Page 51 of Going for Three

“I can’t wait to get you back to the suite. I’m going to try not to give you another baby.”

I grinned. “I’m going to try not to giveyouanother baby.”

He shook his head with a dazed expression. Slowly, he inched forward until he planted a sweet kiss on my lips. A wave of euphoria washed through me when he placed another. The way I could feel his love through his affection was spiritual. I knew my soul was complete.

“I’m so blessed to be able to do forever with you.”

I nodded. “Yeah, you are, so you better not forget it.”

He scoffed. “I’d rather lose a limb than to lose you.”

I knew it was true, and when he kissed me again, all doubt fled from my being.

“Losing you is never an option. I went for three and I got it.” He winked with a smirk.

His affirmation placed me on autopilot where I didn’t have to worry or even think. I could just be. That sense of ease was a feeling I wish everyone could experience in life because it was addicting.

A Little Over a Year Later…

The bounce of the basketball reverberated through my body as I stood half court staring at the goal on the opposite end of me. In my mind, I could hear the loud, reverberating roar of the fanatics before my feet even hit the court. My heart slowed from a sprint to a crawl with every deep breath I took to center myself. I’d studied the game so intently, I felt confident whenever I hit the court. Knowing the one up I had on niggas was more than skill; it was also knowledge. These niggas weren’t seeing me before, and they definitely weren’t now that I had time to rejuvenate myself.

I’d never felt so alive. Standing there the night before the start of a new season felt like I was in the right place at theright time with the right mindset. My new goal was to overpower my father’s shadow by being my authentic self every single day. They’d said everything they could about me after my suspension, and instead of letting each nugget sour my gut microbiome, I munched on it and allowed it to become my fuel to be better. Because deep down, I knew I was better, but for some reason, I struggled to show it. There would be no more of that. A new era of Kianis Kinga had already started, but tomorrow, the world would catch on.

“There you are,” a sweet voice said from somewhere behind me. I smiled, loving how my body could tell every time she took a step closer until she stood directly behind me.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Turning slowly, I came face to face with the love of my life. She looked as beautiful as ever dressed in a fitted black dress with black shark boots and a black leather jacket hanging off her shoulders. All her jewelry had diamonds that made her look even more elegant. I loved it whenever she wore a high ponytail, allowing all her beautiful face to be on display. Even without any makeup, she was flawless in my eyes. I could stare at this girl all damn day and not get enough of it.

“Well, you found me.” I stepped closer, smelling the perfume I’d made for her on our first date wrap around me like a comforting hug. I was obsessed with vanilla because of her. Every whiff sent a wave of warmth through every inch of my body. “I still love this fucking scent on you. It drives me crazy.”

She smirked with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Oh, I know. That was my intention.”

I hummed before placing the ball down and closing the distance between us.

“And what else do you intend to do?”

She smiled excitedly and pulled her arms from behind her back to reveal a small black giftbox.

“To remind you that I am on your side, and you’ve got this. For luck.”

My heart began beating faster as she handed me the box. I pulled it open to find a small gold pendant of a three-leaf clover on a rope chain.

“Turn it over.”

I followed her instruction and nearly became choked up with emotion. The scripture Isaiah 40:28-31 was engraved with her signature underneath.

When I glanced up at Charm, the tears I was fighting against won the war and cascaded down my cheeks. When things started to fall apart, she’d read this scripture every day to encourage me. It gave me strength. It became my anchor. It became the very reason I woke up feeling grateful no matter the circumstances or what the media said. I snatched Charm to my body in a swift motion.

“This is the best gift someone has ever bought for me. Thank you, baby.”

She wiped away my tears with a smile.

“You’re welcome, my love.” She pecked my lips then asked, “How are you feeling about the game tomorrow?”

I rested my forehead on hers and cradled her closer to my body. I inhaled her every exhale, becoming more confident and indestructible.

“I feel good. I’m ready.”

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