Monday, March 11th, 2019

Kim's POV

Wait until I tell Nic what happened this past weekend. I have been blushing since Ryder and Ryley left my house.

The wedding is a few weeks from today, so after work, Nic and Rhys are coming over to discuss it. Ryder probably will come too, so we can tell them tonight.

Ryley called me this morning. She is the sweetest, little girl. It's a shame about her mother. But I certainly love her, that's for sure. And Ryder sent me a beautiful bouquet of roses and white lilies.

Alicia, Naomi, and I just finished up a morning, long meeting. We are going to lunch now.

"Ladies, sorry about the meeting lasting that long."

"That's okay, Kimi. We got a lot accomplished. How was your weekend, Kimi and Alicia?" Naomi asked. Alicia answered first.

"Relieved to have a sane boyfriend now. Liam and I flew to Maryland to visit my parents. Surprisingly, it went well."

"Congratulations, girly. He told me on the elevator ride this morning. And I told him he better not ever hurt you because I know where he works."

"Thanks, Kimi. That means a lot. My mom told me that my ex is finally behind bars. How was your weekend, Kimi?"

"Well, Ryder officially asked me to be his girlfriend and I said yes."

"Oh my gosh, Kimi that's great! I love your parents. I really do. But don't let them tell you who to date."

"Naomi is right. I met him one time while out and about with Liam. Ryder is a nice guy and perfect for you. Don't tell him I said this, but he blushed every time he said your name. His daughter was with him and she is just the cutest. I really am happy for you. Even Ryley, I think that is her name, talked about you too. Just know that Naomi and I got your back."

"Thank you, ladies, because I love him, and he told me the same. Ryder and Ryley stayed at my house the whole weekend. I never thought after what happened with Kai that I would find someone. Ryder even gave me a promise ring. It's beautiful. I'll show you at the restaurant."

Speaking of, we pulled into the restaurant parking lot, so I found us a spot to park in.

As we were walking into the restaurant, my phone rang. "I'll meet you ladies inside."

It was Ryder, so I answered.

"Hey, Ryder, what's up?"

"Rhys called me about a wedding meeting at your house tonight. Do you mind Ryley coming with me?"

"You don't have to ask. I love Ryley, Ryder. I meant every word of what I said over the weekend. She is always welcomed to come. What should I fix or buy for her to eat?"

"I'm sorry. I know you love her. I just didn't want you to feel uncomfortable. What you went through is something no mother or parent should go through."

"I understand your concern and appreciate it. But Ryder that makes me think you don't trust me around Ryley. It's already tough for me to deal with the loss of my baby. But if we are to continue moving forward in our relationship, I need you to trust me. You said Ryley's mom doesn't care about her. I do, Ryder. I love your daughter."

I felt myself wiping tears away.

"I vow to never, ever do something like that again. Of course, I want to move forward in our relationship. I don't want anyone else. Liam was right in saying you have mom qualities. You are the only one who has every quality I was looking for. That stuck with me since our ski trip. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. Can you forgive me?"

"Yes, I can. I know it wasn't intentional. That's why I love you because you care about me, Ryder. I want you and Ryley to stay at my house tonight."

"Thank you for your forgiveness. Oh, besides spaghetti Ryley likes cheeseburgers and fries."

"Well, Mr. Ellis come early because you are grilling us hamburgers and corn on the cob. I'll fix some fries. I'm leaving my office around three o'clock."

"I can do that. We'll come over at 4 o'clock. See you then."

"See you then. Smooches."

"Hey...."

I hung up the phone and cracked up. I know his mouth dropped when I said smooches. Alicia and Naomi are wondering where I am, so I better get inside.

******************************

4:00 pm

I hear a vehicle pulling up, meaning Ryder and Ryley is here. He is very punctual. Another quality that I love about him.

As soon as I opened the front door, Ryley ran over to where I was standing.

"Kimi! I drew you a picture!"

Ryley handed me her picture. It was cute. She drew me, herself, and Ryder in front of a house with the sun shining down on us. I kissed her cheeks.

"I love you, sweetie. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Kimi."

Ryder finally joined us as he carried something he brought over.

"Ryley, honey Snowflake and Fluffy missed you. They are in the living room. What's in the bag, Ryder?"

She ran inside the house. I grabbed Ryder's free hand and held it as we walked inside as well.

"I bought dessert. I want to also apologize in person. You're the best woman that I have ever dated, and I don't want to ruin it. I barely got any work done today just thinking about our weekend."

"Ryder, stop beating yourself up. You didn't ruin us. I understand why you asked. You are more concerned about me than any guy has ever been. I wish we met a long time ago, but we are together now. We both went through something terrible. But, we now have what each of us wanted - someone to love. Besides, who else am I going to beat in bowling? I have a Wii downstairs, ready, and waiting."

Ryder gave me a goofy grin, then leaned down to kiss my cheek. "Wait until Ryley goes to sleep. We are bowling. Count on it."

"Okay, Mr. Ellis, I have already seasoned burger patties and corn. Do you at least know how to cook on a grill?"

"That's about it."

"Good, I have a gas grill outside that has your name on it. I'll take care of the fries and dessert, which I already have in the oven. So, we'll have two desserts. I need to ask you if Ryley is allergic to anything."

