protect my heart

14

c h r i s t i a n

"So, another Yelich on the way?" Ryan asked me as I was videochatting him on FaceTime. Things were really different without him on the team. He had finished his last year just this last season and now he was enjoying life with his wife and three kids. I knew he was ready for that, and I know I was ready for that moment, too.

I nod, "Another little one. I wasn't really expecting it, it just sort of happened," I chuckle and shrug, "But, the kids are excited and Nadia's excited. So far, so good." 

Ryan smiled, "That's good! I'm sure Larisa will want to come out and visit. We're playing on coming to a couple of games out there with the kids. Just waiting for the little one to be a little older. So, probably mid-season." 

"That would be awesome. Everyone would be excited to see you. It's definitely a different atmosphere in the clubhouse, for sure." I tell him, leaning back in my chair.

"That's what some of the other guys were telling me," Ryan said, "I definitely miss being in the clubhouse. But, my body is thanking me that I'm not playing. I play like t-ball with Greyson, but other than that, I've been taking it easy."

"And you deserve that! You played a long time, your body is thanking the heavens that you're taking things easy now." I reply, laughing. "I'm sure my body will be doing the same once I'm done." 

Ryan chuckled, "I bet. You feeling like things are coming to a close yet? Like, has it hit you?"

I nodded, "For sure. I think it really hit me once we played our last game in Phoenix and Opening Day came around. Like, that was my last Opening Day as a player. It sucks, but at the same time, I'm ready to just hang up the cleats and be with my family and not have to revolve my life around baseball," I tell him, "I know that I'll still be doing things related to baseball for the rest of my life, but as far as playing, that's going to be a closed chapter." I sigh, looking back as I see Nadia walk in the room and smile at me. 

"Oh, sorry, I can come back later.." She said quietly. I shook my head and patted my leg for her to come and sit on my lap. Nadia smiled again and moved to sit on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck. 

"That's how it was for me as well," Ryan said, "It really hit me once Opening Day came around like that was the last time I would be celebrating Opening Day as an athlete, not a spectator," he said, "Hey Nadia," He said before continuing to talk, "I think things will be good for you in retirement, though. You have a great family life and just a positive life, so you're ending your career on a good note." 

Nadia laid her head on my shoulder, playing with the hair on the back of my head as I listened to Ryan talk. "I'm excited for him to be done with baseball. As much as I love watching him play, it'll be nice to have my husband home all the time." She smiled up at me and I just shook my head.

"That's what Larisa really liked. Having me home all the time now and not leaving for weeks or periods of time. Plus, the kids get to spend a lot more time with me, and that's what I really wanted." 

Nadia nodded, "Yeah, the kids are looking forward to that day. Especially Wyatt; I know he loves watching his daddy play, but it always sucks when Christian's gotta go away for a road series and we can't go with."

Ryan smiled, "Greyson was really excited that he gets to spend a lot of time with me now, it's probably one of the best feelings." 

The two of us continued to talk to Ryan for a little bit more before we said goodbye and hung up. It was always great to talk to Ryan, especially when I just needed to vent. He's been someone I looked up to as I played baseball and being able to play among him and learn from him and become good friends with him has been something I've truly cherished. He always gave great advice, and I really needed that.

***

After the game, I walked out of the ballpark with a couple of the guys and saw Nadia waiting by our car. The kiddos were with the nanny as Willow wasn't feeling the greatest. Her and I make eye contact and I can't help but smile at her, causing her to smile back. 

"Hey, pretty lady." I say before kissing her. 

Nadia smiles at me, "Good job tonight, you did really good." She says as she wraps her arms around my waist. 

"Thanks, babe. You know it's because you're here. You're the good luck charm," I tell her before kissing her again.

"Damn, Yeli, let the girl breathe!" One of my teammates heckled me and I just rolled my eyes. We said bye to the guys and got in the car. 

Nadia checked her phone, sighing, "Katie said that Willow's been complaining of her stomach hurting for the last hour and she's tried giving her Tums and other things to try and soothe it and she says its still bugging her.." She frowned, "I feel bad, I shouldn't have come to the game..." 

I look over at her, "Hey, it's alright. We're going home now and we're gonna take care of her. There's only so much Katie can do. She did what she knew might help and maybe Willow just needs her mom and dad." I tell Nadia, resting my hand on her thigh, "It's all good."

She just nods and looks down at her hands. She always got so worried when it came to one of the kids not feeling well. Everything was under control, even if she thought it wasn't. 

When we got home, we paid Katie and sent her on her way. Nadia went into Willow's room right when she got home and I helped Wyatt get ready for bed. 

"So your little sister hasn't been feeling well?" I ask Wyatt as I help him change.

"She cry all night, daddy. I couldn't watch game with her crying. Katie tried to do everything and Willow just kept crying for mommy.." Wyatt explained to me, climbing in bed. "But, she better now?"

"She's better now. Momma's taking care of her, and I'm sure that makes her feel better too.." I tell Wyatt, kissing his forehead, "You sleep tight, okay? I love you so much." I tucked him in and then walked out of his room, closing the door behind me before going in by Nadia and Willow.

Nadia looked over at me, "She's good now..." She said quietly, "Just needed her momma.." I look over to see Willow fast asleep in her bed, curled up in her blankets. 

I lean down and kiss her head, running my fingers through her hair before standing up and smiling at Nadia, "Well, now that they're in bed, I think it's our turn to head to bed.." I tell her, grabbing her hand and walked out of Willow's room, walking into our room. "How are you feeling today?"

Nadia shrugged, "I'm feeling okay. I was feeling a little nauseous earlier, but I just drank some water and took it easy, so I'm feeling fine now.." She looked at me, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm doing okay, I'm just sore.." I tell her, taking my shoes off and stripped off my shirt. 

"I can give you a back rub if you'd like.." Nadia suggested, "If you want me to.."

I nod, "I would love that, actually.." I say before laying on my stomach on the bed and Nadia smiles, climbing to sit on my butt. "You're the best.."

She giggles quietly, "I try...Just want to make sure my man is feeling good.." Nadia says before she starts rubbing out knots in my back. "Damn, baby, you're knotted up...Did you not go to the trainer before the game?"

I shook my head before resting it on my arms, "No, because I felt fine before the game. It was when I was running out on the bases that I knew I was going to be sore after the game." 

"Well, when you hit for the cycle, I think you're going to be a little sore," she laughed quietly, "But, you should always go before the game and at least get some KT tape on it, babe." Nadia said, leaning down and placed soft kisses on my back. "I don't want you getting hurt and ruining your season.."

"I'm going to be fine, babe. It just happens, I tell you that all the time. My back gets sore sometimes and sometimes I just need to take a break, I know." I tell her, "But, if it doesn't bother me during the game, I'm not going to do anything about it. I'll deal with it when I get home, like how I did tonight.." I explain, looking back at her. 

Nadia took a deep breath, "I just worry, baby.."

"I know, and I appreciate the concern. I know you always got my back.." I chuckle, "Literally."