My Lucky Catch (University Park #6)

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My Lucky Catch (University Park #6) Page 23

by C. M. Doporto


  My jaw fell open. “Wh-at? Why?”

  “He took a job up north at a smaller school. Said he wanted to slow down as he neared retirement. He also wanted to be closer to his daughter and grandkids.”

  “That’s understandable.” A slight sadness filled me. “I really enjoyed working with him. He’s taught me a lot, and we’ve made some great progress with the team.”

  “I agree. The guys are in great shape. But you’ve also changed, too. Look at you.” Coach held up a hand. “You’ve really cleaned up your act. And that right there,” he pointed at me, “is why the guys respect you. They trust you, Luke. They love the workouts, the meal plans, and the supplements you recommend. Everything you do for them, and for yourself, is helping the team.” A pleased smile stretched across his weathered skin.

  “Thank you, sir.” I rubbed my chin, trying to hold back the deep grin surfacing. “It’s not really work when you love what you do.”

  “I love that you’re engaged with your job. That tells me you’re going to keep on striving to improve yourself and the team.”

  “That’s my plan.”

  “Great.” Leaning forward, he aligned my sight with his. “Luke, I’d like to offer you the Senior Athletic Trainer position.”

  My heart leaped into my throat, and it took me a second to speak. “Th-at’s great!”

  “Here’s what would we’d like to offer you.” Coach scribbled a number on a piece of paper and showed me.

  My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. It was double what I was making. I didn’t even have to think twice about it. “I—I accept.” I rubbed the back of my neck, working out the tension that had formed while sitting there. “I was worried that you weren’t happy with my work.”

  “No.” He shook his head. “Quite the opposite.”

  “Julian will be here for two more weeks, so I’ve asked him to transition everything to you. We’ll make an announcement by tomorrow, so please don’t spread the news yet. You’re welcome to tell family, but please ask them not to disclose any information.”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “We’ll need to replace your position.” He turned to his computer. “How about we meet next Monday at 10 a.m. to discuss?”

  “That should work.” I pulled out my phone and accessed my calendar.

  “There are a few staff trainers we might consider, unless we want to bring someone in from the outside.”

  I nodded. “I actually have someone in mind, but let me review a few things, and we can discuss next week.”

  “Sounds good.” Coach stood and extended his hand. “I look forward to the success of our team.”

  “Me, too.” I shook his hand. “Thanks again for giving me the opportunity.”

  “Luke, you’ve always been a star. It just took a little redirection for you to shine.”

  I nodded, agreeing with him. A huge smile covered my face as I exited his office. I looked around for Silver and spotted him on the treadmill. He was pushing himself, running at top speed. I shot him a thumbs up and walked outside.

  Retrieving my phone from my pocket, I dialed my dad. The phone rang a few times and then went to voice mail. I left him a message to call me. Dying to share my news, I sent Lexi a quick text. I walked around the field, waiting for someone to respond, but after five minutes, I gave up on them. Scrolling down my messages, I pulled up my last text to Forbes.

  He had been there for me when everything went to shit with Delaney. I felt bad because I was constantly hanging out with him and Jordan. It was odd being the third wheel, but he assured me that Jordan didn’t mind. It was good to have friends to talk to while I got my shit together.

  My fingers tapped out a text message to him.

  Me: Guess what? Julian resigned, and Coach offered me the head Athletic Trainer position!

  I hit send and stared at the screen, hoping he would see it soon. He was probably at practice since the baseball season was about to get started. Forbes had done really well in Cincinnati, landing a contract with a minor league team. Half a minute later my phone buzzed.

  Forbes: No shit! Congrats, man!!

  A laugh belted from me. I could see and hear my buddy chanting for me.

  Me: I can’t believe it! I’m still star struck.

  Forbes: I totally believe it. You’re fucking awesome!

  Me: Thanks. It’s great doing what you have a passion for.

  Forbes: Hell yeah! You’re living your dream, man. I’ll give you a ring later. Still at practice.

  Me: Hit some fly balls for me! And do me a favor, keep the news to yourself. PHU hasn’t announced it yet.

