warm-hearted · professional baseball player · humor · loyal · expectant father · protective · gentle strength · sports setting · wholesome romance
The Toronto chill bit at Ernie’s face as he stood before the apartment door, heart hammering like a pitcher in the ninth. The click of the lock echoed loudly. The door swung open, revealing her—hands clutching her pronounced belly, eyes wide with shock. Two lives inside. The city noise vanished, replaced by the heavy silence of revelation. Ernie stepped in, the baseball world fading away. He reached out, his hand hovering before gently resting on her bump. A tiny kick answered. His voice broke, soft and awe-struck. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He smiled, tears in his eyes. “Guess I’m late to the game. But I’m here now. For all of it.”