Sunday, August 18th, 2019

Kim's POV

I haven't stopped staring at my ring. Ryder had to force me to get some sleep, even if it was only for a few hours.

We chose Saturday, April 11th, 2020, for our wedding. And, we also already picked and paid for where our wedding will take place. Hey, I am an organized person.

Ryder and I chose Maui as our wedding location. It's where we first set up on a blind date, even though at the time our friends didn't know we were rivals.

Ryder and Ryley are asleep. I am in the kitchen fixing my family some breakfast. I'm finally getting what I have always wanted - a family. I grabbed my phone and played 'Happy' by Pharrell. I used a spoon as a microphone and sang the song while making pancakes.

The music was so loud that I didn't hear Ryder and Ryley enter the kitchen. Ryley started singing with me. I turned around and noticed Ryder was laughing and staring at us. "What's with the signing?"

"Good morning, hubby and daughter-to-be. I'm happy because I am getting what I always wanted - a family. We are having chocolate banana pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Have a seat at the table. I am almost finished."

"I'll set the table and get some orange juice."

Ryley took a seat at the table. The pancakes are finished. Ryder then carried them over to the table while I started on the eggs. I replayed the song and continued singing while cooking.

After scrambling the eggs, I grabbed a bowl and placed them inside of it. Then, I carried the bowl to the table.

"How about we break the news at Ryley's party when we go home because we are having a 'Back to School' party for her?"

"That sounds good to me. Are we inviting my parents?"

"Ryder, your parents are more supportive than mine. I love them for that. Yes, we absolutely are inviting William and Blair. I don't need my parent's approval for anything. I'm a grown woman."

"Yay! A party for me?"

"Sweetie, you are going to have the best parties ever. I couldn't wait to plan parties for my daughter. Now, I can plan all of the parties for you."

"Thank you, Kimi."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Where would you like us to take you today?"

"To the aquarium to see the fish, Kimi."

"To the aquarium, we will go."

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

We spent the whole day at the aquarium. Ryley loved it. She started getting sleepy, so we came home. Ryder just carried her to her room. In the meantime, I went to make popcorn so Ryder and I can watch a movie.

While making popcorn, I heard Ryder yell, "Where are you?!"

I walked to where Ryder was yelling. "Boy, you trying to wake Ryley up? I was in the kitchen making popcorn for our private movie night. Now, go, find a movie that we can watch. I'm going to finish with the popcorn."

"Right." Ryder then walked into the living room while I went to finish the popcorn.

Once the popcorn was done, I put it in a bowl and walked to the living room. Ryder had the lights out and lit some candles.

I snuggled next to Ryder on the couch. "What are we watching?"

Ryder turned the television off. "Don't talk. Just listen."

"Ooh, you just referred to a Jodeci song."

"Sit right here. Ryley is fast asleep, and we are alone."

"Your wish is my command." I sat the popcorn bowl on the table, then sat in Ryder's lap, facing his mouth, which I couldn't help but kiss.

After pulling away from the kiss, Ryder began caressing my cheeks. "I love you, Kimi Ellis."

"I love you, Ryder Ellis. What are we going to do about this loneliness?"

Good night folks. Nothing else to read here.

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Narrator's POV

Kimi, Ryley, and Ryder enjoyed the rest of their trip in Maui. They went to the beach, to a luau, took a helicopter ride, and a cruise around the island. Ryley couldn't wait to tell her grandma and grandpa about her trip.

Ryder spoke with Ryley about keeping the engagement a secret so they can reveal it at the party.

Once they made it home, Ryder took a day to rest from going to work. Meanwhile, Kimi began planning the party for Ryley, which Ryley is going to love.

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Saturday, August 31st, 2019

Today is Ryley's party, and our big announcement for our family, except for my parents. I'm super excited to announce it.

Ryley loves pink and purple, so the cake and cupcakes are pink.

And, we have party favors for our family and friends to say thank you for coming. They are purple.

Once again, I seasoned meat for Ryder to cook on the grill. He can't cook worth squat, but he follows my instructions for cooking on the grill. I will be the one cooking for the Ellis crew, which is fine because I love to cook.

Ryley is playing with Snowflake, Trixie, Ski, and Fluffy in the yard. Well, she was until now. Ryley ran into the kitchen.

