Surprise Visitor:

- Choices -

Before Mike and Ginny told the team about their personal relationship, they guys thought nothing of women trying to pass their number to Lawson during the game, waiting for him after the game or hitting on him at a bar. Now that they new Mike was off the market, they suddenly felt very awkward about it. Ginny knew that they needed to keep up the appearance that Mike was still a bachelor, so she had become his "wingman" for appearances.

So when a wanna-be groupie would try to pass along a number, Ginny was there to grab it and make a big deal of getting the number to him in the dug out. When a young lady wanted his attention after the game, Ginny would grab him by the arm and drag him over to at least sign autographs.

It was most intrusive at the bars, when women would literally push themselves on him. She had learned to trust him. He kept his hands in view for all to see, one on his beer, the other on the bar top. If he ever took a picture with a woman, he made sure that both hands were visible in the picture, one hand on a beer, one hand on a shoulder. Hands always above the shoulder. He didn't want to be accused of even so much as being accused of groping a woman.

One particular night a week before the playoffs started, a group of the players were out at a bar. Omar asked Ginny in front of a few of the guys, "doesn't it make your blood boil to see him hanging out with these women night after night?"

"You know, I think it drove me more crazy before we were dating. Now I look at all of these beautiful women that he clearly could have his choice of. But every night, every day he chooses me. Look at him…" They pause and when you look closely, you can tell even from across the bar, Mike is putting on a show, that has a time limit. He keeps looking at his watch. He'll make small talk, and then look around the room to see where Ginny is. "When I'm ready to leave, or when he's ready, all it takes is a simple nod that we're done. We each choose each other every day, without words."

"Damn, that's some next level stuff you have there." Tommy responds.

Ginny blushes a little. "Behind closed doors, yes. Don't let that old man fool you. He makes me feel like I'm the center of his universe. In the clubhouse or out on the field, I'm just Baker, and he's still my grumpy Captain."

About 20 minutes later, Ginny smiles at Mike and nods towards the door. They guys watch as Mike subtly said his goodbye's to his entourage a few minutes later. Ginny was right. Its just a show, and he just wants to be with Ginny.

- First Playoff Game -

After as many seasons with the playoffs as Mike had, most of the town new about Mike's celibacy vow during the playoffs. He didn't hold true to this when he was married to Rachel. It really only came about as a way to reduce distractions during the post-season. He viewed his relationship with Ginny as something close to that of marriage, but they weren't married.

"So Gin, about my post-season ritual…" he asked the morning of the first playoff game. They were cuddled in bed, warm, lying tangled in each others limbs.

"I forgot about that… I think that's how I 'got' the great Mike Lawson almost a year ago." Ginny responded. "So what are you going to do? Do I need to move into my bedroom for a few weeks?" And Ginny gave Mike a little tickle in the side.

"You're not going anywhere. It just made me think, the only other time I didn't abstain was when I was married, and well…. to me, this is a 'forever' type thing we have going on here. So no celibacy?"

Ginny froze for a moment. They had said 'all in' a number of times. Their I love you's were never in short supply. But to hear him say marriage to her, forever to her, sank in deep.

Mike continued after a moment, "I hope I didn't just freak you out, no panic attacks before our first game, Rookie."

With that Ginny sat up, "I need to make something very clear to you Mr. Lawson. I don't need a ring, or a piece of paper saying I'm yours or you're mine. I'm with you until the end. You're right. This is a forever thing we have here. If you have any fears about getting married again, don't, I don't need that, I just need you." Mike pulled her down into a kiss, warm ups be damned, they were going to be a little late.

About 20 minutes before the game, Al had the whole team ready to go in the locker room. Coaches and Captains in front of the room, giving their speeches to energize the team. As each of them took turns, something around Mike's neck caught Ginny's eye. As they headed down the hall and out to the field, she asked "What's up with the new hardware around your neck? You're not a jewelry kind of guy?"

"I figured I needed something else to focus on since I'm not going celibate." He said in a whisper and he winked at her "Think of it as a talisman."

Ginny went to grab for it. "Hands off Baker or you'll mess up my good juju!"

Loudly, Ginny said "Geez old man. You need to get laid, this celibacy thing really has you in a bad mood and we're only one day in. I forgot how much I hate Mike Lawson during Playoffs." And with that Ginny had the entire team laughing the rest of the way down the hall.

- World Series: Game 1: Surprise Visit -

The Padres hadn't been to the World Series in nearly 20 years, here they were. As typical, Mike and Ginny arrived to the stadium separately. This day, Ginny had arrived first. Mike second, and in one of the worst moods ever. He was rude to just about everyone in the locker room, including Ginny. He was no better during the game.

