“Great game, Monty. You looked good out there,” Mike says, leaning back in his chair. “You must know we’re already aware of your relationship with Lark, so what’s the reason for this meeting?”
I look at Lark, who gives me a nervous smile. Then I turn back to the other side of the table. “Thank you, Mike. The team pulled off an excellent start to the season. We wanted to meet with the three of you because we have some news that may impact how things go this fall.”
Crap, that was the wrong thing to say, judging by the frownsand raised eyebrows.
“Not in terms of my ability to play,” I hurry to clarify, then wince, because that’s not exactly true. If Lark goes into labour, I sure as shit don’t want to miss it because of a game. But that might be out of my hands, which is something we’ve already discussed.
“Sorry. I’m saying this all wrong.”
“I’m pregnant,” Lark blurts out. “That’s what Dan is trying to say. We’re having a baby, due near the end of September. Dan will play the entire season, of course. But I may need to slow down come September and will, unfortunately, likely be on maternity leave for the end of the season.”
The room falls silent, the three men across from us absorbing the news. Mike reacts first, leaning forward with a smile creasing his face. “Well, first of all, congratulations. I take it this is happy news?”
My head bobs up and down. “Very happy. The happiest.”
He nods and turns to Lark. “Are you doing okay? Need anything?”
Her mouth falls open in surprise. I guess that’s warranted. I mean, it’s not every day the owner of the company you work for asks if you need anything because you’re pregnant.
“N-no thank you, Mr. Cartwright. I’m doing fine. We’re…we’re all doing fine.”
“Good. I suggest you get your names on the day care list soon. From what I hear, spaces don’t come available often.” He turns to Coach. “And we’ll make sure all the catchers are ready to go, in case Dan needs to miss anything. Family first.”
Now it’s my turn for my jaw to drop. “Thank you, Mike,but really, I don’t plan on missing any games unless it’s an emergency.”
Lark squeezes my hand in agreement. But I can’t fight the rising fear. Will they use the baby as a reason not to give me a good contract next year? If I have to miss games, will that work against me?
Mike turns back to me and his tone leaves no room for discussion. “Monty, I’ve always believed baseball is a family sport. This team has been my family for years. We take care of our own, first and foremost. Which means if you need to be there for Lark and your little one, you will be supported as much as possible. I know you’ve got one of the best work ethics on the team and your dedication does not go unnoticed.” His face softens. “But priorities shift, son. And now, you need to turn that dedication to your future family. The Tridents are here for you both, we’re not going anywhere. If the time comes that you need to be with Lark, that’s where we all want you to be.”
Well, shit.It’s not often I’m stunned silent. But I am right now. How did I get so lucky to end up on a major league team with someone like Mike Cartwright as the owner?
“Thank you, sir,” I choke out, my throat thick with emotion. I look over at Lark to see her eyes glistening with tears.
Mike gives us both a smile, then leans back in his chair once more. “Now, when are we announcing this news to everyone?”
That time comes the next morning when Lark walks out onto the field with me as the guys are all getting warmed up for aquick practice before we play again tonight.
I put my fingers in my mouth and blow a short, sharp whistle to get their attention. “Hey! Get your asses over here, I’ve got news!”
Everyone makes their way over, including a few of the training staff and coaches that were in the dugout. When they’re all loosely gathered around, I pull Lark in front of me, and drop my hands to her stomach, cradling it protectively.
“Everyone, meet the newest Tridents team member. They’ll be hitting the field this fall. And if we’re lucky, in twenty years, they’ll be taking my place behind home plate.”
There’s a split second of silence as everyone figures out what I’m saying, and then the group erupts into cheers. Next thing we know, Lark and I are surrounded, passed around for hug after hug.
Mike was right. Baseball is a family sport. And this team is my family.
But none so much as the beautiful woman smiling at me.
Chapter forty-two
Lark
“Are you going to answer that?” Willow asks from across her desk. We’re having lunch together, but any appetite I had has disappeared.
“It’s my mom.”
“Oh.”
