Page 176 of The Mule And The Underboss

Definitely a place I wish existed when I needed it most.

“Pass the ball!” Lainey yelled suddenly, rising halfway as if she was ready to substitute herself into the game.

“Girl, sit your pregnant tail down!” I giggled, tugging gently at her arm to bring her back down.

“I’m invested! That’s my nephew out there!”

I shook my head.

Lainey hadn’t changed much; she was still loud, still funny, and still unapologetically herself… but there was a newfound maturity about her. She now owns her own hair salon, which once seemed like a distant dream she lightly joked about. She’s also engaged to a rich man, who showers her with affection and luxury.

As he should.

Her fling with Marcos? That came and went. They had their little run… their little fun. But when he decided to settle down with his on-and-off girlfriend of five years, she gracefully stepped aside, without any drama or bitterness. Now, he's married with two kids. And Lainey? She's six months pregnant and glowing, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her daughter.

One and done! I’m not built for multiples!Lainey stated firmly when she found out she was pregnant.

I laughed just thinking about it.

On the other side of me, my mom was cheering louder than anyone else in the stands.

“That’s my baby!” she shouted when Kyrin sank another shot flawlessly through the net.

I turned to her and smiled, remembering how far we’d come.

Forgiveness wasn’t instantaneous; it took years of growth and healing, but we’ve arrived at a place of understanding. Now, she’s the present, loving, and consistent mom I would’ve given anything to have in the past.

Domino had made sure she was well taken care of. He had upgraded the home she purchased, tightened security around it, and made it clear without saying too much that once you were connected to him, protection isn’t optional; you’re unequivocally protected. Kyrin refused to be too far from me, so he kept a room at both of our houses, like he owned two lives and was comfortable in each one.

Next to Vanessa sat Doris, Domino’s mother, who’s expression radiated pride as she watched Kyrin play.

Shockingly, her and Vanessa had built an incredible friendship—the unexpected kind but needed. Vanessa needed someone as grounded as Doris, and Doris, with her nurturing spirit, filled that role effortlessly. I loved that for them.

Sometimes, it’s not just about the changes we make for ourselves; it’s also about who we surround ourselves with during our journeys.

Nonetheless, both of them were amazing grandmothers who showed unwavering support every step of the way. Doris even moved to Charlotte, wanting to be closer to us, to be invested in her grandkids’ lives,andto support Kyrin. Kyrin had love from every direction.

Suddenly, Kyrin hit the polished hardwood floor… hard.

“Kyrin!” I shouted, panic rising in my chest as I shot upright.

For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still. The vast gym that buzzed with noise a second ago fell silent in my mind. I could feel the vibrations of the crowd, the adrenaline of the game, and then came the sound of my own ragged breathing, almost drowning out everything else.

Domino’s firm and steady hand gently grasped mine.

“He’s good,” he said in a calm tone that broke through my swirling thoughts. “Watch.”

With my focus drawn back to the court, I saw Kyrin already pushing himself up from the floor, brushing off the dust and sweat like a warrior preparing for battle. Kyrin glanced toward the stands, locking eyes with me. He nodded, and in that small gesture, I realized he understood my fear, my worry, and most importantly, my support.

A wave of relief washed over me, and I exhaled slowly, my chest finally loosening as I sat back down.

Domino’s hand lingered on mine for just a second longer, as if to remind me that I wasn’t alone in this moment.

As Kyrin ran back down the court, smiling, confident,andalive.

As the buzzer sounded, piercing the air and signaling the end of the game.

“That’s game!” I screamed, my voice rising above the jubilant crowd as I stood up, filled with exhilaration alongside everyone else.

Kyrin looked up at us, a radiant smile lighting up his face, as if the entire world belonged to him.

And maybe, just maybe, it did.

Every sacrifice, every tear, and every decision that didn’t make sense six years ago all led here… to this moment… to this incredible life unfolding before me. I didn’t just survive mystory; I had crafted something beautiful from it. I had built a family, a life, and a love that defied the odds. I wouldn’t trade it for anything… not even for the pain and heartache I had endured along the way.

Lasting Gem: Sacrifice doesn’t always feel fair when you’re ensnared in its grasp. It often feels like loss, confusion, and giving up pieces of yourself you’re not sure you’ll ever get back. But sometimes, sacrifice isn’t about losing; it’s about planting seeds for a future that you can’t yet see. Years down the line, you look up and realize that everything you once believed you lost actually built the life you’re standing in. And suddenly, in the aftermath of that clarity, you realize... it was all worth it.