Playing Hardball: Part 5

by Sharon Cummin

  Chapter 19

  Lance

  When she said yes, I felt my body relax. I doubted myself, and she put me at ease. I knew she was just as nervous as me when she stepped across that grass. It was cool that she was able to stand where I did during the games. I think it gave her a bit of a different view of the game. When I put the ring on her finger, I was so damn happy.

  I waited for her to leave the field but still wanted her close when I announced my retirement. It wasn't something I'd decided overnight. I put so much thought into that decision. I was definitely going to miss the game. There was just no way I wanted to leave Lucy and Sammie anymore than I had to. The baby was growing so fast, and I was already missing so much with her. It was still going be another six months at least, and I wasn't happy about it. She was my little girl. I honestly didn't plan on having any other children. That battle had yet to be won. Lucy had quit her job so she wouldn't be gone when I was home and so she wouldn't miss out on things with Sammie. I'd already decided to retire before she'd done that. My coach and the owner had already known. I felt bad for not telling Lucy until I announced it. That was a very hard decision. She was pissed, I was sure of it. There was no way she was talking me out of it, and I knew she would have tried. I'd announced it, and it was done. There was nothing for her to argue about.

  I looked up at the family section to see my woman and baby looking out at me. It was the best feeling ever. I was hoping she'd been pleased with my proposal. It was something I wanted her to remember forever. I'd made so many memories on the mound, and that was by far the best one.

  I played one of the best games of my career that night, and I couldn't have been happier with the way things had gone. I used to think baseball was the most important thing in my life. It was my life, but so much had changed in such a little time. I thought back for a second to that night in the bar. It was like I knew the second she walked out with that asshole that she was mine. I didn't think twice about dumping that woman off and going after Lucy. How could I have felt something then, I wondered? I guess love was pretty crazy and unexpected. Something awesome happened that night, and that something was our little girl. She was the most important person is both of our lives.

  As soon as the game was over, I got through everything I needed to do and hurried to find them. The second she saw she me, she ran into my arms.

  “I'm going to kick your ass,” she said. “That was so damn scary. How do you stand there the whole game with all of those people watching you? I don't know how you do it. I can't believe you did that.”

  “There was this cocky firecracker that once told me every little girl dreams of a magical proposal. I wanted it to be special. I wanted the world to know you're mine. I was so damn glad you said yes.”

  “What would you have done if I'd have said no?” she asked, with her hands running through my hair.

  “I would have thrown you over my shoulder and married you anyway,” I said, as I leaned in to kiss her.

  “You're not a caveman, Lance Smith,” she said.

  “I am when it comes to you,” I said.

  “You can't retire,” she said. “Did you hear all of those people. They seem to really like you.”

  “It is going to be so damn hard to leave the two of you this season. I can't do it for years to come. I want to be home with you and watch all of our little girl's firsts. I already miss so much.”

  “I told you I would not be the reason anything changed in your career,” she said. “I know what I signed up for. I will find a way to deal with you being gone. I don't want to be without you, but I understand that baseball is important to you.”

  “Not as important as my girls,” I said with a smile. “We're all going out to dinner, but I wanted to stop somewhere first.”

  “Where?” she asked.

  “The cemetery,” I said.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I've already been there without you,” I said.

  “When?” she asked nervously.

  “Before I bought the ring. I went to talk to Brad. I wanted him to know I was a good man that planned to take care of you. I thanked him for being there when you had nobody else. I understand what he was to you. I'm not a complete asshole. I want all of us to go so he sees what kind of family you'll have. As much as it bugs the shit out me that you love someone else, I get it.”

  “Loved,” she said. “I still do in some ways. I always will. I'm sorry if that bothers you. I love you in a whole different way. You're it for me, Lance. The spark that was between us the first time we met was something I'd never felt. You do things to me that he didn't. I feel horrible for saying that. I thought he was it, but what I have with you is more intense than anything I've ever felt. He will always mean a lot to me though. I still intend on taking care of his grave and celebrating special days. I'm all he has. I won't let him be forgotten.”

  “I wouldn't have it any other way,” I said.

  We drove by the flower shop. I helped her pick out flowers and balloons. Carrie's mom picked out some as well. We all went to the cemetery together. She'd been there before, but she'd never taken Sammie with her. I threw out the dead flowers while she placed the new ones. Carrie picked out the weeds that had grown without question and her mom helped to clean up the grass. When we were done, it looked even better than it had when Lucy had gone alone. We all stood together. I pulled my girl back against my chest and wrapped my arms around her. Sammie was at our feet in the grass with Cassie. James stood to the side with Scott and Carrie's dad. Carrie's mom was on one side of Lucy and Carrie was on the other. We were all silent for a moment. Then I heard her voice crack as she spoke, which only made me hold her tighter.

  “This is Brad. He was my husband. I lost him five years after we were married,” she said. “He was killed by a drunk driver.”

  Carrie gasped from beside her and reached over to hug her tight.

  “Why didn't you tell me?” she asked. “I'm so sorry.”

