Inflame

Chapter 30

Lucy

“MMM, ARE we there yet?” I ask for about the hundredth time, sounding like a petulant child. Hey, if Kale’s going to be a dad who insists on driving on all our vacations, then he better get used to it.

We’re heading down to Gulf Shores for the weekend, and I’ve constantly asked myself on this drive why I ever agreed to having a shower down there. Since Mom and Marisa only live about an hour away from Ginger, it made sense, but now that I’ve spent seven hours in the car with Kale, stopping every hour so I could stretch my legs to keep my blood flowing, the selfish part of me is wishing that I’d made them come to me. We’re not even there and I’m already dreading the drive back home in two days.

I tried to fly, but at my last appointment, Dr. Foster had advised against it, and Kale wouldn’t even listen to me when I tried to talk him into getting plane tickets. I gave up the fight when he said we could just cancel the whole thing if I was that adamant about flying. The truth is that, as much as I didn’t want to make this drive, I’m more than excited to see Mom, Marisa, and Kale’s family.

“Baby, how many times are you going to ask me that?” Kale asks, giving me a wry smile. I can’t see his eyes through his sunglasses, but I can only imagine the exasperation in them. “We’ll be there in about an hour, okay? Just be patient.”

“You try being thirty-four weeks pregnant while you’re carrying twenty-five extra pounds on your bones with a four-pound baby resting against your bladder,” I grumble, citing the estimated baby weight Dr. Foster told us at our appointment this week.

Kale reaches over and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss before placing it back on the gearshift. “Just think, babe. In six weeks’ time, he’ll be here and you’ll be able to pee on your own schedule,” he says, obviously finding amusement in my situation. “Now why don’t you get some rest before we get there? You know it’s going to be chaos with both our families in the same house.”

Leaning my head against the window, I close my eyes, deciding to go with his suggestion. The fact that only six weeks lies between now and the birth of our baby is overwhelming, and I can’t believe how quickly my pregnancy seems to have gone. Then again, it’s been a whirlwind of activity since that fateful day when the test was positive, and I smile at the memories of everything that’s happened since then.

It’s been a little over a month and half since Lily’s accident, and I pop into her fourth grade classroom from time to time to check on her. She’s recovered completely, and even Kale’s finally started to realize that she’s fine and has stopped insisting on going by Xavier’s place every day after work just to see her with his own two eyes. That, however, doesn’t mean that his overprotective streak hasn’t been kicked out of high gear. He’s been hovering more than usual, waiting on me on hand and foot. While it’s extremely sweet and I get it, it’s still somewhat smothering, but I remember what Xavier asked me to do, so I allow Kale to continue to watch my every move if it’ll make him feel better.

At the same time, my frustrations have grown every day that passes without him opening up to me. I poured my heart out to him about Tim and my childhood in hopes that he’d do the same, but he hasn’t mentioned it, and I haven’t brought it back up again. I figure that he’ll tell me when he’s ready, but I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever be.

“Kale was going through his own shit at the time. He needed us as much as we needed him.”

Xavier’s cryptic words replay in my mind, and while part of me just wants to come right out and ask Kale, the other half of me wants him to tell me on his own. As I feel myself drifting off, the last thought in my mind is wondering if it’s ever going to happen.

Kale shakes me awake, much like he’s done every time we’ve ended a long drive. Yawning, I stretch and smile when I see Ginger’s beach house before me. More than ready to get out of this car, I open the door and jump out, twisting my torso to get my blood flowing again. I move to the trunk where Kale’s grabbing our bags, and when I go to reach for mine, he scowls at me and pulls it away. It’s just a small duffle bag, seeing as how we’re going only going to be here for two days, but he won’t give it to me.

“No lifting,” he scolds, closing the trunk and moving towards the house.

Grumbling after him, I can’t help but feel helpless. “I’m not an invalid, Kale. I can carry a four-pound bag.”

He ignores my comment and gestures for me to open the door, and I comply, giving him my own scowl. I open the door to complete chaos as Ginger, Kalli, Marisa, and Mom all start calling out greetings. Steve’s sitting back on the couch, watching the women gather around, and he just shakes his head and grins as he catches my eye. Kale seems him and nods appreciatively.

“You’re a sight for sore, estrogen-ridden eyes, Steve,” he says, and Steve holds up a beer in a salute at him. “I’m going to go run our bags up to my room, baby. Be right back.” He leans down and places a kiss on my cheek before disappearing, leaving me in the hands of the women in our newly blended family.

“Lucy, sweetheart, look at that bump! You look like you’re almost ready to pop,” Mom gushes, and I blush as her hands fall on my belly. Tears glisten in her eyes, and I can feel my nose burning as her tears are contagious. An overwhelming feeling flows through me as I look from Mom to Ginger and realize how lucky my child is, how full of love his life is going to be.

“Don’t cry, Mom,” I choke out as I wrap my arms around her. Suddenly I’m engulfed in a group hug with all the women, and there’s a mixture of laughing, crying, and swooning over my belly.

“Okay, ladies, let her breathe,” I hear Kale say as his strong arm pulls me out of the foray and wraps protectively around my shoulders. “She’s had a long day and, by my guess, is probably starving by now.”

