Hoops & Harmonies

70.

(Time skip!! This Is the final chapter)

Monica stood at the kitchen island, her eyes following Angel as she prepared their anniversary dinner, humming softly to herself. Serenity, now three, was busy playing with her toys, giggling as she mimicked her older siblings.

"You're spoiling me tonight," Monica teased, walking over to wrap her arms around Angel's waist. "Ten years, and you're still doing the most."

Angel chuckled, turning her head to steal a quick kiss. "You deserve it. Ten years of being with you deserves something special."

Monica leaned into her, their connection just as strong as it had been all those years ago. "I love you, you know?"

"I love you more," Angel whispered.

The front door opened, and the sound of Laiyah's voice filled the room. Now in high school, Laiyah was blossoming in her acting career, balancing auditions and school with an impressive grace. She strolled into the kitchen with a script in hand, her excitement palpable.

"Mom, guess what? I just got a callback for that new show I auditioned for!" Laiyah beamed, rushing over to show Monica and Angel the details.

Monica smiled proudly, pulling Laiyah into a hug. "That's amazing, Laiyah! I knew you'd get it."

Angel nodded, ruffling her daughter's hair. "You keep killing it, baby girl."

Laiyah grinned. "I learned from the best."

As they celebrated Laiyah's latest achievement, Rodney walked in, flashing the ring on his fiancée's finger. He was engaged to be married, and the wedding planning had taken over family conversations recently. Monica couldn't help but smile, thinking about how far her eldest son had come. Rodney was now a successful entrepreneur, and his happiness was evident in everything he did.

"Mom, we're thinking spring for the wedding," Rodney said, sitting down at the kitchen table with his fiancée, who joined the lively conversation about venues and guest lists.

"And you know we'll be there," Monica said with a laugh, glancing at Angel. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

Romelo, who was playing basketball in college now, called in during dinner. His games kept him busy, but he made time to check in, his deepening voice filling the speakerphone with updates about his latest games and how much he missed being home.

"I'll try to make it back for Laiyah's callback celebration," Melo said, his tone serious but affectionate.

"Don't worry, we know you're busy with college," Monica said, her heart swelling with pride at her son's accomplishments. "Just focus on your game. We're always here."

As the night wound down, Angel and Monica took a moment for themselves, sitting outside on the porch under the stars. The years had been kind to them, filled with challenges, but also endless love and growth. They had built a beautiful life together, raising their children and continuing to grow their bond.

Monica looked over at Angel, the love in her eyes as strong as it had been the day they first said "I do." "I can't believe it's been ten years," she said softly.

Angel smiled, reaching for her hand. "We've been through a lot, but we're still standing, stronger than ever."

Monica nodded, squeezing Angel's hand. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

As they sat together, gazing up at the sky, Monica thought about the future—Rodney's wedding, Melo's basketball career, Laiyah's blossoming acting success, and the joy of watching Serenity grow into her own. Their family was evolving, but the love that held them together remained constant.

"Here's to the next ten years," Angel said, raising her glass in a toast.

Monica smiled, her heart full. "And every moment in between."

Monica took a deep breath, her gaze shifting from the stars back to Angel. "You ever think about how different things could've been?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a sense of wonder.

Angel smiled, her eyes warm with understanding. "All the time. But I wouldn't change a thing. Everything we've gone through—every challenge, every high and low—has brought us here. Right where we're meant to be."

Monica nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "I never imagined that my life would turn out this way—so full. But you gave me that, Angel. You made me realize I could have it all: love, family, career, and still be true to myself."

Angel's hand squeezed hers a little tighter. "We did that for each other. You've always been my anchor, Mon. No matter what, we've always made it through together."

Monica rested her head on Angel's shoulder, letting the comfort of their closeness wash over her. "I'm excited for the future. Watching the kids grow, seeing Laiyah on TV, maybe watching Melo in the NBA one day, and getting to be a part of Rodney's wedding."

Angel chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's crazy how fast they've all grown up. I mean, Serenity's already three, and she's as curious and smart as ever."

Monica smiled at the thought of their youngest daughter. "She's going to be a force, just like her siblings. I can already see it."

The two of them sat in contented silence for a moment, the weight of the years behind them resting easily on their shoulders. There had been trials, certainly, but also immense joy. Now, as they looked toward the future, they did so with the same excitement and hope they had shared from the very beginning.

"Remember our first anniversary?" Monica asked with a grin. "You made that big fancy dinner, and then we both fell asleep before we could even eat it."

Angel laughed at the memory. "How could I forget? I thought I'd ruined the whole night, but then you woke me up at midnight, and we ate cold leftovers on the couch. It ended up being perfect."

"It was," Monica agreed. "Just like this is."

Angel leaned over and kissed her softly, sealing the sentiment with that quiet, enduring love they shared. "Here's to the next ten years," Angel whispered, her lips brushing against Monica's forehead.

"And all the years after that," Monica added with a smile.

As they sat together under the night sky, their future stretched out ahead of them, full of possibilities and new adventures. Whatever came next, they knew they would face it together, just as they always had. Their love was a constant, a foundation that had carried them through life's twists and turns—and it would continue to carry them forward, stronger with every passing year.

Inside, the sound of Serenity's giggles echoed through the house, and Laiyah's excited chatter about her latest audition filled the air. Rodney and his fiancée were talking about their wedding plans, and Melo's voice came through from his call, updating the family on his college basketball career.

The future was bright, filled with love, laughter, and the promise of even more memories to be made. And as Monica and Angel held each other close, they knew that whatever came their way, they would always have this—each other, their family, and the unshakable bond they had built over the years.