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“I understand. Cassie can still do all that apart from attending your church elsewhere. Since I don’t know where we’ll live yet.”
He smiled politely and nodded. “You may not be the ideal person I had in mind. You turned out to be better.”
I thought my heart had stopped. It definitely skipped a beat. Was twenty-two too young to have a heart attack? He couldn’t be saying what I think he was saying. “Sir?”
“I can’t think of anyone better for my little girl. Of course, you have my permission.”
“Thank you, sir.” Emotion clogs my throat. “I, uh, plan to get her a ring soon. I just need to save up first.”
“Hold on.” He darts into his bedroom. When he returns, he holds a red velvet box. He opens it and reveals a vintage-style round diamond filigree ring. It’s perfect for her delicate fingers. “This was her mother’s. It’s not big and flashy, but I have a feeling Cassie isn’t looking for anything too flashy.”
“Thank you, sir. It’s beautiful.”
“I think you can call me Nolan or Dad.”
Tears pricked my eyes. And I was not a crier. “Thank you, Dad.”
He’s supported me during my last baseball season with Cessna U. He’s been to more games than my biological father. The transition wasn’t smooth. It took him a while to get used to having me around. But Cassie insisted that I spend every break at their house.
I still don’t talk to my father, but Steve made parole last summer, which helped alleviate the guilt. I speak to him periodically. He understands my reasoning and position. Maybe someday in the future, Dad will seek help and redemption. Until that day, there is nothing I can do. Dad has to help himself. That’s the primary thing I learned in therapy. If he ever does, then I’ll be open to communication. Until then, I’ll stick with the family that accepts me.
The baseball commissioner steps to the podium. I grab Cassie’s hand when he gets closer to my speculated round. She’s been my rock this past school year and I can’t think of anyone better to be with me. The room quiets as the commissioner says, “With the tenth pick of the MLB draft, the Boston Bears select Dalton Boyd, the first baseman from Cessna University.”
Cheers erupt around the room as I sit in shock.I made it. I actually made it.The work ahead will be long and hard. I still have to get called to the majors, but I jumped the first hurdle without landing on my ass.
“You did it.” Cassie leans over to kiss me. It’s a chaste kiss, but one that holds promise for later.
“We did it.”
Pats on the back pursued with both coaches beaming at me. My phone rings, the first call of many. The representative from the Boston Bears,my new agent, and my brother.
I grab Cassie’s hand once the phone calls are through and the house empties. I need to get her alone.She seems to pick up on my disposition.
“You want to go to the park?”
“Yeah, I’m cagey. I need to get out of here.”
Ten minutes later, we’re walking hand in hand around the playground equipment. Once we reach the slide, I drop her hand.
“Wait right there. I’ll be right back.”
“What? Where are you going?”
“Just wait,” I holler behind me as I run toward the slide. Once I step to the steps, I talk some kid into letting me cut in front of him, and then I climb to the top. Standing tall, I shout to the crowd, “I’m going to marry Cassie Greenburg.”
Her hands go up to her mouth, and she stares at me with saucer-sized eyes. I slide down the shoot and jog over to her. Applause breaks across the park along with a few grosses and ew’s from the kids.
“How was that? Did it beat Jimmy’s declaration?” I pull her against me and kiss her nose.
“I don’t know. Jimmy left quite the impression.”
“Hmm, how about now?” I pull the ring out of my pocket and hold it up. “What do you say? Will you make me the happiest guy on the planet and marry me?”
She rolls her eyes in dramatic fashion, but that smile on her lips tells me she’s anything but annoyed. “Some people will do anything to win.”
I laugh. “I’m very competitive.”
“Yes, you are. And, yes, I will marry you.”
