The year was flying by. February was almost here and I was happy with the extra dollars on my paycheck from inventory. I was already planning an awesome Valentine's Day date for me and Regina. I was sitting in the breakroom waiting to clock in while mentally picturing how the day would go. I briefly wondered how she had celebrated in the past and debated on asking her but didn't want to delve into that conversation at work. One of the tricky parts to a new relationship was making sure I didn't do something for her that had already been done. Oh well. I was pretty sure douschebag hadn't take her where I was taking her.

The digits on the time clock told me it was time to start my day. I punched in and headed up to Electrical to see what Bob needed me to work on today. We were resetting the entire department and that included changing out some of the discontinued light fixtures with new merchandise. As I rounded the corner, I caught a glimpse of my favorite dark-haired Manager.

Regina was always busy doing something but somehow knew when my eyes were on her and this time was no different. She looked up from where she was showing an irate customer something on his receipt to give me a quick smile and subtle wink. I grinned from ear to ear and winked back before heading off to find my teddy bear of a boss.

I spent the day working under the hot lights of the displays changing out ceiling fans and chandeliers. Sweat was pouring off of my back and my arms felt like dead weight from lifting them above my head all day. I was on the ladder trying to stretch my back out while taking my store baseball cap off and wiping the sweat off of my forehead and neck when I happened to look down to see pale hands reaching up with a cold bottle of water.

I took it and guzzled the entire thing before handing the empty bottle back.

"Were you going to work through your lunch?"

"What? Wait, what time is it? I forgot my watch this morning." I patted my jeans to find my phone.

"It's ten minutes past the time you were supposed to come and get me." Ahhh, the foot tapping. This woman had tells as blatant as the nose on your face.

"Yeah, well, this display is like some sort of black hole where time and energy get sucked away before you realize it. You wanna go now?"

"I would not be opposed to sustenance."

"OOo the big words just came out. Aight, lemme page Bob and tell him I'm heading off. I'll grab the car and meet you at the exit in five minutes. Can you take my apron and clock me out?"

"You do realize that technically I'm not supposed to do either of those things."

"Yep. Hasn't stopped you before. Wear that 'rulebreaker' badge with pride. Be at the car in five." I handed her my apron and took off to page Bob.

We spent the next hour at what had become one of our favorite places. It was a Thai restaurant next to the mall which served an awesome lunch special that was big enough for us to share with some left over. During our time together today, Regina told me about one of Henry's friend's parents telling her they had enrolled their daughter in T-ball. She said Henry was wanting to join because he had heard how much fun his friend was having practicing with her parents. I was all ears because I had played softball my junior and senior year of High School so I offered to come over and practice with him.

It almost looked like Regina was relieved when I offered to help. I filed that away to ask about later. Regina said she was going this evening to pick up Henry's uniform and all the necessary equipment so I suggested he and I start practicing tomorrow afternoon since we both got off at four.

When all of that was settled, we headed back to work to finish out our shifts. My mind was filled with all of these thoughts about how tomorrow evening would go. I couldn't help but feel excited at teaching Henry something that had given me a lot of joy and pride when I was younger. I don't know who was more excited: Him or me.

It felt like the next day creeped by but finally it was time for me to head to Regina's. I had packed my glove and Regina had gotten a few balls and Henry's bat for us to practice with. I had never seen a T-Ball game but I imagined it was just a miniature version of baseball or softball. The basics had to pretty much be the same.

I got to her house and headed around back where Regina was setting up this big stick thing that she set the ball on.

"What's that?"

"What do you mean 'what's that'?"

"This stick thing? What's that used for?"

Regina finished adjusting this stick and turned to look at me. "I thought you said you could help him with the rules of T-Ball?"

"Umm…I said I would love to help him, yes, but I….uh….I haven't really seen a T-Ball game, per se."

The giant arched eyebrow was back. She placed one hand on her hip and gestured to the stick. "This, Ms Swan, is the tee. You place the ball on top and Henry hits it to the other children who are in the field."

"No pitching?"

She crossed her arms. "When I spoke with the coach this afternoon, he said if the child requests pitching, he would pitch two balls for them to attempt hitting but after that, the ball goes on the tee."

