Page 80 of Mine to Worship

I cock my head at Ellia’s soft feet padding down. Her father is right behind her, and contentment sets in my core. Our baby will grow up in a family where she is not only wanted but loved. Ellia drops down in my lap, and it’s these moments when she comes to me that strengthens my patience.

I burst with the need to call this scam off. She is mine and I’ll show her we can function in every circumstance and in whatever place. If it takes my entire life showing her it has always been her, about her, I’ll take it. Neither she nor my baby will live without me. If she craves me only half as I do, this is for life.

My epiphany ends when my cell rings and I pluck it out, squinting when Walter’s name flashes on the screen. I ignore it and Ellia stares intently at my phone. I kiss her temple and take his call on the way to the bedroom, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I would like to see you,” he says in a meek voice.

“In what capacity? Grandfather, father?”

“Does it matter? I love you, if it’s so important for you to put a label on.”

“So, you fucking up my life is me putting a label on you?” My phone might break under the pressure of my fingers clenched around it.

“I am sorry. Let’s meet. Give me a chance to fix this,” he insists.

Calling on patience I say, “Look, old man, my life doesn’t revolve around you. I have to take care of my pregnant wife. For me, family is more important.”

“Ellia is pregnant?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations.” His voice fills with warmth.

“Thank you.”

“Where are you?”

“At the chalet in the mountains.”

“I’ll clear my schedule and fly out.”

“No need.” Still, a part of me rejoices at him trying.

“It is. When is best for you?”

Stubborn old man.

I tell him when he can visit and before I end the call, I hear, “You’re going to be a great dad.”

Ellia finds me perched on the bed, my head cradled in my hands. She approaches me and takes my hands in hers.

“What is it?”

A line digs between her brows. I scoop her up in my arms and place her on the windowsill, settling myself between her legs.

“Everything is fine.”

“Don’t lie,” she says, caressing my jaw.

My body relaxes under her magic touch. “I’m not lying. I have you and the baby, you’re my family.”

“We are.”

Her words infuse a sense of calmness, and my voice lowers when I say, “Walter is coming in two weeks.”

Her brows knit together. “I thought you didn’t have any issue with your grandfather.”

“That was before I found out my entire life is a huge lie.” I snort and lean back on my palms.

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