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  Me: Come home.

  My blood was boiling. I was pissed. Where the fuck had they gotten their information? I was marrying my woman because I loved her. Our baby was an added bonus. I was so damn happy she was having my child and as equally happy that she was going to be my wife.

  Cassie: I haven't gotten what I need, Parker. Just thought I'd send that to you.

  Me: Just come home.

  Cassie: I'll be there as soon as I'm done.

  I was getting so frustrated. Why couldn't she ever do what I asked her to do? The woman drove me nuts.

  Me: Can't you ever just do as I ask?

  Cassie: Sure, when I want to.

  I was ready to spank her ass the moment I saw her. She needed to listen to me. Nobody knew we were having a baby. Was someone following us, I wondered? Why would they? Was it someone at her doctor's office? It couldn't have been. Not one of them gave a shit about the game. They didn't know who I was. Who was it? I was worried about my woman. Was she upset? What was she thinking? It was driving me crazy that I couldn't see her face or wrap my arms around her.

  Me: Cassie!

  Cassie: Pete!!

  Me: Anything you have to buy can wait.

  Cassie: I disagree.

  That was the moment it hit me. It was my ex. She was the only one that knew that wasn't family. The kids had told her about the baby and us getting married. Why would she do that? What would it matter to her? Fuck! The money. She did it for the money. What a bitch, I thought. Her being the one to tip them off didn't change the fact that someone took that photo of us, on our deck, in our own backyard. My woman and three of our kids were living there too, and there was no damn way I would risk anyone coming near them.

  Me: Hurry that shit up. I want you home with me.

  Cassie: I'm fine, but I'll hurry if it makes you feel better.

  Me: It does, but be careful. I need you safe.

  I found the phone number for the security company a lot of the players used, and I called them. Things had been so busy that I hadn't had a chance to get an alarm put in yet, but the wait was over. That shit was taken from the woods behind our house, and it was not okay.

  In that moment, I was even happier than before that Scott was only two houses away. He was my second call. When I told him about the magazine, he was furious. It wasn't so much that someone had printed complete shit about me. It was the fact that they were at my home that had us both pissed and worried.

  Cassie walked in the door without any bags over two hours later. When I asked her where the stuff she bought was, she just shrugged and blew me off. My woman blew me off.

  “Seriously?” I asked. “You couldn't come home. You stayed out shopping for two more hours, and you don't have a single bag. Is everything okay?”

  I thought the whole thing was crazy. It wasn't about me keeping track of her. That wasn't it at all. I was worried about her safety. Not to mention how concerned I was about what was going through her head. Something wasn't right, and it irritated the shit out of me that I didn't know what it was.

  “It's fine,” she answered, with a smile on her face, but I wasn't buying it.

  “We need to talk,” I said.

  “About what?” she asked.

  “About that damn magazine, Cassie,” I answered. “It had to be my ex. She was the only one that wasn't family that we told.”

  “True,” she said.

  “I'm thinking she did it for the money, not that I don't already give her enough,” I said.

  “It's definitely time for a lawyer, Parker,” she said.

  “I agree,” I said. “I called a security company and your dad.”

  “What?” she asked. “Why?”

  “Because that picture was taken in our backyard,” I answered, and her eyes widened.

  “Shit!” she whispered. “That's why you were acting that way. I'm sorry I gave you shit. I didn't even realize it. My dad.”

  “Is pissed,” I said, cutting her off. “Really pissed.”

  “Parker,” she said, as she reached out and grabbed my arms.

  “I promised him that I'd protect you, Cassie,” I said. “Now look.”

  “Everything is fine,” she said. “You're overreacting. It was just someone who wanted a picture.”

  “In my fucking backyard,” I snapped. “Where our kids play and my wife relaxes. I am not overreacting.”

  She was looking up at me with so many emotions in her eyes.

  “What?” I asked.

  “You said wife,” she said.

  “I don't need a damn piece of paper, princess,” I said. “You became mine the second I slipped that ring on your finger.”

  “Everything is okay, Parker,” she said. “You need to calm down. You're going to be on the road in a week. Opening day will be here in a few days. Relax.”

  “Relax,” I said. “I don't think so. The security guys will be out in a few hours. We'll have a system put in tomorrow. I told them to rush it.”

  “Parker,” she snapped. “That's going to cost a fortune.”

  “There is no price on my family's safety,” I said. “Don't even bother trying to argue it either.”

  “Okay,” she said. “I called a lawyer.”

  “When?” I asked. “I already have a lawyer.”

  “A fine job they've done,” she said. “I don't think so. I got the name from one of the player's wives.”

  “When?” I asked.

  “Months ago,” she answered.

  “Before I asked you to marry me?” I asked.

  “You didn't ask me,” she said, with a smile. “You told me, and yes, before that.”

  “Why?” I asked, shocked by her answer.

  “Because we needed the kids more,” she said. “I was just waiting until I knew for sure we'd get more time.”

  “Cassie,” I said. “You're so damn amazing.”

