Page 53 of Guarding Our Love
“All clean. Now, let’s get you fed,” I heard Calil say.
Once he started humming, I climbed out of bed and entered the bathroom. Calil couldn’t sing to save his life, but wheneverhe fed Calil Jr., who we called CJ, he would hum a random tune. I thought it was the cutest and sweetest thing.
The light automatically came on when I stepped onto the cool tile. The floors were heated, but they were on a timer, so they wouldn’t come on until a little later. It was only like five in the morning, and nobody but Calil got up that early.
A year had passed since Calil and I made things official. I often thought I moved too fast after my divorce, but everything was perfect. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t feel loved and special by Calil. I loved the relationship he built with the boys as well. He never tried to take Roy’s place, but he had become a bonus father to them. He respected them and treated them like his own, and in turn, they respected him. At times, I felt like he spoiled them, but it was never overboard. They got the newest sneakers and clothes all the time. The three of them spent time together playing and watching basketball. Calil had an indoor basketball court, so he taught them how to play. Both boys were on their school basketball teams and had been excelling. I thought the divorce would affect them more, but they both were thriving in school and all the sports they played.
Roy was Roy. I didn’t know too much about what he had going on, and it wasn’t my business. I never did find out who sent the pictures, but it didn’t matter. He showed up for his kids, and that was all that mattered. I didn’t miss him in the sense of us being together again, but we were married for a long time. I just wanted what was best for him and to remain the father he was. I was happy where I was.
The boys and I moved into Calil’s house when I was three months pregnant. I never imagined having another child, but I was happy when I learned I was pregnant. Calil was ecstatic about it and asked if the boys and I could move because he didn’t want to miss a thing. Most of the time, he didn’t either. All of my doctor’s appointments were scheduled around his practiceor games. He even got me one of the best obstetricians in the country. He almost missed the baby’s birth because he was in the middle of a game. Luckily, it was a home game, and he was able to leave to get there on time.
“Good morning.”
I jumped when I left the bathroom and found Calil sitting at the edge of the bed.
“Good morning. I didn’t hear you come in,” I said as I approached him. I stepped into his open arms, and he wrapped them around my waist. I ran my hands through his locs.
“I came in after I put lil’ man back to sleep.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up? I would have gotten him. You are supposed to be relaxing. Today is a big day.”
Calil looked up at me and smiled. “It is a big day, but my kids and their mother come first. I need you to be happy and at peace so that I can be at peace. As long as y’all are good, then I’m good.”
Warmth spread through my body every time Calil looked at me and said the stuff he said at times.
“I couldn’t be better. Everyone is thriving, work is good, and my man is about to win the championship!” I hugged him and pulled his head back by his loose locs to kiss him.
It was a quick kiss because we didn’t need to get anything started. He needed to save all of his energy for the court.
“You fucking right!” He held up his hand, and I gave him a high five. “Before I go, I made you breakfast.” He got up from the bed and grabbed the tray, which I hadn’t noticed was on the table.
“You fed the baby and had time to make me breakfast on your big day. What did I do to deserve this?” I asked as I sat on the bed.
“You show up for me, gave me three boys to love, and love me even on my bad days.”
Tears dropped onto the tray when he put it in front of me. Good thing they didn’t fall onto my food.
“And you do the same for me. I had planned on making you breakfast, but you beat me to it.”
I loved the fact that we catered to each other. Calil didn’t ask me for much, but I did whatever I could. If I didn’t want to work, I didn’t have to, but I loved my job. I had no problem taking maternity leave, though, and when I was ready to go back, it would probably only be part-time. Calil had everything he needed materially, so the only thing I could give him was my love, attention, loyalty, and a safe space.
“I’m good. I made myself a protein shake. I think I’m too excited to eat.”
The team didn’t make it to the championship last season, but this time, they did, and I had faith they were going to win.
“I can imagine. I have all the confidence in the world that you guys will win.”
“So do I. I have you all in the box since you are bringing CJ. It’s only for our family. No one else is allowed up there. There will be someone to serve y’all food, but that’s it. I don’t want a bunch of strangers around my baby. I also laid out his clothes for the day, and I got him some earphones so it’s not too noisy.”
This would be CJ’s first game since he was so young. It was only because of the significance of the game. Both sides of our families were going to be there, including his grandfather and the nurse, Ms. Yvonne, who was now also his girlfriend. Kendyll, Infinite, and their little girl were coming, too.
“Okay. I can’t wait to see you play.” It didn’t matter how many times I saw Calil play. I always got excited.
The boys and I would see him when he played on the road as well as all of his home games. Sometimes, I would go by myself. There was always some groupie trying to take my place, but Calil paid them no mind.
“You know I’m going to show out for you, girl.” He kissed my nose as I put a piece of pancake in my mouth. “I need to get out of here, but I’ll see you after the game. I love you.”
“Love you, too,” I mumbled between bites.
