Kitchen Promises (Riverside Trilogy, #3) (The Riverside Trilogy) (12 page)

“Okay, enough squeezing. Now tell me what all I have to do.”

I thoroughly explained everything to him—what I was working on now, and what he’d have to keep track of when the time came. It was still in the early stages, so things were pretty simple yet.

“So are you excited to be an Uncle again?”

“Yeah, I’ve actually missed having a baby around. Two will be a handful.” He chuckled nervously. “But yes, I’m excited.”

“You were a good dad, ya know? I mean, you weren’t her
dad
, but you played the role since she was a tiny baby and well…you were a good one. I just wanted you to know.”

“You know I’ll always be there for you, Mols. Whatever you need. One baby. Two babies. Stella. Liam. Whoever.”

I smiled. “Wow…there’s going to be a lot of kids around here soon.”

“Yeah…about that.”

“What?” I asked worried, cutting him off.

“I think maybe…after you guys get settled after the babies, I should move out. Let you guys be a family and all.” His voice was so calm, it set off something inside of me.

“What?” I screamed. “Why the hell would you move out?”

“Molly, calm down! I said maybe.” He squeezed my hand. “It’s not abnormal, you know? For the gay best friend to move out and all?” He grinned.

“No! Gay best friends always stay! ‘Til death do us part,” I whined.

He threw his head back and laughed. “I didn’t know best friends had vows, babe.”

“We’ve been blood sisters…er…brothers… whatever…since 15!”

“Molly, lower the estrogen, just hold on.” I swallowed and nodded. “I can’t live here til I’m old and you know it.”

“Please?” I begged with my hands linked together. He laughed at my pathetic attempt. “Fine. But don’t leave me just yet. Not until Stella goes off to college at least.

“Okay, deal.” He smiled again.

*   *   *

The following morning, Michael came into my room with breakfast and a large glass of orange juice.

“Well , this is unexpected.” I smiled. He smiled back wide. He was awfully giddy about something. “Okay, what is it? You look like a dog begging for a bone.”

“Okay.” He jumped on the bed next to me. “The nursery is ready!”

“Really? Can I see it?” I was about to rip the covers off when he stopped me.

“No. It needs a grand entrance. You know, diva style and all.”

“It’s a room, Michael.” I deadpanned.

“Um, no, girlfriend. This room—is much more than that—it’s brilliant!”

I rolled my eyes and laughed at his excited expression.

“Okay, fine. What did you have in mind?”

“A shower.”

I narrowed eyebrows at him. “What?”

“A baby shower!”

“No…no…no.”

“It’ll be perfect. The balloons. The food. The decorations. The presents. And then…the debut into the nursery!” He was practically singing in a musical, not listening to a word I said.

“Michael, no. I said no!” I pointed my finger at him, warning him off.

“Did you really think I wasn’t going to plan a baby shower for you? The nursery needs a debut.” His smile was so big, reaching his eyes, pleading with me.
Damn.
I couldn’t take this from him. He looked so excited.

I hadn’t been allowed to look at the nursery since all the furniture and décor had been delivered. He wanted to keep it a surprise until it was completely finished.

“Fine,” I finally agreed. “But nothing big, please.” I’d have to stay sitting practically the whole time anyway.

“Yes!” he squealed and clapped his hands. “Just leave it to me, pretty girl. It’ll be fabuloso!”

“I don’t doubt it,” I muttered, laughing at his enthusiasm.

“Great, the invites are already out, the food is ordered, and the decorations are bought. So basically, you just need to show up.” He had a grin on his face that I was ready to smack off.

“What?” I screamed. “You planned it already?”

“Well, of course I did! Look who you’re talking to.”

“Oh my god! I’d kill you if it wouldn’t put me in preterm labor,” I growled. It wasn’t that I didn’t
want
a baby shower; I just didn’t want a bunch of fake people oohing and ahhing over me, pretending to give a shit. I didn’t have many friends here outside of work and even that was more on the professional side.

