Sliding into Home (A Frank Adler AU x MLB)

It's a Ruff Life

"Where are we going?"

"Places."

"Frank!"

"Mary!"

"Abby, where are we going?"

"Surprise."

"Scott!"

"Same answer."

Mary crossed her arms. "I don't like this." She huffed her indignation and stared out the window.

"Can't you just trust me Nugget?" Frank looked back at her through the mirror. "You don't even know if it is good or bad."

"If you're not telling me, then it's bad." Mary's eyes widen. "Are you sending me away?"

"What?!" All three adults gave her a look.

"Why would you think that Nugget?" Abby asked. The bruising on her face had almost disappeared, just a few lingering lines left. She still had to be gentle with her ribs, but her wrist had been removed from the cast and now just in a brace.

"Because you're not telling me where we are going or what we are doing." Mary's eyes glassed over. "Am I in trouble?"

Frank calmly pulled over onto the side of the street and climbed out. He opened Mary's door and crouched down to her. "Mary, why are you thinking that?" She shrugged. "Mary, you have to be the most loved little girl in the whole world." He undid her seatbelt so he could hold her close. "This is just a surprise. I won't let anyone hurt you or take you away from us, ok?"

Mary looked at him as two tears fell. "Promise?"

"I promise Nugget. I love you, ok?"

"Love you too Frank." She hugged his harder. "I wish you were my real dad," she whispered against his chest. Frank's heart clenched and he hugged her a little tighter. He couldn't respond. When he felt her calm down, he pulled back.

"Ready to trust me?" She nodded and climbed back into her seat. Frank closed her door and took a moment. Scott and Abby hadn't heard Mary and he wasn't going to bring attention to it. He wanted to be her father but feared that Mary would resent him at taking away her chance to find her real father. But if what Diane had said was true, Mary's father needed to stay far away from them. He walked back to the driver's side and climbed in.

"Everything all right, love?" Abby studied her husband. Five years apart and she could still read him. She could tell something upset him but he wasn't distraught, so it wasn't anything bad.

"I'm alright Cricket," he flashed her a smile. "I'm just happy." He put the car back into drive and took off.

Arriving at their destination, Mary jumped out of the car. "We're at the animal shelter?!?"

"Yep," Frank said. He offered his hand, and she took it. "I thought we would volunteer today." He walked them to the front. "Hi, I'm Frank Adler and this is my family. Director Barnes is expecting us."

The receptionist batted her eyelashes, much to Abby's annoyance, but she remained silent. "Right this way, Mr. Adler," the receptionist said, with a rather breathy tone.

They followed the woman and opened the door to see a man seated at a desk, a large golden Labrador at his feet. Mary squealed when she saw the dog. "Can I pet him?"

Director Barnes smiled. "Of course, he's very friendly. He's name is Winter." He watched the little girl bend down to pet his dog. "You must be Mr. Adler." He offered his hand. "I'm James Barnes."