Trigger warning: I wanted to let you know that what happened to Kimi and Ryder is very serious. I debated over and over about writing this part because of how serious it is. It has happened in my family - the part for Kimi has. I wanted to make sure that the way I wrote it would not be offensive. My heart goes out to anyone who may have experienced this.

Friday, March 8th, 2019

Kim's POV

The past two months have been amazing. Ryder and I have grown much closer that I am now ready to officially date him. Well, when he asks me. I hope it's soon.

My relationship with Ryley has grown as well. The three of us have tea parties, have gone on trips to the park, and even went to Disney. Ryley liked that.

Nic and I got so much accomplished for her wedding in April. Her wedding dress is amazing! I'm excited about that. We are having a party for her at my house in Maui.

Liam and Alicia are officially dating. I'm so happy for her.

Today is the day I tell Ryder about my accident. Ryder and Ryley came over for dinner.

"Thank you, Kimi for dinner."

"You're welcome, princess. Your daddy said spaghetti was your favorite. And, I have a chocolate cake for us too."

Ryley got out of her chair and came to give me a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too, Ryley." I had the same reaction as I did in Starbucks.

"I'm ready to tell you about my accident. Let's go sit on the couch." I grabbed both of their hands. We sat on the couch, and I cuddled with Ryder because this is going to be hard to tell.

"You'll have to bear with me because this is hard to say. Remember when you sat with me on the balcony in France?"

"Yes, I do remember."

"What I am about to tell you is the reason why I cried. It started when I graduated from college at the age of 22 - 5 years ago. The guy that I was dating at the time, Kai, proposed to me at my graduation party. I said yes. But I also had news for him. I found out I was three months pregnant. We began planning a wedding for after our daughter's birth. Her name would have been Arianna Hayleigh Braxton."

"At six months pregnant, I was on my way to work. I don't remember what happened, but my parents told me. They said I was blind-sided by a drunk driver at 7:30 am. The firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to pry my SUV open. I was then rushed to the hospital with internal injuries, broken leg, cracked ribs, and many other scrapes and bruises. The accident is what caused me to lose my hearing in my left ear."

"While at the hospital, my parents told me my then fiancé never came to the hospital once. He dumped me while I was fighting for my life, as well as for our daughter. The doctor told my parents to save a life, one had to be taken. My baby girl is dead, Ryder, because of a drunk driver. I still have her bedroom upstairs, untouched. When you showed me Ryley's picture at my house and when I saw Ryley at Starbucks, she is exactly how I pictured Arianna."

"I tried so hard not to dwell on what happened, so I threw myself into working with my parents. That's why I told you I was damaged, Ryder. I love you, Ryder. I have known since you asked me on that date in France. I was afraid you wouldn't want to be with me anymore once I told you what happened. And I absolutely love Ryley."

"I saw the way you cared about Ryley - about her safety. You care more about her than her own mother. I love you too. That trip to France was all it took. Kimi, I'm not like Kai. I could never do a thing like that. That was a terrible tragedy to go through on your own. Call me whenever you need me, anytime. I will answer it."

"I trust you. And, if we do start officially dating, I don't want to keep any secrets away from you. Do you mind me asking about Ryley's mom?"

Ryder's POV

"Now I understand why you said what you said at the Gala last year. Your parents didn't tell me anything."

"I asked them not to. I am the only one who can tell it. It hurts every time. I did tell Liam, who was really sweet. He didn't judge me at all. I knew Liam and I were not really marriage material, together that is. That's what I am looking for in a man. Liam is perfect for Alicia. I felt a spark on our France date, especially the way you held me when we danced. I didn't want that date to end. You're the one that I want to be with."

"Ryley's mother wanted nothing to do with her since she told me she was pregnant. I was ecstatic to be a father. I had to draw up a contract and paid her. The contract stated that she would give birth to Ryley and I would raise her. She signed it in a heartbeat."

