Inflame (Explosive)

by Teevan, Tessa

  “Are you happy?” I ask as we pull out of the parking lot. I couldn’t read his expression when he found out, and even though he said that he had no preference, I’m wondering what he’s thinking.

  He looks over at me seriously, and then a huge smiles crosses his gorgeous face. “I’m thrilled, baby. I promise, I was indifferent, but now that I know, I have all these plans rolling around in my head. Starting today. What do you say we finally start getting the nursery ready?”

  “I love the sound of that. The room feels so bare, even with the furniture. I’m ready to add some color to it.”

  We spend the rest of the day shopping—and probably going a little overboard. Charlie texts me nonstop wanting to know the gender, but Kale keeps me from telling her, and I’m glad because I want to tell her in person. I know she’ll be just as thrilled as I am. I wasn’t lying when I said I just wanted a healthy baby, but when Dr. Foster gave us the news, hot tears formed in my eyes, and I was elated.

  Once the car is practically loaded with baby gear, we decide to head home in hopes that we can get together with all of our friends later on so we can share the good news. I’m surprised when we pull up to Kale’s gym, and I turn to him.

  “What are we doing here?” I ask, and he gives me a sly smile.

  “Just trust me, okay? Let’s just say we’re probably not going to be the only ones celebrating today.”

  I can feel my eyebrows furrow, and I wonder what he means. Looking around the parking lot, I spot Evelyn, Knox’s car that I’ve heard way too much about. My heart starts racing and ideas start forming in my mind. Turning back to look at Kale with wide eyes, I’m practically bouncing with glee.

  “Get out!” I shout, and he just laughs.

  “Hey, I didn’t say anything, but if you don’t want to miss the show, we’d better get in there.”

  Before he can finish his sentence, I’m out of the car, already pulling out my phone to get the camcorder ready. If what I think it about to happen is happening, I have got to get this on video. For someone who claims to hate public displays of affection, Knox certainly doesn’t shy away from being the center of attention where Charlie’s concerned. The conversation from the day she picked me up at the airport replays in my mind and I smile, happy that my best friend isn’t going to have to wait another six months.

  Kale takes my hand and leads me inside the gym. “Now, act cool and be discreet. Knox told Jace and me about this yesterday, but he didn’t say anything about telling you. The way I see it, you’re her best friend, and if he wants to do this in public, it’s your right to be here. Just…no squealing, baby.”

  I give him a cross look but nod my head dutifully.

  Looking around the room, we spot Charlie and Knox entering a ring, Wade and Jace sparring in the one next to them. Knox leans in for a kiss then moves to the end of the ring to start the clock. They dance around each other before moving in, each landing a jab here, a kick there. To be honest, I don’t know much about kickboxing and I still don’t see the fun in sparring with your boyfriend. But Charlie loves it, and as I watch them, I decide I might have her show me a few moves. I wouldn’t mind Kale getting me flat on my back.

  The first round ends in a boring fashion and I sigh impatiently. As they start the second round, I tap my foot, waiting for some action to happy. Nervous butterflies attack my stomach as the clock starts ticking closer to zero, and I bring my hand to my belly, rubbing slightly. All the sudden I feel pressure against my hand, and the butterflies increase tenfold.

  “Oh!” I practically shout, loud enough for Charlie to hear me. It’s exactly the distraction Knox needs to take Charlie down.

  “Discreet, baby?” Kales teases, and I grab his hand and place it on my belly.

  “I couldn’t help it. The baby kicked!” I tell him, almost squealing even though I promised not to.

  His eyes widen and he moves to stand behind me as he places both hands on my belly, waiting for it to happen again. “That’s exciting, Lucy, but hold that thought,” he whispers in my ear.

  I look back at the ring and realize that it’s about to happen.

  Charlie’s flat on her back on the mat, breathing heavily. She’s glaring up at Knox, who’s straddling her waist and grinning down at her.

  “That was cheap, Wellington. Lucy’s big mouth distracted me and you know it.”

  Shaking his head, he looks up. Wade and Jace have left their ring and are standing next to the one Charlie and Knox are in. Knox nods to Jace, who pulls a small box out of his pocket. He throws it to Knox, who then looks back down at Charlie.

