Dan

I must be getting old. That or I’m really out of shape. For the past few days, I haven’t done more than sign autographs, shake hands, and have my picture taken, and I’m wiped out. I even had trouble getting out of bed this morning. Of course, I was up late, then tossed and turned most of the night.

The house is always too quiet when Lexi isn’t around, but with Sabrina missing too, it’s unbearable. It’s amazing how much she’s become part of the household in a few short months.

The guys from the team had invited me out with them, but that’s not really my thing anymore. And God knows the paparazzi would probably follow us and somehow blow things out of proportion.

So, other than doing press events, I’ve pretty much been moping around the house.

“Hey.” My friend and teammate, Jack Reagan, met me at the players entrance of First Allegiant Bank Stadium. “You look like shit. Rough night?”

“Not like you mean,” I said. “I didn’t sleep well and had to be up at the ass crack of dawn to do some radio interviews.”

We headed to the locker room to change into our uniforms. It’s the first time I’ll be wearing mine since the accident. Definitely a bittersweet experience. I can’t imagine what it will be like when I retire.

The first time we did this event, the players wore shorts and a Waves polo shirt, but the fans made it known they’d prefer to see us in our uniforms. Which I can understand. It’s what we’re most recognizable in. Hell, Lexi has grown up at the stadium and there are some guys even she doesn’t recognize in street clothes.

After taking some razzing from some of my teammates, I made my way over to my locker. One of my other best friends on the team, Cal Chase, was already seated at his locker with Jack next to him.

“Yo,” Cal said. He held out his hand to shake, then resumed putting on his sock.

I sat at my locker between his and Jack’s.

“How’s it going?” Cal nodded toward my leg then pulled a T-shirt over his head.

“Pretty good. Looks like I’ll definitely be back next season.”

His eyes widened. “I didn’t know that wasn’t a given.”

“You never know with these things,” I said. “But it feels good for the most part and I just have to work on building strength.”

“I’m glad Sabrina managed to fix you up right.”

Jack snorted. “She sure did.”

I leaned forward and gave him a dirty look.

“Obviously I’m missing something here,” Cal said.

“It’s not common knowledge yet, but Sabrina and I are engaged.”

“Get the fuck out!” He slapped me on the arm. “Congratulations man. I’m glad things worked out.”

“Thanks. Me too.” I buttoned my jersey. “I don’t know what I would have done if she just left.”

“Okay,” Jack said, and looked at Cal. “Before things get too sappy, can you me what the hell you were thinking swinging at that high fast ball last night?”

“You had to bring that up,” Cal said.

“It was ball four.”

“I know that now, but standing up there with the ball hurling at me 100 miles per hour, it looked good.”

“It happens to the best of us,” I said. “Don’t you remember the bouncing curve ball you swung at in New York last year?” I asked Jack.

That led to shit talk about the myriad of mistakes or errors we’ve each made since we’ve known each other. And God knows there are a lot, especially from our rookie years.

I just finished tying my shoes, when Jack said, “It’s 9:45. We better head to the conference room.”

Tucking my cell into my back pocket, I stood and accompanied my teammates out of the locker room, through the myriad of corridors, heading toward the large conference room. Most of the veteran players were already there, knowing better than to not show up on time. The rookies would inevitably show up late, and they’d have to face the wrath of the head of PR, Hannah Adams. We’ve warned them, but there are things some men have to learn on their own.

Hannah entered at ten o’clock on the dot, and shut the door behind her. She scanned the room and I imagine she could make a detailed list of missing players just from that quick glance.

“Thanks for coming everyone,” she said. “ I know there are probably a million things you could be doing on your day off, so the fact that you’re choosing to spend it here lets me know how dedicated you are to the Waves’ support of the children’s hospital. This event is going to be a little more personal than we’ve done in the past. Instead of having you sitting behind tables signing pictures and balls, you’re going to be mingling with the guests…taking pictures, answering questions, and really engaging with the fans.”

Hannah had just finished her sentence when seven rookies burst through the door. The look she tossed their way should have knocked them dead. She continued.

