Page 52 of Fastball Fever
Chapter Twenty-Six
The Big News
After two days with my family and Amy's mom, I'm more determined than ever to do what I've should've done weeks ago.I need to pop the question.My sisters played a big role in convincing me to go for it, but honestly, I've been ready for this moment since the day I met Amy.However, before I can get down on one knee, my big sister Lauren feels obliged to give me romance advice.
"Charlie, please don't rush this," Lauren says, adjusting my tie for the third time."You need to make sure the moment is perfect."
I roll my eyes but let her fuss anyway."I will not mess it up.I've rehearsed what I'm going to say at least fifty times."
"It's not about rehearsing.It's about feeling."She lays her hand over my heart."What are you feeling right now?"
"Honestly?Like I might throw up."I check my pocket again, making sure the ring is still there.The small velvet box has been burning a hole in my pants for weeks.
Lauren laughs."That's normal.When Doug proposed to me, he was so nervous he dropped the ring in my champagne glass."
"Yeah, well, I'm planning to keep a tighter grip."I glance at my watch."Amy's mom should be keeping her busy for another hour, which gives me just enough time to get everything set up at the ballpark."
"I still can't believe you're proposing on a baseball field."My big sister shakes her head, smiling at me fondly.
"It's the place where we fell in love.Where else would I do it?"I check my reflection in the mirror one more time.The fancy suit feels constricting after spending most of my life in baseball uniforms and workout clothes, but Amy deserves the best of everything.I would jump into a volcano to prove my love to her.
Doug appears in the doorway, jingling his car keys."The florist just called.Everything's set up at the pitcher's mound like you wanted."
My stomach does another flip."Thanks, man.I appreciate your help with all this."
He claps me on the shoulder."Are you kidding?I've been waiting for this day since you two finally stopped pretending to hate each other."
I take a deep breath and attempt to calm my nerves."I just want it to be perfect for her, you know?"
Lauren touches my arm."Charlie, you could propose to that woman in a parking lot with a lollipop for a ring, and she'd still say yes.Amy loves you."
"I know she does."And it's true.After everything we've been through—my rivalry with Jared, the coaching struggles, even my career-threatening injury—Amy has stood by me, encouraging me to keep outdoing my own stats."But Lauren, Amy deserves the fairy tale.Every sappy minute of it."
"Then let's get you to your ballpark, Prince Charming."Lauren gives me one final inspection before nodding her approval.
The drive to Jacksonville Admirals Stadium feels both too long and too short.Every stoplight has me checking my phone, making sure Amy hasn't caught on to our plan.Her mom promised to keep her occupied with dress shopping—for Lauren's twelve-year-old daughter.Since Amy adores my niece, it's the perfect ruse.
I can't wait until we have kids of our own.
Doug pulls into the stadium parking lot, turning toward me."Just speak from the heart, Charlie.That's all any woman wants."
My mouth suddenly feels dry."Thanks for the pep talk, Doug."
The stadium feels different when it's empty—larger somehow, more imposing.My footsteps echo as I walk across the concrete concourse, past the silent concession stands and team shops.This place has been my second home for years, but today it feels like hallowed ground.
When I step out onto the field, I'm in awe.The grounds crew have outdone themselves.The pitcher's mound is surrounded by a circle of roses—red and white, the Admirals' colors.Tiny lanterns line the base paths, ready to be lit as the sun sets.It's simple but perfect, just as I requested.
"Mr.Braddock, everything looks perfect," the head groundskeeper calls from behind me.
I turn to shake his hand, grateful for his help."Thanks, Mike.I can't tell you how much this means to me."
"After all you've done for this team?It's the least we could do."He gestures toward the mound."I'll have the guys light those lanterns about fifteen minutes before sunset.That'll give you the perfect glow when you pop the question."
As Mike walks away, I step onto the pitcher's mound—my domain for so many years.The familiar feel of the clay beneath my dress shoes centers me.This is where I belong.Wherewebelong.
I pull out my phone and check the time.Fifteen minutes until the woman I love arrives.Doug and Lauren are bringing Amy here under the pretense of picking up some equipment I supposedly left behind.It's a flimsy excuse, but Amy rarely questions anything where I'm concerned, and vice versa.
I pace around the mound, rehearsing my speech one more time.The words feel clumsy on my tongue, inadequate for everything I want to tell her.How do you fill so much love, frustration, growth, and passion into a single moment?
