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CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

Kelton

It’s been a few weeks since Liz and Emerson moved to Tennessee. So far the two of them have been exploring the area. And when I say exploring the area I mean they’ve been gone more than they’ve been home.

They rented a cabin in Gatlinburg and spent four nights lounging, laughing, and making memories without me.

In their defense they invited me, but I had practices and games, and driving three and a half hours one way wasn’t something I was up to. So instead I let the two of them enjoy their time and I pouted quietly at home.

The Let Freedom Sing event was taking place in Nashville, and we had a game too. I’d planned to take them out after, looking forward to seeing the looks in their eyes when they see how big this event is here in Nashville.

I’d reserved a VIP box for four guests more than six weeks ago, waiting to share the experience and ensure that we had the privacy to do so. I don’t go out often to events like this, but now having someone to share it with left me wanting to show the world how happy I am.

It’s the top of the ninth, we were up by two and the Vegas Victors have two on base with their heavy hitter at bat. I am ready to end this here, ready to take the win and get my girl to the show. The crowd is loud, the tensions are hot, and all eyes are on home plate.

Pitch is in, and the sound of the ball making contact with the bat has everyone standing and holding their breath.

“James,” Jake yells, moving in but only to offer me backup.

I know this play is on me. I determine if they pull ahead or if it all ends now.

Adrenaline courses through me, and I bounce on the balls of my feet, watching the ball move in closer and start to descend as I get into position.

Ready to go left or right at the last minute I am crouched and focused.

My glove is up, and the snap the ball makes the second it hits my glove brings a smile to my face.

The crowd goes wild, and without pause I grab the ball and whip it to Chase who is ready at third. The ball hits his glove and he quickly throws it into home for the game winning out.

Jake runs toward me offering a fist bump just before we start toward the dugout, chuckling and enjoying our win. Feels good knowing that Emerson is here now, instead of sitting on a couch watching me play. I love knowing that on home games, I’ll be gathering her up and taking her home with me.

“You going to the fireworks later?” Jake asks as we slow to a walk, waiting for the other guys to step off the field in front of us.

“Yeah, you?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there somewhere.”

“This will be my first time.” Never had anyone to share it with before. “I’m taking Em and Liz.”

“What’s going on with Jerry and your sister?” he asks as we gather our stuff and start toward the locker room.

“Apparently nothing,” I say with a skeptical look, as Jake glances back at me mirroring my thoughts, one eyebrow cocked, his lips pressed in a tight line. “I’m not convinced either,” I say and he chuckles.

“Well, have fun tonight.” He chuckles slapping me on the shoulder before walking toward his side of the locker room.

I hurry to get showered and grab my bag, before texting Emerson that I’m on my way to meet them.

“Jerry and Liz had an argument,” she says when I find her standing alone, typing on her phone. “Liz stormed off and Jerry chased after her.”

“An argument about what?”

Emerson worries her lip and I refuse to fight with her about this.

“Just tell me this, it’s more than friends isn’t it?”

“For her yes,” she shares and I know it’s bothering her to even tell me that much. “For Jerry I’m not so sure. He’s been pretty open with her about not having time for a relationship from the beginning. But—” Emerson pauses and looks to the floor.

“But Liz is stubborn and thinks she can convince him otherwise.”

“I don’t know all of what’s gone on between them, I think it’s very little. My guess is Alizabeth’s heart is already tangled up in it and she’s having a hard time being wrong.”