Epilogue
Six Months Later
MILLER
How are the boobies?
Taylor changed the name to Gabby’s Tit Talk
“I love your friends,” Chase laughs and pockets his phone as he opens the passenger door of his truck for me.
“They’re your friends too,” I remind him with a kiss on his jaw before climbing into the seat and watching as he rounds the front and settles into the driver seat. “I’m surprised it took her this long to rename the group chat with how much they’ve asked about my breasts over the past six months.”
“Pretty sure she changed it every time the conversation came up. How are you feeling?”
“I’m not sure I’ve fully wrapped my head around it if I’m being honest.” We’ve just left my six month follow up appointment for my biopsy.
It’s a surreal experience to sit in a room with an almost perfect stranger while they ask your family history and type everything into a machine for it to spit out your chances of breast cancer in the future.
“The doctor said you’re at no greater risk now than you were before. We got good news, baby, but I can understand how that may be hard to comprehend after everything you’ve been through.”
He’s been my rock since the biopsy. The mental load of a cancer scare isn’t one I fully appreciated until I was knee deep in it and the mood swings kept happening.
I was fine one minute and the next I was an anxious mess.
While the results were favorable, it takes its toll.
For me, it was hard to believe the doctors at first when they said it was benign.
Thankfully, with the support of Chase and my amazing chosen family, I’m doing much better mentally than I was.
Lacing my fingers through his, I say, “You’re right. The appointment this morning was further confirmation that everything is fine. We’ve made it past this challenge. I’m sure there will be more, but I can conquer anything with you by my side.”
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be, Princess.” He kisses my knuckles and shifts the truck into drive as our phones ping again.
TAYLOR
I can’t wait to see those boobies.
IVORY
She’s not going to flash us in the middle of family day.
DADDY MIKE
I really don’t need to be in this chat.
Daddy Mike has left the chat.
“Are you sure you’re still up for going to the stadium for family day?” Chase just got back from spring training yesterday and Opening Day is the day after tomorrow. To celebrate the start of another season, the Troubadours are hosting a family and friends day at the stadium for the team and staff.
“I’m sure. I’m excited to hang out with everyone. We better hurry up before they lose their minds.” Checking the group chat, I catch up on the texts we’ve missed in the few minutes since getting in the truck.
Miller added Daddy Mike to the chat.
MILLER
This is an important update. You have to be here.
PRESTON
Gabs?
TAYLOR
Why are you not responding?
IVORY
They might still be in the doctor’s office. Leave them alone.
MILLER
They’re out. Looks like they’re on the road.
PRESTON
How do you know that?
ME
Yeah, how do you know that?
TAYLOR
There she is! How are the breasties?
MILLER
I turned on your find my.
ME
You’re tracking me?
PRESTON
I’m afraid to ask but what are breasties?
IVORY
Oh, babe. You really shouldn’t have.
TAYLOR
Gabby’s my bestie and they’re her boobs.
So they’re my breasties.
DADDY MIKE
Please make it stop.
TAYLOR
You love me and you know it, Daddy Mike.
GRANT
Can we please find him another nickname?
Also I would like to be removed from this chat as well.
TAYLOR
No can do, Mr. Davenport.
The texts keep flying back and forth and before long, we’re pulling into the player’s lot.
I’m still not used to walking into the stadium hand in hand with Chase as my boyfriend.
Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to fully embrace my WAG era at the end of last season when the Troubadours lost in the third round of the postseason.
It was a bummer for all of us, especially after leading the division for most of the season.
But, that’s baseball for you. Even the winningest team can have a bad run and get knocked out of contention.
“It’s about time you showed up,” Miller calls out when we emerge onto the field. He’s tossing a ball with Cooper, who runs over immediately.
“Hey, boy. Who’s a good boy?” I drop to my knees in the grass as he smothers me in puppy kisses.
“Ahem, I’m waiting.” Miller stops in front of me with his hands on his hips.
“All clear.” I don’t miss the way his body visibly deflates with relief when I smile up at him.
Miller cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, “The boobies are safe!” Jumping up, I cover his mouth with both hands to shut him up.
“Would you stop it?” It’s impossible to not laugh when he’s this goofy.
“Let’s go tell the others.” Miller scoops me up into his arms and starts running. Cooper bounds after us, yipping happily at the game. Finally, Miller drops me by third base where Ivory, Preston, and Mike are chatting.
“I better not hear you complaining tomorrow that your body is sore,” Mike says to Miller. “Gabby, how are you?” He wraps me in a hug.
“I’m good. The doctor said everything was fine, and I’ve been cleared.”
“That’s great news.” Ivory pulls me into a hug next and whispers into my ear, “I love you.” I squeeze her extra tight before moving into Preston’s embrace.
“Best news.” Preston kisses my head like only a big brother can. Chase joins our huddle and drags me into his arms, resting his head on my shoulder.
“Now can I be removed from the group chat?” Mike asks, injecting humor into the moment.
“No, and I won’t be complaining. This is our year, right boys?” Miller holds his hand out for a fist bump.
“Hell yeah.” Chase and Preston say at the same time, tapping their fists to his. I can’t wait to cheer them on this year. I’ve even ordered a new shirt for the season—“Property of The Chaser.” He’s going to love it.