  “I know,” she said, as she stood on her toes and leaned in to kiss me. “We have an appointment tomorrow.”

  “With the lawyer?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she answered. “First thing in the morning, so you need to tell your security guys to come later.”

  “Yes, dear,” I said.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “No,” I answered her honestly. “I'm not. I can't stand that someone has invaded my family's privacy. It was one thing when I was single. I didn't worry about me. You are my everything, Cassie, you and the kids, and I will not have anyone coming near any of you, I don't give a shit how much I make or what I do for a living.”

  “Thank you,” she said.

  “For what?” I asked.

  “For being honest with me,” she answered.

  “Are you okay?” I asked her.

  “I wasn't when I saw it,” she said. “It upset me. I'm not going to lie. It was hard reading those words. I'd thought the same thing myself.”

  “Cassie,” I growled.

  “Hold it, wannabe,” she said, as she rested her hands on my chest. “I said thought. I don't think it anymore. I know you love me. If you didn't, there's no way you'd put up with me or the crazies two doors down. You've done so much to get us all together before the season started. I don't doubt your love, not one bit.”

  “You better not,” I said, as I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed her tight. “I love you and your family, all of them. I had that ring long before Christmas. You are my life, my forever. Do not ever doubt that. I love you with every bit of my heart, and I will never let anyone think different than that.”

  “What do you mean by that?” she asked, as she looked up into my eyes.

  “Just that I love you,” I said. “That's all.”

  Chapter 6

  Cassie

  I was so glad when Parker dropped the question about my bags. There were bags, but they were all at Sammie's. He hadn't even known that I was with her and not really alone on my shopping trip, and there was no way I was telling him either.

  We went to the lawyer's off
ice the following morning, and by the time we left, I felt pretty good about our case. Parker wanted more time with his kids, and he deserved it. He'd kept his responsibilities toward his ex, but she hadn't kept hers.

  When we got home, the security company was there and already starting on the system Parker had purchased. It was definitely over the top, but he wouldn't listen. All he'd tell me was that his family was worth every penny we had. I had to agree. I'd go back to the apartment I'd recently moved out of if it meant being with Parker and the kids forever. By the time the the guys were done, our house was as safe as it could possibly be. Parker had even had cameras installed that recorded the whole perimeter of the land, including the woods.

  I took the three kids to opening day, and as I looked down at Parker from the family section, I knew in my heart that we'd have the twins there with us the following year. The wives had all taken me in and made me feel like I'd always been one of them. It felt pretty great being part of something, even if it did involve baseball. Just the thought made me laugh.

  The game went well. Of course the Pirates won. I was getting ready to walk out with Lance and Lucy when I heard Parker, on the television, inside the suite. When Parker's face came on the screen, I stopped. He looked so damn sexy. I loved when my man's hair was wet with sweat. There was just something about it.

  The person interviewing him spoke into the microphone.

  “How was the game?” the very pretty reporter asked. “What are your thoughts?”

  “It was great,” he said. “I would like to say something else though.”

  “What's that?” she asked.

  “I would like to clear up a few things,” he said. “I'm getting married.”

  “I saw that,” she said. “I couldn't believe it.”

  “It's not that hard to believe,” he said. “There was this woman. She couldn't stand the game. Can you believe that?”

  The reporter shook her head, and Parker continued.

  “It's true. I couldn't believe it myself. She was a total pain in the ass too.”

  “Really?” the report asked.

  “Yes,” he answered. “But that wasn't all she was. She was also sarcastic, beautiful, amazing, and perfect in every way. I proposed at Christmas.”

  “She obviously said yes,” the reporter said, with a smile.

  “You could say that,” Parker said, as he laughed.

  “When is the wedding?” she asked.

  “In the next few months,” he said. “If I could have gotten her to walk down the aisle the next day, I would have. She's the one I'm waiting for.”

  “I also heard something else,” she said.

  “You did?” he asked, with another laugh. “Just kidding. We're having a baby. I was already the happiest man in the world, but she took it up a notch when she told me she was pregnant. I couldn't be happier. Between us, our little one will bring us to a total of six kids.”

  “Wow!” she said. “That's a lot.”

  “The number will be higher than that if I have anything to say about it. I'd have a whole team with her if I could,” he said. “I love my woman, and we love our kids more than anyone or anything in this world. I won't have anyone saying different. The next paper or magazine that prints one bad word against any of them will have a lawsuit bigger than any they've seen coming slapped on their asses. Any money I get from those suits will be donated to charity, so if you happen to see any, please let me know. We could really help a lot of people.”

  “I'll definitely keep my eye out,” she said.

  “One more thing,” he said. “I love you, Cassie. You're my world, princess.”

  I walked out of there feeling like I was on top of the world. If someone would have told me that I was going to marry a ballplayer, I would have told them they were crazy. I was marrying one, much sooner than he thought, and I couldn't wait.

