Chapter 29 #2
“I do,” she answers Sage, then looks at me. “I’ve been doing some research, so I know what you and your dad are talking about.”
I feel like I can’t breathe.
She’s admitting to taking the time to learn the one thing that has been a part of my life since I could walk. The thing that has brought me joy for my entire life before Sage was born.
Poppy not only feels like a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth, but she feels like I was given extra innings—one more chance to try and open up my heart to the possibilities for me.
No more strikeouts, only home runs.
Poppy Barlow is my home run. There’s no doubt about it.
Tucker clears his throat, as if he can read every thought like an open book. “I’m going to get the kids started on practice. Let’s toss this ball around, Sage.”
He leaves with Sage, and I’m left staring at Poppy.
“You’ve been doing your research, huh?”
“Mm-hmm.”
“So, have you learned any of the positions or what each one does?”
She shrugs. “I’ve learned the basics like the pitcher and catcher. I know a little bit about first, second, and third base, too. Outside of that, I have no clue yet.” She laughs.
“Do you have plans tomorrow night?” I ask quickly.
“Uh. No, I’m just planning to do my puzzle like I do every night before I go to sleep.”
I nod. “Good. I’m coming over.” She eyes me curiously, so I lean down, letting my lips graze the shell of her ear. “No more research on your own. If you’re going to learn, it’s going to be from me.”
She nods repeatedly, a blush painting her freckled cheeks. Just as she opens her mouth to say something else, tires screech to a halt on the main road. Loud music blasts from the speakers’ bass. We all snap our heads in the direction of the blacked-out Tahoe that matches mine.
It takes me a moment to register who owns that vehicle, but it’s clear when Tyler pops his head out of the sunroof in his team jersey with his fists in the air that I know exactly who is here for a visit. He points his finger in my direction and smiles widely. “There he is!”
“Don’t leave yet,” I tell Poppy and give her hand a light squeeze before jogging to where they parked.
Tyler jumps out of the passenger seat with more energy than I’ve ever seen from him, while Mitch takes his time getting out of the driver’s side.
“What the hell are you two doing here?” I ask just as Tyler wraps his arms around my neck in the tightest hug, patting my back aggressively. “Watch the shoulder, Ty.”
“I’m sorry, man. It’s just so good to see you. We thought we’d show up in this middle-of-nowhere town and see what has kept you so busy that you can’t talk to us anymore.”
Guilt pricks me, because he’s right. I’ve been the worst friend because I’ve been so preoccupied with everything. “I’m sorry. I’ve been doing a lot around here to keep busy.”
Mitch eyes the field. “I can see that. This all looks brand new.”
Tyler inhales deeply for exaggeration. “I can smell the fresh wood from the new dugout from here.”
“I worked on it over the weekend with a new friend here in town. I wanted the kids to have something.” I turn around, facing the field with my two best friends from back home. “Welcome to the barnyard.”
“Ahh. I get it. The field is right next to the ranch. The barnyard.” Tyler laughs, nodding his head in approval. “What’s happening here tonight?”
“This is my team.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Mitch says. “I completely forgot you were coaching kids here. Whoa.” He pauses, pointing to Archie deep in the outfield, who just threw it to home plate. “That kid’s got an arm on him.”
“I’m more so wondering who that is over there by the dugout,” Tyler says, gesturing to where Poppy stands next to Nan. “She hasn’t stopped looking over here since I pulled up. Is she single? Do you know who she is?”
I smack his chest with the back of my hand. “Off-fucking-limits, Goodman.”
“Shut up! Is that her? Is that the girl you were telling us about?”
“Yeah.” I stare at her, smiling like a kid who just got told they can have the lollipop they just finished begging for. The woman who has shattered my sense of normal in the best ways possible. “That’s her.”
“No wonder you don’t talk to us anymore.” Tyler scoffs. “I’d be spending all my free time with her, too.”
“Ty. You’re my best friend, so I’m going to say this in the nicest way possible. But take your fucking eyes off of her.”
“What’s she like?” Mitch asks.
I pause, not knowing how to explain it. I stare at Poppy standing by the field. Sage has run up to her, handing her some type of weed she picked from the grass as if she just picked the most beautiful flower in the garden. They laugh, and Poppy gives her a hug.
My chest tightens with emotion. If the question was him asking me how I felt about her, I’d probably tell them she’s it for me.
“She’s different,” I settle on. “She’s not the type of woman you get out of your system.”
Mitch turns to face me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re different, too, coach. In a good way. I’m really fucking proud of you.”
I swallow, not wanting to get emotional with my best friends.
He’s right, I am different.
I’ve been feeling this way for a while now.
Mitch doesn’t have to say anything more, because I know what he’s talking about. I’m not acting like the old Dallas with Poppy. I’m not making her a temporary stop in my life. She deserves so much more than that.
“SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!” Tucker screams, running to where the three of us stand. “Tyler Goodman and Mitch Holton are here. In Bluestone Lakes. At the barnyard. I think I’m going to fucking pass out.”
Tyler leans over, keeping his voice low. “Who does he belong to?”
“The town, but sometimes I question if he belongs to the wolves,” I answer, also keeping my voice low. “Tucker, this is Mitch and Tyler.” I introduce them because it’s polite, but I know Tucker doesn’t need it.
He extends a hand, shaking both of my friends’ hands. “It’s an honor to meet you both. Oh my god, this is the greatest day of my life. I’m a huge fan.”
“Huge fan,” I repeat, emphasizing the words.
The guys laugh. “Are you helping coach the kids?” Ty asks.
Tucker nods. “Coaching and moral support for our guy here.” He gestures to me, playfully punching my good shoulder. “I can’t believe you two are here. The kids are going to lose it.”
“Introduce us,” Mitch says, and follows Tucker to the kids.
When Poppy starts making her way to us, Tyler jogs up to meet them to say hi to the kids.
“Sorry about that,” I say when she comes to a stop next to me. “Those guys would be my teammates from San Francisco. Mitch and Tyler.”
“It’s nice of them to show up to see the new field.”
“They’re actually here because I’ve apparently disappeared.” She eyes me curiously, so I lean down, whispering for only her to hear, even though no one is around us. “I’ve been a little busy lately.”
“Yeah. You put a lot of work into getting this set up for the kids.”
“Not what I mean, honey.”
She looks up at me from the side, a shy smile spreading across her lips.
“When my brain isn’t focused on Sage and what I need to do with her, or keeping her busy. Every thought I have is consumed with you, Poppy. I’m always wondering what you’re doing, how you are, and waiting for the next moment I can kiss you—touch you. It’s all I think about.”
“I’ve found myself doing the same thing,” she admits.
“Good. I’ll be over tonight then.”
“But you said tomorrow?”
I nod my head toward my two friends. Mitch has Sage lifted, and her arms are wrapped around his neck, and Tyler is playing catch with Archie. “I have two guys who have missed Sage and will be more than happy to spend some time with her tonight.”
I can tell she’s nervous by the way she wrings her hands together, looking down at the dirt. So I spin her to face me. With wide eyes, she looks up at me. I say nothing but lean down and press a kiss to her forehead.
“Listen, I know we keep talking about checking the next thing off your list. I told you you’re in control, and I meant it. But I want to—no, I need to—see you tonight even if it’s just to spend time with you. That being said, I understand if you already have plans. I don’t want to intrude on them.”
“No, I want to see you, too, Dallas. Come over whenever, I’ll be home.”
I grin. “Yeah?” She tips her chin. “Then I’ll be seeing you soon, honey. I’m going to get back to practice.”
“Okay.”
I give her hand another squeeze before jogging back to the field for practice.