by Lucy Rinaldi
I have a way to go with my parents, but I'll get there somehow. Somehow, I'll make them understand everything. I'll make them see that I'm the same girl they raised. They might think I've changed, but I haven't. I'm still that little girl who helped her mommy bake on Sunday's. I'm still the little girl who helped her daddy with the garden.
I'm still the little girl who went to football games with her daddy and learned how to make clothes thanks to her mommy.
My mother taught me everything I know about designing and making my own clothes. I got my talent from her. She nurtured all my hopes and dreams. When I told her about my dream to turn the old Cafe into a boutique, she told me that I could do anything I put my heart into.
I had that dream for so long, and I worked so hard to make it come true. I had a little help, of course, I did. I would be a liar if I said I didn't. But the work that went into that place was all me. God, I worked so hard.
My father was so proud of me the day I opened my boutique. He stood right by my side as I opened those doors. He kissed my cheek and told me how proud of me he was as the place filled up. Seems so long ago now.
Desert out of the way, dishes cleared, we all stand around with a drink in our hands – non-alcoholic for me – laughing at silly stories Sidney and Kim, Paige's mom, are telling everyone about the adults that are us, who were once kids. God, some of the things they're coming out with I'd forgotten all about.
“Bryton and I have something to tell you all.” All attention is now on Roya and Bryton as he holds her close to him.
I smile at my husband as his lips touch my temple softly, his arm around my waist, his fingers gently stroking the side of my stomach. Not to be too obvious to our guests that we're expecting.
I can't wait to tell people, I just want to tell my parents first. I highly doubt at this point in time that they'll care, but I don't want them to think they were the last to know. I don't know yet how I'm going to tell them, when, or where, but I know that I will. Perhaps in the next couple of days. It can't be much longer because I'm about to show.
How much longer can I not at my stage in pregnancy?
Although, Lora knows mine and Kory's little secret. I knew deep down that she did. I never could keep anything from my best friend. I'm only surprised her sisters haven't cottoned on yet. Lora has sworn to keep my secret until I'm ready to tell people. I know I can trust her.
I know I said I wanted to wait until Christmas day to tell people, but I can't wait another two weeks to tell my parents. I would hate for my parents to find out from someone else. I can't even imagine what they'd say to me should they find out from anyone other than me.
“The thing is,” Roya smiles up at Bryton, and I just know what they're going to say.
Not that they get the chance, Jaxson rushes around his parents and yells, “We're having a baby!”
The whole room explodes in cheers and laughter, hugging and crying – Sidney, she always cries when she finds out about her new grandchildren – and I wonder if this will be the reaction Kory and I get when everyone finds out about our baby.
I make my way over to Roya and Bryton, hugging and congratulating both of them in turn. I then watch as Roya wraps her arms around Kory's back. He smiles and holds her close to him.
I remember the times he'd tell me all about his little sister, the baby sister who was stolen from the family's garden at thirteen months of age. The baby sister Kory adored. Losing Roya as a baby scarred Kory so deeply that I don't think he ever really healed from it until she came home. The bond they shared as children was still there, they're still so very close.
“Congratulations, little one.” I smile as he kisses her blonde head. Something else they share, blonde hair, unlike their brunette siblings.
“Thank you. I've been dying to tell you for weeks. I'm sorry I didn't,” She looks up at him without letting go, and I envy the bond they share. I never had a sibling to share anything with. “We just wanted to wait until it was safe to tell everyone.”
I chuckle to myself. It seems I'm not the only one who wanted to wait.
“How far along are you?”
Bryton strokes the back of Roya's head and tells us, “Twelve weeks.” Two weeks behind me. My best friend and sister-in-law is going to give birth two weeks after me.
Kory's eyes flit to mine, a smirk on his face, and I can't help smiling back. This is so surreal.
“Everything is perfect, nothing to worry about, and Jaxson couldn't wait another moment to tell everyone that he's going to be a big brother.”
Little Jaxson is in his grandfather's arms, laughing at something he's saying. All the time Keller's eyes lock on his daughter, he wants to come over and hold his little girl. That's why I take Kory's arm and tell him to come with me. He looks over at his father when I tip my head. He chuckles, kisses Roya's head again, and then moves aside as his father and mother come over and start the hugging process all over again.
* * *
It's been a long night and I am exhausted. I could sleep for a week! Okay, not that long, but I could use a decent night where I don't wake up at least three times for no reason.
“You feeling any better, beautiful?” Kory asks as I slip under the covers beside him.
He wraps his arm around my shoulders, and I snuggle into him. “I'm fine, handsome. I'm sorry I haven't been very with it of late. I'm going to stop wallowing. From now on...”
“You don't have to pretend to be on top of the world, Aimee.” He cuts me off. “I know how hard it's hit you having your parents be as unsupportive as they have been. But it will get better, baby. I promise.” He pulls me against him and kisses my head.
I know he's right, I just have to stay positive and everything will be okay. I know my baby is going to have a bright future with a big family, every member loving my child as much as I love theirs. My baby will have two sets of grandparents, I'll see to that.
