“The guys told me the locker rooms were damaged and one section of the seats would need to be replaced, but overall, the stadium got very lucky.”
“I still can’t believe Ashleigh McAlister didn’t make it,” Molly said quietly.
“If you had been here, it could have been you…” I tucked her under my arm and kissed the top of her head. “It’s a shock. Mack still hadn’t processed it all when I talked to him. He’s going to be staying by Nico’s side for a while.”
Molly nodded. “As he should! Who is going to coach the Raptors?”
“I think Snyder is going to step up. While I’m here, I told him I’d help in any way I can. I’m not a coach, but I know these players.”
“You’ll be a great coach someday,” Erick said. “I can see it. After you’ve had your time in the bigs, of course.”
As we pulled into the church’s parking lot, I was in shock at the number of trailers, rented moving vans, and other big trucks filled with supplies like what we were carrying. Several tents were set up in the field behind the church, and many were labeled with signs that said ‘Red Cross - Find Your Loved Ones,’ ‘First Aid Tent,’ or ‘Supplies.’ It was an amazing sight to see.
“Oh, Tyler!” Molly cried out and grabbed my arm as Erick pulled into an open parking spot. “Look!”
I looked where she was pointing, and without a second thought, I had my door open as soon as Erick stopped the van. I turned to help Molly down and grabbed her hand as we rushed over to the group of people standing by the Volunteer Tent.
“Mom!” I cried out, and my mom turned and grinned up at me.
“My baby!” Mom said as she wrapped her arms around my waist. She then turned and hugged Molly tightly. “My sweet girl! You’re so huge!”
Molly laughed. “It’s nice to see you, too. I can’t believe you’re here!”
“I couldn’t let Mike have all the fun cleaning up!” Mom said, and Dad turned at the sound of his name and grinned at us.
“I am so glad you’re okay!” he told Molly before he did the unthinkable and hugged her tightly. “How is my grandbaby doing?”
“Very good,” Molly said and gave me a wink.
I looked at my dad and then found myself walking into his outstretched arms and giving him a big hug. “Thank you for coming up and looking for Molly. It means everything to me.”
My dad nodded and pulled away from the hug while squeezing my shoulder. “I’m sorry about how I’ve acted. I am proud of you, Son, and I support your playing baseball and becoming a dad. I’m sorry it took a natural disaster and the thought of you losing the love of your life to wake me up.”
“He also supports my tattoo side business!” Carter said, walking around Dad. His best friend, Alec Kight, stood next to him.
“Carter? Alec? You’re both here, too? Holy shit! Who is watching the shop?”
Carter laughed and tilted his head towards Dad. “It’s closed. He said this was more important.”
“We figured people might need their cars worked on, or we’d be able to help in other ways, too,” Alec said and gave me a head nod.
“First time it’s been closed except for Sundays in fifty-seven years. My dad would be rolling over in his grave,” Dad explained. “But you know what? I would rather be here helping your town, and our customers will understand.”
“And if they don't, who gives a rat’s ass?” Mom said with a very serious look on her face. My mom never cursed, so we all looked at her and laughed.
“Tyler! Molly!” Another unexpected but familiar voice called out. I had barely turned around when I felt my sister wrap her arms around me.
“Julia! Holy shit. This is insane!”
“Rob and I figured we’d come and help out with any first-aid needs,” my sister explained. “He’s out with search and rescue to see who needs assistance.” She turned to Molly and gave her a huge grin. “I’m sorry we weren’t able to make the dinner when you came. It’s so great to finally meet you!”
“You, too!” Molly said and gave her a big hug.
“Now, I want to know what all this shit is about you calling her your wife!” Julia asked as she poked me in the arm.
“Julia! You promised you weren’t going to bring that up right away!” Mom chastised.
“Well, I want to know! I know you do, too!”
