Beyond the Bases (Out of Reach 1)

“I know. You and me are Monroes on the same day.”

“That’s right, we are. You know what else?”

“What?” Her eyes are wide with excitement.

“You’re going to be a big sister.” The room is silent, unbelievably so, as we all wait for her reaction. She looks at me then to her mother then back to me. “You better not be joking,” she warns us.

“It’s true,” Larissa says, finding her voice.

“Yes!” She throws her arms in the air and cheers.

The room breaks out in celebration, and we receive hugs and well wishes. Paisley is so excited she talks about all the things she’s going to do with her new baby brother or sister, including teaching them baseball. That has us all smiling. She runs off to play, and Larissa gets swept away by my aunts asking how she’s f

eeling. That leaves me to sit back and soak up the moment. Life and family are what you make it. You love with all that you have, and live each day like it could be your last. That’s exactly what I intend to do with my wife and children. Live each day with them as if it could be my last. I want to cherish their smiles and the sound of their laughter. My dad sweeps Paisley into his arms and sits her on his lap. Mom joins them, and they give her their full attention as her hands are flying this way and that, telling them a story. It’s hard to figure out what she’s saying; my girl has a vivid imagination.

Mom smiles over at me, and it’s the same look she gave me earlier. The one that says she’s proud of me and the man I’ve become. The one that tells me that to this day, I’m not the only one grateful that Jeff Monroe came into our lives. For so many years it was just us, quite the same way as Larissa and Paisley. Never again will they be alone. They’ll be swarmed with love because that’s what you do when you’re a Monroe. You rally around those you love.

Paisley stands from my dad’s lap and walks toward me. I bend down to greet her. “What’s up, princess?”

“I knew this was going to be the best trip ever.”

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“Because, Daddy,” she says like I should know the answer.

“Because why, P?” I counter, tickling her side.

“Because you’re my daddy and my Easton,” she says, bringing me to my knees.

My husband is driving me crazy. Exactly three weeks ago today, we brought our baby girl, Parker Elizabeth, home from the hospital. Easton has been amazing, fussing over all three of us, not letting me lift a finger. The first week or so, that was appreciated more than he could ever know, but today, today his hovering is driving me mad. It’s the offseason, which means the four of us have been holed up in the house. Paisley is loving all her attention from Daddy… Mommy, not so much. I love my husband with all my heart, but he has to let me move, give me room to breathe.

As I finish feeding Parker, I stand to take her upstairs to change her diaper. “Sit, babe, I’ve got her.” He holds his arms out, but I don’t release my hold on our newborn baby girl.

“Easton, I’m perfectly capable of changing her diaper.”

“I know, but you fed her.” He points to my breasts and his eyes heat. Ignoring the way that one look from him makes me feel, makes me want things it’s too soon to want, I focus on the issue at hand.

“I know that. But I can do this. I want to do this.”

“Ris,” he sighs.

“Why don’t you call Drew and see if he wants to go to the cages?” I suggest.

“What?” he asks, appalled. “I can’t leave you here alone.” As if I’m not capable of caring for myself or our children.

“I won’t be alone. Chloe is coming over to hang out with me. I haven’t seen her since the first week we were home.”

“I’ll take the girls downstairs so you two can catch up.”

“East.” I say his name in my mom voice that always stops P in her tracks. “Go. Call the guys. Get out of the house. You need a break.”

He scoffs. “I don’t need a break from my family.”

“Fine. We need a break from you.”

His head jerks back and hurt flashes across his face. “Look. I love you. You are the most amazing father and husband. I love our life, but, babe, your hovering is driving me crazy. I’ve been down this road, and I traveled it mostly alone.”

“But not this time. I promised you wouldn’t ever do it alone again. I meant that.”