Page 137 of Coach Me
Olsson asked me a time or two if I was serious about this bet. Granted, he prefaced the question that either way he’s saying fucking nothing to the guys. The idea that this was everyone’s motivation to play better was nice. However, I think it has shit to do with the fact that we’re playing in this fucking game, though.
These guys busted their asses. Every game, they gave it their all. Even Jordan’s pulled his head out of his ass…barely, but the progress is there. No one’s schedules are getting looked over and hotels aren’t being fucked up since Emma took over Shannon’s job. Hell, Lucie and Callie love having her around.
Morale is up, and this team is damn strong from all angles. So, yeah, if these fuckers win this game I’ll play again. Hell, I might even if they don’t, but I only let Lucie in on that secret.
It’s the top of the eighth, and Beck just stepped up to the plate. We don’t have home-field advantage against the LA Rays, but it hasn’t seemed to matter much. We’re leading by two runs, but no one’s dared to get too cocky yet.
With the perfect sound of Beck’s bat connecting with the ball, he manages an incredible line drive to right field.
Beck points a finger my way with that stupid grin of his. Well, no one's been too cocky—except for Beck.
Will claps my back. “So, I’m not one to speak too quickly, but it seems like my sister might be getting her wish.”
My eyes wander over to find my girl. She’s been sitting on pins and needles the whole game. She has her arm wrapped around Miles’s shoulder, and when we get another player on base, their arms go up in the air.
“It’s possible.” I may have made one bet with the guys, but I also made a deal with myself as well. I tilt my head back to him. “You said before that I didn’t need your blessing. Did you mean that?”
Will chuckles. “No, you don't, so don't ask for it. No details. I won’t ask questions. Just make my sister fucking happy.”
“That I can do.”
We watch as Adam sends a hit damn near out of the park, but unfortunately gets caught for the first out.
Will pitches his voice low. “Listen, heads-up for your little man. I have plans of my own at the start of next season.I love Miles, but I plan on locking down my girl. I don’t want it to break his heart in the process.”
“Fuck. Only one of you with the last name Anderson gets emotions out of me, and I want to change her last name. Go away, you’re making me feel bad for taking back the slot of best pitcher on the team.”
Will laughs. “In your dreams, Larsen. I think you’re slowing down in old age, or maybe my sister has made you lose your edge.”
“Actually, your sister?—”
“Alright, walking away now.” Will steps back, but sends me the middle finger on his way.
Maybe someone should warn Olsson that he’s about to have a bunch of brother-in-laws playing for him.
We make it through the eighth with no runs on either side. The dugout has done a complete shift. We’re still 4–2, and while I like our odds, shit could still turn on us. Especially since we don’t have last bat.
Miles and Lucie sit at the edge of their seats the entire top of the ninth. Through Beck’s first out. Tripp’s single. Adam’s double. Then the following two outs.
Still 4–2. This is it, the Rays are up to bat. Two runs in an inning is far from impossible, but I’m confident in how these guys have played not only this game, but the whole damn season.
Our closing pitcher starts us off strong by striking out the first batter. One out.
The next batter makes it to first, but then the next hit is caught in the outfield. Out number two.
I look back at Lucie and Miles. They’re hovering over their seats, I’m sure of it. Miles holds Lucie’s hand, and she looks so nervous—almost a little pale.
The next batter makes contact and does us dirty by hitting a fucking ground ball. I swear we all hold our damn breath as Mateo scoops it up and sends it right to Beck.
Third out. That’s the game.
I guess I’m signing a contract and getting down on one knee when we get back home.
Chapter 47
Lucie
Walking back into our home the next night feels so different this time. We have our World Series win, my man’s going to pitch again, and, oh yeah, on the plane ride over here, I took two pregnancy tests in the bathroom. They were both positive.
