Page 101 of Third Time Lucky

I’ve said it a million ways without saying it outright. The words live on my tongue, but I’m trying to be patient. Looking for signs.

“I love you, Elliot.” He smiles, and the possessive, impatient thing inside me settles down temporarily. We have time. I’m not going anywhere without him. He’ll believe me soon enough.

I tumble back onto the bed beside him with a groan. “I might need a few minutes to recover before I face the day. Come here and cuddle with your broken toy.”

“Toy, my ass. And our moment has passed, Dad. You don’t hear them? Two princesses, one in training to be a ninja, rummaging through the kitchen as we speak?”

I huff out a disbelieving laugh. “Why would I hear that? I’m only human, and the kitchen is through a wall and a door and down one set of stairs.”

“It’s the babysitter’s curse,” he says with a grumpy air of resignation, hopping off the bed and opening the dresser to pull out a pair of my pajama pants and a t-shirt. The pants he has to tighten with the drawstring. A lot. Fuck he looks sexy in those.

I’ve got it so bad.

“I can already tell they want to cook something and are convincing themselves we won’t mind the burning smell as long as they make enough for both of us. Cheeky devils.”

I blink at him. “You got all that while still recovering? I clearly wasn’t doing a good enough job at blowing your mind.”

“You always blow my mind.” He kisses me slowly and then moves toward the door. “Take a shower. I can handle the dynamic duo for a while. I’ll invite Tani over to distract them.”

“Smart. I’ll be down soon.”

Once he’s gone, I push myself up and walk over to the dresser on shaky legs. I open the drawer he was just sifting through and feel for the small box in the very back.

Seeing the golden ring beneath my lucky Liberty dime, right where I left it, I breathe a sigh of relief. Soon.

Until then, I need to find a better hiding place.

******

Joey

I was right about the girls being in the kitchen, but fortunately for everyone, all they were after was orange juice.

It’s easier to remove a small lake of pulpy fruit juice than put out a fire, so I’m feeling good as I grab the paper towels.

I hope Joan had fun at her girls’ night. When she dropped Adria off yesterday, she pulled me aside and thanked me for helping get her out of her rut. I insisted I didn’t do anything, but she said something about tiaras, She-Ra and the fact that she’s never seen her brother happier, so I went with it. She also assured me her mother will come around.

I think she’s right. I hope she’s right. Until then… “Who wants to invite Princess Tani over for breakfast?”

Rue instantly raises her hand, ready to explode into action. Adria snickers at her, but does the same.

“What do you think?” I ask. “Is it finally time for pancakes?”

Rue taps the small dimple on her chin, taking my question seriously. “Is it a special day?”

“I think it might be. But I’m willing to bet whatever kind of day it turns out to be, pancakes would make it better. And I know Tani has been waiting patiently for a cajillion or two.”

She sees the wisdom of my words, and both girls race for the door, still dressed in their nightgowns and socks.

Today is a special day. I’ve already decided.

Elliot sucks at hiding things. I knew about the ring the same day he bought it. I’ve also caught all his not-so-subtle hints about how a few of the team wives with small children travel with their husbands during the season.

He wants us with him, and I want to make it happen.

Technically, Rue will be old enough to start school next season, but I happen to know a few talented tutors. I can do most of my work online and on the phone for six months, and fly in the second Tani needs me.

I think about what he said in his last interview. That he wants to give back to the community that raised him, settle down and enjoy spending time with his daughter. “But I think I have a season or two still in me, you know? The kids I’ve met recently, my daughter, they’ve reminded me about all the reasons I originally loved the game. I’d like to be back on the mound with that fresh in my mind. See what happens.”

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