A/N: Ok…it's about time for an epilogue on this one. This was a tough one for me to end. I wasn't too sure how to make one of the girls win over the other and have the story go where I wanted it to – so I made them just up and quit together.

Now…let's see what has happened to our girls since the game…shall we?

Epilogue

Ashley POV

1 year later…

"Spence? Have you seen my cleats?"

"Check the laundry room!"

"I did! They're not in there!"

"Check your trunk!"

"Not there either!"

"Geez Ashley! It's not my job to keep track of your equipment!"

I carefully sneak up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist effectively causing her to jump a little.

"I know it's not your job baby…" I begin as I place a soft kiss on the back of her neck. "But you're way more organized than me…I figured you'd just know." I said as I felt her relax and melt back into me.

"Maybe they're in the bedroom closet…" she said just above a whisper.

"Will you help me find them?" I say, brushing my lips against her ear.

"Um…I think I can do that…" she replies as she turns around to press her lips to mine.

I started walking her backwards towards our bedroom, kissing her softly the whole way.

Once we reach our bed, I continue to press into her until I have her flat against the mattress.

"Baby…are you sure we have time? I don't want you to be late…" she barely breaths out as I kiss a hot trail down her neck.

"We always have time Spencer…" I say as I start to undress her.

When I think back over this past year, I realize that those words I said to Spencer have never held more truth than they did the day we walked off that diamond at the Women's College World Series. We both gave up everything that our lives had been up to that point – for time with each other.

Of course my father had a fit. He even went so far as to "disown" me. That didn't last too long though. About 3 months after what he had referred to as "the incident on national television", we had an accidental run-in at the cemetery where my mother is buried. He had come upon me sitting in front of her headstone telling her all about what had happened, how unhappy I had been - and then all about Spencer and how happy she made me; how she had changed my life for the better – just as I would have had she still been alive. He sat back in the shadows and listened to me for a while.

When my "conversation" with my mother was over, he approached me quietly with tears in his eyes.

"I never realized how very unhappy you were Ashley…I never meant to hurt you. I thought that pushing you would help you to heal…I wanted to keep your mind occupied. I should have known better – I should have listened to you." I could see him shaking as his eyes welled up as he continued, "I have made so many mistakes. So many…..and Japan…oh Ashley…I am so ashamed of what I did to you…"

I stood there with what I am sure was a look of complete shock on my face.

"Ashley, I should have been your father…not your manager or your boss. If you'd consider it, I'd like a chance to make things right with us. You're my daughter and no matter who you are, and what you wish to do with your life, I will always love you without reservation."

At that moment, I felt the presence of my mother. She was there. I felt complete. I forgave my father. Of course we still had a lot to work though – but we could do it together.

As the months went by, my dad was true to his word and he came to show me the love he had denied me for so long – and he also came to love Spencer as well, as one of his own.

But that's only part of the story. I should probably tell you about everything ELSE that went down when we walked off that field that day.

Spencer's mom was Spencer's mom. She was great. She was a bit shocked at our new found "friendship" but she quickly accepted it and accepted me. She's always been good to me.

Both of our coaches were a bit beyond pissed off at us. I was pretty sure that my team was going to lynch me. Spencer's team was a little more forgiving, threatening to simply "smack her face off" for walking off the field. Peyton put that shit to rest pretty quick though. I always knew I liked that girl!

Speaking of catchers putting shit to rest, Madison surprisingly stuck up for me to our team as well – ending the lynching rumors. I was grateful.

Spencer and I both graduated with honors and she was selected for the U.S. National Team – which she turned down in lieu of her acceptance to the University of Michigan school of Medicine. Softball would still be there when she was done with med school. She always said "Look at Dr. Dot Richardson! She was in her 40's, operating on people's backs and still knocking them outta the park!"

I finished my teaching certification and got a job teaching high school math at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. I also got hired as the varsity softball coach.

We bought a house in Ann Arbor and couldn't be happier.

Tonight will be my first game coaching in the district playoffs. My team went 31-1 this season. We are ranked 4th in the state. I had now remembered what it was to truly love the game.

No matter what happens at the game tonight, Spencer and I are going out to celebrate. We're going to celebrate us – the life we have together and the time we have together. Tonight, I'm going to ask Spencer to marry me.

The End