Monday, September 9th, 2019

Kimi's POV

I'm not surprised my parents pulled a stunt like that. But, you know what? They only embarrassed themselves, not me.

On the way home, Ryley and I had an interesting conversation. She asked me, "Kimi, who was that lady that called your name?"

"Sweetie, that was my mom."

"Why was she mad at you, Kimi?"

"Sugar, how about we fix dinner for daddy? Then, the both of us can sit and talk with you."

"Okay, Kimi."

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

Ryley and I fixed grilled chicken, corn, along with mac and cheese. Ryder was just coming into the house as I took the mac and cheese out of the oven. After a few minutes, Ryder entered the kitchen.

"Daddy!" Ryley says as she jumped into Ryder's arms.

Ryder's POV

"Hi, princess. How was your first day of school?"

"I had fun today. Kimi and I had lunch with grandma too."

"You did?"

"But Kimi's mommy yelled at her. She was mad at Kimi."

"Ryder, we need to talk with Ryley. Ryley asked why my mother was mad at me on the way home. Let's eat dinner first."

"I agree. Yes, let's eat first."

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

Kimi, Ryley, and I sat together on the patio couch. It's Ryley's favorite seat because it swings.

"Ryley, princess, grandpa, grandma, and Kimi's parents had a disagreement with each other. It was so bad that our parents didn't want us to talk to each other."

"Why, daddy? Kimi is nice."

"Well, princess, that is what Kimi and I want to know too."

Kimi took a turn to speak. "Ryley, your dad and I finally started talking to each other on a trip we went on with our friends to France. In fact, we spent the whole trip together. That trip was the best thing to happen to us. We realized we had feelings for each other. The first time I saw you, you won my heart. So, Ryder and I started dating."

"When grandma and grandpa heard we were dating, they were okay with it. But, when Kimi's parents heard about it, they didn't like it. Every time they see Kimi, they let her know it."

"They don't like you, daddy? That's not nice."

I agree, but what can I do? "You're right."

"Ryley, my parents wanted me to stop dating your daddy, but I couldn't because I love both of you so much. Because of my decision, they don't talk to me anymore."

"I would miss you if you left us, Kimi."

"Sweetie, I am never leaving you. That is a promise. I love you."

"I love you too, Kimi."

"Okay, it's bedtime, princess. I'll take you upstairs."

"Goodnight, Kimi."

"Goodnight, Ryley."

Ryley jumped in my arms, and we walked to her room.

"Daddy, I hope Kimi's parents don't make her leave us."

"That will never happen. Count on it."

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

Friday, September 13th, 2019

I got off work early today so Kimi, Ryley, and I could go out to dinner to celebrate Ryley's first week of school. We went to Ryley's favorite place to eat - In-N-Out

Burger.

"Ryley and I will find a table." Kimi and Ryley went to find us a table while I went to order our food.

While waiting for our food, all of a sudden, everyone in the restaurant heard yelling. I glanced around to see who it was. I saw that it was Kimi, so I ran over to the table. She was yelling at, "Vanessa?!"

"In the flesh. Who is this you have around my daughter?!"

I know she did not call my child her daughter! "Kimi, here is our number for the food and my keys. Ask if they can change our order to go. Ryley, follow behind Kimi."

"Okay, daddy." I gave Kimi the receipt, and she walked away.

"Go outside now, Vanessa, because we are not having this conversation in this restaurant!" I felt like I could have gritted my teeth down to a stub.

"Don't EVER call my daughter your child AGAIN!! You gave birth to her, and that is it!"

"She's still my child, whether you like it or not!"

"You couldn't even look at Ryley when she was born. You signed your rights away without hesitation! Therefore, your parenting of Ryley is null and void. Kimi is my bride-to-be and has every right to be with Ryley. MY daughter loves Kimi. She is more of a mother than you will ever be! Are spying on my family?! And, how did you even know what Ryley looked like?!"

Kimi and Ryley exited the restaurant and went to sit in my SUV.

