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EPILOGUE

CREED

The buzz inside Crypto.com Arena was electric. It was season opening night, my first game back after months of rehab and recovery. And I was more than ready to prove that I still had it.

I sat on the bench, lacing up my sneakers, feeling the weight of the moment. This was my chance to remind everyone why I was one of the best in the league. My injury had sidelined me for months, but now? I was back.

I grabbed a ball and started shooting around and zoned in, getting my rhythm back. The feel of the leather, the sound of the net swishing as I drained shot after shot—it was second nature.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw them. Serenity, Cree, and Gio, walking down the sideline toward their seats near the team’s bench. My entire world was right there. I tossed the ball to my rookie teammate, jogged over, and bent down to scoop Cree into my arms.

“Daddy!” she giggled, wrapping her arms around my neck.

I kissed her chubby cheek, squeezing her close before setting her down. “Missed you, princess. You ready to cheer for Daddy?”

She nodded excitedly. “Yup! I’m going to scream so loud!”

I chuckled. “That’s my girl.”

Turning to Gio, I held out my fist. “What’s up, champ?” He grinned, hitting our handshake perfectly before giving me a small hug.

Then, my eyes landed on my wife. Serenity stood there, watching me, her signature smirk tugging at her lips. She had on one of my oversized Clippers jerseys, knotted at the waist; paired with ripped jeans and sneakers. Her curls were full and wild, framing her face perfectly. I leaned in, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her into me.

“Hey, Langston” I murmured before pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips.

She sighed into me, her fingers curling around the back of my neck. “Hi my love.”

I grinned against her lips before pulling back. “Glad you’re here.”

“Wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she whispered.

A lot had changed in the five months since we got married. Some changes were expected—like the way we grew even closer, stronger than ever. Others were still a work in progress.

With Joseph gone, Tasha had finally sold her house in Dallas and moved to California permanently. She had planned on living with us at first, but Serenity offered her old home instead. It was the perfect compromise—Tasha had her own space, but she was still close to her grandbabies.

Serenity’s parents put their divorce on hold, saying they wanted to try and work things out. She hadn’t spoken to her father much and still refused to meet her little brother. I was still working on her, trying to get her to see past her anger. Because yeah, Lenox fucked up, but that little boy wasn’t to blame. I just had to wear her down—and if I had to bribe her with food and sex to make her budge, then so be it.

We played fast, our ball movement crisp. I could feel it—tonight was gonna be a statement game. I scored the first 10points for our team. Hit three three-pointers back-to-back. Got my first dunk of the season, hanging on the rim for a second before letting go and flexing at the crowd.

By halftime, I already had 25 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds. I glanced over at my family, seeing Serenity and the kids standing and cheering. Gio had his hands in the air, yelling, “THAT’S MY DAD!” while Cree clapped her little hands in excitement. Serenity caught my eye, sending me a small wink. I was locked in.

By the end of the fourth quarter, we secured the win, and I finished with a triple double. 35 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The crowd was going crazy. My teammates were hyped. I pulled off my jersey, drenched in sweat, slinging a towel over my shoulders as I walked toward the post-game press conference.

I took my seat in front of the media, adjusting the mic. First question came from one of the NBA analysts. “Creed, you came back tonight looking better than ever. Do you think this will be your best season yet?”

I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “No doubt. I got everything I need—on and off the court.”

I meant that. I had my family, my career, my peace. For the first time in forever, everything in my life was exactly where it needed to be. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

Game on.

THE END