And knowing that, I fall asleep in my husband's arms with a huge smile on my face. And my dreams are that of love and peace, my husband and our baby. I haven't slept so good since this whole thing started.
I wake with a smile still on my face. Things don't feel so hopeless this morning. I stretch my arms across the bed, instantly feeling the cold side of the bed. I roll over onto my side and groan. I forgot Kory would be up and out early this morning. He's looking at properties for his new law firm, he really wants to secure a place before Christmas. I don't know how he expects to have everything ready for the New Year, but this is Kory and he won't give up even for a second.
After a shower, pulling on a pair of black leggings, my oversized green sweater, and my wedged heels, I tie my hair in a high ponytail and then make myself a piece of toast. It's all I can manage today. Here comes the morning sickness.
I barely make it to the bathroom. Morning sickness. Jeez.
But do you know what? However crazy it sounds, I kind of look forward it. Yes, that's what I said, I look forward to the morning sickness, and I'm looking forward to everything else that comes with pregnancy.
This is all I have wanted for years now. This little baby growing inside of me. The baby I made with the love of my life.
I chuckle to myself and lay my hands on my slightly protruding stomach. “I can't wait to meet you, baby Harper. You're going to have your daddy's eyes and smile. Hopefully, my patience.” I giggle to myself. I feel really good this morning. Makes a nice change from always feeling down.
Time to get to my shop, things to do, people to see, and all that.
By the time I get there, I'm freezing. What is it with the weather this December? It's unbelievably cold. I take off my coat, scarf, gloves, and hat, hang them up on the hook in my office, before making my way out front.
“Here you go!” Roya sings as she hands me a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows.
“You're a saint.” And it's so damn good! I love hot chocolate in winter, especially at Christmas.
My mother used to make me a cup
on Christmas Eve as we sat watching old Christmas movies, waiting for Santa Claus. She'd wrap her arm around me and tell me how much she loved me, how blessed she felt to have such a special little girl.
I blink back the tears while turning away from Roya before she can see them. I won't break down today, I won't let the doubts sink in. Today, I'm supposed to be happy, looking to the future.
“You ready for the Christmas rush?” I ask Roya as I place my mug on the counter while I round it. It's almost opening time, and we're usually swamped this time of year, weather be damned.
“Am I ever!” She's so happy today. It's so nice to see. And she looks beautiful dressed in her dark green leggings and red sweater, hair in a messy bun on top of her head, bauble earrings hanging from her ears. Very festive.
It isn't long before the shop is busting at the seams, I can hardly keep up with everything. The register is overflowing. Not that I mind that at all. The more money I make today, the more money I have to take to the children's hospital.
Yeah, I like to donate everything I make on the same day each year on the run up to Christmas to the children's hospital. It's my happy place. I like to know those sick babies get to see Santa Claus because of my donations.
Of course, I'm not the only person who donates money, most of the stores in town do. Callie included. I get an immense sense of satisfaction doing what I do. That's why I also have charity donation boxes scattered all around the shop, sell cookies that I bake myself and decorate festively. I have sale rails with sexy sets of lingerie with fifty percent off.
Then there's the fact I spend time at the hospital so I can read to those children. Seeing the smiles on their faces makes it all worthwhile.
Anything I can do to help, I will.
I'm so busy gift wrapping while Roya is helping a few ladies in the dressing rooms, that I don't notice the woman watching me from across the room until I hand a package to a nice young woman in her twenties. Everly Jameson. She shops here so much that she has a boutique discount card because she spends so much and donates a lot to the hospital.
My smile fades when my eyes lock with the woman watching me. She looks different. She's dressed in gray pants and a long gray trench coat, hat, and scarf. I can't tell what she's wearing underneath her coat, it's buttoned up. She looks like she hasn't slept in weeks.
I smile slightly at her, she doesn't smile back. She looks like she's about to burst into tears. Why the hell am I just standing here?
I rush around the counter, wrongfully ignoring my next customer, yelling for Roya to take over the register for a moment. My mother is here and she wants to see me.
“Mom,” I stop right in front of her, not knowing if I should hug her or just stand here. She folds her arms across her waist, meant so that I won't hug her. That stings.
“Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee?”
“No, thank you.” Her tone is clipped. It hurts.
I don't know what to say to her, and it seems she doesn't know what to say to me either. Why is she here? It's very obvious that she doesn't want to be.
“Mom?” My voice is low, but I need to know what she's doing here if it's not to talk to me.
“I wanted to speak to you in private, but it seems you're quite busy. So, I'll be on my way now.”
My heart sinks to my stomach, tears clog my eyes as she walks past me. “Please don't go, Mom.” She turns to look at me. She's here to make a mends, she wants to forgive me, I can see it in her eyes. I don't know if my father knows she's here, but I do know that I want to fix this. “We can talk in my office.”
She sighs before nodding. Hope fills me. My mommy came to see me! I tell Roya that I'll be as quick as I can, she's not going to manage by herself, but she nods with a huge smile on her face while shooing me away.
My mother follows me into my office and I close the door behind us. She takes a seat on the small leather couch I have against the back wall to the left of my desk, which holds my computer and phone.
