Until Then

by Delisa Lynn

  “I got it, don’t worry. When’s your next appointment? I want to be there.”

  “In four weeks, and then they’ll do another ultrasound.”

  “Good, I’m excited. Have you told London or Matt yet?”

  “Nope, just you. I knew you should be the first to know.” And it’s the truth. I will tell my friends, but my baby daddy needed to know first.

  “We can tell my parents at dinner.” He grins. “They’ll be stoked.”

  “I’m nervous.”

  “I’m sure it’s natural.”

  “If I quit my job, I’ll lose my health insurance.”

  “We can buy it monthly. Or…we can get married.”

  “Kole,” I whisper. “That’s not necessary.”

  “What? I love you, you love me, so why the fuck not?” he asks, raising his voice a little.

  “People will think we’re insane. We’ve known each other three months. We’re already living together and having a baby, and now you suggest we get married?”

  “Yes, sounds good to me.”

  “I can’t, that’s moving too fast for me.”

  “Okay, fine,” he relents, sipping his soda. “But you will eventually be my wife, Rosealy.”

  “I just need to think about it all. Lucas… Sherrie,” I say.

  “What? I loved Sherrie and will always love her—she was my wife— but she’s been gone for a while now. Do I miss her? Everyday. But you…you are my future. She’s my past.” He grabs my hand, “And as for Lucas, screw him. He hurt you, badly. I want to pick those pieces up, put you back together, the way you deserve to be. Roe, please marry me,” he says, kissing me. Pulling back, he looks into my eyes. “What do you say?”

  “Okay, as long as you promise to make me breakfast on your days off.”

  “Deal.” He seals it with another kiss. “Can I tell my crew?” He beams.

  “Sure, if that’s what you want. I’ll give my notice tomorrow, so I’ll still need to work the next few weeks.”

  “Sounds great. I can’t wait to see your belly grow. You’re going to be the hottest pregnant chick out there.”

  “You’re too much. I better let you get back to work.”

  “Okay. I’ll call Kathy, but we can tell my parents this weekend.”

  “Good deal. I’ll see you at home tonight?”

  “Yes. I may even cut out early.” He smiles.

  I decide I’ll go see London too; I know she’s working today and should be getting off in a few. I pull in the parking lot and see her and Matt sitting by the door.

  “Girl, I miss you. When are you coming back?” London asks, hugging me.

  “Err, I wanted to talk to you all.”

  “You’re moving back to Michigan? No, we love you here. You can’t,” Matt says, hugging me.

  “What? Hell no. Kole moved in with me. We’re having a baby,” I boast.

  “No way. You’re lying.” London pushes my shoulder.

  “Nope, eight weeks. Here, see for yourself.” I show them the ultrasound picture.

  “Look at that little itty bitty human you created!” London starts sniffing and brushing at her eyes.

  “Are you crying?” I ask as I wipe my own tears.

  “You’re like a sister to me. I love you, and I’m so happy your life is going good. Finally.”

  “Thank you, whore.” I hug her tightly. “I would be lost without you two,” I say to the both of them. “You’re my family.”

  “And you’re ours! Never think otherwise,” Matt states. “You always will be. So, what’s baby daddy saying?”

  “He’s happy. He wants me to quit work, though.”

  “Hell, I would too. You shouldn’t be doing this while pregnant.”

  “But I love my job,” I whine. “But Kole says he’ll take care of me. That he wants me home.”

  “He’s a damn good man,” Matt counters.

  “I agree. He has some valid points for not wanting you to work now,” London retorts.

  “I know, but I’ll miss you all,” I cry. These damn hormones are on point.

  “And us you. Now, stop the waterworks already,” Matt says, wiping his own face.

  Today is the day my parents finally get to meet Roe. We’re also planning to tell them about the baby today; my sister knows, but I swore her to secrecy.

  I couldn’t be happier. Had you asked me six months ago, I would’ve said I wouldn’t be able to love again, but my girl showed me otherwise. She opened my eyes, and I know she’s my future. I watch as she gets ready to meet her future family for the first time.

