Page 54 of Going for Three

“Damn.” I chuckled in shock.

Things had truly turned around in my life. Glancing at Charm, I knew I had her to thank for it all.

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” I shamelessly admitted.

She blushed, locking her phone, and placing it down. “Is that so?”

I nodded once.

“I wouldn’t be here without you either.” We met in the middle for a kiss. “Let’s get home so I can prove it after you read KK his bedtime story.”

I put that truck in reverse so fast it made a loud screeching sound. Charm couldn’t stop cracking up in the passenger seat. She just didn’t know I was about to nail her ass to the cross for looking so good while sitting courtside tonight. I’m talking about titties mounted, makeup on point, not a hair out of place, and she had the nerve to wear the perfume she knew drove me crazy. Focusing was almost impossible, except I knew being able to celebrate by clapping her cheeks would be so much better.

Charm and KKwere fast asleep. He’d woken up at some point during the night and was now in bed with us. I was leaning against the headboard looking at the highlights from tonight’s game on ESPN on mute.

Reaching for my phone, I went to the photo that still had my phone blowing up with notifications. I couldn’t help but stare at it and smile. Warmth exploded from my heart into every crevice of my aching body until the pain from tonight’s game disappeared. This was how I wanted to be remembered in the years to come, not for scandals or reckless behavior but for the love I had for my family.

Taking a quick screenshot, I cropped it and saved the photo as my wallpaper as a reminder of what I had to lose. Placing my phone on the nightstand, I used the remote to shut the TV off then cuddled up behind Charm. Slinging an arm over them both, I settled into a comfortable resting state, drifting off within minutes because of the serenity surrounding me.

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.”

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