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“You have something exclusive to share with our audience? I’m always happy to scoop everyone else. What’s your news?” Jenna’s eyes were bright with anticipation.

I knew she had teased this big reveal all day long yesterday when they were doing promos. I had to hope those promos and my text would be enough to get Jane to tune in. I wanted her to hear this from me, because I was speaking directly to her now. “I’m announcing my retirement. This will be my last season playing major league ball.”

Chapter 42

Jane

My eyes were glued to my tablet as I rolled out cookie dough, and I still couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Carter was retiring? But what about winning a World Championship for his mom? Sure, Vancouver had an outside chance at making the playoffs through a wild card berth, but it wasn’t likely. Even if they did, wild card teams had a long road to even make it to the final series, never mind win. I kept watching the broadcast, needing him to share his reasons.

The reporter, Jenna, sat back in her chair, clearly surprised by this news. “You’re retiring? After how hard you worked to get back to the majors, you’re calling it a career?”

Carter’s smile held a hint of sadness that only those who really knew him would pick up. “I am. It was great to be back, and I’ve loved every minute of this season with this team. I will never regret playing for Vancouver. Over the course of this year, I’ve discovered that some things are more important than baseball. I want to end my career on a high note and explore other possibilities.”

Jenna’s smile was slightly predatory, and I tensed. What was coming next?

“Will you share with us what those other things might be?”

Carter chuckled. “You’ve been asking to interview me for two weeks, and I made you wait. I had plans to finalize before I came on the show. After the season is over, I’m moving to Red Rock and taking over as manager of the Vancouver Triple-A affiliate team, because their manager is retiring. I’m ready to settle down, and I fell in love with Red Rock.”

I dropped my rolling pin. Carter was coming back here, for good. Did that mean he wanted to give us another try? When he came back, was I willing to let him back in?

Of course I was. I was miserable without him. Yes, I had my bakery and was proud of how well it was doing, but I wanted to share it with him. I wanted to watch games together and critique them. I longed for everything we had together. I missed him.

After dropping the bomb about his retirement and moving back here, everything else was small talk. Carter never mentioned me, or moving back to Red Rock for any reason other than the job. I hoped that I was his motivation, and he wasn’t mentioning me to protect my privacy after what happened before with Chad. I appreciated that, but I had to know for sure that I was the reason he was coming back here. I had to tell him that I wanted a future with him.

This wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have over text. I wanted to be there with him, feel his arms around me if he was doing this for us. I needed a plan.

My phone vibrated against the counter. I glanced at it, hoping for a message from Carter.

Emily

DID YOU SEE THE PREGAME?? HE’S COMING HOME TO YOU!!!

I laughed. Emily had a flair for the dramatic.

I saw. Can you come to the bakery? I know it’s your day off, but I need you.

Bubbles popped up as Emily typed.

Be there in ten

.

My phone said it was 2:30. The game tonight started at 8:05 Alberta time. I had less than six hours to get a plan together.

I checked my messages as the plane taxied to the terminal. Our flight had been delayed by almost an hour, so I was going to be cutting it close to get to the ballpark before the first pitch. That was if I even had a ticket; none had been available when I searched online as I waited for my flight.

Vancouver would clinch a wild card spot if they won this game, and everyone wanted to be there if they did. I wanted to surprise Carter, so I’d sent a frantic text to Emily asking her to reach out to Wally to see if anyone could score me a single ticket to tonight’s game. Had Emily been able to come through for me?

Emily

Good news! I was able to get you a ticket. It’s waiting for you at the box office. Go get your man, boss.

I replied with a heart, and pulled my clear vinyl, ballpark-approved bag from under the seat. I was desperate to get off this plane.

I took a rideshare to the ballpark, swallowing my frustration at the glacial pace of rush hour traffic. I ached to see Carter. To find out if I was right, and he was moving back for me. I wanted that more than I’d wanted almost anything. The gaping hole in my chest hadn’t hurt since the press conference, and I never wanted to feel that much pain again. We had to find a way to make a relationship work. I would find a way. He was worth it.

The closer we got to the ballpark, the worse traffic was, and when I saw the park from the car window, I told the driver to pull over and jumped out to walk the rest of the way.