The room is painted the lightest shade of grey with white trim. The vintage-style white crib he found for me so long ago sits assembled against the far wall, with a soft yellow sheet for bedding. Beside it isthe coziest rocker with the softest white fabric, a blanket covered in yellow-and-grey elephants that match the bedding draped over it.
Turning my head to the other side of the room, I find a gorgeous changing table that matches the crib with a mural of an elephant painted on the wall. There is the sweetest book nook already full of all the classic picture books, including the one Jordan read to my class in London.
As I walk over to the changing table, I pull open the small drawers to find diapers, wipes, and all the changing essentials already in place. There’s plenty of space for clothes, toys, and a closet that can be utilized.
Turning back to find Jordan, I walk straight to him, wrapping him in the tightest embrace possible. My tears flow as I hold on to the man who loves me more than anyone else ever has. He had this nursery constructed for my baby, in his home. A baby he could be resentful of, but instead, this incredible human loves them.
“Baby, don’t cry.” Jordan tells me as we let go of each other and he forces my face up to his. He wipes the stray tears with his thumbs, something he’s had to do a lot lately. Then puts his hands on both of my cheeks and his touch grounds me. I never thought such a simple gesture could rock my soul with the love he’s pouring into me.
“Thank you so much, Jordan. I don’t know what to say. It’s perfect. You’re perfect. I love you.” His answering smile is everything.
“Mack, I love you. I’ve loved you since we were fourteen and I’m going to love you for the rest of my life. I would do anything for you and this baby. I meant what I said, the two of you are my world.
“Don’t think I forgot about you using the M-word earlier. You want to get married?”
“Baby. It doesn’t matter when, but as soon as you let me, I’ll put a ring on your finger and give you my last name. I want to give the baby my last name too, if you’ll let me. I’ve already been looking into it.”
My heart, once shattered into a million shards, feels the final piece click into place. This man. This man is nothing short of exceptional and I get to call him mine.
“The answer is yes, to all of those things. When you ask, that is.”
“Yeah?” He still sounds uncertain which is understandable after how long it took for me to see him. Once I did, I fell hard and fast.
“Yeah, J.”
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” He kisses me until we’re both breathless for the second time today. A girl could really get used to this.
Later in the evening,when everyone’s gone home and all the gifts are put away, I find myself back in the nursery, sitting in the soft rocking chair. Rubbing my belly, I feel my baby kick and move around.
“I can’t wait to meet you, little one.”
When I found out I was pregnant, it felt like my life was in a total free fall. Moving to London gave me the perspective and confidence that I could raise this child alone. And then Jordan walked back into my life and flipped it right side up. I smile, closing my eyes as the chair rocks me to sleep.
CHAMPIONSHIP HOOP SQUAD
Jordan
Y’all boys are on fire! Can’t wait to watch you play this weekend.
Carter
Appreciate that, J.
Williams
Thanks, Cap.
Jordan
Williams, you’re Cap now. I’m just a lowly rookie.
Williams
Yeah, with the best stats for a rook in like five years. Cap is only a matter of time.
Carter
Amen.
