Page 58 of Grand Slam

“I want you safe,” Kelton says. “You didn’t ask for anything, but babe, I’m going to buy you things.”

I try to argue and he presses a kiss to my lips.

“I know you don’t want me to, but Em, I’m gonna take care of you and this baby. Buying you a reliable car is me doing that. I promise to never take away your independence, let me do this.”

I want to argue and tell him that my Toyota is just fine, but I’d be lying. So I nod instead and give him this one.

Holding out the keys he smiles. “Take me for a drive.” I hesitate but when I see how excited he is, I take the keys and climb in behind the wheel. The new smell, the leather seats, I am in heaven.

“Like it?”

“It’s beautiful,” I confess as I drag my hand over the console and then along the dash. Looking over at him in the passenger seat, his red shirt against the black interior. Again that familiar heat rises and I wonder if it will always be like this. This intense need to feel him and have him close.

“Thank you,” I say and he uses his finger to move away a stray curl that has fallen and is hanging in front of my eye. “For this, for being the man you are, and for loving me,” I add and instantly he is leaning in closer.

Kelton places his finger beneath my chin holding it up.

“The loving you part is the easiest thing I’ve ever done, Emerson. I didn’t realize just how much I needed you in my life until you showed up and took my breath away. I convinced myself that leaving you in Chicago was the best choice, but truthfully it will be a mistake I’m forced to live with.”

“The decision led us right to this moment.”

“Yeah.” He smiles, skimming the tip of my nose with his own. “Right now is pretty great."

“It is,” I agree, leaning in closer to press my lips to his.

It’s better than great, it’s everything.

CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Kelton

It’s beena few weeks since Liz and Emerson moved to Tennessee. So far the two of them have been exploring the area. And when I say exploring the area I mean they’ve been gone more than they’ve been home.

They rented a cabin in Gatlinburg and spent four nights lounging, laughing, and making memories without me.

In their defense they invited me, but I had practices and games, and driving three and a half hours one way wasn’t something I was up to. So instead I let the two of them enjoy their time and I pouted quietly at home.

The Let Freedom Sing event was taking place in Nashville, and we had a game too. I’d planned to take them out after, looking forward to seeing the looks in their eyes when they see how big this event is here in Nashville.

I’d reserved a VIP box for four guests more than six weeks ago, waiting to share the experience and ensure that we had theprivacy to do so. I don’t go out often to events like this, but now having someone to share it with left me wanting to show the world how happy I am.

It’s the top of the ninth, we were up by two and the Vegas Victors have two on base with their heavy hitter at bat. I am ready to end this here, ready to take the win and get my girl to the show. The crowd is loud, the tensions are hot, and all eyes are on home plate.

Pitch is in, and the sound of the ball making contact with the bat has everyone standing and holding their breath.

“James,” Jake yells, moving in but only to offer me backup. I know this play is on me. I determine if they pull ahead or if it all ends now. Adrenaline courses through me, and I bounce on the balls of my feet, watching the ball move in closer and start to descend as I get into position. Ready to go left or right at the last minute I am crouched and focused.

My glove is up, and the snap the ball makes the second it hits my glove brings a smile to my face.

The crowd goes wild, and without pause I grab the ball and whip it to Chase who is ready at third. The ball hits his glove and he quickly throws it into home for the game winning out.

Jake runs toward me offering a fist bump just before we start toward the dugout, chuckling and enjoying our win. Feels good knowing that Emerson is here now, instead of sitting on a couch watching me play. I love knowing that on home games, I’ll be gathering her up and taking her home with me.

“You going to the fireworks later?” Jake asks as we slow to a walk, waiting for the other guys to step off the field in front of us.

“Yeah, you?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there somewhere.”

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