“Let’s go,” I say. Grabbing Clay’s hand once more, I turn to leave. Just as we are about to exit the room, a thought occurs to me. “Our daughter’s name was Ella. She was born ten weeks premature, and she passed away three days later due to an underdeveloped heart.” My mother’s choked sob almost stops me, but I’ve wanted to get this out for too long. “She was perfect.”
For the first time since we arrived, I see regret in my father’s eyes. “Why didn’t you come back?” he asks, his voice suddenly sounding thick with emotion.
Unbelievable. “Because you told me not to,” I say, my brow cocked in confusion and disbelief. “If I had, and you’d allowed me back into the house, you would have pretended that Ella had never existed, and she did. For three wonderful, terrifying days, I had a daughter. Clay and I were parents.”
My gaze slides to my mother who stands a few feet away, her arms crossed over her stomach, her face wet with tears. “We had a burial for her at St. Christopher’s Cemetery. Clay even worked extra hours at his father’s garage so we could get her the headstone with Jesus holding the baby lamb. It’s in the newer section if you ever want to go and see it.”
She nods and fiddles with her necklace, her tears coming too fast to respond.
“We came here today because I wanted to tell you that I’m pregnant again. Clay just finished his apprenticeship as an electrician and is making really good money. I just finished my nursing degree at the college here in town, and have an interview next week for a position at the hospital. We’ve had a lot of hard times over the years, but we’ve worked together and are finally in a place where we can give a baby a really incredible life. We wanted you to be a part of it.”
I look to my father and see that his eyes are wet with unshed tears. “I know I disappointed you, and I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but you made mistakes too, Dad. You aren’t perfect. I want us to be a family again, but this time a bigger family. You and Mom, me and Clay, and this baby that’s due to come in five more months.”
I pause and let that information sink in. My father says nothing, and I take that as a good sign to continue. “We’ve got a lot to work out before this baby comes, though. I won’t stand for you disrespecting my husband. In fact, if you get to know him, I know you’d really like him.”
My father looks past me to Clay, the regret on his face unmistakable. He shifts uncomfortably, and I can practically see the moment he lets go of the pride he’s been holding onto, and finally accepts things for what they are. “It sounds like you took really good care of my daughter when I didn’t.”
“She’s an amazing woman, sir,” Clay says politely, giving my hand another squeeze.
My father nods and stares at me for a moment, before stepping forward and pulling me into his arms. My eyes burn with tears, and my heart soars with relief and happiness as I feel the familiar loving embrace that I’d missed so much. “I’m sorry, Sophie,” he whispers into my ear, his arms squeezing me tighter. “I’ve missed you so much, and I’m sorry.”
I give up trying to wipe away my tears, and know that my mascara is probably streaking my face in a lovely sad clown like pattern. Hearing those words from this man is all that matters to me right now. “I’m sorry too, Daddy.”
We embrace for another moment, my mother slipping in to hug us both, all of us overwhelmed with love. When I finally pull away, I smile back at my parents and take Clay’s hand, thankful to him for encouraging me to come here tonight, and allowing me to handle it how I needed to.
Silence fills the room as we all stand awkwardly, emotions stealing our words, our hearts filled with hope. Nobody moves, but I can see the relief and love on my mother’s face as she cries openly from beside my father.
“So …” Clay says. “Was that pecan pie I saw on the counter?”
About the Author
Geri Glenn is the best-selling author of Kings Of Korruption MC Series.
Geri lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada. She is a military wife, the mother of two gorgeous, but slightly crazy little girls, and has been fortunate enough to finally quit her day job to stay home and do what she loves most - write!
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