Chapter 40 Ash #2
He’s quiet for a beat before saying, “I wish I could take it back. I know I’ve said it already, but every time I look at her, that’s all I can think.”
I grab his hand. “Me too.”
His eyes are fixed on her. “I think the hardest part is that I know if I’d made a different choice, we could have been really happy.
I just wish I could’ve been there for all of it.
To get up with her at night, and help her learn how to ride a bike, and all the other small things.
Sitting here watching her, I know there’s nowhere I could be that would make me happier. ”
He flicks his attention to me when he finishes, and tears prick my eyes.
“If it helps, she actually doesn’t know how to ride a bike yet. You can do that if you want.”
He nods, his mouth spreading to a wide grin. Eventually, Maggie drags him across the yard to push her on the swing. I cross my legs under me and open my book.
One chapter in, footsteps fall on the path that wraps around the house before Casey appears with a scowl.
“What’s this?” he asks, nodding toward Gabriel and Maggie.
“What do you mean?” I close the book.
“You didn’t tell me he was coming today.”
I don’t particularly care for his tone. “I didn’t realize I needed to. Also, you didn’t tell me you were coming today either.”
“I figured you’d tell me if you were planning on letting a criminal hang out with our daughter.” Cocking his head, he leans his forearms on the railing.
Is he kidding right now?
“Hmm, now she’s ours? It sure didn’t seem that way when you bailed on her yesterday. Again.” I roll my eyes. “Also, don’t call him that. He’s really good to her.”
“Oh, yeah? If he’s so good, where’s he been her whole life?” He sucks his teeth. “You know, I thought you were smarter than this.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, he suddenly decides to give you the time of day, and you’re dumb enough to fall for it.”
Something in me snaps. I’ve been nice. I’ve tried so hard to get along with him so he’ll keep coming around for Maggie, but I can’t take this shit anymore.
“Really?” I rear back, snorting a laugh. “You know what? The only dumb thing I ever did was marry you. You’re such an ass. You flake on her more than you don’t, but now you want to act like Father of the Year.”
He huffs. “I have a busy work schedule. Now I’m being punished because I have a job?”
“No. You’re not being punished at all. Why don’t you get it? You’re the one who missed out on your time with her yesterday.” I point at him. “You did that to yourself.”
“Well, thank God the felon was there to swoop in and make everything better, huh?”
“Whatever.” I sit back in the swing and cross my arms. “What do you want? Or did you just come here to be a dick?”
“No, I came to see Maggie because I felt bad about yesterday, but I guess you don’t need me anymore.”
“Grow up, Casey. He’s her dad.”
“No!” he shouts. “I’m her fucking dad! I was the one there. Me! Not him!” He points to himself.
“I’m aware of all you’ve done, but you don’t get to let her down and still claim to be her dad. None of it matters if you can’t show up for her.”
I internally cringe when I see Gabriel heading toward us. It’s not that I care that he hears, but I know how bad this could turn. The last thing we need is for Gabriel’s temper to make an appearance in front of Maggie.
“You good?” Gabriel asks.
I nod, and Casey huffs.
Gabriel stops, staring briefly before addressing him, “Are you good?”
Casey runs his tongue over his top teeth. “I just need to talk to Ashton. That’s all.”
“Okay, well, don’t raise your voice at her again. That’s not gonna happen.”
“Why don’t you go spend time with Maggie. That’s why you’re here, right? So, don’t worry about how I talk to my wife.”
“Soon to be ex-wife,” Gabriel corrects.
“Yeah, well, that’s between us.”
Gabriel smirks. Then in a mocking tone he says, “Yeah. Well, I think it’s actually up to the state of North Carolina.”
Casey grinds his teeth. “That also has nothing to do with you or your time with my daughter.”
“Look man, I’m not trying to step on your toes here. I appreciate everything you’ve done for Maggie. With that being said, I will make you choke on your fucking teeth if you raise your voice at her again.” He pats the railing, his eyes flicking to me before storming off toward Maggie.
“Hmm, real nice guy.”
And I know it’s childish, but I have to roll my lips under to hold back a grin.
Gabriel can be a dick too, but something about him sticking up for me even though we aren’t together is kind of sweet, and a whole lot hot.
I say, “We can set up a different time for you to come and get her if you want.”
He nods before walking away.
The funny thing is, Maggie was right there the whole time. He could have at least said hello to her, but he didn’t.
Maggie runs by to go into the bathroom as Gabriel sits on the swing next to me, smirking. “Told you he was a douche.”
Rolling my eyes, I pretend I don’t still love his jealous streak because I absolutely shouldn’t. We’re learning to co-parent. That’s all. I’m not supposed to want to rip his clothes off when he’s just here to get to know his daughter.
“Does he always treat you like that?” he asks.
I half laugh, staring down at my bare feet. “No. He’s just pissed you’re here.”
“You don’t deserve to be treated like that.” He stares at me until I meet his gaze. “I know it’s not my place, but he can’t talk to you like that.”
I shrug. “It’s okay. He’ll probably feel bad about it later. He’s not normally that much of an ass.”
He sighs, looking away for a moment before chuckling. “He doesn’t really seem like your type.”
“What do you mean?” I grin.
He runs his tongue over his bottom lip before saying, “It looks like he takes longer to get ready than you do.”
I burst out laughing and cover my mouth with my hand. “He does.”
“Jesus, I’d almost feel bad kicking his ass. That suit probably costs more than everything in my closet combined.”
I throw my head back. “Oh, it definitely does.”
Ifinally told Maggie. I was nervous for some reason. I was afraid she’d feel differently if she knew he was her dad, or she’d wonder why he wasn’t around before.
None of which happened.
She was thrilled.
She asked if that meant she was supposed to call him Dad instead of Casey.
I told her she could call them whatever she preferred and that they would both be okay with what she wanted.
She seemed to think about it but has still been calling him Gabie.
I don’t think he cares at all, though. He seems happy to have her calling him anything.
This time when Casey flaked, it didn’t seem to bother her as much.
Don’t get me wrong, she was bummed, but not quite as bummed.
I hate it for both of them because they were so close, but I can’t force Casey to be the man I believed he was, or the man Maggie deserves.
I just pray Gabriel doesn’t let her down, too.
I don’t want her to grow up believing men will always disappoint her, like I did.