  “Are you sure this dress is okay?” she questions.

  “I think it’s perfect. You look amazing, as always.”

  “No, I look weird. I think it’s the blue. Maybe I should wear jeans. But they’re all tight already.”

  “Babe, stop. Come here. You look fine,” I reassure her. “You would look good in anything. Well, I’m a little biased, I guess.”

  “Sometimes I think you need your eyes checked,” she says, placing a kiss on my cheek. “But I’m glad that you see me as perfect.”

  “You’re perfection at its best, and that’s the God’s honest truth.”

  “How did I get so lucky?” she asks, looking into my eyes.

  “I’m the lucky one,” I retort. “Now, we better get going; my mom will be calling if we’re late.”

  “Okay, I just need to grab the cheesecake and then I’ll be ready. Kathy’s waiting for the dessert. She’s asked me three times if I made it.”

  “Yeah, she loves her sweets.” My sister has always had a sweet tooth. “She promised me she wouldn’t tell them about the baby, so let’s hope she kept her promise.”

  “As of this morning, she hadn’t said anything.”

  “Good, she normally keeps her word. You ready?” I ask as I lead her to the car.

  “Now or never.”

  “They’ll love you. I know they will.”

  “I can’t believe my knees are shaking,” she says as I rush around to open her door.

  “You’ll be fine. Quit being so nervous,” I tell her, although I know it’s easier said than done. I see my sister’s car is here, so I know she’s going to bum-rush us at the door. Sure enough, the door flings open and out rushes Kathy, with Brutus on her heels.

  “It’s about time you all got here. I’ve held my mouth shut the last hour,” she exclaims, hugging me. “And you, missy, I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to spoil the baby.”

  “Thank you,” Roe says, hugging her. “That means so much to me.”

  “We love you, girl. I know you both think this was quick, but we love you as much as this knucklehead does.”

  “Hey, you could at least call me names behind my back,” I say. “Come on, or Mom is going to tackle us all.”

  “Too late.” Kathy snorts.

  “Kole Allan, you better introduce me to this beautiful woman of yours,” my mom calls from the door.

  “Mom, this is Rosealy Taylor.” I gesture between the two. “And this is my mother, Karey Harris.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Harris,” Roe says, hugging her.

  “Girl, please. Call me Mom.” She smiles as she embraces Roe, then looks at me and mouths, “Good catch. She’s perfect.” I smile at her approval.

  “Come on, Dad’s waiting,” Kathy urges, pulling us by the arms. “Dad, you can finally meet her,” she states, pushing Lopez aside.

  “Hi, sir. So nice to meet you.” Roe embraces my dad.

  “Likewise, sweetheart. My name is Kirk, but please call me Dad,” he tells her. “Now, can we please go eat? I’ve heard about this cheesecake, and I’m ready to dive into it,” he says, reaching for said dessert.

  “I really hope it’s good. It’s only the second one I’ve made,” Roe admits as we enter the dining room.

  “Oh, please, I’m sure it’s amazing,” Kathy scoffs. “Besides, we’re Harrises—we eat anything sweet.”

  “Well, I think I’
ll fit right in,” Roe says. “I love anything sweet, and chocolate is my weakness.”

  “Same here, sweetie. I hope you like brisket. I’ve made mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls as well.”

  “I do, and it smells delish. I’m starving.” She looks at me, and I squeeze her hand.

  “Why don’t you all have a seat? We’d like to share some news with you.” I motion toward the table, and everyone sits before staring at both Roe and me. “Well, as you know, this beautiful woman has captured my heart. I never knew I could love again. I was damaged and lost until I met Roe. She’s made me whole once again, and I feel human for the first time in two years. With that being said, we’re getting married, and we’ll welcome our firstborn in seven months.”

  “You’re giving us our first grandchild?” my mom gasps. “Kole, don’t you play with me, son. We’re having a grandbaby?”

  “Yes, I’m a little over eight weeks,” Roe speaks up. “Kole insisted on marrying me. I hope you all are okay with that?”

