Page 53 of Fastball Fever
My phone buzzes with a text from Lauren:Operation Fastball is a go.ETA 15 minutes.
I wipe my sweaty palms on my pants and check my pocket again.The ring is still there, nestled in blue velvet—a princess-cut diamond surrounded by two small sapphires, the exact shade of Admirals blue.The jeweler had called it serendipitous.I call it fate.
Mike reappears with two other groundskeepers, and they move silently around the field, lighting the lanterns one by one.The field gradually glows with a warm, golden light that makes everything feel magical.The clouds have cleared just enough to let the setting sun paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.Even the weather is cooperating with my plan.
I straighten my tie for what must be the hundredth time today.The stadium lights have been turned off, creating an intimate atmosphere in this massive space that usually holds thousands of screaming fans.Tonight, it's exclusively for us.
My phone buzzes yet again.
It's Lauren: We're walking through the tunnel now.Are you ready?
I hurriedly type a response:As ready as I'll ever be.
The sound of voices echoes from the dugout tunnel, and my heart leaps into my throat.I recognize Amy's laugh immediately, the bright, unguarded sound that charms me every time.
"What about Charlie?"Amy asks."I know he's forgetful, but this is ridiculous.You didn't even tell me what I'm supposed to be looking for—"
Amy's voice cuts off abruptly as she emerges from the tunnel.Her eyes go wide.She takes in the scene—the lanterns, the roses, me standing alone on the pitcher's mound in a suit that suddenly feels too tight around my collar.For a moment, she doesn't move.The last rays of sunlight glisten on her chestnut hair, creating a halo effect that steals my breath away.Even in jeans and a simple blouse, she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Then Lauren gives Amy a little shove, encouraging her to jog over to me.When she doesn't move, my sister gives her a firmer push forward.
Lauren and Doug retreat into the tunnel, granting us privacy.
Amy shuffles toward me slowly, seeming both confused and astonished.The lantern light casts a warm glow on her face as she steps onto the pitcher's mound."Charlie, what is all this?"
I clasp her hands and steady myself.All my rehearsed words evaporate.I'm a pitcher without a game plan, operating purely on instinct."I wanted to bring you here, where it all began for us."
She glances around at the roses, the lanterns, the empty stadium that somehow feels more alive than during a sold-out game."This is astonishing and beautiful, Charlie."
"Youare beautiful."I squeeze her hands."Amy, do you remember the first time we met on this field?You told me my fastball was decent, but my attitude needed work."I smile at the memory."You weren't wrong."
Amy bites her lip while the first shimmer of tears gathers in her eyes."I was pretty harsh back then.But you needed someone to challenge you."
"I neededyou," I correct."Just didn't know it yet."
The stadium is silent except for our voices and the distant sounds of the city.The intimacy of this massive space, normally filled with thousands of fans, seems out of context yet also perfectly right.
"Charlie Braddock, are you getting sentimental on me?"Amy teases, but her voice wavers.
"I'm about to get a lot more sentimental."Sucking in a big breath, I drop to one knee, right here on the pitcher's mound where I've thrown countless fastballs and where, slightly more than a year ago, Amy first stormed into my life, changing everything.
Her hands fly to her mouth."Oh my god.Charlie…"
With shaking fingers, I pull the velvet box from my pocket and open it, revealing the ring that's been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks.The sapphires catch the lantern light, and the diamonds twinkle like stars.
"Amy Keller," I begin, my voice surprisingly even."You walked into my life like a curveball I never saw coming.You challenged me, pushed me, and made me a better player and a better man."
A tear slips down her cheek, and she doesn't bother to wipe it away.
"I've faced down the toughest batters in the league, but nothing has ever made my heart race like you do.Nothing has ever felt as right as loving you."I pause to collect myself, suddenly overwhelmed by this moment."You are my teammate, my partner, my best friend.And I want to spend every day of my life showing you that this isn't just a good inning—it's the whole damn game."I gaze up at her, my throat tight and overcome with emotion."Amy Joanne Keller, will you marry me?"
For one terrifying second, she just stares at me, tears streaming freely now.Then she breaks into the most radiant smile I've ever seen.
"Yes," she whispers.Then louder: "Yes, Charles Joshua Braddock!Yes!Of course I'll marry you."
My hands are shaking so badly I almost drop the ring—Lauren would never let me live that down—but I manage to slide it onto Amy's finger.It fits perfectly.I rise and drag her into my arms, lifting her off her feet in a spin that makes her laugh through her joyful tears.When I set her down, she frames my face with her hands.I lean in to press my lips to hers, imbuing the kiss with all the love for this woman that I have inside me.The taste of her tears mingles with our kiss, salty and sweet at the same time.
"I love you," I murmur against her lips."More than anyone or anything in the whole wide world."
