Monday, December 2nd, 2019

Kimi's POV

"Kai, you mean the 'Kimi you dumped while in the hospital? The 'Kimi who was fighting for both herself and baby's lives?! That's me!"

I handed Ryley her drink, and we quickly walked out of Starbucks to my SUV. I heard Kai calling my name as I helped Ryley into her seat. Then, I walked up to Kai and punched him dead in his mouth.

"Don't ever utter my name out of your mouth again! I hate every bone in your body for leaving me to fight for two lives! I hate you for never visiting me in the hospital! I hate you for never feeling the pain of losing a baby! Her name would have been Arianna Hayleigh Braxton. And another thing that hurts the most is Ryder telling me you are married, with kids! If you never wanted to be with me, why didn't you tell me?!!!! No, instead, you fed me a bunch of garbage. I loved you, Kai! But, all I was to you was a side chick! Sienna told me you two had a two-year-old daughter back then while you and I were dating!"

"I'm not married anymore. Sienna left me and took the kids. Sienna told you that?"

"Does it matter what she told me?! You never planned to tell either of us what you were doing behind our backs! And, good for her for leaving you! Me, what did I get? Depressed and scarred for life because of losing my baby!!! Five freaking years, and you never contacted me to see if I was okay! I'm finally at a point where I can tell people what happened to me. I was fine until I saw you!"

"I'm.."

"Don't you dare utter those filthy words because you are not sorry! Not sorry at all. I'm finally engaged to a wonderful and amazing man who loves me. And, I have a second chance to be a mother to Ryder's daughter, who is sitting in my SUV! In case you didn't understand, I HATE YOU!!! DON'T ever talk to me again!!"

"Ma'am, are you okay? Is this man bothering you?" A very muscular gentleman asked me before getting in his vehicle. My head is pounding.

"Yes, this man is bothering me."

The gentleman started walking toward Kai. "Sir, can't you see she doesn't want to talk to you? Leave her alone."

This guy was tall and built like a football player. What a minute?! That's Konner Ward from the Chargers! Kai started backing away and left. Thank goodness.

"Thank you. He is the worst ex I ever had. If you don't mind me asking, don't you play for the Chargers - Konner Ward? They are my favorite team."

"You're welcome. I could tell he had hurt you by your facial expressions. I do play for the Chargers. I'll wait with you until he leaves the parking lot."

"I appreciate that. Do you mind if I ask for an autograph? I'm Kimi, and this is my daughter, Ryley. It's not every day you get to meet one of your favorite football players." It took Kai about 10 minutes to drive off the parking lot.

"I don't mind signing an autograph. It's not every day I get to rescue a beautiful woman from a horrible ex."

Konner had me blushing. I quickly grabbed my bag to look for something that Konner could autograph.

"Ryley, sweetie, can I borrow your notebook?"

Ryley handed me her notebook.

I opened the notebook to a blank page and handed it to Konner. He signed it for both of us. We even took a selfie with Ryley.

"Thank you for waiting, for the autograph and the picture. Good luck for the rest of the season."

"You're welcome. And, thank you." Konner waited until I pulled out of my parking space.

I know Ryley is going to ask me who that was because I saw the look on her face. It was the same look she gave me when we had lunch with Blair. And then she saw my mother.

I have the worst headache ever. "Kimi, who was that mean man?"

"Let's go home. I have a major headache. We'll talk later."

"Okay."

******

Ryder's POV

Thankfully, the work day is over. I wonder how Ryley and Kimi's date went today?

As soon as I pulled up to the house, I saw Kimi and Ryley getting out of her SUV. Something is wrong, and I can tell by the look on Kimi's face. She looks sad.

Ryley turned around and waited for me to park. After parking, I got out of my SUV, and Ryley jumped in my arms. Kimi unlocked the front door and went into the house.

"Daddy!"

"How is my girl? And how was your date with Kimi?"

"We had fun, daddy. Some mean man was bothering Kimi at Starbucks."

