Page 96 of Love Between Innings

The back of her hand swatting me in my chest takes me by surprise. “Stop trying to distract me.”

“Sorry, babe,” I murmur the words before pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

She fixes me with a sassy glare. “No, you’re not.”

“You’re right. I’m not.” My lips find that spot beneath her ear again. “In fact, I’d rather continue this conversation in the privacy of our outdoor shower. Can you take a break?”

Her hands come to my shoulders with a slight growl before my wife flattens me onto my towel.

“This works too.” I smirk at her pinched face, hovering above me.

Alex huffs, pushing up and sitting primly beside my towel on the sand. “Let me know when you’re ready to act like a grownup.”

A bark of laughter escapes me. I love that we haven’t lost our playful banter even after years of marriage. I’m also glad Alex didn’t make me wait long, accepting my sapphire engagement ring and my proposal to get married before she left for her Olympic qualifying tour.

Sitting up, I cross my legs and tuck my hands beneath my thighs. “Sorry for real this time. Please continue.”

Alex eyes my trapped hands then nods, satisfied. When all the joy slips from her face as her gaze returns to the sea, I almost reach out on reflex. Pins and needles prick my skin as I wait, but I force myself to stay still.

“I think I need a break—a real one.” Alex sifts her fingers through the end of her sodden ponytail. “I’ve been doing some math. It’s another three years until the next Olympics. If I wanted to take a year off, now would be the best time.”

I nod, waiting for her to finish her thought.

“And Caitlin keeps bugging me about coaching.”

The former pro-surfer and the current owner of the elite training program at Virginia Beach’s Atlantic Park has become one of Alex’s closest friends. With the park’s ability to create customizable, six- to eight-foot, high-volume barrels, the coveted training facility draws athletes from across the country.

“If I work for her, I can train Olympic hopefuls in the afternoons and be at your games in the evenings. I could have time to breathe without jetting off to practice at the next break, doing media and sponsor work between competitive legs.”

Transitioning from reporter to subject was effortless for Alex, making her a favorite among the media. With her sparkling on-camera presence, it’s no surprise that Alex has more sponsorship deals than I do. Not only is she undeniably gorgeous with effortless poise for video campaigns, but her surfing skills speak for themselves.

“Also…” The word drops off with an audible exhale. “I’m turning thirty soon.”

“I know.”

Alex’s surprise party has been in planning stages for nine months. I’m flying out her entire family in a few weeks. Momma and my sisters will be joining us as well since they love Alex almost as much as I do. I’ve also invited several of her friends from the tour and the WAGs that she’s closest with. Since our O’ahu home is more of a private bungalow just for us, I’ve coordinated housing within walking distance for everyone.

The best party planner on the island has been more than happy to accommodate my over-the-top requests—like an after-dinner beach bonfire with Alex’s favorite folk artist playing acoustic guitar, followed by drones spelling “Happy 30th Birthday, Alex” in the inky sky before a massive fireworks display. The planner also suggested having a Michelin-star chef create an unforgettable custom menu with themed courses and guest gift bags filled with Alex’s favorite products.

When Alex reaches out her hand, I grip it firmly.

“It has me thinking about a different kind of adventure.”

“Like what?” I ask, brows knitting.

Her beautiful brown eyes lock with mine. “Like teaching little ones how to pop up on a board. Ones with one-sided dimples and ice-blue eyes, or my eyes and your hair, or—”

Her sentence drops off with a surprised squeal as I scoop her into my lap again.

“How do you do that?” I ask, burrowing my face in her neck while breathing in the calming combination of eucalyptus and salt water.

“Do what?”

“Take all my wildest dreams and multiply them tenfold.” I kiss her neck then the corner of her mouth before capturing her lips with mine. “I’m already deliriously happy with our life, that you’remy wife.” I pause, clearing the grit from my voice. “But nothing would make me happier than starting a family with you.”

My hand frames her face as a tear slips down her cheek. I capture it with my thumb, kissing her again because I’m incapable of holding back when my chest feels like it’s the size of a hot air balloon. Alex pours into me with the same fervor, her fingers twitchy in my hair.

She leans back slightly, her lips curling into a smile against mine. “Do you want to start now?”

I don’t think I’ve ever moved faster in my life.

Tossing Alex over my shoulder, I grab my towel, stoop to pick up her board, and sprint toward our house like I’m about tobe thrown out stealing. My wife giggles as she bounces along, bracing herself against my back.

All I can think about as I fly up our deck stairs—besides the fact that I’mthe luckiestman alive—is that each new inning with Alex just keeps getting better than the last.