Page 66 of Lucky Baller
“Yeah, it did.”
“I-I didn’t expect that.”
“I know, but I heard you two talking, and it felt right. It might not have been the most romantic admission of love, but I promise you, it’s with all my heart.”
“I love that it was spontaneous. It’s real. Not that practiced or planned isn’t real, but that’s not life, not really. Very rarely do things go as planned, and it’s definitely a moment I will always remember.”
“A story for the grandkids.”
“Come on, you two.” Autumn knocks on the door.
“I need to get out there.”
“Where do you need me?”
“There are three news stations waiting for you to give them an interview.”
“Do it with me?”
“Landon, I—” I hold up my hand to stop her.
“You are the woman I love, and if I’m going to tell the world we’re together, I want you by my side.”
“Like this?” She looks down at her work polo shirt and khaki shorts.
“Just like this. Come on.” With a quick and final kiss to her lips, I link her fingers with mine and lead us outside to the main entrance of the shelter, where the news reporters and camera crews are ready and waiting.
“Landon, why the interest in Safe Haven Animal Shelter?”
“Landon, any thoughts on tomorrow’s game?”
“Landon, who’s the woman?”
Question after question is fired off. I pull Tess up next to me, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “One at a time, please.” I hold up my free hand, and the crowd quiets down. “First of all, I want to thank you all for being here. For giving the Safe Haven Animal Shelter some screen time. I can answer two questions at once. “Why Safe Haven and who this beautiful woman is. This is Tessa Deaton, the love of my life.” Girlfriend makes it sound like we’re in high school. It’s freeing now that I’ve told her I love her. I can shout it to the world. “She assists Autumn Baldwin, and before you ask, yes, Jeremy Baldwin’s wife.”
“The love ofmylife,” Jeremy repeats as he and Autumn join us.
“What about tomorrow’s game? Coach Baldwin, any insight?”
“I’m sorry, but that’s a question I’m afraid I’m not willing to answer. The team looks good, and that’s all I’m going to say. Today is about the shelter, about these two amazing women who pour their hearts and souls into this place, and the animals who will hopefully find new homes today.”
A few more rounds of questions that Autumn and Tessa field and we’re free to go. The reporters stick around to get some footage of the animals and the guests arriving, but they leave us alone.
“Hey, you two,” I hear from behind us. I turn to see my parents wearing huge smiles. “Tessa, this place is amazing. What a great turnout,” Mom praises.
“Carly, Bryan, this is Autumn, my best friend and boss, and this is her husband, Jeremy. Guys, this is Landon’s parents.” Handshakes and “nice to meet yous” are exchanged.
“Put us to work,” Dad speaks up. “We’re happy to help.”
“That’s so kind of you. I think we have it under control right now, but I might have to look you up later,” Autumn replies.
“Well, we’re going to go walk around. Let us know if you need us,” Mom says, linking her arm through Dad’s and walking toward where the animals are.
“Your parents are great,” Tessa says, smiling up at me.
“They are,” I agree. “Back to business. What do you need?”
“Well, that tent over there”—she points to a white tent with tables underneath—“is for you and your teammates.”
