SOLEIL

Truist Park bustled with baseball fans as I made my way to the ticket counter. Ali had given me strict instructions to wear a tank top and shorts to the game. I completed the look with a Braves cap that I bought on the way here. I looked like every other fan here although I knew little about the sport. Anxiously, I looked through the sea of people for him. My heart danced with anticipation as I made my way to the line. My phone vibrated in my back pocket, and I smiled at the caller.

“Turn around.” His deep voice was music to my ears.

I did as he said, meeting his gaze as soon as I looked over my shoulder. He waved his arm in the air while beaming. Ali stood out like a sore thumb in his LA Dodgers cap with a white shirt with the word MARATHON across his chest. Over his shoulder hung my jersey and a camera. When I was within reach, he pulled me into a tight, earnest hug.

“Hey,” I cooed.

“Hey.” Ali loosened his hold on my waist but didn’t let me go. His eyes caressed my face before drifting down my frame. “Here’s your jersey.”

“Thanks.”

I quickly put on what I learned was a retro Hank Aaron jersey. I didn’t know much about the sport, but I recognized the Braves legend.

“Come on,” Ali said once I was situated. He reached for my hand then interlocking his fingers with mine. I exhaled a breath as warmth spread through me. “Let me get a picture of you in front of the logo.”

I grinned then pranced to the mural on the wall. Ali held up the camera, then adjusted the lens. After a few snaps, he reviewed the images. I hurried over to him so I could see them too.

“So you’re into a photography?” I asked.

He nodded. “I’m always on the road, so I try to capture as many memories as possible.”

“What’s so special about today?”

Ali looked at me with thoughtful eyes. “Baby’s first baseball game.”

“You should make a scrapbook with all of my firsts for the summer.”

“Maybe I will.” Heat filled my cheeks as the corners of my mouth lifted. He ran his index finger under my chin before planting a quick peck on my lips. “Let’s get to our seats before the game starts.”