Page 70 of Fastball Fever
We share a grin, and I turn back to the mirror.It's strange how life works out.Once, I was a player with a bad shoulder who felt washed-up and expected zero prospects.Now I'm marrying the woman who not only fixed my career but stole my heart in the process.
"You nervous?"Teddy asks, coming to stand beside me.
"Nah, of course not."My palms are sweating, though, and there's a flutter in my stomach that makes my pre-game jitters seem like nothing."Not about marrying Amy, that is.It's the easiest decision I've ever made.But to stand there in front of everyone…"
Teddy claps a hand on my shoulder."The Charlie Braddock I know isn't afraid of a crowd.You play in front of thousands every week."
"Yeah, but I know what I'm doing on the mound.This is different."
"Just think of it as another game.Eyes on the prize, man."
The prize.That's Amy Keller.Soon to be Amy Braddock.
My best man leads me out of the room, and we make our way through the hotel hallway.My family booked the entire top floor of Jacksonville's fanciest hotel for the reception.My parents spared no expense, probably because they never thought they'd see the day their troublemaker son would settle down.
"You got your vows?"Teddy asks as we wait for the elevator.
I pat my breast pocket."Right here.Though I might just wing it."
"Don't you dare," he warns."Amy will kill you."
"Relax, I'm kidding."The paper in my pocket has some bullet points, but I've never been good at reading from a script.What I feel for Amy can't be contained in carefully crafted sentences.It's wild and messy and perfect—just like our journey together.
The elevator doors open, and we step inside.My stomach drops as we descend, and it's not just the motion causing the swooping sensation in my gut.This is happening.I'm about to marry the most incredible woman I've ever known.
"You are going to crush this, Charlie."Teddy checks his watch."Just like game seven against the Altitude last season."
I smile at the memory.Bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, two outs.Amy had prepped me for that exact scenario."Minus the fastball to the face of their cleanup hitter."
Teddy laughs."I think Morris deserved it after what he said about your arm."
As the elevator doors glide open, the hotel's grand lobby is revealed.It's transformed for the occasion—white flowers everywhere, ribbons draped from the ceiling, and a small army of photographers ready to capture every moment.The Admirals' PR crew insisted on having exclusive photos for the team website, and I didn't have the heart to say no.Being the face of the franchise comes with its perks and its obligations.
"Showtime," Teddy whispers.
I spot my sister Kaitlyn waving frantically from across the lobby.She's stunning in her bridesmaid dress, a soft blue that complements her eyes—the same shade as mine, a Braddock family trait.
"Charlie!"Katie rushes over, nearly tripping in her heels."You look incredible!Amy's going to flip when she sees you."
"How is she?"
My sister grins."Calm as can be.You know Amy.She's treating this like another game day.Said something about 'executing the plan' and 'staying focused on the objective.'"
That sounds exactly like my Amy.Always the coach, even on our wedding day.Knowing Amy is approaching our wedding with her usual steady determination calms me in a way nothing else could.It's one of the countless reasons I love her.
My parents appear, Mom already dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.Dad looks uncomfortable but proud in his tuxedo, his hand resting on Mom's back.
"Son," Dad says, extending his hand to me.When I take it, he pulls me into a surprising hug."You did good.She's a keeper."
"I know, Dad."
Mom fusses with my boutonniere, straightening it unnecessarily."Your grandfather would have loved to be here.He always said you'd find your way."
Grandpa Braddock was the one who first put a baseball in my hand when I was just a kid.He'd played minor league ball himself, never quite making it to the majors, but his passion for the game was infectious.I wish he could see me now—not just because I've made it to the big leagues, but because I've found someone who believes in me the way he did.
Teddy checks his watch."It's time."
We make our way to the hotel's garden terrace where the ceremony will take place.The late afternoon sun casts a golden glow over everything, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of jasmine and sea salt from the nearby coast.It's perfect—elegant but not stuffy, just like Amy wanted.
