My mind is running riot. The doctor asked me to wait outside while he examined Ki, and took the blood samples. It’s only been twenty minutes, but it feels as if it’s been an hour, possibly more.
Running a hand through my unruly hair, I push off the chair and head toward the coffee machine near the entrance. Once I have a cup in hand, I settle back down outside the room where my girl is.
Nothing could ever prepare you for something like this. Learning that the person you love may be ill, or may one day no longer be around. We all know life is short, it’s a fragile existence and so many lose those they love without telling them how they really feel.
I take a long gulp of my coffee, savoring the bitter taste. Just then, the door opens and Kierra appears. “I’m done, he’s going to get the last test results and we’ll be able to get an idea on the time frame. All the previous scans look good. He’s positive I can do this. My ovulation time is coming up, so… Well I might be able to get the procedure done.”
Nodding, I immediately rise and go to her, pulling her into my arms. “Anything you want. Are you okay?” She nods, but her body is cocooned in the crook of my arm. Every time I hold her I’m in awe of how perfectly she fits in my arms.
As we head out of the building and into the sunlight, she unravels herself from my hold and glances at me. “Thank you.” Her words are soft, whispered, but I hear them.
“I told you, I’m here for everything. All the ugly and all the beautiful moments.” When we reach the car, I open the door and allow her to slip into the bench seat. I round the car and settle in beside her. “Back to the hotel,” I inform our driver and he nods. Turning to my girl, I question. “So, what did he say?” The engine starts and we head out of the parking lot and onto the street.
“Basically they’ll test my blood and saliva to determine how dormant the gene is. If they think it’s safe, I may have a chance at implanting the eggs. However,” she murmurs, then stops.
Casting a quick glance at her, I notice she’s biting on her lower lip. “What, Ki?”
“He said if I do want children… I mean… If I decided to take a chance, I would need… I…” Her mumbling has my body alert and my hands gripping the wheel in a white knuckle hold.
“Just tell me, baby. You’re not going to scare me off.”
“He is concerned about me carrying to full term, although it’s possible, he did mention that I would need to be very careful.” She casts her stormy eyes at me, then a small smile appears on her face. “If I do decide to go through with the procedure, it will be done via IVF.”
Nodding, I flit my gaze to her, taking in the worry etched on her face. “You know I’ll be there with you no matter what happens. And if this is something you want, I will do it for you. IVF doesn’t scare me, baby. If that’s what it takes, then we’ll do it,” I offer confidently.
“You’re an amazing man, Ryan Callahan. I mean, this is something I’ve just sprung on you and you’re still here. Most men would have run a mile.”
“Kiki, there’s nothing I’d rather do, and I thought you knew by now, I’m not most men,” I retort cockily which earns me a swat on the arm. “But all jokes aside, this is us. You’re going to have my baby, whether we do it the natural way, or the medical way.” Reaching for her hand, I give it a reassuring squeeze as I pull into the parking lot of the hotel. “And I think now is the perfect time to show you just what I mean.”
“Ryan—”
“Let’s go, we’ll have a late lunch, relax in the suite and talk.” Exiting the car before she can respond, I’m at the passenger side before she can move. I offer her my hand, and when she slips hers into mine, I revel in her warm touch.
The trip to the door of my suite is silent. I know she has a lot on her mind, but I want her to try to stay calm. Things will work out. I know it. I’ve never been an optimist, but with her, I feel as if I can allow myself to believe in happiness, in things working out.
I unlock the door with the keycard, allowing her to enter first. “I forgot how beautiful these rooms were,” she murmurs, stepping up to the window which overlooks the city. It’s one of the smaller suites, but it’s still remarkably large with a living area and separate bedroom.
Stepping up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist. My chin rests on her shoulder as we both take in the view below. “All those people down there. They’re all going through something, life isn’t easy. It’s fucking difficult, there are trials and tribulations in everyone’s journey, but you,” I spin her around, so her steel blue eyes are on my dark brown ones. “You’re not alone. Besides the family you have back in LA, you have your dad who loves you more than anything. And even besides him, you have me. As much as I wanted to do this a different way, I think it is the perfect time.”
“What do you mean?” Her brows furrow in confusion, I respond with a smirk. I knew there’d be the perfect time and place to do this. I thought it would be on stage, but with Ki and I, we’ve never been one for the spotlight, and this right here is our time.
Dropping to my knee, I tug the small box I’ve had with me since the day we returned from Callum’s wedding. I bought it that very day and I knew the perfect opportunity would present itself. “Kierra Thorne, it’s been too long. I’ve waited, I’ve plotted,” I chuckle, meeting her pretty eyes which are now glistening with unshed tears. “But now it’s time I claimed my woman. That may sound like a caveman, but with you, I am. I’m selfish because I want to be the only one who makes you smile. I’m greedy because all I want is to spend every moment with you, and I’m so in love with you, I can’t see myself with anyone else.”
When she blinks, the steady flow of tears streams down her cheeks. She’s incredibly beautiful. The small smile on her face tells me I’m not making a fool of myself, but deep down, I’m scared she’ll push me away again.
“So, after all that rambling, I want you, here and now, to say yes to being my wife. To having a family with me, whether it’s our biological child, or if we have to adopt, or even look at a surrogate. To making me happy for the rest of my life, just by gifting me your smile. Through whatever trials and tribulations, we have to face, know that you’ll never be alone.”
Releasing her hand, I snap open the small velvet box, and offer her the single diamond ring. She’s quiet and my heart stutters against my chest. “Yes.” The one word she finally utters sounds around me like a siren. I leap up, pulling him into a tight hug, needing her body against mine. Feeling her heart beat at the same rhythm and her scent filling my senses.
When we finally break apart, I plant a gentle kiss on her lips and tug the ring from the cushion, slipping it onto her finger. I guess Liam was right, I’m taking her back to LA with a shiny diamond on her ring finger, but I’ll definitely not tell him he was right.
“I love you, Ryan.” Her voice is laced with heavy emotion and I meet her stare.
“I love you too, Kiki.”