by Duncan Leigh
Even Travis felt his calm demeanor desert him. He sped toward the mob of excited players, wading through them until he spotted Josh in the middle of the pack. Slowing, he nearly choked up as he shook the boy’s hand.
“Remember this moment,” he managed.
He swept the batter’s helmet from Josh’s head and lifted the boy high. The kid might never hit the winning run in a game again. The odds were against his ever knocking another grand slam out of the park. But he’d savor this memory for the rest of his life.
At his high school prom, someone would jostle his elbow and ask, “Remember the day you got that awesome hit?” Long after he graduated from college, over beer and burgers at the local tavern his buddies would recall the one that saved the game. “What was the name of our team?” someone would ask, and Josh would smile and say, “The Sluggers.”
Travis’s chest swelled for the boy who’d come so far in a few short months.
This, he told himself as he lowered Josh to the ground. This was what he wanted to do, what he was meant to do. He wanted to guide Josh every step of the way into adulthood. To help every player on his team, every student in his classes reach their potential.
Whoa, man, do you know what you’re saying?
While the team lined up to shake their opponents’ hands, Travis’s thoughts churned. The position he’d worked for all these years was his for the taking. Did he really want to turn it down? To trade his dream job for a permanent position at Citrus Elementary? To coach Little League for the next ten or thirty years?
One glimpse of Josh’s beaming face gave Travis the answer.
He’d spent his whole life waiting. For his coaches to put him into the game. For a call to the Show that never came. For the job offer that finally had. But accepting a position with the Cannons only meant more of the same. Waiting for a call up to the next level, the next team, the next franchise. He was done with it. It was time to start living.
Eager to share his news, he searched for Courtney among the parents who gathered beyond the fence to congratulate the team. She stood apart, not basking in the glory her son had earned. He shot her a V-for-victory. She returned it with a cheery wave. But rather than heading his way, she motioned toward the parking lot.
He took a deep breath. One last task remained before he swept the woman of his dreams into his arms and promised her forever.
Travis glanced toward the sidelines where the old scout waited. Brushing his hands on his baseball uniform, he strode toward the man who’d come to the game today with two goals in mind and would leave with only one of them.
In the shade of the snack bar, Frank Booker eschewed the usual handshake to slap Travis on the back. “I don’t have to tell you, that was a hell of a game. Hell of a hit.”
Travis removed his baseball cap and dusted it on his pants. “Josh has all the makings of a great baseball player.”
Frank squinted. “You say he never played before this season?”
“Nope.” Travis didn’t fault the man for the doubt in his wary eyes. Cheating the system to give a child an extra year or two in Little League wasn’t exactly unheard of. He hurried to assure Frank that Josh was the real deal.
“He’s headstrong, I’ll give you that. Most good players are.” Though he trusted Frank to know that success in sports required one part talent, one part determination, a little reminder couldn’t hurt. “He’s also teachable. The rest of the boys on the team like him.”
“Good enough for me.” Frank pulled a small notebook out of his back pocket and jotted down a few lines. “That was a gutsy move, letting him stay in the game. Most coaches would’ve pulled him.”
Any guy angling for a job in the big leagues knew the situation called for some assurance that he’d worked out a strategy to win the game no matter what. But Travis’s goals had changed. He stared into the distance and gave that rarest of all answers, an honest one. “I wanted the kid to have his moment.”
“Oh, that’s rich.” Frank slapped his hand on one knee. “You save that line. You can trot it out if upper management ever questions the way you handle players in the pros.” He sobered. “Like I said on the phone, Jack Madsen announced his retirement. He’s leaving at the end of the season. That opens an assistant coaching spot for the Cannons. I’m honored to offer it to you.”
Travis took a moment to get his bearings. The money he earned as a teacher was a mere pittance compared to what Frank was offering. But what good was a six-figure salary if it meant never seeing a kid light up the way Josh had today? He looked Frank straight in the eye and said, “Sorry, man. I have to turn it down.”
