Epilogue
“Hey, lil’ man. Why are you doing all of that hollering? You are going to wake up your mother and probably the rest of the house. Let me check your diaper before I feed you. It’s going to be a long day for all of us, and I need you to be on your best behavior, okay?”
I smiled when I heard the baby coo in response to what Calil said. When I woke up and heard him talking, I thought Calil was still in the room with me, but then I realized I had heard him through the baby monitor.
“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 whenever he 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 practice or 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.
Calil chuckled, then kissed my temple and left the room.
It was still too early to be up for the day, so after I ate, I got back in bed but didn’t lie down. I sure fell asleep sitting up, though. That food put me out.
“It looks like the Warriors are going to take it this year, Jim.”
“I know, Bill. They came back with a vengeance this year. The whole game, they played like they had something to prove, even though they’ve won multiple championships.”
“And did you see Coop showing off? I think the leading lady in his life gave him an extra boost, Jim.”
“For sure. I heard they have a new baby.”
“Good for him.”
Hours later, our families were in the box cheering for Calil and his team.
It was down to the game’s last three minutes, and the Warriors dominated the entire game.
My baby played his ass off, and I couldn’t wait to spend some alone time at the end of the night.
My parents were keeping the boys overnight so we could have uninterrupted time.
I wasn’t trying to be away from my baby for too long.
CJ was in his great-grandfather’s arms, sleeping and unaware of the excitement around him. The boys and I were on our feet, watching Calil do what he did best. I had to give the other team credit, though, because they tried their best. It just wasn’t enough.
“This is it!” I jumped up and down while the clock ran down to the last few seconds.
In true Calil fashion, when the ball was tossed to him, he went for the three. It went in, and the stadium went wild. Confetti fell from the ceiling, covering the entire court. We all cheered and clapped for him. I couldn’t have been prouder of him than I was at that moment.
“Yes!” Brooks hollered and hugged me.
We were all excited for the entire team. After a few minutes, we calmed down as they announced the MVP of the game.
“Tonight’s MVP is no one other than Calil ‘Coop’ Cooper.”
I clapped again when they announced it. I had a feeling it would be him because of how well he played.
“Congratulations, Coop. How does it feel to win your fifth ring and third MVP?”
Of all the people who interviewed him, they picked the chick Clarissa. She hadn’t caused any problems and had been professional every time I saw her, so I had no beef with her. The last I heard about her was she was giving Julian hell. Oh, well. As long as she left mine alone, we were good.
“It feels great, but it would be even greater if Sloan Martin agreed to be my wife.”
My heart stopped for a second. I turned toward my family, and they smiled at me.
“Did he just say what I think he said?” I asked whoever would answer.
Kendyll was the first one to speak up. “Yes, girl.”
“Oh, wow!” I heard Clarissa say. “I guess you’ll have multiple reasons to celebrate tonight. Congratulations again.”
I was speechless. I didn’t expect Calil to propose to me. At least, not yet. Am I ready to get married again?
“Hey, are you okay?” Kendyll asked as she rubbed my arm.
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just caught off guard.”
Kendyll looked up. “Well, you better get on guard because here comes Calil.”
I wasn’t sure how he got up there so fast.
I turned around, and a smile spread over my face when I saw Calil approaching me. When he got close enough, he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring.
“Sloan, I never thought we would ever cross paths again, but I’m glad we did.
You gave me three sons that I love with all of my heart, and I am the happiest I have ever been.
I used to think basketball was my first love, but it’s you and our family.
I love you, and I want to know if you will be my wife? ”
“Yes!” I leaned down and hugged him. He was sweaty, but I didn’t care. This man had loved me when I thought something was wrong with me.
I thought Roy’s actions reflected me as a woman, but they didn’t.
Calil showed me I was perfect the way I was.
Calil slid the massive ring on my finger then stood.
We embraced each other again as our families took pictures.
Calil wasn’t just the best guard on the court.
He was also the best at guarding our love and my heart.
The End!