"Kimi, Aunt Vicki, Rebecca, grandma, and grandpa just parked in front of the house."

"Okay, sweetie. I'll be right out." After I finished putting together the tossed salad, I washed my hands then went outside.

William had Ryley in his arms and was tickling her. She has the cutest giggle.

"How did you enjoy your trip, Ryley?" William asked her.

"We had fun, grandpa. Daddy even.."

Ryder ran over to us quickly. "Ryley, remember what we talked about?"

"Daddy, you said we had to wait until grandpa and grandma came over."

William, Rebecca, Victoria, and Blair looked suspicious at Ryder. "We have to wait until everyone comes, got it?"

"Okay, daddy." Ryder walked back over to the grill.

"Hi, William and Blair. Thanks for coming."

"Hi, Kimi. We couldn't wait to come. Ryley, sweetie, here is a gift for you."

After Blair and I hugged, she handed Ryley a pretty pink gift bag.

"Thank you, grandma and grandpa. Grandpa, can I get down now?"

"You're welcome, sweetie." William put Ryley down, and she immediately ran to Ryder to show him her gift bag.

I hugged William too. It's been a while since I've seen my parents, so this feels nice.

"Kimi, honey, why did Ryder stop Ryley from talking?"

"I can't tell you yet, but we are hoping you will love it. Have a seat. Can I get anything for you?"

"No, thank you. It's definitely good news because Ryder ran over here like a track star," Blair says as she and William join Rebecca and Victoria at our patio table.

It sure is good news. I went back into the kitchen to finish fixing food and Ryley's cake.

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

Ryder's POV

The food is ready, and everyone has arrived. We are all gathered at the table.

"We would like to thank everyone for coming to Ryley's party. We couldn't wait for this day because there is a two-fold purpose. The main reason is my princess is now a first-grader."

We all gave Ryley a loud applause. She stood up from her chair and bowed to everyone. I have a silly daughter. That got everyone to chuckle. Kimi must have taught her to do that. They have bonded so well together that one would think that Kimi is Ryley's birth mom. I am one proud father.

"The second reason is why I stopped Ryley from talking about it. I'll let Kimi show you."

"Ryder set up a family date for us. Ryley handed me a gift bag with a very important piece of jewelry."

Kimi held her hand out to show everyone her ring. Every female, including my mother, began to squeal as Kimi started talking again. I'm relieved and grateful my mother reacted that way.

"Ryder proposed to me, and of course, I said yes. We already picked our wedding day, and it will be in Maui. We are getting married on April 11th, 2020, so save the date. Our location and reception area have been chosen as well."

My mom was the first one to hug us. I really am grateful for their support. I wish Kimi's parents would see how much she means to Ryley and me.

"Congratulations, Kimi and Ryder. I had a feeling it was either a proposal or you were telling us about another grandchild."

"Thanks, mom. And, baby steps on the grandchild, which you will have in the future. Count on it."

"Congratulations, sis. You and Ryder deserve this moment. Don't let mom and dad ruin it for you," Mitchell says to Kimi as they share a sibling hug.

"Thanks, bro. And, trust me, I won't let them ruin it at all. I will tell them. I don't need their support, but it would be nice to have daddy walk with me down the aisle. If not, I'm okay with it."

"Kimi, if your father doesn't do it, I would love to."

"Thank you, William. I appreciate it. Now, let's eat."

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

"Ryley, it's time to open your gifts."

"I got gifts, daddy?"

"Yes, you do. This is your day. We had to hide them because Trixie, Ski, Snowflake, and Fluffy would have torn off the wrapping paper. I'll be right back."

Ryley already showed me what my parents gave her. They gave her some personalized pencils, a notebook, and a backpack. She loves it.

Kimi and I walked inside the house to the closet in the hallway to grab Ryley's gifts. Then, we walked back outside.

"Here you go, princess." Ryley's eyes went wide when she saw how many gifts we carried for her. Of course, I got my princess something, but I couldn't carry it outside yet.

"Which one do I open first, daddy?"

"Whichever gift you want to, princess."

"Okay. It's a lot, daddy."