  “I couldn't,” Lucy said.

  “Lucy,” Carrie said, as she squeezed Lucy tight.

  “This is him, Brad. He's the one I told you about. We named our little girl Samantha. His name is Lance, and he's an amazing man. You'd be so happy with how great he is to me. He asked me to marry him, and I said yes. I love him. Thank you for not being pissed that I fell in love. That was really hard for me. This is my family now. Isn't it amazing. Every person here is family to me. They are all there for me. Carrie's mom is the best,” she said, as she tapped Carrie's mom with her shoulder. “She was there even before I knew I was pregnant. She treats me so good and has welcomed me in as her own. You have no idea how good that feels. Lance is amazing. He gives me shit for sure. He doesn't let me get away with shit like you did, but he takes great care of me. I quit my job to be home with the baby. He's only got one more season before he'll be home for good. My dreams have stopped. I feel bad about it because I don't see you, but I'm glad I don't live that day over and over anymore. I love you and miss you every single day. That will never change. You'll always be an important part of my life. It feels good that other people know about you now. I get to be me again. The me I used to be. I'm still cocky, but I don't want that to change. It keeps Lance on his toes. I will still be here keeping your memory alive. You deserve the best. You were amazing to me. You will never know how thankful I am for everything you did for me. You were my family for a long time. You always will be, Brad. You'll just be a part of theirs too. I hope that's okay. They are all amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with me, and thank you for sending Lance and Sammie to me. I truly believe you had something to do with it. That's the only way to explain the happiness I feel. I have a family again.”

  I walked back to the car with Sammie in one arm and Lucy tucked under the other. It felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I wasn't competing with him, I was taking over in her life. He was trusting me to care for her. I knew it was true what she'd said. He'd sent me to her. There was no othe
r way to explain the connection we'd had since that very first time we'd met.

  I was going to show Lucy every single day for the rest of my life that I was there for her. I loved that woman with all of my heart, and she knew it. She had to have known. The feelings I had were so damn strong, I was pretty sure everyone felt them. She needed to know I would never leave. She needed to know that she didn't need to be afraid. Every day, little by little, I felt as if she was letting her guard down. She was giving into her feelings. There was no way I would ever disappoint her or give her any reason to build those walls again. There were only two things that mattered in my life and it would always be that way. My woman and my little girl were my entire world. They were my reason for living, and I promised as I walked away from his grave to never take one second with the two of them for granted. That was a promise I'd do anything to keep.

  Chapter 20

  Lucy

  Six Months Later

  I'd just come down from the best orgasm of my life. That was a lie, they were all the best with Lance. I was curled up against his chest. I could feel his heart beating against my cheek and couldn't help but smile. He had no idea, that the next day, so much would be different in our lives. He was expecting lots of changes. It was going to be his very last game as a Pirate. The season had gone very well, and he was proud of the entire team. I was looking forward to having him home. There was no way I could lie about that. My mind was doing a happy dance just thinking about it. I knew it was going to be a very important and somewhat sad day for him. Sure, he was the one that had made the decision to retire, but I knew better than to think he wasn't going to miss his team and his job. He loved the game. There was no denying that. I had set up a surprise, and I was hoping with every tiny part of myself that he wasn't going to be upset or disappointed. You see, I'd made a decision without consulting him just as he had done to me about six months prior.

  “I have a surprise for you,” I said, as my fingers lazily rubbed up and down his chest.

  “What's that, babe?” he asked in a tired tone.

  “Carrie, Scott, the kids, and her parents will all be here tomorrow for the game,” I said.

  “Seriously?” he asked. “They're coming?”

  “They couldn't not watch you pitch your last game,” I said.

  “That's awesome,” he said. “I can't wait to see them. I bet the kids are huge. I know Sammie is.”

  “She sure is,” I said.

  “I'm going to miss it,” he said. “I can't deny it. I'm so damn happy I'm going to be home though. I'm going to kiss her little face every single day. I can't believe she's already over a year old. She looks so much like you.”

  “Bullshit,” I laughed out. “She looks exactly like you. If I didn't have her, nobody would even know she was mine.”

  He let out a laugh.

  “She does look like her daddy, doesn't she?” he asked with pride.

  “She sure does,” I said. “You ready for tomorrow?”

  “I am,” he said. “I'm ready to start my life with you. You're probably going to get to sick of me being around so much.”

  “Not a chance,” I said with a smile, as I kissed his chest. “I'll have orgasms like that every day now. You're probably going to get tired of me jumping you every night.”

  I felt his chest shake beneath me.

  “Close your eyes, woman,” he said. “We have a busy day tomorrow.”

  “Busier than you think,” I mumbled.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Love you, Hotshot,” I said.

  “Love you too, Firecracker,” he said.

  I could hardly sleep that night. So many thoughts were in my head. I wanted to make sure it was a perfect day for my man. It felt like I'd just fallen asleep when that damn alarm went off.

