Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6)

by Lindsay Paige

  “I know. I know you did, but Ariella, when I saw Duke, I can’t even tell you how scared I was thinking you were hurt or...dead. I can’t feel that ever again.”

  “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Colby kisses me. “I love you, beautiful.”

  “I love you.”

  “WE’RE PITIFUL,” I laugh once we’ve finally settled and are alone at Ariella’s house. “I have a bum leg and you have a bum arm.”

  “I know. I’m honestly surprised my parents left.”

  “Me too.” Allison wanted to stay because she said we’d need the help. It’s already going to be hard to get rid of her during the day, but there’s no reason she needs to spend the night here. “My family is coming next week. We’ll be a sight to see.”

  Ariella frowns, and for a moment, I’m confused. “Does that mean you’ll go back to staying at your house while they’re here?”

  “I was thinking it would be better if I stayed with you. Then my parents can have my bed, and my sister and her husband can have the spare bedroom. The girls could sleep on the foldout couch. They’ll get a kick out of it because it’ll be a sleepover.”

  She smiles. “That sounds good. How are the guys doing?”

  The Angels have made it to the Divisional series. Their second game was earlier today and let’s just say that my injury sucks more than ever. I’m proud that they’ve made it this far though. “They won, so it’s tied now.”

  “Wish you were with them, don’t you?”

  I sigh. “On one hand, I do, but with what happened with you, I’m glad I’m out.” It’s a mixture of relief and disappointment that I’m not playing. “And I’m definitely not complaining about you being out of work because that means you get to spend more time with me.”

  She leans into me. “Me too.”

  More than anything, I’m happy she’s home and healthy, aside from her injury. It was pure agony waiting for her to wake up, to hear her voice, and see her eyes. I already knew that I love her and that she means the world to me. However, it taught me that while I don’t mind riding the wave, I’m ready to make us a little more permanent.

  “So, I’ve been thinking.”

  Ariella lifts her head. “About what?”

  “Well, what if we could fill this house up a little more?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “What if I moved in?”

  Ariella sits up a little straighter. “What?”

  I chuckle. “I’m already here a lot and we both like your house more. I’ve told you that I want a permanent home. That’s wherever you are, beautiful. It wouldn’t have to be immediate, but a slow move, especially with us not in full working order.”

  “I promised you I wouldn’t have any more girly flip-outs, but this is serious and fast. Are you doing this because I’m hurt? Or is this something you’ve thought through?”

  “I wouldn’t have mentioned it if I hadn’t thought it through, Ariella.”

  “I know we love each other, and I want more with you, but only if you’re completely sure. Because I don’t want you to think you have to move in with me. I guess you can say we’re practically living together anyway, right?”

  “Why would I think I have to move in with you? You haven’t told me I have to. I want to move in because I want to live with you and because I love you.”

  “Have you been reading my romance novels?” Ariella says jokingly. “Colby, I would love for you to move in. I really would.”

  “Good. Then I will.” I lean over and kiss her to seal the deal.

  “Are you sure you want to go?” I ask Ariella. I’ll be heading out in a few minutes to go to Game 5 of the Divisional playoffs. This is the test for the team. If we lose, we’re out. I keep thinking she’ll be uncomfortable with her arm.

  She tilts her head at me. “How are you going to get there?”

  “Who says I want you to drive with one arm? We’d probably be better off with me driving with my left leg.”

  Just then, there’s a knock on her door. I hobble over and open it. There stands Duke, Alizeh, Allison, and Fletcher. “Are y’all ready to go to the game?” Duke asks.

  “I didn’t know y’all were going,” Ariella answers from next to me.

  “It’s a big game; I invited them,” I explain.

  “Well, let’s go,” she says. She lets Buster out one more time and then we head to the game.

  I got us tickets to sit with the other family members, but I’ll be heading down to the locker room for a few minutes first. Once everyone is in their seats, I head down. If I can’t play, then I’d still like to see the guys before the game. The usual chatter is there, but the overall mood somehow seems simultaneously subdued and upbeat. The boys are about to head onto the field for warm-ups.

