Hoops & Harmonies

15.

Angel and Monica sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by wedding magazines, sample invitations, and color swatches. The wedding planning was in full swing, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Angel flipped through a magazine, her eyes lighting up at a stunning floral arrangement.

"What do you think of these?" Angel asked, pointing to a page with cascading white roses and hydrangeas. "I think they'd look amazing at the ceremony."

Monica glanced over, nodding with approval. "I love them! Very elegant. I think it would complement the theme perfectly."

They continued to discuss the details, from the color scheme to the menu options. Their conversation soon turned to the topic of their bachelorette parties. Angel grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"So, what are we thinking for the bachelorette parties?" Angel asked. "Something wild? Something low-key?"

Monica laughed. "Oh, I'm definitely thinking something fun. But nothing too wild—just a good time with close friends and maybe a few surprises."

Angel smirked, leaning closer to Monica with a playful glint in her eyes. "You know, I've been thinking. I want something memorable, but I'm not into strippers or anything like that."

Monica chuckled. "Good, because I know exactly what kind of surprises your friends might have in mind!"

Angel's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Well, should I be concerned about your bachelorette party? Because if I recall correctly, your friend Kandi has a sex dungeon, according to 'The Real Housewives.'"

Monica burst into laughter, nearly spilling her coffee. "Oh my God, Angel! I forgot about that episode! No, no sex dungeons at my party, I promise!"

They both laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth and joy. The wedding planning continued, with Monica picking up a small, delicate flower crown from the table.

"I've been thinking," Monica said, turning to Angel. "We should ask Laiyah to be the flower girl. She'd be perfect, don't you think?"

Angel's face softened. "That's a great idea. She'd love that."

Monica smiled, thinking about Laiyah's bright eyes and infectious laughter. "She'll be so excited."

A little later, Angel decided it was time to talk to Rodney and Melo. She found them in the living room, watching a basketball game. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.

"Hey, guys," Angel said, interrupting the game. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Rodney muted the TV, and Melo turned to her with a curious expression. "What's up, Angel?"

Angel hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I wanted to ask if you two would be my best men at the wedding. I know it's a bit unconventional, but you both mean so much to me, and I can't imagine anyone else standing up there with me."

Rodney's face broke into a wide grin. "Are you kidding me? I'd be honored. You're like a second mom to me, Angel."

Melo nodded, his eyes shining with emotion. "Same here. I'm in."

Angel felt a surge of happiness. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot to me."

They shared a group hug, and Angel felt a sense of contentment settle over her. She knew she had chosen well, and she was grateful for the love and support of her friends.

As the evening wound down, Angel and Monica found themselves alone in their bedroom, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. Angel lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling, her mind racing with thoughts of the future.

Monica rolled over, propping herself up on one elbow to look at Angel. "What's on your mind, babe?"

Angel turned to face Monica, a soft smile playing on her lips. "I was just thinking...about the future. After the wedding. About us having another baby."

Monica's eyes widened slightly, a smile spreading across her face. "Really? You've been thinking about that?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I know it's a big decision, but I've been thinking...I'd like to carry this time. It would be my first, and with your age, it might be a little risky for you."

Monica considered this, her smile softening. "I think that's a great idea. I've loved being a mom, and I'd love to see you experience that too. And you're right—I'm a bit high-risk now, so it makes sense."

Angel reached out, taking Monica's hand in hers. "I just want us to be happy and healthy, and I want to build a family with you. A big, beautiful family."

Monica leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Angel's lips. "I want that too. And I know we'll figure it out, just like we always do."

They lay there in comfortable silence, their hands intertwined, their hearts full. Angel knew she had to return to Chicago soon for the second half of her WNBA season, but in this moment, everything felt perfect.

The Next Morning:
The sun had barely risen when Angel and Monica got ready to head to the airport. The early morning light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. Angel finished packing her suitcase, and Monica helped her zip it up, her expression a mix of sadness and understanding.

"I hate that you have to leave so soon," Monica said quietly, her voice thick with emotion. "But I know you have to get back to Chicago for the season."

Angel nodded, her heart aching at the thought of leaving Monica behind. "I know, babe. I hate it too. But it's only for a little while. And we have the wedding to look forward to."

Monica smiled, though her eyes were misty. "Yeah, we do. And I'll be counting down the days until you're back."

They drove to the airport in a comfortable silence, holding hands the entire way. When they arrived, Angel turned to Monica, her eyes filled with love.

"I'll call you as soon as I land," Angel promised. "And we'll video chat every night, okay?"

Monica nodded, leaning in for a long, lingering kiss. "Okay. I love you, baby. So much."

"I love you too, baby," Angel replied, pulling her into a tight hug. "I'll be back before you know it."

With one last kiss, Angel grabbed her suitcase and headed into the terminal. She turned back one last time, waving at Monica, who stood by the car, watching her go with a bittersweet smile.

As Angel disappeared into the crowd, Monica whispered softly to herself, "I'll be right here, waiting for you."

And with that, she got back into the car, her heart full, knowing that no matter the distance, their love would always bring them back to each other.