Epilogue
Opening Night of the New Season
I clap a hand over my mouth, giggling along with the rest of the crowd as a little boy wearing the same jersey as me—and more importantly, Mason Fletcher—takes a determined swing as a ball is gently pitched in his direction.
The bat is so big and heavy in his hands his body practically goes flying as he misses.
His body spins in a clumsy circle, but luckily, Fletch is there to steady him.
It’s tradition that during every game, a lucky fan is recruited to be an honorary Honky Tonk. Tonight, it’s this adorable little guy who looks to be anywhere from four to five years old.
“You got this,” I shout in encouragement as he takes another swing.
Another miss.
It isn’t unusual for it to take all three tries whenever they do this. But to ensure the tiny Honk Tonk gets the full experience, Fletcher moves in to save the day. He sets down a batting tee and places the baseball on top before leaning down to give what I’m sure is the ultimate pep talk.
The little man listens intently, pure determination written across tiny features.
He looks an awful lot like a superhero ready to face his destiny, as though this is where his origin story begins.
And who knows, maybe it is. Perhaps this one perfect moment will be a defining one, the spark that turns into a lifelong dream of becoming a true Honky Tonk player.
Turning back toward the ball, he takes one final swing and connects. The ball plops straight onto the dirt, managing only a few small bounces, and not even making it to the pitcher’s mound. That doesn’t stop the crowd from reacting as I jump up and down and scream along with them.
No matter how many times I’ve seen this bit, it’ll always be my favorite. Then again, it always feels extra special when Fletcher is the one by their side. There’s just something incredibly attractive about a man jogging alongside a kid, playing the role of coach as he shouts encouragement.
The Outlaws, the league’s newest team thanks to all the popularity, play their roles perfectly as they fumble the ball every single time.
They’re constantly running into each other, and, of course, missing even the easiest of throws and catches, but it gives our Honorary Honky Tonk his time to shine.
Bless their sweet, clumsy hearts.
Finally, the little guy and Fletch round third base as the entire Honky Tonks team, along with Honkers, join in and sprint along the sideline, all cheering and hyping him up as they make the final dash toward home plate.
In what looks like a close call, Ellis Green, the third baseman for the Outlaws, throws the ball toward home, where Zade Dalton, the catcher, misses, giving our man the chance to finish strong as he scores a point.
The stadium is as loud as ever as we all celebrate. Usually, I’m all about watching the kid and seeing their proud smile, but like always, I can’t seem to take my eyes off Fletcher as he lifts the boy into the air before setting him on his shoulders.
The entire Honky Tonk team circles around them, jumping and cheering as they somehow make this core memory even more special for the kid. It’s pure chaos, but in the most wholesome, heart-melty kind of way.
The cheers only die down when the music changes and the camera switches angles.
Fletch lowers the kid back to the ground before leading him hand in hand toward his waiting parents.
Everyone in the Honky Tonk organization is focused on creating the ultimate experience for the fans, but nobody takes that mission more seriously than Fletch.
He goes out of his way to be kind to everyone and never rushes a kid asking for an autograph, even when he’s running late.
It’s almost comical that last year when I joined the team, I’d been so convinced he was only a fan favorite because of his good looks. It didn’t take long to see that what everyone was actually reacting to was his heart, his genuine love for the game, the community, and most importantly, the fans.
He could’ve just dropped this kid off with his parents and walked away, but instead, he lingers, chatting with them as the rest of his teammates take their turn at bat.
He could make excuses, since this is his time to rest after all, but he would never do that. Instead, he’s over there laughing like they’ve all known each other forever as he kneels to the kid’s level and signs his jersey, along with a few balls for the rest of the family.
After a few more minutes, he says his goodbyes before his eyes lock with mine and he makes a beeline in my direction.
It doesn’t matter how much time has passed, there’s still that same familiar buzz that ignites every single nerve in my body whenever I see that gorgeous smile of his—the special one I knew he reserves only for me.
“You’re amazing, you know that right?” I ask, handing him what I know is a much-needed bottle of water.
No dehydrated boyfriends on my watch.
“I should probably stay humble and brush off the compliment, but with you,” he says, leaning in close as he lowers his voice, “I’m always going to selfishly take whatever praise you’ll give me.”
For one delirious second, I swear he’s going in for a kiss. There’s a hunger in his eyes, one that makes me more than ready to make some very bad decisions, but instead, he raises the bottle and takes a long swig.