For the first time in all the years he’d known the scout, shock showed on the older man’s face. “You’ve got to be kidding,” he protested. “This is what you’ve worked for ever since you got hurt.”
“You’re right. It was.” Travis lifted his hands in a sign of surrender. “But teaching is what I was born to do. My days in the big leagues are over.”
“You won’t reconsider?” Frank tapped his notebook against his palm. “You turn this down now, we’ll hafta offer it to someone else.”
“Go right ahead.” Travis scanned the baseball field. A lonely life on the road versus a home, a family and a job doing what he loved. He’d never felt so sure of anything in his entire life. He paused, uncertain whether his decision meant the end of a long friendship.
“You gonna see the Cannons play this weekend?” he asked.
At the scout’s nod, he added, “Saturday is Little League Day at Twister Stadium. If you want, I’ll introduce you to Josh’s mom. Make sure she understands you’ll do right by her boy.” Courtney wouldn’t let her past stand in the way of Josh’s chances for a career in baseball, not after she learned an honest-to-goodness pro scout had shown an interest in her son. He met the older man’s inquisitive gaze.
Frank tipped his hat. “I’m flattered that you think so highly of me, Travis.”
“Yeah, well, don’t let it go to your head.” He bumped shoulders with his old friend. “I aim to keep a close eye on the boy, too.”
Minutes later as he hustled toward his Jeep, Travis considered his next step. Maybe he’d go back to school, get his master’s and become a principal. Maybe he’d continue to teach P.E. Whatever he did, he knew for sure that bringing out the best in young boys and girls would be as much a part of it as Courtney, Josh and Addie.
He couldn’t wait to make the commitment that only a few short weeks ago he’d resisted with all his might.
The moment she spotted the wizened figure near the snack bar, Courtney’s stomach performed a series of flips guaranteed to put an acrobat in the Cirque du Soleil to shame. She veered away, heading for Travis’s car instead of the dugout, where she’d planned to meet Josh. On her way she risked a single glance over her shoulder.
No doubt about it. That was Frank Booker, all right. When Ryan had been at his peak, they’d attended the same parties, moved in the same social circles. She hadn’t seen the man in ages, but anyone even vaguely associated with major league baseball knew the Cannons scout.
So what had brought him to a Little League game?
Her back to him, she forced herself to breathe. Just because he’d shown up at the field the same day her son hit a grand slam, that didn’t mean he’d make the connection between Josh and his infamous father. Still, a tremor of unease passed through her at the idea that Frank might connect the dots the way no one else had.
Though she dreaded the pitying looks, the raised eyebrows that were sure to follow, she’d always known the truth would come out sooner or later. Before that happened, she wanted to tell Travis all her secrets.
Would his feelings change when he learned them?
She pulled the brim of her baseball cap down low. She couldn’t be certain how he’d react. Not after the way he’d bolted for the door last night.
Leaning against his car, she rubbed her fingers over a tender spot just below her breastbone. They’d agreed to take thing
s slow until they were both sure, but her chest ached every time she thought of a future without him in it. Picturing the bear hug he’d given Josh at the end of the game, she sighed. Travis was exactly who she wanted in her life, in her children’s lives.
But did he want her in his?
Cleats scraping across blacktop put her troubled thoughts on hold. Their arms slung around one another’s shoulders, a group of Sluggers crossed the pavement with her son at their center. Josh looked so happy that tears tickled the back of Courtney’s throat.
Refusing to embarrass the Boy Wonder in front of his pals, she raised her hand to give him a high five.
Ommph!
She struggled to stay upright when her sturdy young boy broke from the pack and slammed into her.
“Did you see it, Mom? Did you see my hit?”
Gathering her wits along with her balance, she wrapped her arms around her son. “Yep. I sure did.” Love and pride warmed her heart as she stared into his upturned face. “It was awesome! I’m very proud of you.” Only a few months ago such praise would have been impossible in more ways than she could count. She swallowed a fresh onslaught of tears and kissed the top of his head.
