“Don’t even go there, Lucy. You’re not a slut and they won’t think you’re one. Trust me. My sisters are no innocents, and I’m sure they’ll be more than excited to find out they’re going to be aunts.”
Eyeing him suspiciously, I lean closer to him. “What do you mean? They don’t know already?”
“Nope. Only Mom knows. I didn’t want to start really sharing until you were ready, but it wasn’t something I could hold in. I called Mom the morning I left your apartment, and after I got her to stop squealing in my ear, she agreed not to tell them. I figured we’d tell them in person, like we did with your family. Trust me. They’re going to be thrilled. Stop freaking out.”
My heart fills with pure elation from knowing that he couldn’t contain his excitement about the baby even after I’d kicked him out of my apartment. I don’t know how or why, but Kale’s taken this whole pregnancy thing better than I expected. After watching him with Lily, I knew he’d be a natural. That being said, we’d never talked about our hopes and dreams for the future, so I had no idea if he even had any desire to be a father, to have a family. In the end, he was more ready that I was, and it puts me at ease when I think about my child’s future. He’s going to have the best daddy in the world, and I tell myself that over and over again, trying to push the thoughts of his sisters out of my mind.
I simply nod, letting him know that I’ll try. Leaning my head against the back of the seat, I close my eyes, already feeling exhausted and drained from dealing with one family. As I slowly drift off, the last thought on my mind is that I’m going to need a full day of sleep just to recover from all this anxious excitement.
Just like the scene at my mom’s, Kale’s shaking me to wake me up. “We’re here, sleepyhead,” he informs me.
Stretching out and then wiping my eyes, I look at him apologetically. “Sorry, Kale. Trips in the car have always made me sleepy, and then with this little one draining all my energy, I’m finding it hard to keep my eyes open at the most random times.”
He leans over the seat and gives me a sweet kiss on the cheek. “Don’t worry about it. Get as much rest as you need to keep you and Sprout healthy, okay? That’s all that matters.”
Tears start to well in my eyes at the use of our baby’s nickname—one I’m becoming quite attached to. I try to blink them back, but it doesn’t work, and a few trickle down my cheeks. Kale’s hand cups my face as his thumb swipes them away.
“Hey, what’s all that about? I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
I wave him off and start to chuckle. Placing my hand on my stomach almost reverently, I turn to look at him. “Damn hormones. My emotions are all over the place these days. It’s just… I love Sprout. Not just the name, but him. I never thought this was possible, and even though he won’t be here for a long time, I already love him so much, Kale. That probably sounds weird. It’s just that once you gave him a nickname, the reality of it all set in, and I… I’m having a baby. I should be scared, and part of me is. At the same time, I’m thrilled.” I don’t know where all this is coming from, but the admission rolls off my tongue so easily, and I realize it’s true. I’ve always heard mothers talk about the love they feel for their unborn children, but I didn’t think I would really feel anything until he was finally in my arms. In this moment, I’ve realized that definitely isn’t the case. The love I feel for him is immeasurable, and no amount of explaining could ever match up to just how deep this baby has already ingrained himself in my heart. Just like his daddy.
His hand covers mine and he entwines our fingers. “We’re having a baby. It’s okay to be scared. Hell, part of me is, too. I have a feeling that’s natural for first-time parents,” he says, and I instantly feel better about my conflicting emotions. He drops his forehead to mine and looks directly into my eyes. “It’s been a long time since I’ve opened myself up to love. A long fuc–freaking time. But Sprout gave me no choice. He’s part me. Even better, he’s part you. There’s no way in hell I could ever not love him. It’s probably cheesy, but you know how they talk about love at first sight? I guess it’s like that, yet instead of sight, all it took was knowing he existed for me to be knocked on my ass. You will never know how much I love him, and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for giving me the greatest gift a man could get. I only hope I get to show you my appreciation for the rest of our lives.”
