I follow Marissa Messmer out the front door and stop when we get to her car. “Thanks for driving all the way out here.”

“No problem. I’m thrilled for you, and it gave me a chance to pick up a few things for Mom and Dad while I’m here.”

“I feel like I owe your parents everything. They’ve done so much for me. And you, Marissa, will always be the sister I never had.”

“Well, Dad wants you to report in February despite the email you sent him. Mom wants you at the house so she can feed you. And I have to agree. Maybe this time away has been what you need. We all miss you, Ben. You belong in the game.”

And I miss them, but not to the extent I’ve got my ticket ready for spring training or anything. I’ve not even given February a thought. My focus has solely been on Addison. The thought of packing up my family and heading to Arizona for six weeks hasn’t even entered my mind.

My family. The words come to me so easily. Because that’s what Addison and our baby are. They’re my family. And they’re more important to me than the thrill of the first pitch on opening day, or the prospects of putting a custom-cut ruby and diamond studded World Series ring on my finger.

I want a different ring now.

I pull Marissa into a friendly hug, just as I’ve been doing for years now because she and her family took me in as more than just another arm. They treated me like one of the family.

“You might think I belong back on the mound, but I belong here. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though.” I squeeze Marissa once more, release my hold, and back away. “And make sure you tell Lillian that Addison approves of all the remodeling she did.”

“Mom had fun at this house. Aside from the nosy neighbor next door, no one knew who we were around here. And to think, we’re only ninety minutes west of Cincy. With Dad always working so much, their quick getaways to the lake were just what Mom needed. She’s going to miss this place.”

“I can see why, but she doesn’t have to. You’re all welcome to visit anytime you want. I know you’ll adore Addison.”

“I’m sure I will.” She peers past me, her gaze taking in the house one last time. “Trent would love it here.”

“He would.” I follow her gaze. “I’ve certainly grown to love it. Addison only sold it because after her parents died, she couldn’t stand being here alone. I think that’s why she moved into that dinky apartment instead of buying another house. It’s small. Nothing like this place.” I turn back to Marissa, content that the weight of my past is behind me yet beyond excited about the bright future ahead. “I’ve wanted to put a big Christmas tree in front of the window that looks out onto the lake for days now, but I’ve also been trying to keep Addison off her feet. Lately, her energy’s been low, and I’m not sure if it has to do with spending the holidays in this house or if it’s a product of nearing the end of the pregnancy. Either/or, the place looks amazing. This’ll be a nice surprise for her. Thanks for helping me decorate.”

“No thanks needed. I was happy to help. Now it sounds like Addison could use some pampering. So I’ll let you get to that while I work on getting Trent here sometime next summer. Holding a baby will be good for him. Maybe even set things in motion so he feels the need to knock me up.” She winks with a smile.

I laugh. “Knowing your mom and dad, you should probably have a ring on your finger first.”

“That’s the problem. Trent wants the ring. And I’m not talking about a plain band that means forever.” She lifts a brow. It’s as if she’s telling me my return to the mound is the key to getting the ring Trent has his heart set on.

“I think Trent’s the one who needs to screw his head on straight.”

Marissa laughs. “I’ll tell him you said that.”

“Please do.” I check my watch, noting the setting of the sun, and see Marissa shiver from the cold December air. “Addison should be back soon. Want to stay for supper? She’d love to meet you.”

“And ruin your surprise?” She shakes her head. “Thanks, but I gotta get back. By the way, your attorney squared everything away, including dealing with your agent. The eighty million you’ve netted over the last five years, Carter did well with his percentage of your pay. He knows it. And all the complaining he does to you, it’s just his way of telling you he isn’t ready to see you hang it up. With you, it’s about more than money to him.”

“I’ll be sure and send him an announcement after the baby comes,” I say, more than certain Carter’s actions are, in fact, all about the money I make him.

“And I’ll send you an announcement as soon as Trent puts an engagement ring on my finger.”

“You better,” I say, watching as Marissa opens the door of her car.

“And you better invite us to the wedding. We are family, you know.”

“You can count on it.” After my parents passed, the Messmers were the only family I had.

“Family stays in touch. And visits. And pops in for a warm weather vacay during spring training in Arizona.” Her smile knows no bounds. “See you there, Bender. And bring your new family with you.”

She tosses a sisterly kiss at me with a wave of her hand as she hops in and closes the door. The Messmer family couldn’t have popped into my life at a better time. Much the same as Addison did when our paths crossed last spring.