Page 29

Six Months Later…

The morning sun spilled through the sheer curtains in the kitchen.

Every now and then, they would gently sway with the wind because of the open window.

I was at the sink washing the last of the pots and pans I used to cook breakfast this morning.

Eric Benét crooned from my Bluetooth speaker.

When I turned around, I saw the portrait of us walking out of the press conference when I returned to the game at the start of the season. I couldn’t help but smile.

I sang along to the lyrics of “You’re the Only One” feeling every single word in my soul. Charm came around the corner with KK racing behind her as the chorus came on.

“You’re the only one I want,” I sang, holding a spatula up to my lips like a microphone.

I placed it down to pull Charm into my arms. I continued to sing while holding on to her waist. She relaxed in my arms instantly, embracing the moment.

I twirled her in my arm then pressed her back into the front of my body.

We stayed in that place, rocking from side to side, until KK interrupted us when he started begging to be picked up. I scooped him up and kissed his cheek.

He was playing with the newest addition to my championship ring collection. Something about it being my third one was symbolic. I placed it on the counter proudly. The season had ended weeks ago, and fans were still raving about the way I made the league my bitch.

“I saw you at the door. Did you want something, baby?” Charm asked, leaning against the counter.

“Just to tell you that breakfast was ready, but I heard you recording a video and didn’t want to disturb you.”

Charm was back in her influencer bag and like me she was having the comeback of the century. Despite our fears, the world was obsessed with the authentic versions of ourselves. Her YouTube had hit a major milestone last week when she achieved a million subscribers on her channel.

“Oh, yes. Let’s eat. I’m starving. You better not have overcooked the bacon again either,” she fussed, folding her arms over her chest.

I chuckled. “I didn’t, bae. I promise.”

She scrunched her face up. “Since you’re known to keep your promises, I believe you.”

I puckered my lips for a kiss, and she happily gave me what I wanted. Taking her hand in mine, I pulled her along as we headed outside. KK began playing with the lucky charm pendant around my neck as he usually did.

We built our home last quarter, and it was perfect.

Since I knew Charm loved to eat outside, I had breakfast laid out on the shaded patio.

I placed Keanu in his highchair then took a seat beside his mother after tucking her chair under the table.

We said a quick prayer then started making our plates.

Even though we ate in silence, there were so many things about this moment that were loud like the peace, love, and joy surrounding us while the morning doves serenaded us, the soft and melodic trickle of our fountain pool cascading repeatedly, charm’s bare and beautiful face after recording one of those morning routine skincare videos, and our son’s chubby little fingers snatching up any and everything he could get his hands on before stuffing his face with food.

Leaning back, I continued to admire the beautiful life we’d created.

I fought so fucking hard to get here, and it was everything I desired plus more.

“What’s got you smiling so hard?” Charm asked, taking notice of my content smile.

“This… Us... I’m just happy and taking it all in.”

She looked from side to side at our bright, vibrant grass to the thriving rose garden we tended to together to ensure we were getting quality time between work and parenthood. When she glanced back at me, she smiled.

“Yeah, it’s perfect.”

I smirked, leaning toward her. “I told you it would be.”

She scoffed. “When you tell me that?”

“The day you literally fell into my arms. You said Jesus himself couldn’t make you fuck with me, and I told you we’d see about that.”

She laughed as the memory surfaced in her mind, too.

“If I remember correctly, you called me a bitch.”

“Not intentionally, but you wasn’t giving a nigga no play.”

She sighed. “Because I thought I had you all figured out.”

She propped her chin up on her hand leaning closer to me. I pecked her lips and moaned.

“In some ways, you did. I became a new man when I pursued you because I knew I wanted you.”

“Why?”

“What kind of question is that? You’re my soulmate. Why wouldn’t I want to be whole?” I scoffed. I lifted her left hand and kissed her wedding ring. “I am my best self when I’m with you, Charmony. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

As I stared into her brown eyes, I knew I didn’t have to be perfect, but I did have to choose to be the best I could for them day after day.

They believed in me. They trusted me. Unlike my father, I would never sacrifice their faith in me for anything in this world.

As a man, it was the strongest currency I could ever have.

The End