Inflame (Explosive) (37 page)

Over the past few weeks since we’ve been living together, I’ve gotten used to starting my mornings off with an intimacy I didn’t know I was missing before. It’s not always sexual. In fact, most of the time, it isn’t. It’s just become a comfortable, familiar routine of getting ready for our days in the same space. I’ve been living on my own for so long that I thought it would take some getting used to, but now that I’m here, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

As I finish drying my hair, Kale comes into the room and hands me a rectangular box that’s wrapped in half pink and half blue wrapping paper. Clicking off the dyer, I look up at him suspiciously.

“What’s this?” I ask, and he pulls me up off the floor and leads me out to the dining room.

My stomach growls as I see that he has the table set and breakfast prepared. The smell of bacon fills my nose, and I sit down, ready to dive in, almost forgetting about the gift in my hand. He grins as he pours grape juice in my glass then sits across from me.

“Open it,” he says, gesturing to the box. His excitement is contagious, and I go for the tape, trying not to rip the paper. “Jesus, Lucy, the gift is inside. You don’t need to keep the paper. Rip it off already.”

“Okay, okay. Calm down,” I tell him and quickly tear into the paper.

When I open the box, I can’t help the wide smile that forms on my face, and I have to look up at the ceiling to keep the tears that have now formed in my eyes from falling onto my face. Blinking them back, I pull the book out of the box and start flipping through the pages, scanning some of the names. I set it on the table and place my hand on Kale’s.

“Thank you. It’s very thoughtful, and I can’t wait to start going through it.”

“Well, we haven’t talked names, and I thought today was an appropriate day to start thinking about it. After all, we’re about to find out if we’re having a little me or a little you. As much as I love the name Sprout, I’m kind of excited to decide on a name.”

Suddenly, the thought of settling on a name other than Sprout seems daunting. “Kale, how are we going to do this? We have the hardest time just deciding what we’re going to do for dinner on any given day. There’s no way we’re going to settle on a name together.”

He squeezes my hand and then gestures to the book. “Hey, we’ll figure it out.” He picks up a piece of bacon and points it at me and then at himself. “You and I have a date with that book tonight, and we’ll just start picking out some we like. Gotta start somewhere. Now eat, baby, or we’re going to be late.”

I let his reassurance wash over me, and I dive into breakfast. I feel like I’ve been waiting for this appointment forever, and it can’t come soon enough.

I’
M PRACTICALLY
giddy with delight as Kale and I leave the doctor’s office. According to Dr. Foster, the baby’s growing and developing right on schedule, my fluid levels are perfect, and she confirmed the gender. Kale was quiet as he stared at the screen, and I didn’t blame him. It was surreal seeing how much Sprout’s grown in eight weeks, and the thought that we’re halfway through this is somewhat overwhelming. My life has changed so much in the last twenty weeks, and I’ve loved every second of it.

“Are you happy?” I ask as we pull out of the parking lot. I couldn’t read his expression when he found out, and even though he said that he had no preference, I’m wondering what he’s thinking.

He looks over at me seriously, and then a huge smiles crosses his gorgeous face. “I’m thrilled, baby. I promise, I was indifferent, but now that I know, I have all these plans rolling around in my head. Starting today. What do you say we finally start getting the nursery ready?”

“I love the sound of that. The room feels so bare, even with the furniture. I’m ready to add some color to it.”

We spend the rest of the day shopping—and probably going a little overboard. Charlie texts me nonstop wanting to know the gender, but Kale keeps me from telling her, and I’m glad because I want to tell her in person. I know she’ll be just as thrilled as I am. I wasn’t lying when I said I just wanted a healthy baby, but when Dr. Foster gave us the news, hot tears formed in my eyes, and I was elated.

Once the car is practically loaded with baby gear, we decide to head home in hopes that we can get together with all of our friends later on so we can share the good news. I’m surprised when we pull up to Kale’s gym, and I turn to him.

“What are we doing here?” I ask, and he gives me a sly smile.

