Third Base (The Boys of Summer 1)

As soon as I step in the house my mom is standing in front of me. “Ethan, she’s beautiful and lovely. I just love her.”

“I love her too, mom,” I say, kissing her on the cheek and winking at Daisy, who is blushing like crazy.

I carry all the bags to the extra bedroom where Mike and Shana will stay with Shea. My parents are going to sleep on the couch that pulls out into a bed. I never thought I’d host everyone at my place or I would’ve bought something bigger. Maybe that’s something Daisy and I need to look at once the holidays are over.

Before I know what’s happening, my mom has the eggnog open and has poured everyone a glass. She holds her glass high in the air and clears her throat. “I’m a blessed woman,” she starts with tears already in her eyes. “I have the best family and I’m so happy to bring this beautiful young woman into our lives.”

“Forever,” I add with a smirk.

Both mom’s and Shana’s mouth drop open and Daisy looks at me, smiling.

“Ethan?” Mom’s voice is happy, yet scolding.

I shrug and hold up Daisy’s hand, much to the cheerful delight of everyone in the room. “Daisy and I are getting married.”

“When?” Mom asks.

We had talked about a date into the wee hours of the morning the night I proposed, finally settling on one that would work for both of us. “We know its short notice, but we’re going to get married in February before I report for spring training. We don’t want anything big and Daisy wants to get married on the beach. So we thought we’d all take a trip to the Keys and have us a little party.”

“Are you pregnant?” Shana blurts out. Both Mike and my dad glare at her. She shrugs. It’s an honest question.

“No, I’m not pregnant. There’s just nothing keeping us waiting.”

“Here’s to my son and his beautiful bride. I’ll be very happy to spend some time down south in the winter.” My dad laughs as he gives us a toast.

Mom comes over and pulls us into a hug, congratulating us. Shana and Mike are next, followed by my dad. It doesn’t escape my notice that he hugs Daisy for a long time and when he pulls away, she’s wiping tears. I look at her, but she shakes her head, leaving me to talk to my family while she disappears down the hall.

“I’ll be right back.” I hand Mom my glass and follow Daisy down the hall, finding her in the bathroom.

“Are you okay?” I rub her back while she dabs a tissue to her eyes.

“Yes, your dad said something that made me cry.”

“What?”

Daisy turns, resting her hip against the sink. “He said he’d happily walk me down the aisle if I felt like I couldn’t do it myself.”

In this instance I feel my throat swell up with emotion. “Wow, what’d you say?”

“I told him I’d think about it.”

“You do whatever you’re comfortable with, babe.” I kiss her chastely and wish I could close the door and have my wicked way with her, but we can’t. In fact, we won’t be able to be together as long as everyone is here.

When we come out of the bathroom, my mother and sister are putting more presents out and Shea is picking up every one they put down, trying to read the names. I go and scoop her up and bring her over to the couch so she can get to know Daisy.

“Daisy is going to be my wife. That will make her your aunt.”

“What do I name her?” Shea shrugs.

“How about Auntie?”

Shea shakes her head. “Maybe I call her Flower.”

Daisy and I both look at each other and laugh, which causes Shea to laugh. It’s not long until my mom is calling Daisy and Shana into the kitchen to cook dinner and Mike and my dad are relaxing in the living room. I stand back, looking at my family, and realize I don’t think I could be any luckier if I tried.

My life is complete.

It’s time for pre-season.