“You love me.” He grinned. “Now eat up. You need all the strength you can get.” He stood up and kissed my forehead before making way to the door. “Oh, it’s Saturday, by the way,” he announced right before walking out.

“What? Michael! Get back in here!” I ordered, but he kept walking.

Great, now I have to put on a
nice Molly
act. I haven’t had to go to an outing or event in months. They were all very predictable, but this would be in my own home. I wouldn’t be able to escape until everyone left.

This gave me two days. Two days to prepare for the madness. I loved Michael and I loved his energy and dedication, so I decided I’d make the most of it. I was excited to see the nursery after all, considering he insisted on taking it over. And maybe seeing some baby clothes would finally lighten my mood swings.
Oh, what the hell…
let’s have this baby shower.

-----<>-----

Drake

I’ve known about Michael’s surprise shower for a couple weeks now. He begged me not to tell, so I kept my mouth shut. Plus, I could only imagine her stunned face when Michael told her. Well…better him than me. I knew how Molly felt about public appearances. She was good at them when she had to be, but she’d rather stay in the background and be invisible. However, she wouldn’t be able to at her own shower.

“So, mister, how long have you known?” Molly’s accusing voice greets me as I walked into the bedroom after work.

“Well, hello beautiful.” I smiled, stalling for as long as I could.

“You knew, didn’t you?” It’s more a statement than a question.

“Yes. But—”

“Thanks for the heads up,” she whined.

“I promised Michael. I’m sorry, sweetheart.” I took my suit jacket off and hung it on the back of the love seat. “Will you forgive me?” I asked as I continued stripping my clothes off.

“What are you doing?” she asked, eyeing me as I walked to the bed in nothing but my tie.

“Distracting you.”

She blinked several times before responding, “Well, it’s not going to work. We’re going to talk about this.”

“Oh, yeah?” I started dancing in front of her, swinging my tie back and forth in between my hands.

“That’s not fair,” she whined. “You know I’m on strict bed rest.”

“That I do. That’s how I know you won’t jump my bones.”

“You are evil, you know?”

“I don’t doubt it. But you’ll enjoy it either way.” I grinned. I crawled on the bed, over Molly’s body and landed on her mouth. “I can still entertain you.” I lay kisses on her chest and slowly rise to her neck. “You…just…watch,” I pronounced slowly.

“This is torture. I mean—” The sucking on her neck staggered her words. I knew Molly hated being bedridden, and I wanted to do anything possible to make it a little easier on her. Plus, I wanted her to forget that I kept a secret from her.

Win-win.

My mouth fully explored her chest and neck, inhaling the deliciousness of her scent. “God, Molly. This is torture for
me
,” I panted against her ear.

“Oh yeah? What would you do to me if you could?” she encouraged.

“Oh, sweetheart. I’d do
so
much to you. First, I slip my hand down and touch that perfect sweet spot that makes you scream.” Her hips arched up, greeting my hard arousal. “Then, I would roll my tongue inside until I tasted every ounce of you. And I wouldn’t hold back until you came all over me—
over and over again.
”

Her moan filled the room, almost getting me to the point of going over the edge.
No…this is about her.
I had to contain myself. I knew I couldn’t make love to her, but I still wanted to please her, even if it was just by my mouth.

“Drake, baby. Please, just touch me,” she begged, practically clawing at my skin.

“I am touching you,” I reminded her as my lips roamed her body.

“Touch me, lower,” she insisted.

The smile on my face reached my eyes. I loved that even after all this time, she couldn’t get enough of me, and I could
never
have enough of her.

“You know I would if I could, baby. Just let me take care of you, okay?”

Before she could get another word in, I grabbed her pants and quickly pulled them down, exposing her beautiful figure. God, she was stunning. Pregnant or not, I desired every inch of her.

I lay soft kisses around her, careful not to get too close to where I knew she wanted me the most. I only wanted to give her a taste, knowing I couldn’t give in completely.

“If your plan is to torture me until I combust, you’re succeeding.”

