“Good luck,” Leia says, mimicking Delaney. Then she holds out her arm that’s not wrapped around Delaney’s neck.
Delaney’s eyes shine as I lean in, giving her a half hug. I’ll take whatever she offers.
Wren runs over and attaches herself to my legs. “Good luck, Daddy.”
We’re all entwined, and this feels really fucking good. I never want this to go away.
I head to the dugout where Emmett is relaxing on the bench, his feet out and his hands laced behind his head. “I’m disappointed, Danson. I talk you down from the ledge, and I gotta hear from your mom about you and Delaney?”
Since school’s been out, we haven’t been going to The Getaway Lodge for breakfast. Mom watches Wren and Leia most days, splitting the time with Delaney’s parents.
“We’re together,” I say, sitting down to change my shoes.
“I got that when your tongue was shoved down her throat in the truck. I guess you’re not being discreet?”
“Nah, damn the consequences.” I tie my shoes.
“This town isn’t going to give you shit. They’ve wanted you happy forever.”
“But with Leia being mine?—”
“Again, they’re not going to care, and if they do, who gives a shit? You’re happy, she’s happy, I know the girls are happy. Fuck the rest of ’em.”
Having my family on my side means a lot to me. I’m not sure why I ever felt as though I had to make my marriage appear perfect.
Jude rounds us all up, and of course there’s an argument about the batting lineup and position play.
“Hey, I want one of those shirts for Delaney. Where do I get one?” I ask Jude.
“He’s not going to tell you,” Emmett says.
“You should get one that says, ‘Lottie’s guy,’” Lottie says to Brooks, who looks none too thrilled with the idea.
“How about you get ‘Brooks’s girl’?”
“It’s a family thing, and we’re the family.” She circles her hand around the group.
“So I’m not part of the family?” Brooks crosses his arms and widens his stance.
“Of course you are, I just meant… oh shit, that’s on me.” She throws herself on him, practically climbing him.
Brooks shoots a victorious grin at all of us over her shoulder.
“Man, that’s come full circle,” Poppy says.
“Can we please focus?” Jude says.
“It’s not like we’re playing Wild Bull.” Ben shrugs, and we all go down the line with the same reaction.
“And that’s how we don’t make it to the finals.” Jude narrows his gaze. “We have to win this one to get there.”
We all give him our attention because if we don’t, he’ll get pissy.
Eventually, Jude goes out to talk to the umpire and the coach for Safe Haven.
Finally, we start playing. The game is more competitive than I thought it would be, and I’m worried we might lose. If we do, Jude will lose his shit. Did we all come in too confident?
It’s the final inning, and Jude is on third. If I don’t bring him in, it will be left to my mom. Even though she talks a good game, her skills are rusty, and she’s struck out at every bat. All my cousins give me pats on the back as I make my way to the plate, as if it’s over, and we’ve already lost, and they’re silently saying sorry I’ll get the wrath of Jude.