  “Sugar Daddy!”

  Figures Hector is the first one to spot me. Heads turn as I walk into the room.

  “Y’all ready?”

  “Hell yeah, we are,” Tanner hoots.

  “Wish you could be out there with us,” Jordan says.

  “There’s always next year. I had better head back. It’ll take me forever to get to the seats again.”

  “No words of wisdom?” Felix asks.

  I think about it for half a second. “Play hard. That’s all I got.” With that, I turn and slowly make my way to Ariella and her family. I wasn’t lying when I said it would take me forever. The guys are already on the field and nearly done with warm-ups by the time I sit down. Only to have to stand for the national anthem.

  “Feel better now that you’ve seen them?” Ariella asks.

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “How’s your knee, Colby?”

  I turn to my right at Sofia’s question. “It’s all right. How’s your pregnancy?”

  She grins. “Great. I don’t think I’ve ever been so ready for a season to be over though. I just want to be lazy until I have the baby.”

  “I’m sure Blake will make that happen,” Caroline, Blake’s mom, says from the other side of Sofia.

  Zoey leans forward and pops her head between us. “You have Hector talking about babies though! We’re not even married yet.”

  “Is Blake going to propose to you?” one of the girls in the row behind us asks. It sounds like Scarlett.

  Sofia shrugs, honestly not looking concerned about it. “He shows me every day how committed he is to me and our baby.” She rubs her stomach. “He doesn’t have to marry me to prove it.” I begin to tune out as they continue their girl talk. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last long as Sofia asks, “What’s the latest with you two?” She leans forward to look at Ariella for an answer.

  She looks surprised, but says, “Um, well, he’s going to move in with me.”

  A chorus of congrats ring out. They start to talk more to Ariella. While this makes me happy, I don’t want to be between them, so Ariella and I switch seats. Finally, I can focus on the game. The first inning goes well, Felix getting the three strikes within four batters.

  That seems to be where the luck runs out. The boys do indeed play hard, but it’s one of those games where you do everything right and it doesn’t do you any good. They get some hits, but get out before anyone can get home. The pitches are good, but the players are hitting them and scoring runs. A pit forms in my stomach by the third inning.

  We’re going to lose.

  I can feel it in my bones. My hope continues to dwindle as the game passes. We do indeed lose. The season is over.

  “Do you want to go down and see them?” Ariella asks when we stand to leave.

  “Nah, they aren’t going to want to see me. Let’s just go.”

  She nods, gives me a pat on the shoulder that makes me smile a little because it’s so something Hector would do right about now, and then her parents take us home.

  I WAS ABLE to get my stitches out yesterday, and my arm is now cradled in a sling. I’m so thankful everything seems to be healing well, and I can’t wait to get back to work. However, it
isn’t the only surprise news I received from the doctor, but telling Colby right now isn’t the best time.

  I’m an absolute wreck today. Colby is getting his family from the airport. I’m at my parents’ house trying to get the dinner ready. I tried to delay it a night, so everyone could be rested, but Colby’s mother insisted on seeing everyone right away. Mom, Alizeh, and I did a massive spread of food because we didn’t know what they all liked. Then again, I suggested we just order food from a catering company, but Mom almost passed out. She believes in home cooking when family is around.

  “Ariella, come here,” Dad calls from the other room. I stop what I’m doing and go to check on him.

  “Are you okay, Dad?”

  “Sit.” He points to the empty place next to him on the couch. “I want to talk to you.”

  I suddenly turn into a teenager, and I’m racking my brain to see if I’ve done something wrong that he’s found out about. I shake my head. I’m an adult, there’s nothing to catch me on.

  “What do you want to talk about?” I sit where he told me.

  “You and Colby.”

  I tilt my head. “Why?”

  “You’re moving in together?”