Out of the mouths of babes. Once again, Ryley had the biggest smile on her face as she opened her presents. Ryley got some shoes with sparkles on them, another backpack filled with notebooks, crayons, pencils, and coloring books. Kimi bought Ryley the cutest girly girl clothes. My princess is going to be cute. I saved my gift for last.

"Ryley, princess, this is the last one."

When Ryley opened the box, she was surprised. "Daddy, it's just a helmet."

"It's not just any helmet. I couldn't carry your brand new bike outside with me. Go check in the living room."

Ryley ran inside. About five minutes later, she ran outside to hug me.

"Thank you, daddy. Are you going to teach me? Or, is Kimi going to teach me?"

"You're welcome, Ryley. Kimi and I will both teach you. How about giving everyone a hug to say thank you for the gifts?"

"Okay." While Ryley made her rounds, I started cleaning up.

"I'll help you, son."

"Thank you, dad." My father and I cleared the patio table then took the dishes inside the house. Thankfully, we have a dishwasher. While placing the dishes in the dishwasher, my father and I began to talk.

"So, you're ready to settle down?"

"I wish I met Kimi a long time ago. Ryley is so attached to Kimi. It's amazing. Sometimes, I find myself shedding a few tears, just watching them interact with each other."

"Maybe a long time ago wasn't the right time. Plus, remember you both were not on pleasant speaking terms."

"That's true. Well, we spoke to each other, but not pleasantly."

"What matters is you are with each other now. We, meaning your mother and me, should have never involved you, Rebecca, Cole, and Victoria in our disagreements with Mitchell and Sasha."

"I agree. But that's in the past. I am ecstatic about marrying Kimi. I can't wait until April 11th."

Ryley ran into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes. "Princess, go on and get ready for bed. I'll come to tuck you in."

"Okay. Goodnight, Grandpa."

"Goodnight, Ryley. Sleep tight. Ryder, go ahead with Ryley. We'll finish up and bring the gifts in the house."

"Ryley, jump." She jumped in my arms, and I carried Ryley to her room.

Once inside her room, Ryley wiggled out of my arms so she could change into her pajamas.

After about 10 minutes, Ryley came out of her bathroom and got in her bed. I pulled the covers over her then kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight, princess. Tomorrow, we'll teach you how to ride your bike."

"Goodnight, daddy."

I turned out the lights, then left Ryley's room. She's not afraid of the dark, but Kimi got a cute pink and purple night light for her. I made my way back downstairs and outside to the patio.

Kimi, Nic, Rhys, and my parents were left. I sat next to Kimi, who rested her head on my shoulder.

"What were you all talking about?"

"My bridal party. Timi will be my maid of honor, and Nic is my matron of honor. My friends will be my bridesmaids. So, you have to choose your best man and groomsmen."

"I'll talk to Mitchell tomorrow. I want him to be my first best man. Rhys, you can be my second best man so you can walk with Nic."

"We're going to be on our way home, Ryder and Kimi. Kimi, call me when you're ready for dress shopping."

"I will. Thank you, Blair. Call me when you both get home."

"Goodnight, mom and dad." My parents left the patio to head home.

"Ryder, I was just telling Kimi that Rhys and I are so excited for you guys. We can't wait."

"Thanks, Nic. It's been a while since we have gotten together. So, how about a game of Spades?"

"Nic, that sounds like a challenge. How about we make Rhys and Ryder our servants again? Ooh, and this time I'm going to make Ryder wear a cute uniform."

"Let's do this, Kimi."

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

Monday, September 9th, 2019

Kimi's POV

Today is Ryley's first day of school, and she looks adorable.

Ryley and I are about to show Ryder her outfit. We told Ryder to wait at the bottom of the stairs so Ryley can make a grand entrance.

"Presenting first-grader of the year, Ryley Elizabeth Ellis!"

Ryley walked down the staircase as Ryder whistled. Once she made it down the stairs, she did a little twist and blew Ryder a kiss.

"I don't even have to guess who taught you that. You look too cute, Ryley."

'Thank you, daddy."

"What would you like for dinner?"

"How about we go out tonight? I'll come home to change around 5:30 pm. Then we can go out to eat."

"Sounds great to me. We'll see you later."

Ryley kissed Ryder on his cheek. I gave Ryder a kiss to remember throughout the day. He had a goofy grin on his face as he left the house.

