Beyond the Bases (Out of Reach #1)

by Kaylee Ryan

I’ve had my fair share of fun, but some of these guys make hooking up into a sport all of its own. Dad was a family man. I’m sure before he met Mom he was wild and crazy, but those stories are buried under a rock somewhere.

“It’s not the chase, Ris.” He reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear. “From the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve felt off-center. Like I need to get to know you for my world to be righted once again. I can’t explain it, even if I tried. All I know is that it’s not the chase, gorgeous, it’s you.”

“You did better,” she tells him, referring to the last time he was fumbling to get her buckled. He laughs. “Can I tell you a secret?” he asks, lowering his voice. She bobs her head up and down. “I practiced. A lot,” he adds. “I wanted to make sure you were safe and I was doing it right.” I choke back my tears when she places her little hands on his cheeks and focuses all her attention on him. “You’re my best friend,” she tells him sweetly. “And you’re my princess.”

Easton slows the kiss and rests his forehead against mine. “You slay me, both of you. I hope that was okay. I just… she’s easy to love.”

Careful not to wake them, I slide over and wrap my arms around both of them. Once I have them where they are meant to be, I’m able to fall asleep.

“I’m the last,” I tell her. Her hands are under my arms, gripping my back, her legs locked tight around my ass. Confusion mars her beautiful face. I need to move. My cock is pulsing inside her, begging me to move. I need to make sure she understands before I do. “He was your first, Ris, and I’m your last.”

“I’m not playing games with you or with her. I know my lifestyle can be a pain in the ass, and it’s not for everyone, but I’m asking you, Larissa. Please, let me in. Let’s make us official. I want to be able to call you mine. I want to know that I can stop by to see the two of you whenever I want. I want you to do the same at my place, even if I’m not there. Take P swimming or just be there, in my space. I want our lives so entwined that none of us will be able to remember what life was like before we met.”

And her mom, Larissa, I just want her. My heart wants her. My soul wants her. Every part of me wants her. I love my girls.

“What did it do?” “She said it froze it. I don’t know how that happened because it wasn’t cold when I touched it, but then Mommy told me not to touch her computer. That it was on its last leg. I didn’t tell her this ’cause she was already sad, but computers don’t have legs. Not that I can see. Do computers have legs, East?” she asks.

You asked me if I would be your daddy. Do you know what that means?” “It means that you love me and kiss Mommy and tuck me in at night.” “That’s right. I want to be your daddy more than anything. I also want to make your mommy my wife. I want to ask her to marry me.”

“What does that mean?” “Well, Mommy would change her last name to Monroe.” “I want my last name to be Monroe.” “I would love that.” This little girl is my light. “So are you marrying me too?” I smile at this kid. Reaching into my pocket, I pull the tiny charm bracelet out. I picked it up along with the ring for Larissa before the game today. I found myself in the jewelry store earlier this week, and both items just felt right. I’ve never been more relieved of my decision than in this moment. This is the right time. It might be soon, but love is love. “Oh, that’s pretty,” she says, following my hands. “When I marry your mommy, I’ll give her a ring. This is for you. It’s a charm bracelet. Here is a baseball and a bat, and here is half a heart.” “Why only half?” “Because your mommy has the other half. I love both of you very much, and I would be honored to be your daddy and to give you my last name.” Reaching across the table, I put the bracelet on her tiny wrist. “Paisley Gray, do I have your permission to marry your mommy?” “And me too,” she says, bouncing on her seat. Her declaration has me smiling and choking up with tears. “Yeah, princess, and you too.”

“I love you, Ris. The moment I met you, I knew you were different. I just didn’t realize how meeting you would change my life. I didn’t know that not only you, but that little girl in there, would wind your way around my heart so much so that it’s no longer mine. Take a leap of faith with me, baby.” Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the little black box that holds the ring I picked out for her. “Larissa, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife?”

“I think he brought you to us. He knew that it would take an amazing man, one full of love and patience and understanding to break through my walls. I like to believe that he picked you for us. That he knew you would be the father she needed, the partner I needed.”