“We’re providing photos and balls to sign as part of the admission fee, but I’m sure people will bring personal items as well. Every station has an array of Sharpies, so feel free to grab a handful to keep in your pocket.” She glanced at the paper in her hand and continued. “There’s a full staff here today, as well as extra security in case anything gets out of hand. We’re hoping this structure is successful so we can expand on it in the future. I think this personal touch will really resonate with the fans and keep them coming back year after year. That being said, after this is over, I’d love to hear your feedback on how you think this went. Most of you have done enough events to know when something works and when it doesn’t.”

She looked toward the group of tardy rookies and said, “Those of you who arrived late, please stay for a moment. The rest of you can go. Remember, the gates open in a half hour.”

Sabrina

“Daddy’s gonna be so surprised,” Lexi said.

We hadn’t spoken to him before deciding to return home, so he doesn’t know we’re on our way. Between his local talk show appearances and the charity event at the stadium, I figured he’d be busy and we’d just surprise him.

“He’s probably going to be pretty tired,” I said. “He had to be at the studio at five o’clock this morning.”

I thought she had fallen asleep when she didn’t answer, then remained silent for the next several minutes, but I glanced in the rear view mirror and found her watching me.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

Her cheeks flushed and she dropped her gaze to the hem of her shorts. She played with the edge for a moment before looking up again. “I was just wondering,” she said and then stopped. I glanced back to find her nibbling on her lower lip.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I mean, I was just wondering.”

I looked at her through the mirror again and arched a brow, silently urging her to continue.

“Should I call you Mom once you and Daddy get married?”

I nearly ran off the road at that question. Why did she have to ask that now? Couldn’t she have asked last night when I brought the subject of Dan’s and my impending nuptials?

“I, uh, I guess that would depend on you.”

“What do you mean?”

“If you’d feel comfortable calling me Mom.” I studied her through the mirror again. Her brow furrowed. “Do you think you’d want to?”

The frown deepened. “I think so.”

“Then, if it’s okay with your dad, it’s okay with me.”

“Do you think he’ll mind?”

“I don’t know. But I do think you should talk to him about it first.”

With the number of cars in the main parking garage of First Allegiant Bank Stadium, you’d think the Waves were playing a home game. Which is a good thing. The event was raising money for a local children’s hospital the team has adopted as its charitable cause. Dan told me that even though it takes place on a rare day off, all the players participate.

After driving up and down the rows of all five levels, I was about to give up and drive to another garage when I managed to snag a spot a car had just vacated at the back of the first level.

“Wow, I’ve never been here before,” Lexi said as we emerged from the garage. “Daddy parks over there,” she said, pointing to parking garage a couple blocks away adjacent to the players’ entrance.

“Of course he does. If he parked way back here, he’d be too tired to play after the long walk to the stadium.”

Lexi chuckled, then set her hand in mine as we walked toward the entrance.

A woman approached as we entered the gate.

“Hey Lexi.”

Lexi let go of my hand and ran into the woman’s open embrace.

“I’m happy you’re here. Your dad said you weren’t coming today. We miss seeing you.”

Lexi pulled away and settled in at my side again. She looked up at me. “We got done early and came back.”

The woman turned her attention to me. “You must be the famous Sabrina.” She held out her hand to shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you today. I hear congratulations are in order.”

Her smile transformed what had at first glance seemed to be an unremarkable face. Warm brown eyes glowed with sincerity from behind the lenses of blue and yellow striped glasses. Talk about team spirit.

I returned her smile as I shook her hand. “Guilty as charged, and thank you.”

“I’m Hannah Adams, public relations manager for the Waves.”

“So you’re responsible for this great turnout?”

She shook her head. “No, I just plan the events and publicize. The guys are responsible for all this,” she said, raising her arm in an encompassing gesture. “If they weren’t willing to volunteer their time, no one would show up.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” I said, having the feeling this woman did just that on a regular basis. “They couldn’t do this without you.”

She opened her mouth to speak just as a young man called her name and waved her toward him.

“Sorry, duty calls,” she said. “I look forward to seeing you around. Bye Lex.”

