Saturday, April 27th, 2019

Blair's POV

"Did you seriously make your daughter choose between her job and a relationship with my son because of his last name?! That's even low for you."

"She made her choice, and it obviously involves hurting her family."

"Mitchell, stop it. That's a bunch of crap and you know it. Kimberly and Ryder are both adults and were running successful companies. Whether we like it or not our children are dating. Blair and I have no problem with it. We had dinner with Ryder and Kimi. A great time was had by all. She was hurt that you are ignoring her phone calls. As I said, they are adults. We have no right to tell them who to date, and we shouldn't involve them in our disagreement."

"You can do whatever you want with your kids, but as for the Forester kids they are our business."

"Well, let me tell you about the Forester and Ellis kids. Our kids are friends. Mitchell, Myles, and Ryder have been friends for years."

"They have been what?!"

"You heard me. The three of them have been friends. As William said, they are all adults, and we need to stay out of their personal lives. There is nothing wrong with them being friends or Kimi and Ryder dating. You and Sasha are the only ones in denial. Leave them out of our differences. Are you really willing to lose your relationship with your daughter, forever? If so, that's okay because she will have me and William to support her. William, let's go and leave them with that thought."

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Kimi's POV

Today is the day I have always dreaded - cleaning out Arianna's room. With me moving in with Ryder and Ryley, there is no need to keep it. I will never forget my baby girl - never.

"Ryley, princess, whatever you would like to keep, it's yours. We'll pack it and take it to the house. Let's start with the bookcase. What books would you like to take?"

After taking the books off the shelf, I carried them over to the table Ryley was sitting at.

"What's wrong, Kimi?"

I didn't realize I had tears falling until Ryley said something.

"I'm sorry, princess. This is an emotional day for me."

Ryley came over, hugged me, and wiped my tears away. "Don't cry, Kimi. I love you."

"I love you too, Ryley. You and your dad mean so much to me. And, I'm so happy to have you both in my life."

"We love you too, Kimi," Ryder says as he entered the room. He came over and joined in the hug.

"I'm just glad I have you both with me to do this."

"I ordered pizza and fries for lunch. It should be on the way."

"Thanks, Ryder. Ryley, honey whatever you want to take you can put on the tables near the door. I'll put them in the boxes and bags."

"Okay, Kimi."

It took Ryley about 20 minutes to pick what she wanted from the bookshelf.

"Ryder, would the bookcase be able to fit in Ryley's room?"

"Ryley, princess would you like to keep the bookcase?"

"Yes, daddy. Thank you, Kimi."

"You're welcome, princess. Let's take a look in the closet."

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Considering the circumstances, I was able to make it through while cleaning Arianna's room. Ryder and my brothers are coming back for the furniture for Ryley's room. I like the furniture already in my room. But, for tonight I want to cuddle.

After reading Ryley a bedtime story, I went to take a shower and change into my nightclothes. I saw Ryder's light on, so I walked into his room and flopped on the bed next to him.

"I want to cuddle tonight. What are you watching?" I scooted closer to Ryder, then he pulled the covers over us.

"I'm watching NCIS: Los Angeles."

"Ooh, that's the one with LL Cool J, right?" Ryder looked at me, slightly irritated. Then, he started tickling me.

"Boy, calm down. Smooches, LL Cool J may be hot but I love you. You even remind me of one of his songs. And, wipe that smug grin off your face."

"Oh really? And, what song is that?"

"I'm Bad." Ryder peeled the covers back and stood up off the bed.

"What are you doing?" He then grabbed his phone. Oh my gosh, he just found the song and started dancing.

My stomach was hurting from laughing so hard at Ryder trying to dance like LL Cool J. "Ryder, stop it before we wake up Ryley. My stomach hurts."

After the song was done, Ryder joined me under the covers again.

"I know today was rough for you, so I wanted to have you end the day on a funny note." Ryder turned off the television, turned off the lights, then we cuddled together."

"Thanks, Smooches. I loved it." After resting my head on Ryder's chest, he kissed my forehead.

"You're welcome, Baby Doll. Good night."

"Good night."

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Saturday, May 4th, 2019

Ryder's POV

I'm still nervous about how this dinner is going to go. Kimi and Ryley were in the kitchen while I was in the dining room getting the table ready. I heard a knock on the door, so I went to answer it. It was Rebecca, Cole, and Victoria.

"Come on in. Ryley and Kimi are in the kitchen. Have a seat in the living room." I heard little feet running this way.

"Aunt Vicki! Aunt Becky! Uncle Cole!" Ryley hugged each one.

"How is my favorite niece doing?"

"Uncle Cole, I'm your only niece."

"You won't be for long, sweetie." Rebecca and Victoria started laughing.

"Kimi's coming, daddy." Right after Ryley said that Kimi entered the living room.

"Kimi, I want to introduce my brother and sisters - Cole, Rebecca, and Victoria."

"It's nice to meet you, Kimberly." Cole shook Kimi's hand, and he held on too long. "Are all the women in the Forester family as beautiful as you are?"

"May I have my hand back now?"

"Oh, sorry."

"It's nice to meet you, Cole. And, thank you for the compliment. You can call me Kimi." Cole is a flirt, but Kimi handled it well. "Ryder gave me an 'I am taken by Ryder Ellis' ring last week. I love it."