“Well, you know how I like to plan. And succeed.” I grinned.

“This doesn’t get you out of trouble,” she quipped.

“It doesn’t?” I forced my tongue inside her, her hips jerking into my mouth as I took her all in. “Are you sure about that?” I asked, barely breaking my lips from her.

“You don’t play fair.”

“I never do.”

“Fine…” she stammered. “I forgive you…this time.”

As her words filled the room, my tongue pushed inside her more aggressively, proving to her I would take control.
And take control, I did.

As her screams and whimpers escaped her mouth, she successfully erupted over and over. The taste of her never grew old. It was a mixture of sweet and lust, all over my tongue, and the more she came, the more I craved her.

*   *   *

Michael brought me up on all the baby shower details. He had gone way over the top, but as he explained it to me, it was just as important to him as it was to her.

I knew he was dying to help Molly plan our wedding, but since she’s been put on bed rest early in her pregnancy, we hadn’t been doing much planning. And even though it wasn’t official, sharing our vows together and promising each other forever on that chalkboard was good enough for me. However, I did want to give her a wedding some day. And even if it wouldn’t be for another five years, I’d be okay with that because at the end of the day, we were together and happy. And that meant more than any piece of paper ever could.

“Good morning, sweetheart. Rise and shine,” I whispered in her ear.

She blinked her eyes open and yawned. “What time is it?”

“Almost nine. But today is your big day!” I said cheerfully, hoping to get her into the mood. Michael’s been working on this nonstop, and I wanted Molly to have a good time. “I’m going to help you shower and get ready. Guests are coming over at one.”

“One? Then I have at least three more hours of sleep,” she whined.

“I don’t think so, princess.”

“Please?” she begged. “I hardly got any sleep last night.”

“I’m sorry, baby.”

I flung the covers back and in one swift motion, picked her up into my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, surrendering as I carried her into the shower.

I sat her down carefully and disrobed her. Her stomach was so big now, it was preventing her from sleeping comfortably, and even though she was on strict bed rest, she wasn’t getting much sleep.

“Let me,” I whispered as she reached for the soap. I turned the water on and waited until it was lukewarm. I positioned the showerhead over her body and started washing her body, making sure to get every inch of her perfect body. “That feel good?”

“Mm hmm,” she moaned. I watched as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation. I rubbed over her belly and down her legs. I knelt down as I rubbed up and in between her legs. Her body shivered underneath my touch, making me smile; I knew it wasn’t because she was cold.

I rinsed her body off, watching all the soap run off. I stood back up and turned her around slowly, facing away from the water. I kissed her shoulder gently, inhaling her clean scent. I grabbed the shampoo and lathered it in my hands. I did the same with the conditioner after washing and rinsing her hair out. I loved taking care of Molly, and knowing I was the one to do this for the rest of her life gave me great satisfaction.

“Feel better?” I whispered, drying her off.

“Much.” She smiled. “However, the sexual need I have is on fire,” she moaned.

I smirked up at her as I knelt down to dry her legs and feet. “Soon enough, baby.”

Molly picked out an outfit she wanted to wear. I had her sit on the bed while I grabbed it. I knew she was capable of dressing herself, but I felt a sense of protectiveness over her.

As I finished helping her get ready for the special day, I took the opportunity to just look at her.
She was spectacular.
Not only was she the future mother of my babies, but she willingly went along with this crazy life I brought her into—first the media, then Kendra, and then Violet and Liam.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” I looked up into her eyes, admiring her beauty.

“Why’d you say that?” She blushed.

“Because…you’re just so wonderful. If I hadn’t already proposed to you, I’d ask you to marry me right now.”

“Well, don’t let that stop you.” She smirked.

“Molly Woods…the love of my life…the mother of our future babies…will you marry me?
Again
?” I smiled wide, less nervous this time around than before.

“Well…since you asked so sweetly.” Her eyes fluttered.

“Hey, don’t keep me waiting. You’re killing a man over here.”

