That Someday (Damon + Ainsley #3)

December 12th

Incredible joy.

Damon

It’s crazy to think that when I surprised Ainsley at her graduation, I ended up getting an even bigger surprise. That she’s pregnant. With my baby. And due in just a few months.

I was extremely upset. She was upset I’d found out the way I did.

After a heated conversation, she showed me an ultrasound picture. We opened the gender results together and found out we’re having a girl.

And I couldn’t be happier.

“So, what exactly was your plan? You were heading to Lincoln to see me, then driving back here to move out?” I motion to the packed boxes lined up in the dining room.

“Sammy started packing our clothes last night after he saw where he was going to live,” she says with a chuckle.

“So, you’ll be living in Kansas City,” I say softly, my heart breaking a little.

“And you’ll be living in Lincoln,” she says, staring into my eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“We’ll make it work,” I say firmly. Because we have to. “What would you think about going on a little road trip with me? Like, right now.”

“You look sneaky.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Have you been hiding something?”

I give her a shrug, but can’t help the grin that forms on my face. “I actually do have a surprise of my own. Something I’d like to show you.” When she glances at the boxes, I add, “Unless you need to pack.”

“I’ll pack her stuff,” Sammy says from just inside the front door.

“I thought you were going to lunch with your family?” Ainsley asks him.

“I am,” he says. “But call me crazy for stopping by to check on you first.”

“We’re having a baby,” I say to him, my smile growing wider. “We’re good.”

“Oh, thank the Almighty. I’ve been fretting and pacing this whole time,” Sammy says, rushing across the room and pulling me into a full-body hug. “Congratulations, man.”

“Thanks.” When I turn to look at Ainsley, she’s in tears. Happy ones, I’m pretty sure. “And thanks for being there for her.”

“Little did I know, her supporting my no-alcohol diet was in her best interests,” Sammy says with a laugh.

“So, what’s the plan?” Ainsley asks Sammy, pointing at the boxes.

“First of all, I’m supposed to tell you that your mom went home.

She said she’d see you whenever. I’m going to meet my family for lunch.

My brother is staying here with me tonight.

We’re going to pack everything tomorrow, then load it up in our cars and take it to our new place. You don’t have to lift a finger.”

“That’s really nice of you,” Ainsley says. “What do you think we should do with all the furniture?”

“Oh, I’m brilliant,” Sammy says. “I made a deal with the landlord. Whoever is moving in next wants the place furnished, so he’s buying all our stuff. Anything we leave—from pots to pans to furniture. We’ll only take clothes and personal belongings.”

“That makes me feel better,” Ainsley says. “It won’t be nearly as much.”

“I know,” Sammy replies. “I was thinking of putting it in storage, but there’s no reason to pay for that when we won’t need it for quite a while.”

I smile at Ainsley. My pregnant Ainsley. I still can’t believe it.

I’m going to be a dad.

She turns to me and grins. “That means we can leave now.”

“Where are you going?” Sammy asks.

“Kansas City,” I tell him. “I may have a little secret of my own.”

Sammy narrows his eyes at me and tilts his head. “I’m intrigued.”

“I’ll tell you as soon as I know,” Ainsley says to Sammy.

“And with that,” I say, picking up her bag, “shall we?”

“Yeah, we should,” she says, grabbing her car keys.

After more hugs from Sammy, I carry her bag to the car.

“I’ll lead, you follow?” she asks once she’s settled into the driver’s seat.

“Always,” I reply with a kiss.

Once we’re out on the highway, I give my mom a call.

“So, how’d it go?” she asks.

“We’re having a girl,” is the first thing I blurt out. “Oh shit. Don’t tell anyone. That’s probably something we should announce together.”

“Yes, you should, but I’m thrilled for you.”

“She did it for me,” I say softly. “So I wouldn’t have any distractions during my first season. Or a scandal.”

“And are you two okay?” Mom asks gently.

“Yeah, in fact, we’re driving to Kansas City now. In our own cars. Anyway, I wondered if we could spend the night with you. I could cook something.”

“Your father and Jennifer are joining us for dinner tonight. We’ll have plenty of food. Are you—is she—ready to announce her pregnancy to the family?”

“Based on what she said earlier, yes. I think she’ll be happy to share our good news.”

“I’m so proud of you,” Mom says. “You must have handled the situation with finesse.”

“Ehh, I chewed her out. Told her I’d sue her for custody if I had to.”

“Oh my!” Mom exclaims, sounding a little breathless. “What did she say to that?”

