One of the last things I expected out of life was to be the subject of a special segment on a local Charlotte morning TV show. They sandwiched Chase and me in between advice on getting the best back-to-school clothing deals and a cooking segment on North Carolina barbecue.

I was nervous, but Chase ate it up. As we waited backstage, he said, “Look at all of this. I watch these guys when I’m perched on the couch at home trying to pry my eyes open. They are so perky and cheerful. Eventually, I have to wake up.”

“Don’t you mind having your personal life on display for the entire city? It’s not only Charlotte but also most of the rest of North Carolina and a big chunk of South Carolina, too.”

Chase reached his arm around my waist and pulled me close. “I don’t care at all when my personal life is as wonderful as it is. I have the best man in the world at my side, and I want everyone to know about it. You were right about what a relief it is to be out.”

I said, “You take the lead. I’m still feeling nervous and shy about it. I love that we can be a couple, and it doesn’t matter who knows, but it’s still personal, and that’s still a TV show.”

We watched three cute little kids parade in front of the hosts on their comfy couch. They wore the latest in school fashions, and I laughed when a little boy pranced around striking his best model poses.

Julie Simmons, one of the two hosts of the show, asked the expert shopping guest, “Are these clothes all affordable? Because the kids look awesome, and I would love it if everyone could look this good.”

The guest responded, “Yes, they are very affordable, and details on where to get these great outfits are available on the station’s website. You can buy them in store, or you can order the shirts, dresses, pants, and shoes online.”

The two hosts and their guest applauded as all three kids reappeared to take a final bow for the audience. Julie stared into the camera and said, “Don’t move from your TV. You will all want to see our next guests, Coach Aaron Beck from the Charlotte Yellowjackets and his adorable partner. I have to admit that I had a crush on him, too, when we met backstage. They are on next!”

I looked at Chase, and he was showing a massive smile. I asked, “Why am I not surprised a straight woman has a crush on you?”

Chase shrugged. “What can I say? Everybody loves me.”

While the show paused for the commercial break, Julie helped us settle onto the couch. We were between her and the co-host Carl Swinton. He was more handsome in person than he was on TV. Carl had a stunning head of silver-grey hair. I elbowed Chase when I caught him staring.

Julie said, “Now relax, guys. We won’t ask any tough questions. We’ll chat about baseball, dating, and what lies ahead in the future.”

I smirked and said, “I’m glad you’re leaving out the tough questions.”

Julie winked at me, and the director started counting down until we were live on the air. On cue, the studio audience applauded, and Julie spoke to the camera.

She said, “Welcome back everyone. We don’t often get to have local sports heroes with us here on the show, and I’m doubly excited because these guys are just great fun to have around.” She introduced us both and asked, “Are you dating? That’s the rumor I heard.”

Chase spoke up. “It’s a lot more than a rumor.” To my surprise, he turned toward me, grabbed my chin and kissed me on camera. The audience broke into applause again.

Julie waved a hand in front of her face and said, “Oh, it’s getting steamy in here.” The director standing behind the cameraman gave us a thumbs up.

Chase blushed and said, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist it. Look at him. Do you blame me?”

Julie laughed. “I don’t blame you at all. You’re an adorable couple.”

I was still in shock staring out at the audience. Chase elbowed me and then turned toward Julie ready to answer her questions.

She asked about innocuous things like where we grew up, how hard it is to hit a baseball, and our favorite place for a getaway weekend. Then Julie said, “Now I want to get a little more serious. Chase, we’re all sad that your shoulder injury brought an end to your career on the baseball diamond, but you seem to take it in stride. How can you drop the game so easily? Wasn’t being a baseball star your life dream?”

She gave Chase the perfect opportunity to be his eloquent self. I reached out to take his hand while he spoke directly to the camera.

He said, “I didn’t drop it easily. In fact, I was shocked when the doctor’s prognosis started to sink in, but there was something else. When I was a little kid, I asked my dad what it took to become one of the sports announcers on the radio and TV. I was fascinated by them, and soon I wanted to be one of them.

“Jerry Green recently gave me that opportunity, and I’m having the time of my life. Baseball will always be a significant part of my life as long as I’m with this man to my right, and I hope that’s forever. As an announcer, it’s a brand new ballgame, and it’s always been my biggest dream. People used to tell me I was going to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York someday. I will be, but it will be as an announcer winning the Ford Frick Award beside the greats like Red Barber, Harry Caray, and Jack Buck.”

“Wow,” said Julie. “That’s quite a story. I think I can speak for everyone in the room when I say we wish you all the best. What about you, Aaron? Do you have any particular goals?”

I turned toward Julie and tried to speak. My mouth felt like it was full of cotton. Fortunately, Chase squeezed my hand and spoke for me. “He’s only going to be the top baseball manager of all time. Look for him in the World Series. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when.”

Julie said, “That is wonderful. I have so many more questions that I could ask, but we’re running out of time. I thank both of you for taking the time to visit with us here.”

Chase held up a finger and thumb spread slightly apart. He asked, “Can I make one tiny additional comment?”

“Sure, go right ahead,” said Julie.

I didn’t know what Chase wanted to say. I gripped his thigh tight as he spoke again. “There are more guys out there in the league like us who are afraid to come out. When they make the decision, and they do, please welcome them as warmly as Aaron and me. Let’s show them it is a brand new ballgame.”