“There’s no need to apologize. We can’t go back and redo it. Besides, I never should’ve let you walk away. I had the ability to find you after you gave me that fake number. But I didn’t. I just assumed the feelings weren’t mutual.”
“They were,” she whispered.
Josh watched as she moistened her lips. One more taste, that’s all he needed before they began their day. He pushed her onto her back and climbed on top of her.
An hour later, after what was supposed to be just a kiss, Josh and Abigail made their way downstairs. In the kitchen, they found breakfast being prepared by his housekeeper. Hailey sat at the kitchen table, coloring with Ms. Janet. When she heard them come in, her eyes lit up and she jumped out of her seat to run and hug her mom. After she released Abigail, she looked up at him and gave him a big grin.
“Good morning, Mr. Josh.”
“Good morning.” He couldn’t wait until they told her he was her father. He agreed with Abigail that Hailey was ready. And he couldn’t wait to hear the beautiful little girl call him Daddy. And with that thought, he was determined to get Abigail to marry him and give him at least five more kids.
“Breakfast is about ready,” his house keeper announced. “Coffee’s done though.”
Abigail got her coffee and then sat down at the table. He joined them as well with his cup. After a few moments, breakfast was served. Hailey loved eating a big breakfast each morning. She told him she didn’t want to go back to cold cereal. But he wasn’t going to push. He had faith that things would work out and soon she could have that breakfast each morning.
“What are we doing today?” Hailey asked.
“No big plans today.” Abigail took a bite of her bacon. “But Mr. Josh and I want to sit down and talk with you though.”
“What about?”
“Right now we’re eating. But after we all get cleaned up, we’ll sit and talk. Sound good?”
Hailey nodded.
Josh’s heart sped up with the upcoming announcement. He couldn’t help but worry Hailey would be mad and upset they hadn’t told her. He watched as she ate. She was such a happy child. Abigail had done a wonderful job with her.
When breakfast was over, he excused himself first and headed up the stairs to shower and get ready for the day. He hoped he didn’t come across to the two most important girls in his life that he was giving them the cold shoulder, but he had to prepare himself mentally for today. Things were about to officially change and in some ways it scared the crap out of him.
After he was showered and dressed, he locked himself in his study. He pulled out a photo album and flipped through the pages that were filled with his parents. He missed them and right about now he could use his mother’s advice, or at least her shoulder to lean on. She’d have loved both Abigail and Hailey. His mother and father would be spoiling Hailey more than he was. By now she would have a room filled with anything her heart desired.
He laid the photo album down, but removed a picture of his parents first. He then opened his brief case and pulled out the envelope that held the results of the DNA test. Nate had advised him to read the results before he told the little girl. That before he opened his arms and home to them, he needed to make sure.
Josh’s finger sat at the edge and lightly pulled the paper away, hearing the tear. At the halfway mark, he stopped and set the envelope down. Something warmed in his chest and he felt as though someone was communicating with him. Looking up at the ceiling, he had a feeling it was his mom. She was there whenever he needed her.
A tear trickled down his cheek and he felt his mother’s presence, letting him know the results in the envelope. He no longer wanted it in his possession. When the time came to legitimize Hailey, he’d have Nate fax the results to his lawyer. Standing, he picked up the envelope, opened the top drawer, and removed a lighter. He lit the flame and placed it to the paper. As it burned in his hand, the warmth that had engulfed his heart now spread throughout his body. When the flame was nearing his fingers, he dropped it into the empty waste bucket.
Once it had burned and the fire was out, he left his study to find Abigail and Hailey, the picture of his parents in his hand.
* * * *
Abigail decided to have the big talk with Hailey out in the garden. Hailey loved coming out there and playing. Josh was inside getting the picnic basket. They had agreed on doing a late lunch. She’d gotten worried earlier when he had disappeared after breakfast, but she was sure he had his reasons. When he’d returned, he seemed to be himself again. Abigail hadn’t stopped to think about how this was affecting him.