“Come on, let’s go find your dad.” I said to Lexi.

I treated Lexi to a pink cotton candy as we wandered around the stadium. The relaxed atmosphere surprised me. I expected to see the players behind a table, surrounded by crazed fans. Some of the players did sit at tables, but they were chatting with attendees or grabbing a bite to eat.

We found Dan standing with one of his teammates encircled by a group of fans. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he engaged with the awestruck children. For the most part, the adults stayed back and let the kids bask in the attention of their idols. Some of the men looked more spellbound than their sons and daughters. A few of the women watched the players with lascivious intent, but neither Dan nor his teammate seemed to notice.

Dan spotted Lexi and me and a smile lit his face. He said something to his teammate, who I now recognized as Cal Chase, third baseman for the waves, and pulled away from the group.

“Hey, you’re back early.” He lifted Lexi and wrapped his other arm around my neck, bestowing a kiss on us both.

“Lexi was such a big help, we got done ahead of schedule,” I said.

“We wanted to surprise you, Daddy.”

“Well, you did,” he said and set Lexi on the ground.

“Are all these people here to see you?” she asked.

“Me and the other guys.” He smirked and added in a stage whisper. “But mostly me.”

“We better let you get back,” I said. “Your doting public awaits.”

“I’m almost done here. We’re meeting in the big conference room for a drink before leaving. Why don’t you come along and meet everyone?”

“Are you sure?”

His smile answered my question.

“Lexi can lead the way.” He looked to his daughter for acknowledgement.

She nodded. “I know how to get there.”

“I’ll be there soon,” he said, before kissing Lexi on the top of the head. He straightened and brushed his lips against mine before getting back to work.

Dan

When I got back to the circle of fans, Jack had joined, and two of the more aggressive women had latched on to him. Probably because they hadn’t been getting anywhere with Cal or me. Depending on Jack’s mood, he may or may not take what they’re offering. Normally he picks one woman and spends time with her for the season, but from what he’s told me, this season’s flavor was starting to get a little needy for his taste.

“Sorry about that folks,” I said. “My fiancé and daughter got back to town early and decided to surprise me.”

The women oohed and aahed, then asked questions about Sabrina. I kept my answers vague, not wanting to invade her privacy. I’ll have to ask her what she’s comfortable sharing with the public.

A short time later, Hannah wrapped up the event in her normal no-nonsense fashion. My teammates and I stood near the entrance, shaking hands, and thanking attendees as they exited the stadium. Once it was cleared out, security closed the gates, and the team headed to the locker room to change before heading to the post-event party.

“Would you wipe that silly grin off your face?” Jack said.

“Someday you’re going to fall hard and you’ll understand,” I said.

He rolled his eyes and looked at Cal. “Listen to this sap. He’s not even married yet and he’s already trying to get me hitched.”

Cal gave a half-assed chuckle, but it was obvious to anyone it was fake. I know he and his wife have been having issues, but since I’ve been MIA this season, I’m not sure what’s going on. But I’m sure he’ll fill me in when he has something to tell.

“Sabrina and Lexi are coming to the party, so you’ll both get to meet her.”

“Lexi likes her?” Jack asked.

“She loves her,” I said. “And Sabrina is great with her. They’ve gotten pretty close over the past couple months.”

“I’m happy for you. Really,” he said. “And I’m excited to meet her. Hell, I feel like I know her already after listening to you whine for the past eight years.”

“You’re a douche, you know that?”

“I’ve been told.” He chuckled.

Jack’s cell buzzed. “Fuck,” he said, half under his breath.

“What’s up?” Cal asked.

“Cindy is blowing up my phone today.”

Cindy, aka this season’s girl, apparently wasn’t handling the fact that the season, and their relationship, was coming to an end.

“I don’t understand it. I’m very honest about what I’m looking for in these relationships. I’ve never had this trouble before.”

“Women are complicated,” Cal said. “Better men than we have failed at figuring them out.”

“Please don’t bring this subject up around Sabrina,” I said, only half kidding.

“I can’t make any promises,” Jack said. “Come on, let’s hit the party.”