Hoops & Harmonies

Next In Line

A few weeks had passed since Rodney's wedding, and life had slowly settled back into its familiar rhythm—well, almost.

Monica sat at the kitchen table, sipping on her morning tea while Serenity colored at the island with intense focus, her little brow furrowed just like Angel's when she was deep in thought. Her tight curls bounced every time she reached for a different crayon, filling the page with purple skies and green flowers.

Angel walked in from the backyard with a sleepy smile, hoodie on, curls pulled into a bun. "Good morning, artist," she greeted, kissing the top of Serenity's head.

Serenity giggled. "Mommy, I drew you and Mommy and me at brother's wedding!"

Angel peeked at the drawing and grinned. "You made my dress pink?"

Serenity nodded proudly. "It's your favorite color!"

Monica chuckled and stood to join them. "She's not wrong."

Before Angel could reply, Laiyah breezed into the kitchen, backpack in hand, phone in the other. "I have callbacks today," she announced.

Monica raised a brow. "Callbacks for what?"

Laiyah smirked. "That Disney+ show I auditioned for. My agent just called me. They want to see me again."

Angel's mouth dropped open. "Laiyah, that's amazing! What? When did you even audition?"

Monica shook her head and laughed. "She's been sneaking behind our backs again. You better let us read those contracts."

Laiyah grinned, hugging both of them. "Of course. I want y'all there when I book it."

Angel and Monica shared a proud look. Watching Laiyah grow into her own lane, full of confidence and creativity, was a blessing neither of them took lightly.

Later that night, as things quieted down and Serenity was fast asleep with her stuffed bunny clutched to her chest, Monica and Angel sat out back under the soft glow of their patio lights.

"I've been thinking," Angel said, sipping her wine slowly.

Monica leaned in. "About what?"

"About us. Ten years married, a lifetime more ahead. Rodney's married now. Melo's starting his sophomore year and doing big things on the court. Laiyah's out here booking shows, and Serenity's already drawing family portraits like she's Picasso."

Monica laughed softly. "You're trying to say it's time for another baby?"

Angel smirked. "No! I'm saying... we did that. We really built a life. And we're still here—still in love."

Monica reached for her hand. "We made it through everything. The ups, the down moments... and we're stronger than ever. I'd do it all again. Ten more years, just like this."

Angel leaned in and kissed her, the kind of kiss that said you're still my person.

The soft hum of crickets in the distance, the faint melody of an old R&B classic playing from inside the house, and the quiet comfort of each other's presence made the moment perfect.

Just as Monica pulled away, her phone buzzed on the patio table. She glanced at it, then smiled.

"Guess what?"

"What?"

"Rodney and his wife are expecting."

Angel's eyes widened. "Already?!"

Monica nodded. "He just texted me the ultrasound picture."

Monica's eyes sparkled as she looked at the ultrasound photo Rodney had texted earlier. She held her phone out for Angel to see, her smile wide. "Look at our grandbaby... I still can't believe Rodney's about to be a daddy."