“We won!” Josh broke free. Unable to stand still, he danced around her.
She blinked, her eyes misty despite her efforts. Those first few months after the move, she’d been so afraid for her boy. But the sullen stranger had disappeared. In his place stood an excited, happy young man tapping an impatient foot. She gave him a playful nudge.
“I’ll see you at the café in a little bit.” She studied the boys who were riding together to Coffee on Brevard. “Now, don’t you eat all the pizza. Save a slice for me. And two for Coach Oak.”
A chorus of “Yes, Ms. Smith” nearly drowned out Josh’s “I will. Thanks, Mom. See you later.”
Watching her son and his friends dash off toward the waiting vans, Courtney marveled at how much their lives had changed. Business at the café was on the upswing now that the parents from Josh’s team had discovered it. The weekly phone calls from his teachers focused more on her son’s achievements than his problems. As for Addie, she shook her head. She could scarcely believe her baby had become a toddler. In another year, Addie would start preschool. And after that, kindergarten. Courtney checked her watch. She and Travis would pick the youngest Smith up from her first play date on their way to the pizza party.
No doubt about it, the decision to come to Cocoa Village had been a good one.
Glancing toward the bleachers that had quickly emptied after the last out, she spotted the man who played a pivotal role in her family’s happiness. She skimmed Travis’s muscular frame and felt a wash of emotions. Thanks to him, she’d developed a new appreciation for baseball. He’d taught her it wasn’t about competition and backstabbing. He’d shown her that the camaraderie the boys felt, both on and off the field, was an important part of the game. And if he asked, she’d let Josh play as long as Travis was willing to coach him. Still amazed at her change of heart, she smiled up at the man responsible for it.
Nearing her, he swung a look at her side. “Where’s our little hero? Waiting in the car?”
“He went on with the Markhams. I called Nicole, warned her to expect a gang of ravenous boys.” With Coffee on Brevard on firm footing, she’d hired the girl’s sister to help out with the weekly pizza parties. “Sounds as if they’re on top of things.”
Travis’s footsteps slowed. “You mean I have you all to myself?”
“Rare times,” Courtney said, pointing out the obvious.
She wasn’t sure what to think when he slipped an arm around her shoulders out in the open, where anyone could see. Her breath caught when he brushed a kiss across her lips. She gave him a gentle shove.
“Travis, what if someone notices?”
He only pulled her closer. “Let ’em,” he growled. “I’ve been wanting this all day. Haven’t you?”
She spared a sidelong look at the man, who only last night had shied away from any sign of commitment, yet now held on to her as if he wouldn’t mind if the whole town saw them together. The change sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. Almost afraid to ask, she whispered, “What’s up?”
Above his sunglasses his eyebrows quirked. “I’d say we need to talk, but someone else already stole that line.”
Thinking back to the day she’d spoken those very words sent another delicious shiver through her. Even then she’d known she was falling for him. She glanced at the few cars left in the parking lot and decided that if Travis didn’t care about them, she wouldn’t either. She brushed a kiss against his cheek.
“So what is up?” she asked again.
“Frank Booker stopped by to watch the game. You might have seen him? Wiry guy in a dark blue hat? He scouted me in high school and college. We’ve kept in touch through the years.”
“Oh,” she managed. She felt the world shift into slow motion as she waited to hear that Frank had recognized her. Or worse, shown an interest in Josh.
“He said Jack Madsen is retiring at the end of the summer.”
She heard the seriousness in Travis’s voice, felt it in the chill that brushed her shoulders when his arm dropped to his side. Her stomach tightened as he turned to face her.
“Jack’s departure opens a slot for an assistant coach in Norfolk. Frank offered me the job.”
