Chapter Sixteen

A'ja Wilson-Love

"Baby, what do you think about this outfit?" I called out as I stared at myself in the mirror. We were getting ready for Chelsea and Tipesa's anniversary party.

"Let me se- oh damn. You wanna be bringing home a newborn in ten months?" Jordyn said making me laugh hard. "Be serious Jordy," I said as she smiled, wrapping her arms around me."I think you look gorgeous baby. Black is your color," "Thank you baby. Okay, You ready?" I asked as she nodded. I passed her my phone and she took my pictures before I returned the favor. ————-The anniversary party for Chelsea and Tipesa was more like a massive family reunion than a formal event. Music from a carefully curated playlist filled the space—a mix of R&B throwbacks and current hits that had people dancing between conversations. The venue was a converted warehouse space with exposed brick walls, string lights, and mismatched vintage furniture that somehow worked perfectly together.

"We clean up nice," I whispered to Jordyn, squeezing her hand as we walked in. She was wearing a deep burgundy suit that made her look both powerful and soft—a combination that always took my breath away.

Chelsea spotted us almost immediately. Her face lit up with that infectious smile that had made her a favorite among her teammates and friends. Tipesa was right beside her, looking relaxed in distressed jeans and a stunning gold blazer that caught the light every time she moved.

"A'ja! Jordyn! Thank God you're here," Chelsea called out, weaving through the crowd. The space was packed—basketball players, coaches, family, friends all mingled together. A makeshift photo booth in the corner was already filled with ridiculous props and laughing groups taking pictures.

Dorsey, one of our teammates, was DJ-ing, mixing tracks and occasionally jumping out to dance. The energy was electric—less formal celebration, more epic house party.

"I made sure they have your favorite," Tipesa said, handing me a specialty cocktail. It was a passion fruit concoction I'd raved about during our last team trip.

The food was equally casual—gourmet food trucks parked outside, letting guests grab everything from Korean BBQ tacos to artisan pizza. Kids ran around, athletes lounged on oversized couches, and the music pulsed with a perfect balance of volume—loud enough to feel the energy, soft enough to have a conversation.

"Speech time!" Someone called out, and Chelsea stepped forward, pulling Tipesa close.

"Seven years," Chelsea began, her voice carrying over the crowd. "Seven years of this beautiful chaos. Tipesa, you're my ride or die. My partner. My everything."

Tipesa was laughing, wiping away a tear. "She's dramatic," she told the crowd, "but she's not wrong."

The room erupted in cheers, laughter, celebration.

Later, during a quieter moment on a worn leather couch pushed against the brick wall, I leaned into Jordyn. The party continued around us, a beautiful background noise of celebration and joy.

"Can we talk?" I said, my voice soft but sure.

Jordyn looked at me, that look that said she was ready for whatever I was about to say.

"I'm ready," I said simply. "To try. For a baby."

Her eyes widened. We'd talked about this—countless conversations about timing, about our careers, about the logistics of becoming parents. But this was different. This was a decision.

"Are you sure?" Jordyn asked, her hand finding mine.

"Never been more sure of anything," I said. "You. Me. Our family."

Outside, the food trucks were still serving. Inside, Chelsea was pulling Tipesa into another dance. The music continued, a perfect soundtrack to new beginnings.

Jordyn kissed me, soft and sure. "Let's make a family," she whispered.

The following week passed in a blur of excitement and anticipation. On a crisp Wednesday morning, we drove to Henderson, our SUV packed with moving boxes and dreams. The new house was everything we'd imagined—a modern build with clean lines, an open floor plan, and enough space for our growing family.

"This is going to be our home," Jordyn said, running her hand along the kitchen counter. "Where we'll raise our kid."

The closing was smooth, a testament to the preparation we'd put in. Our real estate agent, Cora, who'd been with us through every open house and negotiation, handed us the keys with a knowing smile. "Congratulations," she said, "to the newest homeowners in Henderson."

Two days later, we were sitting in Dr. Rodriguez's office—a bright, welcoming space that immediately put me at ease. The walls were adorned with photos of babies, each one a testament to the miracles that happened in this room.

"Mrs.Wilson-Love," Dr. Rodriguez greeted me, her warm brown eyes taking in both Jordyn and me. "How are you feeling?"

I detailed my recent health, my nutrition, my workout regimen. As a professional athlete, I was meticulous about my body. Jordyn's hand never left mine, her thumb tracing small circles of support.

After a comprehensive check-up—blood work, physical examination, detailed discussions about my reproductive health—Dr. Rodriguez smiled. "Everything looks excellent. You're in prime condition to start trying."

The word "trying" hung in the air, suddenly so real, so tangible.

"We'll start with some at-home methods," Dr. Rodriguez explained, pulling out some charts and information packets. "Given Jordyn's intersex status and our discussions about potential sperm donation, we'll coordinate closely."

Jordyn asked detailed questions—about fertility windows, about tracking, about the emotional journey we were about to begin. Her scientific background meant she approached this with both heart and methodical precision.

That evening, back in our new home, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes and the promise of our future, we talked. Really talked.

"Are you scared?" I asked Jordyn, watching her organize medical pamphlets into a neat folder.

She looked up, that brilliant mind of hers processing the question. "Excited," she corrected. "Nervous. Hopeful. But mostly excited."

Our journey was just beginning. A baby. Our baby. The thought made my heart race.

Tagged: Aja22wilson Liked by J.young5 and 93,392 othersJordylove Take a pretty girl and give her what she wants💕 Welcome home A View all 12,394 comments J.young5 So proud🥹 Angelreese5 This kitchen😍did yall big ones for sure🙂‍↕️User1829 Wow they my moved together

Excuse all errorsAjah💕