“I’m fine, Kale,” I tell him as he directs me to the sofa, gently pushing me down. He kneels in front of me and takes off my flats before grabbing my legs and propping them up on the coffee table.

“You’ve got a big day tomorrow, babe, and just had a long car ride. Take it easy while I help Mom in the kitchen, okay?” I nod dutifully, knowing better than to argue with him. He leans in and gives me a kiss on the nose then stands and gestures to Mom. “She’s all yours, Marcy. Riss.”

Ginger smiles at me then at Kale, and I watch as they both leave the room, wondering what heck I’m going to end up eating this time. Kalli plops down beside me and takes my mind off Kale as she prattles on and on about the baby shower. Mom and Marisa chime in whenever they can, and poor Steve just spends the afternoon staring at the television, but I don’t miss the way he smiles into his beer from time to time as he watches us when he thinks no one is looking. I’m exhausted and sore from the car ride, but being surrounded by a loving family makes it all worth it, and every ounce of frustration slowly slips away.

Kale

“WHERE’S KAYLIE?” I ask as I follow Mom into the kitchen.

Mom sends an indifferent wave in my direction. “Oh, you know your sister. Always more than fashionably late,” she answers before pulling her head out of the refrigerator and glancing at me, an eyebrow cocking up. “Actually, between you and me, I think she’s seeing someone, but she won’t admit it.”

She hands me a beer, and I open it, taking a long swig. “Really? I’ll see what I can get out of her. She wasn’t seeing anyone at Christmas, but I guess it’s been a few months.” I lean across the island as I watch her begin to roll out the dough so she can make her homemade pasta. “What about Kalli? I don’t get any of the gossip anymore, and if she’s told Lucy anything, she hasn’t mentioned it to me.”

Mom doesn’t say anything as she hands me a bowl of fresh tomatoes and a knife before directing me to the food processor so I can start making her marina. I start chopping and she finally looks at me.

“Let’s just say you might have an extra babysitter in your neck of the woods sometime this summer.”

I pause, looking up at her. “What do you mean? Kalli wants to move to Tennessee? I never thought she’d move out of your house until you kicked her out,” I say jokingly.

Don’t get me wrong. I’d love having my sister nearby, but she’s always loved living in Gulf Shores, and as far as I know, she loves her job at a first-grade teacher at the school we grew up in. Plus, I can’t see her leaving the beach for boring-ass Clarksville, Tennessee.

“I could be wrong, but I’ve seen a few job searches on the computer for schools in the Nashville area.”

I mull it over as I transfer the tomatoes to the food processor and turn it into a pulp. “I had no idea she wanted to move up there. That seems random,” I comment, and Mom gives me a knowing look.

“I swear, you men are so oblivious. I thought with having grown up with two sisters you’d be more astute, Kale Montgomery.” I frown as she continues. “Your sister’s been in love with Xavier Cruz and his little girl since the moment you brought them home with you. Did you not notice the way she couldn’t take her eyes off him this past Christmas? Or how she went out of her way to ensure that Lily was introduced to manicures, pedicures, and all things woman because she knows she doesn’t have a momma?”

Shaking my head, I disagree. “Kalli was just being Kalli. I know she had a crush on him when she was a teenager, but she’s dated plenty of guys since then. She’s a total flirt and the girliest girl I know. Between me and Kaylie, she’s never had anyone to do that kind of stuff with, so she was just having fun doing it with Lily.” I try to convince her, but in the back of my mind, I wonder if she’s right, if Kalli really does have a thing for Xavier that’s more than just her unrequited teenage crush.

He hasn’t dated much since I’ve known him, even though his mom and I have both encouraged it. Part of me thinks Angela left him too broken, and he’s decided Lily’s the only girl who needs his attention right now. Before, I might’ve agreed with him. Now that I’m with Lucy, however, I have a feeling that the love of a good woman is something Xavier needs desperately, and I wonder if Kalli really could be that person for him.

“Maybe so, but I’m telling you, I know what I saw. But enough about your sister. How are things with you and Lucy? She’s glowing, Kale. She’s absolutely beautiful,” Mom gushes, and I nod in agreement.

“Things are good. Hell, they’re great even. The closer it’s getting to her due date, the more tired she’s become, but the doctor said that’s normal. I’m making sure to keep plenty of fiber in her diet because she swore that if she gets hemorrhoids it’s going to be my ass that’ll suffer.”

Mom laughs, shaking her head. “I don’t blame her. When I was pregnant with the twins, I had the worst—”

I hold my hand up to stop her, not wanting to hear another word. “Okay, Mom. A little TMI there. I don’t know. I’m sure Lucy’s probably getting tired of me watching her all the time, but ever since the scare with Lily, I can’t help it. I just keep telling myself that it’s only six more weeks until I can breathe easy.”

She gives me a soft, sympathetic look. “Oh, Kale, you have no idea. The moment that baby is born, the last thing you’re going to do is breathe easy. You’re twenty-nine years old and I still worry about you.”