A choking sob escapes me as his words wash over me. I understand the implication of them, and it’s not the first time he’s mentioned forever when it comes to us. Part of me is terrified that he’s all caught up in the baby excitement. That one day he’ll realize it isn’t necessarily me that he wants, but Sprout. On the other hand, deep down, I know that’s not Kale. He wouldn’t say something he didn’t mean, so I push my nagging doubts away and throw my arms around him.
“You’re the sweetest man I’ve ever met, Kale Montgomery,” I whisper as I hold him tight. He returns my embrace, and we sit there for a minute just wrapped up in each other. Finally the tears stop flowing and I pull myself back, giving him a teasing smile. “As good as it sounds to have you thanking me from now until forever, it should probably be the other way around. After all, I’m pretty sure it was you who gave it to me.”
He just shakes his head, an amused smile spreading over his face. “I guess you do have a point there. But it takes two, you know, so I guess we’re even. Now let’s get going before Mom sends out a search party.”
The sudden realization that we’re sitting in his mom’s driveway comes to mind, and I’m quick to pull down the mirror on the sunshade to assess the damage of my hormonal episode. Fortunately I’d gone light on the makeup today, and other than red-rimmed eyes, I’m no worse for wear. I smooth out my hair and then get out of the car, blinking when I see the house in front of me.
With all of Kale’s stories about his mom’s quirkiness, the last thing I expected was for her to be living in a quaint beach home, but that’s where we are. The only indication of her personality is the vibrant aqua-blue color of the home that sits between two pastel-yellow houses. It sticks out, but not in a bad way. Even from the outside, it looks warm and inviting, and I can’t wait to explore the inside.
He rounds the car and takes hold of my hand as he leads me to the front porch. Not bothering to knock, he opens the door and we’re immediately accosted by two small dogs who bark to alert the rest of the house of our arrival.
“Poppy! Scout! Sit,” he commands, and both of them immediately stop their prancing around and sit stock-still. He leans down and takes a moment to pet both of them between the ears, and they relish in the attention from him.
When he stands back up, he takes my hand again, and I follow as we walk down a long hallway before entering the kitchen. It’s empty, and Kale’s eyebrows furrow before he lets out a low, “Christ.” He looks at his watch then gives me a sheepish grin.
“Ready?” he asks, and the pit in my stomach begins to grow as rapidly as my heart’s now beating.
Letting out a deep breath, I nod. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” I tell him, bringing a hand to my stomach as if I’m trying to get some sort of comfort from Sprout. Strangely, it is a comforting reflex, and I silently whisper thanks to the little bean growing inside me even though he can’t hear me yet.
Kale walks toward the back of the kitchen, where a sliding glass door leads outside to a deck, and he pulls me along with him. Once outside, I feel the chill in the air as goose bumps spread over my skin. The smell of the salt water is welcoming. It’s one I’ve loved ever since growing up in Gulf Breeze. Suddenly I notice Kale waving down the beach, and I follow his gaze. Three lithe women wave back, breaking away from the pose I recognize as vrksasana, or the tree pose in layman’s terms. Charlie and I have been doing yoga since college, and I smile, knowing I have an in with the Montgomery women.
We stand on the deck, watching them as they pack up their stuff and jog up the beach. Before we can brace ourselves, three sets of arms are wrapped around us and we form some sor
t of really big group hug. I’m caught off guard, having not expected this kind of warm reception, but I wrap my free arm around whoever I can and let myself give in to the moment. It feels good, it feels loving, and I feel at ease. All apprehension fades away as I enjoy the familial embrace.
All too soon, Kale steps back, pulling me with him. I take a moment to study his sisters, remembering he once told me that they’re twins. They’re both tall and lean with auburn-colored hair that shines in the sunlight. When I see his mom, I realize that the girls are nearly carbon copies of her. She’s at least five foot ten with a body to die for, especially for someone her age. Her hair is full of wild red curls, and if I didn’t know better, I wouldn’t believe she’s old enough to have a son who’s nearly thirty.
“Okay, okay. Let’s not crush Lucy or scare her off— at least not until after dinner.”
