Page 30 of Unwrapping Romance

“Sierra, what the hell is going on? What happened? Is there a flood or something?”

“No. There’s someone here waiting for you.”

“Who?”

“Your daughter, Jack.”

“Excuse me? Claire is at my house?”

“She was, but she left and forgot to take someone with her. You need to come home.”

“Fuck! I’m on my way.”

Chapter Twelve

Jack

I called Eric and told him to pull the car around. What did Sierra mean by saying that Claire was there but left without Ellie? Grabbing my briefcase, I flew out of my office and out of the building. Climbing into the Escalade, I told Eric to take me home.

Flying up the steps of my home, I opened the door.

“Sierra!” I shouted, setting my briefcase down.

“She’s in here.” Sierra pointed to the dining room.

Walking into the room, I saw my daughter sitting at the table, coloring.

“Ellie?” I walked over to her.

“Hi, Daddy.”

I kissed the top of her head and looked at Sierra as she stood there with her head cocked.

“I found this in her backpack.” She handed me an envelope.

“Ellie, be a good girl and keep coloring. I’ll be right back. Follow me,” I said to Sierra.

Taking the envelope to the kitchen, I noticed the wine bottle was out and an empty glass of wine on the island.

“You were drinking?” I glared at Sierra.

“You bet I was. Do you think you’re the only one shocked by this situation? Really, Jack? You have a daughter and didn’t tell me? What the fuck?”

“Nobody knows about her except Daniel.” I opened the envelope and took out the folded piece of paper.

Jack,

I tried to call you for a week, but you couldn’t be bothered to answer, so you left me no choice but to do it this way. I can’t do it anymore. I love our daughter so much, but I feel like I can’t breathe half the time. I’ve been raising her on my own for four years, and it’s too much sometimes. I’m not mother material, and I know in my heart you’re not father material. You’ve already proved that. It’s not fair to our daughter to have two parents who are incredibly selfish people. But you are her father, whether you want to be or not. Now, it’s your turn to care for our daughter. I want more out of life than being a single mother. I know you’ll take care of Elianna, or at least the nanny you hire will. I’m not sure if she’s better off with you or not, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take for my own sanity. Tell our daughter I love her and will never stop thinking of her.

Claire

“Goddamnit!” I shouted, throwing the letter on the island.

Sierra picked up the letter and read it. “I don’t think she has plans on coming back,” she said.

“No shit.” I stared at her, gripping the edge of the island. “What the hell am I supposed to do?”

“How do I know? I still can’t believe you have a kid.”

---