Ginny had been moved from starting pitcher to relief pitcher in an effort to keep her injury free. It reduced the number of pitches she threw. She didn't like it, but she knew it was in her best interest, and best for the team. She has actually become rather good at closing out games. So during much of the playoffs, she got to hang out beyond the outfield where pitchers would keep their arms warm, instead of in the dugout. Because of this, Ginny didn't pitch this day and didn't realize just how bad Mike's mood was.

On the way back to the locker room, Blip asked Ginny, "what's up with Mike? I've seen him in bad moods before, but this was atomic level bad."

"I have no idea, he was fine when I left him at the house. But I'm about to go find out what the hell's goin' on. Where is he?" Ginny asked.

"Ice bath." Duarte responded without looking up. "Even you'll need some good luck in there, Mami."

Ginny marched down to where Mike was indeed sitting in an ice bath with a trainer nearby. She looked over at the trainer, "Can you give grumpy smurf and I minute here?"

While the trainer had no idea about their personal relationship, he could tell by her sarcastic tone, he wanted nothing to do with what ever words were about to be exchanged.

"Talk. Now." She demanded.

"Not now," he grunted, "Will you drive me home?" He'd never asked her to drive. He hated her driving. He stood up from his ice bath, completely naked, true Mike Lawson fashion. "I need to get outta here." And he turned and walked away, still naked.

"I'm only driving you home if you have clothes on!" She yelled after him.

Ginny ran to gather her things, her shower would have to wait. She found Mike sitting in the passenger seat of his car, keys already in the ignition. She got in and grabbed his hand. "Home, or do you want to drive for a bit? I mean I might stink up your car and all, but what ever you want."

"Just home." No more words were spoken until they walked through the front door. It was late and they had picked up take out. Mike was showing no signs of talking. Ginny went to shower and came back downstairs to find Mike had eaten his food and left hers neatly on the counter. She ate then went back upstairs to find him in bed, lights off.

She crawled into bed, "ready to talk yet?" as she wrapped herself around him.

"My dad showed up, asked if he and his grandson could get tickets to the sold out game today. Today… now he wants back in my life? He said his grandson is a huge fan of Mike Lawson. But he failed to tell his grandson that I was his uncle. Oh, yeah, I'm an uncle by they way." Mike was doing is best to not show any emotion, he had pretty much left all that frustration out at Petco.

Ginny pulled Mike in closer. "What did you do, say?"

"I walked over to the ticket booth, asked if there were any players tickets left and gave them to him. Then I walked away before he could say anything else to me."

"Mike, look at me." She took his bearded face in her hands. "I'm your family, this team is your family, he's your past. The past has a way of catching up to all of us. Like my nude pictures did. And look what you and the team did for me. Don't take this out on the team. That sperm donor is a jerk, but those guys in the clubhouse didn't deserve the Mike Lawson they saw today." Ginny had a way of calling Mike out and making him understand.

"It's just, I'm 37 and there's still this little boy inside of me that wanted his dad to be proud of him. I saw him and for a brief moment that little boy in me was excited. But then he didn't even acknowledge that I was his son."

"Well some day, you and I will right the wrongs of our past with our kids. You are going to be an amazing dad that will be there for every little league game. And I can't wait to help our daughter get dressed for the prom."

They laid there in silence for a few more minutes. "You've done it again Ginny Baker. You've found another way to blow me away."

"I love you too, you grumpy old man. Now let's get some sleep. You have a team to make-up with in the morning, and we have a late night plane ride after the game."

- World Series: Game 2: Making Up -

Up until now, Mike had sent flowers, candy and other treats and gifts to Ginny incognito as a secret admirer. Not that Ginny ever got to eat the candy herself, they were usually devoured by the time they made it to her. Now it was time to do something for the rest of the team.

Ginny woke up to an empty bed. It wasn't like Mike to leave without saying bye. But he left a note 'had some work to do.'

Ginny packed her bag for the flight, they were leaving as soon as the game ended, then headed to Petco. She was one of the last to arrive, but what she arrived to was hilarious. There were various peace offerings in each players locker space from plants… to candy… to hamburgers. Mike had gotten a little something he knew that each teammate liked. For instance, a new iphone cover for Livan's phone since he had just broken his. And Tommy loved redhots.

Above Mikes locker hung a white flag he had spray painted 'grumpy old man' on. The team didn't ask Mike directly why he was in a foul mood the day before, but they were happy to move forward.

A few asked Ginny what was going on, she simply responded, "he forgot to treat you like family when things went south."

- World Series: Game Five: Part 1-

The Padres were up two games in the World Series. Tonight's game was at home. Win tonight, win it all. Ginny was worried Mike's dad may make another appearance. She made some excuse about needing to be at the clubhouse early and heads out after a kiss.

She waited in the parking lot and saw a man matching the description Mike gave of his dad, with a young boy in tow. She get's out and walks up to him. "Are you looking for Mike Lawson?"

"Uhh, yes" they guy mutters.