“Yes….as long…as you promise to rub my feet,” she said playfully. “Anytime I want,” she added.

“Anything,” I promised.

“Then it’s settled.”

“Perfect.”

“So…how long after do you think we should start having kids?” she quipped.

“I was thinking…six months ago.”

She pointed down to her belly. “Well, look…we’re right on track!”

We both laughed. I stood up and kissed her gently on her forehead. “And this…is why I’m marrying you. Our marriage will never get old and boring.”

“I’ll leave the old and boring to you, babe. The perks of marrying an older man.” She winked.

I pressed my body against hers and growled. “You’re lucky you’re on bed rest, otherwise…”

“Otherwise what,” she counter-offered, letting her body press against me.

“You don’t even want to know…” I kissed her on her lips, savoring her taste. Molly was always playful and testing her boundaries. “But right now…we have a party to get to.”

“Did you get me a special ‘I have to sit on my ass’ chair?” she sneered.

“As a matter of fact…”

“No! No, you didn’t!” she pushed back.

“Okay, you’re right, I didn’t. But sweetheart, don’t worry about it. You sit and relax. Michael will bring everything to you.” I kissed her on the top of her head.

I left her to see if Michael needed any help. He was like a robot, bossing people around. He hired caterers and coordinators to set everything up.

“Is this
your
baby shower?” I laughed at Michael.

“You never know. Those could be my babies in there.” He grinned.

“Keep dreamin’, man.” I laughed, patting him on the shoulder. I walked to the kitchen, or at least I thought it was my kitchen. The room had been turned into a full on restaurant. There were cute little finger foods scattered all over the countertops, little pink and blue boxes, and a bunch of tiny little baby confetti sprinkled everywhere.

“Well, what do you think?” Michael asked as he approached me.

“I think you went a little overboard.” I grinned, knowing that everything Michael did was over the top.

“I wouldn’t do it any other way!”

“I figured.” I chuckled. “I think Molly will love it.”

“She better. The coordinator cost me a fortune,” he muttered.

“I told you I’d take care of it.”

“I don’t need you and your fancy moneybags to pay for it. I can throw my best girl a party.”

“Whatever you say. But if you need it, I can help.”

Michael and I never had what you call—
a serious friendship
. I loved that he’s always been there for Molly and Stella, and I loved that he’s still there for her, but I could still tell he was guarded when it came to me. He used humor and sarcasm to bond with me, without getting too attached.

I couldn’t blame him though. I pretty much weaseled my way into their lives unexpectedly. Michael was her best friend and go-to person for everything, and then I came in and took over.

Mental note:
Have a heart-to-heart with Michael before the babies are born. I’m sure this is a life-changing event for him, as well.

“Well, guests will be arriving soon,” Michael interrupted my thoughts. Everything is ready!” he squealed.

“It’s…stunning.” I didn’t really know how to respond to a baby shower, but I was doing my best. “You did a great job, Michael. Molly will love it.”

“It looks like Babies ‘R Us threw up in here.” I heard Molly’s voice from behind us. She was smiling, which hopefully meant she approved of Michael’s over-planning.

“That was my plan,” Michael said sarcastically.

“What are you doing out of bed? I was just about to come up and get you,” I interrupted.

“I’m not a dog. I don’t need to be fetched, thank you,” she snarled. “Plus, you two were taking too long. I was getting anxious.”

I laughed at her stubbornness. She never had a long-attention span.

“Well, since you’re down here, why don’t you take a quick tour with Michael? Then…you need to sit.” I eyed her carefully. Although she was strictly supposed to be resting, I wanted her to at least enjoy the baby shower.

“Fine. As soon as I take a bite of whatever this is,” she replied, grabbing a handful of appetizers sitting on the counter.

I watched as Michael guided her through the house. There were tables set up, all beautifully decorated in multi-colored table clothes. Flowers, confetti, and balloons accompanied the tables and room. I’d never been to a baby shower before, but I was pretty sure this was a bit over the top.