I take a seat beside her as she removes her scarf. I notice she doesn't remove her hat or coat. She's not making herself comfortable. “Is everything okay?” I'm beyond curious to know what she's doing here.
“I've been speaking with Sidney these past few days. About everything that's been going on. About what you did.” I swallow hard as she hangs her head for a moment. She looks up at me, tears falling from her eyes and I can't help my own from falling.
“I was there for her when Abigail was taken. I saw what it did to her to lose her child. I saw how she struggled.” What's this got to do with us and what's happening between us? “She had five other children to get her through the loss. But it damaged my best friend and her eldest son and daughter in ways I could never imagine.
“I helped her with Kory as much as I could. Helped him get through therapy. I would have done anything for her and her family. That's how much she means to me.
“Then she tells me how selfish I'm being by pushing you away for loving the boy I loved like my own.” I swallow again. I'm scared to speak for fear she'll stop. “When Abigail was taken, I held you a little closer at night, told you a hundred times a day how much I loved you, took extra care to make sure you were never taken from me. I wasn't as lucky as Sidney, I couldn't have more children. You were my only baby, and I was so scared of losing you the way my best friend did her child.
“These months without you have been hell for me, Aimee. I know I pushed you away, said unforgivable things, but I was hurt. I always thought Marcus would be the one to walk you down the aisle. I thought I would be sitting on the front pew in church watching my only child, my daughter marry the man of her dreams.”
Tears are falling thick and fast from my eyes. I know how much I hurt my parents with all of this. I know I broke their hearts and I'd do anything to take it back, but I can't regret my husband, I refuse to.
“I'm so sorry, Mom. I never meant to hurt you, and I never wanted to keep my marriage a secret. I didn't have a choice.”
“Sidney told me. Kory's big case.”
“Yes. I wish more than anything I'd have told you, and I will live every day of my life regretting the fact that I didn't. You have no idea how much this has hurt me, Mom. I know how much I hurt you and dad, I know how hard it is, but I am begging you... please, forgive me, Mommy. Please.” My head finds my hands as I sob. I've tried so hard to hold it inside all day, but I just can't hold it in any longer.
I feel my mother's hand on the back of my head, her other takes my right hand in hers. I look up at her as she kisses my hand. Her eyes meet mine. A second is all it takes before I'm wrapped in her arms, both of us holding each other while sobbing our hearts out. I cling to her like a life support jacket. I have needed this since the day she threw me out of her house.
“It's okay, baby,” She soothes while stroking my back and rocking me. “Mommy's here, and I am so sorry.” She holds me tighter. “I'm so sorry. I love you, Aimee. I have always, no matter what loved you. Never has a day gone by since I found out I was expecting you have I not loved you.”
“I love you, Mom. I love you so much.”
“I know you do.” She cups my face the second she pulls away from me. Not that I've let go of her waist. I don't want to just yet, I'm scared she'll fade away.
“Does dad know you're here?”
“He does.” She smiles. “He had to work, but he wants to see you. He wants his baby girl back as much as I do.” My heart is soaring. “Maybe we can have dinner soon...”
“Tomorrow?” I ask hopefully. “You could come over, I'll cook.”
“We'd love to. Will your husband be there?”
“Not if you don't want him to be.” I know Kory won't mind leaving us alone for a couple hours. He wants this fixed between my family and me as much as I do.
“I think it's time I officially met my son-in-law, don't you?” I wrap my arms around her neck and kiss her cheek. She laughs and holds me tightly. “Everything is going to be okay, baby girl. You'll see
.”
I know it is. From now on, everything is going to be perfect.
Eighteen
Kory
Another dinner date. I hate these fucking things. But I can't deny this one is much needed. Aimee came home last night full of smiles and telling how her mother had reached out to her. How they'd talked and everything is okay between them again.
She invited her parents around for dinner this evening so she could hear from her father's mouth that he's ready to put everything behind him and move on. She's been beyond excited all day. Tonight, she's telling them about the baby, which means we can then tell my family. It will all become real when people know.
She spent hours in the kitchen cooking her father favorite meal. Lasagne, steak, and baked potatoes. Heart attack on a plate! But whatever keeps him happy.
I've known Marcus my whole life but this is the first time I'll be meeting him as my father-in-law. I'm not scared, I'm a grown man, but I am nervous about going into all the shit about why I made Aimee keep our marriage a secret for so long.
I'm so tired of going over it. But I guess this will be the last time. And I do owe it to Aimee's parents to come clean.
She looks beautiful as always. She's wearing a pretty green Peter Pan collared dress, a pair of green heels – that I'll fuck her in later – and her hair styled in a beautiful updo.
I grab her around the waist and pull her back against me, kissing her neck, making her laugh happily. I haven't heard her laugh like this is the longest time. “You look beautiful, baby.” Our eyes lock through the floor-length mirror in our bedroom. She smiles so beautifully that it stifles me.
How the fuck did I get so lucky?
She leans back against me, her hand on my face, eyes still locked through the mirror, she tells me, “Thank you. Not for telling me I'm beautiful. I mean, for being there for me through all of this with my parents. For loving me, for marrying me, for coming home, for the baby inside of me. For just being you.”