  Forbes: You got it!

  He might have been right about living my dream when it came to my career, but it sucked living it alone. My life was only partially complete, and I wasn’t sure anyone but Delaney could make it full again. I picked up a bat leaning against the fence and swung it around. I paced around home base, thinking about everything that had happened over the past few years and what brought me to this very spot. As much as I tried not to think about Delaney, she was at the forefront of mind.

  “Hey, there.” A familiar voice called.

  My arm stopped swinging the bat, and my feet halted. I hesitated to look up, positive my mind was playing tricks on me. Slowly, I lifted my head. Standing on the pitcher mound was Delaney. I blinked a few times, still trying to process what my eyes were seeing.

  “Care to play?” She smiled, and my heart went into overdrive.

  This has to be a dream. A damn, good dream.

  “Uh . . . I guess.”

  “Good. Because I’ve been dying to play with you.”

  “Okay.” I withheld a huge grin, unsure if she was serious about playing. “I’ll go grab a bin of balls.”

  “No need.” She reached into the pocket of her jacket and removed a ball. “I have one.”

  “Oh, okay.” I wasn’t sure what she was up to, but I went with it.

  Gripping the ball tightly, she said, “I don’t want you to hit it, I want you to catch it.”

  “Alright.” I tossed the bat to the side and picked up a glove.

  She stared at the ball for a moment and then released a visible breath. Her shoulders dropped, and a devious grin spread across her face. Carefully, she turned the ball and when she seemed satisfied with the position, she retracted her arm. The ball flew toward me, and I extended my hand, catching it singlehandedly.

  “Good throw!” I complimented her on the toss.

  She smiled but didn’t move from the pitcher’s mound. Her eyes stayed focused on me as though waiting for me to do something. I released the ball from my grip, and the glove opened. As I took the ball from the leather, I noticed some writing on it. My eyes narrowed as I frantically turned the ball so I could read the writing. It was same ball I’d given her when I proposed. The words I had written across it glared at me:

  Will You Marry Me?

  Inserted in between You and Marry was the word Still. I read it again.

  Will You Still Marry Me?

  Tears stung my eyes. I wouldn’t have to go to my dreams to see or hear her voice anymore. I took off running toward her. She did the same, and we crashed into each other’s arms. Our lips reunited with a fervor that had me ready to take her to the dugout and claim what was mine once again.

  Slowly, I pulled away. “Damn, Delaney, you’re good, you know that?”

  She laughed, tilting her head back. “No, you are. I just borrowed your idea and tweaked it a little.”

  “I’m glad you tweaked it.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Oh, yeah.” I brushed her long strands away from her face, reveling in her presence. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “Me, too. I’ve thought about you day and night. Sorry it took me so long to respond to your letter, but . . .” Her eyes shifted to the side, and she exhaled.

  “I know.” I appraised her beautiful face, unable to get enough of her beauty. “It’s been hard.”

  She
nodded as tears streamed down her face. “I can’t guarantee that it will be easy, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

  I rested my forehead on hers and held her tight. “And I’ll do everything to make sure we’re happy, because I can’t be without you, Delaney. Ever.”

  Her lips quivered as she withheld the cries begging to be released. “And I can’t be without you, either. These past months have been pure hell.” Using the pads of my thumbs, I wiped away her sadness.

  We kissed again, unable to get enough of each other’s love. It had been way too long since we had tasted each other. One thing was certain, my body missed every ounce of her tantalizing taste.

  Slowly, she pulled away. Her eyes bore into me, reaching in the center of my chest. They wrapped around my heart, bringing it back together once again. “So, you’ll still marry me?”

  “Hell yeah, baby. You’re the best catch ever.”

  Her lips turned upward in a smile as her saddened tears turned into tears of joy. Reaching for my hand, she took the ball from it. “And you’re definitely My Lucky Catch.”

  The End

  Epilogue

  Eighteen months later

  Delaney

  “You’re so pretty, like your momma.” Lexi took our baby girl, Chloe, from my arms. “Yes, you are.”

