Page 47 of Rescued Heart

“And…” Eddie cocked his head. “You better listen to my signs this time at bat, or you’ll sit out the entire next game.”

Scarlette’s hand flew back to her hip. “But?—”

Eddie folded his arms. “No buts, unless you want to become best buds with the bench.”

Scarlette picked up her helmet and slammed it on her head. “Yes, sir.” Then to Bianca she murmured, “See? Grouchy.”

Scarlette gave her a wink before a ping echoed from home plate. As the batter raced toward first, Tank backpedaled. He waved his right arm while his left tracked the ball. “I’ve got it.”

And he did, making the pop fly their third out.

Eddie clapped his hands as the boys ran into the dugout. “Let’s get those bats ringing.”

The boys got to their bench and stopped.

Will elbowed Tank. “Told you she’d be back.”

Tank grinned at Bianca. “Did you see my catch?”

Scout whipped off his hat. “You missed mine last inning.”

Bianca stepped closer to the fence. “I guess you’ll just have to catch another one.”

Being cramped in the dugout felt more like home than being in front of the camera lately. Why was that?

Will dropped his mitt on the bench. “Do you have any bruises like Coach? I watched you hit the ground online like a million times.”

Bianca sought Eddie, who seemed to be staring at his feet. How bad were his bruises? “I think someone may have lied last night when they claimed they were fine.”

Eddie clenched his jaw. “Never lied. Bruises don’t change my answer.”

Scarlette placed her hand on Bianca’s arm. “Glad Coach saved you, Coach B.”

“Me too.” Bianca’s voice quivered before she could help it.

Eddie clapped again. “All right, team. Coach B will be on first base. Listen to her as if she were me.” He waved his hands in front of his chest. “Scratch that. Listen to herbetterthan you listen to me.”

Bianca shrugged. “I mean, of course they will. They all voted that they liked me better.”

Tank raised his hand. “I’d totally vote for that. She looks better in our hat.”

Scout pointed to Eddie. “I bet even Coach would agree. His ears stick out?—”

“Get out there.” Eddie took off his hat and swatted at the boys.

Scarlette squeezed by the boys. “Your ears are just right, Coach.”

Eddie crammed his hat back on his head, and maybe a bit more over his ears than before.

Bianca followed him onto the field.

Eddie stopped at third base. “Thanks for coming.”

“Scarlette’s right.” Bianca reached and adjusted his hat, lifting it to show his face more. “Your ears are just right.”

He bumped into her shoulder. “Yeah, but Tank’s right too. You look better in our hat than I do.” He smiled. A real one. The kind she’d been frozen by when they’d first met. Double dimples.

He stepped away and into his position in the coach’s box, while Bianca’s legs moved slower than jelly to her spot at first.

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