Caught Up Liz Tomforde Quotes

If you ever decide to stop running and make a home…” His eyes are begging, pleading. “Make it with me.

Do you love her?” “I do. Very much so.” “She might break your heart.” “I’ll love her anyway.

Wrapping an arm over her shoulders, I kiss her head. “You are the most jealous woman I’ve ever met. You know that?” Her head jerks back. “You’ve met other women?

Monty exhales a contented sigh. “Just know that I loved her first.”  I nod. “And I’ll love her always.

I'm not telling you what you should or shouldn't do with your life. I just don't want you to be so afraid to fail at something new that it keeps you from finding your happiness when you're the reason I found mine.

He’ll be on his hands and knees most of the time.” “As all men should be.

With my name on her back and my son in her arms, Miller stands in the center of the field, looking like mine.  She should be mine. Ours.

Know what's better than being the best at something you don't love? Being mediocre at something you do.

I don’t like the term ‘settling down.’ I didn’t settle for anything. I simply stopped running when the two best boys I know caught me.

Find your passion, Miller. Find what makes you excited to get up every morning and if it's not this, walk away." Well, fuck me, am I that obvious? "This is what I'm good at." "Oh, you're fucking brilliant at it. But you know what's better than being the best at something you don't love? Being mediocre at something you do.

She sounds cute.”  She is cute. In the same way a tornado is cute. Or a pack of starved lions. Super cute.

Loving you was two other surprises of my life.

I’m telling you this, not as her dad but as your friend. She will leave when the summer is over. I love my daughter to death, but she’s a runner and the last thing she wants is to get caught.

He looks right at her, his icy blues boring into her, and there’s absolutely no misunderstanding when he says, “Mmm . . . Mama.” Miller’s face falls. “What did you say?” “Mama.” Max grins, so proud of himself for saying a name I now realize he’s been trying to say for weeks. “Mama! Mama!

And Ace,” he calls out. “Keep your dick in your pants. We all know how fucking fertile you are, and I’m too young and too goddamn attractive for someone to be calling me Grandpa.

Be my problem.” Swallowing, she tilts her head, testing me. “Then do something to make me your problem.

How the hell am I supposed to forget what her laugh sounds like? What her lips taste like?  I want her. Fuck, do I want her.

You said it was my choice if I wanted to live up to expectations, and I do. But now, the only expectations I'm going to worry about are the ones I set for myself. And the only expectations I have for myself are to be happy and to chase the things I want.

Pressure is a privilege, Miller. Expectations are high because you’re successful. If you were average, no one would be waiting on bated breath for you. I think about that every night I take the mound. You just have to decide if your dreams and goals are worth the pressure. If you want to live up to the expectations set for you.

You think this is funny, kid? Your dad is making me go gray.

Stop being so dang cute all the time so I can yell at your dad every once in a while.

Life is meant to be spent chasing happiness.

I simply stopped running when the two best boys I know caught me.

And it’s in there because I’m so fucking in love with you, it’s too painful not to be able to see you every second of the day.

Mills, you already are mine. Even if I haven’t been allowed to show you, you’ve always been mine.

You’ve got a cute kid.”  You’ve got a cute everything, is what I want to say in response.

Don’t tell me if you love me, and fuck,” he exhales a painful laugh. “Please don’t tell me if you don’t.

There are other avenues in life that are equally great and impressive. You don't need everyone to know your name for it to mean you're doing something great with your life. Trust me, when the right person knows your name, it's enough." He nudges his shoudler into me. "Or in your case when the right people know your name. Two to be exact. Kai and Max.

God if I know. That’s what we as a society have been conditioned to do, right? Keep striving for the next best thing instead of finding gratitude and peace where we are.

But if you're questioning if you made the right decision, you've already made the wrong one.

You’ve been taking care of my heart, Mills, and I’ve been taking care of yours.

and I love Max and I’ve never felt so much at once that I’m fairly certain my heart is going to give out soon. I’m only twenty-six, Malakai. It’s too soon.