"That's right, my brother. Kimberly Forester is off the market. So, don't even try it."

"I remember meeting your sisters before. I can't remember where though," Kimi then says.

Rebecca added, " We met two years ago at an advertising conference. We were having such a great conversation that I didn't want to ruin it by telling you our last name."

Kimi and my siblings continued talking while I went to answer the door. Mitchell, Timika, and Myles entered the house.

"Everyone is in the living room. Follow me." Once we entered the living room, Kimi and I introduced everyone.

"Ryder, Ryley, Cole, Victoria, and Rebecca, I want to introduce you to Mitchell Jr., Timika, and Myles Forester."

"Kimi, Mitch, Myles, and Timika, I want to introduce my sibs - Cole, Victoria, and Rebecca. The little one is my daughter, Ryley."

"Aww, your daughter is adorable. Come to auntie Timika." Ryley walked over to my sister and hugged her.

"I'm so glad you two are giving each other a chance. I don't know what is going on with our parents, but don't let them stop what you two are building. I'm Victoria."

(Victoria Ellis)

Kimi's POV

"Thank you, Victoria. My parents basically disowned me because Ryder and I are dating. I quit as the COO of Forester. And, I love it. Your mom and dad were the total opposites. They were very supportive of our relationship."

"Woah, Kimi we didn't know that. Mom and dad lost their minds. I say good for you."

"Thanks, Myles. I feel free. I now can take Ryley to school in the morning, and pick her up. I have even had lunch with Blair. Me, Snowflake, and Fluffy now live with Ryder and Ryley. I'm going to use my house as a rental property."

"Things are finally working out for you, Kimi. I don't blame you one bit for leaving. Let mom and dad worry about the direction of the company."

"Thanks, Mitchell." I heard the oven timer going off. "Excuse me, everyone. Dinner is ready. Ryder will show you to the dining room."

"I'll help you, Kimi." Timika followed me into the kitchen.

I grilled steaks but put them in the oven to stay warm. I also have baked potatoes and salad. For Ryley, I made her some spaghetti and meatballs. She loves it.

Timika carried the salad into the dining room. I grabbed a serving tray for the steaks. She came back for the potatoes, which I also put on a separate serving tray. "I have fixings in the fridge too." I then grabbed a bowl of spaghetti for Ryley and some apple juice.

"Ryley, sweetie, I made your favorite dish."

Her eyes lit up when I placed the plate in front of her. "Thank you, Kimi!"

Ryder poured everyone a glass of wine, then we passed them around. Everyone then fixed themselves a plate.

"Let's dig in."

"Kimberly, I'm Rebecca. When Ryder told me you were dating, I went and asked my parents why were they feuding with your parents. They told me to mind my business. I have no idea why, but don't let that stop you from dating."

(Rebecca Ellis)

"Thank you, Rebecca. I hope we all can become friends. I have asked my parents too. I just don't understand why. Both companies are successful. It definitely has something to do with their past. The day Ryder and I talked at the ski resort in France, I questioned the rivalry. I felt drained because of the dislike, and let it go."

"Kimi fixes the best dinners ever, so we will be eating at Ryder's house for family parties," Myles mentioned.

"Yeah because Ryder can't cook at all. One time, I remember he burned Ryley's baby bottle. From then on, we fixed her bottles."

"Don't cry, Kimi. Do not cry." I just smiled while my insides felt gutted.

Ryder changed the subject really quickly. "Yeah, I'm a terrible cook. I know Mitch works at the company. What about you guys, Myles and Timika?"

Myles answered first. "I am studying to become a civil rights lawyer. Once I graduate from University, I'm going to Law school."

Timika went next. "I'm close to gaining my license to become a real estate agent. But, I also have an interest in becoming a chef. Like Kimi, I love to cook."

Rebecca followed, "I am a personal trainer to several celebrity clients. I absolutely love it."

Victoria then took a turn. "Like Ryder, I work with our parents. I am the head of the Photography department. I schedule the photoshoots for models for advertisements. I love it too. My schedule is never too hectic."

Cole went last. "I'm the events planner at Elite Isle Hotel & Spa. It definitely has its rewards."

I noticed everyone took sips from their glass of wine, except Cole.

"Cole, may I ask why you haven't touched your glass of wine? Please tell me to mind my business if I am being nosy."

"Oh, I actually stopped drinking. Something terrible happened about five years ago."

"I'm sorry about that. I don't have anything else but apple juice or water."

Ryder's POV

"You didn't know. I never told anyone what happened. I sometimes still have nightmares about it. I remember it like it happened yesterday. See, I drank too much at a party. The party actually never ended, but I left. I did the worse thing ever in driving drunk, and I knew it."

I hope he does not say what I think he is. Cole continued.

"It was morning, and I drove through a red light, and crashed into someone on the driver's side. I hope and pray that they survived. The accident happened on Terrace Avenue. I haven't driven that way since."

I looked at Kimi, who was now crying profusely.

"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO CAUSED MY ACCIDENT! I LOST MY DAUGHTER BECAUSE OF IT!"

Kimi got up and ran away.

Cole was confused. "Cole, Kimi was the one you hit! She was 6 months pregnant! Kimi lost her daughter because of that accident!!"

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LL Cool J video is courtesy of YouTube.