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Isaac stiffened. “Okay?”

“Yeah. Okay. My apartment isn’t that big and I don’t keep a lot of stuff around. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

He rolled onto his side and scowled at me. “Just like that?”

I let my eyes flutter closed. “My place feels all wrong. That apartment has been my in between. In between lives. In between assignments. In between family and friends. Always in between. This feels like home.” If he would just cuddle back up we could be asleep.

But then his finger crooked under my chin and tilted my face up. “You’re my home, Kate. Are you sure living with all of us is what you really want?”

I suppose I should fully answer the man’s question instead of drifting off into sleep. I forced my eyes to stay open. “Yes, Isaac. I want to live with all of you. Rosie, Everett, Hannah, the whole big family. And I want to have Allie and Ellen over for girl’s nights and combined family brunches and make this our home because you’re my home, too.” I cupped his startled, handsome face. “I’m ready.”

He kissed me hard then leapt out of bed with a howl, pumping his arms in the air. “Hell yeah! Best night ever!” And then he disappeared into the bathroom for a shower while I drifted off to sleep.

28

Isaac

Brunch at Kate’s turned out to be fun. Allie made most of the food because, as I learned, she loved cooking. Her husband Shawn was indeed a huge fan of the team and me in particular. My gifts went over so well he hugged me for a full minute. All in all I thought I did a really good job of winning over my future brother-in-law. I had a section reserved for the whole family at tonight’s game and Eve promised to shower them with more gifts.

So as I arrived for practice I was feeling pretty damn good about myself. Until I saw Gordo’s face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” His face didn’t move.

“I don’t believe you.”

He held out his hand. On the field, all alone with Suarez and Paredes, was none other than Seth Butler. “How long has he been here?”

“Over an hour. He was waiting for us when we got here. Wanted to start with hand drills and some other conditioning. He apparently began working with June over the weekend on flexibility and mobility. He’s back, baby.”

“Just let me get this straight. Seth Butler willingly and of his own volition came to practice early, with a game plan, and…a smile?”

“Indeed.” Gordo scowled at the threesome, then yelled, “Faster!”

“What changed?” I watched as Paredes picked up the pace and Seth kept up, a look of determination etched on his face.

“I have no idea. And if I weren’t afraid that asking would ruin it, I would drill him like a piece of wood.”

I gave Gordo a look for the terrible analogy. “I guess we’ll just go with the flow then.” I left Gordo on the field and moved to the bullpen where Everett was working on a pitch with Alex. “How are the arms today?”

Alex eagerly rolled his shoulder and assured me he was good. I kept telling him I wanted to hear the truth, not what he wanted to be true. Hopefully it would come with a little more experience and confidence that his career wasn’t about to end.

Everett frowned. “Slider still isn’t hitting right. Alex is watching me throw to see if he can tell what I’ve changed. He’s good at this stuff, Cap.”

Not Isaac, or brother, or even coach. At work I was the Captain, even to my little brother. “Don’t overthink it. Sometimes it just takes time. Rely on your other pitches.”

“I’ve been down this road before. First one goes, then another. Then I’m out there trying to throw one pitch over and over.”

“Keep thinking that way and that’s absolutely what will happen.”

The glare I got would normally have made my blood run a little cold. I knew how hard my brother could punch when he was genuinely angry, and right now Everett was angry. But nothing could ruin my mood.

“I’ll leave you to it.” I gave Ev one last look before heading back to the dugout to read over the data Korey had for tonight’s game. My phone blipped in my pocket and when I pulled it out I found that the missing link in my life was on the line. “Well hello there.”

Amanda’s face filled the screen. “Hello. How are you?”

I must have a stupid grin on my face. I didn’t see how it was possible I didn’t. I was so damn happy. “I’m great. How’s China?”

A few things flashed over her face. “Busy. How is Rosie handling your new job?”