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.”