I think I’m ruined by simply watching you come, so please, do me a favor and go to bed.” Fixing my shirt, he gives me one last quick kiss. “And for the love of God…lock the fucking door.

If you’re going to start coming to my games, I better see Rhodes on your back and I’m not talking about my brother.”  “Is this some athlete kink you got? Need to see a girl in your jersey?” The old flirty side of me that I’ve kept hidden and locked down for the most part since Max came into my life is itching to break free.  I pop my shoulders. “I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.”  Miller’s lips part, a shocked and satisfied grin lifting on the corners. “Well, with that kind of promise, I’ll be sure to wear it next time.

Mmm,” he hums. “What, Bug?” He points to the door again. “Mmm.

Life is about finding your joy, living in a way that brings you and others happiness.

you don't need everyone to know your name for it to mean you're doing something great with your life. Trust me, when the right person knows your name, it's enough

I make her my problem.

Sometimes we can't explain how or why we love who we love. We just do. You don't really get to tell your heart what to do.

Mae’s Tiramisu—for the woman I never got to meet but who raised two amazing men. I hope I follow in your steps by being a fantastic boy-mom.

I hope you’re out there finding your joy because you’re the reason we found ours.

He steps forward, wiping his thumb across the corner of my lips to catch a rogue droplet of liquor. “You okay? You were so confident only a minute ago. You’re not going to gag, are you?”  I pop my shoulders. “Hopefully later.” He shakes his head—his typical move when I’ve said something that’s caught him off guard. “You flirting with me, Montgomery?”  “Have been since we met. You gonna start flirting back?

If you’re going to start coming to my games, I better see Rhodes on your back and I’m not talking about my brother.”  “Is this some athlete kink you got? Need to see a girl in your jersey?” The old flirty side of me that I’ve kept hidden and locked down for the most part since Max came into my life is itching to break free.

Miller Montgomery.” A smirk lifts. “Are you jealous?”  She shakes her head to tell me no.  “Little liar.” “Shh,” she hushes, burrowing against my chest. “I’m sleeping.”  I can’t stop the grin from spreading on my lips. Miller Montgomery is jealous, which feels like the opposite of a no-strings-attached kind of emotion.  

It's ok for the important things in your life to change, you know?

The only thing I’m positive of is that I want to be the best possible dad for Max.

I’m pretty sure I’m about to publicly lose my shit over Max’s nanny.

Miller,” he says, making sure my attention is on him. “If you ever decide to stop running and make a home…” His eyes are begging, pleading. “Make it with me.

When it comes to Isaiah Rhodes, my favorite thing to do is to humble him.

A knock sounds at the back door of the house and we both turn to find Isaiah, Zanders, Stevie, Ryan, Indy, and Rio with their faces pressed up to the glass, watching us.

This is what I want. This life together. The three of us. You keep me grounded, Kai, and I’ll keep you wild.

He didn’t even try to deny it! I am going to be the only single one left. I’m going to have to move into my best friend’s house and grow old with Ryan freaking Shay.

You flirting with me, Montgomery?”  “Have been since we met. You gonna start flirting back?

He cried a little, mostly out of joy, before pulling out a ring he had kept with him for over twenty years. It was the ring he was going to propose to Miller’s mom with, but never got the chance

Kai brings his son’s hand to his lips, peppering kisses on his palm, finally pulling a sweet giggle from the typically happy boy.  I’ve never thought about having kids before, but I’d be shocked to find a woman whose ovaries aren’t doing all sorts of cartwheels watching Kai Rhodes know exactly what to do to make his son feel better.

This is fucking miserable, Miller, knowing there’s a clock counting down the seconds until I don’t have you anymore, but I’d do it all over again. I’d fall in love with you all over again. I’d break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.

Craning my neck I kiss her, right there in the middle of the infield where anyone could see, because this is not just a fling. Nothing about our situation is detached. She’s it for me and I don’t know how the fuck to handle that.

