Chapter Thirty-One

Jordyn Love

The Vegas heat was relentless, pressing down like a heavy blanket as I pulled into the driveway. My practice gear clung to my skin, and all I wanted was a long shower. But the second I spotted Jonah's tiny figure in the window, everything else melted away.

"Mama!" she screamed, her little hands smacking against the glass as she jumped up and down.

I barely had time to drop my bag before the door swung open, and she came barreling toward me.

"Hey, muffin!" I scooped her up, burying my face in her curls and pressing kisses all over her giggling face. "I missed you so much." I sighed in amazement at our tiny human.

"We made cookies!" she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with excitement as she pointed toward the kitchen.

That's when I noticed A'ja, leaning in the doorway with her arms crossed and a streak of flour smudged across her cheek. She was wearing one of my old UConn shirts, the faded logo tugging at something deep in my chest. The sight of her, so effortless yet familiar, made my breath hitch.

"I see that," I said, trying to steady my voice as I caught her eye. "Did you save any for me?"

"Maybe," A'ja replied, her tone softer than it had been in months. "But only because Jonah demanded we make extras."

"Well let's get yall into the house. Mommy might get beat up if her gamecock fans see her bleeding blue," I teased as A'ja rolled her eyes.

"Shut up Aire," she said making me laugh.

Jonah buried her face in my neck, letting out a shy giggle, and I chuckled.

The kitchen was chaos—flour dusted every surface, chocolate chips littered the counter, and a few cookie cutters had found their way to the floor. It was a mess, but it was the best mess I'd seen in a long time.

"How was Houston?" A'ja asked, her voice casual as she started wiping down the counter.

"Good," I said, setting Jonah down so she could scurry off to grab another cookie. "The championship game was insane. That LSU point guard? She's going to be a problem in the league."

A'ja nodded, her movements slowing as she focused on me. "I watched it. She reminds me of you a little. The way she controls the game, her composure under pressure."

Her words caught me off guard. A'ja hadn't said anything remotely complimentary about me in a long time, let alone compared me to someone so talented.

"You think?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

"Yeah," she said, meeting my gaze. "It's the way she makes everyone around her better. That kind of confidence—it's rare."

Something flickered in her voice, something that wasn't just about basketball. I wanted to ask, to press, but Jonah came running back, holding up a cookie that looked vaguely like a heart.

"Mama, look!" she said proudly. "I made this for you!"

"It's perfect," I said, taking a big bite and pretending it was the best thing I'd ever tasted. "You're a cookie genius, Jo girl."

A'ja's lips curved into a small smile as she watched us. "She insisted on making them when she heard you were coming home today."

The word "home" hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. For a long time, I wasn't sure if I still belonged in this house, with these two. But maybe...just maybe, I was starting to find my place again.

Later that night, after Jonah had been bathed, read to, and tucked into bed, I found myself on the back patio with A'ja. The city lights twinkled in the distance, a glittering backdrop to the quiet moment we shared.

The silence was almost comfortable—something I hadn't felt with her in a long time.

"Thank you," she said, breaking the stillness.

"For what?"

"For trying," she said, her eyes focused on the horizon. "For the groceries, the flowers, showing up for Jonah...for not giving up on us."

I swallowed hard, her words tugging at something raw inside me. "I told you I wouldn't," I said, my voice steady. "I meant it."

She nodded, her expression softening. "It's just...it's been hard. And I've been...hard. On you."

I reached over, tentatively brushing my fingers against hers. To my surprise, she didn't pull away. Instead, she intertwined her fingers with mine, her grip firm but hesitant.

"I get it," I said. "I fucked up. You've been carrying so much on your own. I just want to help lighten the load."

She glanced at me then, her eyes reflecting the distant city lights. "You have. More than you know."

The quiet stretched between us, but this time it wasn't heavy. It was the kind of quiet that held promise, that hinted at something worth rebuilding.

"A'ja," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know we've got a long road ahead. And I know I've hurt you—hurt us. But I love you. I love Jonah. And I'm going to keep proving that to you every single day."

Her fingers tightened around mine, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled—really smiled.

"I never stopped loving you either," she said softly. "But love isn't enough. We've still got work to do."

"I know," I said, nodding. "But I'm not going anywhere.We'll get through this pretty girl,"

And for the first time in years, I believed we might actually find our way back to each other.

Because sometimes love isn't about sweeping gestures or grand declarations. Sometimes it's about cookies made by tiny hands, shared silences under the Vegas sky, and the quiet persistence of two people trying to rebuild what was broken. We sat out for a minute before heading inside. I opted for the guest bedroom over the couch and sighed contently.