  “You may never be able to take me in the ring, sweetheart, but I would be the luckiest asshole in the world if you’d take mine.” He opens the box and pulls out a ring, holding it between his thumb and forefinger for Charlie to see.

  She’s staring up at him, then at the ring, then back at him. For the first time in her life, Charlie Davenport is speechless.

  Knox leans down and places a soft kiss on her lips before pulling back mere inches from her face. “Say something, sweetheart.”

  And that’s all the prompting she needs. Tears start pouring down her face as she holds out her hand so Knox can put it on. As he slides the ring down her finger, he leans down to kiss away her tears.

  “Marry me, Charlie.”

  “Okay,” is all she says, and that’s all Knox needs. He’s up on his feet, pulling Charlie up with him. She throws her arms around him, jumping up to wrap her legs around her waist. “We’re getting married!”

  I watch as Wade climbs into the ring and gives Knox a pat on the back. Charlie climbs down from his embrace and her dad pulls her in for a big hug.

  “I’m so happy for you, Charlie Rose,” he tells her, and tears spring to my eyes.

  Looking back at Kale, I see him watching the happy couple, and I wonder what he’s thinking. The whole ‘you’re next’ bet comes to mind, and I smile to myself, knowing that even though we might not be engaged, we’re starting a family, and for me, that’s enough. For now.

  Moving out of Kale’s hold, I run to Charlie. She bends down over the ropes to let me get a close look at the ring. It’s a gorgeous square-cut radiant solitaire diamond that’s set in white gold with tiny round diamonds along the side. It’s the perfect ring for Charlie, and I give Knox a thumbs up.

  “Six months, huh?” I tease, and she gives me a watery smile.

  “It’s Knox. He’s completely unpredictable. I can’t believe you’re here and you were able to keep it a secret! Was your distracting me all a part of the plan?”

  Laughing, I bring my hand to my belly. “I wish I could take credit for it, but I had no idea. Kale made me come here and wouldn’t tell me why. As for the distraction”—I pause, giving her an apologetic smile—“apparently, this little one’s going to be taking after Kale. It must’ve felt left out and decided to make its first kick here. Kind of appropriate, right?”

  “Oh my gosh! I completely forgot. Stop saying ‘it,’ you asshole, and tell me already. Am I getting a niece or a nephew?”

  I’m about to answer when Knox approaches with Jace and Wade. Kale comes up behind me and gives Charlie high-five.

  “Way to steal my baby thunder, Wellington,” Kale jokes. “Now we’re going to have to wait for another day to do the gender reveal. Thanks a lot, man.”

  I know he’s only joking, but Charlie scowls at him. “Come on. Just tell me. The suspense is killing me!” Charlie whines, but Kale just shakes his head. “I’m going to kick your ass, Montgomery.”

  Knox reels her in, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s get home and get cleaned up. Then we can celebrate.” He winks at her then gives a sheepish grin when Wade clears his throat.

  “And that’s my cue to leave.” Wade gives Charlie a hug then shakes Knox’s hand. “Congratulations, you two.”

  Once Wade’s out of earshot, Kale starts speaking. “If you two are up for celebrating later with your clothes on, why doesn’t everyone come over to
our place tonight and we’ll give Charlie the big reveal and celebrate Knox being a kept man.”

  Knox shakes his head but grins down at Charlie, who shrugs. “We’re in,” she says to us, and Jace nods in agreement.

  I continue to fawn over Charlie’s ring as the guys make arrangements, and before I know it, Kale’s whisking me back to the car and taking me home.

  ONCE HOME, we get to work setting up the nursery. It already had a crib, a dresser, and a changing table, but with the additions from the store, it finally feels like a real nursery as we add wall art, bedding, and a mound of stuffed animals. Lucy finishes unpacking a box of books then stands up and moves to the middle of the room. Doing a quick spin, she has a satisfied look on her face as she hugs her belly.

  “Everything about today has been so perfect, Kale. From the baby name book, to the appointment, to the shopping, and then with the proposal. We have so much to celebrate tonight. Speaking of, we should probably get ready for that since you up and offered our place.”

  I set the last of the clothes we splurged on in the drawer and move to circle her waist as I rest my head on her shoulder, taking in the newly transformed room. “And just think, in less than five months, we’ll have even more to celebrate.” Pushing her out of the room, I lead her down the hallway and into our bedroom, where she gives me a confused look that I ignore. Leaning down, I place a kiss on her forehead. “Rest up, baby. I’ll go get everything ready for tonight.”

