Page 48 of Safe at Home

“This is my brother’s other sister,” I said with a giggle as I introduced Emma to Tyler’s parents. “That is probably the weirdest introduction I’ve ever given in my life.”

We all laughed, and Susan hugged Emma after Mike shook her hand.

“Family is family,” Susan said with a smile. “I love that you two are getting to know each other.” Man, Susan’s mom-talk made me miss my Mimi even more.

I remember being so nervous when I first met Tyler’s parents at the game when he first got called up to -A. In reality, it hadn’t been that long ago, but here I was sitting next to his mom and Emma, laughing about anything and everything. We especially laughed at his dad, who was really taking the game seriously. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t been to a game in a long time because he was watching every action very closely, and the pride that he showed for his son was amazing. When Tyler got a double in the third inning, his dad jumped up and cried out, “That’s my boy!” Don’t get me wrong, I was so proud of Tyler, too, but knowing how he had felt about his dad’s disapproval and seeing his dad do a complete one-eighty and be supportive, meant everything.

When Ty got out one of the opponents trying to steal second, we were all up on our feet and screaming. We got a lot of looks since we were the away team, but we didn’t care. When Hunter Montogomery got a three-run homerun in the next inning, I was on my feet, cheering for Tyler’s friend.

“You are really lucky to be surrounded by hot baseball players!” Emma said as she watched Hunter round the bases. “I would love to get to know him better.”

I didn’t want to tell Emma that Hunter was not only not single but that if he were available, I think he would have eyes for my best friend, Meadow. I decided to change the subject and told Emma and Ty’s parents about the open lot next to the bakery. I mentioned I wasn’t sure what to do with it yet, but I couldn't wait to have more space upstairs with the babies coming.

“I’ll rent it from you,” Emma said suddenly.

“What?” I asked, in shock.

“I have a child and family development degree with a business minor because I had hoped to own my own preschool someday. If I could rent the space from you, I could make it into a daycare. I could watch the babies when you’re ready to go back to work. I don’t know if there is a need for a daycare in your town, but there might be. I’d also love to be closer to Dominic. I miss both of my brothers being so far away from me. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

I looked into Emma’s sincere eyes, and I hugged her. “There are no daycares in Riverbend at all. I was planning to put a space in the bakery to keep a playpen for the babies, knowing I would be distracted but would make it work somehow. This would be so much better! I bet Pen would love it, and it would give her sister a break, too. Hell, her sister, Shiloh, might want to help you at the daycare. She’s so good with the kids but is trying to go to school, too.”

“That would be awesome. I’d love to meet Shiloh and Penelope. I’ve heard all about her awesome kids from Dom. He said they are hilarious, especially the little girl.”

I had to laugh and nod in agreement. Pen’s kids really were awesome.

“See what I mean. Family helps each other out,” Susan said with a smile, beaming at both of us.

“Where would you live?” I asked Emma.

“I’ll find a place. I’m not worried about it,” Emma said with a shrug. “And if I can’t find a place right away, I’ll just stay on Dom’s couch.”

“I’m not sure when the bakery will be back up and running, but you can talk to the contractor with me, and we can figure out how to design a space that will be a perfect daycare. I love this idea!”

“Little Slugger’s Daycare!” Emma said excitedly. “It would go along with your Batter Up! theme, and maybe other players and their families will need daycare. I could also offer childcare during some baseball games so parents could go to the game kids-free.”

“I am so excited about this!” I said, and I had to hug Emma again. I suddenly had the urge to use the bathroom right away. “Damn, these babies are laying right on my bladder. I’ll be right back.”

“I need to go, too,” Susan said. “I’ll come with you.”

As we walked to the bathroom, I caught Tyler’s eye as he was checking us out from the visitor dugout. He winked at me, and I blew him a kiss.

I went to the bathroom, and as I looked down, I gasped. I was suddenly very grateful Susan had come to the restroom with me.After finishing my business, I found Ty's mom washing her hands.

“Susan…” I began as I washed my own hands.

“What’s wrong, honey?” she asked, suddenly right at my side.

“There was some blood on my underwear,” I said and realized I was shaking. I was only 25 weeks along. It was too early for my babies to come.

“That sometimes happens,” Susan said very calmly. “But we are not taking any chances with these babies. You and I are going to sit on the bench I saw just outside the restroom, and I’m going to text Mike. We’re going to go to the nearest emergency room since no doctors offices or urgent cares are open at this time. While I text my husband, you will text Tyler, let him know exactly what is happening, and have him meet us at the hospital after his game.”

I nodded and was very glad she was taking charge and telling me what to do. Having a nurse for a mother-in-law was very comforting at this exact moment. With shaking fingers, I texted Tyler exactly what his mom said. I knew his phone was in his locker in the locker room so he wouldn’t get it until after the game was over. I hoped he wouldn’t worry too much when he noticed we weren’t back in the stands.

Before I had even pressed send on Tyler’s text message, his dad and Emma were at the bench.

“Mike, I changed my mind. Do you feel comfortable staying here at the game so you can make sure our son doesn’t freak out about us being gone?” Susan asked him.

Mike nodded. “I like that idea. I’m sure we can find a ride to the hospital.”

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