The women step back, giving quick apologies, and I wave them off, letting them know that I’m fine. Kale’s smiling down at me, and he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me in close. He looks up at his mom and sisters with a huge grin on his face.
“This beautiful woman next to me is my girlfriend, Lucy.”
His sisters move forward, ready to make introductions. “I’m Kalli,” one of them tells me as the other one chimes in, “And I’m Kaylie. We’re identical twins, but you can tell us apart by our eyebrows. Kalli plucks hers way too thin.”
Kalli elbows her sister, causing her to yelp. “At least mine don’t look like caterpillars!”
Her twin starts to argue when their mom steps forward, getting in between them. She doesn’t even have to say a word, and they silence the moment she gives them the look. I’m used to it from my own mom, and I grin, making a mental note to get that look down pat.
“Sorry, Lucy. For twenty-six-year-old adults, these two still fight like they’re twelve. I’m Ginger Montgomery and I’m so happy to meet you. Kale’s told me so much about you,” she says.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, too, Ms. Montgomery,” I tell her, and she scoffs.
“Please, call me Ginger. Ms. Montgomery makes me sound way too old.”
Nodding, I’m caught off guard when she steps closer and pulls me into a hug. At first, I stand there like a dummy, but I slowly relax and return it.
“I meant what I said. I’m so happy you’re here. From just one look, I can tell my baby is happier than I’ve seen him in a long time. Thank you for that, Lucy,” she whispers in my ear before pulling away.
I have to fake a cough to mask the choking cry that’s threatening to escape, and I blink back my tears, not wanting to be an emotional mess the first time I meet his family.
Ginger claps her hands together and motions for everyone to move inside. “Kale, why don’t you and Lucy get settled while your sisters and I get cleaned up from our yoga session? I’m sure you could both use a quick nap after that drive,” she suggests, giving me a knowing wink, and even though I slept in the car for a bit, a nap right now sounds perfect. After meeting them, I’m feeling rejuvenated, but at the same time, I’m still emotionally drained from the car and his mom’s words. A little break away from reality sounds pretty much perfect right now.
Kale agrees, and before I know it, I’m settled in on the guest bed, curled up against his body, drifting off to sleep.
EVEN THOUGH Lucy’s curled up next to me, fast asleep, I’m feeling restless. Unable to sleep, I think back on our conversation in the car. She caught me off guard with her declaration of Sprout love, and I have to admit, I had a lump in my throat the entire time she was trying to explain her feelings. Just knowing how much she wants this—as much as I do—makes me feel so much more at peace.
I meant what I said when I told her I’d called my mom right away. From the moment we found out about the pregnancy, I never once had a fleeting thought of not wanting the baby. That night when I held Lucy in her sleep with my hand protectively over her stomach, I felt all the love in the world seep into my heart. For him. For her? I don’t know. All I know is that every passing moment I spend with her my feelings grow. And it’s not just because she’s having my child. I was already half in love with Lucy Dawson by the end of our first summer together. Sprout’s just a blessing, maybe a kick in the ass to get us to stop beating around the bush. Either way, I couldn’t be happier, and I couldn’t imagine going back to a time when I didn’t have this, have her, have them.
Knowing I’m too wired to get any sleep, I slip out of the bed, careful not to move her. Like I told her, she needs her rest. I know she laughs my protectiveness off, but I have no fucking clue what I would do if something happened to her or the baby, which is part of why I so desperately want her to move in with me. Okay, I want her there because I hate spending a single second without her and going home to an empty, Lucyless house, but I also want to be around to make sure she’s cared for. I want to be able to take on the full role of boyfriend, father, and whatever else she wants me to be. However, I won’t push her. At least not yet.
Closing the door behind me quietly, I make my way to the kitchen, where I find Mom preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Fortunately for me and the twins, Mom let us choose our own dietary lifestyles, and she remained the only vegan in the house.
