Long Ball(37)

“This is the most important part.” The officiant winks at me. “Jamie, do you?”

“I do, forever.”

“Megan, do you?”

She smiles so bright. “I do, forever.”

“What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

I take Megan’s hands and I kiss her tenderly, loaded with every promise I made her. She kisses me back with more fire, and I know she’s promising me the same.

The officiant announces us at Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Bonilla and bells ring as the three of us—Megan, Cora, and me—make our way down the aisle together, everyone cheering us on.

This is the absolute best day of my life.





12





The high pitched sound of a fork against a crystal glass rings out in the air. I frantically search for my wife—my wife!—and find her across the table, laughing with her parents. She catches my eye and smiles brightly, meeting me in the middle of the table for a kiss. Everyone claps, except Cora, who continues her chorus of “Ew!”, despite looking very happy about everything.

Our entire dinner goes just like that: dancing between tables, stolen kisses, and my tiny daughter squealing and hiding behind splayed fingers when she isn’t curled up in my lap. The best day of my life keeps getting better.

Saying goodbye to everyone is bittersweet, but they all promise to stick around one more night and watch the game against the Rangers tomorrow. Coach Halstead hooks us up with a few tickets on the house to celebrate our union, throwing in an, “I knew something was up your ass, Bonilla. Why didn’t you just tell me it was a woman? It’s always a goddamn woman.”

“Eh, Coach likes you.” Kemp punches my arm and escorts Ally into a cab. “Hit a long ball for me tomorrow, *. I flew a long way for this.”

“The limo’s waiting.” I slide my arm around Megan’s waist and kiss her cheek. “Are you ready to go? I need to make an honest woman out of you. Consecrate the marriage and all that.”

Already, I’m fantasizing about removing this dress and seeing the creamy skin underneath. It’s been entirely too long since I’ve had her between the sheets, and now is even more special.

Megan swats at me, but beams bright red. “Mom has Cora in the bathroom. I’ll go get them.”

“Well done.” Kate slides next to me as Megan disappears into the restroom. “I’m very impressed by all of this. Getting her parents here was a nice touch.”

“I would have loved to have everyone here, but I’m sure we’ll plan a big celebration in the offseason, when I can fly up my parents. Maybe even honeymoon in Venezuela. My abuelita would love her. I just couldn’t spend one more day without her by my side.”

“What’s one more day if you have forever?”

I cock my head to the side to get a better look at her, the best friend who made this all happen. She’s got a hint of bitterness around the edges, so I hug her. “When you find the one, you don’t want to wait for forever. You want it to start as soon as you open your eyes.”

“Humph.” Kate returns the small hug and edges away to get her purse. “You know; you still owe me.”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten. Edwards will be waiting for you after the game tomorrow night.”

Her face splits into a grin. She slowly nods. “You’re all right, Jamie.”

We have a small block of rooms at one of my favorite hotels downtown. Two very comfortable rooms in the main block for Megan’s parents and Kate, who graciously agreed to babysit Cora for the evening. It’s my favorite place because not only is it incredibly luxurious, but it’s comfortable. The staff treats Cora like a princess and everyone showers us with congratulations as soon as we walk in the doors. It’s like the party never ends. Not to mention, I don’t think Megan has ever stayed in a place as nice as this, and it feels amazing to give her that gift. Yes, as a professional baseball player, I’m going to be gone a lot. One hundred and sixty-two games a year is substantial and doesn’t include spring training in Arizona. But where I lack in time with my girls, I can make up with giving them the best possible life. My absurd contract means nothing without having someone to share it with, that much is clear now.

“Welcome to the family.” Megan’s mom, Denise, hugs me tight. “We are so grateful you called us, Jamie. This is a family to be proud of.”

I squeeze Megan’s hand and feel myself getting choked up again. “I couldn’t ask for a better one.”

“You are pretty lucky,” Megan teases. “But I think Cora and I are luckier.”

“Maybe it’s a tie, then.”

“Smart man.” Her dad, Roger, claps a hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “You two have fun tonight.”

“Roger!” Denise shoos him inside their room. “Enough of that. Go, you two. Enjoy the rest of your wedding night!”

They close the door and I sneak a full grab of Megan’s firm ass. Oh, we will enjoy. But first, we need to tuck in Cora, because I promised I would every night I was home and able, and I would never fall down on that promise on the very first night.

“These beds are the jumpiest beds I have ever seen!” Cora leaps from one bed to the next while Kate is buried in her phone. I hope it’s Edwards, and judging by the smile on her face, I’m probably right. Cora suddenly flops down and stares at us, looking a little upset. “Am I not supposed to jump on the beds?”