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“Wouldn’tbe here without you, babe.Youkept me focused and believed in me even whenIlost hope.”Hegently brushed his fingers against her lips. “Thankyou for not kicking me out whenIdeserved it.Ilove you,Kim, with every fiber of my being.”
Kimcovered his hand with hers. “Ilove you,ChathamJohnSpencer.Ican’t wait to see where your dream takes you.”
“Us, baby.Whatevercomes next, we’ll decide which path to follow.Mydream includes a future with you.”Hekissed her again. “Coachmight even hire me for next season.”
Kimlaughed as she batted his chest. “Mr.MVP,Ibelieve you have a date with the draft inAugust.”
“You’llcome with me?”
“Tryto keep me away.”Kimrose on her toes to kiss him again.Shelooked back over her shoulder as she stepped away. “Go—your team waits.”
August—DraftDay
KimclutchedSpence’shand as they entered the large basketball arena set up for theMLBdraft.TheyfollowedCoachRamirez,Spence’sparents, sister, and his agent to the designated section.Theysat in a row with his parents,KathrynandJohn, and his sister,Savannah, in the arena’s lower level where the amateur draft would soon begin.DaveandLaurenhad traveled withKimtoAtlantaand took seats behind them, along withCoachRamirezandDavidWebb, the agentSpenceand his parents had chosen.
Afterwinning theNationalChampionship,Spence,Todd, andEricjumped higher in the top prospect report.FCUADJoshMatthewsand coachesRamirezandDavisaccompanied the three projected first-round draft picks.DavisandMatthewssat with theAndersonandMarsdenfamilies—the three groups were seated in the same area.
Kimglanced around and exchanged a wave withBarb, then turned towardSpencewhen he leaned to whisper in her ear.
“Jeez, start the show already.”
“Itshouldn’t be much longer,”Kimreplied quietly. “Wantto take a quick walk?”Shesuspected he’d pace if alone.
Hishalf-smile confirmed her thought. “Gofor a run, you mean?Iwish… too much nervous energy—want this over.”
Kimleaned her head against his shoulder. “Justa continuation of a magical summer—investigation complete with no sanctions,Conferencechamps, then theNationalChampionship…”
“Plus, your internship withFCU’ssports information department, getting to work the final round of the tournament…Plus, you’re here with me—my good luck charm,Popcorn.”
Kimlaughed. “Ofcourse,I’mhere, but remember that today’s not due to luck—you earned this opportunity.”
ThedaySpencehad dreamed about began to unfold before his eyes.Thehigh school draft had meant little to him—he’d already committed toFCU.Hishigh school coach advised that he would benefit more from playing at the college level.Fouryears in the developmental, rookie, and possiblyClassAleagues paled compared to attending a top university, playing for a nationally ranked team, and getting a degree.Hewouldn’t change a thing if he had to make the decision again.
Kim’swords of encouragement echoed in his mind when they discussed the possibility that he could be drafted for a team thousands of miles fromTampa.
“Followyour dream,Spence, no matter where it takes you.Youdeserve everything.”
“Evenif it means a long-distance relationship?”
“I’llgraduate inDecember, andI’mflexible about whereIlook for a job,”Kimsaid.
“Evenas far north asBoston?”
Kimsnuggled closer to him. “Onlyif you promise to keep me warm.”Hewatched her eyes sparkle. “Spendwinters inTampa?”
“First-class snowbirds, babe.”
Therising buzz from the crowd drew him from his thoughts.Hewatched as the tables set up for each team on the arena floor quieted as everyone directed their attention to the stage.
Thanksto his agent,CoachRamirez, andJoshAndrews,Spenceknew what to expect.DavidWebbtoldSpenceto expect a top-five pick.Seriouslydoubt that.I’mhappy ifI’mpicked in the first round… beyond excited.Heremembered his mother’s warning to sit up straight—she said he could appear on any camera in the arena at any moment.
Helooked atKim. “Mytie straight, babe?”
“Tie’sperfect, your hair’s as tame asI’veever seen, and you look sinfully delicious in that suit,” she said with a glint in her brown eyes. “Relaxand enjoy this,ChathamJohnSpencer.”Shesqueezed his hand as the commissioner began the welcoming speech.
Spencezoned out sometime during the opening remarks, his eyes glued to the board listing the teams in the order they would announce the picks.Throughthe luck of the lottery, theTampaBayGullshad the first pick—Spencedid not allow his mind even to consider that possibility.
Suddenly, a group of team officials made their way toward the stage.Spence’smind buzzed, and he barely registered that theGulls’GMapproached the podium.Hetook a deep breath, hoping to quell the internal noise, and then the seats around him erupted in cheers.
