Read Online Colby (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #6) by Lindsay Paige, Mary Smith - Free Book Online

Instantly, I smile when Alizeh walks in with Duke and Lil D on her hip. I’m glad they went and got him
    “Colby,” I take Lil D from Alizeh. “Let me introduce you to my favorite family member, because he can’t talk yet and embarrass me.” I cut a mean look to my family. “This is Lil D.” I turn him around in my arms and show Colby. I’m not sure what his reaction will be, but I shouldn’t have been surprised.
    “Hey, Lil D.” He takes his gigantic hand and holds it out to Lil D. “He’s cute.”
    “He gets it from me.” Mom speaks up and reaches for her grandson. “Does your sister have any children, Colby?”
    “Yeah, she has three kids, all girls.”
    “I didn’t know that.” I feel dumb for not asking him before. “It must be sad not to see them grow up.” I can’t imagine how he’s able to stay so far from his family all the time.
    He laughs. “I see it; I’m just not there in person. My sister has a monthly newsletter on their family that she sends to my parents and me since we’re not there. It’s full of stories and pictures, so I sort of get to watch them grow up.”
    “Monthly newsletter?” Alizeh seems shocked. “She must be very organized, because I can barely remember to do laundry.”
    “She’s insanely organized.” Colby sips the water in front of him.
    “So is Allison.” Dad speaks for the first time. “She raised our girls, worked, and kept our house so clean we could eat on the floor. I was always amazed on how much she took on.” He leans over and kisses Mom on her cheek.
    “Was?” Mom leans back, and I know what is coming. “I’m still working.”
    “I told you to retire.” Dad growls at her, but it doesn’t work on Mom.
    “Told me? Suddenly I’m an animal who’s trying to be trained.” She crosses her arms and stares him down.
    “Mom. Dad. Could we please not get into mom quitting work?” I beg.
    “Not quit. Retire,” Dad corrects.
    I can’t be more thankful when the waiter comes over to take our food order. I’m hoping it’ll give time for Mom to cool down and Dad to come to his senses and not discuss this right now.
    “Colby, you’ll retire young. What do you plan to do? Because I didn’t read it in your background check.” Dad stares him down.
    “I don’t know if I’ll stay here, go home to Michigan, or to Maryland to be close to my sister. Work-wise, I’ll probably take some time off, and then depending on where I end up, either go into management with a team or coach.”
    “I figured you’d have a plan,” Dad mumbles with a disgusted look.
    “Dad, you didn’t have a plan when you retired.” Alizeh jumps into rescue before I can.
    “Yes I did. I was going to sleep in. Simple and easy.” Dad tries not to smirk at her.
    “That’s not a plan.” I call him out. “Mom what are you going to do?”
    “Bake for my grandchildren, because I’m hoping to have more than one.” Mom raises one eyebrow.
    “Better get busy Duke.” I quickly move the attention away from me.
    “Me? You’re no spring chicken. I think you should be the next one.” Of course, it’s Duke who points out my age.
    I’m about to yell at him, but the food comes, and there’s one thing I know about my family, we don’t talk much when food is around. Especially, good food.
    When we finish, Colby tries to pay the bill, and Dad damn near bites off his hand. I don’t want an argument so I quickly change the subject, “Colby, you said you have stuff in the car right, for the family?”
    “Yeah, there’s some signed stuff and tickets to an upcoming game.”
    “Tickets?” Duke stands up straight with Lil D in his arms. “Good tickets?”
    “I think you’ll be happy with them.” Colby grins at him.
    “I’m very happy to have you in the family.” Duke fake cries, making me roll my eyes. “This is the happiest day of my life.”
    “Excuse me. I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m your wife and the mother of your child.” Alizeh waves her