Page 55 of A Player's Prayer
“Get naked, husband. Your wife wants to show you some appreciation.”
Placingmy sunglasses over my eyes, I took a deep breath and exited the family’s jet as Adrian and I arrived in Florida. It’s my first time being back since the trip Amelia and I made, and I was hoping it would be a lot smoother.
“I know it’s hot in Georgia, but gah damn.” Adrian groaned as we got into the rental truck he had for us. I couldn’t help but giggle because I knew he was going to complain about the weather. “My damn nuts are going to be stuck to the inside of my thighs by the time we leave here.”
“You need help?” I asked as I reached over and gripped his dick. It began to harden instantly. “You know I’m always down.”
“I don’t know how I lucked up with you, girl.” He bit his bottom lip before kissing my hand. “Put the address in for the house. The sooner we get there, the sooner I can fuck?—”
“Okayyy.” I giggled, inputting the address into Waze. “Be mindful of the speed limit. The police here ain’t shit to play with.”
Keeping his hand in mine, we left the airstrip in a comfortable silence. As we migrated into traffic, I couldn’t help but think about how much my life had changed. I grew up in the hoods of Central Florida, fighting to survive while I prayed my education would help me escape the life of poverty. Now, here I am, married to the man of my dreams, with a career I love, living in a multi-million-dollar home. Life hasn’t been easy, but the trials have been worth it because all roads led to this.
“You okay?” He turned down the radio and glanced over toward me. We were about twenty minutes away from the house, and traffic was getting thicker. “You’re quiet.”
“Just thinking about how happy I am, baby.” I kissed the back of his hand, causing him to smirk. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more, baby.” He winked before giving his attention back to the road. “Always. Never doubt that shit.”
As I settled back into my seat, I decided it was time for me to do something nice for my man. Granted, I may not go to the extreme like him when it comes to affection and gift-giving, but I do just as well. The day after I tried to fuck him on every square foot of our property, he and I sealed the deal with our realtor, Blossom. She was so sweet that I hope I find a reason to work with her again in the future. My man really showed out when it came to securing us a home.
“We’re here,” I announced once he pulled up to the block where my grandmother’s home was. “I hope this trip is better than the last. The best part is I finally get to see my father again.”
Pulling into the driveway, the neighborhood was exactly the way I remembered from my childhood. Kids rode their bikes in the streets while the elders sat on the porch and fussed about absolutely nothing. The ice cream man was parked at the end of the block, causing the kids to scream and beg for money for their favorite popsicle.
“Come on.” I didn’t realize Adrian had come over to my side of the truck and opened the door. “You owe me some ass.”
Bent over in laughter, I slapped his chest as I accepted his hand to help me out. Fixing my sundress, I closed the door behind me, waving at the lady who stayed next to us. I hadn’t called her in a few weeks to check on the place, but I was happy to see it was still in good shape. Using my key to open the door, the fresh smell of pine slapped me in the face instantly.
“Who’s been in here cleaning?” I asked as I stepped further inside. “I haven’t—oh my gosh!”
Dropping my purse and phone to the floor, I sprinted into my father’s arms. Here in the flesh was Maine Jenkins. I couldn’t contain my tears if I wanted to. I held onto him and cried like a baby, hoping this wasn’t a dream. The longer he held and rocked me, the more I knew that it was, in fact, real.
“It’s okay, baby girl. I’m here.” I could hear the emotion in his voice as he rocked me. “Your dad is home.”
“What? How?” I held him at arm’s length, looking him over. “When did you get out?”
Leading me to the couch, I took a seat and held onto him out of fear that he would disappear. After over twenty years, my father was finally home. Looking him over, he looked well. No longer was he in an orange jumpsuit from the state; the old man was in Polo down to the floor.
“I’ve been out for about three weeks now.” He looked at me apologetically as a frown formed on my face. “I didn’t call you, and I know you were pissed. When I got the news that I wascoming home, I wanted to make sure it was true. I didn’t want to give you false hope.”
“You still could have called me, Maine.” I rolled my eyes, causing him and Adrian to chuckle. “You had me worried sick!”
“I’m sorry, Kodi.” He pulled me into his arms, kissing my cheek. “I just wanted to get some things handled before you came down to get me.”
“Get you?” I looked between him and Adrian, who was now as quiet as a mouse. “Where are you going?”
“Home, to Milly Grove, with you.” He stood from the sofa and walked over to the mantle that held pictures of him and my grandmother. “This place will always be the house I grew up in—that you grew up in, but home is wherever my daughter is.” He turned to face me, tears in his eyes. “When I was sentenced to thirty-five years, I knew my life was over. I was already in my thirties when I had you. Not only that, but I knew I was going to miss out on the best parts of you. My son…” He gestured to Adrian. “Well, he came to see me and offered me a new beginning. With a new and better lawyer, I was able to get a private hearing before a judge and was released with time served. The how isn’t important, Kodi. I’ll miss this house, but I want to be closer to you. I want to be able to walk my baby girl down the aisle and be the cool granddaddy that spoils his grandchildren rotten. I’m packing up and leaving this place behind. I know it’s in your name, but I’m ready to put it on the market.”
Jumping from the couch, I was once again crying in my father’s arms. This is all I wanted: to be able to enjoy life with my dad. Thanks to my man, I can have that. I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay him.
“I’m so happy right now, I don’t know what to do!” I sniffled, wiping my face. Pulling away from my father, I turned and facedmy husband. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’m so grateful for you.”
“A soft life, remember?” He raised his brow before pulling me into his arms, dropping a kiss on my lips. “This is your world, Kodi. I’m here to make it better.” Tucking me under his arm, he smiled and extended his hand for my father, who took it instantly. “Nice to see you again, Pop.” When the smile turned into a smirk, I knew he was about to say something stupid. “We’re happy to have you home, but know that you might be her father, but I’m her Daddy.”
“You lil’ muthafucka!” My dad snatched Adrian to him, placing him in a headlock, causing him to gasp for air. “I’m going to snap your neck.”
Trying to break them apart, I almost pissed myself from laughing so hard. No matter what the situation is, Adrian was never going to change. Eventually, my father let him go when Adrian started crying for me to call an ambulance. Glancing between the two men in my life, my heart was full.
