Hoops & Harmonies

45

Monica woke up to soft kisses trailing along her shoulder and a warm arm tightening around her waist.

"Good morning, birthday girl," Angel whispered against her skin, voice still thick with sleep.

Monica smiled without opening her eyes. "Mmm... keep that up, and we won't make it out this bed."

Angel grinned, rolling her over gently so they were face-to-face. "That's the whole point."
She kissed her slow — no rush, no noise — just love. "Forty-five never looked better," she added, brushing Monica's hair behind her ear.

Monica blushed, swatting at her playfully. "You're biased."

"No, I'm blessed." Angel nipped her bottom lip before sliding out of bed. "Don't move, I'll be right back."

pushing a breakfast tray — perfectly plated French toast, bacon, eggs, and her favorite fresh fruit. A single pink rose sat in a small vase, and her coffee was prepared exactly right.

Monica's chest warmed. "Did you cook this?"

Angel smirked, setting the tray across Monica's lap.
"I'm a basketball player, I follow instructions well. The chef did the cooking; I did the loving."

They ate while Angel played a special video on the TV — messages from fans, family, industry friends.

Tears slid down Monica's cheeks when her grandmother Helen appeared on screen sending love.

Then a sweet clip of all four kids:

Rodney: "Love you, Ma! Thanks for everything."

Romelo: "My day-one coach — happy birthday."

Laiyah: "The prettiest and best mama, period."

Serenity: Waving a crayon drawing. "Happy birfday Mommy!"

Monica covered her mouth, emotional. Angel kissed her temple. "Wait till you see the rest of the day."

Downstairs, the house was decked out with balloons and roses.
Her parents and siblings were there, plus all the kids.

Serenity ran to her, jumping into her arms. "Mommyyyy happy birthday!"

Rodney held up a tiny velvet box. "This is from all your babies."

Inside was a shimmering diamond Bulgari Serpenti bracelet.

Monica gasped. "THIS IS TOO MUCH!"

Laiyah grinned. "You deserve every diamond."

Romelo chimed in, "Mom, this is light work. Just wait till I go pro."

Angel wrapped an arm around Monica's waist.
"She's already rich in love. We're just adding accessories."

Monica laughed, tears still in her eyes.
"You guys make me feel like the luckiest woman in the world."

Angel leaned in, whispering, "You are."

Angel drove with one hand on the wheel and the other laced with Monica's, the city lights rolling by as Monica admired her girlfriend's profile — the subtle smile, the tiny dimple she loved.

"I still don't understand why we couldn't just do dinner at home," Monica teased.

"Because, Mrs. Reese," Angel said with a grin, "you deserve to dress up and be celebrated out in the world today."

Before Monica could respond, Angel's phone rang through the car speakers — Rodney.

"Ma!" Rodney said immediately. "Listen, my car just broke down. I'm stuck near this event space off Peachtree. Angel, can you swing by and get me?"