“Just trust me, okay? Let’s just say we’re probably not going to be the only ones celebrating today.”

I can feel my eyebrows furrow, and I wonder what he means. Looking around the parking lot, I spot Evelyn, Knox’s car that I’ve heard way too much about. My heart starts racing and ideas start forming in my mind. Turning back to look at Kale with wide eyes, I’m practically bouncing with glee.

“Get out!” I shout, and he just laughs.

“Hey, I didn’t say anything, but if you don’t want to miss the show, we’d better get in there.”

Before he can finish his sentence, I’m out of the car, already pulling out my phone to get the camcorder ready. If what I think it about to happen is happening, I have got to get this on video. For someone who claims to hate public displays of affection, Knox certainly doesn’t shy away from being the center of attention where Charlie’s concerned. The conversation from the day she picked me up at the airport replays in my mind and I smile, happy that my best friend isn’t going to have to wait another six months.

Kale takes my hand and leads me inside the gym. “Now, act cool and be discreet. Knox told Jace and me about this yesterday, but he didn’t say anything about telling you. The way I see it, you’re her best friend, and if he wants to do this in public, it’s your right to be here. Just…no squealing, baby.”

I give him a cross look but nod my head dutifully.

Looking around the room, we spot Charlie and Knox entering a ring, Wade and Jace sparring in the one next to them. Knox leans in for a kiss then moves to the end of the ring to start the clock. They dance around each other before moving in, each landing a jab here, a kick there. To be honest, I don’t know much about kickboxing and I still don’t see the fun in sparring with your boyfriend. But Charlie loves it, and as I watch them, I decide I might have her show me a few moves. I wouldn’t mind Kale getting me flat on my back.

The first round ends in a boring fashion and I sigh impatiently. As they start the second round, I tap my foot, waiting for some action to happy. Nervous butterflies attack my stomach as the clock starts ticking closer to zero, and I bring my hand to my belly, rubbing slightly. All the sudden I feel pressure against my hand, and the butterflies increase tenfold.

“Oh!” I practically shout, loud enough for Charlie to hear me. It’s exactly the distraction Knox needs to take Charlie down.

“Discreet, baby?” Kales teases, and I grab his hand and place it on my belly.

“I couldn’t help it. The baby kicked!” I tell him, almost squealing even though I promised not to.

His eyes widen and he moves to stand behind me as he places both hands on my belly, waiting for it to happen again. “That’s exciting, Lucy, but hold that thought,” he whispers in my ear.

I look back at the ring and realize that it’s about to happen.

Charlie’s flat on her back on the mat, breathing heavily. She’s glaring up at Knox, who’s straddling her waist and grinning down at her.

“That was cheap, Wellington. Lucy’s big mouth distracted me and you know it.”

Shaking his head, he looks up. Wade and Jace have left their ring and are standing next to the one Charlie and Knox are in. Knox nods to Jace, who pulls a small box out of his pocket. He throws it to Knox, who then looks back down at Charlie.

“You may never be able to take me in the ring, sweetheart, but I would be the luckiest asshole in the world if you’d take mine.” He opens the box and pulls out a ring, holding it between his thumb and forefinger for Charlie to see.

She’s staring up at him, then at the ring, then back at him. For the first time in her life, Charlie Davenport is speechless.

Knox leans down and places a soft kiss on her lips before pulling back mere inches from her face. “Say something, sweetheart.”

And that’s all the prompting she needs. Tears start pouring down her face as she holds out her hand so Knox can put it on. As he slides the ring down her finger, he leans down to kiss away her tears.

“Marry me, Charlie.”

“Okay,” is all she says, and that’s all Knox needs. He’s up on his feet, pulling Charlie up with him. She throws her arms around him, jumping up to wrap her legs around her waist. “We’re getting married!”

I watch as Wade climbs into the ring and gives Knox a pat on the back. Charlie climbs down from his embrace and her dad pulls her in for a big hug.

“I’m so happy for you, Charlie Rose,” he tells her, and tears spring to my eyes.

