.”

And when she kisses me, my soul soars, wild and free.

This is it. This is us. Surrounded by my sister, my teammates, and all our friends… This is what happily ever after looks like.

And I can’t fucking wait.

epilogue

. . .

Ceci

I was supposed to go to spring training. Spend a few weeks in the humid Florida sun, taking in baseball game after baseball game, cheering on my team.

But when I started dating Aidan, all those plans went out the window. I didn’t want to spend a month in Florida—not if it meant I couldn’t be at home with him. Instead, we watched the games together from his couch. It was ten times better than being there in person ever could have been.

And now it’s Opening Day. The Bulldogs have already started their season with a road trip, but tonight is their first game at home. The stadium buzzes with energy as fans stream through the gates, decked out in navy and orange.

Aidan knows I’ve rented out a suite for all our friends and family.

He knows I somehow scored field passes so we can watch batting practice from down by the dugout.

What he doesn’t know?

He’s throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Yeah, my wannabe baseball player is about to live out one of his childhood dreams.

“You’re smiling like a supervillain,” Aidan says as we wind through the tunnel beneath the stands.

I immediately wipe the grin off my face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”