"Let's go inside the house." Ryley and I walked into the house. After locking the door, I went to find Kimi. She was sitting on the couch with tears streaming down her cheeks.

I sat next to her. "Ryley told me a mean man was bothering you. Are you okay, and who was it?"

"I have a migraine. It hurts to talk. Ryley and I had a wonderful time today until I bumped into Kai at Starbucks."

"We can talk later. Where are your pain pills?"

"In my bag."

"I'll be right back with some water. Rest your head on the pillow."

I walked into the kitchen to get some water. Kimi's bag was by the couch. I looked inside for her pills. Once I found them, I took two out of the bottle.

"Here you go."

"Thanks." Kimi took the pills and drank the water. "Shoot. I left the pizza in my truck"

"Don't worry about it. Get some rest. I'll get it."

"Daddy, is Kimi okay?"

"Kimi has a really bad headache. I'll be right back. I need to go to Kimi's truck."

Kai better hope he never runs into me again! The pizza was sitting in the passenger seat. After opening the door, I grabbed the pizza, locked the door, and walked back inside the house.

Ryley was about to turn on the television. "Princess, how about we turn on the television in my room? The noise is going to make Kimi's headache feel worse. I'll be right there after putting the pizza away. Are you hungry?"

"Not yet, Daddy." Ryley took off for my room. All four pets took off with her. I better eat my pizza before going upstairs because they will stare at me until I give them a piece.

After walking into the kitchen, I heated two pieces of the pizza, which was Hawaiian pizza. I grabbed a plate and put the pizza in the microwave for two minutes.

I grabbed a glass for some wine, which I love drinking with pizza. The microwave timer went off, so I grabbed my pizza and sat down to eat it.

Ski, Trixie, Fluffy, and Snowflake came into the kitchen and gave me those cute sad eyes. Fluffy even jumped on my lap.

"Arf! Arf!"

"Nice try, Fluffy. No pizza for you. Pizza is for humans to eat."

"Meow. Meow."

Let me hurry up and eat my pizza.

*******

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

3:00 am

I heard a knock on my door. I glanced at my phone and saw it was 3 a.m. Kimi came into my room.

"Can we cuddle?"

"You don't have to ask. Come."

I peeled back the cover so Kimi could join me. She did, and then I pulled the covers back over us.

"I had a nightmare about the accident while sleeping on the couch. Kai had the nerve to try and apologize. I cut him off before he had a chance. You can't just apologize after five years for what happened to me. My head still hurts."

"Shh. I'm here for you."

******

8:00 am

I texted my mother that I was taking the day off. Kimi tossed and turned for a while until she finally fell asleep at 4:30 a.m. She has been asleep since then.

I took Ryley to school this morning and came back home. After giving, Ski, Trixie, Fluffy, and Snowflake their breakfast, I washed my hands and went to relax on the patio.

10:00 am

I felt a tail in my face, which meant Fluffy was in my lap. I must have fallen asleep. Sure enough, Fluffy was in my lap, and I saw Kimi walking out of the patio door.

Kimi's POV

"Good morning, Ryder. Thanks for the cuddle. I feel much better. Oh, I forgot to tell you that yesterday Ryley and I met Konner Ward."

"Konner Ward is the player you always drool over at every game, right?" Ryder said to me with arched eyebrows.

"It sure is. Add Maddox Walker from New York. Anyway, Konner saw me yesterday in the Starbucks parking lot, fussing at Kai. He asked me if Kai was bothering me, and I said yes. Kai backed off and finally left me alone. Konner signed Ryley's notebook and took a picture with us."

I could tell Ryder was a little irritated. "Boy, calm down. I'm marrying you, remember?"

"And, don't forget it."

"I can pick Ryley up from school today."

"We'll both go because we need to drive."

"Why?"

"Because today we are getting a vehicle upgrade. Remember what I said at the airport back in August? Well, it's time."

"No way!"

"Yes, way. One for you and one for me."

