Chapter Five
Nine Months Later
“Are you sure about this?” Steve asked for the fifth time as he and Tyler came off the pitch, taking off his helmet and wiping his arm across his sweaty forehead.
“Of course I’m sure.” Tyler raised his eyebrows. “You think I’m going to pull out?”
“Not that. I just don’t know what Kristie’s going to say about it. There are several thousand people watching this game.”
“You haven’t said anything to her, have you?”
“No, I haven’t.” Steve frowned. “And I hope she says yes and doesn’t smack you when you go down on one knee. Now that would be embarrassing for the team’s reputation.”
Tyler was still laughing as he took off his own helmet, leaning his bat against the side of the dugout. Their batting innings was over, and they had a few minutes to change over to get onto the field and bowl Surrey out. Their score wasn’t too bad, and Tyler was surprised that his batting had improved enough that he could support Steve while he was smashing the ball about the pitch, but Surrey were a good team. In twenty overs, anything could happen.
He just had something to do in the intermission.
“I think someone wants to see their dad.”
Tyler looked up, unable to hold back a laugh when he saw Kevin coming over, baby Kiera sitting up in his arms. She was looking around, her eyes lighting up when she saw her father.
“That’s a good look on you, Kevin. You should have a baby yourself.”
“No, thanks. I love baby cuddles, but I also like to give them back.” Kevin handed Kiera over. “She’s been an angel. And she gets excited when you’re up on the big screen.”
“Bless her.” Tyler kissed his daughter’s cheek, which had Kiera giggling. “Where’s Kristie?”
“She’s talking to Shauna.” Kevin looked over his shoulder. “Although she might be free now. Steve’s joined them.”
Sure enough, Kristie was walking towards them while Steve was stripping off his pads. Shauna was with him, and whatever she was saying to Steve had him smiling. Tyler was sure that the two of them were dating, but Steve hadn’t said anything yet. From the way Shauna and Steve were, it was clear something was going on. Steve was certainly softer, and he was more even-tempered. It was a strange change on him, but Tyler wasn’t about to complain; he didn’t want his future brother-in-law walking around like a timebomb, especially not right now.
Steve did approve of him and Kristie now after seeing how they were together, but that could change. Steve had made it clear he would come to Kristie’s aid if Tyler did something stupid.
That wasn’t happening. Not if this went to plan. And Tyler was sure it would.
Kristie joined them, giving Tyler a smile as she stroked her daughter’s hair.
“She’s been a hit with your teammates. I think everyone’s had a hold with her.”
“I saw. I think we’ve gotten ourselves a little mascot.”
Tyler couldn’t stop looking at Kristie. Her figure was a little fuller after giving birth, but she just looked incredible. She looked warmer, softer, more beautiful than before. And things were great. Tyler was used to having a baby who wouldn’t sleep much at night, and he was certainly used to waking up to Kristie beside him. He could hardly keep his hands off her.
He had been an idiot to hold back. Now he had the baby he wanted, and the woman he wanted.
For the most part. Tyler planned on making the latter a bit more official.
Catching Kevin’s eye, Tyler handed Kiera back.
“Can you take Kiera a second, Kevin? I need a private moment with Kristie.”
“Sure thing.” Kevin gave him a grin and winked. “Good luck.”
Tyler grunted, taking Kristie’s hand and leading her away from the dugout. He had to get ready himself, but he had a feeling nobody would mind if he was a bit slow. Kristie looked confused.
“What was Kevin talking about? What did you need good luck for?”
“I’ll tell you in a second.”