Page 108 of Fair Trade

My jaw drops. “Field? Nick, what are you—”

“And bring a pen. You’ve got a new contract to sign.”

fifty-seven

It’s too late toback out now.

I probably could have done this from the comfort of our home.

But when her insecurities are loud, it’s my duty to make my love for her even louder.

“You’re all mic’d up. You sure you want to do this? You don’t even give out interviews, and this is for sure going to go viral,” Daisy says as she does a final mic check.

“I’m sure. You need to run through the plan again?”

She rolls her eyes playfully. “I think I’ve got it. You’ve only made me recite it to you ten thousand times.”

I’m happy that our relationship hasn’t taken a hit since the joint bachelor parties, but I’m still holding out hope that I can convince her to stop her train wreck of a wedding from happening next month.

“All right. Then off I go. Wish me luck,” I say as I exit the dugout and step onto the Monarchs’ field.

I keep my head down, staying focused on the task at hand and not the confused sounds of the thousands of baseball-loving fans in the stands.

I make it to the pitcher’s mound and finally allow myself to take in the sight.

I’m struck by an unexpected onslaught of emotion as I look around me.

This place is a thing of beauty. Filled to the brim with joy from New Yorkers who make this place feel like home.

The place that brought a new sense of purpose to my life.

The place that, more importantly, led me to my wife.

I take a deep breath as I lift my mic and smile as I greet the awaiting crowd.

“Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to Monarchs Stadium. It is my honor to have you all here today. I am proud of this organization and the good we provide by hosting these charity games here in the heart of the city. And I am happy to announce that I will be matching the final total of donations we raise tonight.”

That earns me an enthusiastic round of applause. I hope the crowd can keep that energy as I spill my heart out on the field.

“I’m sorry. Where are my manners? I have yet to introduce myself to you. Some of you may already know who I am, but I want to take this opportunity to make this official.”

I look down at my watch and smile. “Two hours ago, I submitted paperwork to have my name legally changed. So I’d like toreintroduce myself, I suppose. My name is Nicholas León Álvarez-Stonehaven. I’m hyphenating.” I wink at the crowd as they cheer. “It’s only fair, since my wife has taken my name and heart as well. And if I’m being honest, being an Álvarez is one of the greatest honors I’ll ever have in this life.” I smile to myself.

“Speaking of the love of my life.” I shield my eyes from the bright lights with the hand not holding the microphone.“I believe you may have heard of her. She’s only the most impressive woman in the sports industry. But then again, I am her husband, so I may be biased. Ah, there she is.”

I see my sister not so gently pushing Luisa onto the field. My wife’s rosy cheeks are visible all the way from here. It’s only going to get worse for her stage fright, I fear.

She smiles and waves as she makes her way toward me.

Her heels keep digging into the field, so she stops halfway into her journey and chucks them behind her, causing the crowd to burst into laughter.

“Lucifer,” she warns, careful not to move her lips due to the many camera angles pointed our way. But I don’t miss the barely restrained tears—hopefully her reaction to hearing my new last name.

I pull her in for a live TV-appropriate kiss, then whisper in her ear. “Fancy seeing you here.”

She manages to chuckle, but her body remains tense. She’s probably wondering why I’ve dragged her all the way out here, so I move it along.

“Some of you may have heard that my beautiful wife and I eloped last fall. I promise you, there’s a good story there, but I’ll keep that between Luisa and me.” I sneakily pinch her ass, and her face continues to turn a pretty shade of pink.