  Lance was up and showering within seconds. I guess it hadn't been so hard for him to sleep. He was ready in record time. Scott had shown up at our door right on time to take Lance to the game. I'd told him I was going to drive a bit later so Sammie wouldn't be so fussy. It wasn't something he'd even question. I'd taken Sammie to every home game of the season, and he'd seen her fussy more than one of those times. He kissed us each and was on his way.

  It was an hour before the game. I was in jeans, Lance's signed jersey, and his hat. Sammie was wearing the little jersey I'd gotten her with his name on it. Everything was perfect. Scott had somehow been able to keep Lance busy while we all got into place.

  I was standing at the mound with Sammie in my arms. Carrie, the two kids, and her parents were right there with me. Behind me was all of the guys on the team. I saw him before he saw me. Scott was talking as they walked onto the field. Then he looked up and his eyes widened in shock. I held up my finger and hooked it for him to come to me. He let out a laugh and walked forward. My man looked damn sexy in that uniform. Scott walked with him the entire way. When they got to me, Scott stepped on the other side of me. Lance looked around at the team and then back to me.

  “She has her jersey on,” he said, as he looked at Sammie. “No shit! You have yours on too. You're even wearing the hat.”

  I'm sure you've figured out that Lance and my relationship was not the slightest bit traditional. There was no reason to change that, so I was going with it.

  We were in the one place that Lance had made so many of the important and best memories in his life. It had even been the place he asked me to marry him. All of the people we loved were standing right there with us. It was one of the most important days of his life. It was the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

  Lance looked around at his friends and back to me again. I could tell he was totally confused. Scott pulled something out of his pocket and looked at me.

  “This is all your woman,” Scott said.

  Lance's eyes widened as he looked down at me.

  “Lucy,” he said.

  “If it weren't for this spot, I never would have met you. You wouldn't have been at the office for those photos. This is the place you've made the most amazing memories of your life. What better place than here.”

  “I thought we were going to plan a big wedding, Firecracker,” he said. “I want you to have that.”

  “Everyone in your family is here. You have the team and all of us. What better place for one more memory. This is your last game. It can also be the start to our future as husband and wife. Will you marry me right now, right here, Lance?” I asked.

  “Of course I will,” he said. “I can't believe you.”

  “You're not the only one that comes up with cool surprises,” I said. “Every girl dreams of a magical wedding. I can't think of anything more magical than marrying the love of my life, and the sexiest baseball player around, in the spot that has always meant so much to him. I mean, look around. This is it. This is that place. It doesn't get much better than this.”

  “Damn do I love you,” he said with a smile.

  “Of course you do,” I said, as I looked over at Scott. “Who wouldn't? Get this party started. Oh yeah, Scott can marry people now.”

  Lance shook his head. Then he lifted Sammie into his arm and took my hand in his free one.

  “I'm ready when you are,” he said. “Make this woman my wife.”

  We didn't have a lot of time, so Scott hurried everything along. When it was time for our vows, Lance wanted to go first. I was more than willing to let him.

  “When you came into my life that day, you threw my world into a spin. I couldn't believe you were speaking to me the way you did. It drove me up the wall. You've challenged me every single day since then, and I wouldn't have it any other way. You let me know that what I did for a living wasn't special to you. I was just like anyone else. At first that really pissed me off, but later I came to count on it. You've given me an amazing daughter that brought a love out of me I didn't even know was possible. In the process, you stole my heart. I don't know how you did it. I can't wait to listen to that cocky mouth of yours every day for the rest of my
life. You keep me on my toes, Firecracker. You're my everything. I promise to love and protect you every second of every minute of every day.”

  I smiled up at him.

  “I couldn't wait to meet the sexy ballplayers Scott was bringing in that day. He had someone in mind for me, but he wouldn't tell me who. The moment I saw the three of you, there was only one I wanted to meet. It was you. Then you opened your mouth, and I couldn't decided if I wanted to knock you out or grab your face and kiss you. That was the beginning of it all. I didn't want love. I was so afraid of getting close to anyone. I was worried I would hurt them. I tried so hard to push you away, but you wouldn't let me. I fell for you quickly, but I wasn't going to let you know that. There was still hope you'd walk away and remain safe. No matter what I did, you were there for me. You took care of me when I was sick and held me when I cried out in my sleep, and you still didn't run. You found out I was pregnant. Instead of running, you bought a house for your child and me to live in. I was cocky and mean at times, and you were still there. You taught me to love again, Lance. You didn't give up on me, and I thank you so much for that. You've taken away all of my fears and replaced them with love. You will never know how much that means to me. I feel so safe when you're with me. I feel protected. I feel so special. You do all of that for me. I promise to love you every moment for the rest of my life. I am so excited to have you home. I can't wait to see your handsome face every morning and every night. I love you, Lance Smith. I want nothing more than to be your wife.”

  When Scott pulled the rings out and handed them to us one by one, Lance looked at mine before placing it on my finger. Then I slid his on as well. We were pronounced husband and wife. Then everyone hurried in to hug us. I gave my husband one more very long kiss before taking Sammie from his arms and walking off the field. It really was the perfect wedding for both of us.