The Other Game (The Perfect Game 4)

Melissa: Sneaky little shit.

I laughed before typing out my own text to my brother.

Dean: Dude, you got traded to the Mets and didn’t tell me? How the hell did you get them to let you do it? Good luck with your girl. Call me after you see her. And you’d better get her back.

After what felt like an agonizing amount of time, he finally responded.

Jack: She’s in my arms right now, little brother. All is right in the world. Sorry I didn’t tell you about the trade, but I had no idea if it would go through or not. Have to go finish making up for lost time.

And he did. After having a bunch of sentimental gifts delivered to Cassie’s apartment, he showed up in a Mets jersey with a dozen red roses at her front door. I had to give it to him; Jack was the best when it came to grand gestures.

And just so we’re clear, I’m determined to get my girl as well; it just might take me a little longer. It’s a good t

hing I’m patient and think she’s worth the wait . . . and all the trouble.

Epilogue

Sami

So apparently that’s how my parents met, but it took them forever to finally get together. At least that’s what Uncle Jack always says before Aunt Cassie smacks him in the arm. He says my mom ran more hot and cold than a faucet, and it took my dad losing his temper at an airport in New York one night for her to finally realize what she had to lose.

Aunt Cassie always chimes in at this point in the story to remind him that Gran played a big part in their getting together too. I guess Gran was the one who got my mom to admit to being scared—terrified, actually. Mom was afraid that if things didn’t work out between her and Dad, she would lose her best friend because of it.

Anytime someone tells this story, I’m the only one who nods along, completely understanding what they’re saying. My twin sister, Sadie, and my cousin Jacey always look around like it’s the craziest idea ever.

But I get it. I understand.

Friends come first. Sisters before misters.

You see, Mom and Aunt Cassie have been best friends since they were in high school. And once Aunt Cassie and Uncle Jack got together, it made my mom pull away from my dad, even though she liked him. She was terrified that if things went sour between her and my dad, that it would make everything awkward, and Aunt Cassie would feel like she had to choose a side.

Mom assumed she’d lose. And she didn’t want to risk it, so she tried to stay away from my dad, but apparently that didn’t work. Because he’s adorable and totally in love with her, and they’re almost as nauseating as Uncle Jack and Aunt Cassie.

It’s cute, though, in a creepy, old-person kind of way. And I’ll be the first to admit that I hope to fall in love like that someday.

Sadie and Jacey always tease me for being a hopeless romantic. But honestly, with parents like mine, how can I not be?

ADDITIONAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR-

If the epilogue has left you slightly confused, please remember that Dean and Melissa’s story did not get fully resolved until the last book in the series (The Sweetest Game). If you haven’t read The Sweetest Game yet, I implore you to do so. All of your questions about their relationship is addressed in that story, as well as one hell of a happily-ever-after for our favorite couple, Jack and Cassie. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Thank you for downloading this book.

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Acknowledgments

Thank you to my team—Pam Berehulke, the best editor in the free world, and Michelle Warren, the best cover designer in all the land! The two of you always help me complete my vision, whether it’s with words or with designs. It’s an honor to work with you both. Never leave me.

To my girls Jillian Dodd and Tara Sivec, who always have to read the roughest of rough drafts and never fail to give me honest feedback. I value you both as artists and as friends. Thank you for always having my back.

Krista Arnold, who listened and then encouraged me when this little idea bloomed into a full-fledged book. You probably have her to blame for this story even existing, so direct any and all complaints her way. LOL