  “I’m too excited to sleep. Plus, I want to help you. I already figured I’d toy with Charlie tonight and not tell her right away.” She gets off the bed and we head to the kitchen to prepare. After rustling through the pantry, she pulls out a bottle of food coloring and grins at me. “This is exactly what I need.”

  Later on, when everyone shows up, the women spend their time gushing over the ring as Charlie relays the story of the proposal to Lexi. I hand each of the guys a beer then toss one to Charlie. Lexi turns me down as she looks nervously at Jace, who clears his throat. She gets up from her spot on the couch and goes to where he’s standing.

  “Well, since everyone’s sharing all sorts of good news today, we have something we want to announce,” Jace says as Lexi beams up at him. “It looks like the Montgomery baby is going to have a new playmate a little sooner than we expected.”

  Lucy gasps then squeals as she runs up to hug Lexi, and Charlie joins them, equally as ecstatic.

  “You’re pregnant?!” Lucy asks, practically jumping up and down.

  Lexi laughs as she nods. “We’re almost eleven weeks along. A total honeymoon baby. To call it a shock is an understatement, but we’re thrilled.”

  “You know, someone once told me these things happen in threes,” I say, looking at Knox and Charlie.

  She waves at me with her middle finger before holding up her hand for me to see her ring. “Don’t even try to jinx me like that, Kale Montgomery. With my luck, whenever Knox and I have kids, we’ll end up with triplets. I am so not ready for that. Plus, I’ll have your kids to spoil. We don’t need our own yet. Speaking of, will you please finally spill the beans? I am dying from anticipation to know what you’re having.”

  Lucy gives me a sly smile and nods. Turning to Jace and Knox, she smiles sweetly at them. “You two have any money riding on this one, too?” she asks, and Jace chokes on his beer. “Yeah, we know all about your little bet. I’m expecting one hell of a baby shower gift, Jace.”

  Jace grins sheepishly. “Consider it done. We knew he was a goner long before he did. I just had a little more faith in your abilities to get Kale to fall into your web than Knox did.”

  “Whatever, dude. She was just as hooked on me as I was on her,” I tell him.

  “Yeah, but you were too much of a pussy to tell her,” Knox chimes in, causing Charlie to elbow him.

  “Right. What should I have done? Gone to the nearest bar and professed my love with a song?” I tease, and it’s Lucy turn to give her man the elbow, causing me to wince as she connects with my side.

  Knox scowls, but Charlie just laughs. “It doesn’t matter. We’re all here now, happy, in love, and about to find out if they’re having a girl or a boy. Now tell me already.”

  Lucy leaves the living room and reenters with a tray of cupcakes. Setting them down on the coffee table, she gestures to Charlie. “I know it’s not the most original way to reveal it, but it’s all I had time for. Go ahead, Charlie. You wanted to know so badly. You do the honors.”

  Charlie leaps up from her chair and grabs one of the cupcakes. As she slowly unwraps it, her eyes widen and she looks back and forth between the two of us and then at the rest of the group waiting impatiently for her to reveal the gender.

  “Well, what is it?” Lexi asks.

  “They’re having a boy!”

  Congratulations come from all around, and I watch Lucy’s beaming smile light up the room. I honestly didn’t care what we were having, but when Dr. Foster pointed out the tiny—sorry, little guy—forming male parts on Sprout, my heart swelled at the thought of having a little mini-me running around. It was surreal and I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I was almost in a daze for the rest of the day, and Lucy picked out everything she could find in blue and brown, adding in some green because, after all, he’s our little Sprout.

  Jace and Knox both give me slaps on the shoulder while Lucy drags the girls down to the nursery to show off the goods from today.

  “With all the estrogen in your life, I was sure you were going to end up with a girl. Lily’s going to be so disappointed,” I hear from behind me and turn to see Xavier, who’s late to the party. “Congratulations, man. You deserve this. That little boy’s going to be a lucky one.”

  “I’m glad you could make it, man,” I tell him, and I mean it. If there’s anyone besides Lucy I want to share this with, it’s him. “I think Lily will get over it when she meets her new honorary cousin.”