  “I wanna see. I wanna see.” Nevara jumped up and down, trying to look at the bundle in Lexi’s arms. Seeing my active two-year-old niece made me wonder if that’s how my daughter would be in two years. If so, I honestly couldn’t wait.

  Lexi sat in the rocker and showed her daughter the baby. “Just look. Don’t touch. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Nevara’s eyes lit up when she saw Chloe’s face. “That’s my baby cousin.” She pointed her little finger and swayed to the side.

  I laughed. “She sure is.”

  “I wanna play with her.” Nevara pulled on one of her braids, excitement brewing in her smile.

  Luke knelt next to her. “Right now, she’s too little. But once she gets bigger, you’ll be able to play dolls with her.”

  “Okay, Uncle Luke.” Nevara ran to her dad, hiding behind his leg.

  Nevara’s twin brother, Jonah, whined and pointed to himself. “No baby. I’m the baby”

  “Jonah, this is Luke and Delaney’s baby. Momma’s not taking her home.” Lexi tried to soothe her son, but he continued to cry. “Raven, will you please get him?”

  “Jonah, stop crying.” Raven picked up his son. “You’re a big boy, now. Big boys don’t cry.”

  “Daddy, daddy, me, too. Me, too.” Nevara waved her hands in the air, bouncing on the tips of her toes.

  Luke turned to me, and said, “I guess this is what we have to look forward to.”.

  “I know.” I fretted because I was a little nervous about being a mom, but the smile on Luke’s face told me that I had nothing to worry about. “Yep.” Raven laughed, swooping up Nevara with one arm. “Be glad you only have one.”

  “I’ll thank God for that.” Luke released a breath and sat next to me on the hospital bed. I nodded in agreement, knowing Lexi and Raven had their hands full.

  “It’s a lot of work.” Lexi rocked the baby in arms. “But when you see your eyes in your child and your husband’s smile in their tiny lips, it melts your heart.”

  “It’s tough in the beginning, but I guarantee you, every cry, every tantrum, ever dirty diaper, it’s definitely worth it,” Raven added.

  “It sure is.” Lexi cooed at Chloe. “I miss the kids being this little.”

  “Don’t get any ideas, please.” Raven sighed like he was a little worn out. But with twins, who could blame him?

  “I’m not, trust me. I’m satisfied with our twins.” Turning to me, she said, “Two years flies by fast, so take lots of photos and enjoy every day with her.”

  “I will.” I took Chloe from Lexi’s arms. Our bundle of joy had definitely been an unplanned surprise. A month after Luke and I returned from our wedding in Las Vegas, I found out I was pregnant. The doctor told me the antibiotics I had taken a few weeks before the wedding because of a sinus infection had made the pill ineffective. At first, Luke and I were unsure if were ready to be parents, but as soon as we saw our baby on the screen and heard her heartbeat for the first time, everything changed.

  “I still can’t believe I’m a dad.” Luke admired his daughter with goo goo eyes.

  “Well, I guess, What happens in Vegas, doesn’t stay in Vegas,” Lexi joked.

  Luke rolled his eyes. “Okay, Sis. You got me on that one.”

  “Just paying you back, Brother.”

  Raven and I looked at both of them, unsure of what they were talking about. Luke must have caught on because a few seconds later he said, “When Lexi told me she was pregnant with the twins, I teased her that what happened in South Padre Island, didn’t stay in Padre.”

  “Oh.” Raven titled his head up. “Isn’t that the truth?”

  “That’s so wrong Luke.” I elbowed him in the ribs. “Lexi, you never told me that he told you that.”

  “Sorry, I guess I forgot.”

  It felt so good to have my good friend there with me. Lexi understood why I avoided her, and we had a good, long talk after Luke and I got back together. It might have taken me a while, but I had finally found that peaceful place. The place that allowed me to forgive and move on with my life. It wasn’t easy, and it took the help of my therapist and a support group I attended, but I eventually got there. Having Luke by my side actually made it possible, because through all the ups and downs, I relied on him for the support. And he was there for me just like he’d promised me he would be.

