Inflame

Chapter 15

Kale

PACING BACK and forth in the room, I’m aware that I’m probably going to burn a hole in the carpet, but holy shit, I’ve never been this nervous before. It was one thing when I saw the positive pregnancy test, but now that I’m in the doctor’s office with Lucy, the whole thing is suddenly becoming so real. Part of me feels like I could pass out, and the other part is bursting with excitement for our first ultrasound.

“Kale, calm down and come here,” Lucy requests, and I stop my pacing. She’s sitting up on the bed, waiting for the doctor. “What is with you? I’ve never seen you so nervous before.”

I swallow hard, knowing that this is something I think we’ll eventually have to talk about, but I try to push the memories out of my mind, not wanting to ruin this day for us. Ever since Lucy asked me out (she’s right—I’ll never let her live that down), things have been more than amazing. We’ve spent every night together, and even though we both know we still have things to discuss, namely about the baby, we’ve been just enjoying being a couple. I figure all the other complications will come soon enough. My past being one of them. There’s no reason to taint what we have this early. I’m sure she has her own secrets that’ll come out along the way. All that matters now is that we’re together and that she, and the baby, stay healthy.

“Not a huge fan of doctor’s offices. And those things scare me. Although, we could probably find a use for them until the doc comes in,” I tell her, giving her a wink as I gesture to the stirrups.

“As much as I’d love that right now, Kale, I don’t think we need to give Dr. Foster a preview of how this baby came to be,” she teases just as the door behind me opens.

“You’re absolutely right, Lucy. While I’m sure it was a most entertaining way to create the miracle of life, it is one mating ritual I do not need to witness,” the doctor says, giving us both a friendly smile. Embarrassment rushes through me, and I quickly hold my hand out to introduce myself.

“Kale Montgomery. Producer of the sperm that knocked her up,” I joke, causing Dr. Foster to laugh.

“Nice to meet you, Kale. That’s certainly an interesting introduction,” she says before sitting down on a stool next to Lucy. “How long have you two been together?

“Over a year,” I respond without hesitation. At the same time, Lucy unashamedly answers, “One week.”

Dr. Foster raises her eyebrows and looks back and forth between the two of us. “That’s quite a variation of time. I do have to say, though, Lucy, if your condition is any indication, it’s been a little longer than a week.”

“Super long story short? We’ve been best friends for over a year and have only recently decided to be together romantically,” Lucy explains without missing a beat.

“Ah, I love a good friends-to-lovers story. Sometimes those are the best ones. All right, let’s get down to business,” she replies, and I check out when they start talking about menstrual cycles and conception dates. I especially don’t listen the moment I hear Lucy ask about hemorrhoids.

I return my attention to the women when I see Lucy slide off the bed. “No ultrasound today?” I ask, wanting more than anything than to see my baby for my own eyes, even if I wouldn’t be able to point out a single thing on the screen.

“I love eager fathers-to-be, but no, not today. It looks like Lucy’s eight weeks pregnant. We’ll wait a couple of weeks and do an ultrasound then, but would you like to know your estimated due date?”

I swallow hard, not sure I’m ready to hear the day, knowing it’ll seem way too far away but will also come all too soon. “Yes, please. We’d love to know,” I tell her as I move to the hospital bed and grab ahold of Lucy’s hand. She gives me an encouraging squeeze as we both wait to hear the date.

“June fifth, 2014.”

My heart constricts, and as much as I thought this felt real before, an overwhelming sense of happiness washes over me from knowing that I now have a real date to look forward to.

Looking down at Lucy, I see a couple of tears spill over onto her cheeks, and I use my thumb to wipe them away. “It’s November, baby. It’ll be June before we know it. I guess we better start preparing for this little guy,” I comment, and she lets out a small laugh.

“What makes you think it’s a boy?”

“I honestly don’t care. I’ll be happy as long as our baby is healthy. But seriously, Lucy? Raising a little girl that looks just like you? That might lead to an early grave for me.”

She shakes her head as she hops off the table. Dr. Foster smiles at us and gives me a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “Many fathers before you have raised little girls. They may end up gray sooner than most, but I assure you, you’ll do just fine no matter what gender you have. But if I were you, I’d do some reading. You’ll never be fully prepared, but having an arsenal of information in your brain can’t hurt either.”

I nod, thanking her for the tip, making a mental note to head to the bookstore later this afternoon. This is real. Come June next year, I’ll be a father, and seeing as how I never really had one of my own, I need all the help I can get.

Dr. Foster leads us out to reception, where Lucy schedules her next appointment. Once she’s all set, I take hold of Lucy’s hand and intertwine our fingers as we head out into the unusually warm November afternoon. When we settle in the car, I glance over at her.

“I’m on leave the rest of the day, baby. Do you need to go back to school?”

She shakes her head. “I have a sub for the entire day. I’m at your mercy, Kale. Do your worst. Or well, actually your best. Do your best.”