"When Ryley was even born, she didn't want to hold her at all. I tried for 4 years to get Vanessa to see Ryley. She declined every time. So, I gave up. Vanessa eventually signed away her parental rights and told me to never bring Ryley to see her again. Ryley asks me almost every day for a mommy, but I never found the right woman. Until now. I have a double meaning for dinner tonight."

"What are you asking, Mr. Ellis?"

"Ms. Kimberly Forester, I want you to be in me and Ryley's life. Will you go out, officially, on a date with me? Ryley loves you as much as you love her. She asks about you, Snowflake, and Fluffy every day."

"I was wondering when you were going to ask. Now I know why you wanted to give me a ride back to the resort on that Maui trip. You were about to tell me you had a daughter but stopped. You truly were concerned about my safety because you wouldn't want anything to happen to Ryley. Yes, I will go out on a date with you. We need to include Ryley. When are we springing the news on our parents?"

"Let them wait. Right now, my focus is on you and Ryley. We can alternate having dinner between your house, and mine."

"That's a plan. Who would have thought that this would happen? We were two of the most stubborn people. And probably still are stubborn. I know I am."

"Both of our friends saw it, especially on the Maui trip. Nicole, Rhys, and even Liam saw it. I can't fight my feelings anymore."

"Me neither. I meant it when I said I love Ryley, Ryder. Snowflake and Fluffy love her too. I want to give her something from Arianna's room if you will allow me. I need to go through her things anyway. I just haven't done it because I don't want to do it alone. So, are we officially boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Do I even need to ask you, Ms. COO? I thought it was apparent when I asked for the date. That was the intent tonight, period. I wanted to officially date in France, but now is the right time."

"And, what if I said no, hmmm? Snowflake and Fluffy, what do you say? Should mommy become Ryder's girlfriend?"

Snowflake barked and Fluffy meowed.

"See, they said yes. Trust me, you wouldn't have. Ryley even has a present for you. Right, my favorite girl? It's in the closet near the front door."

Ryley ran out of the living room and to the closet. She came back within a few minutes.

"This is for you, Kimi. Daddy let me pick it out."

"Why, thank you, princess Ryley."

Kim's POV

I didn't even look in it. I put my hand inside and pulled out a gift box. It was beautifully wrapped in purple wrapping paper. I opened the box to see a beautiful locket with diamonds surrounding it. The locket had a picture of Ryley and Ryder on one side.

"We recently took family pictures - just the two of us. The other side is for when the three of us take a picture."

"You're right. How could I say no? It's beautiful. I love the necklace and the picture."

"I told you daddy Kimi would love it," Ryley then says. Ryder took it out of the box and put it around my neck.

"There's another box in the bag."

I looked in the bag this time. And, sure enough, it was. This one was a ring - a peridot stone surrounded by diamonds. "I love it."

"It is an 'I am taken by Ryder Ellis' ring."

"A what ring? You're hilarious! And how did you know I was born in August, mister? Wait, you were serious about what you just said, weren't you?"

"I was positively serious. Oh, I'll never tell. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Besides, we were born the same day, only a year apart," Ryder grabbed my right hand to place it on my ring finger. "The next ring I will be putting on will be for your left ring finger."

"Seriously?! That must be a sign for us to be in a relationship. Ryley, sweetie can you hand Kimi one of those pillows on the love seat? And get one for yourself."

She gave me one and had one for herself.

"Ryder Ellis, you see this pillow? If you don't tell me how you knew I was born in August, you're going to get it."

He tried to get up, but I sat on him. "Ready, Ryley?"

"I'm ready, Kimi."

As soon as I raised my arms, he went in for the tickle. "Run, Ryley, run!!"

She tried but couldn't escape. He tickled us both.

"No, daddy! No! That tickles!" Ryley has the cutest, little laugh.

"That's the point."

"Yeah, stop da....... Stop Ryder!!" I had to catch myself because I almost called him my daddy. There is only one of those, and his name is Mitchell.

