Page 79 of Mine to Worship

“Yes, like throwing the worms to the fishes.”

He chuckles and says, “You made those fish very happy.”

“Dad!”

The wrinkles at the corner of his eyes stretch with seriousness. “I am proud of you, Ellia. I could have never imagined a more perfect, beautiful, strong and intelligent girl, now woman.”

“Oh, Dad! Stop making me emotional, it’s even worse with the pregnancy.”

A nostalgic smile lifts his lips. “Your mother was the same. I would bring her flowers and chocolate and she would cry and then I wouldn’t bring her anything and she would cry.”

He scratches his head and I pull him up.

“Come on, let’s get downstairs.”

The talk with my dad makes me feel more confident after his praise, despite my insecurities about parenthood.

Chapter 28

Kian

A restless energy has me pacing around in the living room. Every time I get to see my baby growing inside Ellia, it sucks the air from my lungs. Nothing compares. I can’t stop grinning, even if I am scared shitless that I will suck at being a father.

I groan under my breath and drop down on the couch, holding my head between my hands. From the corner of my eye, I see Elaine approaching.

“It’s normal to be afraid and insecure. A baby is more of a responsibility than anything else.”

“I am not afraid of responsibility, but whether I am going to be a good father.”

It’s not that I fucking had good examples.

“How do you feel about your baby?”

My head snaps up and words rush out of my mouth, I don’t even need to think about the answer. “I love this baby beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. If someone ever hurts her, they messed with the wrong kid. I would do anything to protect her.”

Amusement shines in her eyes, so similar to Ellia, but I am dead serious.

“They need love and care, and you already have plenty of that in you. I see how you are with my daughter, and what you will feel for your child will be even more intense.”

“I doubt it.”

I lean back into the couch, and she rests against the armchair.

“It’s a different kind of love. Tell me when it comes.”

“There is no need. Without Ellia, there would not be a baby, my baby, so when I say I love her mother and she is my number one, I mean it.”

I stare right into her eyes. Emotions well in them and her lips quiver.

“Are you all right?” I ask when her hand goes to her chest.

“This is the best thing that can happen to a mother; knowing her child is loved like this.”

Her words humble me. I couldn’t have received better validation.

“Thank you.”

“No, Kian. I thank you.”

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