Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Kinsley
When Chase walked into the bedroom, I was lying on the bed, staring at my ultrasound picture.
“What are you doing?” he asked as he lay next to me, pulled my shirt up, and placed his hand on my belly.
“Staring at our baby.” I placed my hand on his. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Me either, sweetheart. There’s something I want to talk to you about.” He began to stroke my belly softly.
“What is it?”
“I think you should tell your mom about the baby.”
“Why would you even say something like that?” I spoke in an irritated tone.
“She has a right to know she’s going to be a grandmother.”
“Really, Chase?” I sat up and pulled down my shirt. “She doesn’t have the right to know anything. She never cared about me. She didn’t take care of me. I took care of both of us. Me!” I shouted as I pointed to myself.
“Baby, calm down,” he spoke as he sat up and placed his hands on my shoulders.
“No, don’t tell me what to do! You met her. You saw the environment. For God's sake, she gave you scotch in a plastic cup!”
“Please don’t remind me of that. All I’m saying is that she’s your mom, and she should know. It doesn’t mean she has to meet him or anything.”
“And what about your mom?” I cocked my head at him. “Don’t you think she has a right to know?”
“That’s different, and you know it. My mother abandoned me.”
“And so did mine. She may not have physically abandoned me, but she did emotionally for years. God, I can’t even believe you would suggest that!” I got up from the bed, went into the bathroom, and locked the door. I couldn’t even look at him. I was so mad.
“Kinsley, please.” He fumbled with the door handle. “I’m sorry.”
“No, you’re not. Obviously, you feel very strongly about it, or you wouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“How long do you intend to stay mad at me?” he asked.
“I don’t know yet. Please, leave me alone.”
I closed the lid to the toilet and sat down, placing my face in my hands.
Tears started to fill my eyes as I thought about her.
I stood up, unlocked the door, and stepped into the bedroom, where Chase was sitting on the edge of the bed.
He looked up at me, and instantly, I felt a warmth run through me.
“She never nurtured me. Whenever I’d have nightmares, I would run to her room and call her name.
She never responded. She would moan and roll over.
So, I’d climb into her bed and snuggle myself against her.
She never knew I was there. I hated her for that.
I was a child and I needed to be loved. And no matter what, I always took care of her.
I cleaned up her vomit and all her alcohol bottles that were lying all over the house.
I resent her for all of it. So, I’ll be damned if she ever comes near my baby,” I cried.
“Damn it, sweetheart. I’m so sorry for even mentioning it,” he spoke as he got up from the bed and held me tight. “I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry. I should have known better.”
“You need to understand that I can’t and won’t.”
“I do.” He held my face in his hands. “I love you. I’m so sorry.”
Chase
I sat on my surfboard and stared at Kinsley as she did yoga on her mat in the sand by the shoreline.
She was now seven months pregnant and glowing more than ever.
She wore baggy low-rise sweatpants and a sports bra, exposing her large belly.
She was the most beautiful woman, and I was the luckiest man in the world.
But I was also a man who was filled with regret.
To think that I wanted nothing to do with her or my child revolted me.
“Hey, bro.” Steven smiled as he paddled his board up next to mine.
“Hey, Steven.”
“Kinsley’s looking great. You have what? A couple more months left until the baby comes?”
“Yeah. It’s hard to believe.”
“I met someone last night,” he spoke.
“Continue?” I smiled.
“Her name is Franny. I ran into her on the street and knocked a bag of groceries out of her hands. Food went flying everywhere.”
“I sure hope you helped her pick it up?”
“Of course, I did. I’m not that much of an asshole. Anyway, I helped her pick everything up and carried her bags home for her. She only lived a couple of blocks from the store. Damn, Chase. I can’t explain it. The feeling I got when I met her.”
“You don’t have to explain it. I already know that feeling.” I smiled.
“We talked for a while, and she gave me her phone number. Instead of going to the club last night, I went home, and we talked on the phone for hours. I’m taking her to dinner tonight.”
“Good for you.” I grinned. “It’s about time.”
“Yeah, well, Alex grew up, you grew up, and I thought maybe it was time I did too. This single life can get lonely at times.”
“I know what you mean,” I spoke.
Steven and I surfed for a bit, and then it was time to head back and get ready for work.
“I’ll see you at the office, bro.” I fist-bumped him.
Kinsley bent down, rolled up her yoga mat, and then hooked her arm in mine.
“Are you feeling okay?” I asked her.
“I feel great.” She smiled as she laid her head on my shoulder.
“How about we leave the office at lunch and go shopping for the nursery? Dad is on a business trip and I’ll just have his line transferred over to Lexi.”
“I’d love to. But don’t forget I have homework tonight that’s due tomorrow.”
“I know. That’s why I suggested we take a half day.” I smiled as I kissed the top of her head.
I set my board down in the garage and went inside the house. Kinsley was already in the shower, so I joined her.
“Good thing this shower isn’t small, or else the three of us wouldn’t fit in here.” I smirked.
“Are you saying I’m fat, Mr. Calloway?” She grinned as she wrapped her arms around my neck.
“No. But you are taking up a large amount of space.” I kissed the tip of her nose.
“Since I’m so large, I guess we won’t be having sex anymore.” Her brow arched.
“You would never do that. You’re hornier than I am, and I didn’t think that was possible.”
“True. I guess I’ll just have to think of another punishment for you.” A sly smile crossed her lips.
“Punish away, darling. I look forward to it.”