"Ryder, I can't ask you to get me a Cullinan too. Do you know how much they cost?"

"You're not asking me to get anything. I'm telling you what we are going to do. It's time to upgrade from my Lincoln. We'll pick up Ryley, then make our way to the dealership."

"Okay. You're the boss. In the meantime, I fixed some breakfast if you're hungry."

Ryder, Snowflake, and I walked into the kitchen for breakfast.

******

Friday, December 27th, 2019

Kimi's POV

Today is the anniversary of our first date. It sure was a memorable first date. After showering and getting dressed, I intended to take Ryley to school.

As soon as I opened my bedroom door, I saw a trail of red and white roses leading down the staircase and into the kitchen.

Ryder and Ryley were standing in the kitchen with a bouquet of red and purple roses.

Ryley handed me her roses first. "Happy anniversary, Kimi."

I kissed Ryley's cheeks. "Thank you, sweetie. I love the roses. And, I love you too."

Ryder handed me his roses. "Thank you, Smooches. I love the roses, and I love you too."

"Happy anniversary, Baby Doll. Did you think I would forget the best first date I have ever had?"

"I'm just surprised. Most guys are not good at remembering special dates. I was going to surprise you this evening."

"The surprises do not end this morning. So, I need you to pack for a week. We are leaving after we take Ryley to school."

"Ryder Ellis, where are we going? A week? You know some advance notice would have been great."

"You'll love it. Trust me. And pack warm clothes. Chop. Chop. Time is ticking. And don't even think of asking Ryley because she doesn't know where we are going."

Ryder started tapping his foot. Ryley started giggling while I rolled my eyes.

"Well, excuse me." I went upstairs and packed warm clothes. I used the biggest suitcase I had and threw my clothes in it. It only took me 20 minutes. I dragged my suitcase downstairs after packing.

"You're fortunate I know how to pack. I haven't had breakfast yet. And, who is Ryley spending the next week with?"

"Ryley is staying with my parents. We'll stop at Starbucks on the way to the airport."

Ryder rushed us out of the house and into his SUV. "The first stop is school."

*****

"Flight 6789 to Paris is now boarding at gate 65."

"That's our flight. Let's go."

"We're going to Paris?!"

Ryder and I walked the plank to the airplane. The flight attendant checked our tickets, and she was checking out Ryder. "First class is to the left."

Ryder laced our fingers together as we walked to our seats.

"Now, this is a surprise."

"France is special to me because we overcame our differences and finally saw how each of us is. So, we are going to the same ski lodge to have our anniversary dinner. And this time, we're skiing."

"Aww, this is so sweet, Ryder. I was planning to make us a romantic dinner at the house. Thank you, Smooches."

Here comes that flirty flight attendant, so I pulled Ryder close to kiss me.

"You're welcome, Baby Doll. We have gone through so much in the last year. So, I wanted us to arrive today so we could have our dinner today, but it didn't work out that way."

"Ryder, that's okay. When we have our dinner doesn't matter. What matters to me is that you planned this amazing surprise trip. You're right about what we went through this year. And what a way to end the year. I'm going to enjoy this trip."

*********

Saturday, December 28th, 2019

We landed safely in France and are on our way to the ski resort. I let my brothers and sister know where I was. Ryder called Blair to let them know we landed in Paris. Ryder even talked with Ryley.

I thought our last trip here was special. But this trip is even more special because it's just the two of us. The train to the resort has stopped, so we have arrived. Our luggage will be taken to the lobby, and then to our room. Ryder and I exited the train and made our way to the lobby.

"Ryder, have you ever done anything spontaneous?"

"No, I haven't. What does Kimi have in mind?"

"How about we make this trip more special than it already is? Let's get married."

We stopped walking, and Ryder glanced at me.

"Are you serious?"

"Oh, I am beyond serious. What if someone objects to our getting married in April? It could be my parents or anyone else who wants us to be miserable. You already started the process for me to adopt Ryley. And, we are staying in a suite with one bed for a week. I'm ready for intimacy."

"As long as you are sure. I'm okay with getting married in France, just not at the ski resort."

"I am super sure. We can ask the receptionist about locations to get married."

"Right. Let's get checked in."

******

Ryder's POV

The reasons Kimi gave for us getting married are valid points. We are getting married on January 1st. We will be starting the new year on a high note. I know my parents wouldn't object, but there is a list of people who would object in a heartbeat, starting with Mitchell and Sasha Forester.

I have another surprise to give Kimi tonight. I received a notice from the state of California that Kimi is officially Ryley's mom. We'll sign the paperwork when we get home.

Kimi is in the room, getting dressed for our dinner.

"Ta-da."

"You look just as beautiful now as you did last year in that dress. I loved it then, and I love it now."

"Thanks." Kimi grabbed her coat, and then we left the room.

******

"You even got my favorite table. It has the most amazing views of the resort."

"One of the many surprises I planned for the week. I have another one too."

I pulled out an envelope with the adoption notice and handed it to Kimi. I switched envelopes so it wouldn't be obvious.

"What is this?" Kimi said as she opened the envelope. Kimi screamed loudly, causing everyone in the restaurant to glance our way.

"Oops. Sorry."

"I put the letter in a different envelope so that I could surprise you. We can sign the papers when we get home."

The waiter brought our meals to the table. I ordered the same meal as I did a year ago.

"Happy anniversary, Kimi."

"Happy anniversary, Ryder."

********

Wednesday, January 1st, 2020

9:00 am

Our getting married will be a surprise for the family. Thankfully, we were able to find an English-speaking officiant.

Kimi came out of the bedroom, looking as beautiful as ever. I couldn't help but whistle.

"Thanks. I loved it the moment the sales consultant brought it for me to try on at the boutique. That's why I wouldn't let you see it until today. It fits me perfectly. Let's go get married."

*********

We had the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower from the stage that was set up for us. We followed the officiant onto the stage. An audience of locals and tourists began forming around the stage. I hope they can understand English.

******

Kimi and I held hands throughout the officiant's speech. Then, it was our turn.

Wedding Officiant - "Ryder and Kimi, it's time to recite your vows."

Kimi went first.

"Ryder, I am so glad you came to me with that cup of hot chocolate. That hot chocolate is the reason for the best year of my life. Although at times, the year has been difficult. But thanks to you and Ryley, I have endured. I love you both so much for that. I'll save the long vows for our wedding in April. I vow to be everything you want in a woman - a loving wife, a mother to Ryley, and your best friend. That is my vow to you."

"Kimi, it was one of the best decisions I have made. I not only found the woman of my dreams, but Ryley now has someone who loves her as much as I do. I will always be by your side until the day I die. Kimberly Arianna Forester, I vow to be the only husband you will have, a great father to our children, and your best friend. That is my vow to you."

Wedding Officiant - "And now, Kimi and Ryder will exchange their rings as they say their I do's."

"I, Ryder Cooper Ellis, take you, Kimberly Arianna Forester, to be my lawfully, wedded wife

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

I took Kimi's hand, placed the wedding band on her finger, and said, "I do."

Kimi went next.

"I, Kimberly Arianna Forester, take you, Ryder Cooper Ellis, to be my lawfully, wedded husband

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Kimi took my hand, placed the wedding band on my finger, and said, "I do."

The wedding officiant then proclaimed, "In front of this gathering before us, I now pronounce you, Kimi and Ryder, husband and wife. Ryder, you may kiss your bride."

The crowd that had gathered applauded as I kissed Kimi.

"Congratulations on your wedding, Kimi and Ryder. I will need your signatures on your marriage certificate, which is in the limo. I'll be in the limo when you finish taking pictures."

We were able to hire a photographer, so we took a lot of pictures. And, I mean a lot. After we signed our certificate, we took pictures inside the Eiffel Tower.

"Ryder, what time is our dinner reservation?"

"Our reservation is at 8:00 pm."

"We should start making our way out of the Eiffel Tower. And, I'm cold now."

"Let's go."

Everyone on the elevator ride congratulated us on getting married. Once we made it to the main floor, Kimi and I hurried to get inside the limo.

******

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

9:00 am

Ouch! My head is pounding like crazy! We drank too much last night. I don't even remember what time we came back to the suite.

I do know that I'm married, and well, you all already know what happens on a wedding night. There's no need to discuss it.

Kimi was still asleep. I got out of bed to grab some pain pills and water. Thankfully, there was a mini-fridge in the room, so I didn't have to turn on the light. The sun was peaking through the curtains.

After taking the pain pills, I got back in bed.

"Oh my gosh! My head is pounding. We drank too much last night. What time is it?" Kimi asked.

"It's 9:00 a.m. I'll get some pills and water for you." After peeling away the covers, I grabbed Kimi a bottle of Evian water and some pain pills.

I handed Kimi the pain pills and water.

"Thanks. Today is a 'stay in bed' day."

"Are you okay after our 'wedding night?'"

"Even though it's been five years, I feel great. I felt so great we went at it several times. I do remember that."

"What time did we even make it into the suite?"

"It was after midnight. Now, when we go home, we'll have to be careful around Ryley."

"As long as you're quiet, things will go well."

"Hey, you weren't quiet either, Mr. Ellis."

"Shh, too much talking. Let's go back to sleep."

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

Saturday, January 4th, 2020

Kimi's POV

Our time in Paris went too fast. But I'm finally married. Yes! We are about to land in Los Angeles. Ryley, William, and Blair are coming to pick us up at the airport.

There is another flirty flight attendant on the plane. I sure did put the flight attendant in her place. Ryder Ellis is mine.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please begin the process for landing - seat belts on and tray tables in the upright position."

After Ryder and I put our seat belts on, I squeezed his hand. The flirty flight attendant walked by and rolled her eyes. I couldn't care less about it.

The plane landed safely and taxied to the gate. We had to wait for 10 minutes until we were given the okay to leave the plane.

Ryder and I grabbed our things and left the plane. We held each other's hands as we walked the plank into the airport. As soon as we were in sight of the plank, we saw Ryley, William, and Blair.

Ryley jumped into Ryder's arms.

"Daddy! I missed you and Kimi."

"We missed you too, princess."

I hugged William and Blair. "Thank you so much for coming." Then, I whispered to Blair, "And, thank you for the suggestion."

Blair winked and replied, "You're welcome, Kimi."

Ryley hugged me next. "Kimi!"

"Ryley! I missed you so much. And, we have surprises for you. And, for everyone. Your dad and I got married in France."

"You did?!"

"We sure did. And, that's not the best news."

Blair pretended to be surprised. "Congratulations, you two! What a surprise!"

William and Ryder started shaking hands. "Congratulations, Ryder and Kimi."

William hugged me again. "Thank you."

Ryley asked, "What's the other news?"

"I am officially your mom."

Ryley squeezed me tight. "I love you, Kimi."

I started crying. "I love you too, Ryley. I always will."

"Let's get you guys home so we can celebrate."

********

Ryder's POV

We saw an unfamiliar SUV sitting in the driveway as we approached our house. My father parked his SUV, and then I got out and approached the vehicle.

A well-dressed gentleman stepped out of the SUV.

"Excuse me, but are you, Ryder Ellis?"

"Yes, I am. How can I help you?"

The gentleman handed me an envelope from a lawyer's office. What the heck is this?! I opened the envelope and was furious!

Kimi, Ryley and my parents came over to where I was standing. The gentleman got back into his SUV, backed out of my driveway, and left.

I wanted to scream every curse word ever made. "Look at this garbage!!"

"Vanessa wants custody of Ryley?! She is claiming that I am an 'unfit' mom?!"

********