Turnover

34.

"SiSi! SISI!" Tiny hands shook Kesi's frame as the sun shone brightly through her large paneled bedroom window. February

Exasperated , the four year old huffed before she left the room only to return with her father who smiled at the sight of his eldest child asleep.

"Did you shake her Kaia?"

The little girl nodded before sighing dramatically, placing her hands on her tiny waist " Yup, I shook her five times."

"Okay then." Kwasi ruffled the little girl's hair and patted her shoulder to diffuse her frustration "Go and see that mum has everything set up in the living room, I'll handle this."

As Kaia retreated , Kwasi looked at his first born and bit his lip. Today was her wedding day. Things should have been cemented for him when his family had flown in or when Kasim had arrived last night with his girlfriend Maya who was also apart of the wedding. However it was now that he was beginning to feel something swirling in his gut.

His baby girl wasn't a baby anymore , she was a university graduate, Cosmopolitan's newest editor, she was a law student and she was someone's fiancée. By tonight, she'd be someone's wife.

Moving over to a space near her on her bed , Kwasi gently shook Kesi and chuckled at the way she scrunched her nose in protest.

"C'mon baby , you've got a big day ahead."

He announced , earning a sigh before she flipped over.

"Five more minutes , dad."

The familiarity of her request washed over him, he smiled gratefully at the warm feeling it brewed in his gut before he rocked her twice more.

"Sorry sleeping beauty , we've got to get you up and showered. Your glam squad is waiting downstairs for you and your bridesmaids are already at the hair salon. They'll be here in an hour."

Defeated , Kesi rose from her sleep and rested her head against her dad's shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her before he ruffled her hair.

"Have you heard from Brandon?"

Kesi queried , her voice low and raspy. The importance of the day was quickly dawning on her. Removing herself from her fathers side, she stood up and stretched before looking around to search for his face.

"Yes he's in the airport , he has one more flight and then he should be here."

"I can't believe he's coming home on his wedding day."

Her shoulders slumped as her mind wandered to scenarios that could threaten their day but her father was soon at her side.

"He's a basketball player Kesi , this is his career. At least they're giving him time for your honeymoon."

"Yeah well, that's only because he complained about muscle soreness last night. He works himself so hard for his team."

"Yes he does and that's why he's good at what he does. Now.." Kwasi rested his hands on his child's shoulders before he kissed her forehead "Get in the shower and don't worry. Today is one of the best days of your life."

Staring into his eyes , Kesi saw the sadness in them but she also saw happiness. She could imagine how hard this was for him and because of this she smiled encouragingly before she did as she was told.

When the water tumbled over her skin , she took a breath however she still couldn't shake the wave of emotions running through her. She needed Brandon to be in LA sooner than later because as she was coming to realize, he brought her peace. This crazy life she'd signed up for with him was crashing down on her. She'd signed up to be the wife of an athlete , that meant separation and sacrifice. Also , she had her own career that would require that as well. She knew they were strong enough to deal with it , she just wanted to hear his voice or feel him so that she could be at rest.