Page 36 of Once Upon A Wish
I looked down at Kenny, who was wiping his own eyes with a look of shock on his face. His eyes sparkled with the tears that streamed down his face. Lisa walked up to him and took his hand.
“The entire town helped us out at a time when we needed it. I know that Mom thanks you too. You and your family became a part of ours as we found our way on our own. But we weren’t alone, were we? We had the entire Criss family behind us. We had this town that came together to make sure we were ok and found our way. I can’t thank you and Hardin enough for making me feel like we belonged and would always have a home.”
“But this isn’t about me. This is about the man who helped me find my way in the great American pastime. He helped me to become the best player I could be and made me believe in fair play and following the rules. He taught me how to be a great baseball player, and if it wasn’t for Coach Criss, I would never have made it to the majors. A job that I loved, and one I am leaving behind to be the new head coach here at Hardin High.” The crowd cheered loudly.
“But there will be enough about my retirement from baseball in the news, I’m sure. But I wanted to come home to the people I love, the mother I have missed, and the man who won my heart when I was just a teenager.”
“Coach, I have one more big surprise for you.”
“Shit.” Coach grinned and chuckled loudly. “You know how much I love surprises.”
“Can we move that piece tarp, please? As Principal Woodenhall gives you your plaque, Hardin wanted to remind you how much you have meant to this community. This field, this stadium that you helped make great with your legendary ability to bring a bunch of hoodlums together into a team, is now renamed the Coach Harry Criss Stadium. Congratulations, Coach, you deserve this and so much more.”
Coach looked out in awe as the tarp fell to the ground, and his name was emblazoned in large gold lettering on the new sign. I watched him wipe the tears from his eyes as he pointed over to Kenny and to me.
“Couldn’t be prouder, Harry,” Principal Woodenhall shook his hand and handed him a plaque.
“That’s… that’s really something. I appreciate the hell out of that.” Coach shook his head and looked out at the stadium that now bore his name. “I’ll feel like a king every time I come to watch this team win under the new coach’s tutelage. Jax, you have made me a very happy man. There’s no one I’d rather hand over the reins to. You’ve always been my favorite, and you know it.”
“Thanks, Coach. Now, I think my boyfriend has arranged a great party inside. So, if you feel like joining us, please make your way to the gymnasium, where food and beverage await.” I stepped away from the microphone and stood there as Kenny, and our mothers walked up the stairs.
“Boyfriend?” Kenny looked at me with wide eyes. “Did you just come out? Shit! Did you just give up the majors for Hardin?”
“Nope. I gave up the majors for me.” I grinned and opened my arms. “Want to give the new head baseball coach of Hardin High a kiss?”
“Always.”
I knew that my life was as it should have always been.
I was with the one person on this whole fucking planet that made life worthwhile.
I kissed him right there on the stage, and I think the crowd roared with approval.
The End