"Ryley, let's get you to school. I'm going to pick you up. After that, then we are going to have lunch with grandma."

"Okay, Kimi."

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

Ryley and I are on our way to meet Blair for lunch.

"How was your first day back to school?"

"I had fun, Kimi. I like school."

Yeah, I'll ask you again when you are older. But then again, I always liked it. Not so much my brothers.

After parking my Aviator, I helped Ryley out of her seat, then locked the doors. We held hands as we walked inside the restaurant. I told the hostess Blair's last name. The waitress then showed us to our table.

"Grandma!" Ryley said as we approached the table.

"Hi, Ryley. How's grandma's girl doing? Did you have fun today? Hi, Kimi. Have a seat."

"I like school, grandma."

"I'll remember to ask you when you are older. How are you, Kimi?"

"I'm fine. I'm still on cloud nine about my engagement."

"I'm looking forward to helping you with the wedding."

The waitress came over and took our lunch order. Ryley ordered spaghetti. I ordered a grilled chicken meal.

"I'm looking forward to it too. I looked at a few boutiques and called them. They are both booked solid for the next few months. I want to find my dress as soon as possible."

"When I go home this evening, I'll see what I can find. Excuse me, ladies. I'll be right back."

"Thanks."

Blair's POV

After excusing myself, I walked to the ladies' room.

Once I was done using the facilities, I went to wash my hands. While walking back to the table, I saw someone I haven't seen in a long time.

We both squealed, but not too loud. After squealing, we hugged each other. "Marybeth, it is so good to see you!"

"Blair, it's great to see you too! How's the family?"

"Well, sadly, Cole is behind bars. He never told anyone about a drunk driving accident he had in the past. The accident caused a young lady to lose her baby."

"Oh, my goodness. I'm so sorry to hear that. Have you spoken to the young lady?"

"Yes, I have. I told Ryder's fiancée about what happened to me, and we're bonding. Whenever she needs to talk about it, I told her to give me a call."

"Aww, I hope she will be okay."

"She's really a sweetheart. And, guess what? Ryder has a daughter, and her name is Ryley. We love her to pieces. And, he is getting married next year. Ryder's fiancée and daughter are here. I'll introduce you to them."

"Ryder has a daughter? That's great to hear. I would love to meet them."

Kimi's POV

We saw Blair and another woman walking our way. Then, I heard my name screamed so loud every patron in the restaurant turned around. It was my parents.

"KIMBERLY ARIANNA FORESTER!"

"Ryley, princess, stay at the table with Blair. I'll be right back."

"Okay, Kimi."

I walked over to my parents while gritting my teeth. "Mom and dad, go outside now!"

They did, and I followed.

"Why did I hear Blair say you were getting married to that Ellis fellow?!" My mother had the nerve to say.

"You mean Blair's son? Yes, I am getting married to Ryder Ellis. I'm going to tell you like I told you the last time - I can date or marry who I want. I don't need your permission. I'm a grown woman!"

"Where you ever going to tell us?!" My dad said next.

"Dad, you're the ones that tossed me aside like trash! You're the reason I quit workingat Forester! And, I'm glad I did because I can finally do something for myself. That sweet little girl you saw me with is about to be my daughter! And, you will not stand in my way. Yes, I was planning to tell you because you are my parents! Whether you or mom care, I still love you! Daddy, I wanted you to walk with me down the aisle to Ryder. But that's obviously not happening. Don't worry, William already offered, and I said yes! Why can't you see that I love Ryder Ellis?! All you see is Ryder's last name! Please leave me alone!"

Blair came outside. "Kimi, are you okay? Mitchell and Sasha, you both should be ashamed. Are you seriously willing to lose your daughter?!"

"Blair, keep your nose out of our business, " my mother says.

"Mom, just stop thinking about the Forester and Ellis names! Stop it! Ryder is the love of my life and the only man I want in it! Blair is going to be my mother-in-law! Get that through you heads! She has every right to check on me. And, at least she does check on me because you sure don't. Goodbye, mom and dad. There is no need to continue this conversation. At least I have William and Blair to have conversations with me. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to have lunch with my new family."

Blair and I walked back inside the restaurant.

"Are you okay, Kimi?"

"I will be. Thank you for checking on me. I'm done trying to talk with my parents."

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