—————

The house was quiet except for the faint hum of the AC as I crept through the hallway. The sun was barely up, painting the Vegas skyline in soft pinks and golds. Jonah was still fast asleep, her tiny form curled up in bed, her blanket half on the floor.

I nudged the door open and knelt beside her, brushing a curl out of her face. "Hey, muffin," I whispered. "Wanna help Mama make breakfast?"

Her eyes fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across her face. "Pancakes?"

"Of course," I said. "Chocolate chip, your favorite."

She was up in an instant, her excitement contagious. Together, we padded into the kitchen. While Jonah climbed onto her step stool, I grabbed my phone and propped it up against the fruit bowl.

"Alright, let's do this," I muttered, opening TikTok. I hadn't gone live in weeks, so I figured my fans deserved a little update. Plus, Jonah loved the attention.

I hit "Go Live," and within seconds, viewers poured in.

"Good morning, y'all," I said, waving at the screen. "Welcome to the Love household. We're making breakfast for A'ja because, well, it's what good wives do." I winked at the camera, and Jonah giggled beside me.

Comments started flooding in immediately:

"Come on domesticated wife.""Jonah looks so much like A'ja omg.""Are you still in Vegas? Thought you'd be in New Orleans for practice!"

"Still here in Vegas," I replied, cracking an egg into the mixing bowl. "Got a little break, before training camp so I'm spending it with my girls. But don't worry, Hurricane Nation, I'll be back soon."

"Mama, I stir?" Jonah tugged on my arm, her eyes wide.

"Of course, baby." I handed her the whisk, keeping a hand on hers as she started mixing.

More comments rolled in:

"How's Cotie fitting in with the team?""Y'all keeping Jonah off socials? She's so cute!""What's A'ja's favorite breakfast?"

"Okay, let me answer one at a time," I said, laughing. "Jonah's not on socials much. We want to protect her from the cruel world.This is a rare cameo, so enjoy it while it lasts." Jonah waved at the camera, grinning.

"As for Cotie," I continued, sprinkling chocolate chips into the batter, "that's my dawg. She's been great. She's funny, works hard, and i think she'll  fit in with the team like she's been here for years. I'm super ready to be her teammate. I think Hurricane Nation is gonna love her."

Cotiemcmahon32 Awe thanks Jordy girl. I can't wait to be your teammate too

The comments kept coming, but I focused on Jonah, helping her pour the first scoop of batter onto the griddle. The sizzling sound filled the kitchen, and Jonah clapped her hands.

"Alright, last question before we sign off," I said, glancing at the comments.

"What's it like juggling basketball and family?"

That one gave me pause. I glanced at Jonah, who was humming to herself as she watched the pancake bubble.

"It's a lot," I admitted. "But it's worth it. A'ja and I make it work because at the end of the day, family comes first. And honestly, Jonah makes it easy. She's the best teammate I've ever had."

Jonah looked up at me and beamed, her smile bright enough to make my heart ache.

When the last pancake was done, I signed off, waving at the screen. "Thanks for hanging out, y'all. Remember, chocolate chip pancakes are undefeated. See you soon."

By the time we finished plating the pancakes, Jonah was practically bouncing with excitement. "We give it to mommy?"

"Let's do it muffin," I said, grabbing the tray.

Jonah led the way, her tiny feet padding down the hallway as I followed with the breakfast. When we pushed open the door, A'ja was still sprawled out in bed, her hair wild from sleep.

"Mommy! Wake up!" Jonah announced, climbing onto the bed.

A'ja groaned, rolling over. "What time is it?"

"Time for pancakes," I said, setting the tray on the nightstand.

She sat up slowly, her eyes landing on the plate. "You made breakfast?"

"Jonah and I did," I corrected. "Chocolate chip pancakes, just for you."

A'ja's lips curved into a soft smile as she pulled Jonah into her lap. "Thanks, boo girl."

"welcome!" Jonah said, beaming.

I sat on the edge of the bed, watching as A'ja took a bite. Her smile widened, and for a moment, it felt like everything was okay again.

"Mmm, not bad," she teased, glancing at me.

"Not bad?" I shot back, pretending to be offended.

"Alright, alright, they're good," she admitted, laughing.

The sound was music to my ears. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.

And as Jonah snuggled closer to A'ja, her giggles filling the room, I felt a flicker of hope that maybe—just maybe—we were finding our way back to each other.

Excuse all errors Ajah 💕