Ben took his spot in the batter’s box, and Ryan saw his determination. The fans were on their feet, the cheering deafening. They would have one more chance to lock in the division tomorrow night, but Ryan wanted it today. Kari would be in class during tomorrow’s game, and he wanted to share this moment with her.
Several fans shouted encouragement and demands. They wanted a home run.
Ryan gave his bat a few practice swings while Ben worked the pitch count in his favor. Ryan watched the pitcher wind up and timed his next swing as though he were standing in the batter’s box himself.
He saw the mistake, saw the placement. He swung his bat at the same time Ben did.
A loud crack sounded, and the ball lifted into the air, Ben’s bat shattering and pieces flying toward the pitcher and down the third-base line.
Ryan cheered with the crowd when he saw the ball fly into the air and fall into the sweet spot in front of the centerfielder and behind the second baseman.
Ben made it safely to first base but couldn’t go beyond.
Ryan took a few steps toward home plate, glancing over his shoulder to where Kari sat. He couldn’t hear her, but he saw her mouth the words, “Have fun.”
He lifted his chin in acknowledgment and reminded himself to live in the moment. A big game, the ability to make a difference, the woman he loved looking on.
Anything but a double play would keep the line moving. He had a brief fear that he would end the game in exactly that way. Then he shook that thought away. Focus on what you want to happen, he reminded himself. See the future and make it happen.
He looked down at home plate, his lips curving slightly at the symbolism it would always hold for him. Then he positioned his feet and raised his bat.
Three pitches later, wood connected with ball. The home run the fans had demanded rocketed over the fence of the Nationals’ bullpen.
Ryan jogged around the bases amid the roar of the crowd. He glanced up into the stands again as he came down the third-base line. Kari was barely visible, but he knew she shared his thoughts when his foot crossed home plate. The best things were most definitely happening for them at home.
About the Author
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has written more than twenty novels, including multiple Whitney Award finalists and Whitney Award winners, Code Word, Deep Cover, and Failsafe. She currently lives in Virginia with her family, where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.
Other Books by Traci Hunter Abramson
Undercurrents Series
Undercurrents
Ripple Effect
The Deep End
Saint Squad Series
Freefall
Lockdown
Crossfire
Backlash
Smoke Screen
CodeWord
Lock and Key
Drop Zone
Spotlight
Royal Series
Royal Target
Royal Secrets
Royal Brides
Stand-alones
Obsession
Deep Cover
Failsafe
Chances Are
Kept Secrets
Twisted Fate
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