Laughing, I pull the car out of the parking lot and head towards Nashville, ready to take my girl out. “Lucy Dawson, will you do me the honor of going out with me on our first official date? I know I’m supposed to ask days in advance and let you spend hours getting ready while I pace in your living room, but nothing about us has ever been conventional, has it?”

She throws me a cute smile before nodding her head. “Fortunately for you, I’ve never been a fan of convention, so our first official date on the day that we found out our baby’s due date seems perfect. Life is full of surprises, and that’s the way I like it,” she says, rubbing her belly for emphasis.

I lean over and place my hand on her stomach. “I know this probably sounds weird, so please don’t laugh at me, but I’m really looking forward to watching your body change. I can’t wait to feel the baby kick. And your boobs getting bigger will be a definite plus, too,” I joke, earning a punch in the arm.

“Okay, that was all nice and sweet until you ruined it with the boob comment. I thought you liked my small less-than-handful breasts,” she teases. “And speak for yourself. While I cannot wait to feel the baby kick, I’ve heard horror stories. As for my stomach, I’m kind of with you. I know it probably sounds weird, just like you said, but I’m ready for the signs of my pregnancy that don’t involve puking. So often, I find myself rubbing my hands over my stomach, and I can’t wait to feel the bump there as our child grows inside me. And okay, fine. I am kinda looking forward to my boobs getting bigger. That’s definitely one plus to the impending weight gain.”

I take my hand off her stomach to grab hers, setting our entwined hands on her thigh. “Don’t worry about the weight gain, Luce. We’ll make sure you have a completely healthy pregnancy, and I’ll do my part in making sure that you eat lots and lots of Kale.”

She groans at my joke, even though my mom told me that I need to start Lucy’s days with a kale smoothie. And no, she didn’t mean my own personal concoction.

We continue to banter back and forth, and before I know it, we’re in Nashville. Her eyes widen when I pull up to Germantown Café.

“You remembered!” she squeals, leaning over to give me a kiss on the cheek.

Last summer, she lamented not being able to find delicious fried green tomatoes in Clarksville, so after asking around, I heard that this place had the best. We came quite a few times before I left for Afghanistan, and each time, I delighted in her moans of satisfaction with every single bite.

After parking, I round the car and open her door for her. Taking her hand, I lead her inside. “Could I really have taken you anywhere else on our first official date?”

She simply smiles and shakes her head.

Once we’re settled in, Lucy’s anxious until she has the appetizer in front of her. I watch her with fascination, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that she’s here and she’s mine.

“Why are you staring at me? Am I hogging these? Sorry, Kale. I didn’t get a chance to eat anything other than a banana this morning, and I’m starving. Have some, please,” she insists, pushing the basket towards me.

Mild irritation crosses my face. “Lucy, you need to eat more than that. You have to keep your energy up. One banana is not enough,” I scold.

“Okay, Dad. Geez. Maybe if you hadn’t kept me up so late last night, I wouldn’t have been running behind this morning and I would’ve had time for something more substantial.”

“Well, maybe you should just go ahead and move in with me so I can feed you something substantial every single morning. Eggs, bacon, toast, sausage. The works. You name it and it’s yours.”

She nearly chokes on a tomato when she hears my offer. Patting her lips with a napkin, she then takes a drink of water as she gapes at me. “You can’t be serious, Kale. We’ve been dating for a few days. I don’t think that warrants moving in together already.”

Truth be told, I actually wasn’t serious when I mentioned it, but now it doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Shrugging, I take a drink of my sweet tea before responding. “Half serious?” I reply, giving her a sheepish grin. “I mean, sure, it’s soon, but come on. Let’s think about this for a minute. You have a small-ass apartment. Your guest bedroom is the size of a closet. I have more than enough room. The baby could have a nursery, and if you really wanted, even though it would break my heart, you could have your own room if you want, too. We’re together almost every night anyway, Lucy, and we were like that before we even decided to become a couple. After all, June fifth, 2014 will be here before we know it. Why not get settled now?”

I can see the wheels turning in her head and decide that her contemplation is a victory. A small one, but a victory nonetheless.

Lucy

HE CAN’T be serious. It’s been less than a week since I asked him to be my boyfriend—cue eye roll— so the thought of moving in with him already is absolutely absurd. Okay, so maybe if I’m honest with myself, I’d admit that we’ve been in this limbo-type relationship for almost a year and a half, and he’s no stranger, but still. And then the rest of his words register and I can’t help the small smile that spreads over my face. June fifth, 2014. The estimated day I’ll meet the child growing inside me—our child.

“Ah, I see that smile, Lucy. I can tell you’re considering it. Come on. I know it’s been a short time since we’ve been official, but I’ve been yours for a very long time,” Kale admits, causing my heart to flutter, and I try to ignore it.

Rolling my eyes, I scoff. “You have not been mine all this time, Montgomery,” I refute, knowing it’s not true.

