Page 77 of Curveball

I cleared my throat.

“I’m coming back next season—” I began.

Walker James wasn’t done.

Not yet.

The press conference went exactly how I expected. Mics shoved in my face, a million questions the second I made it clear it would be my final year. By the time I stepped away from the podium, I went straight to my family and pulled them into my arms, pressing a kiss to the top of their heads.

“You girls ready to go home?”

Living with Farrah and Hadley was an adjustment at first. I wasn’t used to anyone else in my space—let alone a kid. But eventually we found a rhythm, and I leaned on Farrah more than I’d ever admit out loud to guide me through this parenting thing.

I wasn’t Hadley’s stepdad—yet—but I wanted to show up the right way. Support what Farrah and Jake taught her, reinforce the boundaries they set, and follow their lead when it comes to discipline. My relationship with Jake was… civil. Lily was determined to make us best friends, but I was pretty sure she was destined for disappointment. Still, we made a point of having a family dinner at least once a month—showing up as a united front, keeping it steady for Hadley.

And Hadley… God. That little girl had carved out a place in my heart that felt permanent. I loved her like she was mine, and I made damn sure she knew it.

As we started gearing up for the holidays and the final months before I went back to baseball, I soaked up every second I could with the two of them. Farrah and I took the horses out most nights for sunset trail rides, and Hadley followed me around the barn like my shadow, always asking questions, always wanting to help.

I stepped out of the barn and found Farrah leaning against the fence rail by the mini-donkey pasture. The air smelled like hay and crisp winter, and the last of the light softened everything in gold. Hadley was brushing Bert and Ernie, humming under her breath as she cooed at them like they were her babies. I’d gotten her a tiny grooming set of her own, and she was obsessed.

I slid an arm around Farrah’s waist, pulling her into my side.

“Did you ever think we’d get here?” I asked quietly.

She tipped her head back to look up at me, her eyes soft. “Honestly? No. As the years dragged on, I didn’t know how we’d ever make our way back to each other.”

“Life’s funny,” I said, glancing at Hadley and then back at Farrah. “Because I’d live through all that pain again if it meant you two were waiting for me on the other side. Every damn time.” A sudden small laugh slipped out of me—disbelieving and grateful. I shook my head. “What a fucking curveball you were, Wildflower.”

Farrah rose onto her toes and pressed a kiss to my chin. “It was all worth it,” she murmured. “You, Ace… you were worth it.”

The holidays, followed by spring training, went by in a blur. Suddenly, it was already May, and time for Addison and Dean’s long-anticipated (mostly by Addison) wedding.

They exchanged vows on the part of their farm that overlooked the river, with a large tent set up for the reception. Since Farrah, Hadley, and I were all in the bridal party, we were getting ready at Addison’s brand-new house. They’d moved in barely a week ago.

As a wedding gift, Farrah had designed the entire interior once the house was built. I knew my girl was talented, but every time I stepped into a space she’d touched, I was blown away—and Addison and Dean’s house was no exception. She’d somehow captured them both. It was calming and soft, but still masculine. She’d added subtle equestrian touches without taking anything away from the breathtaking views framed by every window.

The girls were upstairs in the primary suite. The guys were downstairs, trying to act like we knew what we were doing.

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my tie, when Weston stepped up and clapped me on the shoulder.

I turned. “Does my tie look straight?”

Weston shifted it a fraction to the left and nodded. “Looks good.”

Then he paused. His expression went serious in that way it always did when he meant something. “I’m really proud of you, brother. What you’ve overcome this year—personally and professionally—wasn’t for the faint of heart. You battled through it, and you came out the other side whole. Happiest I’ve ever seen you, man.”

I couldn’t help the smirk. “Aww, West. Are you being sentimental with me?”

He punched me in the arm—hard enough that I knew I’d be bruised tomorrow. “You’re a dickhead.”

Rubbing my arm, I grinned. “But you still love me.”

Weston rolled his eyes and handed me a beer. “Can you believe our little sister is getting married?”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “I’m just happy as fuck it didn’t end up being Noah.”

Weston laughed as Dean walked up at the worst possible time. “What about my fuckface cousin? And why is his name being brought up on my wedding day?”