The next week was filled with Ken and Daichi working on getting more familiar with Ken’s new off speed pitches. Apart from the daily training with the team, things were rather relaxed at home while they waited to see who they’d be facing in the Division series.
It was a back and forth series between Toronto and Seattle, with the latter securing the spot in the final game of the best of 3. As Daichi predicted, the better team had won in the end.
Since they’d had a better record, the Ligers would get home field advantage in the series. In the best of 5 series, the Ligers would get to host games 1, 2 and 5.
Another good piece of news was that Detroit had played Seattle as recently as 3 weeks ago where they won 3 of the 4 games.
On the morning of the first match between the two teams, Ken, Daichi and Rohan returned from their morning run, only to see that some guests had arrived.
“Dad? What are you doing here?” Ken and Daichi’s eyes lit up in surprise as they saw the familiar figure in the lounge room.
“Boys, it’s good to see you again.” He said with a smile, “I’ve come to watch you both play.”
Ken smiled and walked over to embrace the man, “Sorry for the sweat.”
They hadn’t seen much of Chris for this whole season since the man was also busy coaching the Texas Shorthorns. Though he had made a brief appearance at the baby shower and wedding earlier in the year, it was still not for long enough.
As Ken was hugging his father, a person that he hadn’t expected to see was floating around in the kitchen, searching for food. Even from behind, there’s no way Ken wouldn’t recognize the guy.
“Steve… Why are you in my kitchen?”
Steve casually turned his head, only now acknowledging the owner of the house, “Oh hey man, your cupboards looking a little bare. You should probably go shopping soon with so many people in your house.”
Ken blinked a few times in disbelief. No matter how many times he saw Steve, he would always find a way to be even more shameless than the last time.
He made his way over to the kitchen and placed a hand upon Steve’s shoulder, “I take it you’re here to watch us play as well?”
Steve nodded, his mischievous smile returning, “You’ll be able to get us tickets right?”
“It shouldn’t be an issue.” Ken confirmed.
“Great, it’ll be good to see how the big leaguers play.” He said with a wink.
Ken laughed, “You better move up to the big leagues yourself this next spring, otherwise I’ll leave you in the dust.”
“Yeah yeah, I’ll make the team. You have more important things to worry about like throwing a perfect game and making the World Series.”
Ken’s eyes shined, “One step at a time. I might take that first step today, who knows?” he said with some mystery.
“Go on then. Only one person has ever thrown a perfect game during the playoffs, you may as well be the second.” Steve replied nonchalantly.
The two caught up for a while and the house quickly grew busy. With the addition of Chris, Steve and Tara, there were currently 11 people in the place, not including the two twins inside Ai’s belly.
It was fortunate that the house was big, otherwise things might have been a little crowded.
Ken jumped on the phone and made a call to Cheryl, asking for some tickets for his family. Thankfully, players were allocated some tickets for such occasions.
“Alright, I’ve got 8 tickets for tonight and tomorrows game.” Ken announced, “That should be enough for Ai and her parents plus Steve, Tara, Miho and my parents.”
After figuring out the logistics, game time fast approached.
Yuki and Naomi worked in the kitchen, preparing a light lunch for everyone in the house. An assortment of sandwiches were set up, alongside carrot and celery with dips and cheese, quite a nice impromptu meal.
As Ken looked around the room, his heart felt warm.
Now that he knew that this reality wasn’t at risk, he felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. For the first time this year, he was able to fully relax, appreciating the company of everyone present. Even Tetsu.
Chris and Tetsu had become much closer since the wedding. Having now joined families, they often spoke and even planned to take up golf as a hobby together, something that no one ever thought would happen.
“When do you have to go back to Texas?” Ken asked his father as he chewed on his sandwich.
Chris coughed loudly, grabbing his water and downing its contents. His face was red, and his eyes darting from side to side in a slight panic.
“Just tell him, honey.” Yuki urged, nudging him with her elbow.
Chris was hesitant at first, but he let out a sigh in the next moment. “I’ve retired. Even though it was only for a few years, we’re in a good position now and don’t need the money… Plus, with two grandbaby’s arriving soon, your mother and I wanted to be closer.”
Ken’s eyes widened, his gaze subconsciously turning to Daichi seated a few seats down. He too looked back at Ken with surprise.
“But wasn’t that your dream job?” Ken asked lamely.
Chris laughed, “Sure, it was my dream job, but I’ve already achieved what I wanted to,” he said, flashing Ken a grin. “Now, nothing will make me happier than getting to see my grandkids grow up healthy.”
The table was silent before Tetsu raised his glass. “Spoken like a true man! Kanpai!”
Ken was busy processing what this meant for their family while the lunch continued. Of course he was happy that his father had retired, but he was a little worried that some things might change.
Sure they were here now, but would his parents want to stay in America?