"Ha! You were about to call me your daddy."

"I certainly was not. There is a child present. Besides, my daddy is Mitchell Forester Sr."

"Ryley sweetie, did you bring your coloring books and crayons?"

"Yes, daddy. They are hiding in the closet."

"How about you color a few pictures in the dining room for about 20 minutes?"

"Okay, daddy."

Ryley skipped out of the room. Snowflake and Fluffy walked right behind her.

"What are you doing?" He wouldn't let me get up from sitting in his lap.

"Ryder, there is a child in the dining room."

"Ssh, be quiet then." Then our lips met, and it was pure bliss, just like the kiss at the gala and the one at the ski resort. It was perfect, we were so in sync with both of our tongues swirling in each other's mouths. I began running my fingers through his hair.

"Daddy, daddy, I'm thirsty now," Ryley yelled loud enough for us to hear.

"I'll get some for her." I stood up from his lap and went to get Ryley some water.

"Thank you, Kimi."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Let's go back to sit with your dad."

Ryley and I sat with Ryder on the couch. Snowflake and Fluffy sat with us. "It's late, so you and Ryley are welcome to stay. She can sleep in Arianna's room. And yes, it's okay. I have to go in there one day."

Ryley started yawning. "I'm sleepy, daddy."

"You carry her, and I'll show you to her room." I turned off the television and the lights.

I started crying as soon as we started up the staircase. The door was closed, so I opened it.

I bought so many toys and stuffed animals for my baby girl. I pulled back the cover. Then, Ryder laid Ryley on the bed. We pulled the covers over her, and she went right to sleep.

"You can stay in this room tonight. Goodnight, Ryder."

"Goodnight, Kimi." He gave me a kiss on my forehead. Then, went into the room. I went to my room, curled under the cover, and cried while rubbing my belly. I miss my baby girl so much. I never got to hold her. That's the first time since I told Liam that I talked about Arianna.

I heard a knock on the door. "Was I crying that loud? I'm sorry."

Ryder came over and got under the cover with me to hold me tight.

"I never got to hold her, hear her cry, see her adorable, little face, watch her graduate, get married, etc. She was snatched away from me. That drunk driver that hit me is still alive, walking around somewhere like the coward he is. And Kai - who dumps a pregnant woman fighting for two lives in a hospital? I hate them both. I'm grieving the death of my daughter, and they are living worry-free."

He didn't say one word. Just let me cry and get my feelings out. I'm tired of people telling me it's going to be okay. I hated it then, and still do.

Ryder's POV

"If I find them, I'll hurt them! Ryley and I will be here for you. I promise you - we will be there for you. When you need to cry, let it out. When you need to scream, let it out. If you need to punch something, let it out on me."

Kai Braxton is a dead man when I find him because I will find him!! I can't stand him, and I haven't even met him. He will not be living worry-free. I'll make sure of that.

Kimi cried until she fell asleep. Then, I fell asleep.

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Saturday, March 9th, 2019

I woke up to the sun in my face. I checked for a clock in the room. It was on the nightstand that was on my side of Kimi's bed.

It said 9:30 am. She is still asleep, so I let her stay that way. I got up to check on Ryley. She was still asleep too. So, I went downstairs.

My cooking stinks, so I ordered breakfast for us. And, made sure it was dairy-free. While I waited for breakfast to come, I sat on the couch and looked for Kai Braxton. "Where are you, punk?"

I heard footsteps, but wasn't sure which one it was, until I heard, "Daddy?"

"In the living room, Ryley."

"Good morning, daddy."

I patted the spot next to me for Ryley to sit, and she did. "How about we spend the day with Kimi so we can cheer her up?"

"Okay, daddy."

I got back on my phone so I could have some flowers delivered to the house.

Within 30 minutes, we heard a knock on the door. Both the breakfast and flowers were delivered at the same time.

I paid for both and gave the drivers each a tip.

