Page 81 of Undeniably Perfect

The whole team seems to be collectively holding their breath as Julio Rodriguez, the pitcher for the opposing team, focuses his gaze on the ump.

He releases a curveball, and Ace clips it, sending it into the stands behind him.

He shakes out and gets back over the plate. I’m silently willing him to pop one out of the park.

Julio releases another curveball and Ace swings. I know before he even starts to run that he’s done it. The ball flies far into left field, but Taylor who’s on third manages to get home before Ace gets out as he slides into second base.

The stadium erupts in chaos as Ace walks to home plate and Taylor picks him up and hugs him. We all run onto the field.

It’s complete pandemonium, and it’s perfect. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Ward and I hug. A few minutes into celebrating on the field, I look up and see my family and Tabby. They are jumping up and down and screaming and holding up signs that they must have made.

Tabby gazes at me, and we lock eyes.

She grins down at me and blows me a kiss and I catch it, placing it on my heart. Her grin widens, and I know we must look like two love-struck kids, but I don’t give a damn.

I mouth, “I love you!”

She shakes her head in confusion. I grin and shake my head before Ward pulls me back into the chaos.

Tabitha

The excitement takes on a life of its own as we all pop champagne and celebrate in the box. Nate continues throwing sex toys at everyone after he finishes an entire bottle himself.

Kylie turns on music and pretty soon everyone is laughing and dancing. There are repeated hugs and kisses, and it’s a full-on party that eventually spills out into the hallway where the other players’ families and friends are also celebrating. Lyla, Nate, and I sink into the comfy oversized chairs in the box as we swig champagne straight from the bottles.

“We are dating World Series champions!!” Nate exclaims.

Lyla throws a hot dog at him.

“Ward’s is bigger,” Nate sighs with a dreamy look on his face.

Lyla shakes her head. “You need help. And I sure hope it is. Because if Ward had a little pee-pee after the rest of him looks like it does, that would be a travesty.”

Nate smirks, and we burst out laughing when he raises his hands a good ten inches apart.

“This is crazy!” I announce. “I mean a few weeks ago, I didn’t even know Kent. I’d never watched an entire baseball game, ever. Hell, I didn’t even understand the game. And now…”

“Welcome to our club,” Lyla says, raising a champagne flute.

“To the first ladies club,” Nate says, lifting his.

I giggle. “To catching us some fucking awesome men!”

We all burst into a fit of laughter until Nate is snorting and doubled over and Lyla and I have tears running down our cheeks.

“Uh, does anyone know what’s going on now?” I ask after I finally gather myself back together.

Lyla shrugs. “Hold on, let me text Am.”

She pulls out her phone and taps a message. A moment later her phone buzzes.

“Well, I think it’ll be a while. You guys want to go back to the apartment?”

Nate nods.

“I…I should check in with the Moores first.”

I pull out my phone and text the family chat.

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