It may not have been heaven, but the clouds Eric and I lived on for the rest of the year and through spring training for the next season weren’t far away from it. After nearly breaking up over the trade, I valued every day together in a different way. With Rudy, we built a fantastic little family, and we made the most of every minute together.

When the opening day of the new season rolled around, both Eric and I were nervous. Our parents plus Harley’s brother Sam and sister Lily were in town for opening day. We were the big story in national baseball coverage. Some reporters questioned whether keeping Eric was the best team strategy for the Yellowjackets. Others insisted that we were the foundation for what could be one of the best sets of three outfielders any team had known.

I missed Mo in the locker room, but he was planning to be in the stands with Jack for opening day. He decided to stay in Charlotte to create a permanent home with Jack. They bought an old brick townhouse in February and kept busy with renovations.

Chase walked up to me in the locker room while I had my uniform pants on, but I was still shirtless. I asked, “Are you going to do the half-naked interviews again this season?”

He laughed. “No, this is not my pattern for the new season, but you and Eric are a huge story. I thought you might want to share a few words with the radio audience. How are you feeling?”

I sighed. “Nervous as hell. I’ve never experienced the sensation of having millions of eyes trained on me all at once. I’m confident I’ll do fine in the game, but I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

Chase shook his head. “You shouldn’t worry. Give it 100%, and that’s all we can ask. You showed us all what you can do at the end of last season. This is your full rookie season, Harley. I’m confident it will be a great one.”

I smiled, “Aww, thanks, Chase. Why don’t you go bug Eric now?”

I watched Eric step up behind Chase and sigh.

Something about my expression made Eric’s presence obvious. Chase said, “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?”

I nodded in the affirmative. Eric asked, “Are you pestering my boyfriend?”

Chase said, “I’m only asking a few questions, but I do have a request.”

Eric said, “I hope it’s something simple. Remember, we’ve got a game to play here today. Those fans out there want us to win a game. That means we need to concentrate.”

“Oh, it won’t take long at all. We arranged to have your parents visit up in the radio press box. Could you stop by for a few minutes and say hi? We only need the two of you for about five minutes. I convinced your parents to stick around through the first two innings.”

I asked, “And Sam and Lily?”

Chase said, “They’re teenagers. I assume they can take care of themselves.”

I wiped my forehead. “I’m glad you think that. I was worried that you would ask them questions. I’m breathing easier knowing it will only be my parents.”

Any worries that Eric and I had about how well our parents would get along were immediately eased when we heard laughter as we approached the door to the press box. When I stepped inside, I saw our dads sitting together laughing while our moms pointed out the windows toward the field and chatted with each other about what they saw.

Chase turned his chair around and said, “Here are the conquering heroes now.”

Eric said, “I guess we’ll wait until after the game to find out how much we’ve conquered.” He stepped up to his parents, leaned over and kissed his mom on her cheek and shook his dad’s hand.

I hugged my mom tightly and then turned to my dad, and we shared a big hug, too. I asked, “Is Chase treating you well?”

Eric asked, “Yes, is he on good behavior?”

Chase sighed, “Aw, c’mon guys.”

My mom said, “He’s been a perfect gentleman. If it wasn’t for him and that video, I don’t think we would get to meet Eric’s wonderful parents. Chase is one of the heroes for today.”

Chase beamed while Eric said, “Yes, it sounds like he’s on his very best behavior.”

Chase asked, “Do either of you have anything special to say to our radio audience?”

I looked at Eric, and he looked back at me. I started to open my mouth, but he beat me to it. Eric said, “The Yellowjackets fans are the best. We couldn’t do what we do without them having our backs. I wish they all could have seen the huge smile on my face when I found out that they canceled the trade.”

I said, “They should have seen the smile on my face. It was even bigger. For my money, and I’m not saying this because he’s my boyfriend, but Eric is the best center fielder in the league. I predict he’ll go down in baseball history with the all-time legends.”

Chase added, “And you might make a little history yourself, Harley. You’ve been at it in the minors for several years, but this is your official rookie season in the big leagues. I predict we’ll see some consideration for Rookie of the Year honors.”

I sighed, “Don’t put such a big weight on my shoulders. I’ve got a lot to live up to already. I do promise all of the fans that I will give 110% out there on the field and when I’m up to bat. Eric is my model for that. Nobody works harder day in and day out than Eric does. He’s an inspiration for the whole team.”

I watched a bright red blush spread across Eric’s face. I reached over and wrapped my arm around his shoulders. He whispered, “Wow, that’s an amazing thing to say about me.”

I said, “It’s all true.”

My teammates came out of the dugout on fire. Javier made a diving catch of a line drive to send the first batter on the opposing team back to the dugout. The second batter struck out swinging, and the third hit a long fly ball toward center field. Eric did his best Willie Mays imitation racing toward the center field fence as the ball sailed overhead. Fortunately, he didn’t have to catch the ball over his shoulder. He was able to turn at the last minute to make a basket catch.

When we hit the dugout, I was excited and ready for my first time up in the new season. I was second in the batting lineup, and Eric was third. That meant that regardless of what happened, we would both get to bat in the first inning.

The batter before me hung tough hitting four foul balls, two of them with a full count. Unfortunately, he then watched a strike on the outside corner of home plate sail past to go down for the first out.

I stepped up to bat with my entire body vibrating from excitement. Before I settled into the batter’s box, I glanced up at the stands. My mom stood up and waved her hands wildly. I smiled back as I saw Sam tugging on her arm to pull her back down.

Eric called from the on-deck circle. “Take it easy, Harley! A simple base hit is all we need!”

He was correct, but I wanted to hit it out of the park. If I got the right pitch, I knew I would do my best to give the ball a tremendous ride.

With two strikes and one ball on the count, I found my pitch. I circled the bat three times before the pitcher released the ball. It was a big, fat fastball over the center of the plate. As I heard the crack of the bat, I knew that the ball was going over the fence in right field. I was almost at first base when I heard the roar of the crowd signaling that my ball was a home run.

I couldn’t fight back a huge grin as I circled the bases. The opposing team’s second baseman called, “Nice work, bud!” while I jogged past him.

Eric waited for me at home plate. His smile was as big as mine. I slowed down my pace as I neared home plate. When I got there, I stepped on the plate and leaped into Eric’s arms planting a kiss on his lips.

At the moment, I didn’t care what anyone else thought. I was in the arms of the man I loved playing the world’s best game. I didn’t need to worry about the reaction. The crowd roared their approval, and soon everyone in the stadium rose to give us a standing ovation.