Chance for Home

by Traci Hunter Abramson

  “I hate to impose on Maya and Ben for that long,” Kari said. “They haven’t even been married a year. I’m sure it would be nice for them to have some privacy for a change.”

  “Yeah, but we’re traveling half the time anyway,” Ryan reminded her. “In fact, we’re on the road week after next to New York and Philly. I was hoping you would come with us.”

  “I don’t know . . .” Kari said.

  “And don’t think I’m letting you pay for your hotel room and airline tickets,” he said, recognizing her hesitation likely had to do with the cost of her room.

  “Ryan, I already told you I don’t feel comfortable having you do that.”

  “Why not?” Susan asked from the back seat. “He wouldn’t offer if he couldn’t afford it.”

  “That doesn’t mean I should expect him to spend money on me that way,” Kari countered, turning to look back at Susan.

  “I think it’s great that you don’t expect it,” Susan said.

  “See,” Kari said as though she’d won a small victory.

  “That’s why Ryan is so insistent,” Susan continued as though Kari hadn’t spoken. “He wants you there. You’re doing him the favor by being at his games to cheer him on.”

  “Exactly,” Ryan said.

  “I guess if you put it that way . . .”

  “I put it that way the last time you came with the team, and it still ended up being Ben who paid for your room,” he said.

  Now she smiled and looked back at Susan again. “I have to admit, it is kind of nice having guys fighting over me, even if one of them is my brother.”

  “Last time I tried to fight over you, you ended up with a broken hand,” Ryan reminded her.

  “True.” Her brow wrinkled in concentration. “You’re right. No more fighting.”

  “Agreed,” Ryan said firmly.

  Kari looked at him mischievously before turning back to his mother. “And since we’ve decided not to fight anymore, I think it’s time you two settle your argument.”

  “What argument?” Susan asked.

  “The debate about why you won’t let Ryan buy you the house he keeps trying to give you.”

  “Oh, that’s not an argument. I’m not moving. End of argument.”

  Kari looked over at Ryan and gave him an apologetic shrug. “I tried.”

  “It was a good effort,” Ryan said.

  “Not bad for her first try,” Susan said.

  “How do you know I’ll try again?” Kari asked.

  “Because you two work as a team, and Ryan hasn’t admitted defeat yet,” Susan said. “I’m going to have to keep on my toes with both of you.”

  “And you’ll love every minute of it.” Ryan glanced at Kari. “She hates to lose even more than I do.”

  “Thanks for the warning.”

  Chapter 35

  Kari sat in the registration office at George Mason University, hoping the woman across the desk could help her. Though she had been admitted as a visiting student for fall semester, every class she had tried to add was full.

  She scratched at the skin where her splint chafed against her arm. The past few days had been an adventure, trying to learn how to do things left-handed.

  “It looks like most of your classes will transfer, but I’m afraid we don’t have openings in the pre-med classes you need next.” The counselor tapped on her keyboard. “We do have some general ed classes you can take in the meantime.”

  “I was really hoping to use my last few GE classes to keep my academic load balanced,” Kari said. “Isn’t there anything available in my major?”

  “Not that you haven’t already taken,” she said apologetically. “Of course, you can always use this down time to study for your MCAT. Ideally, you will want to take that this spring so you can start your med school applications next summer.”

  “I’ve been studying the past few weeks,” Kari said. “I’ve found that it’s hard to prepare when you aren’t actively taking classes.”

  “I’ll put your name on the wait lists for the classes you need, but unfortunately, our admitted full-time students will take priority if any openings occur.”

  “I understand.” Kari stood. “Thank you for your time.”

  She left the office and made her way out to her car. Though part of her knew it would be nice to stay on track for graduation, the idea of paying out-of-state tuition for general ed classes irritated her on principle. She could just as easily take them online from her community college in Cincinnati, and then she wouldn’t have to worry about commuting.

  She started toward Ben’s house, another task looming over her. Baseball season was more than half over. At some point, she really needed to find an apartment and a job. Her hand, unfortunately, didn’t make her the most attractive potential employee.

  An hour later, she related her challenges to Ryan as they drove to his game.

  “You know, if you want to take classes at a community college, you might try NOVA. They have a bunch of campuses, and it’s supposed to be a really good school.”

  “That’s an idea,” Kari said, considering. “I just hate the idea of getting behind.”

  “They might have some medical classes you can use. Jenny got her nursing degree there.”

  “I’ll ask her about it,” Kari said. “Speaking of Jenny, I thought your mom was going to come to the game with us tonight.”

  “She was going to, but Jenny decided to come up. They’re going out to dinner and a movie together.”

  “That’s sweet of Jenny to make the drive up here.”

  “Yeah. I think part of the reason for her visit is because my mom has told her so much about my house that Jenny decided she needed to see it for herself.”

  “Your home is pretty awesome.”

  “Thanks largely to you.”

  “I haven’t done much.”

  “You’ve done more than you realize,” he countered. “I would still be living out of boxes if it weren’t for you.”

