The Dugout(87)

Why does Cory have to make me love him even more? It’s so not fair. I’ll never do enough to match his kind gestures, but I make a mental note to send him a text after the ceremony and tell him how much his message meant to everyone, because I’m sure it’s going to stagger Carson. At my family’s graduation dinner, I noticed—and was highly amused by—Carson’s awe-filled reaction to meeting Cory. And then as the evening progressed, how he just seemed to fit in. I knew he was a little on the crazy side already, the goofball, but I hadn’t realized how important bantering back and forth with my dad and brothers was to know I want a future with someone. No doubt he envies our family’s close relationship, but I hope he understands that the Potter family welcomed him into the fold that night. They love him. This day is going to be amazing.

Before I know it, the ceremony is starting, and I’m waiting behind the scenes with the plaque in hand and nervousness in my veins. I’ve never been in front of such a big crowd before, and I’m pretty sure this is the first time we’re making a statement about our relationship. Locker room chasers are going to hate my guts after this.

Oh well . . . sorry, not sorry, ladies. He’s mine.

I tune into David’s voice as he speaks about Carson’s many accomplishments since he’s been at Brentwood, his dedication to the team, the game, his injury, and his comeback. David also talks about the teams interested in him with the upcoming draft and his potential for being picked early. The crowd cheers boisterously when they announce the Bobbies interest, which if it comes to pass, would be amazing because Carson could reunite the bromance with Knox Gentry, his best friend. The Storm, Cory’s team, also announced their interest. That’s something I could be happy with as well, my brother and boyfriend playing on the same team. I could be really, really happy with that.

“To honor Carson’s time at Brentwood, we have a few gifts to present. Carson, please stand at the pitcher’s mound.” The guys push him out on the field and the crowd roars, the sound deafening. Fans chant his name and his teammates join in. Shyly, Carson’s lifts his cap to the crowd and immediately my eyes start to well with tears. This will be one of the best moments of my life, watching Carson play his final game at Brentwood. It’s coming to an end. After this, the team takes off to regionals, he’s drafted, and then goes straight to his new team, wherever that will be. In my head, I’ve understood this. But my heart’s breaking a little. I know there’s life post college, yet a part of me wants to press pause. I’m not ready for things to change, even though I know it’s part of life. This hurts.

Maria nudges my shoulder. “You’re up, sweetie.”

“Oh, sorry.”

David calls over the PA system, “Presenting Carson with a plaque with his impressive records listed and engraved is his girlfriend, Milly Potter.”

Coupled with the video, I’m pretty sure people will know exactly who I am after the announcer just said my last name, but at this point, I don’t really care. All I care about is seeing that giant smile on Carson’s face as I approach him.

I hand him the plaque that he takes in one hand and then with the other, he cups my cheek and presses a long, almost risqué kiss against my lips. The team erupts in cheers, and I’m positive I heard Shane and Jerry screaming their heads off in the distance.

When Carson releases me, he says, “Thank you, Coach.”

I smile up at him and drag my thumb over his lip. “Wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

At that moment, the jumbotron comes on and my brother’s voice fills the stadium. You can barely hear him at first through the cheering of the fans, but once it dies down, it’s all that’s heard. “Sorry I couldn’t be there to support you, bro, but I’m really proud of you and all you’ve accomplished. You have a bright future ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see where your baseball journey takes you.”

Carson stands stunned next to me, his arm wrapped around my shoulder, his mouth hanging partially open.

“Wow, wasn’t that great, everyone?” David asks as Carson looks down at me.

“That was unreal. Did your brother really do that for me?”

“He did and honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.”

“Ditto.” He leans down and presses another kiss to my cheek. “Thank you, Milly . . . for everything.”





Chapter Twenty-Three





CARSON





“Get your ass down here,” I say to Milly, who’s still standing behind the fence.

She glances around nervously. “Am I allowed on the field?”

“You were just on the field before the game.”

“I know, but that was different.”

“Milly,” I say sternly. The entire stadium has cleared, and Disik gave me permission to soak up the last moments on the field. There’s only one person I want to do it with. “I got the go-ahead from Disik, so stop stalling and get down here.”

Hands still wringing together—my little rule follower—she makes her way to the door that connects to the dugout and I let her in. Taking her hand in mine, we walk up the steps to the field and I take her to my spot between first and second base. From my pocket, I take out my phone and a small Ziploc bag before sitting, pulling her down on my lap.