“Au contraire,” he jests in a faux French accent that causes me to giggle. “That’s where you’re wrong. I’ve not looked at or touched another woman since I set foot in your classroom. Wait, I take that back. I’ve looked. I am a man after all, but since the moment you seduced me with your naughty, wicked teacher ways, I’ve not felt another woman’s touch.”

It takes a moment for his words to process through my mind. Even I slept with Aidan while he was gone. The thought causes me to blush. I never expected Kale to have been with only me. What about the summer? Is he serious? A thousand thoughts run through my mind.

“Kale, you seem to forget that I found panties underneath your bed. It’s fine. We obviously weren’t together at the time, but you don’t have to pretend I’ve been your one and only. I’m yours now. That’s all that matters.”

Groaning, he rubs a hand over his face, through his short, dark hair. “Luce, babe, I told you then and I’ll tell you now. That was an old pair. I promise you. The only thing I’m guilty of is not doing any thorough cleaning. I swear on our fucking child I haven’t touched anyone since I met you.”

His words floor me, and I believe every single one. “First of all, please don’t ever utter that phrase again. The F-word should never be used in connection to our baby, no matter how much you’re trying to emphasize your point.” He starts to protest, but I hold my hand up so I can finish. “That being said, I believe you. I’m absolutely freaking floored, but I do believe you. If and when I do decide to move in—a big, big if—you better do some crazy-ass spring cleaning to ensure that I don’t come across any other lady garments. I can’t imagine how my hormones would deal with finding a lace teddy under my boyfriend’s bed, even if it is a year and a half old, which would completely and totally gross, by the way.”

“Scout’s honor, baby. I can guaran-fuc—um, freaking-tee there is no women’s lingerie in my place. You know. If and when you decide to move in,” he promises in a low voice. “Just remember. I’m pretty damn good at wearing you down. Sooner or later, you’ll be in my home.”

Laughing out loud, I shake my head. “I’m pretty sure we established a long time ago that you were never a Scout, but I’ll take it. Just give me some time. I’m sure you’ll wear me down in the long run, but let me pretend to put up a little bit of a fight, okay? Knox and Charlie already did the falling-into-playing-house bit. Let’s not steal their thunder, okay?”

Kale shakes his head, but I can see his shoulders move, indicating that he’s trying to hide a chuckle. “We’re having a baby, Lucy. I don’t think there’s any thunder to be stolen. And I don’t see Jace—or you, for that matter—hanging around, trying to push us together. If and when we make this decision, we’ll do it together, not caring about anyone else’s opinion. Charlie was there to help Knox. In less than nine months, I swear to God you’re going to be thankful that you moved in with me. Think about it. We’ve both heard the horror stories. Late-night feedings. Early mornings. Dirty diapers. I want to be there for all of that, and I can’t if we’re living in two separate places. Now I won’t force you, but just think about it?”

His argument makes sense, and while part of me wants to jump up and scream a big rousing yes, I contain myself. “I’ll think about it, Kale. I promise.” And I mean it.

At the same time, my phone buzzes, and I see that I have a text from my mom. She’s been hounding me about Thanksgiving plans, and I’ve been avoiding her. Now that we have a due date, it seems logical that I stop avoiding the baby in the room and start discussing how we’re going to move forward. “So, do you have holiday plans?”

He pauses as the waiter serves our meals and waits to respond until we’re alone again. “Well, Mom was hoping I’d bring you down, but I was waiting to mention it. I’m a little hesitant because she’s kind of going crazy at the thought of being a grandma, and I don’t want her to scare you away.”

“Umm…grandma? You mean your mom knows about us? The baby?”

He skewers a piece of steak. “She’s known since you took the test. We’re close. She’d have killed me if I kept this from her. She can’t wait to meet you, so if you’re free, you’re more than welcome to come to Alabama with me.”

He says all of this as if it’s the most natural thing. Like we’re making dinner plans, not plans to meet the freaking parents. He looks up at me and must notice my pale face.

“What? Was I not supposed to tell? Sorry, babe, but that’s one secret that’ll eventually come out. She’s thrilled. Don’t worry about it.”

I have no idea how he’s being so casual about all of this. No freaking clue. “Kale, I’m supposed to go home for Thanksgiving. And well, my mom doesn’t know. I was going to tell her then. I…I’d love it if you were with me so she could meet you, but I don’t want to take you away from your family…” I respond, trailing off. It’s true. I want him there when I tell my mom the good news, even if it’s just so she can see that he’s nothing like my dad.

Kale gives me a sweet smile, and holy hell if I’m not melting. “I’d love to meet your mom. I told you we’re in this together, and I meant it. I’ll be by your side every step of the way. Let’s make a road trip of it. We’ll go see your mom, and later on in the weekend, we’ll go see mine. Sound good?”

Surprisingly, it actually does. I’m more than anxious to meet the woman who raised him, and I can’t wait for my mom to fall in love with him.

“Sounds perfect, Kale.” Reaching across the table, I take his hand. “Our lives are changing quickly. You sure you’re ready for this?”

“Baby, I’ve never been more ready for anything.”