  “I’m sure your mom would have whipped you into shape had I not been around,” Kari said. “It’s going to be weird when the doctor clears her to go back home.”

  “I know. Less than two weeks.”

  “That’s going to be strange for you to have your mom out of the house, and I’ll be moving into an apartment a week or two later.”

  “I thought you hadn’t found a place.”

  “I haven’t, but I need to find something soon. I can’t keep putting it off forever.”

  “Personally, I think you should wait until after the season ends. It doesn’t make sense for you to pay rent when you probably won’t be in town half the time anyway.”

  “I hate to break it to you, Ryan, but once classes start, I’m not going to be able to travel with the team.”

  “You can if you take online classes. Even if you decide to take some locally, you might be able to make the weekend games.”

  “Maybe.”

  Ryan motioned to the clock on his dashboard. “It’s still pretty early. Why don’t you call the community college and see if you can meet with a counselor tomorrow?” he suggested. “You’ve said yourself that you’ll feel a lot better when you can make plans.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Kari said. “I’ll call when you’re at practice.”

  “And I know it’s selfish of me, but I would really love it if you could come to some of my games, especially if we make it to the postseason.”

  “You’ll make it to postseason. You guys are too good not to make it in.”

  “I hope so, but we haven’t clinched our spot yet.”

  “Trust me,” Kari said. “You’ll make it.

  * * *

  Ryan dropped onto one of the chairs overlooking his swimming pool and surveyed his new kingdom. His game had ended early tonight, a three-to-one victory that had taken only two hours and three minutes. His team had been playing well the past few weeks, and all of them were beginning to believe that a postseason bid was theirs to lose. No one
was willing to see that happen.

  Their two-week home stand was a much-needed break for all of them. Getting off work at a reasonable hour was a bonus he hadn’t expected at this point in the season. Now, with a breeze cooling the August night, he watched the lights from the house shimmer off the water, and he let himself ponder his future.

  Kari and his mom had been chatting about school when he had left them in the kitchen to go change. When he had come back to the living area, they hadn’t been anywhere in sight, but their voices had carried from his mom’s room.

  The friendship the two women had developed over the past several weeks was something he never dared hope for, and yet the easiness of it increased his resolve to keep Kari in his life. Not once during his two years dating Brandi had she spoken to his mother unless they were forced to be in the same room. Ryan suspected that even if he hadn’t started dating Kari, she would have offered to help with his mom.

  Her selfless nature and genuine kindness were among the many traits that reminded him why he wanted to keep her in his life. He still wasn’t sure what to think about how his ambitions in life would mesh with hers, but surely if they loved each other enough, they would find a way to make things work.

  He heard the sliding-glass door open behind him and turned to see Kari coming toward him, a tall glass in her hand.

  “Here, I thought you might want something to drink.” She set it down on the patio table before turning back to close the door behind her.

  “Thanks, but what about you?”

  “I can only carry one at a time.” She held up her bandaged hand, a touch of humor lighting her eyes. “Besides, I already had a sip of yours.”

  “Then I guess I don’t need to offer to share.”

  “Nah, I’m good.” She took the seat beside him.

  “Did my mom go to bed?”

  “She’s heading that way.”

  “What were you two talking about for so long?”

  “We were talking about jobs. She was giving me ideas of some places I might be able to work while I’m finishing my undergrad. I really want to do something in the medical field since my internship fell through this summer.”

  The realization of how much life was about to change struck him. So far, the entire time he and Kari had been dating, their schedule had revolved around the demands of his career. Things were about to make an abrupt change, and he dreaded not being with her for such a significant part of his day.

  “Did you ever talk to Maya about staying with her until the season ends?”

  “I did.” Kari leaned back and stretched her feet out in front of her. “You’ll be happy to know she agrees with you. She said she was hoping I would hold off on getting a place until Ben finishes out this season. Besides, if I end up at the community college instead of George Mason, that will change where I want to live.”

  “I think you should live near here.”

  Her eyebrows lifted. “Oh, you do, do you?”

  “I do.” Ryan sat up and shifted to face her. He wanted her with him always and wondered how soon he could edge her into a more permanent relationship. He leaned forward and kissed her, his hand lifting to caress her cheek. Leaves rustled in the yard, a car alarm went off only to be silenced a moment later. Everything else faded away as his lips moved slowly and easily over hers, his whole world focused on her.

  When he drew back, her eyes lifted to meet his, and her lips curved into an easy smile. “You do make a pretty convincing argument.”

  “Glad you think so. After all, once you get an apartment, you’ll be in school at most five days a week, but we’ll want to see each other seven days a week.”

  She leaned forward and kissed him again. “Yes, you make a very good argument.”

  Chapter 36

  A sense of déjà vu played over Kari as she waited silently, watching the academic adviser at the community college look over her transcripts. When the adviser finally glanced up, she said, “We’ve already received your official transcripts from Vanderbilt, so we shouldn’t have any problem getting you registered for classes.”