  He knows what I’m trying to say, and he nods. “About fuckin’ time, Montgomery.” And I nod back.

  After all the shit in my life, I can hardly believe I’m here. I’m having a son.

  “AS MUCH as I adore our friends, I thought they would never leave,” I tell Kale as we settle into bed for the night. Once Xavier showed up, the guys just had to start up a game of poker, so the girls and I spent the night creating Pinterest boards for both baby things for Lexi and me and wedding planning for Charlie.

  It was a blast being able to look at strictly items for baby boys, but it’s still daunting how much stuff out there that they suggest you get. Kalli texted me earlier to remind me to start a registry for the baby shower, and I decided that Pinterest could totally market that because they have some of the coolest baby gear. Not to mention, Charlie has about fifteen different wedding favor ideas on her board, and we had to stop her from adding any more. As fun as it was, when everyone left at nearly two in the morning, I was more than ready for bed. But now that I’m settled with the baby name book in my hands, I feel a renewed energy and want to get a head start on this list making. Like Kale said, as much as I love Sprout, I’m ready to give my sweet baby boy a name.

  “Sorry, baby. I could’ve ended the game early, but I needed one last hand to wipe out Knox’s stash,” Kale says apologetically as he climbs in bed beside me.

  I hand him a pad of paper and a pencil so he can jot down any names we like. “It’s fine. At least tomorrow’s Saturday. If your six a.m. alarm goes off for you to go to the gym, I’m probably going to kick your ass.”

  He immediately grabs his phone and shuts it off. “If you want to sleep in, we’re sleeping in. We had a long day today, so I’m at your mercy tomorrow.”

  “Perfect. Okay. Now, are you ready to do this?” I ask, knowing that this isn’t going to be an easy task.

  Flipping to the boy name section, I start with the A’s. Kale sits up against the headboard and holds his arm out so I can cuddle up against his chest. As we flip through the pages, we make it to the D’s without seeing any
thing we like. All of a sudden, Kale points to a name.

  “This is perfect! I don’t know why I didn’t think of that,” he says, almost to himself.

  Peering at the name, I shake my head when I see it. “I am not naming my kid Dawson. For one, I’ll be hearing that annoying theme song from the show in my head. And secondly, that’s my last name. I can just see me introducing myself to his kindergarten teacher. ‘Hi, I’m Lucy Dawson and this is my son Dawson Montgomery.’ Sure, it’s a cute idea, but that’d just be weird!”

  Kale moves his arm so my back’s now on the headboard. He slides down the bed and places his head on my belly. After tapping it with his finger, he pulls my shirt up to give my bare skin a kiss.

  “Don’t listen to her, son. She doesn’t know what she’s saying,” he whispers gently, smiling against my skin. He turns to look at me, a bright smile covering his face. “Lucy, you’re not going to be a Dawson forever, you know.”

  My heart leaps into my throat at his insinuation. We’ve talked about forever before, yet the subject of marriage has never actually come up. I’m not sure if it’s the high of the day or what. This is the first time he’s ever mentioned it, and I try to calm my racing heart.

  “Is that so, Montgomery?” I ask, using his name for emphasis. My hand comes down to rest on his head and I mindlessly play with his hair.

  Shifting, he places his chin on my stomach as he looks up at me with soft eyes. “That’s so, Dawson. I plan on making an honest woman out of you one of these days. Knox just stole my thunder. Asshole.”

  I know he’s teasing, but at the same time, I hear the honesty behind his words.

  My fingers tangle in his hair, and I pull a little less than gently. “It’s 2014, Kale. There’s no such thing as an honest woman anymore.”

  “Ouch. Dammit, baby. You’ve been working on your grip.” He gives me a mouthwatering smile, and I melt. I watch as he sits up, and he lifts my chin as his lips hover just above my own. My breath quickens as his eyes gaze into mine. “Lucy Dawson, I love you. More than I’ve ever loved any woman, and more than I’ll ever love anyone else. In a few short months, you’re having my son. Sometime after that—and I don’t know when—I’ll ask you to marry me, and I’ll stand at the end of an aisle as you walk towards me to make me the happiest man alive. Which kind of seems impossible because I’m pretty sure I’m that man already. But one of these days, you’re going to take my name. And I can’t freakin’ wait.”