Georgie opened the backdoor for Jeremy to get in as I said, “If Georgie here agrees to marry me like I asked.”
Both sisters shared an exchange I didn’t get, but it was clear an unspoken conversation had just happened. Then Georgie buckled our boy in with the click as he asked, “Mom, you’re marrying Michael?”
I waved and opened my door as Georgie then came over, hugged her sister and said, “We got to go. See you later, Olivia.”
I closed my door and leaned over to open hers. She got in and closed the driver’s door without a word. A few minutes later, we were back on the road, away from the school and Jeremy asked, “Mom?”
My heart stilled as I stared at her profile. Her jawline was clear as she watched the road and simply said, “It’s not been decided.”
She hadn’t even looked at me.
Jeremy didn’t seem fazed by her avoidance and asked, “Why not?”
She turned and softened her gaze as she winked at our boy and then glanced at me as she said, “It’s complicated.”
Jeremy threw his hands up in the air, making my arguments for me as he asked, “How is everything complicated with you?”
Later I’d have to talk to him. Women were a mystery no man has ever fully understood. My own father had explained that to me and, only now, I understood I’d get to pass that tidbit on as she said, “Because…I have to think about it.”
I winked at her, not that she saw me when I said, “Think fast.”
I asked my boy as we neared his home, “Are you ready to practice?”
As we pulled onto her small street, Jeremy’s face reddened and he said, “My friends wanted to know if they could come and learn, too.”
Georgie opened her home without a word and asked, “How many?”
“The whole team?” He asked as his voice squeaked.
We parked and she opened the door. I found my phone and turned it on as I said, “Let me make a phone call.”
“Okay.” He said and we all filed inside.
Phil had called as had a few of the team. I quickly called our manager and stayed in the background of her kitchen as Georgie handed our son a snack and said, “So I have some little leaguers in need of practice.”
Jeremy watched me and my shirt neck felt tighter until the manager said what I hoped. Good. I relaxed and met his gaze while I said, “Perfect.”
I had to wait a second to listen to the schedule and once I hung up, Jeremy asked, “So?”
I placed my phone on the table and nodded like I could offer him the world as I said, “The Sooners will happily help your team if they show up in an hour to the stadium…" My phone beeped and I picked it up to read as I said, “Hold on.” I patted Jeremy’s side and told him fast, “Text your friends. Free parking for moms.” I quickly typed my team manager and then turned off the phone. Family time was now and it wouldn’t be interrupted anymore. But I said, “Okay, Pirates are helping too and whoever shows up gets free tickets to tonight’s game.”
Georgie brought over cut apple slices and placed them in front of my son as she said, “That’s pretty awesome. Text Aunt Olivia, too, sweetheart.”
Jeremy did as asked and I grabbed one of the crunchy healthy snacks she’d made. Once he finished, he met my gaze and asked, “Michael?”
“Yeah, Buddy,” I said fast. The idea this boy was mine somehow made my shoulders bigger, like I had reason to be proud.
He put his phone down and said, “I don’t want to look bad out there.”
Right. I was here to help and pointed toward his backyard and said, “You’ll need a haircut as your hair is getting in the way of seeing, but you and I will practice one-on-one until the others get there.”
Georgie clutched her heart like she was happy as we went out.
Jeremy wasn’t bad. He played like he loved the game. Once, I’d been like him, and my dad pushed that love into a passion to be the best. I talked like my own dad once did with me about watching the other players moves to anticipate action, and how everyone would judge him differently now that it was known he was my son. He got it and jumped with more enthusiasm when I tossed the ball.
A haircut would be fast, but I didn’t want to bug Georgie for clippers. Tomorrow before we shipped out, that was on the agenda, even if he missed some school.
The alarm rang and I knew we had to go. We came back in and Georgie was now wearing shorts that went to her knees, a pink cardigan, and a clingy t-shirt underneath. Fields get hot, but I didn’t argue. We filed into her Rav 4 and headed to the stadium.
Jeremy now wore a plain gray shirt to go along with his jeans.
I tried to give Georgie space in my seat, though we were still close in proximity.
Plus, my body was still relieved after six years of waiting. I directed them where to park and pointed toward the parking signs for the kids. As we unbuckled in our spot, I walked with my family down the player row where press waited for us so I could direct them to family seating. As we stood near reporters, I hugged both closer and said, “Okay. We’re here. Walk fast.”
A woman from a sports network threw her microphone in Georgie’s face as she asked, “So how did you and Irons meet?”
She kept up pace with me. “Years ago.”
The reporter then said, “That doesn’t answer the question.”
Georgie took my hand and held it as lights flashed at us and she said, “I-”
I interrupted and directed them toward the door as I took the direct line of questions when I said, “Georgie and I were