  “Are there still classes open that would transfer toward a pre-med degree? My plan is to start at George Mason in the spring.”

  “We can help you with the general ed classes. Unfortunately, a lot of the medical classes are limited by program. I don’t suppose you are interested in nursing instead of pre-med?”

  Kari shook her head. “Not really.”

  “Let me show you what we have available. Even though some of these may not directly transfer into requirements in your pre-med program, you may find them useful when you get further into your program. And, of course, it never hurts to beef up your résumé before you apply for med school.”

  Kari looked at the list of medical courses offered. Besides several nursing programs, she saw offerings in radiology, sonography, and dental hygiene. “Would I be able to take one of these?” Kari asked, pointing at the radiology courses.

  “Technically, you’re supposed to be admitted to the program, but if there’s room, we might be able to get you a waiver since you’ve already completed the prerequisites and your grades would most certainly gain you admittance into our program.”

  “That would be great.” Kari waited while the counselor tapped a few keys on her computer.

  “We have two classes we can get you in. They’re in the second year of the radiology program, but we had two students wash out.”

  “That’s great. Thanks.” Kari waited while the counselor input the classes. Several minutes later, she handed Kari a class schedule, a bill for her tuition, and a student handbook.

  “In the back of the handbook, you’ll find the requirements for our various programs. One thing you might want to consider is completing your associate’s degree before transferring to Mason,” she said. “The tuition alone would be several thousand dollars less, and we have an automatic acceptance agreement with them provided you maintain a high enough GPA. Looking at your transcripts, I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you.”

  “I’ll think about it. Thanks.” Kari stood. “It was nice meeting you.”

  “You too. I hope you enjoy your last few weeks of freedom before classes start.”

  “I’ll certainly try.”

  * * *

  Ryan’s hands shook as he dialed the phone. He couldn’t put this off any longer. He wanted Kari to be his future, and before he tried to put a ring on her finger, he needed to talk to her father. The team would leave for New York tonight, and he already had reservations for an elegant restaurant overlooking the city for Wednesday after the game. He didn’t know if he was quite ready to ask Kari to marry him, but he wanted to have everything in place in case the timing felt right.

  “Hello?” Kari’s father’s voice came over the phone.

  “Mr. Evans? This is Ryan Strobel. I play for the Nationals with Ben.”

  “Is he okay?”

  “He’s fine.”

  “And Kari?”

  “Everyone’s great,” Ryan assured him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. It’s actually Kari I’m calling about.”

  “Does this have anything to with the fact that you’ve been dating her for the past several months?”

  “Yes, sir.” He mustered his courage. “The truth is I’m very much in love with your daughter, and I want to know if you can support me in asking for her hand in marriage.”

  Silence hummed over the line for a moment. “Can I assume that you’ve already discussed this with her?”

  “No, sir. Not yet. I felt it was appropriate that I speak with you first.”

  “Well, I appreciate that.” He fell silent again, and Ryan felt like his heart might explode. “Ben has spoken very highly of you, Ryan, so please don’t think my hesitation is a reflection on you.”

  “But you have reservations,” Ryan managed to say. “I know we haven’t been dating long . . .”

  “It isn’t that,” Steve said. “My concern has more to do with
Kari’s goals for her future.”

  “You’re talking about medical school,” Ryan said, beginning to understand.

  “Yes. It’s been something she’s talked about a lot this past year. If you really love my daughter, her future goals and plans need to be part of your discussion about marriage.”

  “I’ve already thought a lot about that. There are several good medical schools in this area, and she’s already planning to finish her undergrad here.”

  “The logistics are something the two of you will need to discuss,” he said, and Ryan wasn’t sure exactly what to think when he added, “If the two of you do decide to get married, you will have to recognize the challenges that will come from her goals and the obstacles your career could put in front of them. If you get traded at an inopportune time, the two of you will have to be unified on how to handle it.”

  “You make a lot of good points,” Ryan said, deflated.

  “With that said, if you love each other and want to get married, I’m certainly not going to stand in your way,” Steve said. “In fact, I hope things do work out. Every time I’ve talked to Kari on the phone since she moved to Virginia, she has seemed very happy.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate your time.”

  “And, Ryan?”

  “Yes.”

  “Best of luck to you.”

  “Thank you.” Ryan hung up the phone, his gut churning more now than before he had called Kari’s dad. Steve Evans was right. If Ryan really loved Kari, he couldn’t get in her way. He had expected the result of the call would leave him wondering when to pop the question. Instead, he was faced with a more pressing question: how could he make sure he wouldn’t derail Kari’s dreams if he tried to make his own come true?

  He opened the drawer of his nightstand and retrieved the ring his mother had given him. He wanted nothing more than to see it on Kari’s finger, and he was afraid that the promise it held could also be a noose around her neck. His heart breaking, he replaced the ring and closed the drawer once more. He couldn’t let her go, but he couldn’t move forward. What in the world was he supposed to do for the next ten years while Kari pursued her medical career?