"Ryley, baby follow me into the dining room." I sat the food and flowers on the table, then went to the kitchen for plates and forks.

I fixed a plate for myself, and one for Ryley.

"Thank you, daddy."

"You're welcome, kiddo."

We heard footsteps now approaching the dining room.

"Good morning, Ryley and Ryder. What do we have here?"

"I suck at cooking, so I ordered breakfast."

Kimi wrapped her arms around my neck, then kissed my cheeks. "Thank you, my handsome boyfriend, for breakfast. And the beautiful roses. And, for letting me sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about Arianna."

I didn't see what she had on until she went to take a seat. I couldn't help but whistle. "Nice outfit. I'm glad I could be there for you."

Kim's POV

"This is the type of outfits you will see when you and Ryley come to my house. I'm comfortable in everything I wear. Ryley's at the table, so I can't tell you about the other outfits that I have."

"I'm comfortable watching you wear it. We'll save those for later."

"Boy, hush it. What are your plans for today?"

"We are going to spend the day with you. I'll need to get a change of clothes from home for both of us."

"Or you could give me a preview of what's to come. I want to see more of that six-pack that I copped a feel on last night. I can give Ryley one of my nightgowns. Or she can try on some of the clothes I bought for Arianna. I went crazy buying all kinds of things for her. Sundays are usually pajama days for me because Monday is a workday."

"Well, how about next weekend we have a pajama party at my house - just the three of us? As far as dating, what kind of person are you?"

"Simple and easy - I don't really care for the 'typical' boy takes a girl to a restaurant date. I like going to carnivals, fairs, movie nights at home, etc. To me, going to a restaurant is not intimate. What we did with Ryley yesterday is my kind of date - dinner and a movie."

"Okay, so Kimi likes simple dates."

"If and when you propose, don't take me to a restaurant. Make it unique, and different. I would like that. It's more of a surprise that way."

"Oh?" I saw a smirk, then felt a hand on my thigh.

I smacked his hand. "Boy, remember Ryley is present, so reign in the urge to do naughty stuff."

"Right. Never around Ryley. Got it."

We finished eating our breakfast, then made our way to the couch. The cover I have is big enough for the three of us. We were like the three bears - Papa bear (Ryder) laid on the couch first. Then, it was Mama bear (me). And, lastly, Baby bear (Ryley) was in front. It was so cute I took a selfie of us.

"That will be my screensaver." I had the remote in my hand. "Ryley, sweetie what would you like to watch? What's your favorite movie?"

"I like the princess movie, Kimi."

"She likes The Princess Diaries by Disney."

"Okay. Let's see if we can find it - on demand. I should have made popcorn." I was about to get up, but Ryder pulled me back. "Next movie."

"I found The Princess Diaries." I clicked start to watch the movie.

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"Daddy, do we have to go?" Ryley had tears falling down her little cheeks.

"Yes, we do baby girl. Kimi has to work tomorrow. And so, do I."

"Ryley, sweetie you can call me at work tomorrow. Your daddy has my cell phone number, okay? And, I have something I want to give you." I ran upstairs to Arianna's room and picked a teddy bear.

"This is for you. Arianna would want you to have him." I fought back the tears that were about to fall.

"Thank you, Kimi. Who is Arianna?"

"You're welcome, princess. I'll tell you about her one day. I promise. Goodnight, and sleep tight. Get home safe." I waited until they were in Ryder's SUV, then I closed the door.

This was one of the best weekends that I have ever had. I was able to open up about my baby girl to the one guy that will never leave me. Well, Ryder and Liam. It's always going to hurt. But, with Ryder and Ryley by my side, I will be able to cope with the pain. I finally found someone who loves me. I am in love with Ryder Ellis.

Ryder's POV

"Daddy, I had fun with Kimi."

"I did too, baby girl. Daddy had fun too. Guess what? Daddy found you a mommy."

"You did?!"

"I sure did." I am in love with Kimberly Forester.

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Peridot diamond ring photo is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / artshock