“Oh! That’s…”
Her heart plummeted, taking her dreams of a future with Travis along with it. Love or no love, she couldn’t uproot Josh and Addie, not when they’d finally adjusted to their new life. To say nothing of Coffee on Brevard. Give up all she’d worked so hard to achieve in order to follow Travis to the first in a series of new cities, new jobs? Try to build a life together while he was constantly on the road with the team? She couldn’t. She wouldn’t. She tried to extricate herself from his embrace. He held her in place while he traced one finger down her cheek.
His tone solemn, he said, “I turned him down, Court.”
“What? Why?” Despite his hand on her shoulder, she stumbled. Her voice caught. “That’s your dream job, what you’ve always wanted.”
“You’re right.” Travis moved into the space her retreating feet had vacated. “I’ve always thought if I couldn’t play in the Show, coaching would be the next best thing.”
She frowned, the thousand reasons why she’d promised she’d never fall for another baseball player lodged in her throat. “You know how I feel about—”
He waved a hand, cutting her off. “Josh needs a dad who’ll be there when he gets up in the morning. To tuck him in when he goes to bed at night. And for all the hours in between. Addie, too.”
He paused while her heart tripped over itself, then said, “I want to be that kind of man.”
As much as she thrilled at his words, she backed up another step. Sadly, she shook her head. Her hands against his broad chest, she maintained the space between them. “I can’t let you walk away from your dreams. Not for me, for us. What if things don’t work out? You’d blame me. I don’t think I could bear that.”
He surged into the space between them as if some unseen force propelled him.
“I won’t lie. You’re a huge part of the reason I turned it down. But not all. I love what I’m doing right here at Citrus. I love working with the players, helping them achieve their potential. The kids in P.E., I’m trying to instill in them habits that will last a lifetime.”
Uncertain, she studied the ground. “You’re very good at what you do. Everyone, from Bob Morgan right on down, says you’re a great teacher.” She pointed to the field behind them. “Any kid lucky enough to have you for their Little League coach knows the same thing.”
“Besides,” Travis continued, “coaching in the pros is no kind of life for a family man.”
Almost afraid to believe what she was hearing, she lifted her gaze. Through a shimmer of tears, she studied his serious expression. She had to ask. “Are you planning to become a family man, Travi
s?”
Lips made for kissing curved into a teasing smile that lightened the air, making it easier for her to breathe.
“I hear some gorgeous blonde with a headstrong boy and an adorable little girl has an opening. I thought I might apply for the job.” He wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I think I have the inside track. I’m tight with the owner.”
“You don’t think it’s too soon?” she whispered. “I mean, we haven’t known each other that long and…” She closed her mouth, shutting off the useless protests.
She’d known the moment she’d first laid eyes on him that he was special. Everything he’d done or said since then had only bolstered that impression. But it was too soon. Too soon to admit she’d fallen head over heels in love with him. She felt for her poor ragged composure and made the smart decision to say how much she liked him. What came out instead was “I love you, Travis.”
In an instant, she was pressed against his chest, listening to the strong beat of his heart.
“I was hoping you’d say that. I love you, too. I don’t think I can go another day without you in my life. I want to prove that to you.” His hand swept against her curves. “In oh-so-many ways.”
At his touch, a bolt of white heat shot straight through her midsection. She sucked in a shaky breath. “Yeah. Me, too,” she whispered.
“So we’re good, then?” he murmured. “I’ll stay on here at Citrus. And we’ll get to know one another better?” He rained light kisses along her neck. “Much better?”
Wondering how they’d been so lucky to find each other, she trembled beneath his touch as they walked the short distance to his car. There she couldn’t resist the urge to bury herself in his arms again. Intending to steal only a single kiss, she splurged on a dozen. And a dozen more after that.
He smelled of spring, the outdoors and his own uniquely masculine scent. She drank them in, opening to him as she’d never dared before. His love swept away the last of her reservations. She moaned his name when his hands slipped beneath the hem of her T-shirt. She guided her own over his uniform, relishing in the flex of muscle beneath the fabric. She kissed him until she couldn’t last another minute without the feel of his skin against her own. Breathless, she pulled back.