Opening song for the chapter:

"Who You'd Be Today" by Kenny Chesney

Saturday, May 4th, 2019

Ryder's POV

This is not good. She ran into her bedroom and tried to close the door.

"Leave me alone!!!"

"I can't leave you alone."

"My daughter is dead because of your brother!! Do you hear me?!! My child is dead!! I can never get her back!!! She should be in her room, playing with her toys. Or, outside playing with her friends!! I will never get to plan for college, her wedding, or babysit her children!! Your brother took that away from me, Ryder!! You have Ryley!!! I have nothing!!! Arianna and I both could have died! Just leave me alone!!!!!"

I tried to hold Kimi, but she swatted me away.

"Don't touch me, Ryder! Go away! Please, just leave me alone before I say something I may regret!"

I stayed in the room with her. I glanced at several pictures in the room of Kimi while she was pregnant with Arianna. Kimi is beautiful, pregnant, or not. I carried one of her pictures downstairs.

I shoved the picture in Cole's face, whom I am surprised is still sitting here.

"Look at this!! You stole this woman's daughter from her because you chose to drive freaking drunk!! You took away her happiness! Kimi still had her daughter's room set up, basically untouched until she moved in with me and Ryley. You took her baby away from her, Cole. I can't even look at you anymore. Where's Ryley?"

"We didn't see where she went, Ryder. We had to calm Mitch and Myles down so they wouldn't murder your brother."

"We need to find her. And, Cole, you need to turn yourself in. And, if you don't, I will!"

I ran back upstairs.

"Don't cry, Kimi. Please don't cry."

"Ryley sweetie, go to your daddy. I just don't feel good and want to be alone. I'm sorry, princess."

I waved my hands for Ryley to come to me.

"Daddy, what happened to Kimi? Why is she crying?"

"Let's go downstairs." I took Ryley in the living room for a little chat. I'll explain it as best as I can because she is a 6-year-old child.

"Your Uncle Cole did something very bad. He caused a bad accident and didn't tell anyone that he did. You see this picture?"

I showed Ryley the picture of a pregnant, happy Kimi. "Yes, daddy."

"You see, Kimi was excited that she was going to have a little girl, just like you. Kimi's daughter would have been the same age as you. But because of the bad accident, her little girl didn't make it. She fell asleep forever."

"Daddy, can we get Kimi a present? I don't like seeing her sad."

"I don't like seeing her sad either, my favorite girl."

"Cole left to do the right thing. He also is going to tell mom and dad what happened."

"Victoria, I finally find someone who loves both me and Ryley. In a flash, it could be all gone."

"Cole explained that we didn't know at all, and asked Kimi's brothers and sister to not blame us. It was all his fault. Mitchell, Myles, and Timika are not mad at you, me, or Rebecca at all. They see how much you love Kimberly, and how much Ryley loves Kimberly. Give her some time, Ryder. The pain Kimi felt then is back in full force. She is grieving for her baby. The grief will never go away."

"It's best that I do. I'll go check on her."

"We'll clean up the dining room. Ryley, come with Aunt Vicki."

I went back upstairs to Kimi's room. Kimi fell asleep on the floor, clinging to one of her stuffed animals. I scooped her up and placed her on her bed.

I kissed Kimi on her forehead before leaving her room. This hurts me as well. I would feel the exact same way if something ever happened to Ryley. I love Kimi very much. I hope she knows that. I would do anything for her. I went back downstairs to help clean up the dishes and kitchen.

"Ryder, I'm sorry but I will need to tell my parents. Just know that my brothers and I have your back. We can't blame you for your brother's actions. It will be up to Kimi in regards to your relationship."

"Thank you, Timika." I knew it was going to be a hard battle to fight, but I will fight until I have to because I love Kimberly Forester.

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Monday, May 6th, 2019

Kim's POV

"Kimi!! Wake up! Wake up!"

"You were having a nightmare about the accident again. I'll get you a towel. You're sweating really bad." Timika was in my room. Wait, where even am I?

"Here." She then wiped the sweat off my face. My shirt was drenched as well.

"Mitch and Myles are going to tell mom and dad. And, I saw on the news this morning that Cole Ellis turned himself in to the police. He is being charged with DUI, vehicular manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident. Ryder's parents also held a press conference. They didn't condone Cole's actions and support you. Ryder's mom was really upset about you losing Ari. Ryder and I talked a bit, and his parents want to talk with you."

"It doesn't matter now, and it will never bring my baby girl back. They support me?"

"I know it won't bring Arianna back, but it matters because Cole is going to pay for what he did. And, Kimi, don't punish and push Ryder away for what his brother did. I saw tears falling from his eyes when he came downstairs and showed Cole one of your pictures. He even wanted to turn his own brother in. He loves you, Kimi. And, so does his sweet, little daughter. And, yes, his parents do."

