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“Did she play after that?” Cammie asked, eager for more information.
“Let’s look it up.” I pulled out my phone to research her name. I read aloud what I found, including her training by a neighbor, who was a minor league pitcher, and her career in the minors. One article dove into the women who played in the 1940s who were later featured in a movie.
“Can we see it?” Cammie asked as she read over my shoulder.
“Sure.” I just needed to make sure it was rated for young kids.
I wanted to encourage her, to show her anyone could play baseball. It was a little discouraging that Jackie was prevented from playing in the majors, but Cammie still seemed moved by her story.
I skimmed ahead to where the article said the current commissioner was encouraging girls to play baseball.
“That’s so cool,” Cammie exclaimed.
“It is.” I closed the book and put it on the nightstand.
“Can I look at the pictures after I go to bed?”
“Sure.” I leaned over her to make sure her book light was charged, then kissed her forehead.
“Do you think I could play in the majors one day?” Cammie asked after I’d turned off her lamp.
“You can do anything you put your mind to. Women play professional basketball.” Over the years, I’d overheard people say no one wanted to watch women play professional sports, but it hadn’t registered for me until I had a daughter. I didn’t want her exposed to that attitude or tell her that some people didn’t want women to play, even if it was reality. Despite my best efforts and wishes, I couldn’t shelter her from everything.
“I remember seeing that.”
At a restaurant we went to recently, I noticed a women’s basketball game on TV and made sure to point it out to Cammie. I wanted to show her what she could accomplish. While I didn’t want to give her unrealistic expectations, more doors were opening up every day for women in sports. “Maybe we should donate money to an organization that promotes girls in sports. What do you think?”
I liked supporting worthy causes, and that would be a good one.
“I’d love that.” Cammie snuggled deeper into her blankets.
I kissed her forehead one more time. “Sweet dreams.”
“Night, Dad.”
Dad, not Daddy. That was happening more and more lately. Cammie was growing up, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. All I could do was be there to guide her in the right direction and encourage her to be strong and independent. I hoped I was up for the task.
ChapterFifteen
BROOKE
Ben: Want to come over for baseball practice?
When I didn’t answer right away, he sent a second message.
Ben: Cammie’s been asking to see Hunter all week.
He wasn’t giving up. Did Ben want to see me, or was it purely a kid’s playdate? One was fraught with danger, the other deceptively safe. Instead of responding, I shared Abby’s contact information with him. She’d said it was okay.
As I waited for a response, I got out of bed and wrapped my hair in a bun on top of my head. I was looking forward to another Saturday with nothing to do but work. Normally, I’d feel motivated and excited, but after spending time with Ben and Cammie, I felt lonely. Like something was missing from my life.
My phone buzzed on the bathroom counter. Ben’s name popped up on the screen.
Ben: I was hoping you’d come.
Brooke: I’m watching Hunter tonight. Abby has another wedding.
Ben: Perfect. Baseball or video games?