“What’s all this?” I ask when I see her checking the temperature of the turkey. Even though the rest of us aren’t vegan, she’s always made Tofurky on Thanksgiving, something none of us ever complained about because it’s actually pretty damn good. There’s a huge spread of food, from mashed potatoes to green beans to a beet salad.
“I thought we’d go a little more traditional this year,” she informs me. “You know, with having a new guest and all.”
I round the counter and give Mom a kiss on the cheek, grateful that she thought enough of Lucy to give into some concessions for the holiday. “You didn’t have to do that, Mom, but I appreciate it.”
“Oh don’t be silly. She’s too thin and we need to put some meat on her bones. Plus there’s no way I was going to feed her Tofurky the first time she came to visit. She might not ever come back,” she jokes. “So tell me, how’s the pregnancy going? Is she still having morning sickness?”
I steal a few carrots off the platter in front of me, and Mom swats my hand away. “It’s pretty much passed now. At least from what I can tell. In the beginning, she could hardly keep anything down in the mornings, but she seems to be doing better. She’s tired a lot, a little emotional. Nothing I’m not used to from living with the three of you.”
She smiles knowingly. Living with three women definitely prepared me for hormonal emotions of a pregnant woman, and I shake my head as I remember all the emotional meltdowns I was witness to over the years from that damned thing known as the menstrual cycle.
“And you, Kale? How are you doing with all of this? Things seem to have changed since the last time we talked. For the better, of course,” she says, reminding me that I haven’t gotten a chance to tell her about the recent developments between Lucy and me.
I let out a slow breath and lean on the counter with my elbows, watching as she begins to prepare a salad. “Things are good. I’m good. Hell, I’m great even. My initial fears turned out to be unwarranted, and looking back, I should’ve known it was irrational, but well, you understand.”
She stops chopping the lettuce and gives me a sympathetic smile. “Kale, it wasn’t irrational. It was a natural reaction that someone like you would have. But I will say¸ I’m so glad they ended up being just fears. I’m not sure how you would’ve handled anything differently.”
I close my eyes, not wanting to even think about a reality where Lucy decided she didn’t want the baby. Shaking my head, I push the thoughts away. “I don’t want to think about that. All that matters is the woman I care about more than anything in the world is carrying my child, and in less than eight months, I’m going to be a father. That’s all I want to focus on.”
Mom nods in understanding but doesn’t drop the subject. “Have you talked to her about it?
I mean, does she know?”
Curling my hands into fists, I shake my head and am immediately greeted by Mom’s disappointed look. “This is a happy time for us. We’ve only been together officially for a short time, and the last thing I want to do is put a dark cloud over it. There’s no reason to get into it right now. If and when the time is right, I’ll tell her, but for now, I just want her to be happy.”
“Okay, fine. I can understand that. But, Kale? You can’t keep it from her forever. And it’s going to eat at you until you finally let her all the way in. You have to trust that she’ll be able to handle it. Now that’s all I’ll say on that, but just know I’m always here if you need to talk, okay?”
I know she’s right. If Lucy and I are going to have any chance at a future, then she needs to be privy to every part of my past, even the most painful ones. The thing is that I don’t want to let Lucy into that part of my life yet. She’s my light. My sunshine. She’s the brightest part of my day, and I’m just not ready to invite her into the darkness. In fact, I’m not ready to revisit that part of my life either. I spent years locking it away. Right now all I want to do is focus on Lucy and Sprout. When the day comes that I’m ready to talk about it, I’ll figure it out, but until then, I’m pushing it out of my mind.
“I’ll deal with it eventually. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention it or even hint at it.”
She huffs and gives me a glare. “You know me better than that, Kale Montgomery. I’d never meddle. That’s not my style, and I resent that you even felt the need to mention it.”
Sighing deeply, I know she’s right. “Okay, okay. My bad. I just want to make sure everything stays right between us. I’ve wanted Lucy for a very long time, and it only took me a year and a half to make her my girlfriend. Forgive me if I’m a little worried about keeping everything perfect.”
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