Beyond the Bases (Out of Reach #1)

by Kaylee Ryan

“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.”