Looking back at Kale, I see him watching the happy couple, and I wonder what he’s thinking. The whole ‘you’re next’
bet comes to mind, and I smile to myself, knowing that even though we might not be engaged, we’re starting a family, and for me, that’s enough. For now.

Moving out of Kale’s hold, I run to Charlie. She bends down over the ropes to let me get a close look at the ring. It’s a gorgeous square-cut radiant solitaire diamond that’s set in white gold with tiny round diamonds along the side. It’s the perfect ring for Charlie, and I give Knox a thumbs up.

“Six months, huh?” I tease, and she gives me a watery smile.

“It’s Knox. He’s completely unpredictable. I can’t believe you’re here and you were able to keep it a secret! Was your distracting me all a part of the plan?”

Laughing, I bring my hand to my belly. “I wish I could take credit for it, but I had no idea. Kale made me come here and wouldn’t tell me why. As for the distraction”—I pause, giving her an apologetic smile—“apparently, this little one’s going to be taking after Kale. It must’ve felt left out and decided to make its first kick here. Kind of appropriate, right?”

“Oh my gosh! I completely forgot. Stop saying ‘it,’ you asshole, and tell me already. Am I getting a niece or a nephew?”

I’m about to answer when Knox approaches with Jace and Wade. Kale comes up behind me and gives Charlie high-five.

“Way to steal my baby thunder, Wellington,” Kale jokes. “Now we’re going to have to wait for another day to do the gender reveal. Thanks a lot, man.”

I know he’s only joking, but Charlie scowls at him. “Come on. Just tell me. The suspense is killing me!” Charlie whines, but Kale just shakes his head. “I’m going to kick your ass, Montgomery.”

Knox reels her in, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “Let’s get home and get cleaned up. Then we can celebrate.” He winks at her then gives a sheepish grin when Wade clears his throat.

“And that’s my cue to leave.” Wade gives Charlie a hug then shakes Knox’s hand. “Congratulations, you two.”

Once Wade’s out of earshot, Kale starts speaking. “If you two are up for celebrating later with your clothes on, why doesn’t everyone come over to our place tonight and we’ll give Charlie the big reveal and celebrate Knox being a kept man.”

Knox shakes his head but grins down at Charlie, who shrugs. “We’re in,” she says to us, and Jace nods in agreement.

I continue to fawn over Charlie’s ring as the guys make arrangements, and before I know it, Kale’s whisking me back to the car and taking me home.

O
NCE HOME,
we get to work setting up the nursery. It already had a crib, a dresser, and a changing table, but with the additions from the store, it finally feels like a real nursery as we add wall art, bedding, and a mound of stuffed animals. Lucy finishes unpacking a box of books then stands up and moves to the middle of the room. Doing a quick spin, she has a satisfied look on her face as she hugs her belly.

“Everything about today has been so perfect, Kale. From the baby name book, to the appointment, to the shopping, and then with the proposal. We have so much to celebrate tonight. Speaking of, we should probably get ready for that since you up and offered our place.”

I set the last of the clothes we splurged on in the drawer and move to circle her waist as I rest my head on her shoulder, taking in the newly transformed room. “And just think, in less than five months, we’ll have even more to celebrate.” Pushing her out of the room, I lead her down the hallway and into our bedroom, where she gives me a confused look that I ignore. Leaning down, I place a kiss on her forehead. “Rest up, baby. I’ll go get everything ready for tonight.”

“I’m too excited to sleep. Plus, I want to help you. I already figured I’d toy with Charlie tonight and not tell her right away.” She gets off the bed and we head to the kitchen to prepare. After rustling through the pantry, she pulls out a bottle of food coloring and grins at me. “This is exactly what I need.”

Later on, when everyone shows up, the women spend their time gushing over the ring as Charlie relays the story of the proposal to Lexi. I hand each of the guys a beer then toss one to Charlie. Lexi turns me down as she looks nervously at Jace, who clears his throat. She gets up from her spot on the couch and goes to where he’s standing.