Leaning back, I eye him. “Did you just give me a forehead kiss while I’m wearing my chef’s coat?”  “Mm-hmm.” “I’ve made grown men cry while wearing this coat.” “Oh, I have no doubt about that, but girl bosses need forehead kisses too.

I’m just gonna go have a word.”  “Kai, if you fuck up your hand, Monty will literally murder me.” “I’m not going to hit him.” Dean’s hand that was on her back drops dangerously lower. Okay, I lied. There’s a chance I’m going to jail tonight.

I was going to knock because I’m about to be selfish.” Stepping forward, I cross the threshold between her room and mine, recognizing the metaphor of it all. “For once, I’m going to take what I want.”  The corner of her lip lifts in a dangerous grin. “Finally.

If you’re as terrible of a listener in the bedroom as you are in real life, Miller, I can promise you this, you wouldn’t be allowed to come.”  Those pretty lips part, jade eyes wide. “Two can play this game, Montgomery. Now, let’s go.” I nod toward the other side of the house once again.  Her lips press together, holding back a grin. “You keep talking like that, Kai, and I’ll be ditching the ‘baseball’ part and just be calling you ‘daddy.

you’ll never earn the title Best Parent because that award doesn’t exist. You can only try your best and hope it’s enough.

today was a good day.” “They can all be good days.

she simply squeezes my hand. I squeeze back, the two of us having a silent conversation in the crowded stadium.

She might break your heart.” “I’ll love her anyway.

I just don’t want you to be so afraid to fail at something new that it keeps you from finding your happiness

Find your passion, Miller. Find what makes you excited to get up every morning and if it's not this, walk away.

And it’s okay to change directions even when you’ve spent your entire life headed on a one-way street.

Isaiah’s smile is equal parts sheepish as it is thrilled. “Kennedy.

He’s got a backwards hat on, dark-rimmed glasses, and a toddler in his arms with a matching cap for goodness’ sake.

You promised to help me find my balance in life. I thought I’d try to help you find your joy.

It’s always been only for you.

What I’m trying to say is that my brother deserves the world and for him, you are the world.

I once assumed I didn’t have anyone there to celebrate the good moments with, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’ve had these guys the whole time.

I like to see pretty girls in my jersey. Like to take it off them too.

I’m fucking obsessed with you.”  Her smile lifts. “As you should be, Malakai.

we all have our shit. Just because we’re dealing with our own stuff, doesn’t mean I can’t hear about yours.

When I excel at something, I have the satisfaction of knowing I belong, that I’m worth the investment.

Stop eye-fucking me and get your ass on this bed, Montgomery

Do you think I’m better than the pediatrician lady with all the cardigans?”  Confused, I tilt to get a better look at her. “Max’s pediatrician is a man, and I don’t think he’s all that into cardigans.

Indy squeezes my leg. "It's okay for the important things in your life to change, you know?" Stevie nods. "And it's okay to change directions even when you've spent your entire life headed on a one-way street.

She throws her hands up. “Oh my God! You’re impossible. You need to go. I’m not your problem to worry about.”  Turning, she heads back up the way we came, but I stop her, pinning her against the wall, the two of us meeting on the same stair. “Yes, the fuck you are.” She stares right at me, not backing down. “Kai, I am not your problem.” My attention dips to her lips. “Be my problem.” Swallowing, she tilts her head, testing me. “Then do something to make me your problem.”  Fuck me. I’m so frustratingly into this woman, so I do just that.  I make her my problem.

I think I’m seeing the old Kai tonight and that version scares me. The confidence, the self-assurance mixed with the new Kai—thoughtful, kind. He’s a lethal combination, and not only does my body recognize it, but so does my heart.

Coach’s daughter, Kai?” Indy wears a knowing grin. “Interesting. I do love that plot line.” “Nothing about this is interesting, you hopeless romantic.” “Hopeful,” she corrects, pointing toward Ryan. “The new term is ‘hopeful romantic.