"I know what I signed! Again, I did give birth to her. And, I know more than you think I do, Ryder."

"And, that's it!! Stay away from Ryley, Vanessa. Leave my daughter alone!"

I walked over to my SUV. I'm too upset to drive, and Kimi knew it. I sat in the passenger seat. I know Ryley is going to ask me who that was.

"Ryder, should I drive home?"

"Let's go for a drive to San Diego so we can go to Coldstone Creamery. We can go to the zoo tomorrow. We'll buy some clothes on the way. Ryley, we need to talk about who you saw me talking to at the restaurant. Right now, I need to cool off."

"Okay, daddy."

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

Saturday, September 14th, 2019

"Ryley, come sit next to daddy." Ryley joined on the patio of our suite.

"The lady you saw us arguing with is your birth mom, Vanessa."

"Daddy, you told me that my mommy didn't want to see me."

"And, that is true. Now, I don't know why Vanessa is trying to see you now. She better not be trying to take you away from me."

"I don't want to go away. I want to stay with you and Kimi."

I sat Ryley in my lap and hugged her tight. "Princess, you are mine forever. NO one is taking you away from me. If you see her again and she tries to talk to you when I'm not around, or if she starts an argument with Kimi, has Kimi call me immediately."

"Okay, daddy."

Kimi joined us on the couch. "I thought I should give you guys some privacy. I'm guessing that was Vanessa. And, you know I wasn't backing down from an argument."

"Yes, that was her. And, I need to find out quickly why she suddenly is trying to see Ryley. I will break her spirit fast if she is trying to take my daughter away from me."

"We're a team now, and you know I will have your back. Now, let's go to breakfast. "

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

Kimi's POV

We asked the lobby receptionist where to go for breakfast. The place we chose has the best waffles, so that's what Ryley ordered.

"How are your waffles, Ryley?"

"It's yummy, Kimi."

While we were enjoying breakfast, someone came over to our table.

"Excuse me, but are you, Kimberly Forester?"

"Yes, I am."

"Sorry for interrupting your breakfast. My name is Sienna Braxton. Well, soon to be Sienna Taylor. I just want to say I'm sorry for your loss. I never knew or had an inkling that Kai was dating both of us at the same time. He had no right to do what he did to you. I'm sorry. I really am."

"Have a seat. It's okay."

"Thank you. I never knew I was dating a two-time loser. At the time, we had a two-year-old daughter. We now have three kids, which he may never see again. "

"Sienna, thank you for your condolences. You don't have to apologize. Neither one of us knew the type of person Kai was."

"When he told me what happened, I was not only upset but hurt. It made me sick to my stomach. He didn't care about anyone but himself. My mother also lost a child. She made it her aim to open a support clinic for women who have lost a child."

"Please convey my condolences to your mom. I never knew there were any support groups in California. Where is your mom's support clinic located?"

"My mom's clinic is located in Glendale."

"Do you have a business card? I would really like to come. I know I have my family to support me. But, to know there is a support group available is comforting."

"I believe I do have some cards in my purse." Sienna looked through her bag and found a card. Then she handed it to me.

"Thank you for the card."

"You're welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day."

"Sienna, before you leave, what is your number? I'll give you mine too."

We exchanged phone numbers. Sienna then stood up and left our table.

"I found their address and even visited their home. But I didn't tell Sienna anything. I wanted to, but I didn't. Kai recently overheard me talking to you. He tried to attack me about sending a letter to Sienna. But Kai failed miserably. He said that the letter asked him to ask Sienna who you were and what happened five years ago. I know I shouldn't have followed him to his house, but I couldn't help myself. I hope you are not mad at me."

"Ryder, I'm not mad. Sienna needed to know who she married because Kai wasn't going to tell her anything. I'm glad someone wrote the letter and told Sienna the truth. Now, it's his turn to suffer. Plus, I found a support group. That group is just what I need. Now, let's enjoy our breakfast and head to the zoo."

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