Temptation • An NBA Love Triangle

15 • reunited

The moment Eileen, Armelle, and Tabitha landed in NYC, Tabitha wanted a slice of pizza.

Since it was still too early, she settled on her grandma Lisa's cooking.

"Where's daddy!?" Tabitha eagerly looked around for her giant of a father.

"I don't know, sweetpea. Let's go to Starbucks and get you a tea." They left a distracted Armelle sitting with their luggage and waited in line to order their drinks.

"Is mommy okay?" Eileen looked down at her granddaughter and smiled before looking back at Armelle.

"She's fine, sweetheart. Mommy's just tired and misses her boys." Tabitha nodded and rested her head on her grandmother's arm.

While they waited in line, Armelle thought about what occurred the night before.

What was his problem? Why did he tell her that he loved her? Has he lost his mind?

"Mommy!" She looked up and smiled at her daughter as she approached her.

She hugged her and let her sit in her lap, pecking her cheek repeatedly.

"Is that an iced Green Tea?" Tabitha nodded and let her mother have a sip.

"It's really go- DADDY!" She sat the cup down and sprinted over to Tobias with open arms.

He picked her up and kissed her before walking over to his wife and mother-in-law.

He hugged Eileen before putting Tabitha down. "Baby."

Armelle jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around him as they kissed.

He held wrapped his arms around her and kissed her harder.

"Even though it was only for a few hours, I missed you so much. I was actually going through withdrawal." She laughed at her husband and kissed him again before letting go of him.

"Y'all ready?" They nodded at Tobias and he picked up their bags while they had their carry-ons.

"You got it, babe?" He nodded and kissed Armelle before leading them out of the airport.

"Titus is stuffing his face with mom's breakfast as we speak. He couldn't wait for you, Toes." She playfully rolled her eyes and got in the back with her grandmother.

Once he placed the last bag in the trunk, he closed it and pulled his wife in for a hug.

"I missed you too, Tobias." She giggled and kissed his soft lips with a smile.

"I'm just happy you're here. Everyone can't wait to see you." He grabbed her hand and kissed it before walking her to the passenger side.

He helped her in and got in the driver's seat, grabbing her hand after turning the truck on.

•

Tabitha went on about how hungry she was for the last few minutes of the car ride.

Armelle glanced at her husband and laughed softly at his facial expression.

"Baby, she made your favorite. You have a stack of blueberry pancakes waiting on you." She gasped and squealed while clapping.

"That's definitely your child, Tobias. She has your face, attitude, and appetite." Armelle laughed at her mother and squeezed Tobias' hand.

"Titus is practically your twin. He looks exactly like you when you were five. He even has your goofy laugh." Tabitha laughed and covered her face as her grandmother poked fun at her daddy.

"Grandma, stop! Daddy can't help it, but he does have a funny laugh." She resumed laughing and eventually caught her breath, making Tobias smile at his wife.

"This is what I dealt with while you were gone. I thought she was high or something." He puffed out his cheeks and tried not to laugh.

"Daddy? What was mommy like when you first got married?" She'd always admired her parents and their happiness. Even at age eight, she knew they were crazy about each other.

"Well, she was the most beautiful woman in world. She still is, but yeah. Everyone complimented her wherever we went and there were guys who tried to take her away from me, but we love each other too much to let that happen." She nodded and smiled at his words.

"I love your mommy so much." Tabitha sighed continued to admire her parents.

Tobias finally made it to his parents' neighborhood and Tabitha spotted her grandparents' home.

"We're here! We're here!" She hopped out as soon as the truck stopped and ran inside.

Armelle shook her head as Tobias laughed with Eileen. "My child."