Chapter 26 #2
“But if you don’t, then he has a claim on me,” she counters.
“Oh, Lark, he was always your father, even if he didn’t sign that slip of paper.” I blow out an uncomfortable breath. “Kenzie will help us navigate this situation, but, Lark, you are going to have to decide if you want to try to have a relationship with him.”
“I don’t know,” she whispers, sinking down into the couch, resting her head against my shoulder.
I fold into her, stealing just as much strength from her as she is from me. “What are you thinking?” I ask her in a whisper.
“He didn’t want me.” Those words… She speaks them as though she isn’t twelve, as though she has seen the hurt this world offers and she’s conquered it. She speaks as though she is an observer of life and understands it on a level none of us could.
“Oh, honey,” I choke out. I want to give her the truth, the ugly truth he spoke to me on that fateful day.
But looking back, I realize an angry teenager, just as terrified as I was, spoke those words.
“You know, when I first saw that pregnancy test, I didn’t know what to do.
I didn’t know how to react. I felt so many things all at once, many of which I still can’t put into words today.
The biggest one was fear. I wasn’t expecting you, but life knew I needed you.
I understood that faster than your father.
I think he didn’t know how to feel thirteen years ago, and just like me, he reacted in fear. ”
“But you wanted me?”
“With every breath of my being,” I answer. “I don’t think your father knew how much he needed you, and he spoke out of fear.”
“Do you think he wants me now?” This time, the question is full of curiosity.
“I think he’s unsure.” I grab her hands in mine. “His parents aren’t kind people. They prefer to show the world a mask, one of propriety and kindness, while behind closed doors, they rule with an iron fist. I think your father acted without thought.”
“Because he was afraid,” she finishes for me.
“Likely.” I squeeze her to my chest. “I don’t know if giving him a chance is the right or wrong choice. I do know that sometimes people deserve a second chance because no one gave them a first one.”
“You don’t think his parents gave him a chance?”
“I think his actions come from a place of wanting to do right by his parents.”
She hums under her breath. “Is Arlo your second chance?”
Surprised, I freeze, but the smile that stretches across my face at the mere thought of the man is full of possibilities and potential love.
“I think he is,” I reply.
Then this devious human says, “Would you ever give Christian a second chance?”
“Your father?” I question, unsure where she is going with this.
“If you end up with Arlo, you can never be with Christian.” She turns to face me, and I can’t help but feel trapped by her inquisitive gaze.
“I don’t think I could ever be romantically involved with Christian again.” I speak slowly enough that I hope she can understand what I’m saying.
“Okay. I’m ready to negotiate.” Her smile rearranges the freckles on her face.
“I didn’t realize we were negotiating.” I haven’t even had time for a shower yet. How in the world am I now negotiating with a preteen?
I should have had more coffee for this.
“You taught me that every decision holds the potential for a negotiation.” She juts her little chin forward and speaks with more confidence than I can accomplish at thirty.
“Okay, what are your terms?” I face her fully, each of us having one leg bent while the other hangs off the cushions.
“I will negotiate with Christian.” She holds up a hand, and I don’t dare interrupt her. “I’m not calling him Dad. He shall be Christian until I decide otherwise.” She looks at me with such seriousness that I almost tell her I’m not a judge.
“Understandable.”
“I am willing to negotiate with him, with Kenzie acting as my lawyer.”
“I didn’t realize Kenzie was a lawyer.” I frown. I mean I knew she worked at the municipal building, but I didn’t realize she was a lawyer.
“Really, Mom, do you even know your friends?” She huffs at me. “Kenzie was one of the leading lawyers at a firm in New York, then she had a falling out with Arthur.” She rolls her eyes at me.
I’m curious about that information, but I nod and keep my mouth shut, knowing she is on a roll and hasn’t even reached her point yet.
“As I was saying, I’m willing to negotiate with Christian.” Her nerves leak through as she adjusts her sweatshirt. “If we move here.”
“Is that all?” I ask with as much neutrality as I can.
“I think you should make things work with Arlo.”
“Do you?” She has no idea I’ve already come to this very conclusion two nights ago, but it’s fun to let her spin.
“I do—he is perfect for you, and he looks at you like…” She frowns. “Like…” Now she harrumphs. “Like Prince Charming looks at Cinderella.”
“Oh?” I hum under my breath. “Which version?”
“Mom,” she whines.
“I need to know if we are talking Disney or the Brothers Grimm.”
“You’re serious?”
“I never joke about the Grimm versions.”
“You are truly disturbed.” She shakes her head at me. “Mom, just try.”
“I don’t know,” I hedge.
A throat clears. “Hey, I just wanted to bring your bags in.” Arlo stands at the door, his face flushed as he avoids my gaze.
He can’t think that I wouldn’t want him, could he? Oh no.
“Arlo!” He definitely heard me.
“I’ll just leave this here.” He drops my bags and turns around without even looking back.
I look at Lark, not sure what to do.
“Looks to me like in this story, the princess chases the prince,” Lark teases me.
“That’s not funny. I already made up my mind to stay!”
“Then you better pull on your running shoes, Mom.” Her smile reflects the excitement in my veins. “Go snag your happily ever after.”
“You.” I point at her, my legs twitching to run.
The front door slams.
“Better run, Mom.”
“Ah!” I dart down the hallway.