Chapter Twenty-Two: Owen

The breeze whipped around my cap, cooling off my face in the midday California sun. I'd been gearing up for this day for the last two months, since we started our physical training schedule. It was the end of February and the first day of spring training.

Most of the players on the field were first years, with just a few of us veterans scattered throughout. It was where the coach and general manager could get a good feel for the team as a whole.

It always reminded me of the scrimmages we used to play in gym class. The games didn't matter, but they were played as if they did.

Today, though, was special in that we were playing the Nashville Bears. The same team that loaned us one of their physical therapists to help me with my shoulder in the off season.

We were only two innings deep, and I could tell a few of the players would need more field time. The others we would pair with a veteran player to tailor their training regime. But overall, the team was solid, and I thought we'd have a good chance at the championship.

The score read two to one, Coyotes.

The inning ended with a walk for the other team, and we headed toward the dugout.

Coach Hampton pulled me aside as I descended the steps.

"You're doing great tonight, Owen. I'm putting you up on the batting roster for the third. Knock one out for us."

"Sure thing, Coach." He glanced down at his phone for a moment and then smirked before walking away.

While I waited for my turn, I leaned against the railing and glanced toward the crowd. Spring training wasn't always full, but most of the seats were occupied. A group of ball chasers catcalled from the far end, hoping to get a picture, signature, or a hotel key. They called my name, but I sent them a quick wave and descended back into the dugout. That was a fire I definitely didn't want to play with.

The first two Coyotes players struck out. I watched from my stance as I swung my bat in practice. I hated watching anyone miss their hits, but the pitcher for the Bears had a great arm. I couldn't deny it. He was going to be one I'd have to look out for during the regular season.

Walking up to the plate was like coming home. I felt a sense of peace and belonging as I scuffed my foot along the dirt and took my position.

The first pitch flew by my face, and I felt myself sneer as the umpire called out a strike. Adjusting my legs, I crouched down a bit lower. Suddenly, an image of me standing behind Aspen came to mind when I helped her at the camp in Ashfield. Before the next pitch launched, I took a step out of the box to collect my thoughts. I'd never broken out of my mental block during a game. I was always focused. Always absorbed in the role I needed to play.

Not until Aspen.

"You've got this, Ramsey," someone called off in the distance, and I stepped back onto the plate and took my stance.

The pitch was too low to swing, and the umpire called a ball. I set up for the third pitch and adjusted my grip on the bat.

"Let's bring it home, Owen!" There was something oddly familiar about the voice, but I couldn't afford the distraction.

I watched as the pitcher wound up and adjusted his hand. I knew in an instant that this was going to be the same fastball he'd thrown at me first. With a clench of my grip on the bat, I swung at just the right mark, sending the ball flying through the air.

"Yes!" the crowd screamed, and the voice from earlier was louder than the rest. I launched my bat behind me as I ran toward first base, my eye on the ball the entire time. When it was clear it was going to soar past the outfielders and over the wall, I slowed my pace as I approached second. The guys on the other team held out hands for me to smack as I jogged across second and third base. It wasn't until then that I noticed my entire team standing outside of the dugout, pointing toward the crowd.

I looked up and nearly toppled over my own feet. Aspen stood in the stands behind home plate, wearing the purple dress I bought her.

Holy fuck. What is she doing here?

I sprinted toward home, then backtracked toward the dugout, only to climb over the railings and into the seats.

Aspen and I collided in the kind of embrace you only saw in movies. Our teeth clanked as we kissed, and I dove my hands into her silky hair.

Pulling back a tad, I asked, "What are you doing here?"

"We came to watch you play."

"We?"

She pointed over my shoulder, and I noticed the rows of empty seats behind the dugout were now filled with most of Aspen's family and my mother.

"I promised Roman I'll send your mom back with a souvenir for him."

"Owen!" the coach called, and I saluted him, then turned back toward Aspen.

"Fuck, I have a game to play."

She smiled in that sweet way that left my balls tightening in my pants.

"I know, superstar. I'll be waiting for you."

It was the longest fucking game of my life. There was no overtime, but it felt like the innings were never-ending. I stripped off everything and showered in record time. Thankfully, I'd spent time signing things and taking pictures for the guests before the game, so I was able to leave right after I dressed, while some of the players were still out on the field, meeting with the fans.

Checking my phone, I noticed no messages from Aspen, but as I exited the locker room, I found her waiting alone.

"Cricket," I called out and watched as she rolled her eyes before approaching me.

"Somehow, I'll get you to stop calling me that."

"Nope, never," I joked as I wrapped her in my arms. The players whistled and teased me as they exited the locker room behind me, but I didn't care.

"You ever going to tell me what it means?" she asked just before she pressed her lips against mine for a quick peck. No matter how many times I kissed this woman, it was like I found a new addiction every time.

"You're telling me all this time you haven't figured it out?" I asked her as I guided her out of the stadium and toward my car.

"I just assumed it had to do with the crickets you put in my backpack."

Opening the passenger door for her, I held her hand as she dipped inside. I was reluctant to let go in fear of her slipping away. As I jogged around the car, I breathed a sigh of relief when I got in and she was still there, not a figment of my imagination.

"Naw, that was just a lucky happenstance."

"Of course it was."

"Come on, cricket. Think harder."

"Owen, I have no idea. Believe me."

As I turned on the car and pulled out of the stadium parking lot, I thought about why I'd given her the nickname all those years ago.