"So far that I have seen she isn't allergic to anything. She does have seasonal allergies."

"Okay. I want to know all that I can about both of you."

"I'll tell you later."

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"Nic and Rhys, come on in. Ryder just finished grilling. Ryley is in the kitchen with me. We're having burgers and fries."

"Thanks, Kimi. We better eat first. I didn't know what to bring, so we have wine, juice for Ryley and I made pineapple chicken."

"Thanks, Nic. You can take it to the dining room."

I went to the kitchen. "Ryley, honey you can go to the dining room. I'll be right there." Ryder came in the house with the grilled food.

"Nic and Rhys are in the dining room. I'm grabbing some plates and silverware." After grabbing what we needed, I followed behind Ryder to the living room.

I placed a fork, spoon, and plate in front of everyone. I already have glasses on the table. Ryder fixed a plate for Ryley. The adults fixed their own plates. "Let's dig in everyone."

"So, Kimi I see a beautiful peridot ring on your right hand. And, you have been smiling all evening. You have any news to report?" Nic said while arching her eyebrows.

"Nic and Rhys, Ryder made us official over the weekend. This beautiful necklace I'm wearing is from Ryder and Ryley. It's a locket. One side is a picture of Ryder and Ryley. The other side is for when the three of us take our first picture together. As for the ring, it is an 'I am taken by Ryder Ellis' promise ring. Those were his words. And I told him what happened with my accident."

Nic got up from the table and came over to hug me. "I am happy for you and proud of you, Kimi. Ryder and Kimi, you know we got your back."

"I know you do, Nic. I just hope my parents don't do anything to ruin your wedding. They know Ryder and I are walking together, but don't know that we are dating. We are waiting to tell our parents later."

Nic elbowed Ryder. "Did you really say that?"

"I sure did and meant it. Kimi is mine forever."

"You two are so adorable together. I can't wait to plan your wedding."

"Baby steps, Nic. But you're right. Ryder is the only one I will marry."

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After Ryley finished putting on her jammy's, she ran over to the bed. I already had the cover pulled back, so Ryder picked her up, Ryley laid down, and I pulled the cover over her. Snowflake and Fluffy were waiting for her.

"Kimi and daddy, can you read me a story?"

"We sure can." I went to the bookshelf in the room and grabbed a book.

"This one is about dogs and cats."

Ryder let me start first. It's not a long story, about 20 pages. So, I read 10 pages and Ryder read 10 pages.

Ryley was fast asleep as we finished. She looks so sweet even asleep. I moved Ryley's hair out of her face and kissed her cheek. Ryder kissed her forehead, then we both left the room. I didn't realize it until we left the room that I had tears falling down my cheeks.

"We can skip bowling if you want."

"No, I'm okay. How can Ryley's mom not want or love her? I want her. She is the sweetest little girl that deserves to be loved."

"And she is - loved by you. Kimi, Vanessa just gave birth to Ryley. That's it. Vanessa doesn't have even an ounce of love in her heart for Ryley, her own flesh and blood. The two of you have known each other since January. Ryley adores you. Don't worry or feel sorry about Vanessa because I sure don't. It's her loss. Ryley gets all the love she needs and deserves from you and me."

"I promise not to worry about Vanessa again. Now, let's get bowling, mister."

We started walking down to the basement until I was pinned against the wall.

"Hold it right there, missy. I seem to remember you hung up the phone on me earlier today. And, I seem to remember you saying 'smooches.' So, where is my smooch?"

"What are you waiting for then? Kiss me, hotshot."

*************************************

Friday, April 12th, 2019

Timika, Nic, and I are soon to be on our way to Maui. My parents are letting us take the plane to fly there. We will be staying at my house. Ryder came to the airport to watch us take off. He had the saddest face ever. It was hilarious.

"Do you have to leave today? I miss you already. Ryley wanted to come too. She wanted me to give you this picture and told me not to look at it. So, can I see it?" Ryder handed me the picture. It was adorable. It was just me and Ryley in the picture.

"No, you can't see it. Ryley said no. Boy, you will be fine. Besides, aren't you and Ryley coming next Wednesday? I'll even come to pick you up. When are you taking Ryley back to L.A.? I have the week off after the wedding and was planning to stay."

"It's actually her Spring Break time. That sounds like an excellent idea. She will like that. This last month at the office has been hectic. And I did promise to take her on a trip."

"We can stay at my house. And think of it this way - our last trip to Maui was a disaster. This could be our makeup trip."

"That's true. This time though, we are in love with each other."

"That we are Mr. Ellis. I'll miss you too. Make this kiss worth your while, hotshot."

Timika started clearing her throat. I told her about me and Ryder dating, and she was okay with it. Not that it mattered. The next ones are my brothers.

"Kimi, you and Ryder will see each other on Wednesday. We need to go. Ryder beat it."

I broke apart first. "Look at your phone this weekend. You'll be pleasantly surprised. I'll see you Wednesday."

After walking up the plane stairs, I turned around and blew Ryder a kiss. The plane door was closed, and I watched Ryder walk away. Once he was clear, I buckled up my seat belt, and the plane took off for Maui.

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