  “Of course we are, girl. I knew the first night I saw you with my brother you were the one. I told you, you’re family now,” Kathy states, and my smile couldn’t be any wider.

  “That means so much to me. It was always just my dad and me, so it’s going to be great having a large family.”

  “We’re so happy for you son,” my dad says, hugging me then Roe.

  “Thank you all. We’re pretty excited and are looking forward to our future together.”

  “That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Roe says, climbing in the bed next to me.

  “I told you it would be great. My parents really like you. So, what kind of wedding do you want?” I ask, and feel her tense.

  “Nothing fancy. We can go to the courthouse.”

  “What? You don’t want to have a dream wedding?”

  “Not really,” she whispers, and I feel her tears on my chest. “I just don’t think I can do all the planning and everything again. My wedding with Lucas was supposed to be perfect; I’d worked and planned for months. Then you see what happened.”

  “Babe, I’m not Lucas. I won’t leave you.”

  “Intentionally,” she says. “But I don’t know what’s going to happen, and neither do you. Life isn’t promised. I know you love me, and I you, but I also know that you had your happily ever after before. Hell, we both did. And look what happened.”

  “I know we’ve both dealt with loss, but you can’t hold off on planning our future because of it. If you want a huge wedding, then I want to give it to you. I want to see you in your dream gown, surrounded by everyone you love. Let me give you the life you want and deserve.” I kiss her. “Don’t shut me out because of what your ex did.”

  “I’m scared. This is all new. I was with Lucas all through school. I planned the perfect wedding, and we’d even booked our honeymoon. Then he got into that accident and ruined our lives.”

  “I know you feel like your life was ruined, but you were sent to me to help me heal, to show me I can love. I loved my wife. She was my everything, but I swear to you that I’ll show you every second, of every minute, of every day, every we touch that you’re now my everything. You and our baby are my life now. I’m tired of living in the past and wondering why. Please, don’t be me. Don’t be the person I was. It hurts. God, does it hurt.” I wipe the tears that slipped down my cheek.

  “I don’t know if I can get over the past. I know the love you shared with Sherrie and the love you have for me are different. The love I shared with Lucas and the love I have with you are so different. You do things to me that he didn’t. I don’t doubt the love we share, and I know you’re going to be an amazing father and terrific husband. It’s me I’m worried about.”

  I push away the hair that’s fallen on her face. “Baby, just let me love you. Don’t think, just feel. Now, if you want a wedding, we’re having one. If you’re set on going to Layton Courthouse, we’ll do that. Whatever you want. As long as you’re my wife, I don’t care where we say our ‘I do’s’ or who watches us.”

  “I don’t deserve your love. I’m a mess. These hormones are going to be a bitch the next seven months. I’m sorry, can I think about where I want to get married?”

  “Of course. I just want to get married before the baby’s here. But like I said, we can do it anywhere.”

  “Thank you,” she whispers, snuggling up to me. “Good night, future husband.”

  “Good night, future wife,” I say, as another tear slips down my face. I haven’t cried much in the last two years. Hell, before I lost Sherrie, I couldn’t tell you when I last cried. But as I lie here, holding Roe in my arms, I cry tears of joy and happiness.

  I know we’ll be okay.

  Today, I become Mrs. Kole Harris. I was a little apprehensive at first, but now I’m so glad I said yes. We arrived here in Vegas this morning. I’ve only flown once before, and I was scared shitless, but having my amazing fiancé right there with me, this time, helped with the anxiety. He’s such a warm and loving man. I’ve fallen hard; I just pray it wasn’t too fast.

  The hotel is stunning. Although I can’t fully enjoy my Vegas trip, as I’m with child and can’t drink, we still plan to hit up the casinos and do some sightseeing while we’re here.

  “You ready to become my wife?” Kole asks, taking my hand. The chapel is small but nice. They had several themed weddings, but we opted for casual and quick. We’ve known each other less than five months; it’s just crazy how things happen.

  “I cannot wait to be your wife. I’m so thankful you crashed into my life when you did.” And it’s the absolute truth.