  I nod. “Colby is putting his place on the market at the end of the month, and he’s going to move in with me.”

  “You’ve not been seeing him long.”

  “Dad,” I sigh. “I love you’re looking out for me. I know it’s fast, but this feels right. I love Colby and I know he’s going to be part of my life forever.” Especially, after the life-changing news I’m going to tell him tonight.

  “I worry, and I don’t care how old you are, you’re my baby girl. I do the same with Alizeh.”

  I smile at my father, my protector. “I’m glad you worry, Dad.” I kiss his cheek. “I’m happy. I know you like Colby too.”

  The corner of his mouth turn up slightly. “I do like him. He seems like an upstanding guy and as long as he treats you right, then it’s all I care about.”

  “He does. He treats me like a Queen.”

  Dad nods. “I saw it at the hospital. He was beside himself when you were hurt. I could see the love there.”

  “Then why are we having this conversation now?”

  “It’s just the father in me making sure you know what’s happening.”

  I laugh. “Dad, you’ve told me and Alizeh you would have married Mom on the first date. Colby and I are happy and I love him. I’m well aware of what’s happening in our lives. I promise it’s all good.”

  “Okay. Go help your mother now.”

  I kiss his cheek again and go back into the kitchen.

  I pull up into Colby’s driveway and the van he’s rented sits behind his car. He had to get something bigger while his family is in town for the week. My hands are shaking, but I’m glad I’m not wrapped up like a Mummy when I meet them, even though the sling isn’t very attractive either.

  Colby’s parents seemed to be concerned for me when Colby told them what happened, including his sister. It had been the first time I’d talked to them. They were very kind, worried about my injury.

  I decided to meet them at Colby’s before subjecting them to my family, and I knock on the door.

  “Why are you knocking?” Colby smirks when he opens the door.

  “I didn’t want to disturb your time with your family.”

  Colby rolls his eyes and smiles. “You’re part of my family too.”

  Oh, if he only knew how true that statement is.

  He reaches for my hand, and I lace our fingers together. It’s nice he isn’t on his crutches anymore, but I can see he’s still limping. He isn’t saying yet, but I can feel he thinks he might not be able to return to baseball. I’m sure when he’s ready to discuss it, he will.

  I take a deep breath as Colby calls for his family. His mother and sister come in from his kitchen and I can see where their good looks come from. Their mother is tall, slender, with dark blonde hair and big blue eyes.

  “Mom, Karen, this Ariella. Ariella, this is my mother, Polly, and my sister Karen.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” I’m able to speak and smile at the both without sounding like a fool. I’m unable to shake their hands, because my right hand is still in a sling.

  “We’re so excited to meet you.” Polly steps up and lightly hugs me. “I don’t want to hurt you, dear.”

  “I’m fine,” I say, which is a lie because my arm is throbbing a bit, but I can’t take my pain meds. Karen is the next one to come in a hug me.

  After a moment, I hear squeals of laughter and three small girls and two men come in from the back yard. The three young girls look a lot like Colby’s sister and mother. The twins, Carly and Cara have big blue eyes and their pigtails are much blonder than Karen’s is. The baby, Carla, has bouncing blonde curls and is grinning brightly.

  I’m introduced to the girls, who are excited to see Colby. It’s sweet to see him active with the girls. Colby’s father, Jefferson, is tall as well, but not nearly as muscular as Colby or my dad. Colby’s brother-in-law, Karen’s husband, Carl, is just as attentive with his girls as Colby is, but kind. He’s shorter than Colby, and lanky, but you can see he loves Karen and they each catch their glances and smile.

  It’s sweet to witness.

  Colby suggests everyone to load up in the van. I send a quick text to Alizeh to warn everyone we’re on our way. Colby drives, mainly because I think he missed driving when he was hurt, and he knows the way. Jefferson sits up front with him, while Karen, Polly, and I sit in the first row, all the car seats are sitting in the second row, and Carl is in the final row of the van.

