“I’m happy for you, Fall.”

“Thanks, Winter.” We smiled, using our childhood nicknames for each other.

Colton strolled over with the tiny bundle in his arms. He was a massive man who usually had to bend a bit to enter doorways, and with Elijah, it looked like he was holding a small melon or something.

“Ready for your turn, Aunt Aspen?”

“Really? You want me to hold him? What if I drop him? I’ve never held a baby,” I asked as I stood and put my arms into a certain position I thought would help.

“You won’t,” he assured me as he placed the small human in my arms.

“Oh my gosh, he’s so precious,” I murmured through my tears. It was one thing to look at him in my sister’s arms, but it was an entirely other thing to hold him close to my heart.

“Quick, take a picture,” I gestured to Rory, who was closest, poking out my hip for her to snag my phone from my back pocket. As she positioned the camera, I smiled down at my nephew, and a deep yearning built in my chest. It was a feeling I never imagined having, and suddenly I knew it was something I wanted for myself one day.

“Here,” Rory said, and I took the phone from her.

It was late, and I was sure Owen was asleep, but I maneuvered my thumb over the screen and tapped his number without waking the baby. I was a pro already.

I was surprised when he answered the video call. The dim light on his nightstand cast glorious shadows across his bare chest as I held the screen up.

“Wowza,” Autumn cooed from her bed, ignoring Colton’s eye roll.

“Sorry to wake you,” I said, “but I wanted to introduce you to my nephew, Elijah. Eli for short.”

I held the phone just far enough away so that Eli and I were on the screen together and you could make out his chubby cheeks and button nose.

“He’s beautiful. Congratulations, Autumn and Colton. I can’t wait to meet him in person.”

“Hold on,” I said to Owen as I carefully handed Eli to my sister. I stepped toward the door of the room while the rest of the family continued their excited chatter.

“Sorry, I know it’s late, but I had to call.”

Owen stretched his long limbs, and I found myself hoping the sheet around his waist would fall just a few inches lower. Since he’d taken my virginity and the couple of weeks I got to enjoy afterward, I’d been missing our intimate moments together. I’d made good friends with the vibrator he purchased for me a week after he left. The only stipulation was that I could only use it if I filmed it for him or while we video-chatted. Those were some of my favorite nights, but it still wasn’t the same as having him with me.

“I’m glad you called, cricket. I’m always happy when I can talk to you.”

“How’s training going?” His coach had asked him to host a workshop for a few of the new players, and Owen seemed to be excited about it. The first sessions started yesterday. It wasn’t just about how to play the game but how to present yourself to the public amidst the fame and fortune. He’d also brought in a financial advisor to set the new guys up with a team, so they didn’t spend their million-dollar contracts right away.

“It’s good. We have some real potential this year to make it to the championships again, and the guys are really open to listening to my advice. For whatever reason.”

“Because you’re their idol, baseball star.”

We laughed together, and then a comfortable silence blossomed.

“I miss you.”

“I miss you too, cricket. I’m sorry about the holidays. It’s just easier to fly my mom out.”

I’d been hopeful he’d make it home to Ashfield for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but he was recruited to host a charity marathon on Thanksgiving—a Turkey Trek. And on Christmas, he’d be participating in a local food drive with a guest spot on the televised New Year’s Countdown. It was less than ideal, but at least I’d get to see his pretty mug on TV.

Beverly was ecstatic to join her son for the holidays. They’d really made headway in healing the rift caused by Owen’s father. It took a while for Owen to understand that his mom had his best interests at heart, but I knew it would happen eventually.

“It’s okay. I understand.” I yawned uncontrollably and felt my jaw ache when my mouth closed.

“You should get home and rest. Seems like you’ve had a big day.”

“You’re probably right. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Text me when you get home or I won’t be able to sleep.”

“We’re staying at a hotel across the street. Dad insisted.”

“Good. I love you.”

“I love you too, Owen.”

With my hand on the door handle, I glanced at my sister and her husband curled over their newborn son, looking like they were in the most blissful dream. My family stood by watching, and it was in that moment I knew something I wasn’t ready to admit yet. Not to myself or anyone else.

And my chest ached as I made a decision.

Chapter Twenty-Two – Owen

The breeze whipped around my cap, cooling off my face in the midday California sun. I’d been gearing up for this day for the last two months, since we started our physical training schedule. It was the end of February and the first day of spring training.

Most of the players on the field were first years, with just a few of us veterans scattered throughout. It was where the coach and general manager could get a good feel for the team as a whole.

It always reminded me of the scrimmages we used to play in gym class. The games didn’t matter, but they were played as if they did.

Today, though, was special in that we were playing the Nashville Bears. The same team that loaned us one of their physical therapists to help me with my shoulder in the off season.

We were only two innings deep, and I could tell a few of the players would need more field time. The others we would pair with a veteran player to tailor their training regime. But overall, the team was solid, and I thought we’d have a good chance at the championship.

The score read two to one, Coyotes.

The inning ended with a walk for the other team, and we headed toward the dugout.

Coach Hampton pulled me aside as I descended the steps.

“You’re doing great tonight, Owen. I’m putting you up on the batting roster for the third. Knock one out for us.”

“Sure thing, Coach.” He glanced down at his phone for a moment and then smirked before walking away.

While I waited for my turn, I leaned against the railing and glanced toward the crowd. Spring training wasn’t always full, but most of the seats were occupied. A group of ball chasers catcalled from the far end, hoping to get a picture, signature, or a hotel key. They called my name, but I sent them a quick wave and descended back into the dugout. That was a fire I definitely didn’t want to play with.

The first two Coyotes players struck out. I watched from my stance as I swung my bat in practice. I hated watching anyone miss their hits, but the pitcher for the Bears had a great arm. I couldn’t deny it. He was going to be one I’d have to look out for during the regular season.

Walking up to the plate was like coming home. I felt a sense of peace and belonging as I scuffed my foot along the dirt and took my position.