Page 83 of Moonshot

“Are you sure you’re okay that it’s just the two of us? That I’m nervous about adding kids yet? I mean… most of the people I know who get married start having kids right away.”

“What’s the hurry? We’ve got time. I think you’re right about waiting a bit. Your migraines are getting better, but I’d like to not be on the road so much when we finally have a baby on the way. I’d be worried about you. And if I don’t secure a better job with less traveling, I’d want to know there’s someone who can look out for you and the baby if I’m not here.”

“Your mom and Emmaleigh have offered. But I hate the thought of putting anyone out on account of my headaches.”

“Well, you’d never be putting them out. But my mother already worked hard raising the two of us, me as a single parent. I’m not eager to have her devote her life to another child when she’s earned her chance to live a little. Do whatshewants for a change.”

Arriving at the stadium early, we’re able to quickly park and make our way to the front gate to gain entrance to our event. I grab Ava’s hand as I make my way around the car and pull her into me. This place holds so many great memories. “Whenever it happens, it’ll be perfect. But I think it’s smart we put it off a bit. And I’m grateful to have this time alone with you,” I add before giving her a chaste kiss. So many newlyweds miss out on the time to enjoy this first year of marriage by starting a family right away. I’m savoring every moment I have with my bride.

“Things have been much better at work. I’m not nearly as stressed. I invited Nick to come tonight, but he had plans with his dad. But a few folks are coming from the office,” Ava continues.

“I feel like I’ll never meet your boss. Well, if Joanie and Allison are here tonight, I want you sitting with them.”

“Why?” She giggles.

“With their color commentary, you might get turned on enough I’ll get a little action later. Find some place we can relive the hot night in the dugout.”

“Oh, good grief. Unless there’s somewhere with a lock on it, we aren’t doing anything in a ballpark full of people,” she declares as we approach the doorway to the box seating we’ve reserved.

“Happy Anniversary, you two,” Jeremy says, holding out his hand to usher us into the large space.

“Thanks, man. It’s only fitting we spend it here,” I reply, looking through the glass of the box seats onto the stands down below. The view of the Flying Squirrels ball field is fantastic from this vantage point, and there’s plenty of seating and food to go around.

“This is going to be great. Thanks, Jeremy,” Ava adds excitedly.

Hugging Ava close, I escort her inside and take in the room. It’s all cream-colored walls and furnishings so as not to detract from the view outside. The stadium is nearly packed as the fans settle in for a great game.

“Congratulations!” I hear behind me.

“Thanks, Dr. Lee,” Ava replies.

“Ava, you can call me Sebastian. We’re not at work.”

“Sorry. It’s a hard habit to break. Mick, you remember Sebastian Lee, don’t you?”

“Hell, of course. I owe him a lot, actually.” Ava gives me a curious stare. “He’s the one who caught you when you passed out that day. He would’ve carried you to the emergency room himself had I not been there. I’m sure of it.” Turning to the man beside me, I extend my hand. This man may be a playboy who looks like he belongs on the cover of a GQ magazine, but he’s all right in my book.So long as he focuses his attention on other women.“I’ve never had a chance to thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I’m glad everything worked out okay. And I’m particularly glad to be rid of Stark.”

“You can say that again.” Ava laughs. “Nick Barnes is a dream compared to dealing with him.”

“Dream, huh?” I tease.

She gives me a reassuring squeeze. I know Ava would never do anything to hurt me. It’s my insecurity trying to get a rise out of me, nothing more. I have yet to meet the illustrious Dr. Nicholas Barnes. Looking at Sebastian, I notice an odd expression on his face. Is it our conversation or Dr. Barnes he finds distasteful? Maybe they don’t get along. “I’m going to grab a beer. Sebastian, you want a drink?” I realize Zach’s managed to come in unnoticed and is in the corner by the bar.

“Sure, I’ll join you.”

“Hey, man. When did you sneak in?” I shake Zach’s hand briefly before introducing him to Sebastian.

“Leave it to you to convince Ava to celebrate her first anniversary in a ballpark. You’re smooth. Very romantic.”

“Shut up. I proposed to her here.”

“Ha. I rest my case.” Zach laughs. There’s an abrupt shift in his facial expression as I notice him peering over my shoulder. I follow his gaze to a beautiful woman at the door, holding a large sheet cake. I watch as Ava and Eve run over to greet her, large smiles plastered on their faces.

Turning back to Zach, I notice Dr. Lee has his back to us, asking the bartender for a drink. “Want me to find out who she is?” I prod.

“What? Fuck no.”

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