“What gave it away?” I grin mischievously.
She rolls her eyes. “Hockey players are all the same.”
We laugh and I shrug. She might be right, but I won’t confirm that.
The ride to her dad’s house is like watching a hockey recap on ESPN. Both Val and Fran have much to say on my performance as well as the rest of the Warriors’. It’s nice to have a girlfriend who knows the talk and can even offer pointers. I have a feeling my game will only improve before I decide to actually retire.
When I park the car, I stare at the front door. All of a sudden my stomach is in knots.
“You coming?” Val asks.
I hesitate. Why am I freezing up? As calm as I was earlier, I’m now realizing how huge this is. Our first meeting was pretty disastrous. I don’t want to do that to Val again.
“Jabari?” she whispers.
“I’m worried.” I pause, searching for the words. “I know how important this is to you. I don’t want to cause trouble.”
Val cups my face. “Do you love me?”
“With all my heart.”
“That’s what matters. Yes, I want my family to love you, but that’s because I do. If they don’t, it’s not the end of the world. We’ve been through worse.”
I scoff. “Understatement.”
“Come on. They’re not scary. I’ve told them all to be on their best behavior.” Val winks.
I fall in love all over again. I lean across the console and kiss her. “Thanks for having my back.”
“Always, and I know you’ve got mine.”
I get out of the car this time, and we trudge up the front steps, hand in hand, and I know she’s right. Whatever happens at dinner, we’ll be fine. Val walked through the valley with me, and I’ll gladly walk uphill for her.
Epilogue
Val
One year later
The last time I got dolled up on a Valentine’s Day, I wore a red wrap dress and had my makeup at full hilt. Now I’m in my Warriors hockey sweater screaming my head off as Jabari skates around the rink to celebrate his goal. He throws a kiss my way, and I blow one right back at him.
“Can you hold Lusia for a moment?” Fran asks.
“Sure.” I hold my four-month-old niece. Fran chose to carry the tradition of naming Elliott daughters after African American athletes who broke the barrier in sports. Only she chose to represent women and named my niece after Lusia Harris, a basketball player. Fitting, considering Fran is also named after a basketball player.
I smooch Lusia’s chubby cheeks, and she giggles. The sound melts my heart. I put my finger against her palm, and she closes her fist.
“When are you and Jabari going to tie the knot and have kids of your own?” Fran asks, eating a nacho.
I shrug. “Whenever God says.” Even though we’ve talked about marriage and kids, I’m not putting a timetable to anything. I’ve learned just how beautiful God’s perfect timing is this past year.
“Y’all have known each other for a year. Surely marriage has come up?” Jackie asks on my left.
She and Isaac came to the game as well as Dad and Ann, who are sitting behind me and Fran.
I think back to her question. Jabari and I have talked about him possibly retiring after next season with the thought of marriage and starting a family. Jabari said he’d buy me a house somewhere in Virginia and help me bring my dream of a nursery into fruition. I’m not sure I want him to fund a nursery, but I’m excited about a house. Though in reality, my home is where he is, even though we’re not at the same address yet. I have no idea if Jabari will propose anytime soon, but I do know I can’t wait until he does.
“We’ve talked about it, but I’m not too worried. He’ll ask when he feels ready.”