I grunted. "Yeah, well, I'm teaching him to hit a pitched ball. Anyone can hit a stationary ball on a stick."

"It's called a tee, Dear."

"Whatever. Hey, where is the little fella anyway?"

"He's inside. He wanted to practice in his new uniform. My mother said that's all he talked about today on the way over here."

About that time, I heard the back door closing and looked up to see this purple and white bundle running towards me shouting my name. I bent down to catch him just as he jumped up into my arms and threw his arms around my neck.

"Whoa there, bud. Hey, you look like a mini Babe Ruth in that getup. Lemme take a look at you." I pulled back from where he was latched onto me and looked at his uniform. "So your team is called The Regals, huh? Pretty snazzy there, slick."

"Uh-huh. Mommy said purple is her favorite color." He pulled on his jersey to show me the bright colors.

"Well, we're gonna see how dirty we can get that uniform. Imma teach you how to hit this ball outta the park and then slide and steal bases. It's gonna be awesome."

"Ms Swan, there's no stealing bases in T-Ball."

"No? Any sliding allowed?"

"I'm afraid not."

I shook my head and processed that new information and switched strategy. "Okkkk, well, bud, I know I can still teach you how to hit and catch. How's that sound?"

"Good. Emma, who's Ruth?" The little boy was playing with my hair while Regina and I had been talking.

"Babe Ruth? Only the greatest baseball player of all time. You wanna know what his nickname was?"

He nodded enthusiastically.

"The Bambino. Every good player has to have a good nickname. You got any ideas of what you want yours to be?"

It took his four-year old brain about half a second to respond. "Can I be the bamgino?"

Regina and I both chuckled at this. "Yeah, bud, you can be the Bambino. Now, let's start working on that magic swing of yours, ok?"

"Ok. Let me down please."

I set him down on the ground and he ran over to get his bat while I looked at Regina and moved the stick out of the way. She rolled her eyes and went over to sit on the swing next to where we were practicing.

Henry was swinging his bat around and I whispered over to her. "Make sure you cheer him on even when he misses."

"I was hardly going to sit here like a deaf mute. I know how to cheer, remember?" I didn't think it was possible to hear whispered snapping but there ya go.

I winked and got a reluctant smile before turning back to Henry. He was holding his bat up like a club so I jogged over to show him how to properly hold it before taking my place in front of him.

"Alright, bud, all you gotta do is watch me. Ok? I'm gonna throw it slow and you hold your bat like I showed you and then swing when you think you might hit it. Got it?"

"Got it, Emma!"

I saw his little brow furrow in concentration and shook my head laughing to myself. Oh this kid was serious. I leaned forward just a bit and lobbed the ball in the direction of his bat. I heard this faint whack and the ball rolled towards me.

"WHOA! Kid you hit it! Regina, did you see that? He freakin' HIT the ball on the first try!" I didn't even register the loud whoop and hand clapping because I was rushing towards him. I lifted him up hugging him and laughing and only then did I realize Regina was right beside of me covering his face in kisses and telling him what a good job he had done.

The three of us were giggling and hugging each other. I leaned over and kissed Regina on the cheek and we both leaned in at the same time and gave him a loud smack on each cheek which caused him to giggle and drop his bat. He wrapped his arms around both of our necks and gave me a kiss on the cheek before turning to give Regina one. I stood there holding him and grinning from ear to ear looking from her to him.

It was one of those perfect moments in life where your insides feel all gooey and your heart feels like it's going to explode from happiness. "So, you ready to try that again?"

He nodded and scrambled down to get his bat. I looked at Regina and swatted her on the ass. "Go cheer us on, woman."

She was still laughing as she made her way over to the swing to watch us.

"Hey bud, you remember Bob the Builder's motto?"

He lifted his bat high in the air and yelled. "Yes we can!"

I bent over laughing at how pumped up he was. I loved it. "That's right, bud. Now let's work on hitting it a few more times and then I'll teach you how to catch. Ok?"

His little eyes were shining and his cheeks were pink as he nodded. He really looked a lot like Regina when he got excited.