Leaning across the counter I give her a kiss on the cheek. “I know, and I love you for it. But you know what I mean. I’m just ready for him to be here, to hold him in my arms. A tangible, living, breathing little human being.” As I continue to make her sauce from the recipe I know by heart, I feel her eyes on me. Looking up, I catch her gaze and know what’s coming. “No, I haven’t and I don’t want to talk about it.”

She rounds the island and places a hand on my arm. “Kale, don’t you think you’ve waited long enough? She’s bound to find out, and it needs to come from you.”

Turning to look at her, I shrug my shoulders in defeat. “I know, and I promise I plan on telling her. It’s just that… I’ve waited too long, I think, and I know telling her will just upset her, which is the last thing I want to do in her condition. I don’t know why it matters anyway. It doesn’t change anything between us. It’s just a horrible piece of my past that I’m trying to shield her from for as long as I can.”

“Okay, Kale. I understand, and I’ll respect that. But I have a feeling Lucy’s stronger than you’re giving her credit.”

Wrapping my arm around Mom, I give her shoulders a squeeze. “Thanks, Mom, and trust me. I know how strong she is, but I’m just trying not to stress her out. Can you get that?”

She looks up at me and nods before moving back to the pasta. She changes the subject to baby names, and I breathe out a sigh of relief as I silently pray that I can get through the rest of the weekend without it coming up again.

I’M NOT surprised when Lucy’s ready to turn in early. Her energy levels have been slowly decreasing the closer we get to her due date. Dinner was uneventful, even after Kaylie showed up in a rush halfway through, muttering apologies and giving greetings all at once before settling in for Mom’s homemade lasagna. After dinner, Steve and I watched a baseball game while the women all talked about childbirth, and I did my best to tune them out. I had to laugh when Steve commented that it was a damn good thing I was having a boy, and as much as I love all the women in my life, I couldn’t disagree for a second.

Now that we’re lying in bed, I’m feeling restless beside Lucy, and as much as I try to calm my shaking leg, I can’t.

She turns to face me, bringing her own leg up in between mine in an effort to stop me, and it mildly helps. “Why are you so anxious tonight, Kale?” she asks, looking directly at me.

“To be honest, I’m not really sure. I guess with the baby shower finally happening, I’m getting more and more ready for the due date. This is the last big thing before he’s here, and I’m more than ready to meet our little guy.”

A slow smiles forms across her lips. “Trust me. If anyone’s ready, it’s me. And don’t think I didn’t notice the way your mom put Metamucil in my water tonight. Did you tell her about my threat, Kale Montgomery?” She grins at the guilty look on my face and gives me a playful slap on arm. “Oh my God, you did! That is so embarrassing.”

She hides her face in my chest as I laugh at her. “You think that’s embarrassing? She started telling me a story about when she was pregnant with the twins, and I almost wasn’t able to stop her from spilling all the juicy details.”

“She didn’t,” she gasps, trying to contain a fit of giggles, but they break loose when I nod. “Okay, you win. That is worse.”

Her laughter dies down as she lies on her side, the only way she can sleep these days. My chest presses against her back as I hold her close.

“Hey, can I ask you something?” I whisper, stroking her hair just below her ear. I feel her inhale as she nods. “Do you think Kalli has a thing for Xavier?”

She lets out her breath and turns her head back towards me. “What? I’ve never even seen them in the same room together, so how would I know?” she asks, and I realize she’s right.

I’ve been thinking about Mom’s suggestion about the two of them since dinner. Part of me wonders if she really is thinking of moving to Tennessee. I decide to corner her this weekend to ask, but I’ll make sure to leave Xavier out of the conversation.

“I don’t know. I thought maybe she would’ve said something to you with all the texting you two do.”

“Hmm… Well, she was shaken up after Lily’s accident, but I figured that was just because she’s your goddaughter. Other than that, I really have no idea. But come to think of it, they would make a pretty cute couple.”

“You think? I don’t know. He’s six years older than she is. Plus he has a kid and had to grow up a lot sooner than most guys,” I mention, not sure if Kalli’s quite mature enough to deal with someone like Xavier.

“Oh, that’s not that bad. It’s not like she’s eighteen and a senior in high school. She’s an educated adult. The true question would be if Xavier could handle a whirlwind like Kalli. I don’t know, but it’d be fun to watch.”

“It’s probably nothing. Just a hunch Mom had from Christmas,” I tell her, putting the subject to rest. “Now tell me. What do you think about the name Blake Russell Montgomery?”

She wrinkles her nose at me, twisting her lips as she thinks it over. “I like Blake, but Russell? Not so much.”

“Oh, come on. Think about it. He’d be B. Russell “Sprout” Montgomery.” I start cracking up as I watch her play it over in her mind, and I recognize the second it dawns on her.

“Oh my gosh, I’m about to revoke all your baby naming privileges, Kale Montgomery,” she says as she turns away from me and fluffs her pillow.

“Hey, that was funny!” I tell her, and she just shakes her head.

“You are such a moron sometimes.”

“Yeah, but you love me,” I say, sliding my hand under her shirt to rest on her belly.

She lets out a slow sigh, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “Yeah, I love you. Corny foodie jokes and all.”