Page 109 of Fair Trade
“And while I wouldn’t change a single part of our story, I do find that I need to remedy something immediately.”
I take a step back and, while keeping her hand in mine, drop down to one knee.
The noise level is deafening, but I only have eyes for my woman.
“Nick. Wh-what…”
“You should have had this the first time, but I’m doing it now. And don’t worry: this time I got your dad’s permission.” I point to the dugout. “Everyone, wave to Dad, Javier Álvarez.”
The crowd cheers as Javier takes a step out of the dugout, decked out in full Monarchs’ gear as he waves to the crowd, recording the whole thing on his phone while in selfie mode.
“Luisa.” I bring the attention back to the most important person in the stadium—and in my life. “I have loved you since long before my mind could even reconcile the fact. It’s stubbornness only rivals your own. I vowed to be your husband months ago, but today, I’m negotiating for more.”
“Of course you would negotiate at a time like this!” she yells, and a small chuckle escapes from her lips.
“I want to update our terms.” I clear my throat. “I want a full life with you, Luisa. One where we drink Dominican hot chocolate on cold winter nights. Spend weekends watching mind-numbing reality TV and outdated romantic comedies—”
“Careful. You were doing well there for a moment,” she fake scolds.
I smile. “Days where I fight with our dog over who gets to cuddle you the most, nights with family and friends dancing around our kitchen and forgoing the dining table to eat in front of the TV.” I look over at the crowd. “To watch a Monarchs game, of course.” The cheers ramp up again, and I can already see a few weeping ladies slapping their husbands on the arm as they point in our direction.
“But most importantly, I’m asking for forever and a day. This lifetime and the next. Way past the moment we’re dearly departed. Because my body may have finite time here on this earth, but my soul seeks nothing less than eternity with yours.”
A tear streaks down her face as she smiles.
“Marry me, Luisa. Again. Because marrying you is the greatest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ll do it as many times as you allow me to.” I lean forward and kiss her ring-clad hand. “So what do you say, Angel? Ready to dance with the devil for the rest of yourdays?” I manage a small smirk, even though my heart is racing inside my chest.
She starts nodding her head before she speaks. “Yes! I’ll marry you a hundred times more, as long as you don’t propose to me in front of a million people ever again!” She laughs as she throws herself at me.
I catch her easily and pick her up.
“You’re certifiably insane, but I love you, so I’m not so sure what that says about me.” She laughs into my neck.
I pull back and place a soft kiss on each cheek, where her tears stream down her face. “Oh, c’mon, love. You know there’s no crying in baseball.”
My laugh gets caught when she leans in to kiss me. The flashing lights don’t hold a candle to the dizzying feeling of having Luisa in my arms.
I lift the mic once more as I pat my jacket pockets repeatedly and tsk loudly. “Seems like I’ve forgotten something important.”
I whistle, and a fuzzy ball of fur bounds our way.
“Delilah.” Luisa gasps as our beautiful pup hops onto her hind legs to greet us. “What is that?”
I take the rolled-up piece of paper from Delilah’s mouth. “Such a good girl. Say hi, Delilah.” She preens under the crowd’s whoops, and I swear I hear Luisa grumble something about how she’s just like her father.
“I didn’t get you another ring. I know we’re quite partial to this one, but I believe I’ve thought of something that could symbolize our love a bit better. Though I’ll warn you now: it comes bearing a bit of work… like your marriage to me.”
“Oh God, not another contract.”
I hand it to her. “Open it.”
Her eyes scan the top of the document, and she freezes. I turn off the mic pack behind my back so no one can hear us. “It’s yours, Luisa. If you want the partnership, it’s there. Hell, if youwant the whole thing, I’ll give it to you. But I figured since you already have your plate full with being—”
“Yes! Yes, I want it. I want to do this with you. Together.” She kisses me deeply, and I couldn’t give a damn about who’s watching as I pull her in closer.
Delilah happily yelps beside me, and I recognize it’s time to wrap this up and give the field back to the professionals before my overexcited pup desecrates it.
“Can I make it official?” I wiggle the microphone between us, and she buries her head in my shoulder. “Go on, showman. But remind me to never invite you to karaoke night with the girls. You seem to get power hungry with a mic in your hand.”