  My phone chimed, and I craned my neck to see who was texting. Luke picked up my phone and read the message on the screen. “It’s Jordan. Her and Forbes promise they’ll see us this weekend.”

  “Can you text her and say, Okay?”

  Luke nodded and quickly tapped out a text.

  “I’ll make sure and send her a few photos of the baby.” Lexi caught another snap with her phone.

  “Thanks.” I pressed my lips to Chloe’s temple, unable to get enough her sweet, baby smell.

  “Are you ready to go, Raven?” Lexi placed her handbag on her shoulder. For having two kids, Lexi looked great. I hoped it wouldn’t take me long to get back in shape, but knowing Luke, he’d be busting my butt in the gym as soon as the doctor gave me the okay. Regardless, having this beautiful baby in my arms was totally worth it.

  “If you are.” He shifted the kids as they rested their heads on his chest.

  “We’ll leave so you can rest.” Lexi leaned over the bed and placed a soft kiss on the baby’s head. “The kids need a nap, too.”

  “Okay.” We grabbed each other’s hands for a moment. “Thanks for coming in town to see us. How long are y’all staying?”

  “I’m staying for the week, but Raven has to fly back tonight for practice tomorrow morning.”

  “Sorry, I wish I could stay longer.” He gave a warm smile. “But duty calls.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Luke got up and patted him on the back. “We all have to work.”

  “Tell your cousin bye,” Raven prompted my niece and nephew.

  “Lexi, where are you staying?” Luke asked.

  “Mom and Dad’s place.” Lexi said in a low voice.

  Luke’s eyes widened. “Good luck with that.”

  “I know, don’t remind me.” Lexi took Jonah from Raven’s arms. “Mom insisted. She said she wanted to spend more time with the kids.”

  “Kind of hard to believe, but I guess she’s trying to make it up to you.” Luke shrugged and then hugged his sister.

  “I know.” Lexi hugged him back. “I’ll see you guys before I head back to New Orleans.”

  “Okay.” Luke nodded.

  “Bye.” Lexi, Raven, and the kids waved as they left my hospital room.

  Luke’s phone chimed, and he pulled it from his pocket. He stared at the screen for a few minutes b
efore dropping his hand. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. It’s my parents. They want to know if they can come and see the baby again.”

  “It’s fine.” I wrapped the blanket tighter around Chloe, listening to her sweet little breaths. “Did you tell them we’re supposed to get dismissed this evening?”

  “I’ll let them know. They might want to come by the house if we aren’t here. Are you okay with that?

  “Sure, that’s fine.”

  It took me several months after Olivia was released from prison to talk to her. I figured since Luke and I were married and having a baby, I needed to do my part and accept her apology. I didn’t want to explain to our daughter why I didn’t want anything to do with her grandmother. Luke and I agreed that one day we’d tell her because we didn’t want her finding out on her own.

  Forgiving Olivia wasn’t an easy pill to swallow, but I can honestly say that she was doing everything to prove she was worthy of my forgiveness. The time Olivia had served in a Houston prison had definitely rehabilitated her. The too-good-for-anyone attitude, along with the rude and uncalled for remarks, had disappeared. She went out of her way to give Luke and me a baby shower and claimed she was excited about us having a baby. And seeing her daily posts on Facebook, along with the flowers and gifts, I believed it.

  “They’ll be here around four.” Luke said, setting his phone on the bed tray next to me.

  “Okay.”

  A knock sounded at the door. “Come in.” We said in unison.

  The door cracked open, and Veronica peeped her head into the room. “Are you sleeping?”

  “No.” I glanced up. “Lexi and Raven just left with the kids.”

  “Do you want us to come back another time?”

  “Don’t be silly, Mom.” A huge smile spread across Veronica’s face. “You and Dad can come in.”

  Along with the forgiveness came another revelation. Accepting Veronica and Martin as my new parents and calling them Mom and Dad. I’d never had a problem referring to them as my parents, but I could never say the words. It felt like I was abandoning my biological parents and dishonoring them, when in reality the only people I was dishonoring were Veronica and Martin. I needed to recognize them for what they were to me.

 

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