Page 54 of A Player's Prayer
“Son, I was for sure telling people you were adopted and that I didn’t know why you acted the way you did.” He slapped my shoulder and laughed, causing me to do the same. “No, but to witness your growth firsthand has been a blessing. We love Dakota so much. I have no qualms about the type of husband you’re going to be. I expect the best from both of you. I love you, son.”
Instead of replying with my words, I pulled him into my chest, patting his back as he did the same to me. While I wasn’t yearning for my pops’ validation, it was nice to hear—nice to have. Telling Pops that I’d check in later this week, I made my way upstairs to find my mother so I wouldn’t be late getting Kodi. The smell of fried salmon led me right to the kitchen, where she was. Swaying to the sounds of Anita Baker, I crept up behind her, spun her around, and decided to dance with her.
“Adrian, one of these days I’m going to shoot you for creeping up on me!” she fussed, placing her hands in mine. “You’re in a good mood today.”
“I feel good, Mama.” I smiled, kissing her forehead. “I feel like your baby boy is finally happy and at peace.”
Twirling her around, my mind went to my wife. From the day she and I exchanged vows, I’ve been telling everyone who could hear about Kodi. I’d expressed how much I loved my wife, told strangers that my wife was a nurse, and blew up the group chat with my brothers about how my wife was the most beautiful woman I’d ever met. Dakota made me feel as if I could breathe, and that’s why I spent every breath talking about her fine ass.
“Love looks so good on you, baby,” my mother beamed at me with tears in her eyes. “You’re going to be an amazing husband and even better father.”
“You think so?” I asked worriedly. It’s been on my mind more times than not what type of father I would be. “How do you know?”
“Your wife won’t have it any other way.” She giggled as she traced the scar above my eye. “Son, you’ve always had so much love to give. It just took the right woman to bring it out of you. You’re a provider and protector in the highest form. You were destined for the life that’s been placed before you. I do not doubt in my mind that you will be great.”
Smiling, I held her tightly and continued to sway us. After two songs, my dad came and pried us apart, letting me know I needed to go find my own wife and leave his alone. Embracing them both, I went to do just that.
I love you more every day
You show me love in every way
There’s nothing left for me to say
But I love you
As I sang along with Ginuwine, I couldn’t help but chuckle at what my life had become. The only time I used to listen to slow jams was on Saturday mornings when my mama used to make us clean up. Now here I am, pulling up at my next spot, singing at the top of my lungs about the love of my life. I’ve been out here simping in the worst way since Kodi's good-pussy-having ass came into my life.
“Kodi got me out here tender as fuck.” I chuckled as I exited my truck. “I’m talking about falling off the bone, nigga.”
Walking into the mansion, I cleared my mind and focused on the woman walking toward me.
“Hey, Adrian! I just finished setting up, so you’re right on time.” Blossom walked over and hugged me as soon as I walked through the foyer. “It’s good to see you.”
“What’s up, B.” I gave her a church hug quickly. “Give me some space, baby girl. My wife is crazy, and that muthafucka don’t play about me.”
“I’m glad you know…” I damn near jumped out of my body at the sound of her sultry voice coming through the empty room. “The old me would have spazzed out and shot this nice house up.” She giggled as she walked over and kissed me. “Hey, husband.”
“Hey, mama.” I bent over and kissed her. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” She sighed, wrapping her arms around me. “The hospital has been a clusterfuck since they fired Dr. Morrison. I would say I can’t believe so many girls went to the office on him for sexual harassment, but I would be lying.” She shook her head before her eyes went wide. Turning toward a smiling Blossom, she palmed her forehead. “I’m so rude, I’m sorry. I’m Dakota.”
“I know, love. If not the billboard downtown, it’s this man singing your praises everywhere he goes.” She smiled, shaking my wife’s hand. “I’m Blossom Reid of Grove’s Luxury Realty. Welcome to your new home.”
Covering her mouth, she gasped in shock as Blossom gave her a tour of the enormous space I purchased for us in Mills Manor. Sitting on six acres was this massive two-story English manor-style home. With marbled floors, the latest appliances, a theater, a basketball court, and both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a pool house, I knew this would be the perfect forever home for us. With nine rooms and eight and a half baths, we had more than enough room for starting a family of our own, whileincluding the family we already had. My only hope is that she loves the house as much as I do because I’d already paid for the spot. If she wasn’t in love with it, she was going to have to let it grow on her. Between her ring and the house, I’d easily blown close to six million dollars in the last two months.
“Baby, are you serious?” She sniffled once the tour was over. Blossom had walked outside and left us alone to discuss. “When did you have time to do this? How much is it? You don’t think it’s too much?”
“It’s not enough if you ask me…” I smirked, pulling her into my arms. “We’re in this for life, Kodi. This is what you deserve.” I gestured around the house. “It’s time my most precious possession lives in luxury like she was meant to be.”
“I don’t need this, baby.” She smiled through her tears. “I’d be happy living out of my car as long as it meant I’d be spending forever with you.”
This is why I love this girl the way I do. It’s never been about the things I can give or do for her. It’s always been about my heart and little does she know, she’s had that shit from day one.
“So, what is it, guys?” Blossom came back in holding up a bottle of Ace and three wine glasses. “Are we celebrating?”
“Oh, we’re celebrating!” Kodi smirked over her shoulder. “The only thing that’s getting swallowed in here right now is my man, Ms. Blossom. Leave the bottle, babes. Chao!”
Before she could finish saying her signature goodbye to Blossom, I had damn near broken my ankles grabbing B’s shit and pushing her toward the door. Bent over in laughter, she yelled out that she would call me later to finish the minor details. Once I threw her out and had the doors locked, I turned to face my wife. My mouth watered at how she’d already come out of her ruby red scrubs.