"I know he does, but I don't know. Every time I will see Ryley, I'll think of Ari. I need time to myself. Please let him know that. As for his parents, I'm not ready to talk with them. But, I will one day. And, thank them for me please."

"You got it. Try and get some rest."

"Thanks. Timi, I must have forgotten, but am I at your condo?"

"Yeah. You came over yesterday. Stay as long as you would like. I'll go get some more clothes from Ryder's house."

"Thanks, Timi."

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Friday, May 24th, 2019

Timika's POV

I called Mrs. Ellis to see if we could have lunch today. I am on my way to meet her now. I pulled up to the restaurant she suggested.

Once I gave the valet my keys, I walked inside to the hostess. "Yes, the reservation I have is under the last name of Ellis."

"Sure, follow me, please. Mrs. Ellis just arrived." I followed the hostess to the table. I have never seen Mrs. Ellis up close, but she is very beautiful.

"Mrs. Ellis, thank you for meeting with me. I'm Kimi's sister, Timika."

"It's nice to meet you, Timika. Have a seat."

We both took our seats. Then, our waiter came to take our drink and food orders.

"Ryder came to visit me after having dinner with your siblings. When Ryder told me, what happened I was devastated."

"No disrespect, Mrs. Ellis but can I ask why?"

"After I had my older son, Cole, I lost my baby. We named her Marissa. She was born prematurely and didn't survive. It still hurts, so my heart goes out to your sister."

"She will appreciate your support. Mrs. Ellis, my sister said she's not ready to talk. But she would like to in the future. She loves Ryder. And, he loves her."

"When Kimi is ready, I'll be there. Speaking of, Ryder and Ryley, they will be joining us shortly."

"Okay." The waiter came back with our food and drinks. I'm not going to ask about the reason for the hostility between our parents. Kimi and Ryder deserve to be together. They have both found the love they have been looking for. I hope they get married one day.

Ryder's POV

Once we entered the restaurant, I saw Timika sitting with my mother. And, they were chuckling. Ryley and I walked over to the table.

"Grandma!"

"Hey, sweetie. Come give grandma a big hug."

"Hi, Ryder. Hi, Ryley."

"Ryley, remember Kimi's sister?"

"Hi, Kimi's sister." Ryley went to hug Timika, then she sat down next to my mother.

"How is Kimi?"

"Mitch and Myles are with her today. She is a mess. Each time she tries to get some sleep, Kimi wakes up from a nightmare about the accident. Ryder, Kimi says she just needs some time to herself. She doesn't want you to worry about breaking up. She loves you and Ryley very much."

"My main concern is if she is okay. I don't think I could take it because I love her so much. Ryley has a gift for her in my SUV."

"She will like that a lot. I'll take it to her after lunch."

I took Ryley to The Build-a-Bear store yesterday. Ryley built a bear and stuffed a message that said, "I love you, Kimi." I sent her a basket of flowers. And, a basket of chocolate, covered fruit. Kimi loves that. We may have only been together for a short time, but I know so much about her. Kimi means everything to me because of her feelings for Ryley.

"Ryder, are you okay? You zoned out there," my mother asked.

"Huh? Oh, I'm fine. Just thinking about what I can do."

"Kimi got the flowers and basket of fruit. She appreciated that. It made her smile for a bit."

Anything that makes Kimi smile I will do.

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Friday, July 19th, 2019

It's been two months since I physically saw Kimi. We do text each other, and she loved the gifts that Ryley and I sent to her. I told her to take all of the time she needs.

Ryley and I both miss her, a lot. Rhys, Liam, Mitch, Myles, and I are having lunch together because I needed a break from work.

"Ryder, why don't you just go see Kimi? Bro, she misses you and Ryley."

"Mitchell, I don't want her to push me away. Ryley and I miss her so much. Yesterday, Ryley asked me if we were going to see Kimi again. I couldn't give her an answer. I just want to hold her and tell her I will not let her go through the pain by herself."

Rhys then says, "Ryder, Nic told me the other day that Kimi talks about you and Ryley every day."

"Ryder, how about you and Ryley try visiting tonight? Timika and I will try to persuade Kimi. I'll text you when to come."

"Thanks, Mitch."

While we continued eating, my phone started ringing. It was Kimi.

"Uh, excuse me, fellas. I'll be right back."

I walked out of the restaurant and sat in my SUV.

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"Ryder, can you and Ryley come over tonight? I want to talk to both of you. I'll fix something for dinner."

"Of course. What time should we come over?"

"I know Ryley goes to school tomorrow. So, 6:00 pm is fine."

"We'll be there."

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She didn't seem sad or happy, which makes me nervous. Are we going to lose Kimi tonight?

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