  “You and me both. Let’s get hitched.” He kisses me softly. “You look beautiful.”

  “You’re pretty hot yourself. All right, let’s do this.” He’s wearing a pair of black slacks with a white button-down. My yellow dress hits just below the knees, and I paired it with blue pumps. He hasn’t put the two colors together as of yet, but I know he will soon. They’re Michigan colors, and my high school colors as well. My first wedding gown cost a small fortune and was beautiful, but I didn’t want that again.

  “Oh, and don’t think I didn’t notice the colors you’re wearing,” he growls. “But I’ll ignore it today.”

  Smiling, I feign innocence. “What? I didn’t think you would notice.”

  “I notice everything about you, woman. I can’t wait to give you my last name.”

  Although I’m only twelve weeks, I already feel huge. Today’s the day we get to see our baby on the monitor again, and I don’t know who’s more excited, Kole or his family. We’re going to FaceTime Kathy once we get there, and I’m okay with that. I love his family, and they’ve been wonderful these last few weeks. I quit my job and Kathy’s been helping me redecorate the house. We’ve already been baby shopping too. She and Mom—that sounds weird since I never had one—are planning a huge baby shower.

  My dad thinks I’ve lost my mind. He is happy for me, but he believes I’m moving too fast. He said I haven’t known Kole long enough to know he’s the one, but although I love and respect my daddy, he’s wrong about this. I know this is where I’m supposed to be, that Kole and I were meant for one another. Every now and then, I get this feeling that we are moving too fast, but then I look into his eyes, and I touch my stomach. I know this is my life, and they are my future.

  London has been great through all this. She and Abbott are starting to get serious, and I couldn’t be happier for them. I know she loves him, and he adores her; I can tell by the way he looks at her. We actually just had everyone over the other night, and it was great. I love our friends and family. They’ve all welcomed me and are so accepting. I was worried at first when I met the Harris’s, but I worried for nothing. They treat me as if I’m one of their own.

  After Lucas had shown up here, my mind was all over the place. I couldn’t think straight for days. I loved him so much, and I’d even contemplated suicide when he didn’t remember me. He was all I knew, but I love m
yself too much, and I knew that eventually I would move on.

  Kole is in the shower, and I’m making breakfast. Our appointment is in a few hours, and he said afterward he wants to take me to meet Tammie, Sherrie’s mom. I know he has a history with them, but I’m okay with that. From what I heard about Sherrie, she was amazing and beautiful. I will always honor her memory with husband.

  “That smells good, babe.” I turn to see a sexy-as-sin Kole standing at the fridge.

  “I figured we would have a good breakfast before we go. I was craving pancakes.”

  “You look good. You’re starting to show.” He bends down, kissing my belly. “Daddy loves you, little man.”

  “She’s going to be mad at you when she comes out, knowing you’ve been calling her a boy all this time. Isn’t that right, princess?” I coo, rubbing my belly.

  “He is going to play for the Cleveland Browns. After he attends Ohio State.”

  “She is going to Michigan State, then on to New York for dance school.”

  “You have it all wrong, sweetheart. Although you’re from Michigan, we are Ohioans,” he teases. “So, no going back to Michigan.” He kisses me. “He will go to OSU.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” I roll my eyes. “Come on, let’s eat. Your girls are starved,” I throw in. Last word. Score.

  “You’re cute, sweets.” He winks. “So, are you ready to see our son today? Do you think we’ll be able to see all of him?”

  “I am, and I’m sure we’ll be able to. He’s only twelve weeks.”

  Kole bursts into laughter. “He is?”

  “Asshole. Shut up and eat. I’m done with you today.” I spread some peanut butter on my pancake, watching him staring at my concoction. “Hey, no judging. You did this to me,” I say, biting into the creamy goodness.

  “I’m not passing judgment. I was just wondering if I could have the syrup.”

  “Oh.” I wipe my mouth. “Sure, here you go.” I hand him the bottle but see he’s still staring at me. “What? Do I have something on my face?” I wipe my mouth wondering if there is pancake all over my lips.