Chapter Seventeen

A'ja Wilson-love

"Miss girl, this outfit is cute!" I cheered on halo. She was currently running back and forth between her bedroom and the kitchen, giving Angel and I a 'fashion show'. Angel shook her head and the toddler's antics before heading to the fridge. "You want a drink A?" She asked as she pulled down some glasses from the cabinet."Water, please," I told Angel when she started pouring herself a glass of wine. I was currently on a detox, because Jordy and I spent the week in Atlanta and I was so big backed down there.

Angel raised an eyebrow but didn't comment, sliding a glass of water my way instead. We decided to have tacos for lunch and just chill, since we were both completely free today.

After eating, Halo was coloring at the kitchen table, her tiny tongue peeking out in concentration. At four years old, she was already a master of staying within the lines, her little hand carefully moving the crayon across the paper.

"Godmommy, look!" she called out, holding up a drawing that looked like a wild interpretation of our last family gathering. I could make out stick figures that I was pretty sure represented her, Angel, and Paige.

"That's beautiful, baby," I said, ruffling her hair. Halo beamed, always seeking approval. Speaking of Paige, the front door opened and the woman walked in with her biggest smile in her face.

"Halo! I got you a surprise mama," she called out before she realized we weee all in the kitchen. "Oh hey Yall. Here baby," she said as she passed Halo a small wrapped present. Halo beamed as she quickly unraveled it and revealed a new LEGO set.

"Legos?! Thanks Paigey," she squealed, as she hugged Paige who reciprocated it with a smile.

My phone buzzed. The caller ID showed my OB-GYN's office, and my heart rate immediately picked up."I'll be right back yall," I said as I stepped out onto the porch to answer the call."Hello?""Hi, this is Jenifer at Henderson Obstetrics. I'm calling to speak with Mrs.Wilson-Love," "This is she," I said, nervously . "Hi, I hope your day is going well. I wa calling to let you know that we received your accommodations request and were able to get that all in your chart. We also got an email from your Doula, and we just wanted to confirm before we added her on as a birthing partner?" I nodded na confirmed all of the info before we hung up. I sent Jordy a text before heading back inside.

My love🫂: Hi baby. Just talked with OB office. They got my birthing plan in file and updated my file to include Cathrine as well.

Jordy❤️: okay perfect. Have you taken a test yet mama?

I decided to just call her when I left Angel's house. Truth was I haven't taken a test yet. But not because I'm scared or anything. I just wanted to be in her presence when I did, and that was hard to come by since she's in Dallas for this stupid AU league. Okay well actually into not stupid, it's an amazing league. I just want my wife home with me in Nevada. I stated a little longer before deciding to head home.The ride home from Angel's was quiet. my mind was racing faster than the highway beneath me. The pregnancy test box burned a hole in my purse – the one I'd picked up from the pharmacy right before coming to Angel's.

I wasn't ready to tell Jordyn. Not yet. Not over the phone. I needed to make it big for her.

Pulling into my driveway, I grabbed my bag and headed inside. The house felt too big, too empty without Jordyn. I kicked off my shoes, dropped my keys on the counter, and pulled out the test.

Deep breath.

One line. Two lines.

Positive.

"Yes!" I whispered to myself.

My phone buzzed. Jordyn.

Jordy❤️: Practice was tough today. These AU League drills are no joke.

My love🫂: How's it going?

Jordy❤️: Killing it. T'ea's been helping me work on my defensive stance. She's got some crazy good techniques.

I ignored the slight twist in my stomach. Jordy was always passionate about basketball. Always finding connection through the game.

I tucked the test into the bottom of my bathroom drawer. Not a word. Not yet.

---

Jordyn Love POV

Dallas was electric. The Athletes unlimited League was a vibe. Good people, good hoops, and we were in Dallas so good barbecue!

I even got close with some of the players I don't get to see and soak with as often like Kalani, DiDi, and Te'a.

Te'a Cooper moved different. Not just on the court, but how she carried herself. Confidence that wasn't arrogance, but something deeper. Something magnetic.

"Your footwork's getting better," she said during a water break, standing close enough that I could smell her cologne. Something expensive. Something that didn't feel like just teammates.

"Appreciate you breaking it down for me," I responded, totally missing the way her eyes lingered.

What I didn't see was the slow smile. The way she was reading me. Studying me.

"We should grab food after practice," Te'a suggested. "I know this spot. Great wings. Better conversation."

I nodded, thinking about A'ja. Thinking about home. Completely blind to the game being played right in front of me.

"Sounds good," I said.

Little did I know, everything was about to change.

Excuse all errors.- This book has been peaceful for the last part. Time for drama 🤭