  Everyone is talkative, and I answer all the questions thrown at me. They’re not bad ones, mainly about my injury, but I keep it simple since the kids are around. I ask about the trip and they say how easy it was and such. Before I know it, we’re at my parents’ house.

  I’m still nervous when we all shuffle into the house, but as usual, I have nothing to worry about. After the introductions, we all go outside where Duke and Dad are grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs. Mom and Alizeh have set up the tables, and Lil D is chilling out in his playpen under the tree. The girls all chase after Buster, and I’m glad the dog is so timid, he has no trouble with three small girls pawing all over him. Mom, Polly, Karen, and Alizeh are in a tight conversation about themselves and careers. Polly is a retired litigation paralegal, which I didn’t know, and Karen went to school to be a nurse, but stays home with the girls now, and loves it.

  Will I end my career when our baby comes? I hadn’t thought that far ahead yet, but there are other parents on the force and they seem to make it work. What will happen when Colby goes back on the road? Would Mom and Dad help? Of course, they will, but they already have so many plans for traveling I can’t ask them to stop it. Hell, I won’t do that to them. I’m not selfish.

  “Hey, are you okay?” Colby whispers in my ear as I look out at the yard. I’m really staring off in space thinking about how much my life has changed in the past six months.

  “I’m fine.” I smile, but he studies me for a beat before nodding.

  “Okay.” He gives me a quick kiss as Dad calls for us all for lunch.

  We all gather up to eat. Colby helps me with my plate since I’m a one arm short. Polly and Mom help Karen with the girls’ plates and Duke gets Alizeh’s since she has Lil D asleep in her arms.

  Dinner is great; the conversation is easy, funny, and not overly embarrassing. Colby does talk about baseball, but never says anything about if or when he is returning. No one asks him either, and I think we all know it’s still up in the air.

  The entire family helps clean up, and when we are finished, we find all three girls curled up and asleep in the den. Karen planned to wake them up so they could leave, but Mom suggests they let them rest and we could visit longer.

  We talk about everything and anything between the ten of us. Traveling, jobs, baseball, softball, marriage, living together, a
nd the big topic: kids. I sit back and listen to everything Polly, Mom, Alizeh, and Karen talk about. Their pregnancies, breast-feeding versus not, baby weight, colic, sleepless night, and everything in between. It’s an interesting topic and makes me even more nervous about how Colby and I will do. I keep glancing at him, and he just smiles.

  When the girls wake from their naps, Colby suggests it’s time to head back to his place. We load up again, drop off his family with more hugs, and let them know we’ll see them in the morning.

  I’m thankful for the quiet drive home with just him—and Buster asleep in the back. Colby holds my hand as we walk into our house. I love saying it. He’s moved in all his clothes and personal items. We agreed to go through the house and make room for his furniture as well as mine. We are going to wait until his family is gone, and the house is officially on the market.

  I hit the shower first and try to decide the best way to tell him what happened at the doctor. Our relationship is on a fast pace, but adding a baby is a completely different scenario than simply moving in together, or saying I love you. Sure, those are big steps as well, but this is another human being. I’m not scared nor worried about Colby leaving me. Just nervous about saying the words, “I’m pregnant.”

  After my shower, I change and sit on the side of my bed doing my arm lifts to strengthen my arm back to normal. My physical therapy isn’t going to be as intense as Colby’s, but it’s really going to push my arm.

  “Buster is all tucked in.” Colby limps into the bedroom.

  “Do you want some ice?”

  He shakes his head and lies on top of the covers on the bed. “Nah, I just need to rest it.”

  I lay on my left side and run my hand through his hair as he lies on his stomach and faces me. “Today was fun, right? You were nervous for nothing.”

  I smile. “You were right. I had a lot of fun. Your family is great.”

  “Thank you and yours is too.” He closes his eyes.

  I continue to stroke his hair. “Colby?”

  “Hmm,” he happily moans.