Callie cocks her head to the side. “Oh, and when will that be happening?”
“Some more of your business, Callie Bear.”
“Mm-hmm, just know we’re all waiting.” Callie turns back to me. “Does Mia know you’re wearing it tonight? I confirmed with Emma, and we’ve got it sorted with the announcers and everything.”
“She knows. I think if I wore it and didn’t tell her she’d lose her mind.”
“Yeah, they’ll definitely put her up on the jumbo screen and TV cameras for sure.” Callie pulls out her camera. “Which I also will be needing new photos, so be photogenic tonight please.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“I can give you pointers,” Beck calls from behind me.
“Yeah, I would pass on that, if I were you.” Dex taps my shoulder before stepping back. “I’m headed to the bullpen. Anderson’s starting tonight, much to Lucie’s dismay.”
Beck immediately takes Dex’s spot with his hand on my shoulder. “Well, if you don’t want pointers from me, I’m pretty sure Will could…or maybe that’s the wrong style.”
Callie hits his arm. “Shut up.”
“Fucking gross.” I roll my shoulder. “I’m done talking to the both of you now.”
At the start of the game, I’m in my catcher’s gear, and while the majority of the last name is covered by the straps—and soon the umpire—Mia still gives me a whistle and calls out, “Nice jersey.”
For the top of the inning, Will hammers out a strike with the first batter with ease. No challenges, no balls, and I can tell right away that it’s got him locked in. Dex is really a contender with Will. Neither of them necessarily pit themselves against each other either, but when I’m catching, I have to know the differences. Will’s an incredible pitcher, there’s no question, but when he starts off strong like this, I know we’re in for a damn good game.
The top of the inning is over in a matter of minutes, and not a single player makes it to a base.
I nudge Will in the dugout. “That was something, man. Keep those pitches coming.”
Will takes a drink of his water then squirts some down his back. “Will fucking do. I was looking at our stats, and I really think I have a shot at the Cy Young award this year. I fucking want it.”
“Heard. Innings like that will definitely get you closer.” I pat his back before sitting on the bench to get ready to bat.
“You know, Callie’s really proud of you for taking Mia’s last name.” Will takes the spot on the bench next to me.
I shake my head as I unfasten my leg guards. “I don’t think I’m the first man in the world to take his wife’s last name.”
“No, I’m sure you’re not, but she’s still proud. She even brought up the idea of us doing the legal marriage part and wedding party later so she could go ahead and change her last name, too. I’m not going to press you on your reasoning for changing it, but I’m assuming a part of it—I think Callie sees how happy you are now, and I think she finally feels like she can fully move on, too.”
Dammit, I took my chest plate off, but I want to put it back on with the pain that caused in my chest. “Is she doing okay? Therapy’s going well, right?”
I stand as Sam manages to get on first base and Tripp goes up to bat next. I know I’ll need to move up soon after Beck goes, but I need Will’s answer.
“She’s really great, man. Not to get too sentimental in the dugout, but as proud as she is of you—I’m prouder of her.”
I chuckle as I pick up my helmet. “As you should be.”
With the roar of the crowd, I look back to now find Tripp on first and Sam on second. A fire must be lit under us all this game. Even Beck hits the fuck out the ball, and for a second, I thought it was a home run but ends up getting caught in the far back left field for our first out.
Beck shakes his head and points back at me. I might just try for one right now to really let it set in that he won’t get more than me this season.
While I do typically drown out the announcer, I try to pay a little attention this time as he says “Now up to bat, Adam Wright…” I anticipated he’d stop there, but he continues with, “Who turns out just found out today that he’s having a girl with his wife, Mia.”
The jumbotron flashes with pictures of me and Mia split down the screen. This beautiful smile is on her face as she waves. It’s in the very next second that my walkout doesn’t play, but “Hey Daddy” by Usher instead.
My head hangs with a shake as I walk up to the plate. I’m not sure if Callie or Emma is responsible for this, but I feel it’s a bit too much. Mia, however, whistles and hangs her head back with a laugh.
I suppose it can slide since she liked it.
