Page 173 of Fielder's Choice

“Nice to meet you, man.” Cole turns to where the others are talking. “Paul, Knox, Josh, Ari. Get over here.”

Those four join in the conversation now, and I watch as Harvey gapes at them with stars in his eyes. Seems like it wasn’t just me he got starstruck over.

As long as I’m still his favorite player.

I hear giggles behind me, so I turn around and see my daughter sprinting at me. “Daddy!”

Sage leaps into my arms, and I scoop her up, pressing kisses all over her face. “Lovebug! You were so good!”

“She had a good teacher, huh?” Olive teases, coming to stand on my side.

“The best teacher,” I murmur, grasping the back of her head and pulling her in for a sweet kiss. “You were so incredible. Both of you.”

“In all the years I’ve done ballet, I’ve never had as much fun as I did today dancing around up there with Sage.”

I shoot her a soft smile before I reach behind me, coming back with the bouquets I purchased earlier. I hand one bouquet to Sage. “For my Lovebug.” Then I give the other to Olive. “And for my Ballerina.”

“Flowers!” Sage says happily. “Thanks, Daddy.”

“You’re so welcome,” I smile. “Love you, Sagie.”

“Love you, Daddy.”

I turn back to my girlfriend, gazing at her with nothing but love in my eyes. “Thank you for being so good to our girl, Liv.” I give her a gentle kiss. “I love you, baby.”

Olive smiles against my lips. “I love you, too, Hotshot.”

The conversations continue around us, but I pay them no mind. I’m so absorbed in this little bubble we’re in.

Just me, my Ballerina, and my Lovebug.

Just the way it’s always going to be.

sixty

Lane

DidIplanamini celebration for Sage’s first ballet recital?

Of course, I did. I’m the dad that goes all out.

Hell, I’ll probably plan something for when she loses her first tooth.

Right now, though, it’s ballet.

There’s a large cake on my kitchen counter in the shape of a ballerina, while everyone there for my daughter today is gathered at my penthouse. We’re all spread out through the kitchen and living room, conversing and enjoying a lovely evening.

Maybe not Ari, though.

He’s currently being wrestled into the ground by a three-year-old ballerina in a tutu.

I’m leaning my back against the wall in the living room, watching the spectacle, when Skip comes to join me. “If your daughter injures my first baseman, I’m not going to be happy, Brooks.”

I throw my head back and laugh. “I make no promises. That girl is strong.”

Skip chuckles lightly. “Sage did great today.”

“She did,” I smile. “Thanks for coming, Skip. Means a lot that you did.”

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