My eyes narrow, and he only smiles. We both know what he just did, and while I’ll always want to feel his lips pressed against mine, even I can admit that now isn’t the right time.
Not only have all the players and staff been incredibly supportive of our relationship, but so has my dad. He’s thankfully not insisted on writing up a no-fraternization policy, but we’re both aware it’s best not to test his kindness or his boundaries.
“Oh, come on!” I bump my shoulder into his. “You’re acting like I never give you any compliments.”
“I know you do. In fact, I remember the one you gave me last night when I—” he starts, but I rush to cover his mouth.
“Oh God!” I shake my head and laugh. “You better watch yourself, mister, or you’ll be banned from all similar activities in the future,” I tease, though we both know it’s a baseless threat.
“That’s the thing,” he starts, casually linking my fingers through his.
“I know just how lucky I am, and I’ll always take whatever you’re willing to give me.
Whether it’s a compliment, a smile, or even the last french fry at the bottom of the McDonalds bag I’m good.
Honestly? All I really care about is being the only one who gets to fall asleep and wake up next to you every day,” he pauses, his eyes meeting mine.
“Even if you do tend to steal the blankets and drool all over my pillow.”
“I do not drool!”
“Whatever you say.” He shrugs, his thumb brushing softly over mine. “But even if you did, just know I’d love you anyway.”
I give in and smile back. “The feeling is mutual. Plus, how could I not after the show you put on out there?” I nod toward the field. “Seeing you with that little guy was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I actually think I felt one of my ovaries twitch.”
He arches an amused brow. “You saying you want kids with me, Holls?”
“Easy there, cowboy!” I laugh. “I said twitched, not that they went out and bought a minivan,” I tease, giving his hand a light squeeze.
“But who knows? Maybe in a few years I’d consider it.
It’s obvious you’re going to be an amazing dad, and if you’re going to become one, then yeah, you better believe it's going to be me by your side. "
“Good to know, because there’s nobody else in this world I wanna make babies with.” He smiles lovingly as he leans closer, his breath hot against my ear. “And while it might be a while before we make it happen, you know I’m always down to practice.”
I force myself to keep a straight face despite the blush creeping up my neck. Nobody seems to be looking our way or listening in, but I’m also not looking to create another online viral moment. One will always be more than enough for me.
“Maybe if you’re a good boy I’ll let you practice tonight.” I glance up at him, our faces only inches apart.
“Only maybe?” His eyes drop to my lips before meeting my gaze once more.
“Yep. I only practice with winners.” I nod toward the large scoreboard. “And as of right now, the Outlaws are in the lead. Sorry, but it’s not looking too good for you.”
“In that case, it looks like I have some work to do.”
Even more so now as Easten hits the ball and it flies straight toward Braxton Bishop, of the Outlaws in left field. He easily catches it behind his back, officially ending the inning without another run for the Honky Tonks.
“Remember what’s riding on this. Don’t let me down,” I say, just as Mateo comes out of the Honky Tonk dugout and tosses Fletch his glove.
“Never,” Fletch promises with a wink.
Jogging backward with his eyes locked on mine, he tosses me his water bottle. Not being anywhere close to as talented as him, it fumbles through my fingers, but by some miracle I manage to catch it before it tumbles into the grass.
I don’t have time to be annoyed and instead watch in pure awe as he runs toward his spot, giving me an award-winning glimpse of his backside in those perfectly fitted red pants.
I’ll never understand how I got so lucky. I’d treated him horribly and came so damn close to ruining everything. Despite all of that, he continued to fight for us. And now, as he bends low, his body agile and ready, I’m reminded of just how much this man is willing to do to keep me happy.
The truth is, he’s getting me either way. Win or lose, I’m all his. Not just for tonight, but for the rest of our lives.
I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to pinpoint the exact moment I truly fell for him, but I’ve accepted it doesn’t really matter. From the moment he walked into that bar, pretending to be my boyfriend with that cocky smile and ridiculous charm of his, it was all over for anyone else.
He’s mine, but most importantly, I’m his and there’s not a single person in this world worthy of owning my heart but him.
There’s no way you could’ve ever convinced the old me that his cheesy pick-up lines and over-the-top flirting would work, but somehow, he won me over.
For a competitive person like myself, especially as the daughter of the great Jared Clemmins, I absolutely hate losing.
But for the first time ever, it doesn’t feel like losing at all. Because in the end, we both won.