We were playing outside, and he was using the water table to balance when all of a sudden he let go and looked like he was going to take a step in my direction, but I scooped him up before he could. I don’t think I was supposed to do that. All those online mommy groups would probably berate me for it, and I’m pretty sure every one of your parenting books would call me unfit, but I couldn’t let you miss it.

so I break her rules by cupping her head to pull her into my chest, placing a kiss on the top of her hair. Max, in my other arm, catches on and flops his body in half to place a sloppy one on her head as well. She laughs, looking up to find my very proud son. “Thanks, Bug.

This is fucking miserable, Miller, knowing there's a clock counting down the seconds until I don't have you anymore, but I'd do it all over again. I'd fall in love with you all over again. I'd break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.

If I could…” he continues, shaking his head. “I’d chase you. I’d spend every free day on an airplane to get to you, even if that meant I only got to kiss you once before I had to fly back to Chicago. I’d spend my off-season living out of a hotel or out of your fucking van just to be close to you, but it’s not only me I’m making decisions for anymore. And because of that, I don’t want you to say anything. Don’t tell me if you love me, and fuck,” he exhales a painful laugh. “Please don’t tell me if you don’t. But especially don’t give me any hope because if you do, I have a feeling I’d chase you across the country until you were

Hmm?” “I’m from Texas. Austin, to be specific.”  It’s something so small. Such a minuscule fact in the grand scheme of it all, but hearing Kai willingly share information beyond his son’s favorite snack or sleep routine holds a weight I didn’t expect. “Country boy, huh?” The mental picture of him in Wranglers, much in the way he wears his baseball pants, is doing all sorts of things to my imagination.  “Miller.” “Hmm?” “You’re sexualizing me in your mind right now, aren’t you?” “Absolutely.

I bet she’d know how to make him feel better when he’s sick. I’m sure she would’ve been able to get him to stop crying in the parking lot. She’s most likely a lawyer or a doctor. Even worse, she’s probably a pediatrician who owns a lot of cardigans and comes from a giant family who would love to welcome those two into their fold.

Sometimes we can’t explain how or why we love who we love. We just do. You don’t really get to tell your heart what to do.

Mmm…Mama.” Miller’s face falls. “What did you say?

...one of the most important parts of life. Finding people that make your heart ache when they are not around. Having a place to call home

I’d fall in love with you all over again. I’d break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.

And the only expectations I have for myself are to be happy and to chase the things I want.

Only Ace is allowed to make her feel unwelcome, isn’t that right, Coach?” “Isaiah, stop being such a kiss ass and get on-deck. You’re batting next.” “Yes, sir!

Because it’s her dream, and I care about her too much to not help her chase it, even if that means I won’t be there when she gets everything she’s worked for.

Will you bake for me sometime?” Kai asks when I don’t respond. “I promise not to judge or analyze it.” I chuckle. “First you want me to watch your son, travel with you, and now I need to cook for you? God, what else do you want me to do?”  His thumb trails down my jaw before sliding against my lower lip. “I want you to kiss me again.”  Oh. He stares at my mouth. “I really liked kissing you, Mills.

She does love him. And he loves her. “She’s not my blood, but she’s my girl,” Monty says from beside me. “And she looks at your boy, who is not her blood, in the same way I look at her. I’ve seen it all summer. I watched her fall in love with two people at the same time, and it reminded me of myself when I met her and her mom. She won’t be able to just walk away from that, regardless of if you ask or not.” Monty finally looks my way, eyes welling with unshed tears. “I know I couldn’t.

You reminded me what it felt like to be important, to be chosen first. I know you wanted this to be easy and detached, but you’re fucking in here.” His fingers meet his chest, tapping it a couple of times, blue eyes meeting mine, and full of pain. “You’re everywhere, and when you leave tomorrow, I’ll still see you everywhere. In this kitchen. In Max’s room. In my bed. There’s nothing about us that’s easy. This is fucking miserable, Miller, knowing there’s a clock counting down the seconds until I don’t have you anymore, but I’d do it all over again. I’d fall in love with you all over again. I’d break my heart all over again because loving you was one of the two greatest surprises of my life.