We spent the next hour and a half practicing his hitting and catching. The kid had natural abilities that you were either born with or you weren't. His hand-eye coordination was astoundingly good for his age. He was the kind of kid that, with a little bit of practice, could really excel in sports. When we were finished practicing, we headed out to grab pizza. The evening felt like it flew by and before you could blink your eyes, it was time for him to head to bed because his first game was in the morning.

Regina and I tucked him in and told him how proud we were of him. He wouldn't go to sleep until we had agreed to let him sleep with his bat beside of him in the bed. Sometimes kids had the craziest requests. I flipped on his night-light as we left the room. I turned back to see him lying on his side smiling at us.

"Goodnight, Bambino. I'll see ya at your game tomorrow. Sleep well."

"Night, Emma. Night, Mommy. I'm gonna try to do really good tomorrow."

"We'll be proud of you no matter what, Henry. Now go to sleep so that tomorrow gets here faster." Regina blew him a kiss and followed me downstairs where we said our goodbyes.

The next morning, we all met at the T-Ball field where the coach was giving all of the players a pep talk. Regina and I climbed up into the bleachers with the other parents to take our place beside of Cora, Henry, Tanya and Carla and proceeded to cheer each and every player that came up to bat. When it was Henry's turn, I saw him say something to the coach and started to go down there but Regina placed her hand on my arm and I sat back down.

The coach motioned for his helper to move the tee out of the way and take his place to pitch to Henry. I held my breath and Regina reached for my hand. I squeezed tightly and watched Henry miss the first pitch. His little head hung low and he kicked the dirt a couple of times and dug his sneakers in like I had showed him.

"Can we yell out something to encourage him?" Momma Cora asked

"No, no, not yet. It'll distract him. Just wait. He'll get it. I know he will."

The coach picked up the second ball and gently threw it towards Henry's bat and it seemed like that pitch moved in slow motion. I could see Henry moving his bat and heard a triumphant 'whack' before he took off running. Everyone in the stands started cheering and I was on my feet whistling and yelling "Atta boy! Run, Bambino, run!"

Regina was yelling just as loudly for Henry to run and he made it to first base. I had my arms raised and Regina was clapping. Cora, Henry, Tanya and Carla were stomping their feet and whistling. He looked up to see all of us cheering him on and waved. He looked so cute in his helmet and purple and white Regals uniform.

The rest of the game went much the same way with all of the other kids taking their turns at bat. Although we cheered all of them on, the pride I felt when Henry hit the ball each time was making my head swell. I found out the teams didn't even keep score but I did in my head and you know what? We kicked that other team's ass.

The game ended after the fourth inning and all of the kids congratulated each other as did the parents as we were dispersing. I ended up leaving my car at the field so we could all ride together over to the local burger joint and celebrate with the other players. Cora and the gang had already saved us a seat at their table. When Henry walked in, his Grandfather yelled out "There's the Bambino!" We all congratulated him before he ran off to talk to his friends. This game was one of a few that Henry played in over the next couple of weekends. At the end of their 'season', he got this little plastic trophy.

He was the first one called up to receive his and I thought he was being recognized for being the only player to hit a coach pitched ball but I later found out it was a participation trophy and everyone got one. But you know what? It didn't matter. To us, that little piece of plastic with his name on it might as well have been 3 feet tall and covered in solid gold because Regina set that thing in the middle of the mantle above the fireplace like it was the most important thing in the house. We all stood there staring at it with pride. And you know what? To me, the little boy on my hip and the woman whose arm was wrapped around my waist, it was the most important thing in the house. It was tangible proof that our little Bambino had given it his all.

A/N: I had to write a little bit of SQ Family in here because I was having withdrawls. Now, question time. Do you guys want a sweet and romantic Valentine's Day or do you want sweet and romantic with them talking about their pasts and getting some questions about Daniel answered? I haven't started that chapter yet so it can go either way. I'm leaning towards the getting to know more about our two girls but I'll leave that up to the masses :)

THANK YOU to all of the people who read and review. Also, to the readers who take the time to send a pm. I received an overwhelming amount about the last two chapters so that had me smiling for days. It's always nice to know a writer's efforts are appreciated. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :D