Текст книги "Levitate"

Автор книги: Kaylee Ryan

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 18 страниц)

IT’S BEEN FOUR weeks today. An entire month has passed since I found out we were having a baby. As each day passes, the more excited I become. It’s amazing how something you thought you never wanted is the one thing that makes you feel complete.

Two weeks after she was released from the hospital, I asked her to marry me. She said yes and our lives have been a whirlwind of changes. Nicole and Bright decided that moving in together was the next step for them. With Kensington moving into the house, it was an easy trade. Bright and Nicole are going to live in their apartment. Kens and I are building our life here, in the place my father worked his ass off for, in the house my mother never took the effort to make into a home.

We started moving her in that very day. I was more than ready to start our life together. I love coming home to her, having every aspect of our lives intertwined. I’ve even promoted one of the guys at the bar to be a shift leader. I plan to be able to spend my days there and my nights here, with my family.

“Kens, we need to be going, babe!” I yell down the hall. Today is her first OB appointment, and I don’t want to be late. She’s eight weeks, and from what she’s told me, we might be able to hear the heartbeat today. I’m still in awe of the fact that there is a part of me growing inside of her. We can’t see the evidence of her pregnancy yet, and I cannot wait for the day we can.

“Hold your horses,” she says, laughing as she grabs her coat from the closet. “We have forty minutes and it only takes fifteen to get there.”

“Well, you never know what could happen and we are not missing this appointment.” I grab her around the waist and pull her against me. I press my lips against hers, kissing her slowly. “We get to hear our peanut’s heartbeat today. Get moving, woman!” I smack her ass and step back out of her reach.

She just shakes her head and laughs.

“Let’s go, papa bear,” she says, leading the way out to the car.

We arrive almost a half an hour early for the appointment. Yes, she was right, but damn it, I’m excited. The waiting room is filled with expectant mothers but no fathers, just me. I wonder what the hell those guys are thinking. I plan to be here every step of the way.

They call us back to a room much faster than I would have anticipated, and Kens is asked to change into a gown. I’m not thrilled with the fact her doctor is a male or that he’ll be seeing her in places only I should be. However, I did my research on the guy and he’s the best. I will swallow back the jealousy in me to ensure Kensi and our peanut receive the best care possible.

The first part of the appointment consists of the doctor asking all kinds of questions like breast tenderness, morning sickness, and a ton of other things. He reminds Kens to take her prenatal vitamins and to drink lots of water and try to steer away from large amounts of caffeine.

“Now the fun part,” he says. He has Kens lie back on the table and pull up her gown. He brings out this contraption that has a speaker attached to it. He places some gel on her belly; I assume it’s cold because she flinches at the contact. He places the other end of the contraption on the gel and swirls it around. At first, it just sounds like rushing water, but then I hear it loud and clear. The steady thump, thump, thump of our baby’s heartbeat.

“There you go, folks, strong and steady,” the doctor says.

I close my eyes and take in the sound. The emotions that are swarming inside me are intense. I’m so in love with this tiny person who I’ve never met.

“Maxton.” Her voice has me opening my eyes and looking at her. Her eyes are filled with tears and she’s wearing a blinding smile across her face.

I can’t speak. There is a lump in my throat, and even if I could, I wouldn’t have the words for this moment. So instead, I do what I do best and kiss her. I kiss her like my life depends on it. I kiss her with all the love in my heart and passion deep inside my soul. Pulling away, I hear the doctor’s low chuckle. I speak the three little words that are not strong enough but all that I can think of at the moment. “I love you.”

Truth.

TODAY IS MY wedding day. It’s bittersweet for me. My heart aches that my mother is not here, but it’s also filled with so much love for the man who I will soon call my husband. I still think Mom somehow sent Max to me. She knew he was the kind of man I could trust and who would love me irrevocably. I know, in reality, it’s not possible, but it’s my fairy tale and I’m sticking to it.

We decided against a large wedding. I’m packing my last two semesters into one, which, thankfully, is not a huge load. I was ahead of schedule and only needed three classes to finish my degree. One of which involves my externship that allows me to spend time with my fiancé at his business, our business as he likes to remind me.

The wedding is actually being held at our home. I have school, and really, we just didn’t want big. Just us, my dad, Bright, and Nicole and that’s it. Short, sweet, and simple, exactly how we want it.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart.” My dad’s voice comes from behind me. I turn to him and smile.

“Thank you.” I look down at my simple white silk gown, which is doing nothing to hide my barely there baby bump. I’m fourteen weeks and finally starting to show. Maxton cannot keep his hands off my belly. I would be irritated if it wasn’t so sweet. “I wish she was here.”

“Me too, Kensi. You look just like her, you know? She would have been so damn proud of the woman you have become.” He chokes up on his words. “I’m proud of you too. You fought back against the pain; you allowed yourself to open up and love, to be loved. You couldn’t have chosen a better man to spend your life with.”

“I never allowed myself to want this.” I lay my hands over my baby. “Never thought there would be a man who would take the time to get to know all of me and love me despite it. He does.” I look up at him. “He loves me and the baby so much that my heart is bursting with it, Dad.”

“I know that, baby girl. I know how he feels. It’s the same exact way I feel with you and your mother. I will love her until the day I take my last breath.”

I’m wiping away tears when Nicole walks into the room. “I knew it,” she says, placing her hands on her hip. “I knew you would be in here messing up my handiwork. Off you go. I’ll let you know when we’re ready,” she scolds my dad.

He chuckles at her, kisses my cheek then hers, and leaves the room. “Now. Let’s get you fixed up. Max is liked a caged bear down there. He’s going to wear a hole in the carpet if we don’t get you beside him soon.” She laughs.

When she has me presentable once again, she opens the door and yells for my dad. He appears and holds his arm out for me. We walk into the living room arm in arm. Maxton’s eyes lock with mine as Dad leads me to him. As soon as I’m within reaching distance, he reaches out and places a hand on my hip, pulling me to him. My dad throws his head back and laughs a deep belly laugh. “No point in telling you to love her right or to remind you to take care of her, I see,” he says.

“Nope, not necessary,” Max says, kissing my temple.

We turn to face Brighton. He became ordained so he could marry us? Apparently, it was a long-running joke between him and Max that if the other fell in love and got married, that the other would be the one to marry them. Nicole thought it was hilarious. Little does she know that Bright is not the only one who became ordained. Maxton and Bright did it at the same time. Bright is planning on popping the question soon.

The ceremony, or lack thereof, is short and sweet, again just how we like it. It’s more of a formality than anything. We’ve already pledged our lives to one another and to our baby. Maxton says the best part was finally kissing his wife. Sweet Maxton is here every day. He is the man I fell in love with and the man who just became my husband. Sometimes it feels like a dream, this happiness we have found. If it is, I don’t ever want to wake up.

IT’S A BOY. We found out yesterday that we’re having a boy. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since the doctor uttered the words. I would have been just as happy with a little girl who looks like her mama, my wife. I think a lot of the happiness comes from getting to see him. We had a three dimensional ultrasound and it was… life altering to be able to see him growing inside of her. Life is good.

Today is Friday and Kens and I are at the bar. We spend Fridays here together more often than not. She now knows the ins and outs of the business; we are partners in all aspects of our life and I would not want it any other way.

She’s currently in the office entering invoices into the computer. “Hey, babe, you hungry? I thought I could run down the street and pick up some lunch.”

“Yes.” She rubs her belly. “Your son and I are starving.”

My son.

“How about I go get it? There are a few invoices here that I’m not sure about. You can take a look at them while I’m gone.”

“I can—” She holds up her hand, cutting me off.

“Maxton, I am pregnant not dying. The doctor said me and the baby are healthy and doing great. The short walk of what, fifty feet, will be good for me.”

“Okay. I’m sorry; I just want to take care of you.” I pull her against me and place my hand on her belly. Dropping to my knees, I talk to my boy. “Tell Mommy she needs to get used to me taking care of both of you.” I kiss her bump and stand to my feet. I hand her my wallet. “Please take your phone with you.” I worry. I will always worry about her.

“I’ll be right back.” She steps on her tiptoes and quickly presses her lips to mine.

I’m in the middle of taking a look at the invoices when Brian, one of my bartenders, knocks on the door. “Max, there’s a guy here to see you,” he says.

“Thanks, Brian.” I stand to follow him out to the main bar area. When I reach the bar, I stop in my tracks. Standing at the opposite end is JT, Justin. I haven’t heard from him since that day at the farm. I’m instantly on alert. Kensington will be back any minute and she doesn’t need the stress; it’s not good for her or the baby.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, my voice heated.

“I just wanted to explain to you what happened back then,” he says.

“You don’t need to explain anything to me. My wife filled me in,” I retort.

“Wife? Wow, I, uh… I didn’t know. Congratulations, man. She’s amazing,” he says.

My anger rises. “You have no right to talk about her, to think about her. You know nothing about her,” I seethe.

“Maxton.” Her voice comes from the door behind JT.

Shit! I hop over the bar, needing to be next to her. “Brian!” I yell, he comes over and I hand him the bag of food Kens just brought back.” He takes it without a word and walks back to the bar. He stays close, his eyes on us.

I place one arm around her waist and the other rests on the side of her belly by her hip. Protecting them both from him. He will not get near her.

“Kensington.” Justin says her name like he’s pained to do so.

“Don’t fucking—”

She places her hand on my chest to get my attention. “It’s okay, Max. I’m good,” she tells me. “Just don’t let go.”

Like I would do such a thing. I raise my eyebrows at her and she chuckles. It’s a sound I didn’t expect to hear considering the present company. Then my girl surprises me even more; she turns to JT. “Justin, what can we do for you?” she asks as if he is some stranger off the street, not the brother of the guy who murdered her mother.

“I came to explain to Max about then, about what happened.”

“My husband is aware of my past and the events surrounding it,” she replies.

JT runs his fingers through his hair. “I’m so fucking sorry about your mom, Kens. I was young and stupid and I looked up to Joe. At first, I just thought it was a dumb club. Just a group of guys who would do silly things for no other reason than to say they did. They started out telling me I had to make you fall for me and then break up with you. I wanted to be a part of his group, so I agreed. Then I talked to you that first day and I immediately began to question why the hell I would ever let someone as great as you slip away even to be in some group with my older brother.”

He takes a deep breath. I’m barely holding onto my anger, but Kensi wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest. She’s calm, which keeps me in check. “Joe, he was… intense, always was. He knew I was falling for you. I talked about you all the time and spent all the time I had to spare with you. It pissed him off. Then he changed the rules. He said he knew I wouldn’t let you go, so the plans changed. I was to videotape the two of us together, having sex. I admitted to him that we hadn’t gotten that far yet.” I growl at the thought.

JT takes a few steps back. Smart man. “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t hurt you like that. I told him so. I told him that I…” He pauses to look at me. Turning away, he focuses his attention on Kensi. “I told him that I loved you and refused. I told him he could take his club and shove it up his ass. The next night after school, he and his buddies jumped me. They were pissed I was backing out. They kicked the shit out of me. That’s why I cancelled that night. I didn’t want you to see me and ask what happened. I didn’t want to lie to you, and I wasn’t ready to tell you the truth. If I would have thought for a minute that he would come after you…” He swallows hard and I can see this is difficult for him.

I look down at my girl and her eyes are glassy but she’s composed and calm. I hold her a little tighter, rubbing her belly. JT’s eyes follow my hand and I can see from the look in his eyes that he is just now realizing we’re pregnant. “I didn’t know how far gone he was. He was heavy into drugs. I knew he had tried them, but I had no idea it ran as deep as it did. He hid it well from all of us. I swear to you, I didn’t know he was coming after you. He beat the shit out of me and I took it. I thought he would leave you alone. I didn’t even fight back. I thought he was pissed that I changed my mind.” He rubs his hands over his face before he returns his gaze to my wife. “Kensington, I would never let him hurt you, if I knew. When I heard what he had done…” He swallows hard. “When I heard about your mom, I closed up. I wouldn’t talk to anyone. I ignored my friends. Max, man, I did it to you,” he says. “I wrote you that note, and I know you got it, your dad confirmed as much to Joe’s attorney. I just wanted to tell you in person how sorry I am. I know it doesn’t make it any better and it will never take away the pain or bring her back, but I am so fucking sorry,” he says.

“Why?” she asks. Her voice is soft and calm. “After all these years, why now?” she asks.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind. I told myself I needed to leave you alone and let you try and move past it. That you didn’t need me tracking you down and bringing the pain to the surface. Then I saw you that day at the farm, and well, I just… I didn’t know I would find you here today, that I would have the chance to tell you. I was going to explain it all to Max and tell him I was sorry. I didn’t know about the wedding,” he glances at our son, “or the baby. I hope you two have a long, happy life and I’m truly sorry for the pain my family has caused both of you.” He drops his hands to his sides and walks toward the door.

I don’t know what I expected to happen, but I never would have dreamed I would hear the words, “Justin, are you hungry? I bought a ton of Chinese. You’re welcome to stay and eat,” come out of her mouth.

“Kensi?” I question her.

Looking up at me, she says, “I’m good, Maxton. He didn’t make him do it. He did the right thing and he’s your friend. I don’t think I’ll be naming him godfather of this little guy anytime soon, but we can share a meal with an old friend. Besides, you’re here, so I know I’m good. He can’t break me; you won’t let him.”

Trust.

Words escape me at her strength, at the kind of person that she is. She’s going to be an amazing mother. “I love you hard, Kensington Cooper.”

She giggles. “Right back at ya, Maxton Cooper.”

I DECIDED AGAINST walking for graduation. My feet are swollen and, honestly, I just want that piece of paper. Maxton and I talked and I’m not going to work right away. He makes more than enough to support us, and I’m grateful we’re able to be provided for so I can stay home with our little man for a while. A professor at the college is looking for a teaching assistant, but the job doesn’t start until September when classes start up. She offered me the position and I immediately accepted. It’s close to home and decent hours. Max and I will be able to work our schedules with him owning the bar so we will be able to watch the baby with no need for childcare.

Flipping through the mail, I see a package from the college. Ripping it open, I find it’s my degree. The piece of paper that says I made it through four years of higher education. Smiling, I set it to the side, making a mental note to pick up a frame. A letter from our attorney catches my eye. After Justin showed up at the bar, I contacted him to let him know I had no desire to speak to Joe. I don’t care what he has to say; I will never forgive him regardless of the drugs he was taking. He made the choice to take drugs. There is no forgiveness in me for him. Justin did stay and eat lunch with us; it was awkward, but didn’t feel wrong like I originally thought. He did the right thing; he didn’t make his brother do what he did. It took me a while to realize that. Do I think he and Max are going to have the same friendship as before? No, I don’t. I feel bad about it, but Max assures me that what we have is worth it.

“Hey there, sexy mama”, Maxton says as he comes into the kitchen. He steps beside me and kisses my temple. His hands land on my belly as always. “How’s my two favorite people?” he asks.

“Good, my back’s hurting a little, but I think it’s from washing and folding all of those clothes.” Nicole threw me a shower last weekend and I spent all day yesterday washing them and organizing the nursery. We are all ready for our little man to arrive.

“Kens, you need to stay off your feet. Come on.” He takes my hand and leads me to the living room. He helps me down on the couch and places a pillow behind my back. He places another on the table and props my feet up on it. “You need to relax and stay off your feet,” he scolds me.

“She’s nesting,” Nicole says from behind us. Bright follows behind her. “We brought dinner,” she says, pointing to Bright who is holding up two pizza boxes.

“How you feeling, mama?” Nicole asks, leaning over the back of the couch to rub my belly.

“Like I’m as big as this damn couch,” I groan.

“You, my darling wife, are beautiful. That’s my son that’s cooking in there, so watch what you say. You might hurt his feelings,” he says, winking at me.

I laugh at his antics. I read somewhere that the baby will recognize our voices when he’s born and made the mistake of telling Maxton. He now talks to my belly more than he does me. It’s sweet and makes me fall even more in love with him every day.

“So does my nephew have a name yet?” Bright asks. He sets the pizza boxes on the table. Nicole places a bag with paper plates and napkins beside it.

“I’ll go grab some drinks. Don’t spill the deets without me.” She skips off to the kitchen.

“I think so,” I tell Bright, “but we’re waiting until he’s born. Maxton seems to think we need to see him, hold him, before we make our final decision.” I roll my eyes playfully. I happen to think it’s adorable how involved he’s been and how serious he’s taking this issue. I can still hear his words the first night we talked about names.

“Babe, this is serious stuff. Our kid is going to be called this the rest of his life; it’s got to be good. We don’t want him to be made fun of.” The look on his face when he said it was priceless!

“So, really, how have you been feeling?” Nicole asks, handing each of us a bottle of water.

“Good. My back has been hurting today, but I think it’s because I over-did it yesterday. I got all the clothes washed and the nursery organized. We are ready for this little guy any time now.” I smile at the thought.

“You have, what, a week to go?” she asks.

“Five days,” Maxton and Bright say at the same time.

Nicole and I both look at them. “It’s my baby,” Maxton says. “What’s your excuse?”

Bright shrugs. “Well, not only do I hear about it at work, I’m excited to meet the little guy. Maybe I can get my fiancée to set a wedding date and we can work on one of our own,” he says. His eyes locked on Nicole.

She sits back in her chair and studies him. “Whenever you’re ready, I’m in,” she replies.

“I get to pick?” he asks her.

“Yep.” She pops the p, challenging him.

Brighton looks at Max. “Your little man is due in less than a week. You good in thirty?” he asks. I smile, knowing what they’re talking about.

“Absolutely.” Max grins.

Bright turns to Nicole. “Max is going to marry us. We figured we both fell hard and that’s only fair. You’ve got thirty days. Tell me what you need and I’ll do it. I can even plan the whole thing, just needs to happen in thirty,” he says, taking a big bite of pizza.

We all burst out laughing and I have to pee again. “Ugh. Babe, I have to pee yet again, can you help me up?” I ask Max.

A slow trickle runs down my leg. At first, I’m embarrassed thinking that I actually pissed my pants. Then it hits me. Back pain… my water just broke.