Page 76 of Raising Love
I’ve always believed names carry power and influence. Tyrell and I decided to choose names that had the same letters as our friends’ names to prove how good they look together. Giving you this name serves two purposes, little one. It’s to show you that you are loved beyond your mom and dad, and it’s to serve as a hope that one day, Ivy and Leo will see the love between them that Daddy and Mommy saw in them—that we still believe to this day was meant to be.
Tears stung my eyes again, but this time, they were accompanied by a small, hopeful smile.
Kendra had made a promise to be that person for Levi, to ensure he always knew he was loved. And now, I was determined to keep that promise for her.
Which meant I needed to mend things with Leo, too.
Because maybe—just maybe—we could be the family Kendra envisioned she and Tyrell being to Levi.
Maybe.
SEVENTEEN
leo
Applause rang out around the large room as my name was called at the podium.
I was at the Annual NBA Honors, an event that recognized the league’s top performers for the regular season. Tonight, I was being awarded Most Improved Player, a recognition that made every single late night and grueling practice feel worth it.
Smiling at the people around me, I exchanged daps with a few teammates and others nearby before standing and making my way to the stage. Pride swelled in my chest with every step, because I knew I’d earned this.
When I reached the stage, I shook the commissioner’s hand and accepted the award with the other. We turned and posed for the waiting photographers, snapping photos at lightening speed.
The award was heavier than I expected, its sleek design catching the lights from the room. My name was etched in gold on the black marbled base, and a silver basketball seemed to burst through a clear crystal plane—like breaking through barriers. It felt like a symbol of the journey I’d taken this season.
The smile on my face only grew as I stared at it for a moment.
When I signed with the Bronx Ballers eight years ago as a rookie, I knew I wanted to be more than just another player on the roster. I wanted to matter to the team. And I’d worked my ass off to make that happen, even through personal losses and challenges I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Placing the trophy on the podium, I turned to face the crowd. The applause slowly quieted, and I leaned toward the mic.
“Thank you,” I began, my voice steady but full of emotion. “I wrote a speech because if you know me, you know I don’t do well with public speaking… unless I’m yelling across the court.”
The room erupted in laughter, and I chuckled along with them, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest.
I wasn’t nervous exactly—I’d spoken in front of crowds plenty of times—but excitement had a way of tangling my words if I wasn’t careful.
The night was perfect. A cool spring evening. The large hall in Manhattan was packed with some of the best in the NBA, all gathered to celebrate the hard work and talent that defined the season.
The Bronx Ballers hadn’t made the playoffs this year, and yeah, that stung. I’d thought this would be our year. But looking back, I knew we’d given it our all. Injuries, bad games, and my own mental struggles after losing Tyrell and Kendra had tested me in ways I wasn’t sure I’d pass.
And yet, I’d shown up.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” I said, glancing down at the paper in my hand. “First and foremost, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the NBA and the sports journalists for this incredible honor. Receiving the Most Improved Player Award is a testament not just to my efforts, but to the unwavering support and hard work of my teammates, coaches, and the entire staff of the Bronx Ballers.”
I glanced up briefly, saluting a few of my teammates in the crowd. My gaze swept the room, searching for familiar faces—and then I saw her.
Ivy.
She was seated at one of the tables in the back, her smile radiant even from across the room.
I froze for a second, my heart stumbling over itself as her presence washed over me.
She was here.
I bit down on my bottom lip, swallowing the unexpected lump in my throat, and forced my eyes back to the paper.
“This season has been a journey of growth, challenges, and relentless pursuit of excellence,” I continued. “Despite our team not making the playoffs, we’ve all pushed each other to be better every day. This award, while it might bear my name, really belongs to the entire organization for believing in me, pushing me, and supporting my growth both on and off the court.”