"You're Ginny Baker! I met Mike Lawson last week. He's the coolest guy ever." They young kid squeals with excitement.

Ginny kneels down to his level. "Mike sure is pretty awesome. I'm one if his biggest fans too. Do you want me to sign anything?" and the young boy holds out a glove and sharpie. Ginny signs right next to where Mike had signed just a week before. She stood up and began to talk in a softer tone to Mike's dad.

"I don't want Mike to see you here today. He needs to focus on the game and seeing you the other day nearly killed him. I already called and I have tickets waiting for you over at the box office."

"Yes ma'am. Thanks for the tickets. Will Mike be here?" Mike's dad asked

Ginny snapped, "I don't think you should contact again him unless you are ready to really be in his life and let the rest of your family know you're his dad. Some day soon he's going to have kids himself, and they are going to ask about their grandpa. So don't show up again unless you plan on expanding your family. Mike is one of the most amazing people I know, and you would be so luck to have him in your life. You're the one missing out."

"Message received." He said and headed off to the ticket booth with his grandson.

- World Series: Game Five: Part 2-

Fast-forward a few hours… It was during the seventh inning stretch, the Padres were only wining the game by one run. Ginny had been called in just one inning prior in the sixth, to pitch. She leaned over to Mike in the dugout, "Hey Lawson, where have you been keeping that little do-dad around you neck after the games are over? I know it hasn't made its way to your night stand."

"Someone's getting nosey. You're at-bat soon, focus Baker" and he elbowed her smiled. He'd been keeping it in in the locked portion of his locker. He knew she would snoop.

Two more very intense innings, but the Padres won! They WON the World Series. Ginny had been the relief pitcher when the last strike was made. Mike was first on the field. He lifted her in a huge hug and put her back down. He careful stepped a few feet back, keenly aware of the millions of people watching around the country. But as the rest of the team caught up to him he looked at her and just said, "You know I'm going to want to tell the world that I'm in love with Ginny Baker some day real soon."

The team lifted her, then their captain, up in the air to celebrate. Then almost as quickly as they lifted them, then team brought them down and moved into one of the tightest huddles ever seen by MLB. Photographers were trying their best to get in, sticking cameras under legs, microphones overhead. No words, just cheers, and one massive hug. It was as if no one teammate was more important than another. Mike and Ginny had been separated by the massive hug on the field, but their eyes never left each other. Ginny could see that silly chain. What ever it was must have worked.

Ginny yelled back across the huddle to Mike "Soon! Old man, soon."

After locker room celebrations were done, Mike and Ginny easily decided they had no more energy to go out for any more celebrations. But they had just enough champagne that it would be an Uber home, and they didn't care at this point who saw them climb into the same Uber, it was late, and anyone still out was probably not sober either.

Once they were back home she reached under his shirt. "Where is that chain, that talis-what-ever-it-is?" Ginny asked.

"Safe." Mike responded, and carried Ginny to bed.

- Aftershock –

The next morning they would need to retrieve their cars from Petco. The stadium had kept extra security on staff that night seeing as pretty much all the players had too much to drink and ended up leaving their cars in the lot. It was one thing to go home together after the game. But they were still going to show up separately to fetch their cars. As they got ready that morning, Ginny had one last thing she needed to tell Mike.

"So I have a confession, and you may be mad at me. But I did it for you." Ginny started. "Yesterday, when I left early… I hung out in my car in the parking lot in case your dad showed up again."

"And…"

"He did, with his… your nephew. I got him tickets to the game. I didn't want him to upset you again, so I thought I would run interference." She looked at him waiting to see how upset he would be before she finished the story.

"Thanks, that was probably a good call. Did he say anything?"

"I didn't really give him much of a chance. I may have said a few other things to him." And she bit her bottom lip and looked very guilty.

"What did you say, Baker?"

Ginny couldn't even look at Mike as she finished talking. "I basically told him not to come back to see you until he was ready to tell the rest of his family who you were to him, his son. That you would be having kids yourself one day and those kids would ask about their grandpa. So he needed to decide if he was going to expand his family, or just stay away. But if he was ready, you would be too. I know it wasn't my place to say anything. I didn't plan it. But when I saw him, I just had this flash of trying to explain it to our kids." She was so afraid he was going to go through the roof. She had been holding on to this guilt all night.

Mike took Ginny's chin in his hand, "no one on this planet has ever tried to protect my heart the way you do, and for that I will never be mad at you. So about those kids you keep mentioning…"

"Not yet Lawson, not yet…"

"Okay, but I'm holding you to it, I want babies, Baker." He pulled her in tight. "Lot's of babies, little Mike's and Ginny's running around everywhere, driving us crazy, being loud, in a house full of love, lot's of love. Someday, when you're ready."

"I love you too. Now who should go get their car first from Petco?"