"You're my good-luck charm, Aspen. Ever since I stepped foot into that first-grade classroom and Mrs. Epperly sat me in the chair next to you, I knew you were going to be special to me. There is a superstition that crickets represent good luck. So, that's how I came up with your nickname."

She was silent as she watched the LA skyline as we zipped down the highway.

"I'm your good luck charm?" she finally asked.

"Yep. I even have a small cricket in the bark of your tree on my arm. I didn't point it out that night you said I should get one tattooed. Thought it might freak you out, since I'd just gotten done telling you about the Aspen tree."

I knew she didn't quite understand the deeper meaning of what I was saying. She had no idea that during the beatings, during tryouts, during tests… all I had to do was think about her, and I felt a sense of peace. She was going to have to take my word for it.

After a twenty-minute drive, I pulled up to my place. It was a modern house with craftsman elements. It was much larger than one person needed, something I learned when I rented Rory's house, but it was my first big purchase when I signed my contract with the Coyotes, so it was special.

Outside, the landscaper installed lights to shine on the house when it grew dark. The stonework along the base of the columns shimmered in the glow.

"Wow. Owen, this is beautiful."

"Thanks. I hope you like it."

I exited the car and jogged around the car to get her door. I still couldn't believe she wore the dress that nearly brought me to my knees when she first wore it.

"Baby, I'm not sure I'll be able to give you a tour tonight. I've missed you for too long."

"That's okay," she added as we stepped over the threshold. "The only thing I expect tonight is to be with you."

I brushed my lips across hers as I slammed the front door closed behind me. "That can definitely be arranged."

My hands worked quickly at peeling her dress off, though finding the zipper was a challenge. Just as it fell into a pool of material at her feet, her stomach rumbled.

"Did you eat? Are you hungry? Let me feed you."

I started to pull away, but Aspen reached out and gripped my wrist like a vice. "Don't you dare move, Owen Ramsey. I did not fly across the country to surprise you and have you feed me rather than make love to your girlfriend."

"Well, now. What is it you'd like me to do?"

"Carry me up to your bedroom, and make sure I can't walk for the rest of the week."

"Jesus," I murmured as I lifted her into my arms and carried her down the hall to the master suite.

"See? Good-luck charm," I said, showing her the tattoo when she peeled my shirt over my head after I set her on my bed. And then she launched herself at me, and I made her come four different times before the clock struck midnight.

In the early-morning California sun, I sat at the small kitchen table, watching as Aspen cooked up some eggs and bacon, wearing nothing more than my baseball jersey. I'd already taken a dozen pictures I was sure would have her swapping my shampoo for glue if she ever found out, but she was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.

"What's your family up to today?" I was still amazed almost her entire family traveled to LA for the week and that my mother had plotted with my coach to get Aspen to the game.

"I think they're going to do some touristy things. See the Hollywood sign. Do a celebrity bus tour. Things like that. Nate is playing tour guide."

I knew her brother-in-law lived in California before moving to Ashfield, but he didn't come across as the tour-guide type. When I mentioned it, Aspen agreed and said Alex had a backup on speed dial in the form of one of her dancer friends from school.

"And what are you doing today?" I asked as she spun around with two plates of food. She sashayed toward me, and instead of taking the seat across from me, she planted herself right on my lap, exactly where I wanted her.

"I plan on watching my boyfriend play baseball."

"Good answer," I mumbled around a delicious piece of bacon. "I could get used to this."

Watching her move around my kitchen was something I'd only fantasized about.

"I know it's probably a touchy subject, but who is watching the farm?"

"Well, funny you should ask that." Aspen set her fork down on her plate with a clink and spun around until her legs were on either side of my hips as she faced me. "Andrew is watching the farm while I'm gone."

"Well, that's nice of him."

"He's actually moving back to Ashfield to help more. And we've hired two more managers for Sunny Brook Farms."

"Okay." Her tone was suspicious. Almost like there was a "but" coming, yet not exactly.

"And I made a decision. If you're up for it."

I tried not to get my hopes up, but my heart was beating so erratically in my chest that it sounded like a marching band was playing outside my door. "What's that, cricket?"

"I was hoping that maybe I could move here… with you."

I swallowed, trying to keep my voice calm, even though my insides were jumping around like a cheerleader. "Really? Is that what you want?"

Her fingers twirled the lower part of my hair around my neckline as I slid my hands up and down her bare thighs.

"I want to be with you. And during our time together, you taught me to have more confidence and courage. I'm taking the leap."

"I didn't do that, cricket. You did it. I just gave you a little extra strength. Remember?"

It was the same thing I'd said to her when I helped her during the camp. Aspen always had the strength; she just needed that extra push from someone who believed in her.

"That doesn't answer my question, Owen. I don't want to overstep or anything."

"Baby, I'd move your stuff in today. I'll pay for a moving company to bring it all by the weekend."

She laughed so lightheartedly, with her head tilted backward, that I couldn't help but press a kiss against her exposed neck.

This woman was giving me everything I ever wanted. A friend. A companion. Love.

"So, we're doing this?" she asked as she took a few calming breaths.

"Abso-fucking-lutely. I can't wait to have my good-luck charm with me all the time."

"Maybe this time you'll actually win the championship."

She bolted off my lap as I stared at her in shock. "How dare you! You know we've won two already."

"A little extra luck couldn't hurt," she joked as she grabbed a piece of bacon and made her way toward the living room.

I stood up quickly and chased after her, toppling us over the back of the couch as I tackled her. Our laughs intermingled until she settled against my body, tucking her face in my neck.

"I can't believe you're really here with me, and moving in."

"Believe it, superstar, I'm exactly where I want to be. With you."