“That she wouldn’t expect anything else. When she said that, it literally stopped me in my tracks. Then she explained why she did what she did. I listened, like you’d suggested. And even though I don’t agree, I understand. And we’re happy. Hell, I’m ecstatic.”

“And why are you coming here?”

“Well, as you know, I’ve been keeping a secret of my own.”

“It’s not quite the same. I’d call it more of a surprise.”

“Probably, but tonight, I’m going to show her. And since you’re close by—”

“And here I was, hoping you just wanted to see us,” Mom teases.

“That too,” I tell her. “Thanks for your advice today. I really appreciate it. And try to act surprised when you see her.”

“I have a feeling surprised isn’t what I’ll be feeling,” Mom says.

“What will you be feeling?” I wonder, hoping she won’t be pissed.

“Overcome with incredible joy, I would suspect,” she answers.

Which makes me so happy.

“All right, we’ll see you soon.”

Once I disconnect the call, I call Ainsley.

“Hey,” I say.

“So, what’s this big secret?” she asks.

“It’s kinda like what you just did to me in a way. One of those things you’re going to have to see to believe.” I let out a chuckle. “Also, are you okay with us having dinner with my parents tonight? And spending the night at Mom and Van’s?”

“Of course. Do you want to tell them, like, now?” she asks.

“I think all you’ll have to do is walk in the room, and they’ll know.”

“True,” she says with a laugh.

“That’s why I asked if you were okay with staying there.”

“Now that you know, I can’t wait to tell everyone.”

“Excellent,” I say. “So, do you want to talk the whole way there?”

“Um, no,” she says seriously. “I need to listen to my music and just … well, soak in the fact that you actually know now.”

A new beginning.

Ainsley

Damon takes the lead once we arrive in Kansas City since I don’t know exactly where Van’s new house is.

About twenty minutes later, we’re outside of a nondescript gate.

Damon pulls up to a box and presses some buttons, and the gate opens.

Then we drive down a paved road that curves its way through a grass- and tree-filled area.

I see some roofs in the distance, but the large majority of it is undeveloped.

I remember Damon telling me that his dad and Jennifer had bought a plot here so that she could have enough garages for her cars and closets for her clothes.

We pass a few homes before he parks on the side of the road and gets out of the car. I follow suit, and by the time I am ready to get out, he’s opening my car door for me, taking my hand, and leading me out into the grass.

“Why are we standing in the middle of nowhere?” I tease.

“I wanted you to see this,” he says. “This piece of property consists of four acres overlooking the lake. Remember on the Fourth of July when I told you I was thinking about buying land here?”

I take in the trees dotting the area, the beautiful view of the lake. The clean, fresh scent of the breeze. And my mind starts going, imagining what kind of home I would build on a lot like this—the aesthetics of the exterior, the cozy spaces inside. A big family kitchen and a deck with lake views.

“Pretty, huh?” Damon asks, his thumb brushing across my fingers.

“It’s … I want to say spectacular because the view is, but that seems too grand of a word for this place. It feels warm, friendly, natural.”

He turns to face me, cups my cheeks in his hands, and holds my gaze. “And it’s ours. Do you like it?”

“Like it? I love it. And I love you,” I say, leaning in for a kiss.

When my belly bumps against him, he backs away slightly, placing his hand on it. “I love you so much. I can’t believe we’re having a baby.”

He kisses me.

But it feels like so much more than a kiss.

It feels like a new beginning.

Of us.

Of our love.

Of our commitment to each other.

“I can see it,” he says, murmuring into my hair. “You, me, and our little girl. This land. A home filled with laughter and love.”

“A whole life,” I say with a contented sigh.

“One that you design?” he asks.

“To be honest, I don’t want to design a whole house. But it would be fun for us both to have some say in the floor plan. In fact, what direction are we facing? Do you know?”

“I don’t, but let me look at the compass on my phone.”

I take the phone from his hand and watch the pointer turn north. “Okay, so the back faces almost straight east, the front west.”

“Is that good?” he asks, looking a little worried.

“It’s perfect.” I take his hand and lead him toward the center of the lot and point toward the lake.

“Imagine the sun rising over the lake each morning. Soft golden light will pour into the kitchen and breakfast area if it’s situated in the back of the house.

A deck outside would be the perfect place to start our day. ”

“I can picture a house full of kids running around in their pajamas, me cooking waffles,” he says dreamily.

“With caramel sauce,” I reply with a smile, squeezing his hand.

“Of course,” he says. “And if we wanted a pool someday, would it get sun?”

“Great morning sun, but by midday, the house would provide some shade, which would be a good thing.”

He twirls me around. “And what about the front of the house?”