The Game Changer The Final Score - By L.M. Trio Page 0,114

my sister carrying my nephew, making her way towards Mikey. He sidesteps the reporter interviewing him as he takes her and the baby into his arms. My mom and dad are not far behind.

“So what was going through your mind during the last inning with two men on and a three-two count? How do you remain focused at a time like that?” the reporter asks.

“Well, Mikey and I grew up together. Havin’ him out there with me is definitely a plus. He knows the right thing to say in those situations—” I’m distracted by my beautiful wife and kids joining me. I pick my sweet baby girl up in my arms, pulling my wife and son into my other arm.

“I’m so proud of you. I love you,” JJ whispers in my ear.

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” I whisper back, kissing her lips while the reporter waits patiently for me to complete the interview.

“You’ve had a phenomenal career so far and each year seems to get better. How are you able to maintain that level of play?” she continues.

“First off, I got a great team backing me up. I keep working on things I’d like to improve. My wife makes it possible for me to come out here each day with a clear head. Knowing she is taking care of our kids and family is important to me. She’s supportive, making it doable for me to come out, be focused and do my job.”

“And, a job well done. I congratulate you, your family and your teammates. Great job, go celebrate.” She wraps up the interview.

I thank her and the four of us make our way over to the rest of our family as Mikey finishes up with his interview. My mom, dad and David congratulate me. Mom is still crying as Mikey, De and the baby join us.

“Livvy wanted to know what you and Uncle Mikey were talking about on the mound,” Deanna says, smiling as Olivia is busy taking my hat on and off my head, repeatedly replacing it in different directions while giggling.

“He asked me if Mom was watching the kids tonight,” I say as we all burst into laughter. “Over forty thousand people are in the stands watchin’, not to mention the nine or ten million watchin’ on TV and he’s askin’ if we have a babysitter so we can celebrate. Meanwhile, I got two guys on the bags and a three-two count.”

“We saw you trying not to laugh,” JJ says.

“I know I wanted to kill him,” I reply.

“Anyway, are you taking the kids home with you tonight?” Mikey asks, turning to Mom and laughing.

“It’s all taken care of,” my mom answers, shaking her head at him. “David and Cheryl are taking Livvy and Lukey and Daddy and I are taking Mikey. You kids have a good time,” she tells us as she pulls us into her arms.

David moved out here shortly after JJ and I were married. He and Cheryl bought a house together. Although they’ve never married, they are happy together. I don’t think David will ever be able to marry again. Olivia was it for him. I know the feeling all too well.

My mom and dad bought a house while JJ was pregnant with Livvy. Mom wanted to be close once our baby arrived so she could help out.

Even though we can now afford to buy bigger homes, we choose to stay in the first homes we purchased on our own. Obviously, we’ve got a lot more stuff than we originally could afford, and their have been some major renovations, but it’s got a sentimental value that nothing can compare.

It helps the girls being close to each other while Mikey and I are on the road. Plus, it’s a great family neighborhood for the kids to grow up in. We all feel a familiarity to our neighborhood in Bay Point, and of course, Mikey and I built a huge custom side-by-side there. It’s our home… where it all began. We try and get there as much as possible.

JJ and I have our own private dock and we still enjoy sitting out like we used to, watching the sun come up. Something about the smell of the salty ocean air in Jersey is different than the smell of it here. It’s nice going back home once in awhile.

Acknowledgements

I would like to say thank you to my husband and my two amazing boys, who support and encourage me always, in spite of all the time I spend locked up in my room writing. I love you.

Especially to Alizon & Kristin, my editors at C&D Editing; once again, I can not thank you enough. I could not do any of this without you. Your support, comments, suggestions and advice are greatly appreciated. Besides being lucky enough to find your editing services, I have gained two great friends. Thanks so-so much for everything.

To Melody Simmons, my cover designer, thank you for designing another fantastic cover.

And to the rest of my family and friends who I finally confessed that I actually wrote a book, thank you for all of your support.