Page 89 of Lucky 22

“I was late because security came and got the family andfriends early before the final out. I refused to leave.”

I didn’t stay in my seat because of the phone call. I stayedbecause my husband is very superstitious.

Even though he hates that word.

Christian can’t step on a crack before a game. I’ve made himthe same two meals every single day for the past two seasons. He sleeps in thesame shorts and T-shirt every night and has the same routine every day, down tothe minute.

I needed to stay in my seat until the end of the game. It’simportant to him. So, it didn’t matter that the game was almost over. Anythingcould happen until the last out. I knew I needed to stay where I was until theArchers were the World Series champs.

No matter what, I wasn’t moving.

I’m not a diva.

And I’m certainly not selfish, self-involved, or rude.

No matter what anyone else thinks.

I was being a good partner. A good teammate.

A good wife.

We have our moment, but it is utter chaos all around us.Photographers, reporters, Christian’s teammates. Everyone’s celebrating, andit’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve walked red carpets, butthat isn’t even remotely similar to this level of pandemonium.

Everyone’s either hugging him or taking our picture. I tryto step away and let him have his moment, but his arm is wound tightly aroundmy waist, holding me close. I’m nearly blind from all the camera flashes, andmy cheeks hurt from smiling. Still, it’s an incredible celebration.

One minute, we’re in the middle of the field. The next,we’re being led away to a stage. I tug on Christian’s hand as I lean in closeto his ear to be heard over all the noise. “What’s going on? Where are wegoing?”

“They named me the World Series MVP!” he says loudly,carefully leading me through the crowd.

When we get to the stage, he lets go of me and steps up. Theteam owners and management are all up there, and I swear I’ve never beenprouder in my entire life. In this moment, I can honestly say that it was worthit—all the injuries, the physical rehab, the constant wear and tear on hisbody, the pain, the tape…it was worth it. Seeing the sheer joy on his face andknowing everything he went through to be standing up there?

Worth it.

Tears stream down my cheeks as the MLB Commissioner—with atrophy in his hands—turns to Christian and says, “I would like to congratulatethe World Series MVP, Christian Lucas!”

The entire stadium erupts in cheers as Christian hoists thetrophy over his head. He poses for more pictures before giving his speech. Ican barely hear what he’s saying over the roar of the crowd, and I know howuncomfortable he is with this kind of focus on him. Still, he gives a veryinspirational acknowledgment to all the people who helped him get here: thecoaches, the fans, his family.

“And through it all,” he says, “I’ve been blessed to have myamazing wife standing beside me. I know this season was a little rough, but younever gave up on me. Even when things weren’t looking great. I love you, EllaRose. Thank you for your faith in me.”

More cheers from the crowd.

More tears from me as I cheer along with them.

The next thing I know, I’m being ushered closer to thestage, where Christian immediately joins me. They hand him the keys to abrand-new, canary-yellow Corvette. Neither of us has ever owned a new car inour lives, so it’s wild that it’s happening. We pose for more pictures, andthen it’s back to celebrating with the team.

I have no sense of time as we go from the field to theclubhouse. There’s no time to talk to Christian right now, but I know we willlater. Seeing him like this makes my heart so happy. There hasn’t been a wholelot to celebrate lately, and that makes this all the better.

When things finally wind down, and it’s time to leave, italmost feels odd when we step outside, and the volume level goes down sodrastically.

“Do you think we’re supposed to drive the Corvette home?” heasks with amusement.

“Um…”

He laughs, shaking his head. “I don’t think I ever imagineda bright-yellow Corvette being my first new car.”

“It certainly is bright,” I add, laughing, too.

When we reach the car and have time to study it, we laugheven harder.