  Chapter 7

  Grandma

  We'd been running around for weeks trying to get things done without Parker knowing. Between baseball, the house, the security company, and going to the lawyer, he didn't have a spare moment. Neither did Cassie, but somehow she managed to plan a baseball wedding. Every single one of us ladies helped in one way or another. The men helped too by keeping the kids when they needed to.

  The day had finally come. Scott called Parker early and asked if he could come over to help him fix something at the house. Parker had a game the day before and another the next day as well, but he told Scott he'd be there. When the man walked in, I let out a laugh.

  “Nothing like working on your day off,” I said.

  “You got that right,” he said. “I don't mind though. He's gotten me out of some tough spots too. I'll always be there when he needs help. I just need to hurry though. I was able to get the twins today, so I want to spend time with them, and Sammie has already called to ask me to run over there for a bit too.”

  “How's Cassie?” she asked.

  He just shook his head. Then he finally spoke.

  “Very pregnant,” he said. “I can't say she didn't warn me though. She said she was something else when she was pregnant, and she wasn't kidding. I don't know what's going on with her. She's been acting strange lately. Her mind is someplace else, and it can't be the magazine. It started before that. She went shopping for hours and didn't bring one bag home. When I ask her stuff, she acts like she's hiding something. Every time I mention how far along she is and that I want to be married before the baby is born, she blows me off. At first it pissed me off, but now it kind of hurts. Does she not want to marry me? Is it the whole baseball thing? I don't get it. The one thing I do know is that she's up to something. Maybe it's Jeff. If that fucker is contacting her, I swear I'll kick the shit out of him.”

  “Parker,” I said, trying to stop him but knowing my granddaughter would kick my ass if I said anything.

  “You want to know the crazy part?” he asked, and I nodded. “Just when I was convinced that she didn't love me like I did her, she shocked the shit out of me by telling me she'd made an appointment with a lawyer so we could try to get the kids more. If she wasn't in for the long haul, why would she do that? The only thing saving me from losing my mind is knowing that she's carrying my child and that she's one of yours.”

  “One of mine?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” he answered. “They all do crazy shit.”

  I burst into laughter, as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tight.

  “My girl loves you, Parker,” I said. “Don't ever doubt that. I'm going to head over to your place to see if her and the kids want to go out to lunch.”

  “See if you can find out what's up with her,” he said. “You have my back too, remember?”

  “Oh, I remember,” I said. “Have fun working.”

  “Very funny,” he said. “I'm just hoping I'm done in time to head to Sammie's place. She'll kick my ass if I'm late helping her because I was helping James' dad.”

  I walked out the front door with a huge smile on my face. That poor guy didn't know what was coming his way.

  Cassie got the kids in the car, and we headed toward Sammie's place. When we walked in, my whole family was there, everyone except for Parker and Scott that is. They were working at the house.

  The guys were hanging decorations, and the ladies were ordering them around. Cassie jumped right in and began setting things up. She didn't stop for one second until the place was perfect. There were baseball decorations everywhere. The bleachers had streamers connecting each one to the next. There was a white runner going from the front door all the way to the pitcher's mound. When I walked over to the food table, I laughed. There were hot dogs cooking, and she had all of the condiments to go with them. There was even a cotton candy machine sitting next to chips, Cracker Jacks, and peanuts. The guys had stocked coolers full of juices, sodas, and beers. It truly was perfect.

  The guests started arriving, and I hugged every single one of them. There were players with their wives and kids, girlfriends, o
r just by themselves. The teams coaches came, and I was shocked when the manager walked in too. How Cassie pulled off getting them all there, I wasn't sure, but it was awesome, and I knew Parker was going to be so damn happy.

  When Cassie was ready, she told Sammie to call him, so I walked outside with them. Parker answered the phone, and I laughed.

  “I know, Sammie,” was the first thing he said. “I'm coming. I was helping Scott, and we just got done. I'm on my way.”

  “Can you bring him with you?” Sammie asked. “I could use the extra hands. This job is harder than I thought.”

  “Shit!” he growled out. “I told your ass I would be there. You better not be lifting heavy shit on your own. Should I call Reid and have him kick your ass?”

  “Hey!” she snapped. “I'm just as strong as your ass. Hurry it up.”

  “Well hang up the damn phone then,” he said. “We're on our way.”

  Sammie hung up the phone, and we all laughed.

  “Do you think he's going to be mad?” Cassie asked, in a nervous tone. “What if he says no?”

  “He won't,” Lucy said, as she walked up behind us. “That man is going to be putty in your hands.”

  “Most definitely,” I said. “He was talking to me this morning about it.”

  “About what?” Cassie asked.

  “About you not wanting to talk about getting married,” I answered. “The man is a mess. He thinks you don't want to be with him.”

  “What?” Cassie asked. “Of course I want to be with him.”

  “When I showed up at that game and asked Lance to marry me, he was a total sucker,” Lucy said. “Parker is going to love this.”

  “Bullshit, Woman,” Lance snapped out, as he walked out the door. “Want to say that to my face.”

  “Anytime,” Lucy said. “You know damn well I'm telling the truth.”

  “Whatever,” he said, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.